Autoblog

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

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:41:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

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.

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SEAT dominates with second consecutive World Touring Car Championship

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, China, SEAT, Diesel

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.

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All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

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

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.

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Officially Official: VW releases details on 2010 Golf, TDI up to 42 mpg hwy!

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

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.

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

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel

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.

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

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.

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2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

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

For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf name used in the rest of the world's markets. The European hatchbacks will begin arriving in the U.S. in the coming weeks, beginning with the GTI. The standard Golf will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that arrived last year in the Jetta TDI. Although they aren't linked to from the main VW site, new GTI and Golf websites are now live and include TDI information, specs and pricing.

The base two-door, 2.5-liter gas-powered Golf starts at $17,490 and the four-door will command $19,190. Like the Jetta, TDI models come with a higher level of equipment and therefore start at $21,990 and $22,590 with a six-speed manual gearbox. The new GTI, meanwhile, starts at $23,290.

What's interesting are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen website lists both the manual and DSG versions of the new Golf TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However, a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows that the Golf TDI rates even better at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level of improvement over the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. Thanks to Jay for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

[Source: Volkswagen]

2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hoping to snag a Jetta TDI with your clunker cash? Sorry, you may be too late!

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Volkswagen, Diesel

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen - click above for high-res image gallery

Undoubtedly, one vehicle with the potential to profit handsomely from this week's expected rush by Americans to unload old gas guzzlers for newer, more thrifty vehicles is Volkswagen's Jetta TDI. With owners reporting typical real-world mileage of around 35-40 mpg along with superior dynamics to most hybrids and relatively sedate pricing, the Jetta TDI seems perfectly positioned to grab a lot of attention. Unfortunately for Volkswagen dealers, though, it just ain't happening. You see, there are virtually no Jetta TDIs to be had anywhere, especially if you were hoping to get a Sportwagen.

Bringing the story closer to home, this author has personally been out shopping the last several days in search of a TDI Sportwagen to replace the wife's nine-year old Passat (which unfortunately doesn't quite qualify for clunker status) - all to no avail. After checking with local dealers and calling showrooms all over Michigan and Ohio, there simply are no TDI wagons. Anything still on the lot already has a deposit check tied to it and the few still on trucks are also accounted for. A few sedans apparently remain, but they seem likely to go fast as well.

According to the salesman at Howard Cooper Volkswagen in Ann Arbor, the problem is that the 2009 model run has expired and Germany takes the month of August off. As a result, no diesel engines will be shipped to Mexico in August, so VW's Puebla plant can't assemble more cars to meet demand.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen

Hoping to snag a Jetta TDI with your clunker cash? Sorry, you may be too late! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Wagon, Volkswagen, Diesel

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales and a whopping 81% of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder.

Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40% were diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41% overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29% of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69% in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September, including a TDI - and if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could see a huge sales spike as well.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Diesel TDI model grabs 81% of VW Jetta Sportwagen sales in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Torque, No Action: Audi reportedly cancels R8 TDI

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Audi, Diesel

Audi R8 TDI Le Mans concept - Click above for a hi-res image gallery

If anyone could have done a diesel supercar, it would have been Audi. After achieving utter domination in Le Mans racing with its R10 TDI, the German automaker unveiled two successive turbodiesel concept versions of the R8 supercar at the Detroit show and then at the Geneva salon in 2008. But after whetting our appetites for an oil-burning supercar with instant power delivery and endless reserves of torque, Audi has reportedly canceled development of its R8 TDI program.

Apparently, the R8 was not originally designed to accommodate the company's enormous V12 turbodiesel engine, and re-engineering the car was proving far too costly for Audi to justify under these financial circumstances, especially when the American market, which accounts for 1/3rd of R8 sales, is marred by diesel prices that are higher than gas. Fortunately Audi's already given us the 5.2-liter V10 FSI and has the convertible version in the works, but a diesel R8 just isn't in the cards.

