Tag: tdi

Video: Audi launches 2014 TDI models with hilarious spot

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi, Humor, Diesel

Audi TDI gas station

Audi has unveiled a set of new television spots that seek to continue the company’s proselytizing of diesel-fueled luxury cars to the American pubic. With TDI versions of the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 available for its 2014 model year range, this is a subject that’s obviously near and dear to the hearts of Audi marketers.

The first commercial, The Station, makes a play on the fact that many car buyers in the US don’t associate luxury cars (in this case an A8) with those green-handled pumps at the “gas” station. The second commercial, Range, is a lot more informative (albeit less fraught with screaming and slowmo), discussing just how easy it should be to find a diesel fueling station in your long-range TDI before you need to fill up.

Continue on below for a look at both new commercials, or to have Audi explain them to you in great detail, via its press release.

Continue reading Audi launches 2014 TDI models with hilarious spot

Audi launches 2014 TDI models with hilarious spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Sep 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Audi launches 2014 TDI models with hilarious spot

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Audi, Humor, Diesel

Audi TDI gas station

Audi has unveiled a set of new television spots that seek to continue the company’s proselytizing of diesel-fueled luxury cars to the American pubic. With TDI versions of the A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7 available for its 2014 model year range, this is a subject that’s obviously near and dear to the hearts of Audi marketers.

The first commercial, The Station, makes a play on the fact that many car buyers in the US don’t associate luxury cars (in this case an A8) with those green-handled pumps at the “gas” station. The second commercial, Range, is a lot more informative (albeit less fraught with screaming and slowmo), discussing just how easy it should be to find a diesel fueling station in your long-range TDI before you need to fill up.

Continue on below for a look at both new commercials, or to have Audi explain them to you in great detail, via its press release.

Continue reading Audi launches 2014 TDI models with hilarious spot

Audi launches 2014 TDI models with hilarious spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Sep 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: New VW TDI diesel to achieve around 45 mpg

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Hatchback, Audi, Volkswagen, Diesel

Not to be outdone by BMW and its 45-mile-per-gallon 2014 328d or the new Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, Volkswagen is reportedly preparing to launch a more-efficient TDI diesel engine in North America. In speaking with VW recently, Edmunds learned that the automaker plans to replace its current 2.0-liter TDI engine used in many VW and Audi products (including the Golf, Passat, Jetta, Beetle and Audi A3) beginning in the second half of next year.

No word on the displacement of this new EA288 engine, but the article states that horsepower could rise from 140 up to 150 and quotes a VW spokesperson who says the next-gen TDI mill should realize about an eight-percent improvement in highway fuel economy compared to the current engine. Doing the math, that suggests future VW and Audi TDI models could get up to 45 or 46 mpg on the highway.

New VW TDI diesel to achieve around 45 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New VW Golf TDI BlueMotion is ‘most fuel-efficient ever’ with 73.5 mpg

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen

vw golf tdi bluemotion

Volkswagen claims its newly launched Golf TDI BlueMotion is about as good as it gets with that old standby, the internal combustion engine. The new Golf consumes 3.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, the equivalent of getting 73.5 US miles per gallon (on the European cycle), a 15-percent improvement in fuel economy over the previous model.

The new Golf TDI BlueMotion produces 85 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer, which Volkswagen says is one of the best values worldwide for a car powered by internal combustion. Most impressive is the claim that this sort of efficiency, and the car’s 50-liter fuel tank, allows for a potential driving range of 1,500 kilometers (about 932 miles) between fill-ups. Upgraded aerodynamics – a lowered chassis, a special roof spoiler, and a radiator grille that gets cooled through partially closed air inlet screens in the bumper, for example – improve the Golf’s mpg.

The Golf TDI comes with a new common-rail, turbodiesel direct injection four-valve, four-cylinder engine that operates efficiently across a wide range of rpm. It offers 108 horsepower between 3,200 and 4,000 rpm, which VW says is ” a very fuel-efficient operating range.” Starting at 1,500 rpm and on through to 3,000 rpm, the new Golf TDI Bluemotion delivers a torque peak of 250 Nm (184 foot pounds). Put is all together with the modified six-speed gearbox and you get a 0-62 miles per hour time of 10.5 seconds. But, hey, 73.5 mpg.

