Audi is set to unveil an attractive technical study – the A3 e-tron concept – in Shanghai. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates the full breadth of the brand’s technological expertise – from the enhanced MMI operating system, to the high-end infotainment system, to the drivetrain. And with its two power-plants and lithium-ion batteries that store enough energy to propel the car on electric power alone for up to 54 km (34 miles), the plug-in hybrid also delivers high fuel efficiency.

Design and body

The Audi A3 e-tron concept is a four-seat notchback sedan. It measures 4.44 meters (14.57 ft) long and 1.84 meters (6.04 ft) wide, but just 1.39 meters (4.56 ft) high – proportions that underscore its dynamic character.

The design represents the typical Audi language of sporty elegance. The single-frame grille is integrated into the front end, giving it a sculptured look. Its frame is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and the transversely mounted, three-dimensional aluminum louvers create a visual effect that emphasizes the show-car’s width. The headlights merge with the beveled upper corners of the single-frame, forming a transition that marks the starting point of the prominently accentuated lines of the engine hood.

The headlights represent a new stage of evolution in LED technology, a groundbreaking innovation from Audi. They become broader as they extend outward, and a line underneath makes them seem to float on air. Above the front spoiler is a full-length air intake, also made of CFRP, framed by a metal clasp. The spoiler features a splitter that increases the downforce on the front wheels.

When viewed from the side, too, the A3 e-tron concept is recognizable at first sight as an Audi – with its harmonious proportions, taut, muscular surfaces and a low roof dome with fluid lines flowing into a flat, coupe-like C-pillar. The shoulder area transitions elegantly into the tailgate. Characteristic of Audi design, the greenhouse accounts for one-third of the height, while the sheet metal makes up the remaining two-thirds.

Powerfully flared fenders hint at the power of the engine. Two prominently elaborated lines accentuate the flank: the undercut tornado line beneath the window edge and the dynamic line above the sills. The exterior mirrors, made of aluminum and CFRP, are perched atop the window-channel strips. The door handles with their brushed-aluminum clasps are recessed flush with the door. When the driver touches them, they power-extend.

The intelligent interplay between surfaces and lines also defines the tail end of the A3 e-tron concept. The broad, flat tail lights are sculptured and culminate in a point on the inside, and the tailgate bears an elegant spoiler edge. The rear apron includes a diffuser insert of CFRP and metal, which in turn surrounds the two large tailpipes for the exhaust system.

Ultra-modern components, design methods and joining techniques keep the body weight low. One example of this are the custom tailored blanks (panels of various thicknesses) in the floor area. The doors, engine hood and tailgate are made of aluminum. With its high levels of rigidity, the body provides the basis for the sedan’s precise handling, excellent vibrational comfort and low weight – the Audi A3 e-tron concept tips the scales at just 1,720 kilograms (3,792 lb).

Interior

The interior of the show-car is generously proportioned. The long wheelbase measuring 2.63 meters (8.63 ft) – a best-in-class figure in the premium compact segment – gives rear passengers on the two individual seats a pleasing amount of knee room. The front sport seats with prominent side bolsters are slim and elegant.

The cockpit, too, gives an impression of lightness and airiness. The horizontal lines emphasize its design. The instrument panel draws the driver in – typical of Audi. Defined in three dimensions, the large trim strip is made of solid aluminum and includes control functions. The high-quality sound system in the doors and on the rear shelf has aluminum trim panels. When the audio system is turned on, they extend a few millimeters, thus orchestrating a visual accompaniment to the system’s excellent sound.

On the center console, four large, round air vents echoing a jet’s design catch the eye. The air flow is adjusted by pulling and pushing on the center axis of the vents. The control knobs for the automatic air conditioning system are located in the lower section of the center console on a boldly protruding, dedicated control panel. Visually, they are reminiscent of airplane turbines.

Behind the compact, flat-bottomed, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is an innovative display concept that renders the individual driving states of the hybrid drive clear-cut and tangible. The tachometer on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a “power meter,” with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments. At a glance, the green and orange segments clearly indicate where the A3 e-tron concept is drawing its power – from the electric motor, the combustion engine, or a combination of both. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the battery.

In between the two large round dials is the large, eight-inch display for the driver information system. This display and the large monitor of the MMI system show the operating states and power flows in the hybrid system in elegant graphics with a three-dimensional effect.

The MMI monitor also displays differentiated consumption and recuperation statistics in easily understandable bar graphs.

