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Audi breaks out cleanest diesel

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Audi will from mid-2008 introduce its new ultra-low TDI engines across its model ranges. The units are said to be the cleanest diesel engines yet.

The three-litre V6s in the A4 and Q7 are the first of the new units to be revealed. The 176 kW unit develops peak torque of 500 Nm in the A4 and 550 Nm in the Q7.

More models will follow, with Audi hoping to extend the new technology across its ranges by 2010.

The new turbodiesels will incorporate a host of features, including a new piezoelectric common-rail injection system with 2.0 bar boost, a more efficient exhaust gas recirculation system, optimised turbochargers and combustion chamber sensors that allow for more precise burning.

The cleaner, state-of-the-art turbodiesels incorporate ultra-low emission systems that reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90%. The system runs on AdBlue, a biodegradable additive, and comprises a catalytic converter and the AdBlue tank along with a range of sensors. There is also a separate two-way catalytic converter and an electronically controlled diesel particulate filter.

At the same time, Audi is also developing a range of hybrid systems poised for series production as soon as customer benefits are significant enough.

Alternative fuel types, like natural gas and ethanol, are also being explored.

"We have been incorporating the key findings from the world of motorsport directly into series-production development," Michael Dick, board member for technical development at AUDI AG, said.

Audi has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the R10 turbodiesel for two successive years. The petrol-powered R8 using TFSI technology won at Le Mans on five occasions.

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