This is the first Golf to be available in two well-known Volkswagen specification levels for those interested in spiffing it up. “Trendline” comes with 15-inch Lyon alloy wheels, a large rear spoiler and a redesigned and nearly closed radiator grille. “Comfortline” is additionally equipped with the ParkPilot parking assistance system front and rear, a “high quality” instrument cluster (no, we’re not exactly clear on what that means, either) and a few other perks. If you’re a North American buyer, don’t hold your breath for this model’s availability, but if you’re still interested in seeing how the other half can live, check out the press release below for more specs and details.

Continue reading New VW Golf TDI BlueMotion is ‘most fuel-efficient ever’ with 73.5 mpg

New VW Golf TDI BlueMotion is ‘most fuel-efficient ever’ with 73.5 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: VW Passat TDI sets 77.9 mpg fuel economy record through Lower 48 states

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel

Volkswagen Passat TDI Mileage Record holders - award ceremony

Volkswagen has announced the company’s Passat TDI has set a new world record for the category of “lowest fuel consumption-48 US states for a non-hybrid car.” Drivers Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger managed an impressive 77.99 miles per gallon over 8,122 miles, trouncing the previous record of 67.9 mpg. The duo also sailed past the hybrid record of 64.5 mpg, another record set by Gerdes. As the founder of CleanMPG.com, Gerdes spends his time squeezing the best fuel economy possible out of passenger cars and trucks, and he’s personally set records in over 100 vehicles.

For this particular world record, Gerdes and Winger visited all 48 contiguous states in 17 days, and Guinness World Records has certified the endeavor. You can read the full press release below for more information, including a few tips to pull the best fuel economy possible out of your personal vehicle.

Continue reading VW Passat TDI sets 77.9 mpg fuel economy record through Lower 48 states

VW Passat TDI sets 77.9 mpg fuel economy record through Lower 48 states originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long Term: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI joins Autoblog’s Long-Term Garage

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you had told us last year that this year’s most controversial redesign would be the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, we would’ve politely walked away and laughed at your outrageous claim behind your back. We’re like that. But here we are, and the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is, arguably, the most controversial redesign of the year.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

The reason is not so much how the designer’s hand has changed the car’s look, but rather how the bean counters and product managers have completely changed what the Jetta is. It’s no longer a premium compact sedan with a price to match. Now it’s a near-mid-size four-door with an ultra-competitive base price.

Jetta fans and auto journalists have been less than enthused with the changes. Buyers, however, apparently disagree. Sales of the new Jetta through April are up 68.8 percent. So which camp is right?

After the untimely demise of our last long-term Jetta (follow the jump for the whole story), a 2010 model year TDI Cup Street Edition, we were offered a 2011 model to take its place. Driving these two diesel Jettas back-to-back will help us craft a before-and-after snapshot of what the car has gained and lost with this latest redesign.

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI joins Autoblog’s Long-Term Garage

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI joins Autoblog’s Long-Term Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R18 TDI to debut at Spa while Aston Martin watches from the pit lane

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Aston Martin, Audi

Audi R18 TDI

Audi R18 TDI (above) and Aston Martin AMR-One (below right) – Click either image for high-res galleries

There’s plenty to be excited about in this year’s Le Mans racing season, and the new Audi R18 TDI arguably ranks chief among them. Audi’s new fixed-roof racer will make its debut at the Spa 1000km race next weekend, showing for the first time what it can do against a competitive field ahead of June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Although we tested at Le Mans recently, we’ll learn a lot more about the new Audi R18 TDI and also how it fares against the competition at Spa,” said Audi’s double champion Allan McNish Aston Martin AMR-Onein preparation for the Belgian endurance race. “The 20-minute qualifying session on Friday afternoon will be the first time when we’ll see the true performance of all of the new cars because it will be the first time when everybody is on the same playing field together at the same time.”

That may not exactly be the case, however, because while Audi’s chief rival Peugeot is sure to be mounting its own challenge, word has it that Aston Martin will sit this one out. The British team is also fielding a new racer in the AMR-One, but rather than take the opportunity to put its new LMP through the paces in a real racing scenario as Audi will, Aston’s focus is on testing the car before the main event at La Sarthe. Follow the jump for official press releases from both teams.

