Autoblog

On Again, Off Again: Winterkorn suggests Bentley diesel

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST

Bentleys are known, among other things, for their train-like torque delivery. But while Bentley has toyed with the idea of an oil-burning engine for its big saloons, the idea was ultimately rejected by the luxury automaker due to low market interest. However, Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Bentley's parent Volkswagen Group, has now suggested that diesel engines could make it under the Flying B bonnet after all.

Although previous reports placed one of the group's big V10 or V12 turbodiesels in a potential Bentley model, Winterkorn suggests something decidedly more compact. Namely, a twin-turbo version of the company's 3.0-liter TDI V6, currently under development for sister-company Audi's range-topping new A8. That may be a far cry from the Jurassic-era 6.75-liter V8 pictured above and currently found in the Arnage/Azure/Brooklands or the twin-turbo W12 in the Continental range, but Winterkorn appears more eager to lead the market than follow it.

[Source: AutoCar via AutoblogGreen]

On Again, Off Again: Winterkorn suggests Bentley diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetta TDI = hotcakes, Tiguan, not so much

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green, Volkswagen

Despite the fact that Volkswagen's 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and Sportwagen cost more and have yet to get here, plus fuel prices in the five-dollar range, customer desire for the sparkless VeeDubs is running high. Perhaps buyers don't realize that these ain't the old Rabbit rattlers that cost three cents to run and would rack up a billion miles with five tanks of fuel. TDI maintenance costs are not insignificant, but the allure of inherent efficiency has folks putting their money where their mouths are and some dealers have sold out before even taking delivery. All in all, an auspicious start for the latest TDI Jetta.

Not faring as well is the Tiguan, VW's smallest 'ute. While we find the Tiguan delightful to drive and well executed besides the smallish cargo area (Jetta Wagon FTW), the launch hasn't gone as swimmingly as Wolfsburg had hoped. Maybe the TDI powertrain could add some sales sparkle to the Tiguan. It would fit, being on basically the same platform as the Golf.

[Source: Automotive News]

Jetta TDI = hotcakes, Tiguan, not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW says bye-bye to Bluetec

Chris Tutor — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen

Looks like the Bluetec Alliance has lost another member. Green Car Congress was able to translate an article by German publication, "Wirtschaftswoche," which says Volkswagen will abandon Bluetec.

"Wirtschaftswoche" reports that VW feels the Bluetec name is too closely associated with Mercedes and wants to differentiate its clean diesel engines more. VW will therefore keep its TDI designation for the cleaner diesels.

With BMW dropping out of Bluetec in November and now VW, it's not entirely clear who, other than Mercedes, is left to use the badge. An Audi press release we reported on in July seems to indicate that company will follow VW and go TDI as well. But, as we said last month, Chrysler may continue to share the Bluetec name and technology with Mercedes.

[Source: Wirtschaftswoche via Green Car Congress]

VW says bye-bye to Bluetec originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel VW Jetta Sportwagen a real fuel-sipper

Chris Tutor — Tue, 08 May 2007 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Green, Volkswagen

When we told you last month about the return of Volkswagen's Jetta wagon, many of you were unimpressed by the car's bland styling and we don't totally disagree.

Now, however, we find out what VW's hiding under those dowdy clothes. Inside Line is reporting that VW expects 2008 Sportwagens ordered with the 2.0 diesel engine to get EPA numbers of 40 city/60 highway. A VW spokesperson also said the diesel Sportwagen will be available nationwide, the first time since 1999 that a diesel Jetta will be sold in all 50 states.

For us, a fuel-sipping diesel combined with an under-$20k starting price makes up at least a little bit for the uninspiring exterior. Looks like it's gonna be a long wait until the diesels hit the lots in January.

Thanks for the tip, Steve!

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: VW Jetta Sportwagen

Diesel VW Jetta Sportwagen a real fuel-sipper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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