The engine ancillaries offer tremendous potential for efficiency. A new generation of oil pumps, which Audi employs in a number of models, are an important component. Smaller in terms of delivery rate, these volumetric-flow-controlled oil pumps operate only as required, and no longer need to circulate oil continuously.

Combustion engines are subject to friction losses, in which a portion of the power disappears in the mechanical interaction of the engine components. The greatest losses occur in the crankshaft – at the pistons with their sealing rings, at the connecting rod bearings and at the main bearings of the crankshaft.

The novel thermal management system, an innovation from Audi in many engines, lowers fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. Rather than being circulated, the coolant remains still during the warm-up phase so that the engine oil quickly reaches its operating temperature of between 80 and 120 degrees Celsius (between 176 and 248 degrees Fahrenheit). This significantly shortens the phase of greater frictional resistance due to viscous oil in the crankshaft drive and valve gear.

Many engines in many Audi models operate in conjunction with a standard start-stop system. In terms of drivetrains, there are practically no limitations: manual transmissions are just as well suited for this technology as automatic transmissions.