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February 2008 - Posts
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![]() For those of you with a taste for performance AND a sport utility vehicle that could use some biodiesel, checkout the diesel version of the Porsche Cayenne expected in 2009. Industry analyst Peter Schmidt indicated the the primary motivation for the diesel Porsche Cayenne is the cost of fuel and improving emissions in diesel technology. The engine fitted into the Cayenne will be an Audi built 3.2 liter twin turbo V6 and Automotive News Europe states that this 300 HP SUV will return about 30 mpg. (no indication whether this vehicle will make it to North America in 2009)
Link to MotorAuthority
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Well we've mused here on Biodieselnow about how cool it would be to have a diesel hybrid and now VW chooses the Golf to introduce their new offering. This should offer some very good MPG returns.
Geneva '08 Preview: Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid concept
Posted Feb 28th 2008 7:38AM by Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Volkswagen, Geneva Motor Show
Volkswagen has confirmed the speculation that they will indeed be displaying a diesel-hybrid Golf at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The Golf TDI Hybrid will in fact be a strong parallel hybrid capable of running off either the diesel engine, an electric motor or both. As expected, start-stop capability is part of the deal. Interestingly the drivetrain uses a 7-speed DSG dual clutch transmission rather than some type of CVT. The Golf TDI Hybrid will apparently achieve fuel consumption of 3.4L/100km or 69mpg (U.S.). VW hasn't released any photos or other details of the Golf Hybrid yet so we'll just give you a shot of the Golf BlueMotion for now. [Source: Volkswagen]
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Audi has planted the 2.0 VW TDI in it's TT Coupe and Convertible models and have once again led a segment with it's offering.
Audi goes diesel with their small sportster, TT 2.0 TDI that gets 44.3mpg!
Posted Feb 27th 2008 9:57AM by Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Diesel, Audi
click the TT diesel for a high res gallery
For the first time since the car's debut a decade ago Audi has decided to drop a diesel engine into the TT sports car. Audi is even claiming that the TT will be the first series production sports car with a diesel engine, a claim that I can't verify but I can't dispute either. The TT will be equipped with VW's 2.0L turbodiesel four cylinder in 170hp form, the same engine that will be used in the Jetta TDI cup cars this year. Paired up with a six speed manual gearbox and quattro all wheel drive, the coupe will run 0-62mph in a respectable 7.5 sec. The slightly heavier and less aerodynamic convertible will take 7.7 sec to accomplish the same task. The fixed-roof version will be rated at 44.3mpg while the open-top edition will come in at a mere 42.8mpg (both in U.S. gallons). No word yet on when or if we'll get the TT TDI stateside, but it sure would be a fun ride. The Audi press release is after the jump.
Ingolstadt, 2008-02-27The new Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro:Powerful performance with maximum efficiencyAudi is once again setting standards, this time with the new Audi TT and its TDI engine-a model that combines pure sportiness and powerful performance with sensational efficiency. The Audi TT 2.0 TDI Coupe quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro are the first series-production sports cars to feature diesel engines. It's a compelling union:The two-liter engine generates dynamic propulsion with 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, yet the TT Coupe and TT Roadster consume an average of only 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg and 42.77 mpg) respectively-unparalleled in the sports car segment.Audi is setting the pace with this synthesis of excellent dynamism and low fuel consumption, as it has done for many years: Since debuting in 1989 the TDI engines from the brand with the four rings have been paving the way for the world's most successful efficiency technology and acting as trendsetters for the entire automobile industry. Today, these powerful, refined and highly fuel-efficient engines represent a modern, smart take on sportiness. The run of victories achieved by the Audi R10 TDI diesel race car at the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the American Le Mans Series are impressive evidence of the tremendous potential of this technology.The dynamic diesel engines from Audi exert an exciting impact not just in racing but also in series-production models-and now indeed in a sports car. The TT Coupe quattro with the 2.0 TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The Audi TT Roadster, likewise equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, requires only an extra tenth of a second for the standard sprint, and continues up to a top speed of 223 km/h (138.57 mph). Both versions serve as outstanding examples of the success of the Audi efficiency strategy, thanks to their fuel efficiency ratings of 5.5 liters per 100 km (42.77 mpg), a figure that corresponds to CO2 emissions of only 145 grams/km.Powerful, refined and efficient: The 2.0 TDIThe new four-cylinder TDI engine (engine displacement = 1,968 cc) represents a fresh take on the all-round compelling qualities of the TDI concept. Designers of the dual-camshaft, two-liter model looked to its predecessor-the most-produced diesel engine in the world-and expanded upon its major strengths: driving pleasure, efficiency and refinement.The new common rail injection system is equipped with highly modern piezo injectors, whose eight-hole injection nozzles can perform up to five distinct injection sequences per cycle. This fine degree of modulation creates a modest pressure increase in the combustion chambers, resulting in a significantly reduced noise level. The system pressure of 1,800 bar allows fuel to form a fine dispersion, enabling precise, highly efficient combustion.The turbocharger is also part of a new generation and operates with adjustable vanes that allow torque to build up rapidly. The positions of swirl flaps on the intake manifold are controlled by electric motors in order to adapt the flow of air to the current load and engine speed. The geometry of the engine's pistons has been modified, and the acoustics of the camshaft drive belt have been overhauled. Just as they did in the preceding model, two balancing shafts reduce the vibrations arising in the crankshaft drive.The cumulative result of this progress is a high maximum engine speed of 5,000 rpm and, most importantly, improved thermodynamics in the combustion chambers. What this means is that the engine can run on up to 60 percent recycled exhaust that has been thoroughly cooled by the radiator. This results in a drastic reduction in untreated NOx emissions, with the 2.0 TDI already meeting the threshold values of the upcoming Euro 5 standard.Dynamic road performanceThe 2.0 TDI in the Audi TT Coupe and the Audi TT Roadster delivers 125 kW (170 hp) at 4,200 rpm and sends a full 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft at engine speeds between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Operating quietly and generating little in the way of vibration, this model delivers a hefty amount of power at the lowest rpm levels and is highly responsive to input from the gas pedal. Its supreme power development lends this engine its own unique, fascinating character-that of a muscular, smart sports engine.The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro easily leaves the gasoline-powered competition behind when accelerating from a standstill. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 7.5 seconds and never looks back until it reaches 226 km/h (140.43 mph). The TT Roadster accelerates to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds and keeps going up to 223 km/h (138.57 mph).These models-the world's first diesel sports cars-consume an average of only 5.3 liters and 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (44.38 mpg and 42.77 mpg) respectively, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of a mere 140 g/km and 145 g/km. In so doing, they are setting a benchmark that represents a veritable quantum leap in the sports car segment. With the TDI engine in the TT series, Audi once again establishes its leading role on the diesel market. The brand with the four rings is advancing progress and starting at the top.In keeping with the theme of sporty performance, Audi has combined its two diesel-engine sports cars with highly effective manual six-speed transmissions whose short lever travel allows the driver to shift quickly, easily and precisely. The housings for these transmissions are made of lightweight, high-tech magnesium materials. Relatively long final transmission ratios have been employed to bring the drivetrain in line with the character of the TDI engine.In light of their high torque values, Audi is equipping both of its new TT models with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The heart of this system is an electronically controlled, hydraulically activated multi-plate clutch, which is located in the rear of the vehicle for improved weight distribution. This clutch generally distributes up to 85 percent of the engine power to the front axle and 15 percent to the rear axle; in extreme situations it can divert up to 100 percent of the power to either axle.The overall concept: An exercise in uncompromised sportinessConsistent efforts to reduce vehicle weight are also part of the efficiency strategy pursued by the brand with the four rings. Both sports cars are very lightweight: the 2 + 2-seater TT Coupe weighs only about 1,370 kilograms (3020.33 lbs) when empty, while the two-seater TT Roadster with soft top weighs roughly 1,415 kilograms (3119.54 lbs). Underlying these low weights is an innovative hybrid body construction developed by Audi. Front components are made of aluminum and utilize Space Frame technology; rear components are made of steel. This solution guarantees that the frame is as rigid as possible and optimizes load distribution between the axles.The Audi TT Coupe and TT Roadster are dynamic, emotion-packed sports cars. As was the case with preceding models, these cars are impressive for their powerful design, whose dynamic flow continues on into the interior. The cockpit contains multiple nods to the circle motif, and the sports steering wheel with its flat-bottomed rim fits the driver's hand like a glove. The sport seats are deep-set, providing a sporty seated position and firm lateral support. The backs of both rear seats fold down in the TT Coupe, making the trunk space grow from 290 to 700 cubic liters (10.24 – 24.72 cubic ft). The Roadster (250 liters, 8.83 cubic ft) comes with a practical load-through hatch upon request.The sports suspension likewise offers extraordinarily dynamic features. The front suspension is pivoted on an aluminum subframe and has a wide track measuring 1,572 millimeters (61.89 inches).A highly precise rack-and-pinion steering system with a direct steering ratio provides an intimate link between the driver and the road. Power steering with servo assist, which decreases as speed increases, is generated by an electromechanical drive that is even more efficient than a hydraulic pump.The coil springs and shock absorbers in the four-link rear axle are situated in separate areas. The links are also finely differentiated: The layout of the trailing links, which absorb the propulsive and braking forces, is relatively soft to promote a comfortable ride. The connections to the three transverse links per wheel, on the other hand, are rigid in order to direct transverse forces into the body with precision.The Audi TT Coupe 2.0 TDI quattro and Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TDI quattro roll on 16-inch, cast aluminum wheels fitted with 255/55 R16 tires. Behind the wheels are large disk brakes with pads that develop large coefficients of friction. The ESP stabilization program supports the neutral to slight understeering feel of the TT-the finishing touch on an overall portrait of exciting dynamics, exhilarating driving pleasure and stability you can count on.Audi magnetic ride, a high-tech shock-absorber system available as an option, is an adaptive system that resolves the traditional conflict of interests between comfort and handling. A magneto-rheological fluid circulating in the shock absorbers changes the direction of the magnetic particles within milliseconds when electricity is applied; this alters the overall characteristics of the fluid and, in turn, modifies the damping characteristic. The driver can choose between "Normal" and "Sport" programs by flipping a switch.Equipment makes a statement of refined styleStandard equipment for both of the new TT models reflects the sporty character and refined style of the series. Faux aluminum accents add a shine to gray inlays and various other components in the interior. The sports steering wheel comes with a Nappa leather cover. The climate control system (standard for the TT Coupe) regulates heating and ventilation in response to the level of sunlight. The driver information system and chorus audio system round out the standard equipment.A wide array of high-tech equipment is available as options, including a highly modern generation of audio devices, electrically adjustable front seats, the adaptive light dynamic cornering light system and two navigation systems with a user interface based on the Audi MMI concept-a cut above the competition.[Source: Audi]
Tags: audi-tt-tdi, diesel-sports-car
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LOw REsistance MObile
The Germans have created a 2-cylinder turbo diesel vehicle that is
capable of fuel efficiency of 130 to 150 miles per gallon, according to
an article in MSN.
The car is designed with minimal drag and low weight, but doesn’t have
the battery packs or regenerative brakes of other mega-MPG hybrids. The
Loremo does this with a efficient diesel, a slick skin and limiting
the weight. (especially non-essentials) Most interesting is that the Loremo
is to be mass produced in Europe and will available for about 15,000
euros. ($22,000 US)
After its 2009 release in Europe, the Loremo will be
redesigned to reach the North American market the following year. A
$30,000, 3-cylinder GT model will also become available, offering
better acceleration (0-60 in roughly 10 seconds, vs. 16 for the base
model). Both hybrid and fully electric versions are also in the works.
