Autoblog Green

2009 VW Jetta TDI Cup to air on Speed TV starting Dec. 6

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:27:00 EST

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.

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All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Audi, Volkswagen

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

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.

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

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen, Natural Gas, Racing

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.

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VW Group names Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann run EV programs

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen

Like most other automakers, Volkswagen is ramping up its electrification efforts and part of that is putting someone in charge. VW announced today that it has hired Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann for the newly-created slot of Group Chief Officer for Electric Traction. Neumann, who was most recently chairman of supplier Continental, will report directly to VW Chairman and CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn. During Neumann's tenure at Continental, that company also continued its efforts to get into the electric drive field by supplying lithium ion batteries, electric motors and generators and power electronics systems. Prior to his time at Continental, Neumann worked at VW heading up electronics research.

Volkswagen is currently testing the Golf Twin Drive plug-in hybrid and the production Touareg Hybrid will be launched in early 2010. The automaker's first full battery electric vehicle is expected to be based on the eUp! concept that debuted at Frankfurt Motor Show.

Gallery: Volkswagen e-up! concept

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Group names Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann run EV programs

VW Group names Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann run EV programs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

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.

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

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:52:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen

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.

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Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion - click above to enlarge

Volkswagen has just launched the new BlueMotion Golf in the European market and it is the most efficient Golf ever. The new model is rated at 61.9 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of just 99 g/km. The BlueMotion model uses the new 1.6-liter common-rail TDI diesel engine combined with a slate of technologies like automatic start-stop, brake energy regeneration and revised gearing for lower engine revs.

The BlueMotion also gets the sports package body kit which gives a deeper front fascia, rocker panel extensions and rear roof spoiler that help drop the drag coefficient down a bit. The spare tire is also left out; VW substituted a tire inflater and repair kit to save weight. In Britain, the BlueMotion version commands about $1,500 more than a standard Golf 1.6 TDI.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion

Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy shots: VW Polo sedan spotted, possibly coming to U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen

At some point in the next couple of years it is probable that Volkswagen will introduce a new entry-level model below the Golf in the U.S. market. VW introduced an all-new version of its B-segment Polo earlier this year in Europe and VW of America officials are anxious to add the car to compete with the likes of the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta.

VW has two problems with the Polo for America. One is the fact that the current Euro-spec model is only available in three and five door hatchback body styles and American buyers still seem to prefer sedans. The first spy shots of a four door notchback version of the Polo have now turned up from a test in Austria. If the Polo does make it to the U.S.. this will almost certainly be one of the available body styles.

The tougher problem is a Euro that is currently worth some 50 percent more than the dollar. In order for Polo to be a viable product for North America, it will probably have to be sourced from either Mexico or from VW's new Chattanooga factory.

[Source: SecretNewCars.com]

Spy shots: VW Polo sedan spotted, possibly coming to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's old is new again: VW developed auto start/stop, DI in 1980

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:53:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Volkswagen

The great risk in predicting the future is that the odds are great that you will be wrong. Every once in while, though, you nail the ideas almost dead on. For some amusement, it's always fun to go back and peruse old issues of magazines like Popular Science and Popular Mechanics to see what they predicted cars would look like in the next century (that would be the one we live in right now).

Way back in 1980, Volkswagen built a Golf-sized experimental car dubbed VW2000. The timing was off by a few years, but the good bits were remarkably close to where we are today. The VW2000 had a prototype automatic start stop system which is becoming increasingly common today. Unlike today's systems that mainly rely on a heavy duty conventional starter or integrated starter/generator, this concept used a flywheel based system.

The system adds a second clutch between the engine and flywheel in addition to the conventional unit between the clutch and gearbox. The new clutch would disengage when the car came to a stop, allowing the flywheel to continue spinning while the engine was off. Re-engaging the clutch would allow the flywheel to restart the engine. It's an interesting idea that we'll have to look into to see why it was never adopted. Another of the idea in the VW2000 was the adoption of direct injection for the diesel engine. That, of course, is pretty much universal now in diesels and rapidly becoming ubiquitous in gas engines too. Check out the full story in Google books where all many old issues of Popular Science have been scanned.

