From CD
TESTED
We?re drunk on diesel. The big torque and inflated efficiency of a good turbo-diesel clouds (only figuratively) our ability to render rational verdicts. And the latest diesels from German luxury brands are more potent than ever. How else to explain that the Audi A7?s diesel V-6 left us woozy over a car that is slower, more expensive, and noisier than the base A7 with its supercharged gas V-6?
In this case, the inebriating engine is a single-turbo 3.0-liter good for 240 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. In Europe, where diesels rule, this V-6 is just one of three oil burners offered in the A7 and A6. Audi has fit the U.S. diesel engine with a slightly smaller turbocharger, tweaking the output curves to improve low-end responsiveness at the expense of an autobahn-tremoring top end.
It performs as promised. The A7 TDI steps off without hesitation, flaunting its quicker reactions over the diesel six from Mercedes-Benz. The eight-speed gearbox is alert?eager to upshift in the interest of the 24-mpg-city and 38-mpg-highway fuel-economy ratings and ready to downshift at any moment to deliver the full hit of torque. We recorded a 6.0-second run to 60 mph and an average of 30 mpg during our time with the TDI, an uncanny blend of near-sports-sedan quickness and economy-car efficiency. Even with an extra 131 horsepower and 1894 pounds, its fuel economy topped that of a Nissan Versa Note by two mpg.
From the driver?s seat, you?ll never notice the 100-pound weight penalty imposed by the diesel?s iron engine block and its extra emissions equipment. Riding on 20-inch summer tires, the TDI nearly matches the roadholding of the standard A7, posting 0.92 g on the skidpad and a 70-to-zero stopping distance of 154 feet. The sole change to the meticulous A7 cockpit is a tachometer that goes red almost 2000 rpm earlier than in the A7 gasser. And the sole lapse in civility is a subtle and low vibrato from idle that?s imperceptible above 30 mph.
The A7 TDI is luxurious, swift, spacious, and efficient, and yet we are wary of a diesel hangover. Is raving about the TDI shortchanging the A7?s base, gasoline-fed supercharged V-6?
The gas V-6 model sets an industry standard for throttle response and linear power delivery. The diesel is also a pricey call, demanding a $2400 premium. Expected fuel savings of roughly $500 a year likely mean nothing to a person who can drop $5900 on a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
The TDI?s draw is partly novelty, we?ll admit, as luxury diesels are still relatively rare in America. Sober minds will note that despite its excellent efficiency and performance, the diesel remains a dubious financial proposition. Then again, they say that drunk emotions are true emotions, and after sampling liberally from the A7 TDI?s well of torque, it?s hard to suppress one overriding feeling: We want one. View the attachments for this post at: