Audi to showcase three new models at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Audi will showcase three new cars at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show as it pushes for smaller engine displacement and greater efficiency.

Expect to see the Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel Quattro. The 3.0 TDI clean diesel engine has been very successful in their Q7 SUV and now the world’s cleanest diesel technology will be available in the best-selling A4.

Additionally the Audi A3 and A3 Sportback lines will feature turbocharged gasoline engine models, combining power without the need for shares in your local gas station. Audi claim to be very committed to providing consumers with greater efficiency choices amidst their various lineups.

The 1.2L TFSI engine was designed from scratch and weighs in at a smidge under 200lbs and produces just over 100hp. It’s still powerful enough to push the 3-door car to 62mp/h in just over 6 seconds.

For those looking for something with a little more raw power, the S5 Sportback is what Audi call, “the pinnacle of the new Sportback model line.”

The five-door coupé is powered by a three-liter V6 with a mechanical compressor, the small turbo engine delivers 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The S5 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.4 seconds [provisional figure]; its top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is limited by an electronic governor. It averages just 9.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.25 mpg) [provisional figures] — the best in this power-output category.

Audi’s usual bag of electronic goodies will provide better handling and the convenience of a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Upon request, Audi will include the sport differential which variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels. Sales of the Audi S5 Sportback will start in Spring 2010; its basic price will be 57,900 euros.

AUDI AG creates environmental foundation and unifies its worldwide environmental measures

AUDI AG is bolstering its commitment to environmental protection. The Ingolstadt-based carmaker has established the Audi Environmental Foundation, which has an endowment of € 5 million. This foundation will focus exclusively on environmentally minded pursuits for the common good. Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production of AUDI AG, will chair the board of trustees.

“This foundation will unify our worldwide environmental-protection measures and its future projects will make a substantial contribution to sustainable corporate operations,” emphasizes Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. “This foundation is a key milestone in the Audi environmental program and in our integral efficiency strategy.”

The foundation will strive to protect the natural livelihood of people, animals, and plants. Financial assistance will be allocated to measures and research activities which encourage the development of environmentally compatible non-automotive technologies. These measures will also promote environmental awareness and sustainable human/environment harmony. “Environmental protection doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Our corporate operations can be truly sustainable only if we collectively see the big picture via pioneering projects which we will initiate through our environmental foundation,” explains Frank Dreves, Member of the Board of Management for Production of AUDI AG, and chairman of the board of trustees.