43.5 MPG BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe Goes on Sale in the UK

Alpina’s diesel-powered D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe has arrived on UK shores. Based on the BMW 3-Series Coupe, the D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe uses a modified version of the 123d’s 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel producing 214 HP. While the coupe is more than capable with a top speed of 152mph (245 km/h) and a 0-62mph (100km/h) time of 6.9 secs, yet it manages to return 52.3 MPG UK (5.4lt/100km or 43.5 MPG US) with a manual gearbox and 50.4 MPG UK (5.6lt/100km 42.0 MPG US) with an automatic transmission in the EU combined cycle. -Continued

This year, around one hundred D3 Bi-Turbo Coupes are destined for the UK market with prices set at £32,950 (manual gearbox) and at £34,540 (automatic transmission).

VW’s Jetta Diesel Models Eligible for $1,300 Tax Credit

The Internal Revenue Service – IRS for short, has issued a certification letter affirming that Volkswagen’s new Jetta TDI diesel-powered Sedan and Sportwagen models qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit. Money-wise, that means that buyers of the specific vehicles are eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit. -Continued

“The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America. “Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value.” Now, if VW could only find a way to drop diesel prices in the U.S. to the same level as gasoline...

New Ford Fiesta ECOnetic: 63.6 MPG or 3.7 lt/100km!

It may not look like the Fiesta you’d want to see parked out of your garage but the all-new Fiesta ECOnet that premiered at the British Motor Show sure makes up for it with its outstanding fuel economy and ultra low emission figures. Based on the diesel-powered Fiesta 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, the ECOnet boasts an impressive fuel economy of 3.7lt /100km (76.3MPG UK or 63.6MPG US) in the official combined European driving cycle and a CO2 emissions performance of just 98 g/km or 10% less than the standard Fiesta 1.6 TDCi. -Continued

To achieve these figures the new Fiesta ECOnetic is powered by a specially calibrated version of the 1.6-litre, 90 PS Duratorq TDCi engine matted to a 5-speed manual gearbox that features a longer final-drive-ratio of 3.055:1. Furthermore, the Fiesta ECOnetic borrows the Fiesta Zetec S’s lower suspension, which improves aerodynamic efficiency while the new wheel deflectors and aerodynamic wheel covers provide incremental aerodynamic enhancements. Finally the ECOnetic is equipped with low-rolling-resistance tyres in economical 175/65R14 profile.

Toyota Auris TR Available with 90Hp 1.4 D-4D Diesel Engine

Toyota is broadening its UK market Auris TR range with the introduction of the 90 Hp 1.4-liter D-4D diesel engine. Up until now, the Auris in TR spec was offered with the 1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 VVT-i petrol units and the 2.0 D-4D 130 diesel. Official combined cycle fuel consumption for the Auris TR 1.4 D-4D is 56.5mpg (47mpg US or 5.0lt/100 km) while the nought to 62mph (100 km/h) sprint is reached in 12.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 14.7 with semi-auto MultiMode transmission. -Continued

Available in both 3door and 5door variants, the Auris TR’s prices range from £14,145 to £15,195. Standard equipment includes 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lamps, automatic air conditioning, blue Tatami interior trim, chrome detailing on the rear bodywork, front fog lamps and heated electrically adjustable door mirrors.

2009 VW Jetta SportWagen Available from $18,999

The new station wagon variant of the Jetta, or as Volkswagen calls it in the U.S., the SportWagen, is now available in dealer showrooms with prices starting at $18,999 for the base version fitted with a 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft of torque.

For those wanting more power, the 200Hp 2.0-liter TFSi engine (same as the GTI) will be available later this year while those in search of a more frugal alternative, VW will offer the 40 MPG Jetta SportWagen TDI equipped with a 140Hp 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit. The latter will be available this fall at a starting price of $23,590.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic with 64 MPG or 3.7 lt/100 km Coming to London Show

Ford has chosen next month’s London Motor Show to unveil the 2009 Fiesta ECOnetic, according to a report from Brit car magazine, Autocar. Equipped with a 1.4-liter turbodiesel engine, the ultra efficient version of the Fiesta ECOnetic is slated to deliver an average fuel consumption of consumption of 64.2 MPG (U.S) or 3.7 liters/100 km – corresponding to an average CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km.

