Audi Mileage Marathon

When we received the invitation for the Audi Mileage Marathon , we weren't quite sure how to respond.  This was a 14-day, 4900-mile true test of how diesel technology would work in America.  Unfortunately, we could only participate in the last quarter of the trip, Las Vegas to Los Angeles, but it was probably the most scenic trip and entertaining leg of this journey across America.

The real purpose of the trip was for us to experience how diesels would perform on American roads, and they did not disappoint.  We were in an Audi A3, the only vehicle with a 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower, 4-cyinder engine.  The other vehicles were all equipped with 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder engines.  Here's the complete breakdown of the four competing vehicles.

One thing about Automotive Journalists is that we love to compete.  On the back of each of the cars was a large numerical white sticker stating the highest achieved miles per gallon to date.  Our A3 had a 50.6 while the A4 had a 44.8.  The Q5 and Q7 had 37.3 and 33.8 MPG respectively.  Our goal was to change that number.  

Audi's sister company, VW, was the first to introduce a 50-state clean diesel vehicle when they launched the Jetta TDI last month, which uses the same powertrain as our A3 2.0TDI.

The best way for us to prove to all of you that Clean Diesel technology has evolved is to dispell the myths that have created such negative perception for diesels in America.

Myth #1 - Diesels are loud.  Our diesel cars were as quiet as Prius in gas mode.  Quite simply, the noise and rattle is gone thanks to new technology in engines, emissions, and fuels.

Myth #2 - Diesels are slow.  Anyone who thinks diesel cars are slow, has not been keeping up with the evolution of turbodiesels.  For starters, they have significantly more torque than their non-diesel counterparts.  That's the nature of diesels and therefore the reason these engines are used in trucks.  And by turbocharging these high-torque engines,  maximum efficiency is achieved and the results are quite impressive.  The Q7 reaches 60MPH in just over 8 seconds, while still getting 33MPG.

Myth #3 - Diesels emit big black clouds of smoke.  We drove behind several Q7, 3.0-liter diesels and saw nothing but clean air thanks to their Ad Blue additive that breaks apart the particlulates that cause the black smoke associated with diesel engines.

Myth #4 - Diesels emit foul odors.  As we drove up through Yosemite National Park closely behind two Audi Q7s, we had our windows and vents open, and smelled nothing but nature.  It's truly amazing technology and one that needs to come to America today.

Myth #5 - Diesels are bad for the environment.  These vehicles are all classified as Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV).  According to Audi, "The exhaust emission control system reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 90%, making it compliant with California's LEV II BIN 5 - the world's most stringent emission standard."

So if all this sounds too good to be true, it's not,  However, we would not be doing our jobs if we didn't discuss the drawbacks.  For starters, diesel fuel is more expensive because it's in high demand worldwide and it costs more to refine.  Diesel models will also cost more.  The VW Jetta TDI we mentioned costs $2,000 more than its gasoline counterpart, but there is a $1300 government gas credit to help offset the expense.

Unfortunately, none of these Audi vehicles are currently available in the US.  But expect to see them in Audi dealerships sometime in 2009.  And if you happen to be traveling in Europe, be sure to rent one of these TDI wundercars, and you too will start singing the praises of clean diesel technolgoy.