Why Diesel?

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel by 2013

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:58:15 -0400

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L Diesel by 2013

VW Bulli Greenlighted.

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:46:00 -0400

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

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:38:00 -0500

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.

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 12:58:04 -0500

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

Diesel Chevy Cruze.

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:26:50 -0500

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.

Audi’s commercial from last year’s superbowl.

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 21:00:00 -0500

Audi’s commercial from last year’s superbowl.

1 month until the 12 hours of Sebring. It can’t come soon...

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 10:00:06 -0500

1 month until the 12 hours of Sebring. It can’t come soon enough.

Ch-Ch-Changes…

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:04:00 -0500

Ch-Ch-Changes…

Weather is getting warmer.

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:57:00 -0500

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.

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:44:40 -0500

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.

Mercedes S-Class Bluetec for 2012.

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Mercedes S-Class Bluetec for 2012.

2012 VW Passat TDI

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

2012 VW Passat TDI

VW TDI Intercooler Ice Up

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500

This post comes from a personal area as this happened to me this past week. I’ve owned quite a few diesel powered vehicles but my 2010 VW Jetta SportWagen has been the most efficient. Powered by VW’s 2.0L clean diesel motor the bast 14,500 miles have averaged out at respectable 42mpg (including break-in and city driving).

It seems like me, and a hand full of others on TDIclub.com have experienced either frozen intercoolers or hydrolock. The current assumption is that the aggressive EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system settings are allowing too much moisture into the induction system. There it pools up in the intercooler and either freezes in cold weather or allows the motor to suck up the water. If enough water enters a cylinder, and the cylinder is unable to compress – the motor effectively explodes. Death by hydrolock.

Lucky for me, my intercooler just froze up. It seems like many of us in the ‘snow belt’ northern states are awaiting a permanent fix from VW for this problem that happens under specific weather conditions.

What is clean about diesel?

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:00:00 -0400

Diesel vehicles produced since 2007 require ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) to run properly. Previously the US had LSD (Low Sulfur Diesel) which ran at 500 ppm Sulfur. ULSD saw a substantial reduction, down to 15 ppm Sulfur. This 97% reduction in the soot generating sulfur is what makes this fuel cleaner.

Vehicles that require ULSD also are equipped with other controls to further reduce emissions. A particulate filter catches carbon from the exhaust and regenerates itself in a cycle. During this regeneration cycle the filter gets extremely hot and burns these carbon particulates. This is controlled by the vehicle’s computer and done under certain circumstances.

Other vehicles may contain a urea-injection system which sprays a fluid in the exhaust to chemically reduce NOx. These systems are commonly found on European diesel SUVs and are referred to as “AdBlue”.

Why Diesel?

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:00:00 -0400

The big question I hear is “why diesel?”. Let me create the setting for you. We are in the United States where diesel is thought of as dirty, expensive, and troublesome. Now the year is 2010 and people still think diesel is a dinosaur and hybrid and electricity is the future of transportation.

This morning I arrived to work averaging 54.3 MPG on my 30+ mile commute. I drive a station wagon that comfortably sits four adultsand has plenty of room for hauling. As you may have already guessed, I don’t drive a hybrid. It’s a VW Jetta SportWagen with a TDI motor. TDI stands for “Turbo Direct Injection”. The same technology that has won the 24 hours of Le Mans every year since 2006 (Peugeot’s HDi is very similar and won in 2009).

I wanted to create a site that focuses on the efficiency of diesel vehicles, all vehicles – not just german cars. I owned a Duramax powered 6.6L heavy duty GM truck. It was great and got up to 20 MPG, something a gas powered truck could only do flying off a cliff. Manufacturing batteries for hybrid and electric cars do not help the environment, and do not provide a sustainable path to fix our energy problems. Stay tuned for more diesel related news and information.