Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.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/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[AC Schnitzer gives BMW 1 Series diesel the police package treatment]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-1-series-diesel-the-police-package-treatm/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-1-series-diesel-the-police-package-treatm/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-1-series-diesel-the-police-package-treatm/#commentsFiled under: ,

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package - click above for high-res image gallery

It's nothing new to see high performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for autobahn pursuit in Germany. The gang at AC Schnitzer have just unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term given the side graphics) a new police car concept based on the 123d. As one of Autoblog's resident diesel fans, the 123d has long been one of this blogger's favorites. The compact package combined with the tasty twin turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder diesel putting out 204 hp scores mid-6 second 0-60 times with 40 mpg efficiency.

Schnitzer, since it is their job, couldn't leave well enough alone and has boosted the engine further to 241 hp and 354 pound-feet. They've also applied an array of their special visual bits including a front splitter, rear spoiler, bigger wheels and Hankook tires. The body has been dropped 30 mm which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a new cover for the iDrive knob that matches the design of the wheels.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics but would be happy to take the rest of the car, thank you.

Continue reading AC Schnitzer gives BMW 1 Series diesel the police package treatment

AC Schnitzer gives BMW 1 Series diesel the police package treatment originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police packageAcSchnitzerBmw123dPolicePackagebmwbmw 123dbmw dieselsBmw123dBmwDieselspolice carpolice carspolice interceptorPoliceCarPoliceCarsPoliceInterceptorschnitzerSun, 29 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: Higher performance MINI diesels spotted testing]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-higher-performance-mini-diesels-spotted-testing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-higher-performance-mini-diesels-spotted-testing/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-higher-performance-mini-diesels-spotted-testing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MINI is apparently not satisfied with the performance levels of its high mileage MINI D so it's working on something a bit more spritely. The current MINI D is not especially quick right off the line, with a 0-60 time of around 10 seconds from its 108 hp 1.6-liter engine but it does accelerate rapidly once underway. To speed things up a bit, the boffins at MINI HQ have been squirreled away in their garage fitting the 2.0-liter diesel from parent company BMW into the iconic small car.

That's not a trivial task since all the BMWs that use the engine are rear drive with a longitudinal engine mounting. The MINI, of course, is front drive with a transverse layout. The first version with the BMW engine is expected to use the 150 hp single turbo engine from the 118d but something equivalent to a John Cooper Works model could sport the 204 hp twin turbo unit we loved so much in the 123d.

The faster model could sprint to 60 mph in under 7 seconds and still get 40+ mpg. BMW has acknowledged that it plans to bring its four cylinder diesel to the U.S. market and MINI has also said it would love to sell the MINI D here. We say, bring it on.

[Source: AutoCar]

Spy shots: Higher performance MINI diesels spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw dieselbmw diesel four cylinderbmw dieselsBmwDieselBmwDieselFourCylinderBmwDieselsminimini dmini dieselMiniDMiniDieselFri, 27 Nov 2009 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: CARB hid information about scientist in diesel emission rules fight]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-carb-hid-information-about-scientist-in-diesel-emission/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-carb-hid-information-about-scientist-in-diesel-emission/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-carb-hid-information-about-scientist-in-diesel-emission/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Strict regulations on diesel emissions that the California Air Resources Board approved in December 2008 are coming under renewed fire. At the time, members of the trucking industry and others complained that CARB was acting all Chicken Little and exaggerating how bad the diesel emissions were for human health. Since then, it turns out, one of the scientists involved in the study that detailed the negative health effects misrepresented his credentials. Instead of getting his Ph.D. in statistics from the University of California Davis, Hien Tran actually got a mail-order Ph.D. from a "university" based at a mailbox at a UPS office in New York City.

This is all according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, which also says that CARB knew about the misrepresentation before their vote to approve the diesel regulations but did not reveal the information. From the looks of it, those regulations may need to be dialed back because the legitimacy of the rule is in question, says board member John Telles. Thus far, CARB chair Mary Nichols (pictured) has not been willing to admit that there is a problem, but she may be forced to change her mind and let science beat secrecy.

