The Audi Q7 TDI will be available in U.S. dealerships later this month. Buyers of the new 2009 diesel will qualify to receive a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit from the IRS — which may take a little of the edge off the hefty price tag. The premium package *starts at $50,900, while the base [...]

More... -

Diesel Bombers's Sig:

DIESEL BOMBERS STAFF REPORTER

Bringing You The Latest News From The Diesel Community

PRESS RELEASE:

Audi sets prices on the 2009 Q7 TDI, the world's cleanest diesel SUV

- Audi TDI clean diesel technology meets emissions standards in all 50 states
- The Q7 TDI offers 600 miles of driving range and 25% better fuel economy
- TDI technology has been proven by dominant Audi Le Mans racing teams

HERNDON, Va., Apr 8, 2009 - Audi today released pricing for the 2009 model-year Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel, its first clean diesel vehicle for the U.S. market. The Q7 TDI is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships later this month.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for the Audi Q7 TDI Premium start at $50,900. Prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges. Buyers of the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI also qualify for a $1,150 Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Audi TDI technology marks its 20th anniversary this year with the distinction of offering U.S. consumers the world's cleanest diesel system. It is a technology certified as meeting emissions regulations in all 50 U.S. states. That includes the California ULEV II (Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) standards that also apply to conventional gasoline vehicles and represent one of the world's most rigorous motor vehicle emission requirements.

Audi accomplished this without sacrificing the outstanding performance that TDI has brought to European motoring and in racing competitions worldwide. The most recent TDI-powered championship came last month when the all-new Audi R15 TDI race car won first and third place in the 12 Hours of Sebring competition.

In the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, efficiency and performance will combine with styling and luxurious appointments to open up the discussion over America's alternative fuels options.

"The moment has arrived for clean diesel to be seen as an immediate answer to America's energy challenges," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "With the Q7 TDI, Audi is clearly demonstrating that luxury car buyers do not need to sacrifice progressive styling, comfort or performance to see fuel economy gains."

The clean diesel technology found in the 2009 Q7 TDI provides 30% better fuel economy than gasoline engines of similar size. That means the Q7 TDI offers the efficiency of 25 mpg in highway driving and a range of more than 600 miles on a full tank. The Q7 TDI also gets an EPA-rated 17 mpg in city driving and combined fuel economy of 20 mpg.

But getting more miles out of each gallon of fuel isn't the only advantage of the Audi TDI clean diesel technology. The engine in the Audi Q7 TDI also delivers substantially more torque than a comparable gasoline engine – at least 50% more, in fact. That added torque gives the Audi Q7 TDI more power from a start as well as the force to handle tasks like towing or climbing steep slopes.

The Q7 TDI achieves 406 lb-ft of torque, compared to 266 lb-ft of torque for a similar V6 gasoline engine. Its towing capacity is a hefty 6,600 pounds.

The advanced TDI clean diesel engine in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI is significantly less intrusive on the environment than past diesel engines. The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Audi Q7 TDI produces about 25% less carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, than traditional gasoline engines. The advanced exhaust emission control system found in the Q7 TDI reduces smog-causing nitrogen oxides by up to 90% when compared with past generations of diesel technologies sold in the U.S.

With the filters used in the 2009 Audi Q7 TDI, the exhaust that comes out of the tailpipe can contain less particulate matter – or soot – than the ambient air that went into the engine. And the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel available at U.S. filling stations contains 97 percent less sulfur than diesel fuel sold in 1993. Over 42% of the nation's filling stations now carry ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel.

What's more, the diesel engine in the Q7 TDI is expected to last longer than a comparable gasoline engine. That's leading to better resale value projections, which affect leasing rates and longer-term ownership value.

The 2009 Audi Q7 TDI offers plenty of amenities to go with its technological advances. The exterior of the new Q7 TDI features sporty S line styling upgrades, including S line front and rear bumpers, S line badging, headlight washers and 19-inch five-spoke wheels.

Inside, the 2009 Q7 TDI includes power 12-way heated front seats with leather seating surfaces throughout, seven passenger seating, dual zone climate control, wood decorative inlays, power tailgate, Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI), Audi Music Interface with iPod® cable, premium sound w/ 6-disc CD changer, garage door opener (HomeLink®), Parktronic, preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth®) and SIRIUS® satellite radio.

ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA

Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales and profits. Visit Audi of America > Home or Audi Media Site : Home : Home for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues. -

DieselMinded's Sig: