Audi Mileage Marathon Updated! : Perfection in Efficiency

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI in Las Vegas

• Third stage of this large-scale road test ends in Las Vegas
  
• Outstanding results from the Audi A4 3.0 TDI
  
• Audi Q7 with ultra low emission system confirms TDI lead

LAS VEGAS : October 17, 2008 - The Audi Mileage Marathon is now into its third, decisive stage: when the fleet of 23 vehicles reaches Las Vegas, it will have completed about three-quarters of the total distance. In each successive stage, these cars from four Audi model lines have confirmed their exceptional fuel economy. The excellent results from the Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro set a fine example: although its V6 TDI engine performs so well, its fuel consumption has been as low as 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (44.38 US mpg) on many sections of the route.


The Audi A4 is not only the sportiest midsize sedan you can buy, but also a convincing high-efficiency package. Its fuel consumption figures during the Mileage Marathon prove Audi’s modular efficiency technologies to be highly effective. They include energy recuperation when braking, a controlled cooling circuit and demand-responsive pump control. The impressive fuel economy of the Audi A4 perfectly matches its sporty, dynamic character, with 176 kW (240 hp) and up to 500 Newton-meters (369 lb-ft) of torque at the driver’s disposal.

The cars tackling the Mileage Marathon don’t have an easy time. On the third stage from Denver to Las Vegas, they had to tackle all the varied challenges that this huge country has to offer. When they crossed the Rocky Mountains, there was snow at the roadside, and on the mountain passes, which can be up to 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) high, icy patches slowed the cars down. The next day, the Marathon entrants crossed Monument Valley and were close to the Grand Canyon, and as they approached Las Vegas temperatures rose again, sometimes to more than 30°C (86°F).

As the Mileage Marathon continues, the new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system emphasizes the TDI principle’s technological lead. These seven-seat SUVs are recording best fuel consumption figures well below eight liters per 100 kilometers (29.40 US mpg) – and as the world’s cleanest diesels, they have an exhaust emission control system that already complies with the Euro 6 standard not scheduled to come into force until 2014. The new Audi Q5 3.0 TDI ‘performance SUV’ is equally convincing, with best fuel consumption figures between 6.2 and 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers (36.19 and 37.94 US mpg). And the compact Audi A3 2.0 TDI with S tronic transmission regularly shows itself to be content with well below five liters per 100 kilometers (47.04 US mpg).

The fourth and final stage of the Mileage Marathon takes the cars through Death Valley to California. They will reach their destination in Santa Monica, near Los Angeles, on Sunday. This tough long-distance test started in New York. Measurement of the cars’ fuel consumption is supervised by the US motor sport association IMSA.

Map Route

Images : AMM on the way from Sedona, Arizona. to Las Vegas, Nevada.






Images : AMM on the way from Durango, Corolado. to Sedona, Arizona.








[Source : AUDI]