[Source: San Diego Union-Tribune, The Bakersfield Californian]

REPORT: CARB hid information about scientist in diesel emission rules fight originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>California Air Resources BoardCaliforniaAirResourcesBoardcarbhien tranHienTranmary nicholsMaryNicholsTue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai could still introduce clean diesel in America, under the right conditions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-could-still-introduce-clean-diesel-in-america-under-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-could-still-introduce-clean-diesel-in-america-under-the/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundai-could-still-introduce-clean-diesel-in-america-under-the/#commentsFiled under: , ,



At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, diesels were all the rage with a wide array automakers showing off compression ignition engines that were planned to meet U.S. emissions standards and go on sale here. Within months however, a combination of factors - rising diesel prices and the economic collapse foremost among them - led to many of those plans being canceled. One of the companies showing new diesels back then was Kia which, of course, is partnered with Hyundai. John Juriga, director of powertrains at the Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center (HATCI) near Ann Arbor told us that clean diesels were being tested there and we had previously been told expect diesels in the Kia Borrego and Hyundai Veracruz, possibly by 2009 or 2010. At this point, that's not happening.

However, that's not the end of the story for diesel Hyundais in the U.S. At a media briefing at HATCI on Friday to show off the new direct injected four cylinder that's going into the Sonata, Juriga brought up diesel when discussing the company's powertrain plans. Hyundai has diesel engines ranging from 1.1-3.0-liters everywhere else in the world but North America and the company is ready to certify to U.S. standards. According to Juriga, it's just a matter of having the right economic conditions. If and when vehicle sales look like they will return to a point when sales volumes can justify the cost of certification and fuel prices drive a demand for diesel, we could see it happen. Unfortunately, right now is not yet that time.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai could still introduce clean diesel in America, under the right conditions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselhatcihyundaihyundai america technical centerHyundaiAmericaTechnicalCenterjohn jurigaJohnJurigakiaMon, 23 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 VW Jetta TDI Cup to air on Speed TV starting Dec. 6]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/2009-vw-jetta-tdi-cup-to-air-on-speed-tv-starting-dec-6/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/2009-vw-jetta-tdi-cup-to-air-on-speed-tv-starting-dec-6/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/2009-vw-jetta-tdi-cup-to-air-on-speed-tv-starting-dec-6/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back in October, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI cup wrapped up its second season in fine fashion during the Petit Le Mans weekend at Road Atlanta. While the ten-race series was not broadcast live, cameras from Speed TV were on hand for each event. If you, like most people, missed the races, now is your chance to catch up with some of the best racing out there as Speed gets ready to start airing the 2009 series on December 6. The first four 30-minute races of this year's series will be aired back-to-back on that day starting at 5 p.m. EST with more races to follow on subsequent Saturdays. The series features 30 young racers between the ages of 16 and 26 in identically prepared Jetta TDI sedans as they battle for $50,000 in prize money and $100,000 in career support from Volkswagen for the champion. Spoiler can be found here.

Gallery: First Jetta TDI Cup race


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Speed TV]

2009 VW Jetta TDI Cup to air on Speed TV starting Dec. 6 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jetta tdi cupJettaTdiCupSPEED TVSpeedTvvolkswagenvwVW Jettavw jetta tdivw jetta tdi cupvw jetta tdi race carvw jetta tdi racerVwJettaVwJettaTdiVwJettaTdiCupVwJettaTdiRaceCarVwJettaTdiRacerSun, 22 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-with-98-g-km-co2-sub/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Opel Corsa ecoFlex - click above for high-res image gallery

Opel is about to launch a heavily revamped version of the B-segment Corsa, although observers probably won't notice much difference on the outside. That actually isn't such a bad thing, since the Corsa is a pretty handsome little car. Under the skin, the car gets new powertrains and revised suspension setups for improved handling and ride.

Under the hood, the Corsa offers diesels in 1.3-liter and 1.7-liter sizes with the latter rated at 130 hp. The smaller engine is available in three power levels with the most powerful 95 hp version powering the new ecoFlex model. The ecoFlex gets an EU combined rating of 63.6 mpg (U.S.) with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. That's a 10 percent improvement over the previous Corsa ecoFlex with significantly better performance thanks to 27 percent more power. Even the 1.7-liter still hits the sub 120 g level with a 119 g/km and 52.3 mpg (U.S.).

