Audi US Mileage Marathon Highlights Diesel Efficiency
21 October 2008
The Audi Mileage Marathon, comprising a fleet of 23 Audi diesel TDIs driven by 184 drivers from 15 countries on a 4,887-mile (7,865-kilometer) route from New York City to Los Angeles, California, concluded on Sunday. The best Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro had an average fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100km (44.4 US mpg); the new Audi Q5 3.0 TDI performance SUV scored 6.1 L/100 km (38.6 US mpg); the new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system scored a best average fuel consumption of 7.1 L/100 km (33.1 US mpg). The Audi A3 2.0 TDI had the lowest consumption of all the cars taking part, with 4.7 L/100 km (50.0 US mpg).
The Mileage Marathon was the first practical test for the Tier 2 Bin 5-compliant (i.e., 50-state) Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system. This exhaust emission control system reduced oxides of nitrogen by up to 90%. Series production of the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system will start before the end of this year, and its market launch is planned for 2009 in both the USA and Europe.
The Mileage Marathon was not conceived as an extreme economy run, but as a practical test closely related to typical day-to-day conditions. The route was a realistic combination of typical road and traffic situations. Long sections of highway alternated with stages on regular out-of-town roads. Stop-and-go driving in major cities was included as well as lengthy uphill and downhill gradients&madsh;for example, the more than 3,300-meter (10,827-ft) Rocky Mountain passes or in the Sierra Nevada.
Nice fuel economy from the diesels, but it appears that the Q7 was the only vehicle that meets T2B5 emissions requirements?
Also, instead of highlighting the best fuel economy numbers, it would be more informative to also note averages across the fleet as well as what the worst fuel economy was.
Posted by: Dave | 21 October 2008 at 10:52 AM
What is needed to know is the engine fuel economy and the economy of the body whilst moving in air at various speeds. Drivers create their own economies within these limits. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 21 October 2008 at 01:53 PM
have it all on pdf, and then ill take their word for it
Posted by: philmcneal | 21 October 2008 at 08:04 PM
why the scepticism?
50USmpg or 60mpg imperial is nothing special for hwy miles? If you are running 1200rpm on a great surge of torque then sure, no reason why it's not achievable, especially given the joke that is 65mph law.
I'm sure i'd crack 70mpg imperial average with the 2.0Tdi
Posted by: Nims | 25 October 2008 at 06:20 AM