Audi Mileage Marathon hits the road

New York, NY, Oct. 6, 2008 - Nearly two dozen Audi clean diesel vehicles began a coast-to-coast rally today, giving America its first glimpse of Audi's landmark TDI technology. With sealed tanks filled with diesel fuel, the revolutionary vehicles pulled away from restaurant Tavern on the Green in New York City, kicking off the first leg of the real-world driving test, dubbed the Audi Mileage Marathon.

Marking the first U.S. test of the forthcoming Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, the Marathon will cover more than 4,800 miles from October 6-20 to showcase the efficiency, ultra-low emissions, and performance of Audi's TDI clean diesel engines. Audi enlisted its top U.S. executive to lead the two-week drive, which will conclude in Los Angeles. The vehicles are scheduled to make their first pit stop tonight in Washington, DC.

Audi of America chief Johan de Nysschen will lead the rally of 23 Audi TDI vehicles along America's city streets and highways to illustrate how Audi's clean diesel technology answers concerns about fuel prices, energy dependence and global warming.

"The Mileage Marathon truly is where the rubber meets the road and driving Audi's TDI vehicles across the country is the perfect way to show the amazing improvements we have made with clean diesel." said de Nysschen, Audi of America's executive vice president.

Spotlight on the Audi Q7 TDI

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI doesn't just recast diesel for an American audience, it also represents the ultimate progress in SUV engineering.

"The Audi Q7 TDI makes driving a luxury SUV socially acceptable again because of its notable fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions," said de Nysschen. "The Q7 TDI will be one of America's first clean, highly efficient, 7-passenger SUVs, providing a luxury option for U.S. drivers who are conscious of the environment and fuel economy."

The Mileage Marathon's TDI fleet will recast outdated perceptions of diesel vehicles. Gone are the days of loud, smoky, under-performing diesel engines. Due to its EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI offers highway driving range of more than 600 miles, far more than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. It also provides 406 lb-ft of torque, more than most exotic sports cars.