Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-audi-a3-tdi-green-car-of-the-year-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-audi-a3-tdi-green-car-of-the-year-los-angeles-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-audi-a3-tdi-green-car-of-the-year-los-angeles-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the LA Auto Show this morning, the Audi A3 TDI was crowned the 2010 Green Car of the Year, wresting the title away from last year's winner, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Even though three hybrids made this year's list of finalists, the A3's win marks the second year in a row that a TDI diesel car took top honors in the Green Car Journal competition.

The judges selection kind of meshes with AutoblogGreen readers, who overwhelmingly picked the VW Golf TDI from the list of five finalists. The other contenders were the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid (we still don't get why this car beat out the better-selling and nearly identical Ford Fusion Hybrid) and the Toyota Prius.

Each year, Green Car Journal picks the five finalists and then hands over selection duties to celebrity jurors (Jay Leno, Carroll Shelby, and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope, to name a few). During the award ceremony, Green Car Journal editor Ron Cogan said that the five finalists are notable because they are all mainstream vehicles that are available today. They exist because that's what the market is asking for. Whaddya think? Is the A3 TDI this year's rightful Green Car of the Year?


Gallery: Audi A3 TDI - 2010 Green Car of the Year


[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat

LA 2009: Audi A3 TDI named 2010 Green Car of the Year in diesel repeat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow2010 audi A32010 Audi a3 tdi2010AudiA32010AudiA3Tdia3a3 tdiA3Tdiaudiaudi a3audi a3 tdiaudi dieselAudiA3AudiA3TdiAudiDieseldieselgreen cargreen car journalgreen car of the yearGreenCarGreenCarJournalGreenCarOfTheYearla 2009la auto showla showla2009LaAutoShowLaShowlos angeleslos angeles 2009LosAngelesLosAngeles2009tdiThu, 03 Dec 2009 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/volkswagen-up-lite-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/volkswagen-up-lite-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/volkswagen-up-lite-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has just taken the cover off an all-new concept called the Up! Lite, a sinister looking diesel hybrid that gets (according to VW) 70 mpg combined. As in both City and Highway. Impressive, even if that only ends up being 90 percent accurate. In fact, should Volkswagen decide to green light the unfortunately named Up! Lite, it would be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly four seat vehicle on the planet. Again, if the Up! Lite comes to fruition, we'll all be impressed. Interestingly, this concept isn't the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly car on earth is because another Volkswagen -- the L1 from Frankfurt - is. But it only seats two.

Ready for the good parts? The aptly titled Up! Lite barely tips the scales at 1,530 pounds. There are Honda Goldwings flirting with that weight class. This svelteness is achieved via a mix of aluminum, lightweight steel and carbon fiber. For instance, the roof is made entirely from the expensive weave. And those amazing wheels consist of ten carbon-fiber spokes and an aluminum fairing. Nifty, no? The tiny, stylized winglettes replace conventional rearview mirrors and contain cameras instead of reflective glass. The same holds true for the interior mounted mirror, as has been replaced by a camera.

Up front, there's an active air dam that opens up as needed. The extra cooling will help out the TDI hybrid drive lifted from the two-seater L1. This 800cc powerplant transmits power to the wheels using a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Even though the diesel engine is teeny, when coupled to the electric motor, the Up! Lite can reach 100 mph and hit 60 mph in 12 seconds. Not fast by any means, but good enough - especially for an ultra-high mileage vehicle. And it can haul stuff, too - including humans. Unlike the Up! Concept we saw in Frankfurt, the Up! Lite seats four people, and with the rear seats folded, it can haul 30 cubic feet of stuff. Not bad at all.