The control panel for the MMI multimedia system is located on the center tunnel console. The interface on its large rotary pushbutton features another novelty – the “MMI touch” touchpad. This new solution, which makes the already exemplary operation even more intuitive, will soon be introduced in series production at Audi. The ultra-thin MMI monitor power-extends upwards out of the instrument panel, another feature taken from the full-size car class.

In terms of infotainment, the Audi A3 e-tron concept shows why the brand is leading the competition. A UMTS model provides full access to the Internet, allowing the car to retrieve convenient services from Google. Thanks to the WLAN hotspot, passengers can surf and send e-mail to their hearts’ content. Holders for iPads are installed on the back of the front seat backrests.

A classic notchback sedan, the Audi A3 e-tron concept boasts a large luggage compartment with a volume of 410 liters (14.48 cubic ft) and a low loading lip.

Drivetrain

Designed as a plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-tron concept is propelled by two power units – a 155-kW (211-hp) 1.4 TFSI four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection and an electric motor with an output of 20 kW (27 hp). The system provides a combined output of 175 kW (238 hp). Working together, the gasoline engine and electric motor accelerate the notchback to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.8 seconds, then on to 231 km/h (143.54 mph). A regulated oil pump, the intelligent Audi thermal management system, a start-stop system and an energy recovery system – technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – all contribute to this high efficiency.

At the heart of the A3 e-tron concept are the lithium-ion batteries located behind the rear seats. With a charge capacity of 12 kWh, they give the notchback a range of up to 54 km (34 miles) on electric power alone.

The batteries are charged by the standard energy recovery system when the car is in motion or directly from a household power socket when it is parked. This means that in most cases, the car is entirely emission-free in city driving.

A compact seven-speed S tronic serves as the transmission for the compact plug-in hybrid. It comprises two transmission structures, which are operated by two clutches. Gears are alternately shifted by the two clutches – at lightning speed, comfortably, and without any perceptible interruption of traction.

The driver can operate the seven-speed S tronic in one automatic mode and one manual mode, using the paddles on the steering wheel to shift gears manually. Elegant touch control buttons alongside the hand-rest on the center tunnel console are used to select drive positions R, N and D. These are backlit in red when it gets dark. Drive position P is automatically engaged when the electric parking brake is applied. The launch control system manages the sprint from a dead stop, furnishing explosive turbo power with minimal tire slip.

Chassis

Derived from the current RS 3 Sportback, the Audi A3 e-tron concept’s chassis is fully capable of handling the power from the drive system at all times. The four-seater masters any type of curve with speed, stability and composure. Its self-steering response remains essentially neutral all the way up to the lofty handling limits.
The front suspension – a MacPherson construction with a separate axle support – has a track measuring a full 1,572 millimeters (61.89 in). The rack-and-pinion steering is extremely efficient because its electromechanical drive system requires no energy when driving straight ahead.

The four-link rear suspension with its 1,542-millimeter (60.71-in) track is likewise fixed to a subframe. Its control arms made of high-strength steel enable the suspension to absorb longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately from each other.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system gives the driver five modes from which to select the characteristics of the engine, power steering and seven-speed S tronic. The modes are comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency, the last of which is designed for maximum economy.

The imposing light-alloy rims measure 20 inches in diameter. The tire format is 245/30 at the front and rear. The front brake disks are gripped by four-piston calipers. The ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can be completely deactivated. The parking brake is actuated electromechanically.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

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Audi is set to unveil an attractive technical study – the A3 concept – at the Geneva Motor Show. The four-seat notchback sedan integrates the full breadth of the brand’s technological expertise – from the improved MMI operating system, to the high-tech infotainment system, to the drivetrain. A five-cylinder turbo developing 300 kW (408 hp), a seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive ensure thrilling dynamics along with high fuel efficiency.

Design and body

The Audi A3 concept is a four-seat notchback sedan. It measures 4.44 meters (14.57 ft) long and 1.84 meters (6.04 ft) wide, but just 1.39 meters (4.56 ft) high – proportions that underscore its dynamic character.

The design represents the typical Audi language of sporty elegance. The single-frame grille is integrated into the front end, giving it a sculptured look. Its frame is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), and the transversely mounted, three-dimensional aluminum louvers create a visual effect that emphasizes the showcar’s width. The headlights merge with the beveled upper corners of the single-frame, forming a transition that marks the starting point of the prominently accentuated lines of the engine hood.

The headlights represent a new stage of evolution in LED technology, a groundbreaking innovation from Audi. They become broader as they extend outward, and a line underneath them makes them seem to float on air. Above the front spoiler is a full-length air intake, also made of CFRP, framed by a metal clasp. The spoiler features a splitter that raises the downforce on the front wheels.