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BMW is previewing their first Diesel Hybrid at the Geneva autoshow. It is an X5 SUV based vehicle with some interesting features like a solar panel to preheat your tranny fluid on startups, etc.
Geneva '08 Preview: Officially Official - BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept
Posted Feb 22nd 2008 8:49AM by Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, BMW, Geneva Motor Show
Click the BMW X5 concept for a high res gallery
After having information leaked yesterday, BMW has now officially released the details surrounding its Geneva Motor Show concept, the Vision EfficientDynamics. The X5-based concept does indeed combine the 204hp 2.0L twin-turbo diesel from the 123d with a mild hybrid system. The hybrid setup uses a 15kW motor and a lithium-ion battery pack to yield a total output of 221hp. The engine/motor output is routed to all four wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive torque vectoring all-wheel-drive. Regenerative braking charges the battery, which is then used to help power electrical systems on the vehicle, reducing parasitic losses. Further savings are achieved through a 1-square-meter solar panel on the roof that preheats the transmission fluid, reducing friction during a cold start. After startup, the solar panel also helps power accessories, particularly during idle auto-stop conditions. Along with some aerodynamic tweaks, the concept achieves 36mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions come in at 172g/km while 0-62mph acceleration of the 5,000 lb. X5 comes in at a respectable 8.9 seconds. The mild hybrid system developed in cooperation with Daimler may appear in production BMWs in 2009, although it's unknown if this particular combination will get built.
[Source: BMW] Description in brief:
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An optimized version of the Audi A3 was put through the paces by Motor Trend recently and bested their best overall mileage yet from the Prius. I like the styling of the Audi a great deal more too.
Audi adds low CO2 "e" series to the A3
Posted Feb 18th 2008 10:46AM by Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Audi
 Audi has followed their Volkswagen stablemates and added some special "e" series models to the their lineup in recent months. The "e" models are similar to VW's Bluemotion models in that they are specifically optimized for ultra-low CO 2 emissions. Currently, the smallest such vehicle is the A3 TDI e equipped with a 1.9L diesel. The TDI e has modified gear ratios and engine calibrations along with the low rolling resistance tires. The A3 is rated at 52mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle with CO 2 emissions of just 120g/km, low enough to avoid London's congestion charge. Motor Trend had a chance to put some miles on a A3 TDI e over in the UK and managed to achieve 44.3 mpg in a mix of fairly quick driving over 500 miles. They managed 50.5mpg over 50 miles on a very congested M25 motorway around London, topping the best they ever achieved with a Prius (47mpg). They also found the little German far more entertaining to drive than the Prius.
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The team at Edmunds.com has added a 2005 Jetta GLS TDI w/5 spd manual, to their long term test fleet. They bought a used vehicle with 50,000 plus miles and have committed to using biodiesel in the near future. This should be an interesting excercise and will create a good deal of visibility for one of the favorite vehicles for use in the biodiesel community. I hope they know to change the fuel filter after the first couple of tanks with biodiesel fuel. Here is a link to the article and their first posting.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=124737
Introduction
By Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant Email
Date posted: 02-11-2008
News flash: Diesels — clean ones — are coming to America. The ethanol/E85 fire is starting to dwindle in the face of reality, and with gas hitting $4 per gallon (plus that whole global warming thing), efficiency is at the forefront of people's minds.
But the new wave of clean diesels with urea-injected particulate filters isn't here yet. Still tearing their way through the red tape that's keeping Americans from 40 mpg, these new diesels won't be hitting our shores for another few months (or is that 20 months?).