Gallery: Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

Gallery: Audi R8 TDI Le Mans

[Source: Auto Express]

All Torque, No Action: Audi reportedly cancels R8 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, SEAT

2009 Seat Ibiza FR and Cupra Leon - Click either image above for a hi-res gallery

Variety, so they say, is the spice of life. So while American fans of Volkswagen's hot hatches have nothing to complain about, none could be blamed for pining for the alternative options that the German auto group offers overseas. The company's Spanish subsidiary Seat doesn't sell stateside altogether, which is a bit of a shame, because Seats offer compelling packages with a bit more flavor than their VW counterparts, often with more power and at a lower cost, too. (Think Pontiac vs. Chevrolet with a bit more Mediterranean flavor and you're halfway there.) Case in point the revised Leon Cupra and new Ibiza FR which the company will be unveiling next month at its home-market Barcelona Motor Show (which, incidentally, was evidently not canceled).

Although the Leon Cupra is ostensibly the same model as the one it replaces, Seat has added a few extra touches. Fortunately, the engines - 2.0-liter turbo fours in either 208 horsepower TSI trim (VeeDub-speak for gasoline turbo) or 168 hp TDI (turbo diesel) guise - carry over, but both are now mated to Seat's new XDS electronic differential, and complimented by a series of adjustments to the exterior and interior styling. Outside, the front fascia is more aggressive, the rear bumper gets a faux-diffuser black insert, the side mirror housings are blacked out and the ride height has been dropped slightly. Inside everything's all black and brushed aluminum. We had a chance to drive the Leon Cupra last year and found it to be a slick ride, if suffering slightly from torque steer that the e-diff should help clear up.

Joining the revised Leon Cupra is the FR version of its little brother, the Ibiza. Slotting in below the new top-of-the-line Ibiza Cupra, the FR offers a compelling package with the VW Group's new 1.4-liter twincharger, packing both supercharger and turbocharger to deliver 148 hp, mated to a standard-equipment seven-speed DSG with paddle shifters. A host of electronic aids keeps everything in check, while the FR (Seat's second-tier sport trim) benefits from a variety of sporty touches which you can read about more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Seat Leon Cupra

Gallery: 2009 Seat Ibiza FR

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR

Barcelona Preview: Seat reveals new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Bentley Arnage to feature Audi turbo-diesel

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Green, Audi, Bentley, Rumormill

Bentley Arnage Final Series - Click above for high-res gallery

Bentley has long been rumored to be considering the use of diesel engines. The torquey oil-burners would enable Crewe to continue offering the kind of freight-train muscle for which it has become known while living up to the mandate of offering improved fuel economy, and, with the latest developments in particulate filter technology, reduce carbon emissions, as well. The company's marriage to Audi, which has carved out a nice niche for itself in diesel propulsion, seems to be a match made in motor heaven, and now reports suggest that, at long last, the marriage is set to be consummated with the next Arnage sedan.

According to the latest output from the ever-churning rumor-mill, the replacement for the aging Arnage will employ a version of the V12 turbo-diesel used in the current Audi Q7 TDI. With 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, the twelve-cylinder oil-burner would prove an ideal power-plant for the big saloon, and could get an even higher output version to join the half-century-old 6 ¾-liter V8 found in 530-horsepower trim in the current Brooklands, all while Bentley continues to toy with ethanol-burning variants of its W12 as previewed in the Continental Supersports show car unveiled just days ago at the Geneva Motor Show and Her Majesty's State Limousine.

Gallery: Bentley Arnage Final Series

[Source: 4wheelsnews]

REPORT: Next Bentley Arnage to feature Audi turbo-diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

John Neff — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Volkswagen, Reviews

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

The car as we know it is being redefined. Hybrids have reintroduced electrons to the driving experience, and the rumble, shake and shimmy of the internal combustion engine is being muffled and, in some cases, even silenced by cars like the Toyota Prius, 2011 Chevy Volt and Tesla Roadster.

