New TDI engine launched on Audi's A7 Sportback

German car maker Audi has chosen the new A7 Sportback to launch its new 'TDI Competition' 326 hp engine. It celebrates both the 25th anniversary of TDI engines and the many successes of this technology, notably in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

The A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds. With a 326 hp V6 engine that uses 6.1 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers (38.6 US mpg) on average which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 162 grams per kilometer (260.7 g/mi). It even gets a boost of 20 hp when in full acceleration.

The TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine is a Volkswagen trademark paired with the turbo diesel engines of its production models since 1989. This new 'TDI Competition' technology will likely feature on other upscale models from the brand from now on, starting with the R8.

The Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Competition will be available to order in August 2014 for €72,000 and the first deliveries are expected in the fall.

This special edition rounds out the new A7 Sportback range which will be presented in the fall. It demonstrates notable changes in the radiator grill, the bumpers and the production LED headlights. In order to make it as light as possible, the body is now mostly made of aluminum. There is also aluminum inside the car where it mixes with high-end materials including walnut and Valcona leather.

Starting prices for the new Audi A7 Sportback should be around €58,900. Meanwhile, its sports sibling, the S7 Sportback Audi, looks set to cost over €90,000.