Overall, we're pretty impressed by the looks and promise of the Up! Lite. In our estimation, there's absolutely nothing wrong with blending a Honda CRX with a Volvo C30. Will the Up! Lite ever make it to production? Who knows. VW claims the first Up!s(?) will go on sale in 2011. We get the sense that any future decision will be based on how the two-door Up! does. But we get the feeling the Up! Lite might give the people more of what they want. Official press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source:Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation

LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel hybridDieselHybridLA 2009LA Auto ShowLA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowlaautoshow2009LaShowUpUp LiteUp Lite ConceptUpLiteUpLiteConceptVolkswagenVolkswagen UpVolkswagen Up LiteVolkswagen Up Lite ConceptVolkswagenUpVolkswagenUpLiteVolkswagenUpLiteConceptWed, 02 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/spy-shots-mini-working-on-s-versions-of-cooper-clubman/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/spy-shots-mini-working-on-s-versions-of-cooper-clubman/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/spy-shots-mini-working-on-s-versions-of-cooper-clubman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy shooters posted outside Mini's testing facility in Germany snagged a duo of prototypes heading out for testing, but something seemed amiss. Both models -- a standard Cooper and a mildly camo'd Clubman -- sported the tell-tale exterior elements found on the S versions, specifically a central-mounted dual exhaust on the Cooper and the twin-tips and hood scoop on the Clubman. However, the exhaust note was decidedly diesel, causing us to wonder: Is Mini working on hotted-up S versions of its oil-burners?

If they are -- and we're not convinced either way -- then a Cooper S and Clubman S diesel would need to benefit from more than a few design tweaks and an uprated suspension. Considering that the standard Mini D puts out around 90 horsepower and the Cooper D boasts another 20 bhp, then these S-ified models could be packing upwards of 140 to 150 hp and, more importantly, over 200 lb.-ft. of torque from their 1.6-liter turbodiesels. If they do make it to dealers, we'd expect them to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe late next year.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Mini Cooper and Clubman S Diesel

Spy Shots: Mini working on diesel "S" versions of Cooper, Clubman? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cooperddieselminimini clubman diesel smini cooper diesel sMiniClubmanDieselSMiniCooperDieselSsspy shotsSpyShotsWed, 25 Nov 2009 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-AMG presses on with alternative energy powertrains]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/mercedes-amg-presses-on-with-alternative-energy-powertrains/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/mercedes-amg-presses-on-with-alternative-energy-powertrains/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/mercedes-amg-presses-on-with-alternative-energy-powertrains/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock - Click above for high-res image gallery

It could be argued that Mercedes-Benz' AMG division -- more than any other brand -- is culpable for perpetuating the horsepower wars. Not that we're complaining, mind you, but sooner or later, consumer demands for environmental responsibility will catch up even with these stratospheric performance automobiles. The power-crazed tuners at the Benz performance division can see the writing on the wall, and are reportedly preparing to do something about it. More than one thing, actually.

First up is the electric version of the SLS, AMG's first in-house developed product. Confirmation came this past summer that an electric SLS - with the equivalent of 526 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque on tap - would see production, although no launch date has been revealed at this point. There's no telling if the electric powertrain in the green gullwing will foreshadow the trickle-down effect into other vehicles, but we'd hardly be surprised.

What could end up powering more commonplace future AMG products, however, are diesel engines. The possibility was first mooted nearly two years ago, and confirmed as a possible course of action a bit over a year ago by AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg. According to the latest reports, AMG is still toying with the idea, but given the torque-heavy capacity of modern diesels - German ones, especially - we could be looking at oil-burning performance Mercedes before we know it.

[Source: What Car?]

Mercedes-AMG presses on with alternative energy powertrains originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Affalterbachamg dieselAmgDieseldieseldiesel amgDieselAmgelectric slselectric sls amgElectricSlsElectricSlsAmgMercdedes-benzmercedes amgmercedes-benz sls amgmercedes-benz sls amg electricMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedes-benzSlsAmgElectricMercedesAmgperformance dieselPerformanceDieselWed, 25 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/seat-dominates-with-second-consecutive-world-touring-car-champio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


SEAT World Touring Car Championship Team with the Leon TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you would have told us ten or twenty years ago that diesel would come to dominate motor racing, we probably would have laughed in your face. But since Audi charted new territory by dominating Le Mans with its R10 TDI, the competition benefits of burning oil is beyond reproach. Not satisfied to let diesel power dominate endurance sportscar racing, however, sister company SEAT picked up the mantle last year in the World Touring Car Championship with the Leon TDI.

As it turns out, running on diesel came to be a liability for SEAT as the WTCC reformatted the rules to reduce diesel's advantage. But the Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo (Spanish Touring Car Company) pulled together, rallied its team and went on to dominate the World Touring Car Championship for the second year in the row, clinching all three of the series titles this past weekend in Macau - China's closest approximation of Monaco and the final round in the championship.

