Iain Carmichael explains some of the new Audi technologies arriving that help drive down CO2 emissions, increase fuel economy, and lower company car taxation levels. New technologies can help lower CO2 emissions, reduce fuel expenditure, and lower company car driver taxation.

In addition, the driver can assist improving fuel efficiency by the way he or she drives – by as much as 20% according to the Energy Saving Trust. But often by substantially more.

Audi is gradually introducing new technologies that will assist in both these areas.

These include a new start-stop system; and a new efficiency program built into the onboard computer. Both benefit the energy recovery system – a standard feature of a rapidly increasing number of Audi models. This fuel-saving feature feeds energy back into the vehicle’s electrical system during deceleration.

Start-stop tech

The start-stop system can significantly reduce fuel consumption in urban traffic. It shuts down the engine once the car has come to a stop, the gear lever is in neutral and the driver has released the clutch pedal. Operating the clutch then starts up the engine again.

Economy improved, CO2 emissions reduced

Start-stop system can lower overall fuel consumption by about 0.2 litres per 100km (about 1mpg), and therefore reduces CO2 emissions by around 5g/km. The new system is set to make its debut in the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI and in 2.0-litre capacity Audi A4 and A5 models.

The second new addition is the on-board computer with its efficiency program – an addition to the Audi Driver Information System. All consumption-related data appears in the centre display. It makes recommendations for efficient driving. It highlights that up to 30% of fuel consumption is dependent upon individual driving style.

The efficiency program continuously analyses the car’s energy consumption. It then provides the driver up-to-date tips for saving fuel, depending on the driving situation and driving style.

The newly designed gearshift indicator signals to the driver when to shift for optimal fuel economy: a large, colour-coded display indicates whether the right gear is engaged, or whether changing gear would be practical for the sake of efficiency.

Comfort features like air conditioning and seat heating also increase fuel consumption. A specially developed display in the efficiency program identifies the systems requiring extra energy and indicates their share in fuel consumption.

Energy recuperation

The energy recovery system already converts lost energy under braking into electrical energy. When the car accelerates again, the battery directs the temporarily stored energy back into the vehicle, to relieve the alternator and thereby save fuel. The energy recovery system is already standard equipment on many Audi models.

From innovative powertrain technologies to highly efficient air conditioning, the goal is to improve the entire vehicle’s mechanical, thermal and electrical energy management capabilities. And Audi’s efficiency technologies are systematically geared to the driver’s needs.

By 2012 Audi plans to lower the fuel consumption of its model range by 20% to the 2007 level. It proves that driving pleasure and environmental consideration do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Further information

For more on new fuel-saving technology read the following entries from the Editor’s Blog:

• Testing the roof on the Audi A5 Cabriolet
• What are low rolling resistance tyres?
• The advances of technology

There is additional information on future Audi technology, along with fuel-saving driving tips, in our free Downloads area. Look out for the free-to-access Emissions: CO2 and the future