When viewed from the side, too, the A3 concept is recognizable at first sight as an Audi. Harmonious proportions, taut, muscular surfaces and a low roof dome with fluid lines flowing into a flat, coupé-like C-pillar. The shoulder area transitions elegantly into the tailgate. Characteristic of Audi design, the greenhouse accounts for one-third of the height, while the sheet metal makes up the remaining two-thirds.

Powerfully flared fenders hint at the power of the engine. Two prominently elaborated lines accentuate the flank: the undercut tornado line beneath the window edge and the dynamic line above the sills. The outside mirrors, made of aluminum and CFRP, are perched on the top shoulder, just like on a sports car. The door handles with their brushed-aluminum clasps are recessed flush with the door. When the driver touches them, they power-extend.

The intelligent interplay between surfaces and lines also defines the tail end of the A3 concept. The broad, flat tail lights are sculptured and culminate in a point on the inside, and the tailgate bears an elegant spoiler edge. The rear apron includes a diffuser insert of CFRP and metal, which in turn surrounds the two large tailpipes for the exhaust system.

Ultra-modern components, design methods and joining techniques keep the body weight low. One example of this are the custom tailored blanks (panels of various thicknesses) in the floor area. The doors, engine hood and tailgate are made of aluminum. The extra stiff body provides the basis for the sedan’s precise handling, excellent vibrational comfort and low weight – the Audi A3 concept tips the scales at just 1,540 kilograms (3,395.12 lb).

Interior

The interior of the showcar is generously proportioned. The long wheelbase measuring 2.63 meters (8.63 ft) – a best-in-class figure in the premium compact segment – gives rear passengers on the two individual seats a pleasing amount of knee room. The front sport seats with prominent side bolsters are slim and elegant.

The cockpit also gives an impression of lightness and airiness. The horizontal lines emphasize its design. The instrument panel draws the driver in – typical of Audi. Defined in three dimensions, the large trim strip is made of solid aluminum and includes control functions. The high-quality sound system in the doors and on the rear shelf has aluminum trim panels. When the audio system is turned on, they extend a few millimeters, thus orchestrating a visual accompaniment to the system’s excellent sound.

On the center console four large, round air vents echoing a jet’s design catch the eye. The air flow is adjusted by pulling and pushing on the center axis of the vents. The control knobs for the automatic air conditioning system are located in the lower section of the center console on a boldly protruding dedicated control panel. Visually, they are reminiscent of airplane turbines.

Located behind the compact, flat-bottomed, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel are two analog dial instruments with black dials and red needles, complemented by additional kidney-shaped displays. Engraved rims made of brushed aluminum underscore their classy look. In between the two large round dials is the large, eight-inch display for the driver information system. The display is user-programmable – the driver can select the content to be displayed from an extensive menu.

The control panel for the MMI multimedia system is located on the center tunnel console. The surface of its large rotary pushbutton includes the touch pad, MMI touch. This new solution, which makes the already exemplary operation even more intuitive, will soon be introduced in series production at Audi. The ultra-thin MMI monitor power-extends out of the instrument panel, another feature taken from the full-size car class.

In terms of infotainment, the Audi A3 concept shows why the brand is leading the competition. A UMTS model provides full access to the Internet, allowing the car to retrieve convenient services from Google. Thanks to the WLAN hotspot, passengers can surf and send e-mail to their hearts’ content. Holders for iPads are installed on the back of the front seat backrests.

A classic notchback sedan, the Audi A3 concept boasts a large luggage compartment with a volume of 410 liters (14.48 cubic ft) and a low loading lip.

Drivetrain

The A3 concept has a five-cylinder engine under the hood that combines the Audi technologies of turbocharging and FSI gasoline direction injection. It develops a hefty 300 kW (408 hp) from a displacement of 2.5 liters. Its peak torque of 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) is available over a broad rev range between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm.

The five-cylinder powerplant unleashes a rousing soundscape – its typical sound pattern calls to mind the Audi sound of the 1980s and the huge motorsport successes of that period. Its performance is a complete homage to tradition: The A3 concept catapults from a dead stop to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds, and its electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is merely the official figure.

In terms of fuel consumption, the four-seater requires just 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (25.85 US mpg) and emits 212 grams CO2 per km (341.18 g/mile). A regulated oil pump, the intelligent Audi thermo-management system and a energy recovery system – technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – all contribute to this high efficiency.

A compact seven-speed S tronic serves as the transmission. It comprises two transmission structures, which are operated by two clutches. Gears are alternately shifted by the two clutches – at lightning speed, comfortably, and without any perceptible interruption of traction.