SEAT won the manufacturers' title, outpacing rivals BMW by three small points and outshining Chevrolet (with their new Cruze-based touring car) and Lada. SEAT's main shoe, Gabriele Tarquini, clinched the drivers' title ahead of his teammate (and defending champion) Yvan Muller. As if that wasn't enough, privateer Tom Coronel drove his gasoline-powered Leon to secure the Independents Trophy as well, making it a resounding triple victory for SEAT and its WTCC crew. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: SEAT Leon TDI at WTCC Macau


[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship

SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselleonleon tdiLeonTdimacauseatseat leonseat leon tdiseat leon wtccSeatLeonSeatLeonTdiSeatLeonWtcctdiworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtccTue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/#comments
Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

As Audi begins to roll out the A3 TDI to its U.S. dealers in the coming weeks and the diesel version of the Q7 takes an ever larger share of sales, it's time to celebrate. This Fall marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the first ever TDI engine. TDI, for the uninitiated, stands for turbocharged-direct-injection, and refers to modern diesel engines from the Volkswagen group. Today's TDI technology has evolved from the 20 year-old 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the Audi 100.

Back then, the first TDI engines retained distributor type injector pumps, although the fuel was sprayed directly into the combustion chambers rather than a pre-chamber. Later, the company used something called Pumpe Düse - pump-injectors - for fuel delivery. This design integrated the high pressure pump and injector for each cylinder. These days, TDI uses common rail injection where a single pump pressurizes a single fuel rail that feeds all of the injectors. Regardless of the injector type, TDI has gone a long way towards improving the power output and reducing emissions of diesel engines. Audi and Volkswagen have built over five million TDI powerplants and remain committed to the technology. Congratulations on the double-decade milestone, guys.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi dieselaudi dieselsaudi tdiAudiDieselAudiDieselsAudiTdidieseltditdi 20th anniversaryTdi20thAnniversaryturbo direct injectionTurboDirectInjectionvolkswagenvolkswagen tdivolkswagen tdi engineVolkswagenTdiVolkswagenTdiEngineMon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BMW plans to offer four-cylinder diesels in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-bmw-plans-to-offer-four-cylinder-diesels-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-bmw-plans-to-offer-four-cylinder-diesels-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/report-bmw-plans-to-offer-four-cylinder-diesels-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BMW X5 xDrive35d - Click above for high-res image gallery

To mechanics of the Seventies, the phrase "Oldmobile 350 Diesel" is enough to cause heart palpitations. For many Americans, that particular engine was their first - and most definitely last - exposure to diesel. Doomed from the start by both a lack of a water-separator (you ever try compressing water?) and the head/headbolt pattern from the Olds 350 Rocket (which expanded from the heat of the non-compressible water), few engines have done more to destroy a brand's reputation quite as thoroughly as that engine. In many ways, General Motors is still paying for that corner cutting blunder.

But man, talk about unfair! First of all, those bad old GM diesels were designed and built over thirty years ago - much has changed. Furthermore, slightly more than half of all the cars sold in Europe today are glow-plugged oil burners. And diesel owners simply love their cars. Why not? Lots of torque, fantastic mileage and no spark plugs to change, ever. But we would be mistaken not to point out that there is a section of the automotive landscape still not smitten with diesels, despite all of these advancements. Who? Driving enthusiasts, that's who. Hey, it's hard to love a 4,500 rpm redline when all you want to do is pound it at 9/10s.

BMW is looking to change all that - at least partially. According to Erin Riches at Inside Line, the brand from Bavaria plans to introduce four-cylinder diesels mit turbos to the U.S. in a few years. Says Tom Baloga, vice president of engineering for BMW North America, "This engine needs to match the acoustic qualities of a six-cylinder, and it needs to match the performance, as well as performing better in terms of fuel economy and emissions."

