In my write-up on driving Audi's new A4 3.0 TDI the other day, there were some comments on why Audi would choose to offer the 3.0L V-6 diesel. The fact is that Audi actually offers an array of six different engines and four transmissions in various combinations. With gasoline engines of 1.8L, 2.0L and 3.2L or diesels of 2.0L, 2.7L and 3.0L European buyers get plenty of choice. They also get to choose among six speed automatic or manual transmissions, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox or a CVT. Here in the U.S., not so much. The combination of America's aversion to diesel or small engines in luxury cars and highly unfavorable exchange rates means that Audi is simplifying their product lineup to keep costs down. That's why we won't be getting the 1.8L engine or any of the diesels.

At the U.S. launch this September, the new A4 will only have the 2.0L and 3.2L gas engines available and only the 2.0L engine will be available with a manual transmission. The four cylinder manual combo will only be offered in the sedan. The Avant wagon will only be available with the 2.0L automatic transmission Quattro setup. Audi has been working on a hybrid system that was shown in Detroit last January. However according to Audi's Udo Rügheimer the company is not satisfied with the performance of current nickel metal hydride batteries.



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It was recently learned that Audi has killed plans to bring the Q7 hybrid model to the U.S. market in 2009 because of the plummeting value of the dollar. It looks like the new A4 hybrid will get the same fate.

Audi USA communications director Jeff Kuhlman explained that the cost of homologating the hybrid system on both vehicles would likely not be offset by anticipated sales of the hybrids. As a result of low volumes and the unfavorable exchange rate, the prices would be too high to make business sense. Instead Audi is planning to offer the A4 with the same 3.0l diesel V6 that is to be used in the Q7 and VW Touareg. That engine is already being certified and has economies of scale so that it makes business sense. At the same time it will provide a significant boost in fuel efficiency compared to the gas V6 that is also available.

[Source: Audi]

Off in a remote corner of the Audi booth is a display labeled A4 hybrid drive-train. According to an Audi representative this is the same hybrid system being developed for the Q7 SUV. The Q7 hybrid is still targeted for a production launch in the fourth quarter of 2008. Audi has not firmed up a launch date yet for the A4 hybrid although they are hoping to launch it in soon after the Q7. On the technical side, the A4 uses a 2.0L TFSI turbocharged direct injected four cylinder and a lithium ion battery. The battery pack looks notably compact compared the NiMH units used in some other current hybrids.