Gallery: 2010.5 Opel Corsa


[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO2

Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFlex with 98 g/km CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>opelopel corsaopel corsa ecoflexOpelCorsaOpelCorsaEcoflexFri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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 that 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 Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi dieselaudi dieselsaudi tdiAudiDieselAudiDieselsAudiTdidieseltditdi 20th anniversaryTdi20thAnniversaryturbo direct injectionTurboDirectInjectionvolkswagenvolkswagen tdivolkswagen tdi engineVolkswagenTdiVolkswagenTdiEngineFri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/small-piece-of-history-1936-mercedes-260d-the-first-successful/#commentsFiled under: , ,


1936 Mercedes 260D - Click on image for full high-resolution gallery

Rudolf Diesel filed the patent for his signature engine in 1893. However, its installation in a passenger car didn't occur until 1933, when Citroën installed a diesel engine into a Rosalie bay, although this car was never authorized to run on roads. Not until 1936, when Mercedes showed off the 260D, can we talk about the first successful diesel car on the road. Based on the 200 model, the 260 used a 2.4-liter I-4 engine named OM 138 mated to a Bosch mechanical injection pump. The ensemble allowed the car to produce 45hp of power at 3,200 rpm. Almost 2,000 units were built through 1940. The car initially has a 3-speed gearbox; and was upgraded with electric coil ignitors in 1938.

One of the diesel powerplant's main benefits - then as now - was reduced fuel consumption. The 260D burned 9 l/100 km (26 mpg U.S.) compared to 13 l/ 100 km (18 mpg U.S.) in the gasoline counterpart. Another bonus: at the time, diesel was half the price of gasoline, so the motorists saved a lot of cash at the pump.


Gallery: 1936 Mercedes 260 D


[Source: Mercedes-Benz via Diariomotor]

Small piece of history: 1936 Mercedes 260D, the first successful diesel passenger car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first diesel carfirst diesel passenger carFirstDieselCarFirstDieselPassengerCarhistorysecond diesel carSecondDieselCarFri, 20 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/from-diesel-to-natural-gas-jetta-tdi-cup-winner-off-to-europe-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Will Timmy Megenbier be able to reproduce his diesel-powered success in the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup in the natural-gas-powered Scirocco Cup in Europe next year? The answer lies only in the young driver's hands, now that he has announced that he wants to "continue his climb of the motorsports ladder," (as VW put it) in Europe. The Scirocco Cup uses Bio-Clean natural gas to power Scirocco "R" models and is now "the world's most eco-friendly one-make racing series." Compared to the vehicles in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup, which the Scirocco Cup replaces, CO2 emissions are reduced up to 80 percent.

Think this all sounds like a fun life to lead? VW is looking for new racers to compete in the 2010 season and is accepting applications here. Drivers have to be young (between 16 and 26) and rich or able to get some sponsors. There is a $45,000 season entry fee (refunded if you're not selected).


Gallery: First Jetta TDI Cup race


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup

From diesel to natural gas: Jetta TDI Cup winner off to Europe for Scirocco Cup originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Jetta tdijetta tdi cupjetta tdi raceJettaTdiJettaTdiCupJettaTdiRaceSciroccoscirocco cupscirocco rscirocco raceSciroccoCupSciroccoRSciroccoRacevw jettaVwJettaThu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's Baloga confirms four-cylinder diesels for U.S. market]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/bmws-baloga-confirms-four-cylinder-diesels-for-u-s-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/bmws-baloga-confirms-four-cylinder-diesels-for-u-s-market/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/bmws-baloga-confirms-four-cylinder-diesels-for-u-s-market/#commentsFiled under: ,



While some of us here at ABG HQ are major fans of BMW's diesel engines, we were disappointed when BMW opted to enter the U.S. market only with the twin turbo 3.0-liter six cylinder diesel. As fantastic an engine as that is, the 2.0-liter four cylinder is also plenty strong and yields even better fuel efficiency. At an event at BMW's North American headquarters this week, VP engineering Tom Baloga told the audience that BMW would introduce the four-cylinder diesel to the U.S. lineup now that tougher fuel economy standards have been imposed. In keeping with BMW's performance image, we will get the more powerful variants, likely the dual turbo, 204 hp version used in the 123d rather than the super-high-efficiency versions. Even with that engine, we averaged 37 mpg in the 123d last year. BMW plans to clean up the four cylinder diesel with a lean NOx trap like VW uses for the Jetta and Golf TDI rather than a more expensive and complex urea injection system. The four cylinder will most likely go into the 3 and maybe 1 series cars with the six being reserved for larger cars like the 5, 7 and X5.


Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 BMW 123d Hatchback


[Source: Green Car Advisor]

BMW's Baloga confirms four-cylinder diesels for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw dieselbmw diesel four cylinderbmw dieselsBmwDieselBmwDieselFourCylinderBmwDieselsdiesel hybridDieselHybridfour cylinderfour cylinder dieselFourCylinderFourCylinderDieselWed, 11 Nov 2009 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/happy-10th-birthday-dpf/#commentsFiled under: ,



For 10 years, diesels lovers have had a reason to celebrate their engines a little bit more than before: filters that reduce pollution. Called Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), the devices were first introduced by Peugeot at the Frankfurt Motor Show back in 1999. The lucky vehicle was a Peugeot 607. As you might know, DPFs come in two versions. Some of them, like the ones used by PSA, need a special additive, called Eolys. Others, like the ones used at Toyota, store the pollutants in a chamber and burns them when necessary. Peugeot has sold 2.1 million cars with PDFs, 233,000 of them in Germany.

[Source: Auto News]

Happy 10th Birthday, Diesel Particulate Filters originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydiesel particulate filtersDieselParticulateFiltersdpffapfiltre anti particulesFiltreAntiParticulesWed, 11 Nov 2009 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/a-fisker-in-camouflage-quantum-delivers-diesel-hybrid-vehicle-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/a-fisker-in-camouflage-quantum-delivers-diesel-hybrid-vehicle-t/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/a-fisker-in-camouflage-quantum-delivers-diesel-hybrid-vehicle-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On the outside, the Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV) and the Fisker Karma don't have a lot in common (the CERV is so clandestine we can't even find a picture of it). Underneath, though, both use a powertrain from Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies. This week, Quantum delivered the CERV to the U.S. Army. The CERV uses the Q-Force drivertrain, which is a diesel hybrid set-up, while the Fisker car uses the Q-Drive, a plug-in gasoline system. Quantum has been developing the Q-Force powertrain for six years.

The CERV is meant to be used for "quick-paced special operations-type missions involving reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting," but only six have been built so far. The CERV can produce an insane 5,000 foot-pounds of torque and go up to 80 mph, all while using 25 percent less fuel than a similar, non-hybrid vehicle.

Alongside the military contracts that Quantum receives, Fisker is one of the company's financial backers. Fisker awarded Quantum a $10.2 million contract in August that will be used to evolve the Q-Drive and get it ready for production.

[Source: Quantum]

Continue reading A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army

A Fisker in camouflage: Quantum delivers diesel hybrid vehicle to U.S. Army originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cervClandestine Extended Range VehicleClandestineExtendedRangeVehicleq-driveq-forceqtwwquantumTue, 10 Nov 2009 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/volkswagen-starts-taking-orders-for-passat-bluemotion/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion - click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has started taking orders in Europe for the new BlueMotion edition of its mid-size Passat. Like other models bearing the BlueMotion badge, the Passat has been optimized to drive down the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. As seen in the photos, the BlueMotion gets optimized aerodynamics through rocker panel extensions, a deeper front air-dam and special alloy wheels. Mechanically, it uses the same new 1.6-liter common rail TDI four cylinder found in the smaller Golf BlueMotion along with the 7-speed DSG transmission. Automatic start-stop and brake energy recuperation are also included in the mix.

The starting price of the Passat in Germany is €27,850, which gets buyers a rating of 53.4 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle along with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.

VW is also spreading the BlueMotion love to other models by incorporating some of the various components. The Golf and Golf Plus are available with the 1.6-liter while the Scirocco, EOS and Tiguan get the 1.4-liter TSI gas engine.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volkswagen passat bluemotion2010VolkswagenPassatBluemotionvolkswagenVolkswagen Passatvolkswagen passat bluemotionVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatBluemotionMon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-badass-chevelle-isnt-as-fuelish-as-it-seems/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-badass-chevelle-isnt-as-fuelish-as-it-seems/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-badass-chevelle-isnt-as-fuelish-as-it-seems/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


