Following its debut at Australian International Motorshow on 11 October 2007, the Audi A3 Sportback 1.9 TDI e will take part in the 2007 Panasonic Solar Challenge ‘Greenfleet’ fuel economy class, driving from Darwin to Adelaide from 21 – 28 October 2007.

The new A3 Sportback 1.9 e is the latest generation of highly fuel efficient vehicles from Audi, developed as a result of the brand’s desire to achieve maximum efficiency for everyday driving situations.

The car will be put to the test when it leaves Darwin on 21 October 2007 to travel 3500km to Adelaide. Official fuel stops along the route will record and ultimately determine how efficiently the vehicles travel.

Swimming legend and Audi Ambassador Ian Thorpe will take part in the challenge when he drives the A3 into Adelaide on 27 October 2007. Port Adelaide Football Club legend, Warren Tredrea will also take to the wheel during the epic journey.

The Audi A3 e model is one of four new models which have been rapidly developed to demonstrate how seriously the company takes the issue of reducing fuel consumption and saving resources, and its commitment to providing workable solutions.

Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann said “For Audi the issue of fuel consumption has long been a focus of our technical development and as a result we have managed to employ advanced technological innovations to achieve a lasting increase in efficiency.”

“The Audi A3 1.9 TDI e model is a demonstration of our commitment to reducing fuel consumption and saving resources. As such, I am confident that the vehicle will excel in the Greenfleet division of the Panasonic solar challenge.” Mr Hofmann continued.

Team Audi will be in the following towns on the following dates: