2010 Green Car of the Year

In 2006 Audi added a substantial amount of credibility to their diesel engine technology, and placed themselves as the prevailing leaders in the industry on both sides of the Atlantic. Such a sudden increment in worldwide recognition as the leading diesel engine innovator came with the victory at the 24 hours of the LMP1 (Le Man Prototype) - it was the first time a diesel engine racecar, Audi R10 TDI, had won the world's most famous endurance race, following with 2 consecutive wins in 2007 and 2008. Audi started to contemplate on the idea of developing TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) race technology for the road. After years of refinement, Audi is ready to refute all the adverse criticism for the diesel engine in the American market, and counter the prominent movement of hybrid technology in the U.S. with their cutting edge alternative fuel technology. On Sunday June 13th 2010, Audi again shocked the world by finishing first, second and third at the Le Mans with R15s, and again setting a record for diesel engines taking the first three spots for the first time in history. The leading car also broke the record for the furthest distance traveled, which was set in 1971. Audi again made the whole world concede that it is veritably the dominant diesel engine manufacturer in the world.

It is evident that Americans are in the anterior of the environment responsibility movement in the world, and there is no doubt that sacrifice of performance in eco-conscious cars has held many Americans from making a solid decision, and Audi might hold the answer, yet again. Only a year after Audi introduced the TDI clean diesel technology in the Q7 Audi got the recognition it deserved by receiving the Green Car Journal's 2010 "Green Car of the Year" award for it's A3 TDI, and making prominent statement to all the competitors. I am sure it is a surprise for many people to hear that Audi won the award with so much emphasis on the Hybrid technology these days, and especially when I will state some of the nominees. With competitors including the luxury giants BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche and some of the leading hybrids on the market, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan and last but not least, the dominant Japanese Hybrid worldwide, the new Honda Prius, it was simply no contest. Green Car Journal editor and publisher called it " the strongest field of nominees ever". Audi wants to pervade their idea of advanced clean diesel in North America, which typically offers an abundant amount of power at lower mpg and the A3 TDI is here to rectify the idea of sacrificing performance and luxury in order to be eco-friendly and efficient.

Audi A3, with a 2.0 liter turbocharged, DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine with TDI clean diesel common rail direct injection delivers 140hp, 236lb-ft torque with a top speed of 130 MPH and the ability to accelerate 0-60 mph in 8.9 second makes it more than enough for a "Green Car". The EPA estimated the A3 at 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway average - a 50 percent improvement over the gasoline alternative. The S Tronic quick shifting dual-clutch transmission ensures you are in gear the instant you select it, there is no loss of momentum, no loss of RPM, and at a mere 0.2 seconds between shifts, no lag between gears. According to Audi, the lightning fast transmission contributes to the fuel efficiency. Because there is no power flow interruption from engine to the transmission when you hit the gear, it results in a 10 percent more fuel efficiency compared to the 5-speed automatic. It excels in both urban driving and long strips and it proved its superior efficiency on all levels of automotive testing. Its high torque at low 1,750 rpm gives drivers a great diesel performance without deteriorating in the cleaner emissions. A4 is a entry-level luxury oriented vehicle, and that is invariably stated in the A4 inside with aluminum accents, standard leather upholstery and 10-speaker concert sound system completed with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. There is an array of other distinctive features such as 17 inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and a standard S line exterior sport appearance. There is more good news for eco-friendly lovers, A3 TDI is approved by Audi for operation on up to B5 biodiesel fuel. This car will be perfect for someone seeking a sporty, fuel efficient vehicle with an overtone of luxury. The final verdict is that the A3 is changing the way we think about luxury efficiency and performance , it brings together best of all factors between 2 axles and that is what makes it an all-in-all winning "Sportback".

Monday October 18th, Rentech, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: RTK) and Green Car of the Year Audi TDI A3 teamed-up to perform a 1,000 mile test drive spanning the length of California. The purpose was to test how Audi's clean diesel technology will perform on Rentech synthetic diesel, yes you heard right 'SYNTHETIC DIESEL". RenDiesel seems like the next best thing that can help America kill 2 birds with one stone, reduce Green House Gas emissions on a life cycle basis by as much as 97% over conventional diesel fuel, and also reduce fuel consumption in total, and make us less reliant on on foreign oil. RenDiesel also rates as having 60% more energy per gallon than ethanol. This synthetic diesel can be produced from natural gas, green waste and other organic material diverted from landfills, and Rentech is expecting to start commercial production in just few years. Over 1,000 miles the Audi A3 averaged at 43 mpg on the RenDiesel and proved that combining clean diesel technology with ultra-clean synthetic diesel can significantly reduce tailpipe emissions, increase efficiency and benefit everyone overall.

Out of 66 vehicles that earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award for 2011, Hyundai/Kia and Volkswagen/Audi came in first spot as manufacturers with 9 winners each. The rating of IIHS help consumers pick vehicles that have higher safety than standard federal requirement. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes and also the vehicles must have electronic stability control as a standard feature. Audi A3 TDI was one of the 15 mid-size vehicles that received IIHS TOP SAFETY Award in all crash tests performed. Already having the Green Car of The Year award under it's belt and now Top Safety award, Audi A3 TDI is an all in all winning car that should be considered as one of the best vehicles of 2010.

Midsize cars

Audi A3
Audi A4 sedan
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler 200 4-door
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Volvo C30