To achieve these results and apart from the ultra efficient diesel engine, Ford’s engineers reduced drive resistances by using special tires and improved aerodynamics by lowering the vehicle and adding an aerodynamics kit. It is also expected that the Fiesta ECOnetic will feature a revised manual gearbox. (The Fiesta pictured above is not the ECOnetic version)

40MPG VW Jetta TDI Priced from $21,990

Volkswagen has announced that pricing for its 2009 diesel powered Jetta TDI Sedan and SportWagen models will start from $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, the Jetta TDI is rated 29 mpg in the City and 40 mpg on the Highway. However, VW said that they hired a third-party certifier, AMCI, who found that the Jetta TDI performed 24% in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway. Well, unless we test it, we’ll hold onto the EPA estimates. -Continued

Both Jetta TDIs come standard with six airbags (with optional rear side airbags) and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). Also standard for 2009 is VW’s carefree maintenance program. With this program VW promises that there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance as described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty - three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Clean Green Cars: Diesels Are Better Than Current Hybrids in Real World

UK based environmental website Clean Green Cars (CGC) supports that the enthusiasm for hybrid cars needs to be put into context as current diesel models generally use less fuel and therefore emit less CO2 than equivalently powered diesel vehicles. In other words, CGC says that today’s diesel cars are more eco-friendly that the current generation hybrids.

To prove their point, CGC tested three hybrids (Toyota Prius, Honda Civic IMA and Lexus GS450h) and three diesel models (Euro Ford Focus Econetic, Jeep Patriot 2.4d and BMW 535d) in similar circumstances. The tests involved a return trip from central London to Brighton, which involved a mix of urban, dual carriageway and motorway driving. You can see the results in the box we added above.

Jay Nagley, Publisher of Clean Green Cars commented, “People may be surprised to learn that hybrids are no better in the real world than diesels, but our tests confirmed what we had long suspected. Hybrid technology offers the prospect of real benefits, but only with the next generation of plug-in hybrids using more advanced lithium-ion batteries which are expected from 2010.Current models only confer dinner-party bragging rights.” -Continued

As CGC points out, with the exception of some Lexus models, which can drive at 20 mph-plus on electric power, in general hybrids spend almost no time driving on battery power alone, and in some cases like the Honda Civic IMA, electric power is used solely to boost performance. Moreover, the key advantage of hybrids which is the fact the engine does not idle at traffic lights has also made its appearance on diesel models in the form of stop start technology. And lets not forget that if the batteries run down, a hybrid will automatically start the petrol engine at traffic lights to recharge the batteries. In a recent test performed by CGC, a Mini diesel with stop start technology managed to achieve 50.7 UK mpg / 42.2 US mpg.

Richard Bremner, editor of Clean Green Cars said, “We are not anti-hybrids. The concept offers the prospect of genuine fuel saving with models promised from 2010 that will drive up to 40 miles on electric charge. However, today’s models using current battery technology offer no real environmental benefits for British drivers. For your next new car, we would generally recommend an economical conventional engine – for the one after that a hybrid may make sense.”

The website says that hybrids became popular in the USA because they are the only alternative to conventional petrol engines as diesel cars are virtually unknown to most drivers in the United States. We say that unless the price of diesel fuel drops to the same levels as gasoline (current avg prices in the US: $4.052 gasoline, $4.792 diesel), unfortunately, diesels will continue to remain an unknown quantity on this side of the Atlantic.

Link: Clean Green Cars

Mazda2 Gets New 1.4-liter Turbo Diesel Engine

Along with the introduction of a three-door version, the Japanese carmaker is enhancing its European Mazda2 lineup with the availability of a 1.4-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine across the range. Engineered specifically for the European market, it produces 68 PS of maximum power at 4,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at a low 2,000 rpm. The result is an ultra low average fuel consumption of just 4.3 litres / 100 km or 54.7 MPG (combined). -Continued

Moreover, the Mazda2 1.4 turbo diesel produces 114 g/km of CO2, which is the lowest CO2 value ever achieved by a Mazda production car sold in Europe. As with the rest of the range, the turbo diesel version comes equipped with Mazda’s five-speed manual transmission with gear ratios that are between 3 to 10 percent higher than the previous five-speed, contributing to lower fuel consumption.

Audi R10 TDI to use Biofuel made from Biowaste at 24h Le Mans race

For the first time, Audi’s successful R10 TDI race cars that will take part at the Le Mans 24 Hours race in mid June will run on a next generation synthetic diesel fuel manufactured from Biowaste.

In particular, a small amount of Biofuel is mixed with the components of a synthetic fuel named GTL which is created from Natural Gas in a process called Gas To Liquids: BTL (Biomass To Liquids), as it is officially called, is extracted from Biowaste that is unfit for use in foodstuffs, for example from waste wood. The synthetic diesel fuel promises a reduction in the amount of CO2 emission by almost 90 per cent compared to traditional diesel fuel.

