Why Diesel?

VW Bulli Greenlighted.

So VW green lights the Bulli concept for production (rumored I believe) - which is pretty much like a Scion toaster but pays homage to the VW Transporter.  The Transporter T2 was originally meant to be called “Bully” and is apparently a nickname for the VW microbus (standard issue hippy transportation).  The concept is a fully electric vehicle - lets hope they pop in a small diesel motor in there, it might not be that bad of a ride.

A8, A6, and Q5 TDI in Next 24 Months

Rumors about which Audi models will be next to get the diesel treatment here in the United States can be put to rest this morning. Audi of America boss Johan de Nysschen has confirmed our next three TDIs in an annual press conference held via the web just a few hours ago. Within the next two years, the company will be offering TDI variants of the A6, the A8, and the Q5. 

According to our sources, all three of the next Audi diesels will use the 3.0-liter TDI already federalized and offered in the Q7 crossover. That engine produces 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque and with the Q7’s 5600 pounds to carry, delivers an 8.5-second 0-60 mph time and fuel economy figures of 17 mpg in city driving and 25 on the highway. Considering that all three new models are a thousand pounds lighter and more aerodynamic, expect highway figures in the thirties and 0-60 mph times that will remain competitive with most gas-powered competitors.

As for the A4, de Nysschen noted that because that model was further along in its lifecycle, the likelihood of it joining the club will wait until the next-generation car, estimated to be due out 2014. If the A4 TDI does come here we’re told it will use a four-cylinder TDI engine for maximum efficiency and competitive price, not the same 3.0-liter as the other models.

Fuelly has a new mobile version.

Too bad it hasn’t worked the two times I tried it this week with my iPhone.

Diesel Chevy Cruze.

Yes, it finally is coming true.  Back before the Cruze debuted, GM purchased 50% a small diesel motor company based in Italy (VM Motori) back in 2007.  There were talks about the new Cruze to be powered by a small turbo diesel motor.  That never came about.  In fact neither did the baby Duramax for the 1500 series trucks.

The Holden version of the Cruze is offered with a 2.0L diesel and is rated around 34 MPG / combined.  The North American motor (RPO: LUZ) is most likely going to be different, but with the same car, weight, displacement you’d think it’d be close.  

It’s great to see this happening.  I went to VW because GM just didn’t make what I wanted: a small fuel efficient (40+ MPG) diesel car.

Weather is getting warmer.

Going from -10* to 40* in a weeks time has shot my average fuel mileage back into the mid 40’s on my 2010 Jetta SportWagen TDI.  Can’t wait for my fuelly.com averages to pick back up.

Moving to tumblr.

I have been blogging on this topic using another blogging software.  I made the switch to tumblr and I think it’ll be a great fit.  I cover news and storys featuring diesel motorsports (Audi, VW, Peugeot) and any car company that puts diesel powered vehicles on dealer lots in America.  

As someone who has owned multiple diesel vehicles I’ve had to answer the question; “Why diesel?”.  My answers include better resale value, awesome fuel mileage, great power and performance, and the list goes on.