For us to continue harnessing the energy of combustion under our hoods, we need to go much further on a gallon of fuel. Enter Volkswagen and the diesel-powered passenger cars it's been selling in the U.S. since the late '70s, the latest of which is the 2009 Jetta TDI. Follow the jump to find out how VW's newest diesel fares against the electrified future of the automobile.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Continue reading Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Mileage Marathon: Day 1 down, Cleveland here we come!

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Audi

Click above for high-res gallery from day 1 of the mileage marathon

One day down, oh so many to go! Actually, only six more days for me as we prepare to leave Capitol Hill this morning on our way to hook up with Autoblog team captain and coach Mr. Neff in his hometown. Over the first day my co-driver Jason Allen from Kelley Blue Book and myself managed to cover the 250 miles from Central Park to Capitol Hill with a fuel consumption of just 28.8 mpg! Not too shabby for for a 5,400-lb SUV. Along the way we spent nearly 40 minutes covering the few miles from the Tavern on the Green to the George Washington Bridge along with a hefty backup just north of DC. For anyone that's used to sitting next to Cummins-powered Ram or Power Stroke Super Duty at light, the level of quiet and refinement in these modern diesels is just startling. This diesel Q7 actually seems quieter than the gasoline powered version. Elsewhere in the fleet there were even more impressive mileage numbers. The Audi A3 piloted by youngsters Denise McCluggage and Kate McLeod got 46.7 miles from every gallon of diesel and Todd Kaho averaged 40.1 mpg in an A4 sedan with the same 3.0 TDI that's in this Q7. Stay tuned for more updates as we head westward.

Gallery: Audi Mileage Marathon: Day 1

Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

Continue reading Audi Mileage Marathon: Day 1 down, Cleveland here we come!

Audi Mileage Marathon: Day 1 down, Cleveland here we come! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Alex Nunez — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Audi

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi Q7 V12 TDI

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is set to launch (but not here in the U.S.), and it's just the thing to give that annoying neighbor with his fancy VW Touareg V10 TDI a debilitating inferiority complex. 500 horsepower and approximately enough torque to counter-rotate the Earth (758 lb-ft) come standard on Audi's diesel monster. 21-inch wheels mask carbon ceramic brakes, LED running lamps help light the way, and the interior is a festival of dead cow, TV screens, and Alcantara, all trimmed neatly in aluminum and carbon fiber. If we were, say, Russian gangsters, we'd totally be driving one of these. (Except Neff, who would undoubtedly, stubbornly continue rolling in the Alero.) In conjunction with the launch, Audi dumped a slew of new pictures on its media site, so here they are. Click away.

Gallery: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Pics Aplenty: Audi Q7 V12 TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All VW and Mercedes diesels eligible for tax credit

Michael Harley — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Green, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen

We knew last month that the Jetta TDI was qualified for the tax credit. Now, word is out that all of the new-generation clean diesels for Volkswagen (TDI) and Mercedes-Benz (Bluetec) will be joining the elite handful of vehicles that qualify for a federal alternative-powertrain tax credit. Formerly reserved for just hybrid vehicles, the diesels have been designated as advanced lean-burn-technology vehicles that meet the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit standards of the IRS. The credits vary based on the vehicle. In the case of Mercedes, the ML320 qualifies for $900 while the GL320 is good for $1,800. If diesel still isn't your thing, the IRS has also qualified several Ford hybrids as eligible too. Of those, the highest credit (a sweet $3,000) goes to those consumers who take home an Escape or Mariner two-wheel drive hybrid crossover.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

All VW and Mercedes diesels eligible for tax credit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.?

Chris Shunk — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Crossover, Volkswagen

All-time high gas prices have made Americans intensify their searches for top-shelf fuel economy, as evidenced by 15-year-old Geo Metros selling on eBay for $7,200. Apparently even capitalistic insanity isn't enough to convince Volkswagen to bring a diesel engine Stateside in the hotly anticipated Tiguan, as the ultra-efficient 2.0L oil-burner likely won't be available for MY 2009.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that the Tiguan is selling extremely well in Europe, which negates the need to rush additional models to the US, where a weak dollar is cutting into the German automaker's profits. VW is also trying to keep the price down on the new crossover, and diesel engines add thousands to the sticker. We wouldn't be surprised if the constant delays surrounding the 2.0L TDI have anything to do with the decision, either.

