The difference between HP and PS and why it doesn't really matter.

With Audi releasing the details on its updated Q5 many publications took the time to properly convert the horsepower figures given in the Audi press release from . The result is the 225 European horsepower that Audi quoted in its press release is technically only worth 221 American/British horsepower, likewise the 272 horsepower from the 3.0T is technically 268 in the US. This small discrepancy occurs as European manufacturers use metric horsepower while American and British manufacturers use a term called mechanical horsepower which is 1.4% more powerful. However every one that did the conversion could have saved some time crunching the numbers and everyone would have been better off. For many years Audi (and a few other German manufacturers) have officially quoted the same exact horsepower rating regardless of units in Europe and in the US. There are a couple of reasons why this discrepancy shouldn't bother you. To start, the 1.4% difference is small enough anyways that it's probably quite close to the variation between one engine from the assembly line and another. To further shrink the gap, under "SAE certified horsepower" rule manufactures can report horsepower 1%  higher than what is observed. Finally, with the recent trend of many new forced induction engines from Audi and others often delivering advertised crank horsepower at the wheels the 1.4% difference becomes silly altogether.

*Perhaps too busy crunching the numbers many missed out on a little tidbit hidden in the Q5 press release, the next generations of the 2.0T and 3.0 TDI. Far from a simple uptune from 211 to 225 horsepower the updated 2.0T receives a new electronic cooling system, direct and port fuel injection, an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, and further enhancements to Audi's Valvelift system. It's unknown how soon the new 2.0T will reach the Audi lineup in the US. Likewise Audi says the 3.0 TDI V6 is also of a new more advanced design wtih more torque (22 extra lb-ft) than before. Stay tuned to see what happens with the new engines.

Audi Engine Downsizing and New EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Engine downsizing has been an industry buzzword for the past few years. The idea behind downsizing is to replace a large naturally aspirated engine with a smaller turbocharged or supercharged engine. At first this concept only applied to mainstream cars but has recently appeared on luxury brands as well. Even Mercedes AMG models are replacing their 6.3 liter naturally aspirated V8s with slightly smaller 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8s. Audi has gone one further with its all new 2012 A6 as the previous V6 model has been replaced with a four cylinder turbo and the V8 option has been dropped in favor of a supercharged V6. These downsized engines have delivered for Audi. Paired with a CVT transmission the A6 2.0T delivers 25 city and 33 highway for 28 combined, numbers rarely seen in the luxury category. The quattro 3.0 TFSI does quite well as well rated at 19 city and 28 highway.


Here are some other notable new ratings. City/highway (combined)

Aston Martin Rapide: 13/19 (15)
Audi A8 W12: 14/21 (16)
Lamborghini Aventador Coupe: 11/17 (13)
Lamborghini Avenador Roadster: 11/17 (13)
Lexus LFA: 11/16 (12)
Volkswagen Passat TDI: 31/43 (35)

2012 Audi A6 Avant

Having unveiled its fourth generation A6 sedan last year it was only a matter of time until Audi would show the Avant version. Unveiled in Berlin today the A6 Avant follows the sedan with a striking LED headlight design and the latest six point Audi shield grille upfront. Past the A pillar the designs diverge for obvious reasons as the Avant features a fast sloping roof line not commonly seen on wagons. The new A6 Avant is a large wagon measuring 194 inches in length and riding on a 114.5 inch wheelbase. With aluminum comprising around 20% of the A6 body Audi was able to drop as much as 150 pounds compared to the previous generation. The lighter curb weight is certainly one of the reasons for the 18% reduction in fuel economy when compared to the last A6 Avant. Powering the Avant are four diesel engines and two gasoline. Most of the engines carry over from the sedan except the new two stage twin-turbo V6 3.0 TDI that delivers a staggering 313 horsepower. Audi claims that the twin-turbo TDI will propel the Avant to 60 in only 5.4 seconds. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the latest A6 Avant will be sold in America. Nevertheless, take a look at over 70 photos of the new Avant below.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Delivers 28 MPG

Set to go on sale later this year the Volkswagen V6 TDI diesel engine equipped with the 8 speed automatic gearbox will not only produce 406 lb-ft of torque but also 28 mpg on the highway. The EPA rates the V6 TDI Touareg at 19 city and 28 highway, figures more easily associated with midsize sedans rather than SUVs with 7,700 pounds of towing capacity. Volkswagen credits the 460 pounds weight decrease for the improvement in fuel economy.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI Priced

Audi has announced that the 2010 A3 2.0 TDI pricing will start at $29,950. The A3 TDI gets an EPA fuel economy of 30 mpg in the city and 42 on the highway. The A3 will be available for purchase at Audi dealerships in late November.

HERNDON, Va., Sep 3, 2009 - Audi today announced pricing for the 2010 A3 TDI, its second U.S. clean diesel offering launched this year. Expected to begin arriving at U.S. dealers in late November 2009, the 50-state certified A3 TDI delivers the highest highway fuel economy in the luxury car category – 42 mpg, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.


The competitive set for the A3 TDI clean diesel is unique. Only one competitor is currently playing in the field of fuel-efficient compact luxury vehicles, but does not offer the driving experience or the 5-door flexibility that includes 40/60 split rear-folding seats. The Lexus HS 250h offers similar combined fuel economy with hybrid technology, but not superlative highway mileage range. The A3 TDI offers more superlatives in value, including a standard S line exterior sport appearance for 2010, a tighter steering turning circle, a top speed of 130 mph, as well as a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion.