As part of it’s response to meet tougher Corporate Average Fuel Economy targets, Audi of America, logically is looking to diesels, at least in the short term to improve its overall fleet mileage.

The US arm of the Ingolstadt automaker plans to bring over oil burning versions of the Q5 SUV and A8 flagship sedan next year, however the A6 diesel has now been pushed back, along with the planned introduction of the A6 an A8 Hybrid models.

In the case of the latter, Audi’s US President, Johann De Nysschen says that the pushing back the A6 and A8 Hybrids was largely done to “minimize complexity” in the lineup, since Audi is already planning to introduce a Q5 Hybrid for 2012.

As to why the A6 diesel has been delayed, no official word so far, but given that the mid-size premium sedan segment is largely a stagnant market in the US and most of Audi’s sales gains (14.1 percent so far this year) have essentially been at the expense of rivals, perhaps the time simply isn’t right to introduce yet another new model.  That said, Audi’s German rivals, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also reporting increased demand (4.1 percent for the E-Class and a whopping 46.4 percent through the first 10 months of this year).

During a recent statement at the LA Auto Show, De Nysschen also said that a diesel A7 Sportback is a possibility for North America, though in reference to rumors of a possible local production facility he said “no official decision has been made.”

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Audi has finally released the full specs to its upcoming A6 Hybrid model, but didn’t announce any official plans of bringing the model to the United States. A subtle hint however was the inclusion of its fuel-economy converted to the US-friendly mpg, stating that the A6 Hybrid does get an impressive 37-mpg combined. Thanks to a 211-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder combined with a 54-hp electric motor, the total power output of 245-hp comes to the front wheels through an eight-speed transmission.

Torque is impressive with the A6 packing 354 lb-ft, bringing the hybrid model to 60-mph in just 7.3 seconds. On the electric motor alone, the A6 could act as an EV up to 62-mph or travel up to 1.9 miles at less than 40-mph. Three different driving modes are available with electricity-prioritizing “EV”, normal “D” and a sporty “S”. All of the A6 Hybrid’s power output can only be enjoyed in the “S” mode – where we’re guessing plenty of its mpg gets sucked up.

Aesthetically, not much gives away that the A6 is a hybrid besides the badging on the trunk, fenders and door sills. Audi will pair the model up with its own unique 17- or 18-inch wheels. We’re fairly certain that Audi will be savvy enough to bring the model to the United States, it’s just a matter of when and how much.

GALLERY: Audi A6 Hybrid

[Source: Car & Driver Blog]

Audi fanboys will have the wind taken out of their sails today after Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi’s American division, told Autoweek that the car may not reach the U.S. market until 2015!

No reason was given, but we can only assume that it’s far from production ready. The A6 Hybrid is apparently capable of hitting up to 62 mph on electric power and can return 38 mpg on European mileage tests. What do we care anyways, when the base car has a slightly detuned version of the S4′s supercharged V6 and the styling of a baby A8.

[Source: Autoweek]

Mercedes-Benz has their E-Class diesel. BMW has an “Efficient Dynamics” system on their 5-Series. Now, Audi has countered with the ne plus ultra of green motoring – the luxury hybrid. Their 2012 A6 will get a hybrid variant sure to set fire to the hearts of wealthy/status-conscious green-minded folks everywhere (well, only on the coasts – we can’t see this flying in “real America” that votes Republican).

The A6 Hybrid is motivated by Audi’s familiar 2.0TFSI engine making 211 horsepower. Tacked on to that is a 45 horsepower electric motor that also puts out 156 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic puts power exclusively to the front tires, as a means of saving precious pounds.

With the ability to hit up to 62 mph on electric power only, the A6 will feature a dashboard switch that allows it to run solely on electric power for about 2 miles, at speeds of under 40 mph. 60 mph should appear in 7.3 seconds, and 38 mpg combined is the expected fuel economy number.

[Source: Audi]

With Audi‘s recent unveiling of the A8 Hybrid at the Geneva Auto Show and news the Q5 Hybrid is on its way, Audi has made known plans to add more hybrid models, starting with the A6. According to a report by AutoWeek, the next-generation A6 will be offered in full hybrid form late in 2012 as a 2013 model.

Audi is likely to add even more hybrid variants of its models after that, with a plan to significantly increase is offering of hybrid and electric cars over the next few years. The move is part of a plan by parent company Volkswagen to “own” the alternative power segment. VW will have some catching up to do, however, as Toyota already has quite a head start. However, VW also plans to surpass Toyota as the world’s largest auto maker over the next few years.

In addition, VW will make a big push with electric cars, having recently shown several Audi E-Tron concepts at different auto shows throughout the world. According to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, Audi aims to build e-tron to become synonymous with electric vehicles, just as quattro has become synonymous with all-wheel drive.

Along with Audi developing its own E-tron models, VW will bring a slew of EVs to market in the next few years, including an E-Up (an electric Up minicar), an E-Golf and an E-Jetta. According to VW Group CEO Martin Winterkorn, the E-Jetta will go on sale in the U.S., but probably not until 2013.

In addition to these changes, Audi also plans to improve the efficiency of its gasoline engines by 30 percent by 2020.

[Source:  AutoWeek]