Gallery: 2011 Audi R18 TDI (final livery)

Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin AMR-One

2011 Aston Martin AMR-One front three quarter2011 Aston Martin AMR-One2011 Aston Martin AMR-One side2011 Aston Martin AMR-One rear2011 Aston Martin AMR-One close

[Sources: Audi, Aston Martin]

Continue reading Audi R18 TDI to debut at Spa while Aston Martin watches from the pit lane

Audi R18 TDI to debut at Spa while Aston Martin watches from the pit lane originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 May 2011 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Diesel, Racing

Audi R18 TDI

Audi R18 TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a look at the beast that is the new Audi R18 TDI and you’d be forgiven for assuming it has a big, rip-roarin’ V10 with at least two turbochargers. Right? Wrong. Although the previous R15 TDI packed in ten oil-burning cylinders, new regulations – implemented to diminish the advantage the last generation of diesel-powered Le Mans Prototypes over their gasoline-burning competitors – forced Audi to go with a single-turbo V6 for the new R18. That didn’t stop Audi from finding some unique ways to make the best of the new engine regs.

For starters, the engine block is made of aluminum – still a rarity for high-compression diesel engines, even after Mercedes-Benz introduced their design some six years ago. Audi also opened up the angle between the cylinder banks to 120 degrees, giving it a lower center of gravity approaching that of a boxer engine, and relocated the exhaust manifolds from port and starboard to a single unit nestled inside the wide V.

The result is a 3.7-liter turbo-diesel V6 that produces over 540 horsepower. The smaller form factor also allowed Audi Sport to optimize the aerodynamics, while its lower weight allowed the engineers to beef up other components. As for a regenerative braking system like its chief rival Peugeot runs (and like those employed in Formula 1), Audi says it is keeping the door open to the idea as development continues, but has yet to implement any such system. Follow the jump to read more about the engine specifically designed for Audi’s latest prototype racer in the full press release.

Gallery: 2011 Audi R18 TDI (final livery)

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18

Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Audi, Diesel, Racing

Audi R18 TDI
Audi R18 TDI in full livery testing at Paul Ricard – Click above for high-res image gallery

The domination of racing teams and the factories that support them wax and wane across countless motorsports disciplines around the world from year to year. But arguably none has continued to dominate like Audi at Le Mans. Since the turn of the millennium, Audi has won the iconic French endurance race every year but two: In 2003 when its own sister company Bentley took top honors, and in 2009, when its chief rival, Peugeot took the win.

Audi has introduced a succession of sports prototype racers to uphold its honor, from the original R8 through the R10 TDI and the R15 TDI that won last year. The latest is the closed-cockpit R18 TDI, which the German automaker has yet to field in an actual race but which has now undergone its first test sessions in the full battle livery you see here.

The trio of silver and black racers will again be differentiated by the red, yellow and black highlights, and feature a number of body parts crafted from carbon fiber, giving the R18 TDI a lightweight form on which Audi is banking to fend off Peugeot, which started off the season strong by defeating the outgoing R15 at Sebring.

Will the new R18 prove capable of shutting out its French rivals for the title event at Le Mans this coming June? We’ll have to wait and see, but with the preliminary test sessions at the Circuit de la Sarthe reinstituted this past weekend after a two-year absence, the Audis were on top of the time sheets, the Peugeots only narrowly beating out the third of them. Follow the jump for press releases from the Paul Ricard and La Sarthe test sessions and take a closer look in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Audi R18 TDI (final livery)

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans

Audi R18 TDI debuts in full race livery for ahead of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video]

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen, Design/Style, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start

2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start – Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2.0-liter turbo diesel in our long-term 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition is a very modern mill, so we were curious how it would handle starting in the frigid clime of northeastern Ohio this time of year.

Diesel engines typically have three vulnerabilities when it comes to cold weather starts: the fuel, the battery and their glow plugs. First, the new Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel we all use begins to gel at a higher temperature than the old fuel. Sulfur is also a lubricant, and with less of it, the fuel pump has to work harder in cold temperatures to keep the thicker diesel fuel flowing. Fortunately, most diesel fuel sold in colder areas has ant-gelling additives mixed in already.

Batteries are also less efficient when cold, while at the same time having to work much harder to crank the engine more times. Finally, diesel engines use glow plugs to heat the point of combustion in each cylinder, which is a much tougher job when the mercury drops below freezing. Optional block heaters can help a diesel engine start in cold weather, but Volkswagen has enough faith in its 2.0-liter TDI that it doesn’t even offer one.

So how did our Jetta TDI Cup Edition do when being started in 25-degree weather after sitting for over 24 hours? Follow the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video]

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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