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Friday, April 24, 2009
Starting from early June, European buyers will have the choice of a new frugal, diesel-powered model, the Audi A4 2.0 TDI "e" which sips 4.6lt of fuel per 100km or 51.1mpg US in the EU combined cycle. To achieve this figure, Audi has adopted a series of measures that include a start-stop system, revised 6-speed manual gearbox with a higher final-drive ratio, low-resistance tires ( 205/60 R 16) and additional aerodynamic-drag optimizations such as an underbody trim panel, the partially enclosed radiator grille, and the reduction in ride height of 20mm or 0.79 in. Furthermore, the Ingolstadt automaker modified the standard 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine's ECU and added a regenerative braking system that converts surplus kinetic energy to electrical energy during a vehicle's braking phases and then temporarily stores it in the electrical system's battery. Audi claims that the 136HP A4 2.0 TDI 'e' sprints from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.5 seconds while topping out at 215 km/h or 134mph. Prices for the sedan version have been set €30,800 while the Avant version that has a slightly higher average consumption of 4.9 lt/100 km (48mpg U.S.) costs €32,800.