The driver can operate the seven-speed S tronic in one automatic mode and one manual mode, using the paddles on the steering wheel to shift gears manually. Elegant touch control buttons on the center tunnel console are used to select drive positions R, N and D. These are backlit in red when it gets dark. Drive position P is automatically engaged when the electric parking brake is applied. The launch control system manages the sprint from a dead stop, furnishing explosive turbo power with minimal tire slip.

Power is effortlessly transmitted to the road via quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Its centerpiece is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch at the end of the propeller shaft. When slip occurs at one of the axles, the clutch redirects the majority of the torque input to the wheels with the better grip.

Chassis

Derived from the current RS 3 Sportback, the chassis of the Audi A3 concept is fully capable of handling the power from the drive system at all times. The four-seater masters any type of curve with speed, stability and composure, turning spontaneously into corners going in and providing superior traction going out. Its self-steering response remains essentially neutral all the way up to the lofty handling limits.

The front suspension – a McPherson construction with a separate axle support – has a track measuring a full 1,572 millimeters (61.89 in). To a large extent, its components are made of aluminum. The rack-and-pinion steering is extremely efficient because its electromechanical drive system requires no energy when driving straight ahead.

The four-link rear suspension with its 1,542-millimeter (60.71-in) track is likewise fixed to a subframe. Its control arms made of high-strength steel enable the suspension to absorb longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The shock absorbers and coil springs are mounted separately from each other.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system gives the driver five modes from which to select the engine characteristics, power steering and the seven-speed S tronic. The modes are comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and efficiency, the last of which is designed for maximum economy.

The imposing light-alloy rims measure 20 inches in diameter. In five twin-spoke design, they are made of CFRP and aluminum. The slender, recessed rims optimize ventilation. The tire format is 245/30 at the front and rear. The front brake disks are gripped by four-piston calipers. The ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can be completely deactivated. The parking brake is actuated electromechanically.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

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You're reading Audi A3 concept technical study originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Audi will present an attractive technological concept car based on the coming generation of the Audi A3 at the 81st International Geneva Motor Show in early March 2011. The four-seater notchback sedan offers a glimpse of the future expansion of the A3 family.

The sporty yet elegant design of the Audi A3 concept integrates the single-frame grille with its tapered upper corners and headlights with the latest generation of LED technology. The low, flowing roof dome and a coupe-like, low C pillar are among the defining features of the side view.

The Audi A3 concept is 4.44 meters (14.57 feet) long, 1.84 meters (6.04 feet) wide and just 1.39 meters (4.56 feet) high. These proportions emphasize the dynamism of the car’s appearance, as do the performance figures for the drive unit. The five-cylinder turbocharged engine has a power output of 300 kW (408 hp). It distributes its power to all four wheels through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.

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Two Audi A3 TDI models running on Rentech, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: RTK) synthetic RenDiesel® fuel flawlessly completed the 1,000-mile ‘Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future’ tour spanning the length of California.

The endurance drive, part of the ‘2010 Green Car of the Year Tour’, started in Eureka, California on Monday, October 18 with the intent of demonstrating that today’s diesel technology and advanced synthetic fuels each offer significant green advantages. Clean diesel engines can make significant contributions in the push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption to make America less reliant on imported oil. Combining clean diesel technology with ultra-clean synthetic fuels can further reduce both greenhouse gases and tailpipe emissions.

• ‘Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future’ drive raised awareness with California political leaders, consumers on 1,000-mile drive
• The journey was a crowning moment for the Audi A3 TDI as the ‘2010 Green Car of the Year®’
• Two cars on the tour averaged 40 and 43 mpg on RenDiesel

Currently available in the market, the Audi A3 TDI provides environmental benefits by producing about 30% less greenhouse gas than a car powered by a comparable gasoline engine, with up to 50% better fuel economy.

The potential of clean-burning synthetic diesel, such as RenDiesel, to produce even less emissions, indeed points to a bright future ahead for Audi TDI technology as a viable green solution.

“The benefits of modern clean diesels like the Audi A3 TDI are apparent on many levels, from improved environmental performance to providing the kind of driving performance people expect,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “Operating on advanced, clean burning fuels like synthetic RenDiesel simply makes the diesel equation even more compelling.”

“We are proud to have partnered with Audi and Green Car Journal on this successful 1,000 mile journey which demonstrated that domestically produced synthetic RenDiesel is a viable solution today to reducing vehicle tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions,” said D. Hunt Ramsbottom, President and CEO of Rentech. “The environmental and performance benefits of RenDiesel seen while driving the Audi A3 TDI show promise for a clean diesel energy future,” Mr. Ramsbottom added.