You can expect to see these new engines in both the truckish X3 and X5, as well as the all important bread-und-butter 3 Series and maybe even the 5 Series. All we need to hear is the middle part, because if BMW puts the new four-banger turbodiesel in the 3 Series, the motor simply has to be sporty. Them's the rules. Note: the Inside Line article never explicitly mentions turbos, but does say, "Our four-cylinder diesel will be so good that people will readily accept it as a replacement for six-cylinders. The target is to produce enough horsepower to be comparable [in performance] to our N54/N55 six-cylinder turbos." So, obviously, these new diesel fours will get paired with some sort of forced induction goodness.

Can't wait? BMW already offers the stonking 335d in U.S. dealers right now.

Gallery: 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d


[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: BMW plans to offer four-cylinder diesels in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW DieselBmwDieselDieselDiesel BMWDieselBmwWed, 11 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 coming with four-cylinder turbodiesel, new V12 under development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/spy-shots-2011-audi-a8-coming-with-four-cylinder-turbodiesel-n/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Camouflaged prototypes of the 2011 Audi A8 have been caught running the Nurburgring, and accompanying these newest shots comes word that Audi's reworked flagship will be available with a host of new powerplants.

According to reports, Audi's range-topper will continue to be available with a W12, but it's expected to grow from 6.1- to 6.5-liters and exceed 500 horsepower -- 50 hp more than the outgoing twelve. Stepping down from that would be a supercharged V8 with more than 400 horsepower and a cylinder management system that could shut down up to four cylinders.

To really get the gas mileage going, however, Audi is reportedly working on a new 2.0-liter diesel with two turbos that pumps out more than 200 horsepower. If the new powerplant comes to market, it would match Mercedes-Benz' BlueEfficiency four-cylinder in the S-Class. The new A8 is expected to debut at the Detroit Auto Show this January, with sales beginning in late 2010.


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8


[Source: L'Automobile]

Spy Shots: 2011 Audi A8 coming with four-cylinder turbodiesel, new V12 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 a82011 audi a82011A82011AudiA8a8audiaudi a8AudiA8dieselspy shotsspy shots 2011 audi a8spy shots audi a8SpyShotsSpyShots2011AudiA8SpyShotsAudiA8Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-cheaper-5-series-gran-turismo-rules-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-cheaper-5-series-gran-turismo-rules-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-cheaper-5-series-gran-turismo-rules-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The famed automotive pot-stirrers at Autocar are at it again. According to two blurbs from the UK publication, BMW's new 5 Series Gran Turismo may spawn at least one less costly, less powerful variant, but a high-performance M version is apparently off the table.

On the fuel and financial economy front, Bimmer is reportedly considering adding four-cylinder powerplants to the controversial new five-door, including the 175 bhp diesel from the 320d. A twin-turbo diesel may also be in the cards. The fear here is that the premium-priced 5GT may in fact be priced too aggressively, as it stickers above a comparable 5 Series Touring model. In any case, we don't expect to see the less-powerful diesel Stateside, although we wouldn't be terribly suprised if the company chose to shoehorn in something like the twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel already on offer in the 335d.

On the M side of the equation, Autocar says that the gasoline V8-powered 550i will remain the pinnacle of the range, as BMW has "ruled out" a M-Technik variant. Given that BMW has recently seen fit to move M beyond traditional cars (see: X5 and X6) and that these higher performance models often have thicker margins attached, this strikes us as somewhat curious decision - especially as the 5GT figures to be the most dynamically promising of the bunch. This source also doesn't jibe with what we heard from BMW officials just last month when we drove the car in Portugal. At that time, the official line was that no decision had been made, but knowing glances and meek smiles seemed to indicate that things looked good for the model.

In other words, we'll believe it when we (don't) see it.


Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo


[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 Series5 Series GT5-Series5-Series GT5-seriesGt535i535iGT550i550iGT5Series5SeriesGtBimmerBMWBMW dieselBMW Gran turismoBMW Grand TurismoBMW MBMW MotorsportsBMW wagonBmwDieselBmwGrandTurismoBmwGranTurismoBmwMBmwMotorsportsBmwWagondieselGran TurismoGrand TurismoGrandTurismoGranTurismoM-technikMotorsportTue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda Sky D and Sky G engines -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mazda Sky D diesel and Sky G gasoline engines are meant to bring "everlasting blue sky" to oversee "sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Both utilize low-friction engine blocks, direct injection and piezo-electric injectors. The Sky G is fitted with a "highly functional variable valve timing mechanism," and the Sky D gets a 2-stage turbocharger besides.

