Audi releases models with V6 diesel engines that are renewable fuel-compatible

Following the brand’s move to increase the environmental sustainability of its combustion engines, Audi announced that many of its existing six-cylinder diesel powertrains can now use renewable fuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

"With our 'Vorsprung 2030' strategy, we're pursuing the clearly defined goal that all new models we launch worldwide as of 2026 will be all-electric only. In this way, we're making an essential contribution on the road to carbon-neutral mobility," Audi Chief Development Officer Oliver Hoffmann was quoted as saying.

"At the same time, we're optimizing our existing combustion engine portfolio for more efficiency and lower emissions. One way we're doing this is by creating the requisite technical foundations for the use of sustainable fuels such as HVO," he added.

The Ingolstadt-headquartered carmaker expressed firm belief that the renewable fuels will make combustion engines operate in a more climate-friendly manner.

The company said that its models equipped with V6 diesel engines up to and including 210kW (282hp) that will be leaving the manufacturing facilities as of the middle of February can be filled up with the HVO fuel in accordance with the European standard EN 15940.

Audi shared that the V6 diesel power mills that has the capability to deliver power up to and including 210kW (286ps) in the series A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q7, and Q8 are now HVO- compatible.

"As the cetane rating of HVO is around 30 percent higher, the combustibility of the engines is enhanced. The positive effects of this are particularly noticeable when cold starting. We tested the effects on various components, the performance, and exhaust emissions in specific validation runs before granting approval," Audi Head of Powertrain Development for V-TFSI, TDI, and PHEV Matthias Schober explained.

Further, the company noted that the most popular engine variants were prioritized to allow the maximum possible number of customers to use renewable fuels.

“For the future, Audi and the entire Volkswagen Group are planning to approve further combustion engines for renewable synthetic fuels, thus making a valuable contribution to defossilization,” Audi concluded.

Photos from Audi

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