Peugeot 308 Diesel Sets New Fuel Economy World Record at 75.6 MPG or 3.1lt/100 km

John and Helen Taylor have secured a place in the “2009 Guinness Book of Records” as the gallant couple set two new fuel economy records when they drove around the coast of Australia in a standard Peugeot 308 HDi 110. During their 25 day, 9,000 mile long journey around the coast of Australia this April, the couple not only managed to record an unprecedented 1,192 miles or 1,917 km on just 60 litres or 15.8 gallons (US) of diesel fuel, but they also averaged a fuel consumption of 75.6 MPG US or 3.1lt/100 km.

According to Peugeot, with their accomplishment, the 308 HDi 110 hatchback now holds the World Record for both the highest average fuel consumption on a journey, a record previously held by a Peugeot 307 hatchback, and the record for the furthest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel. -Continued

John Taylor, commented: “We were very aware of the strong environmental credentials of the 308 before we set out on this journey; but we had no idea, however, that it would be such a record breaker. For us, the Peugeot 308 is the perfect family car; it can comfortably seat five adults and during our 25 day trip, the boot space proved itself too, swallowing up our entire necessary luggage.”

Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept with 221Hp Diesel Engine

Set to be make its public debut at this month’s 27th annual Lake Wörther Tour in Austria, the “A3 TDI clubsport quattro” is a one-off race car powered by the most powerful incarnation of Audi’s 2.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine delivering 221 Hp and 331.0 lbs-ft of torque. Power is channeled to A3’s 20-inch wheels through a 6-speed transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The German manufacture says the A3 TDI clubsport quattro can go from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 240 km/h or 149mph.

Honoring its racing pedigree, the concept is equipped with six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs up front along with Audi’s driving dynamic system that allows the driver to change the throttle response, exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, ESP settings and the operating mode of the dampers that deploy Audi’s magnetic ride technology. -Continued

Since it wouldn’t have been much of a race car without any exterior mods, Audi has adorned the bi-colored A3 TDI clubsport quattro with a large DTM-styled roof spoiler, bolt-on wheel arch extensions that house 20-inch alloy wheels in 265/30 R20 tires, a different grille, new front and rear bumpers along with a rear diffuser that incorporates two large diameter exhaust pipes.

Inside the concept’s highlights include a pair of racing bucket seats, an open gear lever gate in aluminium form and Audi’s characteristic flat-bottom steering wheel.

The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro

Engine
- Four-cylinder TDI with common-rail injection system
- Displacement of 1968 cc, output of 165 kW (224 hp) and torque of 450 Nm
(331.90 lb-ft)
- Optimized exhaust system
- 0 – 62mph in 6.6 seconds, top speed 149mph

Power transmission
- High-efficiency six-speed manual transmission with a lightweight casing, open gear lever gate made of aluminium
- quattro all-wheel drive with extremely fast-action multi-plate clutch

Chassis
- Four-link rear suspension for dynamic handling and good comfort
- Power steering with highly efficient electric drive
- Wheels measuring 9 J x 20, tyre size 265/30
- Six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs at the front wheels
- Audi drive select driving dynamics system with Audi magnetic ride adaptive damper control

Body and interior
- Length 4,254 millimeters (167.48 inches), width 1,825 millimetres (71.85
inches), height 1,385 millimetres (54.53 inches)
- Motorsport-look design, large rear spoiler
- Racing bucket seats and extra aluminium components in interior

Chevrolet Captiva: New Entry Level Diesel Version

Chevy’s European arm is enhancing its UK line-up with the addition of a new entry-level diesel version of the Captiva SUV. Priced from £18,295, the new five-seater Captiva 2.0 VCDi LS is equipped with a 2.0-litre 150PS common-rail diesel engine powers the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, a six-speaker RDS radio/CD player with MP3 socket, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, front, side and curtain airbags, remote control two-stage deadlocking and charcoal-effect roof rails. -Continued

Brabus Performance Kit For Mercedes Diesel Engines

Depending on the Mercedes-Benz diesel powered model, Brabus’ new “plug-and-play-type” auxiliary control module can increase maximum power output by up to 53 Hp and peak torque by up to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft). The ECO PowerXtra module can be installed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer in less than an hour.

The German tuner supports that the ECO PowerXtra modules not only improve performance but they also better fuel economy and reduced emissions without though, giving any specific figures. Interestingly, the Brabus ECO PowerXtra D6 BLUE performance kit for the Mercedes E 300 BLUETEC makes Brabus the first tuner to meet stringent EURO V exhaust limits which won’t go into effect in Europe until 2011.