[Source: Popular Science]

What's old is new again: VW developed auto start/stop, DI in 1980 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen and Stanford to expand technology collaboration at "CARS"

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:52:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is no stranger to working with Stanford University, having collaborated with the Palo Alto school on the DARPA Grand Challenge competitions for autonomous vehicles. Volkswagen also already has a technology research facility in Palo Alto. The university and automaker are now opening a new Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab on campus as part of the school of engineering and calling it the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford, or CARS.

Stanford professor and engineering dean James Plummer and VW Group research directors Dr.-Ing. Franz-Josef Paefgen and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold are inaugurating the new lab this weekend. The lab will do basic research on technologies that enhance safety, environmental friendliness and personal mobility.

The center will include labs and a workshop area for building prototypes as well as a test track. VW has already committed $2 million to the new facility and $2.25 million over the next three years for CARS at Stanford.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen and Stanford to expand technology collaboration at "CARS"

Volkswagen and Stanford to expand technology collaboration at "CARS" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not good: Tesla Roadster, Toyota Prius and VW Touareg meet with disastrous results

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toyota, Volkswagen, Tesla Motors

Ouch.

A three-way crash between a Tesla Roadtser, Toyota Prius and a VW Touareg didn't leave a pretty scene behind, but it appears that at least the Tesla driver walked away with only minor bruises. We don't know what happened to the occupants of the other vehicles. According to Autopia, it seems that the Roadster was allegedly stopped when the Prius hit it from behind - going about 50 mph - and pushed the Tesla under the SUV (note the piece of the EV in the VW's rear end). We'll just say it again: Ouch.

UPDATE: More from Autopia.

[Source: Autopia]

Not good: Tesla Roadster, Toyota Prius and VW Touareg meet with disastrous results originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's Friday: Is this the World's Most Miserly VW Bus?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen, On Two Wheels, Green Daily

Way before it was particularly popular to do so, Volkswagen was offering people movers in various shapes and sizes with small-displacement engines that offered up very favorable fuel mileage. Of course, the most famous of the old air-cooled VWs is the Beetle, a car so iconic that it was revived not long ago by the German automaker to inject a little nostalgia into its lineup.

Perhaps even more innovative than the Beetle, though, was the slightly larger Type 2, more commonly known as the Bus. Though it really gained in popularity during the hippie movement when it was bedecked with all manner of peace signs and flowers, in reality the machine was designed to move people and their belongings in the most economical manner possible.

With that little bit of history out of the way, how cool is the VW Bus-shaped sidecar attached to the Lambretta scooter seen above? Apparently, the sidecar is constructed from the shell of a small go kart that was made for a time by a company called Bratz. We don't have much more information on the machine, but we think there might just be enough room for one in our garage.

[Source: Motorcycle.com]

It's Friday: Is this the World's Most Miserly VW Bus? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Skoda considering electric car based on VW Up!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen, Europe/EU

Volkswagen E-Up! Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen Czech-based subsidiary Škoda is reportedly considering adding an electric vehicle to its range of automobiles. As you would expect, Skoda's electric car would be based on the upcoming Volkswagen Up!, which is itself slated to get an electric drivetrain by 2013 that promises to offer a range of 80 miles per charge of its lithium ion battery pack.

Volkswagen's so-called "Beetle of the 21st Century" is expected to launch sometime next year, but any Škoda-badged versions of the tiny car would reportedly be put on hold for at least two years after VW or Audi models had debuted. That would mean an electric Up! from Škoda wouldn't hit the market until 2015 or so, which is still quite a ways off.

In any case, we won't be getting any Škodas here in the United States, though VW is rumored to be working on a slightly larger version of the E-Up! for the American market.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Skoda considering electric car based on VW Up! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO₂

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:08:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen, Europe/EU

2010 VW Golf BlueMotion - click above for high-res image gallery

After announcing the BlueMotion version of the new MK VI Golf last month, Volkswagen has now put the new high efficiency model on sale. BlueMotion is VW's branding for its ultra-low CO₂ editions of the various cars in its lineup. In the case of the new Golf, that means it dips into the double digits on the EU driving cycle with a rating of just 99 g/km. On the same cycle, the new Golf covers 61.9 mpg (U.S.) of ultra low sulfur diesel.