If a price war can break out on eBay in an effort to buy a turquoise 49 hp deathtrap, we're more than certain that Americans are willing to shell out $30k for an efficient CUV. Without a diesel powerplant, however, the Tiguan is just one more of the many mediocre-mileage tall wagons from which to choose.

[Source: Winding Road]

Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 May 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro.

Audi has released the first official images of its newest concept before the wraps are taken off at the Lake Wörther Tour in Austria later this month. Think of the Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept as a smaller, racier, more attainable version of the Audi R8 V12 TDI concept shown in Detroit, with power provided by the highest specific output diesel in the world.

Look past the DTM-inspired bodywork and you'll get an aluminum-enhanced glimpse of the oilburning jewel that lies beneath. The 1,968cc turbodiesel produces 221 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque available at an oh-so-low 1,750 rpm. Power is sent through a six-speed manual transmission before it reaches the ground through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Audi claims that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro can reach 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 149 mph. We believe it.

While the body work might be a bit over the top, the tuned A3 sits 26mm lower than stock and rides on 20-inch wheels that fit cleanly into blistered wheel arches, widening the A3's track by 33 mm in front and 46 mm in the rear. Stopping power in the front is provided by six piston calipers clamping 356mm carbon ceramic discs, while standard steel brakes are fitted out back. Inside, it's all business with a bit of show car flare, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, bolstered buckets, aluminum trim, toggle switches and a red starter button to get the party underway. Audi has also fitted the concept with a its Drive Select system, which can change throttle response, exhaust sound, power steering assist, ESP settings and magnetic ride damping on the fly.

Audi isn't saying that the A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro is destined for production, but it would make an excellent runabout for the times when rolling the R8 V12 TDI to the store would be overkill.

Make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Continue reading Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW adds Jetta Sportwagen, pricing to site

Chris Tutor — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Volkswagen

For those of you impatiently waiting for the VW Jetta Sportwagen, there's something new over at VW.com to keep you busy a few more days. Along with photos of the car inside and out, there are stats, options and a base price that's closer to the true price than the rough estimate we had before. Entry-level price for the anxiously-awaited wagon is $24,500. The site says you get an 8-speaker stereo with aux-in, ABS and traction control for that number.

We assume that's with the 5-speed and 170 hp, 2.5 liter gasoline engine that gets 21 city, 29 highway. Which ain't too bad, actually, but not nearly as good as the mid-50s highway mileage the site brags about for the optional TDI. Sadly, there's no mention of how much you'll pay for ticking the TDI box on the option sheet. Or for the 6-speed Tiptronic or the panoramic sunroof or those sweet-looking leather seats. VW also let slip on the site that the Tiguan will be available this spring. Thanks, Julio, for the tip!

[Source: VW.com]

Gallery: 2008 Jetta Sportwagen First Drive

VW adds Jetta Sportwagen, pricing to site originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoWeek picks Best of Show and honors others from Detroit

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Supercars, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford

Here's a way to create content long after an auto show has ended, dream up a list of editorial favorite picks. Well, what the hell, we might as well be meta and report on the anti-news. Here we go blithely. AutoWeek handed out its Editors' Choice awards for the North American International Auto Show at its Design Forum on Wednesday. We can debate the relevance, but we'd rather just talk about the cars. The four vehicles that AutoWeek thought were the bee's knees are as follows:

Most Fun: Audi R8 V12 TDI
Best Concept: Cadillac CTS Coupe
Most Significant: 2009 Ford F150
Best of Show: 2009 Corvette ZR1

As Linda Richman would say: discuss.

[Source: AutoWeek]

AutoWeek picks Best of Show and honors others from Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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