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seems to prefer compressed natural gas. Canadian researchers

are working on the first large-scale solution for a second-

generation substitute, known as SunFuel, while their German

counterparts are working on SunDiesel. Unlike first-genera-

tion biodiesels or ethanol, second-generation biofuels are not

obtained from fruit (something that raises the cost of food in

developing countries), but from straw or wood. During com-

bustion, SunFuel and SunDiesel emit approximately the same

amount of CO2into the atmosphere as the plants extracted

from the air beforehand.

Kutschera foresees a clear diversification in the fuel indus-

try over the next ten years. More and more countries will rely

on those fuels that they find are convenient and reliably avail-

able. Ethanol will be the fuel of choice in tropical countries,

while SunDiesel will prevail in densely forested regions, and

compressed natural gas in countries with supplies of natural

gas. And so on. Conversely, for a premium manufacturer with

a global presence, this means needing to be able to offer the

right engines for all fuels. “We can call on extensive experi-

ence in this area,” says Kutschera. And neither will the new

fuels pose any problem for the development engineers in

Ingolstadt. There may, however, be difficulties arising from

other factors. “Governments need to be clear and consistent

about how they deal with this issue. We need to have a solid

base for our decisions regarding the necessary investments,”

says Kutschera. •

Economics journalist Thomas Ramge writes for German business

monthly brand eins and weeklies Die Zeit and The Economist.

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WATCH THE MOVIE

Find out more about AUDI AG’s efficiency strategies at

www.audi.com/ar2007/efficiency.

Economically sporty. Efficiency marks

Audi’s development effort.

Michael Dick,

Member of the

Board for Technical

Development of

AUDI AG

Quality – Audi being a premium manufacturer, this is

the top priority for us. On the one hand, it means build-

ing cars that provide the ultimate in ride comfort, relia-

bility and sporty performance. From another perspec-

tive, we think of quality as offering technical solutions

with an emphasis on efficiency. This is particularly true

when it comes to fuel consumption. Audi has already

given ample proof of its leading role in this field, intro-

ducing the world’s most successful efficiency technol-

ogy into a car with the TDI.

We are convinced that diesel has a very promising fu-

ture, and is also set to make a breakthrough in the USA.

Billions of liters of fuel could be saved there each year

if diesel were used more widely – this is something that

will play an important role in the future as against the

background of rising raw material prices. Nor has the

potential in our home country been fully explored yet:

Every one percent increase in the proportion of diesel

engines used in Germany reduces total fuel consump-

tion by 90 million liters each year.

Audi intends to exploit these opportunities by launch-

ing the world’s cleanest diesel technology in produc-

tion vehicles from mid-2008. New TDI models will be

fitted with what is known as an ultra low emission

system. This will combine the hallmark engine power

with even more impressive consumption figures and

extremely low emissions.

But when we talk about increased efficiency, we

are certainly not just talking about engines. After all,

the engine accounts for just 50 percent of a car’s ener-

gy requirement. We are just as interested in the other

half. That’s why we have put together a modular effi-

ciency system that provides solutions for every aspect

of the car. It is designed to probe all possible ways of

reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and to im-

plement technical innovations that will reduce weight,

optimize road resistance and friction, and promote the

intelligent management of heat and energy. We will

also be involving drivers themselves, supplying them

with electronic aids that provide tips on fuel-efficient

driving, for example.

Low consumption, high performance – that’s the

technical challenge we will rise up to again and

again. Audi will continue to demonstrate that har-

monizing efficiency and sports-car performance

really is possible.

CAR ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Only part of the energy contained in fuel is

actually used for locomotion.

19% powertrain:

Transmission, tires,

wheel bearings, power

steering pump

11% aerody-

namic drag

12 % weight31% engine:

Chemical en-

ergy is trans-

formed into

mechanical

energy

19% engine:

Friction, gas

exchange and

combustion

OVERCOMING EXTERNAL RESISTANCE

LOSSES

ENERGY CONVERSION

8% aircon,

cooling,

electrics

Photos and illustrations: AUDI AG

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