Audi unveils V12 TDI, Expands Product Portfolio in India

Audi has unveiled its new V12 TDI turbodiesel at the 2007 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The V12 which Audi calls the “majestic” has aroused various reactions from the crowd. Most of the people present at the Auto Show think that majestic is not an accurate description of the 6L diesel that cranks 500HP and 737 lb-ft of torque power.

The great power of the V12 TDI is produced through a pair of variable-vane turbochargers that apply 1.6 bar (24PSI) of pressure to the intercooled intake charge. The direct injection system of the TDI which employs piezoelectric injectors to spray fuel together with the multiple pre and post combustion events at an amazing 2000 bar (30,000 PSI) also helps in powering up the TDI. Audi has also made sure that the TDI meets up with the 2010 Euro-5 standard by means of its heavy use of exhaust gas circulation that keeps emission level down.

The power produced by the TDI is then fed to its all-wheel-drive system that maintains a 40:60 front-rear balance that gives this car the “slightly tail-heavy, sporty handling characteristics.” And to bring this monster car to a halt, Audi has equipped it with a set of monstrous disc brakes that are specially fitted for the TDI. Its interior is trimmed with white leather and light-colored carbon filter.

The V12 TDI turbodiesel is not the only new in Audi for 2007. The German luxury car manufacturer is also planning to expand its product portfolio for this year in India and it would start by introducing four new variants of vehicles to add to their eleven existing variants. The said new models of vehicles are to be introduced in a phased manner--- so far this is the only info available since Rahil Ansari, Country Manager of Audi for India have refused to divulge any details of the said plan.

Audi, manufacturer of quality A4 tie rods is also planning of getting head to head with Mercedes-Benz in the selling luxury model most especially in the E-segment in which Mercedes is currently dominating. Audi has decided to launch their 2.7 liter petrol and diesel variants and have it priced in par with that of the Mercedes-Benz E-280 of the same variant. Audi’s existing fleet under the E-segment is the A4 3-litre offered in both petrol and diesel variant but cost Rs 5 lakh higher than the cost of Mercedes-Benz E-class range costing only Rs 48 to 50 lakh.

Audi is also planning to introduce its 3.2 litre V6 engine variant and priced it within the bracket of Rs 40 lakh plus. And according to industry sources the German automaker may offer it in limited number only. At present there are eight dealerships in India: one in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and five other new dealerships across the country. Audi is also considering the possibility of setting up a manufacturing facility in India.

James Russel grew up in Los Angeles and is 35 years old. He works as a marketing analyst for a supplier of automotive parts in the United States. On his spare time, he loves to spruce up his vehicle.