AUBURN HILLS, MI – Audi will be introducing the new, clean version of its TDI diesel engine in Europe and the United States beginning mid-2008 — an engine it claims will be the cleanest diesel in the world, according to Motor Trend magazine.

And according to Edmunds.com, in addition to unveiling its diesel-powered “e” models, the manufacturer will also develop “hybrid systems for a number of model series.”

Exceeding new stringent European emissions regulations as well as the Tier2/Bin5 regulations mandated in such U.S. states as California and New York, the 3.0L V-6 TDI will be available in all 50 states. Audi said the engine will feature 240 horsepower with 369 pound-feet of torque and 406 pound-feet of torque in the A4 sedan and Q7 SUV, respectively. Audi will be expanding its diesel lineup to include other vehicles by 2010. The new diesel technology includes combustion-chamber sensors that enable even more precise regulation of the combustion processes in the engine.

The automaker also noted that “many Audi TDI and TFSI models will in future deploy an innovative power management system that capitalizes on coasting and braking phase by recuperating and storing electrical power. Furthermore, a next-generation start-stop system is currently being developed which lives up to Audi’s standards of comfort,” according to edmunds.com.