New 2013 Audi TDI: The Diesels are Coming, The Diesels are Coming!

2013 audi a8 tdi la auto show
The 2013 Audi TDI line debuts at the 2012 LA Auto Show

Wow, is it actually happening? Audi is finally stepping up with more diesel models for America.  It’s about time!  Long live Audi TDI!

Happy Happy! Joy Joy!

At the 2012 L.A. Auto show, Audi has confirmed that they are bringing a variety of diesel models from Europe, shown in a display of bodies in white. Americans have been pleading with Audi and many other manufactures to do this for years. The clean diesel option will be available on four additional models, the classy A6, the bad ass A7, and the sublime of luxury A8.  The mid sized Q5 SUV will be in the mix as well.

Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America, presenting the Audi diesels at the Los Angeles auto show.

No longer will the mongo Q7 be the only Quattro available with the 3.0 V6 TDI. The 2013 motor is completely redesigned.  It even weighs less than the predecessor.  It puts out 240hp and 406lb of torque and should make any Audi enthusiast smile. By optioning the A8 with the TDI, it can now compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC 4Matic. The folks at Mercedes claim the BlueTEC moves to 60mph in about 6.4 seconds and achieves an EPA of 36mpg. So we’ll have to wait and see whether the Audi can triumph over the Merc!

This 3.0 TDI engine in the Q7 is exceedingly quiet, so naturally it should fit right in with any model of the manufacture’s line up. As usual the difference between petrol and diesel models will be just some badges and warning stickers to make sure we get the right fuel, not gas.

The scheduled availability of the A7, A6, and Q5 is fall of 2013 while the A8 is set for spring of 2013. The Q7 will no longer stand alone. Of course the smallest sibling A3 2.0L TDI will continue soldering on for the 2013 model year.

Please enjoy this TFLcar Auto Show reveal video as Roman and Nathan bring you inside the Audi Press Conference.

Destin Raybun
Destin Raybun

As a Mustang Bullitt owner, occasional auto-cross racer, and off-road adventurer, Destin has been an automotive fanatic since his first matchbox car over thirty years ago. Spare time is usually spent searching the web and reading anything of what’s new and old in the automotive industry. In the summer months, he is either displaying his Bullitt at car shows, participating in an SCCA amateur auto-cross, or exploring the beautiful Colorado Rockies on off-road trails in search of historic mining ghost towns.