The two Audi A3 TDIs on the demonstration tour are representative of the clean diesel technology that earned the prestigious Green Car of the Year award at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicles ran the entire route, from the farthest reaches of northern California to southern California, on Rentech’s synthetic diesel fuel, expected to be produced in commercial quantities in a few years at the Company’s new project in Rialto, California, that will produce synthetic diesel fuel from green waste and other organic materials diverted from landfills.

The RenDiesel fuel used on this drive was produced from natural gas at Rentech’s demonstration plant in Colorado. RenDiesel can also be made from synthetic gas produced from biomass and waste resources. RenDiesel provides a viable solution that can be deployed to minimize the transportation sector’s environmental impact. The renewable RenDiesel to be produced at Rentech’s Rialto Project is expected to reduce GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis by as much as 97% over conventional diesel fuel and by a comparable amount over electric vehicles. A vehicle using RenDiesel is also expected to be as much as two times more fuel efficient than one running on ethanol. RenDiesel contains approximately 60% more energy per gallon than ethanol and diesel engines typically achieve 20-40% more miles per gallon than gasoline engines. RenDiesel also produces fewer volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions than ethanol or traditional diesel.

Throughout the ‘Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future’ demonstration drive, one of the Audi A3 TDIs achieved 39.7 mpg on average, while the other car averaged 43 mpg. The Audi A3 TDI has an EPA average highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg on traditional clean diesel fuel. The results were promising, demonstrating that RenDiesel synthetic fuel can operate for more than 1000 miles with no noticeable differences in performance compared to traditional fuels, and research is planned to confirm that this performance can persist over the full lifecycle of vehicles such as the Audi A3.

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Todd Kaho, Green Car Journal
“We started really early, fueling up at San Luis Obispo’s JB Dewar commercial fueling station where we had shipped four cans of RenDiesel fuel. A quick stop at Starbucks got us going. We headed out southbound on U.S. 101 toward Santa Barbara in light fog. There were 258 miles to cover before reaching our noon deadline in Rialto. We drove through rain as we approached L.A. and figured this could be a problem for our scheduled arrival, but we powered through and made it there in plenty of time.”

Ron Cogan, Editor and Publisher of the Green Car Journal
“We arrived in Rialto and met up in a park not far from the site of the outdoor press conference and ceremony. There, we found lots of Rialto police officers waiting to give us the full red-lights-and-siren escort arrival. These guys were pretty amazing. We’ve been in a few police escorts before with the California Fuel Cell Partnership rally and the Challenge Bibendum, but there we were one of many vehicles being escorted. This time, it was just us in our two matching black Audi A3 TDIs. Lines of cars were pulled to the curb as we passed and people craned their necks to see who we were. I felt like the President!”

Todd Kaho, Green Car Journal
“The City of Rialto pulled out all the stops, and for good reason. The planned Rentech synthetic fuel production facility could bring up to 1,000 new ‘green’ jobs to the area. Proclamations were presented to Hunt Ramsbottom from Rentech and Brad Stertz from Audi to commemorate the occasion. Then we were treated to another police escort out of town to help get us in motion. This was the longest day of the tour and we would be racking up nearly 500 miles of driving along the way.”

Ron Cogan, Editor and Publisher of the Green Car Journal
“We were able to get past the area’s problem traffic areas before most people were on the road and headed home, quite a relief. We stopped at Miramar Audi in San Diego to refuel with the RenDiesel shipped there, reaching our goal of traveling the complete length of California from top to bottom … over 1,000 miles. A reporter even came out to document our arrival for San Diego’s’ two network affiliates.”

Todd Kaho, Green Car Journal
“We may have made our goal of reaching San Diego, but our day was not over. Now we had to double back to L.A. for our Green Car of the Year Tour wrap-up event the next day. Timing is everything when it comes to rush hour traffic in Southern California, so we ‘refueled’ ourselves with a nice dinner before getting on the freeway. That was a good strategic move since most traffic was over by the time we were done. On the final leg from San Diego to L.A., the RenDiesel-fueled Audi A3 TDI achieved the highest average fuel economy of the trip with a combined 43.7 mpg showing on the trip computer.”