Together with technologies such as the Sky Drive 6-speed transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking and lighter vehicles, these lumps will form the core of Mazda's goal of a 30% increase in fuel economy in the coming years. You can read more about them after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky D engine


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky G engine


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping

Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselEngineermazdaMazda SKYmazda sky dMazda SKY engineMazda SKY enginesmazda sky gMazdaSkyMazdaSkyDMazdaSkyEngineMazdaSkyEnginesMazdaSkyGsky dSky Digitalsky gSkyDSkyDigitalSkyGSkylinesustainable zoomsustainable zoom zoomSustainable Zoom-Zoomsustainable zoomzoomSustainableZoomSustainableZoom-zoomSustainableZoomZoomtechtechnologytokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: VW releases details on 2010 Golf, TDI up to 42 mpg hwy!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/officially-official-vw-releases-details-on-2010-golf-tdi-up-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/officially-official-vw-releases-details-on-2010-golf-tdi-up-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/officially-official-vw-releases-details-on-2010-golf-tdi-up-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Volkswagen Golf - click above for high-res image gallery

Several weeks ago, a tipster stumbled across the web page for the 2010 Golf buried in Volkswagen's consumer website, giving us a preview of the some of the details of the U.S.-spec MK VI model. VW has now made that information official including pricing, options and EPA mileage numbers.

For 2010, U.S. Golf buyers will be able to choose from two engine options, the old 2.5-liter inline-five carried over from the MK V model and the 2.0-liter TDI that debuted last year in the Jetta. Gas engined Golfs have a starting tab of $17,490, and the better equipped TDI kicks off at $21,990. Why "better equipped," you ask? All TDI Golfs receive a new uplevel touch-screen audio system with Sirius satellite radio and mobile device interface. Diesels also get a special lowered sport suspension as standard fit. Unlike the 2009 Jetta TDI, DSG-equipped Golfs will also get steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

For 2010, Volkswagen has also managed to eek out improved EPA numbers,with the manual gas Golf getting a 22/30 mpg rating. The manual diesel reaches 30/41 mpg while the DSG diesel achieves 31/42 mpg - up 2 mpg from the 2009 Jetta.


Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf


[Source: Volkswagen]

Officially Official: VW releases details on 2010 Golf, TDI up to 42 mpg hwy! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 volkswagen2010 volkswagen golf2010 Volkswagen golf tdi2010 vw2010 vw golf2010Volkswagen2010VolkswagenGolf2010VolkswagenGolfTdi2010Vw2010VwGolfdieselTDIFri, 02 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/spy-shots-citroen-c-cactus-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/spy-shots-citroen-c-cactus-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/spy-shots-citroen-c-cactus-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Images assumed to be the final take on the Citroen C-Cactus have found their way online, and there is a whole lotta ugly going on up front. When we heard Citroen was actually going to make a production car based on the concept we wrote "let's just hope they don't keep too much of the melted-candle look." Thankfully, they didn't.

But what they did was squash the front end of the Citroen GT, add some Nissan-esque headlights and enough curvy shut lines to confuse a protractor, then topped it off with some Klingon forehead bulges running from hood to fenders. Then they gave it a tiny body and rested the package on little wheels. If nothing else, it is arresting.

Touted as a city car, the C-Cactus -- about the size of a Sandero -- would offer three powerplants: a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gas engine with 90 hp; a 1.4-liter diesel hybrid; and an electric car. This car could also be the first in Citroen's Essentielle sub-brand of Eco cars which are, according to latest reports, due to roll out in 2012.

[Source: Auto Internationaal via Euro Car Blog]

Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetc-cactuscitroencitroen c-cactuscitroen c-cactus conceptcitroen c-cactus productionCitroenC-cactusCitroenC-cactusConceptCitroenC-cactusProductiondieselelectricessentielleeuropefalsehatchbackhybridThu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has kicked off its latest efficiency marathon in northern Norway this week with a fleet of A3, A4, A5, Q7 and TT models to demonstrate what they can do in the real world. Leading the pack in terms of minimal fuel consumption is the new A3 1.6 TDI. On the road in Norway in the opening stage, the drivers managed to squeeze out an astounding 78.4 mpg average from the 1.6-liter diesel engine. Next up was the A4 2.0 TDI e sedan, which went an average of 60.3 miles on every gallon (U.S.) of diesel.

