Audi introduces auto stop-start systems

Audi has begun incorporating a new auto stop/go system in its European models. It will initially appear in manual models only, starting with the A3 1.4 TFSI. Next up, it will appear in the A4 and A5 2.0 TFSI, followed later in the year by an increasing number of other models.

The company claims the system will deliver a fuel consumption drop of about 0.2L/100 km, thereby reducing CO2 emissions by about 5g/km.

The measure is part of what Audi calls its 'modular efficiency platform', through which it plans to roll out a host of technologies designed to boost the efficiency of its internal combustion engines, making the most of each motor's performance potential while reducing its environmental impact.

It's part of the company's five-year plan to cut fuel consumption across its lineup by 20 per cent between 2007 and 2012.

Alongside the stop/start and the energy recovery system already introduced in a number of models, it's also adding what it calls an 'efficiency program' to its on-board trip computer and driver information systems.

The program provides monitors conditions and driving style, giving instantaneous energy consumption readouts and making suggestions for saving fuel.

Asked about the Australian release schedule for the modular efficiency technologies, local spokeswoman Anna Burgdorf said plans are "very loose at this time -- possibly late this year or into 2010.

"And as it's only for manual models that basically means A4 and A5 2.0 TFSI quattro manuals only at this point."

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