A Diesel Unit Combining High Performance and Ultra-Clean Technology

This Audi Sportback Concept is a concept model that follows in the lineage of the "Audi A5," a two-door, full four-seater coupe launched last year. Its defining features are its sleek, coupe-like silhouette despite being a five-door, and its large rear hatch. The body dimensions are 4950mm in length, 1930mm in width, and 1400mm in height.

Design-wise, the shoulder line emphasizing horizontality and the wide, flat LED light units at the front and rear are particularly striking.

The highlight of the technology adopted in this concept model is its world-leading clean diesel technology. The high-performance, ultra-clean 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine produces a maximum output of 225 ps and a maximum torque of 550 Nm, while emitting virtually no nitrogen oxides. This engine complies with the emissions regulations of all 50 US states and already meets the EU6 standard, which will come into effect in 2014.

Calculated according to European ECE standards, the diesel fuel consumption of this Audi Sportback Concept is an average of 16.9 km/l, with CO2 emissions of 156 g/km. It can be described as an engine that balances low fuel consumption with environmental performance.

Furthermore, this model is equipped with Audi's latest "7-speed tiptronic" transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, enabling it to transmit the power generated by the TDI engine to the road without compromise. This allows for a 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 7 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h.

At present, the market introduction timing and price for this model remain undecided.


BRAND HISTORY
The Audi emblem is the "Four Rings." As you may know, each ring represents one of the automobile manufacturers: Audi, DKW (Drakenburg), Horch, and Wanderer. All were based in Saxony and were leading brands in the German automotive industry at the beginning of the 20th century. However, in the wake of the Great Depression following World War I, the four companies, in a bid for survival, formed Auto Union in 1932. DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-size cars, Audi in premium mid-size cars, and Horch in luxury cars.

However, due to Germany's defeat in World War II, Saxony in East Germany fell under Soviet occupation, and Auto Union ceased to exist. Anticipating this, the new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, in West Germany. Unlike BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Auto Union faced a difficult start without factories, but gradually built its strength through production such as the DKW delivery van.

Auto Union, acquired by Volkswagen at the end of 1964, soon introduced new models bearing the Audi name. In 1969, it merged with NSU (known for its development of the Wankel engine), based in Neckarsulm, becoming Audi NSU Auto Union, and from 1985 onwards, it has continued as Audi to the present day. Audi's popularity is driven by its dynamic performance, underpinned by technologies like quattro and motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finishes.