In addition to the high efficiency models, Audi also opted to include several high performance models this time around to show that even they can get very good fuel efficiency when driven sedately. The 340-horsepower TT-RS averaged 32.22 mpg, while the utterly absurd Q7 V12 TDI with its 500 horsepower diesel V12 managed a startling 27.03 mpg. That's nearly as good as what we achieved with the V6-powered Q7 TDI on last year's U.S. Mileage Marathon, so it's not too shabby for a big SUV that would probably pull a house off of its foundation


Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)!

Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (U.S.)! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi a3audi a3 tdiaudi a4audi a5audi a5 sportbackaudi efficiciency challengeaudi efficiencyaudi efficiency marathonaudi q7audi q7 dieselaudi q7 tdiaudi q7 v12 tdiAudi TDiaudi ttaudi tt rsaudi tt tdiaudi tt-rsAudiA3AudiA3TdiAudiA4AudiA5AudiA5SportbackAudiEfficiciencyChallengeAudiEfficiencyAudiEfficiencyMarathonAudiQ7AudiQ7DieselAudiQ7TdiAudiQ7V12TdiAudiTdiAudiTtAudiTt-rsAudiTtRsAudiTtTdidieselMPGTDIFri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel delivers torque and efficiency with negligible compromise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/quick-spin-2009-porsche-cayenne-diesel-delivers-torque-and-effi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/quick-spin-2009-porsche-cayenne-diesel-delivers-torque-and-effi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/quick-spin-2009-porsche-cayenne-diesel-delivers-torque-and-effi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche sells no fewer than seven different Cayenne models in the U.S. All share the same unibody platform and permanent all-wheel drive system, but each is differentiated by its powerplant, brakes, suspension, and accessory list. Whether you are a blasé soccer mom or an exec hell-bent on embarrassing the dude in the sports car at the traffic light, if you're willing to write the check, Porsche has a Cayenne model with your name on it.

The selection is generous, but there is something missing from the mix. As of right now, all North American-bound models have an appetite for premium unleaded fuel. With the price of high-test wavering on the expensive side, Porsche has been diligently engineering hybrid and diesel-powered Cayenne models to significantly reduce pain at the pump.

While the automaker has announced the sale of Hybrid Cayenne next year, it's on the fence about offering the diesel model on this side of the Atlantic. Proudly showing off its latest wares, and teasing us with what we can't have, Porsche let us sample a Euro-spec Cayenne Diesel model... on our own turf.


Gallery: Quick Drive: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel


Continue reading Quick Spin: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel delivers torque and efficiency with negligible compromise

Quick Spin: 2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel delivers torque and efficiency with negligible compromise originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Porsche2009 Porsche Cayenne2009 Porsche Cayenne Diesel2009Porsche2009PorscheCayenne2009PorscheCayenneDiesel2010 Porsche Cayenne Diesel2010PorscheCayenneDieselCayenne DieselCayenneDieselClean-burning DieselClean-burningDieselDieselDiesel powerDieselPowerfalsePorsche Cayenne DieselPorsche DieselPorscheCayenneDieselPorscheDieselureaurea bluetecurea injectionUreaBluetecUreaInjectionThu, 24 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Aural evidence new Ford 6.7L Scorpion diesel is quieter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/video-aural-evidence-new-ford-6-2l-scorpion-diesel-is-quieter/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/video-aural-evidence-new-ford-6-2l-scorpion-diesel-is-quieter/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/video-aural-evidence-new-ford-6-2l-scorpion-diesel-is-quieter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Click above to view the video after the jump

Ford will officially unveil its revised 2011 Super Duty pickups Thursday at the State Fair of Texas, and the all-new, Ford-designed and produced 6.7-liter Power Stroke (aka Scorpion) diesel is the star of the show. We've already given you the details on the Scorpion, as well as a description of how quiet it is, and now Ford has now posted a video of one of the diesels on a dynamometer switching from the old single injection pulse control to the new multi-pulse strategy.

