As you know, I had been traveling the country, testing the new Audi clean diesels at the Diesel Marathon.
I knew the event was going to rock even before I got there because Florian Urbitsch was running the show.
Audi Mileage Marathon Gallery
I know the name is not familiar to most readers but Florian was the genius behind the Mercedes-Benz Paris to Beijing Rally in 2006.
So we expected the Audi marathon to be special and it was.
The event was first class all the way.
But the highlight were the clean diesel vehicles we drove.
A4, Q5, Q7, A3.
I got to drive the A3 and the Q7 and the gas mileage, performance, safety, luxury and fun to drive factor exceeded all expectations.
Plus my driving partners (Sebastian Blanco-AutoBloggreen, Sean McCoy-Automotive Rythyms and Alex Roy-Gumball Rally) all added their special energy to the marathon. ;)
ESPECIALLY, Alex.
He's the guy that did NYC to Newport in 31.5 hours!!!!
The stories were amazing!!!!
His is a very disturbed man...we have a lot in common ;)
Back to the vehicles...
I enjoyed the A3 and the high 40's MPG didn't hurt but I was seduced more by the luxurious Q7.
I can't imagine a better long distance road tripper.
PLUS, I was rewarded with gas mileage in the high 20's.
The Q7 winners got low 30's but we were DRIVING these bad boys.
I know the goal was to try to get the best mileage but my duty to you is to report if these rides got the stuff to PERFORM.
And I say YES, in a resounding way.
All the fun, performance and torque...with NONE of the guilt.
THAT'S why you want one of these.
And my conclusion that stop and go active cruise is tied with traffic based navigation systems, satellite radio and comfort access systems as my MUST have options on any car I buy, was reinforced on this trip.
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
But the REAL eye opener at this trip that convinced me that both McCain and Obama are out to lunch when it comes to ending our dependence on foreign oil, was when Audi America chief, Johan de Nysschen threw out this statistic...
He said that if everyone in the USA dorve a clean diesel, we would decrease our consumption by 1.4 million barrels a day.
Which is EXACTLY the same amount we import daily from Saudi Arabia!
Obama says he WILL end it totally within ten years and McCain says he could significantly decrease it in ten years.
HELLO!
Here is a solution TODAY that could totally change the game.
Have you heard EITHER candidate make one mention of this?
Have you heard either one say they would roll back the $.25-.30 tax per gallon on diesel gas to encourage people to switch?
Have you heard either one say they would give incentives to USA manufacturers to start selling efficient clean diesels in the USA?
Or offer business owners (large and small) big deductions to switch over to clean diesels...like the old $100k SUV deductions?
Audi Mileage Marathon Gallery
The depressing truth that has finally sunk into my small brain is that NEITHER one of these guys will bring the REAL change we need to this country in a number of areas.
They are both excellent at producing CNN and Fox soundbytes.
Having real answers and solutions for the issues we face?
Not so much.
The Spies say if YOU want to decrease YOUR dependence on foreign oil, you need to seriously consider the new clean diesels coming to a dealership near you very soon.
The new Audi offerings are quite compelling.
Audi Mileage Marathon Gallery
And remember, the 2008 SEMA Auto Show is right around the corner!
2008 SEMA Auto Show
2009 BMW 3-Series, Diesel, X5 Diesel Photos
2008 Paris Auto Show
2009 BMW 7-Series
*Audi provided AutoSpies.com with transportation, food and lodging for the purposes of this exclusive review.