Just two months after first signaling an intention to release a compressed natural gas (CNG) model, German auto manufacturer, AUDI has released details of an A5 concept vehicle with natural gas engine. The concept AUDI A5 2,0 T-CNG been based on the TFSI engine, a turbo engine with gasoline direct injection, and according to Audi, emits approximately 20 per cent fewer CO2 emissions than a comparable gasoline fueled vehicle while only weighing 90 kilograms more.
A total of four aluminum lined composite CNG cylinders allows for on board storage of up to 21 kgs of CNG giving a driving range on CNG of 420 kms. A reserve gasoline tank allows for an additional 180 kms.
Engine performance for both fuels is reportedly the same, delivering 120 kW/163 HP and 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 228 km/h.
Audi is saying the production could commence as early as 2009 with a likely price premium of 3,000 – 4,000 Euro for the CNG version.
