With the recent announcement of a soon-coming plug-in hybrid diesel vehicle, next year will be a big year for Audi.

Using an electric motor and a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, Audi will dive into the ultra-efficient world of plug-in diesel power. The automaker will outfit its Q line of SUVs as well as the A8 flagship sedan. If the rumors are correct, the new Q7, already scheduled to go on sale next year with gasoline- and diesel-powered engines, will be the first vehicle to feature the technology.

Regardless, Audi's technical development chief, Ulrich Hackenberg, confidently told Automotive News the new drivetrain would be introduced at some point next year.

He also stated, "Diesel will remain one of the core values in Vorsprung durch Technik [“Progress through Technology”]; we are putting our money in it;" adding “the hybrid will be another argument to go for diesel in the U.S."

Audi is clearly committed to developing its diesel engines, planning to launch another new diesel-powered engine in the near future. This time, the engine will incorporate an e-booster electric turbocharger. It has been confirmed the engine will become available for the Q7.

Of course, you can count on us at Jim Ellis Audi Marietta to continue tracking Audi's engine developments. We certainly have some great new technology to look forward to in the coming year!