Audi has just launched the brand’s most powerful V6 TDI ever. Call the BiTDI, the 3.0L 6 cylinder twin-turbo oil burner packs a potent 309 bhp between 3,900 to 4,500rpm with an impressive 650Nm of torque from 1,450 to 2,800rpm.



The new engine is now available in the A6 Saloon (above) and Avant as well as the A7 Sportback. It will be available in the A6 allroad in the later part of 2012. In the A6 and A7 application, the BiTDI unit is mated to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. The BiTDI quattro A6 saloon sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and goes on to reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph while returning a fuel economy of 44.1 mph rating on the combined UK cycle. The impressive fuel efficiency relative to performance is the result of Audi’s modular efficiency platform that includes engine start-stop function, recuperation systems and thermal management system that quickly brings the coolant and oil up to their operating temperatures.

In developing the BiTDI, Audi ensured that the driver gets an invigorating sound track to create a holistic driving experience. Thanks to an innovative actuator in the auxiliary channel of the exhaust system, the BiTDI A6 and A7 Sportback models get a more sonorous roar that is closer to the output of a high-performance petrol engine.

The BiTDI A6 Saloon looks like a direct competitor to the newly launched BMW M550d xDrive sedan, which is powered by the Bavarian automaker’s latest tri-turbo 3.0L inline-six diesel. The BMW unit is rated at 376 bhp with 739Nm of torque, making it more powerful than its Ingolstadt rival. The M550d sedan is also quicker to the 100km/h mark by 0.5 seconds.