1970 Duramax Chevrolet Chevelle custom - Click above for high-res image gallery

The clean exterior of this 1970 Chevelle hides a wicked little secret. If you take a look at the photo above, you'll see what we mean. The bundle of plumbing you see spilling out of the engine bay tells only part of the story. That's no overworked Chevy small block in there, it's a Duramax diesel that has been pushed to new heights via an outrageous custom twin-turbo setup. The stripped-out interior and racing slicks out back show the true purpose of this ride. It was built by Mike Racke and made Popular Hot Rodding's Top Ten Builds this year. We couldn't agree more.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Wicked Chevelle isn't as fuelish as it seems originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 Chevelle1970 Chevrolet1970 Chevrolet Chevelle1970 Chevy Chevelle1970Chevelle1970Chevrolet1970ChevroletChevelle1970ChevyChevellechevellechevroletChevrolet ChevelleChevroletChevelleDuramaxduramax Chevelleduramax drag racerduramax dragsterDuramaxChevelleDuramaxDragRacerDuramaxDragsterMike RackeMikeRackePopular Hot RoddingPopularHotRoddingSEMAsema 2009Sema2009Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/citroen-updates-c5-with-a-small-turbo-and-an-all-new-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Citroën's entry in the medium-large car segment is the C5. This sedan, which competes against offerings such as the VW Passat, gets updated with a couple of Euro V-compliant powertrains that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. First, the C5 gets the 1.6-liter THP turbo gasoline engine, which was co-developed with BMW and can be found in other PSA offerings as well as the Mini. This 163 hp unit replaces the 2-liter 143 hp unit and burns 7.1 l/100 km (33 mpg U.S.). The new diesel features a particulate filter and is a 2-liter 163 hp unit that manages to burn just 5.6 l/100 km (42 mpg U.S.) when mated to a manual gearbox and 6.9 l/100 km (34 mpg U.S.) when mated to an automatic.

[Source: Motor Pasión]

Citroën updates C5 with a small turbo and an all-new diesel originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c5citroen c5CitroenC5clean dieselCleanDieseldpfeuro vEuroVfappsaThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter touches down in Vegas]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-local-motors-rally-fighter-touches-down-in-vegas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-local-motors-rally-fighter-touches-down-in-vegas/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-local-motors-rally-fighter-touches-down-in-vegas/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 Local motors Rally Fighter - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like the open source model can work for building new cars after all. We finally managed to track down the Local Motors Rally Fighter here at SEMA, and it is even more awesome in person than in pics. The interior on this pre-production car obviously still needs some work, but the rest is really impressive. Looking like some crazy mashup of a fighter plane and a SCORE rally truck, we hope this is the vehicle Mel Gibson picks to replace the last of the V8 Interceptors in Mad Max 4.

We spent some time around the vehicle, soaking in all of the details, listening to the reactions of passers-by, and talking to the folks from Local. The passion of the principles is obvious and it's clear that the vehicle has been well thought-out. While much of the Rally Fighter is unique, they weren't bashful about borrowing off-the-rack parts where they knew good ones already existed - Ford F-150 uprights that have been proven at Baja, a Mercedes bumper support system, Fox off-road shocks, a healthy but frugal BMW diesel from the 335d, and the list goes on and on.

Local Motors CEO, Jay Rogers, also pointed out some of the fighter plane styling cues that made it into the final Sangho Kim design. We especially like the cockpit-like greenhouse and the P-51 Mustang-inspired underbody flaring. Jay says the company has already taken 34 orders and that customers will be able to help build their cars by June of next year.

That's right, you get to spend some time with the Local Motors gang, either at their current home in Massachusetts, or at a future facility in Phoenix. They'll spend two weeks with you teaching you how to build your own Rally Fighter, never assuming too much of the owners. We like to think of it as a type of Habitat for Humanity for car people where you put some sweat equity into your new property. We look forward to getting behind the wheel of this beast soon, heck, we'd love to build one ourselves, but until then you can read the press release and view the gallery below.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter touches down in Vegas

SEMA 2009: Local Motors Rally Fighter touches down in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>local motorslocal motors rally fighterLocalMotorsLocalMotorsRallyFighteropen sourceopen source carOpenSourceOpenSourceCarRally FighterRallyFighterSEMAsema 2009Sema2009Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup 'Street" edition arrives in January]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/2010-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-arrives-in-januar/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/2010-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-arrives-in-januar/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/2010-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-arrives-in-januar/#commentsFiled under: ,


2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition - Click above to enlarge

When we were in Germany last month for the launch of the 2010 Golf, VW product planner Andres Valbuena told us that a special street replica of the Jetta TDI Cup race car would be launching in January 2010. We just got the first photo of the new limited edition model along with further details. The TDI Cup "Street" edition gets the same deeper front fascia, rocker panel and rear bumper extensions used on the race cars. Unfortunately, the replica keeps the standard 140-horsepower engine rather the uprated 170 hp diesel used in the track cars... but it does get some functional upgrades.

