- World premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
    - New: Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel with GTL and BTL
    - Synthetic diesel fuel reduces emission of CO2

INGOLSTADT, Bavaria, Germany and AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 2 /PRNewswire/-- World premiere in motorsport: At the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours on June 14-15,the three Audi R10 TDI prototypes entered by Audi Sport Team Joest will racefor the first time with the next generation of Biofuel manufactured fromBiowaste and promising a reduction in the emission of CO2 by almost 90 percent when compared with traditional diesel.

Audi fields the 650-hp plus R10 TDI, which has already won the famous 24Hours of Le Mans twice, in sportscar races since 2006. Shell V-Power Dieselrace fuel produced by development partner Shell has been used since the verybeginning. It's a particularly powerful and efficient synthetic fuel, which iscreated from Natural Gas in a process called Gas To Liquids (GTL). Fuels withthese components are already available at the pumps.

For the third appearance of the Audi R10 TDI at Le Mans, a small amount ofBiofuel of the next generation is mixed for the first time with the previouslywell-proven GTL components: BTL (Biomass To Liquids), as it is officiallycalled, is extracted from Biowaste that is unfit for use in foodstuffs, forexample from waste wood. BTL promises a reduction in the amount of CO2emission by almost 90 per cent compared to traditional diesel.

Although they are manufactured from different raw materials, the twoalternative fuels BTL and GTL are practically sulphur free and odorless. Theycombine quality and efficient combustion with reduced exhaust emissions.

'Audi voiced its support early for the use of next generation Biofuels atLe Mans,' explains Michael Dick, Member of the Board of Management of AUDI AGwith responsibility for Technical Development. 'It underlines our philosophythat we view Le Mans as a tough test field for new technologies which will beavailable at a later date in production cars for our customers. The AutomobileClub de l'Ouest (ACO) provides the opportunity to use alternative driveconcepts and fuels, which we exploit to the full.'

The V12 TDI known for its efficiency and fitted to the Audi R10 TDI hasalready been tested successfully with the new fuel on the dynamometer andduring tests. The first public appearance took place on Sunday, June 1, at theofficial test day at Le Mans. It traditionally provides teams with the onlyopportunity to test on the 13.629-kilometre circuit of Le Mans before therace.

To obtain images of the R10 TDI race car, please visit media.audiusa.com,click on 'photos' tab, then 'motorsports' on left navigation.

To obtain images of the Audi Q7, please visit media.audiusa.com, click on'photos' tab, then 'current models' on left navigation.

About Audi TDI Power

Audi, the inventor of TDI, is preparing to launch a diesel offensive inthe North American market. The brand with the four rings will introduce theworld's cleanest diesel to the U.S. market in early 2009, almost simultaneouswith its introduction in Europe. The 3.0 TDI with its ultra low emissionsystem, which fulfills the world's most stringent emission standards, willfirst be offered in the Audi Q7.

The ultra low emission system ensures that the engine conforms with thelimits included in the LEV II Bin 5 standards that apply in all 50 U.S.states. Engine features optimize the combustion process along with engineemissions, while a cleaning system reduces nitrogen oxide exhaust emissions byup to 90%.

The TDI engine features the most successful efficiency technology in theworld. Audi began regular production of the engine 19 years ago and since thenhas continued to extend its technological advantage. Audi has now sold morethan 4.5 million cars with TDI engines. The carmaker has also experienced asteady course of growth over the past several years in North America, wherethe company sees major market potential for its highly modern TDI engines. Thelow sulfur fuel that powers the engine was introduced nationwide in 2006 -opening up the opportunity for the offensive to begin.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that the UnitedStates could conserve more than 500 million barrels of crude oil per year ifjust one-third of all passenger cars and light commercial vehicles wereequipped with modern diesel engines. Leading market research companies such asJD Power predict a share of the U.S. market of between 12 and 15 percent fordiesel engines - a large increase when compared with the current share ofsales of about 4 percent.

Audi is very well equipped to carry out its offensive. The brand with thefour rings has a wide range of highly modern TDI engines at its command. Theycombine muscular power with astonishingly low consumption levels - easilyknocking gasoline engines with comparable capacities out of the competition.TDI engines from Audi represent a modern, intelligent type of sportiness andefficiency.

3.0 TDI Summary for the United States

A vigorous powerhouse of an engine pulsates under the hood of the Audi Q73.0 TDI. With a displacement of three liters, the V6 generates an impressive221 hp and a torque 406 lb/ft. This maximum level of tractive force isavailable at 1,750 to 2,750 rpm - providing the driver with a vigorous powersurge in all ranges.

The four-valve engine is extremely compact - measuring only 440millimeters (17.3 inches) in length. The cylinder housing that features a90-degree cylinder angle is constructed from high strength vermicular graphitecast iron, which is 15 percent lighter in weight than conventional cast iron.Despite its unsurpassed strength, the powerful TDI weighs a mere 226 kilograms(498.2 pounds). Its auxiliaries and camshafts are driven by maintenance-freechains that run in a space saving position in back of the engine. Low-frictionroller cam followers with hydraulic valve clearance compensation work in thecylinder head.