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1. Day Two: Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future

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This week, Audi is conducting a 1,000-mile demonstration drive in California featuring two Audi A3 TDI® cars, the reigning 2010 Green Car of the Year®, fueled exclusively with synthetic RenDiesel® produced by Los Angeles-based Rentech Inc. Starting in Eureka, Calif., the journey’s aim is to spread the message that diesel technology has tremendous potential to make future inroads against the challenges of reducing fuel consumption and improving emissions. The trip will include a welcome reception from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at the State Capitol and a high-level panel discussing diesel’s bright future at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. When it’s all completed, Audi will donate one of the A3 TDI cars to the museum for its alternative vehicles display. Throughout the Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future tour, we will provide impressions on the journey and the performance of the fuel in this award-winning Audi.

Day Two:

Ron Cogan, Editor and Publisher of the Green Car Journal
“Our press conference at the State Capitol wasn’t scheduled until 3:00 p.m., which meant this second day of our adventure started out a bit more relaxed than the first. The area at the east steps of the Capitol was set up with canopies, backdrop, mics, and podium early on in anticipation of the Governor’s arrival. It’s amazing how much advance work goes into an event like this…many, many hours of prep for a short press conference. But then, it is Governor Schwarzenegger.”

Todd Kaho, Green Car Journal
“Positioning the two A3 TDIs required a thorough security sweep of the cars before driving onto the grounds of the State Capitol, including being circled with a bomb-sniffing dog. Once cleared, guards retracted the heavy security bollards that protect against vehicle intrusion and we were able to pass by. That’s not your average experience. We drove the sidewalk to the east steps of the Capitol and positioned the cars next to the podium.”

Ron Cogan
“There’s a lot of anticipation that accompanies this kind of high-profile activity. Everyone is well-aware of the sequence of events coming and the role they play. There’s a good deal of waiting but the time seems to pass quickly. Then…Governor Schwarzenegger emerged from the Capitol building with his entourage, which included Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado, who hails from Green Car Journal’s home base on California’s Central Coast.”

Todd Kaho
“The press conference went well, with talking points hitting on the advantages of clean diesel and how alternative fuels – like Rentech’s RenDiesel – can make a real difference not only with lower greenhouse gas emissions, but energy security. The Governor seemed impressed with the A3 TDI’s 42 mpg highway efficiency, sharing that his kids have Audis and how this helps them be efficient with their allowance when fueling their cars.”

Ron Cogan
“Fueled up and ready to go, we left the Capitol and headed southbound from Sacramento toward San Luis Obispo, our overnight waypoint and fueling stop It was a long drive that began late in the day, so we started out in afternoon Sacramento traffic with a segue into night driving through California’s Central Valley. No photo ops on the drive this time around. We made up for that with great rock on satellite Classic Vinyl. You’ve just got to love Sirius satellite radio.”

Todd Kaho
“This route was a mix of congested stop-and-start rush hour traffic and higher speed driving on I-5 at this interstate’s 70 mph speed limit. Then it was a 54 mile transition on two-lane highway so we could connect with the 101 freeway south in Paso Robles. San Luis Obispo is about a half-hour drive from this point. We arrived just before midnight. Even with this mixed bag of driving conditions, we averaged 43.0 mpg. That’s 1 mpg better than EPA estimated highway fuel economy for the A3 TDI…and we did this on synthetic RenDiesel!

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Today, Governor Schwarzenegger welcomed the “Eureka! Diesel Driving the Future” journey to Sacramento in a celebration at the Capitol steps. Audi, Rentech, Inc., and the Green Car Journal are partnering to drive two Audi A3 TDIs the length of California, powered exclusively by low-carbon, synthetic RenDiesel® fuel produced by Rentech, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: RTK). The tour promotes advanced clean diesel and demonstrates the ability of the Audi A3 TDI to run on synthetic clean diesel for greater efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The Audi A3 TDI® is Green Car Journal’s 2010 Green Car of the Year®.

The clean diesel journey, conducted by Green Car Journal, is part of the magazine’s Green Car of the Year Tour™ that focuses on the efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions of advanced clean diesel vehicles as well as the importance of low-carbon, sustainable, non-petroleum fuels in California’s future.

“California was the first state to implement a low carbon fuel standard, and we continue to see innovation, investment and job creation in our state because of this commitment,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger “The Audi A3 TDI and RenDiesel are proof of this investment and are further evidence that reliable, clean fuel alternatives are the future. I applaud Audi, Rentech and the Green Car Journal for helping to keep California on the leading edge of this booming industry and for their great work to advance efficient, low-carbon fuels that will reduce our dependency on oil.”

The four-day journey kicked off on Monday in Eureka. Today’s event in Sacramento included a tour of the Audi A3 TDIs; a display of RenDiesel® exhibiting the ultra-clean nature of the synthetic fuel; and remarks by the Governor and executives from Rentech, Audi and the Green Car Journal.

