Audi plans major diesel offensive in U.S. - first e-tron coming in 2013

During Audi's annual press conference, the company revealed some interesting details about their future product lineup in the United States.

First and foremost, Audi plans to offer diesel engines in the A6, A8, and Q5. This is in addition to the TDI engines that are currently available in the A3 and Q7. Sadly, a diesel won't be offered in the A4 until the redesigned model is launched in 2014 or 2015.

Lastly, the company will sell an e-Tron in early 2013.  Nothing is official, but there is speculation that it could be the R8 e-Tron which would arrive just in time to battle the BMW i8 and Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell.

As we have previously reported, the R8 e-Tron protoype features a 42.4 kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to four electric motors that produce a combined 308 hp (230 kW / 312 PS) and 4,500 Nm (3,319 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, hit a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph), and travel 248 km (154 miles) on a single charge.