The replica won't be any quicker off the line, but it will stop and turn better than standard TDI models. The brake calipers are larger than standard and painted red to let observers know they are special. The suspension gets thicker sway bars and the retuned springs and dampers from the Jetta GLI along with 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cup car gets a paddle shift steering wheel to go with the 6-speed DSG gearbox. The Cup Jetta starts at $25,000 and will be available in January.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup 'Street" edition arrives in January

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup 'Street" edition arrives in January originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>vw jettavw jetta tdivw jetta tdi cupvw jetta tdi cup streetVwJettaVwJettaTdiVwJettaTdiCupVwJettaTdiCupStreetWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/citroens-c3-picasso-gets-more-efficient-and-more-connected/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Citroen has just introduced a revised version of the C3 Picasso compact MPV in the UK with a re-calibrated engine to reduce the CO2 emissions. The VTR+ and exclusive models equipped with the 90 hp diesel engine are now rated at 119 g/km CO2 compared to the 125 g/km of the previous edition. Getting below that 120 g/km threshold is important in the UK because road taxes are in part based on fuel/consumption CO2 emissions. Getting into the lower tax band means a reduction from £120 to just £35. Mileage goes from 50 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle to 52.3 mpg (U.S.). The new, high-mileage models also get standard Bluetooth connections for cell phones and USB connections for MP3 players.

[Source: Citroen]



Continue reading Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected

Citroen's C3 Picasso gets more efficient and more connected originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroencitroen c3citroen c3 picassoCitroen C3 Picasso MPVCitroenC3CitroenC3PicassoCitroenC3PicassoMpvWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Diesel back in the picture at Chrysler, start-stop in Q4 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/diesel-back-in-the-picture-at-chrysler-start-stop-in-q4-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/diesel-back-in-the-picture-at-chrysler-start-stop-in-q4-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/diesel-back-in-the-picture-at-chrysler-start-stop-in-q4-2010/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Based on the presentation by Paolo Ferrero at the Chrysler business plan meeting in Auburn Hills today, it sure sounds like diesel is back in the picture at Chrysler. Prior to the Daimler-Chrysler divorce, there were lots of plans for diesel installations in U.S.-market Chryslers. That all fell by the wayside during the Cerberus era. Ferraro, the new SVP of powertrain engineering at Chrysler, repeatedly mentioned diesel as one of the paths to reduced fuel consumption, although he didn't give any specific dates on when they might be introduced in the U.S.

Ferraro did say that Chrysler would "Reinforce the Clean Diesel Image" and adapt Fiat engines to Chrysler vehicles. He also said they would apply aftertreatment technologies to meet 2015 European and U.S. emissions standards.

Ferraro went on to say that Chrysler would add automatic start-stop beginning in the 2011 model year and showed a diagram of a 2010 Jeep Wrangler diesel in Q4 2010. A Wrangler diesel is offered overseas but will switch to Fiat engines next year. Hopefully, Fiat will start bringing these diesels to the U.S., too.


[Source: Chrysler]

Diesel back in the picture at Chrysler, start-stop in Q4 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto start stopAutoStartStopJeepjeep wranglerjeep wrangler dieselJeepWranglerJeepWranglerDieselstart stopstart stop systemStartStopStartStopSystemWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/volvo-introduces-new-hybrid-truck-for-refuse-and-delivery/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volvo FE Hybrid Truck - Click for gallery

In many cities, garbage trucks can wake up entire neighborhoods with the sound of diesel engines. When the new Volvo FE truck goes on sale (expected to take place in 2012), waste management companies will be able to opt for a truck that produces no noise, at low least some of the time. The FE truck is a parallel hybrid, like the Toyota Prius, and can operate using just the electric motor and lithium-ion batteries at low speeds; the diesel engine starts up when more power is needed or the battery is flat. The spec sheet is impressive: there's a 7-liter 300 hp engine mated to a 3-phase 120 kW motor, fed by 600V lithium ion batteries. Volvo states that this set-up manages to reduce fuel consumption by 30 percent and, in start-stop driving, drops noise levels a few dB for sleeping neighbors.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo FE Hybrid truck


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery

Volvo introduces new hybrid truck for refuse and delivery originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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