Audi Sportback Concept. Click image to enlarge

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Audi Sportback Concept

Detroit, Michigan – Audi has unveiled the Sportback concept show car at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-door model offers a glimpse into Audi’s future design. With coupe-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the concept is “boldly progressive for the luxury class,” the company said.

The Sportback is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TDI clean diesel, which meets the emissions limits of all 50 U.S. states, and is expected to achieve fuel consumption figures of 5.9 L/100 km.

Audi said that its show car also signals the company’s determination not to limit Sportback versions to the compact segment. The company indicated that the Audi A1 Sportback concept, presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, marks the beginning of a dramatic expansion in the number of Sportback models on the market.

The Sportback’s TDI engine features an innovative temperature management system that diverts part of the coolant flow when the engine is warming up, improving efficiency. The fuel pump also runs only when there is demand for fuel. The engine is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission that has been equipped with transmission oil heating, so that it reaches its intended operating temperature much earlier and has a lower level of internal friction.