We couldn't wait. We wouldn't wait. We wanted to experience the day-to-day realities of living with a diesel passenger car. So we bought one. It's not the newest of the new, but it's one of the most recent diesels offered to the American public that doesn't come with an 8-foot cargo bed.
So we'll spend the next 12 months putting 20,000 more miles on a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI to test the validity not only of owning a diesel car in America but also the usefulness of the certified pre-owned program nearly all manufacturers offer these days.
What We Bought
The guy who bought this 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI in Texas back in 2005 had very good taste. This Jetta is loaded with the GLS package, a top-of-the-line equipment package for the '05 diesel. It has a sunroof, a cloth-upholstered interior and, most important, a five-speed manual transmission. Our new-to-us TDI is equipped with a turbocharged 1.9-liter inline-4 that makes peak power at 4,000 rpm and peak torque at 2,000 rpm. Of course, being able to stay in the power band is absolutely essential when your diesel makes only 100 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
Being able to choose our own gear with a five-speed manual transmission keeps us from falling asleep while driving. It also helps the TDI achieve an EPA rating of 39 mpg on the highway. In fact, we can report that we've already managed to get 44 mpg on one road trip that featured a lot of freeway mileage.
The VW diesel's 100-hp output might seem low, but we suggest that you compare it to our 2007 Honda Fit. The Honda makes 109 hp, but the engine's torque peaks at 105 lb-ft at a comparatively scorching 4,800 rpm. The VW's engine's 177 lb-ft of torque so low in the rpm range gives the Jetta TDI a seat-of-the-pants thrill. Of course, the test numbers hotly contradict this impression, as this car feels much faster than it really is.
As a bonus this Jetta also has a Monsoon stereo with at least one blown speaker, a funky interior smell somewhere between wet dog and burned hair, and some hazy purple window tint. Hey, we bought it with 51,000 miles on it. What'd you expect?
Timmons Volkswagen of Long Beach had the car we wanted. A few numbers were lobbed back and forth (read about the buying experience on our Strategies for Smart Car Buyers blog) before we settled on a fair price of $17,200 for this car, which qualifies for VW's certified pre-owned program.
Not everyone can afford a new car. Many of us just don't want to swallow that initial depreciation. In any case, used cars are big business. There's an entire industry built around the assumed failures and sleaziness of the used car trade. Lemon Laws, shade-tree mechanics, Carfax, Edmunds True Market Value® — all designed to protect consumers from potential used car disasters.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs help the car manufacturers take part in the used-car world. Basically CPO programs have been designed to help carmakers flush cars that are coming off lease programs through their dealers in a way that benefits everyone. A dealer rounds up the best cars on the used-car market, executes a detailed car-prep protocol, then backs up every sale with an extended factory-backed warranty (and sometimes cheaper factory-backed financing). Everybody wins.
With that we begin our 12-month test. As we take the measure of the world of modern diesel cars and (more important) the world of the infrastructure meant to support diesels, we'll also be testing one of the most highly promoted CPO programs in the country.
Current Odometer: 52,829
Best Fuel Economy: 43.8 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 36.5 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 40.0 mpg
Edmunds purchased this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
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Big news from the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. After a 2 year haitus, VW is bringing back the Jetta TDI, and it'll be 50-state legal! Expect to start seeing these beauties in US showrooms this summer. Discuss the new Jetta TDI in our forums.
Details here | Chicago Auto Show here. More coverage of the new Jetta TDI at Edmunds. The Next TDI: VW Reveals 2008 Jetta Bluetec Diesel
Date posted: 01-23-2007 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Volkswagen of America unveiled the next step
in the company's U.S. diesel strategy at the Washington, D.C. auto
show, showing a Jetta
TDI that employs an all-new 2.0-liter, common-rail diesel engine that
will meet emissions requirements in all 50 states when it rolls out
next year.
While the Jetta carries the Bluetec badge, referring to VW and Audi's
alliance with DaimlerChrysler on diesel emissions technology, the car
will not require the AdBlue liquid urea additive to comply with federal
standards.