The difference in sound levels is quite startling. By splitting the fuel delivery into multiple pulses (and ignition events) the pressure impulse on the piston is flattened out and spread over a larger time, mitigating the knocking sound. The new engine will be available in production trucks in the second quarter of 2010 and you can check it out for yourself in the video after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Aural evidence new Ford 6.7L Scorpion diesel is quieter

VIDEO: Aural evidence new Ford 6.7L Scorpion diesel is quieter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>common rail dieselCommonRailDieseldieseldiesel noiseDieselNoisefalsefordpower strokepower stroke dieselpower stroke motorsPowerStrokePowerStrokeDieselPowerStrokeMotorsscorpionscorpion diesel noisescorpion diesel v8ScorpionDieselNoiseScorpionDieselV8Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-audi-3-0-tdi-clean-diesel-quattro-would-mak/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-audi-3-0-tdi-clean-diesel-quattro-would-mak/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-audi-3-0-tdi-clean-diesel-quattro-would-mak/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Audi A4 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel Quattro

The 3.0-liter, 240-hp diesel that first served in the Audi Q7 has been assigned to duty in the Audi A4. We drove the 3.0 in the Q7 during last year's Audi Mileage Marathon, and both mileage and power didn't disappoint. Put into the A4, the oil burner with 369 lb-ft should shine like Alpha Centauri.

Audi says it will get you to sixty in 6.2 seconds with the six-speed Tiptronic and return 35 mpg at the same time as it already meets the Euro 6 standards coming in 2014. It's unlikely we'll get the treat in this corner of the Western Hemisphere, but that doesn't mean we won't keep looking out for it... especially as an Avant... with those wheels...


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi A4 3.0 TDI


Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S.

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 audi2010 audi a42010 audi a4 3.0 tdi2010 audi a4 3.0 tdi clean diesel quattro2010Audi2010AudiA42010AudiA43.0Tdi2010AudiA43.0TdiCleanDieselQuattroa4a4 3.0A43.0audiaudi a4audi a4 3.0audi a4 3.0 tdiAudiA4AudiA43.0AudiA43.0Tdidieselfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowluxuryquattrosedantdiWed, 16 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW planning special-edition X5 xDrive35d as model turns 10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/bmw-planning-special-edition-x5-xdrive35d-as-model-turns-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/bmw-planning-special-edition-x5-xdrive35d-as-model-turns-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/bmw-planning-special-edition-x5-xdrive35d-as-model-turns-10/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


BMW X5 10-Year Edition -- Click above for high-res image gallery

To celebrate ten years of X5 sales, BMW is introducing an xDrive35d 10-Year Edition X5. The special edition SUV gets unique wheels, aluminum trim, and a panoramic glass sunroof, along with Nappa leather, comfort seats, and BMW Individual Piano Black trim inside.

There will be just 2,000 of the 10-Year Editions made, with 200 of them going to the UK. The diesel has been a huge mover on the isle, making up 95% of volume. If you want one you can get it now for an out-the-door price of £53,075 ($88,507 U.S.). If you just want to get a better look at it, there's a press release after the jump and high-res photos below.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW planning special-edition X5 xDrive35d as model turns 10

BMW planning special-edition X5 xDrive35d as model turns 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 bmw x52009 x52009BmwX52009X5bmwbmw x5bmw xdrive35d 10-year editionBmwX5BmwXdrive35d10-yearEditiondiesellimited editionLimitedEditionspecial editionSpecialEditionsuvukx35dFri, 11 Sep 2009 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Audi of America president de Nysschen calls Chevy Volt "a car for idiots," slams electric vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-audi-of-america-president-de-nysschen-calls-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-audi-of-america-president-de-nysschen-calls-chevy-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/report-audi-of-america-president-de-nysschen-calls-chevy-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen is a big fan of diesels (no surprise), and during a recent chat with veteran auto journo Lawrence Ulrich, de Nysschen imparted a few choice morsels on the pitfalls of electric cars, with an extra helping of wrath aimed at the Chevrolet Volt.