The BlueMotion Golf achieves these lofty numbers by starting with propulsion from the new 1.6-liter common rail four cylinder TDI. The 104 hp diesel gets lots of help from a wide ratio five-speed manual gearbox, automatic start-stop and brake energy regeneration. The latter two essentially provide the same functionality as the now-discontinued mild hybrid system from General Motors. The body has also been lowered on the low rolling resistance tires which are mounted on lighter, low drag rims to reduce the aerodynamic resistance. Unfortunately, only European buyers can get the Golf BlueMotion.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen BlueMotion Polo, Passat, Golf

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO₂

Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO₂ originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen installs larger CNG tank in the Touran TSI EcoFuel, extends range to 444 miles

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Natural Gas, Germany

The VW Touran TSI EcoFuel MPV is getting an additional compressed natural gas (CNG) tank that significantly improves the car's range. A new tank placed under the trunk increases the total CNG capacity from 18 to 24 kg. Since the Touran TSI Ecofuel uses 4.6 kg of CNG to run 100 km, the compact MPV can now be driven for 570 km (354 miles) before needing a refill. The car has an additional 11-liter gasoline reservoir, which is enough for additional 150 km (90 miles). Based on current German fuel prices, it costs €4.5 to drive the car 100 km using CNG, compared to €9 if it ran on gasoline or €7 on diesel. CO₂ emissions for a vehicle this hefty remain low, at 126 g/km. The one inconvenience? Just the 5-seat Touran is available with the extra tank.

[Source: Auto News]

Volkswagen installs larger CNG tank in the Touran TSI EcoFuel, extends range to 444 miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gale Banks breathes on the VW Jetta TDI

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen

Gale Banks is a name that should be very familiar to many diesel aficionados. Though Banks and the tuning company that bears his name usually work their magic on the biggest diesel pickups in the country, the technology that makes big rigs capable of pulling houses off their foundations works on smaller oil-burners just as well.

Proof of such can be seen in the Banks-tuned Volkswagen Jetta Sidewinder. The car is reportedly very similar to the Jettas that VW uses in its TDI Cup series, and the powertrain modifications include a cold-air induction system, a free-breathing exhaust system sans mufflers and a reprogrammed computer module. Inside, a 4.3-inch touch screen displays all kinds of useful data to keep track on the works.

Suspension bits are upgraded as well, as are the wheels and tires. The best news, though, is that the improvements have a positive impact on performance while not affecting fuel efficiency. Plus, the car remains 50-state emissions compliant. We'll soon be getting some seat time in the Jetta Sidewinder, so stay tuned for our initial driving impressions.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Gale Banks breathes on the VW Jetta TDI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:52:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen, LA Auto Show

2010 VW Golf GTD - click above for high-res image gallery

Several months back, prior to the U.S. launch of the MK VI VW Golf, rumors emerged that the American branch was going to offer the GTD version of the hatchback. For those unfamiliar with the GTD, it is essentially the much-loved GTI but with a 170 hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI diesel. Unfortunately, when we got the details on the Golf lineup last week, the GTD wasn't included. While we are in Germany this week to drive the new Golf lineup, we spoke with VW of America product planner Andres Valbuena about the GTD.

According to Valbuena, while the GTD didn't make the cut for launch, it is still under consideration. In fact, the GTD could arrive within the next 18 months. When we first wrote about the GTD, we speculated that it would likely carry the existing 140 hp diesel along with all of the other good bits. Valbuena tells us that if they do offer the GTD in the U.S., VW will do it right and bring the high output 170 hp engine.