That is because the engine is smaller than the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that the company will install in the Touareg SUV in 2008, which will employ AdBlue, according to Norbert Krause, director of VOA's engineering and environmental office.
Instead, Bluetec refers only to the vehicle's ability to meet federal
Tier II bin 5 emissions standards. That means the car will not only be
available in states that are governed by national standards, but also
in the five states that follow California emissions rules. The four
Northeastern states and California that have separate, tighter
requirements, account for 40 percent of VW's U.S. sales, Krause said.
The new engine abandons VW's old mechanical fuel injection system in
favor of a common-rail system using piezoelectric fuel injectors. This
technology permits higher injection pressures, which better atomize the
fuel and makes it easier to control pollution, he said.
Diesel engines struggle particularly with oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
pollution, and the Tier II bin 5 standard permits only 0.05 grams per
mile. Volkswagen will use a NOx trap and two oxidation catalysts to
scrub the Jetta TDI's breath.
The new engine is smoother, quieter, more powerful and more efficient
than the old Jetta TDI, which won many friends, but it won't cost more.
Fuel economy should be better, in the 45 mpg range, while the engine
produces 140 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, according to
Krause.
Jetta TDI production will commence in January of 2008, with U.S.
availability scheduled for May of '08, at a starting price of about
$23,000 and a typically equipped car listing for $25,000, which is in
line with the outgoing model, according to spokesman Keith Price.
What it means to you: The diesel story keeps getting better, with more power and efficiency, but less pollution and noise.
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VW used the Chicago Auto Show to unveil their new minivan, the Routan. The van, built with Chrystler in their Windsor, Ontario plant, is set to be released for the 2009 model year. There's a fairly high probability of a diesel Routan. I'd love a TDI Routan, personally.
Discuss diesel vehicles in our forums.
From the auto show.
2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN: Volkswagen of America unveiled the Routan, an
all new seven-passenger minivan, during a media event at the '08
Chicago Auto Show. VW says the name Routan is derived from the word
“route” and the suffix “-an.” Also, the vehicle will share
underpinnings with Chrysler minivans and be assembled at Chrysler LLC’s
plant in Windsor, ON, Canada. Check back by Feb 8 for additional
information and images.
    
Original story here.
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Well, GM has jumped back into the unibody truck segment they abandoned in the '80's with the demise of the El Camino. The Denali based XT Hybrid Concept that they are bringing to the Chicago Autoshow is reminiscent of that long abandoned niche hauler.
I for one like this segment, since it more closely matches the needs of most people who drive pickups. How many of your neighbors who drive trucks are farmers or construction workers? Do they use the vehicle for it's designed purpose or are they seeking a higher ride/vision position for the driver, a tax break for vehicles over 8000 lbs., or just something as big and bad as they can fit in the driveway? Well this Hybrid concept hits the mark for most of the people I see driving trucks as commuters or grocery getters, and will likely more than double the MPG's returned while offering a much better ride and easier entry/exit for both driver and passenger. This concept looks eerily close to the A-Bat concept that Toyota introduced earlier. My ideal powerplant would still be a 2.5-3.5 litre diesel with a HD 6-8 speed transmission. There is still a large need for a multiuse passenger/stuff hauler that gets over 40 mpg. Will this model fill that need? I hope we see it in production soon.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/02/02/chicago-2008-gmc-denali-xt-concept-gets-flex-fuel-and-two-mode/
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-toyota-uveils-the-new-a-bat-hybrid-pickup-concept/
Body on frame is great if you need to tow construction equipment or other 10,000+lbs loads. But, do we need to use that type of vehicle for trips to get a nice full bodied red and some Gruyère; or just juice boxes and diapers? It appears to me that either of these vehicles could accomplish those tasks with room to spare and even be fun to drive while doing it. What do you think? 
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