The next stop on the clean diesel journey will be in Rialto, home to Rentech’s proposed Rialto Renewable Energy Center (Rialto Project). The City will be commemorated as “The Chosen City for America’s New Fuels.” The Rialto Project, which is anticipated to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operations phases, is designed to produce approximately 640 barrels per day of renewable synthetic fuels, primarily RenDiesel®, and approximately 35 MW of renewable electric power (RenPowerTM), from urban green waste diverted from landfills. Both of these products will have low-carbon footprints and help California reduce greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with the State’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and Renewable Portfolio Standard. The project is a candidate for a U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee.

The renewable RenDiesel® to be produced at the Rialto Project promises to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 97% when compared to conventional clean diesel fuel and by a comparable amount over electric vehicles. The emissions produced by combustion of RenDiesel® are lower in particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and carbon dioxide (CO²), compared to petroleum-based fuels. In addition, RenDiesel® produces fewer emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) than ethanol or traditional clean diesel and has the potential to be twice as fuel-efficient as a car running on ethanol.

Audi has long embraced environmental stewardship, most recently with this clean diesel journey to demonstrate that RenDiesel® works with existing diesel engines and that today’s Audi TDI technology can achieve its customary performance using a synthetic fuel.

The “Eureka! Diesel Driving the Future” will celebrate the 1,000-mile journey’s conclusion with a clean diesel panel discussion at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on October 21st. The panel will be moderated by Green Car Journal’s Ron Cogan, and Matt Petersen, President of Global Green USA. Executives from Rentech, Audi, Bosch and Argonne National Laboratory will discuss the latest advances that have made clean diesel vehicles feasible options for today’s market, and the role synthetic and bio-based diesel fuels will play in the future.

- Audi of America

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1. Day 1: Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future

You're reading Audi, Rentech Tout Advanced Clean Diesel’s Role in Protecting the Environment originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

This week, Audi is conducting a 1,000-mile demonstration drive in California featuring two Audi A3 TDI® cars, the reigning 2010 Green Car of the Year®, fueled exclusively with synthetic RenDiesel® produced by Los Angeles-based Rentech Inc. Starting in Eureka, Calif., the journey’s aim is to spread the message that diesel technology has tremendous potential to make future inroads against the challenges of reducing fuel consumption and improving emissions. The trip will include a welcome reception from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at the State Capitol and a high-level panel discussing diesel’s bright future at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. When it’s all completed, Audi will donate one of the A3 TDI cars to the museum for its alternative vehicles display.

Throughout the Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future tour, we will provide impressions on the journey and the performance of the fuel in this award-winning Audi.

Day One
Todd Kaho, Green Car Journal
“Driving down from Eureka we encountered some pretty steep grades and stop-and-go conditions in some of the smaller towns. It seemed like a good early challenge for the car and the Audi TDI technology. Plus we really wanted to drive the route through the redwoods. What struck me was the fact that you simply couldn’t tell any evidence that this car wasn’t running on standard diesel. We started in fairly cool conditions in Eureka and still managed to average 41.8 mpg in our car. (Note: the EPA highway fuel economy rating for the A3 TDI is 42 mpg).”

Ron Cogan, Editor and Publisher of the Green Car Journal
“So we get to the famous redwoods you can drive through – this one was the Chandelier tree. It’s a tree that’s 2,400 years old, 315 feet high and 21 feet wide. Seemed like a great place for some iconic California photos. We’re taking shots of the A3 TDIs driving through the road that goes right through the Chandelier tree when we notice a large service truck with ladders on top apparently determined to drive through this small opening.
It was a tight fit for the A3s, but the driver had his heart set on trying to make it through. Finally we managed to convince him to drive around the tree and we’d shoot photos of his truck as if he’d driven through this famous location. Score another one for this tour’s goal of helping the environment!”

Todd Kaho
“More than halfway through the first day I was amazed at how seamless the driving performance felt. The engineers at Rentech said to expect a 1-2% reduction in fuel economy because this synthetic fuel is less energy dense than traditional diesel. That seemed about right in our early turns behind the wheel. At the same time, the government’s research shows RenDiesel can produce significantly improved emissions in cars like this.”

Ron Cogan
“There seemed to be no difference in the driving. We still got the kick in the pants that helped convince us to name the Audi A3 as the 2010 Green Car of the Year. That’s the kind of experience I’ve come to expect from a well-engineered alternative vehicle – once you settle into driving it you can’t notice any difference from any other driving experience. We got behind the wheel of a clean diesel car like this roaring along on an emerging alternative fuel and the light bulbs just go off. Then the challenge becomes an educational issue, where matters like politics and money come into play. But from a sheer driving standpoint, we’re already seeing convincing arguments for this technology.

