Audi expands its diesel car lineup

12:41PM EST November 29. 2012 - After touting its success with two diesel engine-powered models Audi is expanding its lineup to include four others.

The Q7 big crossover and the A3 subcompact TDI models now are to be joined by the A6 mid-size sedan, the sleek A7 hatchback four-door coupe, the A8 flagship sedan and the Q5 mid-size crossover, it was announced at the L.A. Auto Show.

Diesels are 30% more efficient than gas engines, said Scott Keogh, head of Audi in the U.S., in making the introductions. As he spoke, Audi kept a running tally of gallons of gas saved since 2009 when it started selling its first two diesel models. It started at 4,555,989 at the start of the press conference and finished at 4,583,773 in the 20 minutes that the press conference took.

Diesels, which Audi says now are as clean or cleaner than gas engines, have been generating about a third of Q7 sales and 55% of those of A3. There are 22,000 diesel Audi owners.

The three new models will save even more oil. For instance, Audi's A8 TDI, which is a full-size, should be able to achieve 24 miles a gallon in city driving, 36 mpg on the highway, according to the brand. That's up from the EPA rating of 18 and 28 for the gasoline-engine 2013 A8.