Drivetrain

Power is supplied by the latest stage of evolution of the three-litre diesel with common rail direct injection. It develops 176 kW (240 bhp) and has an impressive maximum torque of 500 Nm. It is this ultra-powerful TDI with a displacement of 2,967 cc that truly makes the Cross Cabriolet quattro a sports car. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h – yet the average fuel consumption is a mere 7.3 l/100 km. The 500 Nm provide a mighty surge of acceleration starting from just above idling speed.

The 3.0 TDI is coupled to the quattro permanent four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. If the driver wishes to change gear manually, the shift paddles at the steering wheel can be used. The especially designed selector lever with integrated control wheel for gear selection is a newly developed variation of the shift-by-wire system.

The latest 3.0 TDI is notable not only for its low fuel consumption, but also for its especially clean exhaust. A diesel particulate filter is used to reduce soot emissions: it cuts the already low level of untreated emissions further, by more than 90 percent.

The cleanest diesel in the world

The new 3.0 TDI with ultra-low emission system is a further step forward that demonstrates the potential of the Audi TDI. Drivers are thrilled not only by the dynamism of 176 kW (240 bhp) and the outstanding torque of 500 Nm, but also by its modest fuel consumption and extremely low emissions.

The ultra-low emission system raises the principle of the direct-injection turbocharged diesel to a new level. To develop it, Audi’s engineers combined a whole package of innovative measures. A new common rail system with piezo injectors operating at a pressure of 2,000 bar, high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation and further optimised turbocharging join forces to achieve a significant reduction in untreated emissions.

A further technical breakthrough is the actual exhaust aftertreatment system, which cuts emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by as much as 90 percent. This system operates with the additive AdBlue, an aqueous solution of carbamide, small amounts of which are injected ahead of the DeNOx catalytic converter. In the hot exhaust gas, the solution breaks down into ammonia, which splits the oxides of nitrogen into nitrogen and water.

The AdBlue solution, which is biodegradable, is topped up as a routine operation each time the car is serviced, without the customer having to take any action. Since consumption of the solution is very low, Audi can guarantee that the amount carried on the car will be sufficient from one service to the next. The system will remain effective for the entire service life of the vehicle.

Thanks to their extremely low emissions, from 2008 Audi is able to sell its clean direct-injection diesels all over the world, even in the US states of California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York and Vermont where extremely stringent emission limits apply.

From 2010 on, Audi will be offering this new technology in further car and power output classes. The brand is pursuing a systematic strategy aimed at lowering fuel consumption and pollutant emissions still further. By 2012, Audi will have reduced its models’ CO₂ emissions by some 20 percent – yet their sporty character will be enhanced at the same time.

quattro drive

The Audi Cross Cabriolet always transmits its power to the road through the quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Here again it delivers the supreme capabilities that have become an Audi hallmark in the years since this driveline was launched in 1980 – enhanced driving dynamics, safety and directional stability, together making up Audi’s proverbial ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’. Added to this, there is the legendary traction of the quattro driveline even under the toughest conditions, making it ideally suited to off-road driving.

The key element in the quattro driveline is its centre differential. It is a purely mechanical unit and therefore responds without the slightest delay. Its locking action is only active when the throttle is open; differences in rotational speed are tolerated when the brakes are applied and when cornering.

In normal driving conditions, 40 percent of engine power reaches the front wheels and 60 percent the rear wheels, permitting sporty handling with a rear-driven emphasis. When needed – i.e. when the wheels on either axle start to spin – the differential redirects most of the torque to the axle revolving more slowly and therefore having better traction.

The centre differential can direct up to 65 percent of the power to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the rear wheels; as a result, the concept car can normally tackle situations close to its handling limits without braking intervention by ESP.

The equipment, data and prices stated here refer to the model range offered for sale in Germany. Subject to amendment; errors and omissions excepted.