2008 Paris Preview: Audi A4 TDI Concept E

Audi is introducing a trend-setting technology concept at the Paris Auto Show: the A4 TDI concept ‘e’ offers the typically agile experience of driving an Audi, yet it uses just 3.99 liters of fuel per 100 km (58.95 US mpg), which corresponds to a CO2 output of only 105 grams per km (168.98 g/mile).

The powertrain of the Audi A4 TDI concept e uses a direct-injection TDI engine with an output of 88 kW (120 hp) and 290 Nm (213.89 lb-ft) of torque. It propels the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 10.7 seconds, and tops out at 206 km/h (128 mph).
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hybridfarce - 10/1/2008 5:12:35 PM

+4 Boost

Great job, Audi, with the diesel mileage and emissions! This should be the starting point for a diesel-hybrid A4.

quizz - 10/1/2008 10:41:16 PM

0 Boost

Sorry, while it clearly appeals to the brand conscious crowd, it's weak performance numbers will hamper sales to this same crowd who want at 0-60 in the 7-8 second range. This is the problem:
1. If "value" is your goal, then the A4 loses against the Prius which costs only $25,000 and gets 45MPG but with cheaper "regular unleaded". Performance is the same at 10 second 0-60 times.

2. If brand conscious styling is the goal, then this same group would not care if you compromised the MPG in order to get better performance numbers. They already are paying $46,000 for the thing, what's another $400 per year in fuel in order to hit 0-60 in 7.2 seconds?

S4cabriofoxone - 10/1/2008 10:51:23 PM

+2 Boost

It's disappointing that it's as slow as a Prius, but at least it's an A4, and at least it gets better mileage.

However, if you really want a high-mileage A4 without losing the performance a 2.7TDI is the way to go. The 3.0TDI is the one I would pick but it's more of a performance diesel.

budfrogS4 - 10/2/2008 7:50:18 AM

+3 Boost

I find it a little weird that it's as slow as a Prius. It has 2.5 times the torque of the Prius.

Heyhuub - 10/2/2008 12:15:41 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah, but it's also 200kg heavier then the Prius.

hybridfarce - 10/2/2008 12:50:26 PM

+1 Boost

Audi just announced the A1 Sportback concept hybrid (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/01/paris-2008-officially-official-audi-a1-sportback-concept/) featuring a 150 hp gas engine and 20 kW electric motor. This combo gets it to 60 MPH in 7.9 seconds with 60 MPG (US). Hopefully Audi will add this electric motor/battery to the A4 and make it faster!

commander104 - 10/2/2008 8:29:20 AM

+1 Boost

at least the A4 is safer and doesn't look like a boob floating down the highway. Someone I know bought an A4 for its supportive seat because she has a bad back. I do not like the feel of the seats in the prius. The most comfortable car seat I've sat in was in an S40 a few years ago.