Diesels->ke1917 seem to be breaking their oil-burning, noisy, smokey stigmas that have haunted them for decades as more and more automakers are now offering clean diesels in their lineups. The latest huge influx of diesel models hails from Audi->ke14.

The German automaker, which is owned by Volkswagen->ke94 Group, has announced a huge diesel push with 11 new TDI “Ultra” models, including the new A6 TDI Ultra detailed here. For starters, the "Ultra" in the TDI Ultra name is Audi’s designation for sustainable mobility that is fully available for everyday use -- a long explanation for a TDI A6 that gets darn good fuel mileage while not hindering its common usability.

The heart of the matter is a 2.0-liter, four cylinder diesel that produces 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque that pushes the A6 from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds while achieving 53 mpg highway. With stats like that, we don’t mind hugging trees and filing up next to big rigs. Keeping all those trees happy, however, is Audi’s high efficiency SCR system that removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust. The new system also lets the A6 pass the stringent Euro 6 emission standards with ease.

Backing the 2.0-liter TDI are two optional transmissions: a six-speed manual transmission is standard, followed by the optional seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic automatic. However, opting for the slap-paddle gearbox shoots the A6’s price up €2,250 -- roughly $3,000 at the current exchange rates -- making rowing your own gears sound evermore attractive.

Furthering the A6->ke934’s efficiency is the standard start-stop system and driver information center that helps keep track of good driving behavior.

Pricing for the A6 Avant TDI Ultra starts at €42,250 (about$57,000 at today’s exchange rates) and the A6 sedan TDI Ultra starts a little lower at €39,900 (around $54,000). Sales will begin sometime in the first quarter of 2014 and there are no plans yet to release any Ultra models in the U.S.

Click past the jump to read more about the standard Audi A6.

2014 Audi A6 TDI Ultra

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Audi A6 TDI Ultra
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 190
  • Torque: 295 @ 1750
  • Transmission: seven-speed S tronic, six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Audi A6

The standard A6 is a beautiful car through and through. Classic Audi lines exude class and elegance, while the same feel abounds throughout the cabin. Competing against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class->ke373 and BMW 5 Series->ke317, the A6 definitely has its work cut out here in the U.S. market.

The A6 is powered by several engine options. The standard 2.0-liter I-4 produces 220 horsepower and is mated to a CVT. Up market from that is the same 220-horsepower engine but mated to an eight-speed automatic that sends power to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Topping the list in for the gasoline-powered models is the 3.0-liter, supercharged V-6 kicking out 310 horsepower that comes standard with the eight-speed and quattro AWD.

The standard diesel option still exists and consists of Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V-6 making 240 horsepower. The eight-speed and quattro are standard fare here as well.

Pricing for the A6 starts at $43,100 for the base 2.0-liter FWD CVT model. Selecting the eight-speed and Quattro with the 2.0-liter pushes the price to $45,200. The 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 starts at $55,100 and the 3.0-liter TDI starts out at $57,500.