- Audi of America

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1. Audi spotlights bright future for diesel technology in 1,000-mile Green Car of the Year Tour

You're reading Day 1: Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Audi TDI clean diesel technology – with its ability to reduce carbon emissions by 20% and its 30% fuel-economy gains over comparable gasoline engines – has demonstrated it belongs in the conversation surrounding America’s pressing energy concerns.

Validation of that came last year when the Green Car Journal named the Audi A3 TDI as its 2010 Green Car of the Year®, and into this year when U.S. consumer demand for Audi TDI models tripled original expectations.

• On ‘Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future’ tour, two Audi A3 TDI® cars will cover the length of California on Rentech synthetic diesel
• Demonstration next week will show how advanced diesel technologies and fuels can answer significant energy challenges soon
• Event caps successful run for the Audi A3 TDI as the Green Car Journal’s 2010 Green Car of the Year®

And all of that was just the beginning.

‘Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future’ tour

Starting Monday, Audi will demonstrate that the time is quickly approaching for diesel technology to provide a whole new level of solutions for the environment and America’s oil appetite.

Starting Monday, two Audi A3 TDI test cars will begin a 1,000-mile journey the length of California using only 100% low-carbon RenDiesel®. The demonstration drive will be called ‘Eureka! Diesel Drives the Future’ when it kicks off early Monday morning in Eureka, Calif., as the final leg of Green Car Journal’s inaugural Green Car of the Year Tour.

The advanced synthetic fuel produced by Rentech Inc. of Los Angeles provides a viable alternative that can be deployed today to minimize the emissions footprint of the transportation sector.

“Significant progress can be made in addressing the challenges of oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “The answer that Audi TDI technology provides is ready now and future advances in fuels, such as RenDiesel, will only make the case for diesel more compelling. With TDI we can make an impact now and a bigger impact in the near-term.”

Benefits of synthetic diesel technology

RenDiesel can be produced using a variety of sources, ranging from biomass to natural gas. Rentech has proposed development of a renewable energy center in Rialto, Calif., which could produce about 640 barrels a day of synthetic fuels and 35 MW of renewable electric power from urban green waste diverted from landfills. The renewable RenDiesel produced from the Rialto facility promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 97% when compared to conventional clean diesel fuel and by a comparable amount over electric vehicles.

RenDiesel also produces emissions lower in particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx) and carbon dioxide (CO²). And RenDiesel produces fewer volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions than ethanol or traditional clean diesel. It is already being used as an ultra-clean synthetic jet fuel and has the potential be twice as fuel efficient as a car running on ethanol.

“Diesel vehicles such as the Audi A3 TDI and synthetic drop-in fuels such as renewable RenDiesel provide powerful solutions to reducing tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions as well as the need for domestically produced fuels,” said D. Hunt Ramsbottom, President and CEO of Rentech. “These solutions are magnified when renewable RenDiesel powers an A3 TDI, making it one of the most viable and near-term means for emissions reductions,” Mr. Ramsbottom added.

Implications for passenger vehicles

Audi has long supported synthetic diesel fuels to complement the TDI technology used in its exceptional passenger vehicles and its championship Le Mans racing program alike. Diesel engines are a core competence for Audi, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of TDI last year.

Since then, the Audi brand’s engineering advances have propelled diesel engines to an undreamed-of technological boom and overwhelming market success. The TDI from Audi had put an end once and for all to the old diesel image as “loud, and dirty” and turned it into the opposite.

Audi only permits the use of 5% biodiesel blends under the warranties on its TDI vehicles, largely due to inconsistent standards for alternative fuels globally. Research also needs to explore the long-term viability of fuels, such as RenDiesel in passenger car applications. But the advances in the fuel are promising.

That’s why Audi is ready to demonstrate that RenDiesel, for one, can work with existing diesel engines. The awareness-building drive through the nation’s more environmentally aware state will show that today’s Audi TDI technology can achieve its customary performance using an emerging fuel.

The 1,000-mile journey also serves as the capstone for the 2010 Audi A3 TDI as the Green Car of the Year. The model introduced last fall continues to register the top fuel-economy number of all luxury vehicles sold in the U.S., with an EPA-rated 42 mpg in highway driving. Consumers resonated to that mix of efficiency and progressive refinements typical of Audi models. With the addition of the clean diesel model, A3 sales increased 72% through September 2010. TDI models constituted up to 60% of all A3 sales in some months– significantly above the brand’s initial expectations of an 18-20% TDI mix.

- Audi

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