To start, he said the Volt is "a car for idiots." Adding that they're too expensive and, "No one is going to pay a $15,000 premium for a car that competes with a (Toyota) Corolla. So there are not enough idiots who will buy it." He predicted that the Volt will fall flat, which will cause the federal government to step in and subsidize the Volt in order to save face and boost sales.

And what about pure electric vehicles? According to de Nysschen, "they're for the intellectual elite who want to show what enlightened souls they are." Maybe de Nysschen should check with the corporate mothership on that last point, considering Audi's set to unveil its own EV concept this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Whoops.

[Source: MSN Exhaust Notes | Image: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading REPORT: Audi of America president de Nysschen calls Chevy Volt "a car for idiots," slams electric vehicles

REPORT: Audi of America president de Nysschen calls Chevy Volt "a car for idiots," slams electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi dieselAudiDieselchevy voltChevyVoltco2 emissionsCo2Emissionscoal powerCoalPowerdieseljohan de nysschenJohanDeNysschenvoltThu, 03 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/frankfurt-preview-audi-to-intro-clean-a4-tdi-a3-tfsi-coming-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/frankfurt-preview-audi-to-intro-clean-a4-tdi-a3-tfsi-coming-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/frankfurt-preview-audi-to-intro-clean-a4-tdi-a3-tfsi-coming-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi A4 TDI - click above for a high-res image gallery

Audi will be launching at least three new models next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, two of which seem like they have a good chance of coming to North America and one that doesn't. The A4 TDI clean diesel will make its debut at the German show with the latest edition of the firm's 3.0-liter diesel V6. While the TDI V6 has been available in the current generation A4 since it launched early last year, the new one adds the same 2,000 BAR common rail fuel system and urea injection found on the Q7 and VW Touareg now available in the U.S. market. The V6 TDI A4 has always seemed like a natural fit for the torque loving American market and it now seems likely to arrive, especially since the gas V6 was discontinued for 2010. In sedan form, it's rated at 34.6 mpg (U.S.) which is consistent with what we've seen driving the existing A4.

The A3 gets a new 1.2-liter TFSI (turbocharged and direct injected) gas engine with 105 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. This little engine gets the A3 to 42.8 mpg (U.S.) although the 0-62 mph time is a more relaxed 11.1 seconds. This one could probably pass U.S. emissions with ease, but given Audi's premium position in the market, they are less likely to offer it here anytime soon.

Finally, Audi will also publicly show the new A5 Sportback which it has already said will not be offered in the States. The five-door hatch A5 will get the same 333 hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 going into the new S4 to start, but it will also likely get the other engines available in the A4/A5 eventually.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2008 Audi A4 3.0 TDI Quattro


[Source: Audi]
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America?

Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi a3 tfsiaudi a4audi a4 clean dieselaudi a4 tdi clean dieselaudi a5 sportbackAudiA3TfsiAudiA4AudiA4CleanDieselAudiA4TdiCleanDieselAudiA5Sportbackclean dieselCleanDieseldieselfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt auto showfrankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowurea injectionUreaInjectionFri, 28 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra's 30-mpg diesel-powered Pik-Up gets driven]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindras-30-mpg-diesel-powered-pik-up-gets-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindras-30-mpg-diesel-powered-pik-up-gets-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindras-30-mpg-diesel-powered-pik-up-gets-driven/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com got a chance to drive the Mahindra Pik-Up regular cab with a 7-foot bed and lived to say rather good things about it. He drove the 2.5-liter diesel spec that is a generation behind what we'll get here, so actual driving impressions are moot.

The real story was the impressive discoveries tempered by the mild question marks: the diesel sounds good, shifting into third is a bit tricky; visibility is fantastic but the interior is a bit tight; the bed is good for swallowing loads, but the external tie-downs and styling are a little dated.

And with commendable NVH in its favor, Levine rated the Pik-Up "a truck that could function as a daily driver as well as a workhorse." We're not sure we'd want to test the 5,000-pound towing capacity, but as The Little Truck That Could, it sounds like it's all right. Follow the link to read all about it.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mahindra's 30-mpg diesel-powered Pik-Up gets driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselindiamahindramahindra pik-upMahindraPik-uppik-upreviewtruckThu, 27 Aug 2009 15:42:00 EST