One car that is definitely coming is the Jetta TDI Cup model. This is essentially a street-legal version of the race car but without the race bits like the roll cage. It will get the same front fascia that is available from the VW performance parts catalog, along with the bigger brakes, suspension upgrades and interior bits from the GLI sedan. Unfortunately, the TDI cup replica keeps the standard 140 hp engine instead of the 170 hp unit in the race cars. The cup car will probably have its public debut at LA Auto Show in December prior to going on sale in January.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD

[Source: VW]

VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Audi, Honda, Mercury, Toyota, Volkswagen, LA Auto Show, Green Daily

Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery of GCOTY finalists

Last year, Volkswagen's Jetta TDI was named the 2009 Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, which means that the Volkswagen Golf TDI has a bit of baggage if it wants to try and win the 2010 award. Regardless, the Golf was named one of five finalists today, along with the Audi A3 TDI, the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Toyota Prius. Odd that the Mercury would be chosen above the Ford Fusion hybrid, but so it goes. That makes is two diesels and three hybrids vying for top spot.

The Green Car of the Year award is given out by the Green Car Journal, which narrows the field of green cars down to five and then turns over the decision to pick a winner to "jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pop." The winner will be announced in LA on December 3.

View Poll

Gallery: 2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading 2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced

2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen extends the range of the Touran TSI EcoFuel to 416 miles

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Natural Gas

Volkswagen's natural gas-fueled Touran TSI EcoFuel is one of the most popular compact MPV's in Europe and the Wolfsburg automaker intends to keep it that way. The latest edition has been made more efficient than before and was given more fuel capacity. The underfloor natural gas storage tanks have been increased in capacity from 18 to 24 kg in the two-row, five-seat variant. Combined with powertrain tweaks that include a new 7-speed DSG transmission, the Touran can now go 323 miles on methane.

Once the natural gas supply runs out, if you haven't found a suitable filling station, you can tap into an 11 liter reserve tank of gasoline that will take you another 93 miles. The natural gas efficiency works out to 4.6 kg/100 km with CO₂ emissions of just 124 g/km. Those who need seating for seven will have to sacrifice some fuel capacity bringing the natural gas range to just 230 miles.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen extends the range of the Touran TSI EcoFuel to 416 miles

Volkswagen extends the range of the Touran TSI EcoFuel to 416 miles originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:56:00 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 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf - click above for high res image gallery

Several weeks ago someone stumbled across the web site for the 2010 Golf buried in the VW consumer site and we got 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 (not including GTIs) will be able to choose from two engine options, the old 2.5-liter inline five carried over from the MK V and the 2.0-liter TDI that debuted last year in the Jetta. Gas-engined Golfs have a starting tab of $17,490 with the better-equipped TDI kicking off at $21,990. The TDI gets the new up-level touch-screen audio system with Sirius satellite radio and mobile device interface as standard. Diesels also get a special lowered sport suspension standard. Unlike the 2009 Jetta TDI, DSG-equipped Golfs also get steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.

The EPA numbers have also been improved with the manual gas Golf getting a 22/30 mpg rating. The manual diesel gets 30/41 mpg while the DSG diesel gets 31/42 mpg, up two mpg from the 2009 Jetta.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Officially Official: VW releases details on 2010 Golf, TDI up to 42 mpg hwy! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Green

2009 VW Jetta TDI Cup to air on Speed TV starting Dec. 6

All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

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

VW Group names Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann run EV programs

Volkswagen starts taking orders for Passat BlueMotion

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

Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO2 Golf BlueMotion

Spy shots: VW Polo sedan spotted, possibly coming to U.S.

What's old is new again: VW developed auto start/stop, DI in 1980

Volkswagen and Stanford to expand technology collaboration at "CARS"

Not good: Tesla Roadster, Toyota Prius and VW Touareg meet with disastrous results

It's Friday: Is this the World's Most Miserly VW Bus?

REPORT: Skoda considering electric car based on VW Up!

Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO2

Volkswagen installs larger CNG tank in the Touran TSI EcoFuel, extends range to 444 miles

Gale Banks breathes on the VW Jetta TDI

VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January

2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced

Volkswagen extends the range of the Touran TSI EcoFuel to 416 miles

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

Volkswagen launches 99 g/km CO₂ Golf BlueMotion

Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion now on sale, 99 g/km of CO₂