Video: Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid V8 vs Mercedes GL320 CDI Diesel

The 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid with its 332 Hp 6.0L V8 gasoline engine and two 60-kilowatt electric motors and the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 320 CDI with its 215 Hp strong 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine, are considered as two of the most fuel-efficient, full size SUVs on the American market.

Specifically, EPA rates the Chevy at 20 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway and the Mercedes at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. And with a base price of $53,295 for the Tahoe Hybrid 4x4 and $53,775 for the GL320 CDi, they’re also aiming towards a similar (money-wise at least) audience. But which one is a better buy overall? Well, we don't want to spoil the surprise so we'll just let you follow the jump to see Insideline’s video test to find out. -Continued

Via: Insideline

60 MPG / Highway VW Jetta BlueTDI Coming to the US this Summer

The production version of VW's clean BlueTDI engine was unveiled today at the International Vienna Motor Symposium (24-25 April). Developed especially for the North American market, the Jetta BlueTDI features an advanced 2.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine that produces 140 Hp and 320 Nm or 236-lb/ft of torque.

Based on the high-tech TDI, which was first introduced in Europe in 2007 with the Tiguan, this four-cylinder diesel engine was redeveloped with internal engine modifications and a NOx trap in order to meet specific operating conditions in the U.S. But apart from being clean, VW supports that the new diesel engine helps the Jetta achieve a fuel economy of up to 60 mpg on the highway. The Jetta BlueTDI will go on sale in the States this summer. -Continued

“High fuel prices and a dramatic change in environmental consciousness means that diesel is becoming more and more attractive for American drivers every day.” said Dr. Ing. Jens Hadler, Director of Volkswagen Powertrain Development.

“This is why many customers, especially in California, have been waiting for a super-clean diesel like our BlueTDI. I think this motor will help the diesel get its big break in America because it consumes so little and yet can go such long distances on a single fill-up. And in a country as big as the United States, this is a priceless advantage.”

Subaru Thinking About a Diesel-Powered Impreza WRX

Having already presented its new 2.0-liter diesel boxer engine in the Legacy Sedan & Outback models, Subaru seems to be looking into developing a more powerful version of the oil-burning motor for the Impreza that will wear the WRX badge. According to Brit magazine Autocar, the information came from an unnamed Subaru senior brand manager. While the standard turbo diesel engine pumps out 150 Hp, the high-output version of the motor is said to deliver around 200 Hp which logically, will be enough to justify the WRX nametag.

Via: Autocar

Mercedes Launches New R, ML & GL-Class BlueTEC Diesel Models For the States

With gas prices in the US (and elsewhere) going up and up everyday, modern diesel powered cars are definitely a viable short term solution, especially in the States where buyers continue to show their preference in large SUVs. Mercedes-Benz on its behalf announced today that it is offering three new diesel powered models, the R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC and GL 320 BlueTEC that will initially be available exclusively in America.

All three SUV/Crossovers are powered by a new, clean 3.0-liter V6 BlueTEC diesel engine equipped with AdBlue injection technology. The AdBlue system is an aqueous urea solution carried in an auxiliary tank that’s injected into the hot, pre-treated exhaust gases. It helps reduce the nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen when exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxides flow through the catalytic converter. As a result the three new SUVs achieve are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. -Continued

The V6 diesel engine has an output 211 hp and develops a maximum torque figure of 540 Nm or 398 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz promises an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent in terms of fuel consumption versus a comparable petrol model. For example, Merc announces that the GL 320 BlueTEC consumes 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg).

Geneva Show: 2009 Skoda Superb GreenLine

Along with the standard versions of the new Superb, Skoda also took the wraps off the Superb GreenLine at the Geneva Show. The name GreenLine adorns Skoda models with optimised efficiency that exhibit reduced consumption. The Superb GreenLine is equipped with a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with an output of 105 Hp.

Improvements include the fine tuning of the front design to enhance the airflow parameters. Also, by lowering the chassis by 15 mm the forefront area has been reduced creating better airflow under the chassis. The reduction in weight in the new Superb GreenLine has also been helpful in reducing fuel consumption. For example, instead of the spare wheel in the boot there is now a tire repair set on board. These measures result to an avg. fuel consumption of 5.1 lt of diesel per 100 km or 46.1 MPG (US), which corresponds to 136 g/km of CO2 emissions. –Image gallery after the jump

Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!

Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued

When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.

Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle.