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Thrift and Thrills With VW Golf TDI and GTI

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:36:23 +0000

There is a certain kind of smile that appears only when you feel like you’ve found yourself a good deal. We’d like to think that this was the kind of smile that appeared on Lawrence Ulrich’s face as he wrote this New York Times article on why the Volkswagen Golf TDI and GTI were his favorite cars of 2009. See, it should go without saying that when you write the auto blog for the Times, you’re guaranteed to get the cream of every crop – Ulrich even admits as much. And yet, when everything is factored in, he still comes to one big and beautiful conclusion about VW’s latest offerings: these cars’ “affordability and pure versatility make them unbeatable for the times.” Perhaps we’re biased, but we happen to agree.

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VW Turbo Diesel Touaregs Finish 1-2-3: Same Results, Different Year at Dakar 2010

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:45:59 +0000

It’s hard to do much better than grab 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at what many consider to be the toughest race on the planet: The Dakar Rally. This impressive and resounding victory marks another important step on the road to dispelling the myths that still linger around what TDI clean diesel technology can do. Congrats to Team Volkswagen and the individual winners who took their respective Touareg TDIs all the way to the podium. Check this gizmag post for in-depth coverage of the race, as well as some great photos from this year’s Dakar Rally.

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TDI Clean Diesel Tax Credit Update

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:36:27 +0000

We’ve got an important update for anyone that is interested in purchasing a Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel model in the near future. As we have discussed at length on this blog, the Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit available to those who own new Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel models is limited by a government-mandated quota. This month, Volkswagen Group of America will reach the 60,000 unit level that was established by the Federal Government for this program.

So, what does all this mean to you? Well, according to the phase out provisions, customers will continue to earn 100% of the established Tax Credit through June 30th of this year. From July 1st through December 31st, 2010, consumers can earn 50% of the established Tax Credit, and the Tax Credit will no longer apply to purchases made after that date.

If that doesn’t get you down to the dealer to get a closer look at that VW TDI clean diesel you’ve been dreaming about, we don’t know what will.

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Stock Car vs. Race Car

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:34:29 +0000

It’s no secret what a racing Jetta TDI can do in a race, but what about a Jetta TDI that you would find at your local dealer? We’re sure you’d agree that there’s really only one way to find out: settle the score on the track. Check out this clip featuring Jetta TDI Cup racing instructor Jan Halen as he takes on driver (and student) Derek Jones in a race for the ages. You might be surprised by what you see.

Racing Under Green Documentary HD Trailer

admin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:14:50 +0000

In motorsports, there’s more to the action than what’s seen on the track by fans. Beginning the week of January 18, all of the behind-the-scenes drama of the country’s only professional clean diesel racing series will hit national television with a documentary on the season, titled Racing Under Green. The 60-minute documentary takes an inside look at all of the elements that make the series unique. During the season, a broadcast crew followed the series 25 drivers and key leadership on track and off to capture the personalities behind the wheel of the equally-prepared Jetta TDI Cup racecars. The documentary was shot in high definition and also explores the environmentally-friendly aspects of the series, from biodiesel blends used to power the cars on the racetrack to the series support of CarbonFund.org. The documentary will air at various times on Discovery Communications Discovery Channel, Science Channel, Planet Green, and HD Theater from January 18-31. Check local cable listings http://planetgreen.channelfinder.net for channel information and broadcast times.

Businessinsider.com: Volkswagen Preps for a Diesel Revolution

tdipublisher — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:10:21 +0000

Businessinsider.com recently sat down with Volkswagen of America’s COO, Mark Barnes, to discuss the rebirth of diesel in America. This interview covers everything from Volkswagen’s feelings about Cash For Clunkers to the amazing penetration of the Jetta SportWagen TDI clean diesel. It’s a unique perspective that provides significant insight into where Volkswagen of America is headed, as well as what type of role clean diesel technology will play in Volkswagen’s future.

SOURCE: http://www.businessinsider.com/volkswagen-preps-for-a-diesel-revolution-2009-10

PopularScience.com: Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

tdipublisher — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:04:56 +0000

All you really need to know about this PopularScience.com article about the new VW Golf TDI clean diesel is that it kicks off on the famous Autobahn near Volkswagen’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. After all, where else could you legally take the Golf TDI model for a 125 mph test drive? The defense rests.

SOURCE: http://www.popsci.com/cars/article/2009-10/test-drive-2010-volkswagen-golf-tdi

Greencar.com: Green Car Journal’s Top 5 For 2010

tdipublisher — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:30:54 +0000

GreenCar.com just released their list of nominees for their “Green Car of the Year” award and, surprise, Volkswagen has an entry on the list. And, surprise surprise, the VW nominee happens to be a TDI clean diesel. On second thought, perhaps the element of surprise isn’t what it used to be, considering all the accolades VW has been receiving of late. In any case, the new VW Golf TDI is sure to pick up where the Jetta TDI left off, as its impressively sporty performance, outstanding fuel economy* and “surprising” affordability have already made it a big hit with the media and car enthusiasts.

SOURCE: http://www.greencar.com/articles/hybrids-clean-diesels-named-green-car-year-finalists.php

*EPA est. 30 city/42 highway mpg, Golf TDI automatic trans. Your mileage will vary.

Blog.MotorTrend.com: Volkswagen TwinDrive: The People’s Plug-In

tdipublisher — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:16:48 +0000

Volkswagen’s answer to the Chevy Volt goes by the name of TwinDrive, and it has a few tricks up its diesel-powered sleeve. Frank Markus from Motor Trend was one of the lucky few who got to drive one of these electric hybrid Golf prototypes in Germany, and he goes into impressive detail about some of the myriad programming and performance features that the TwinDrive Golf boasts. But the real key to this beauty of a vehicle is the relationship between its electric battery, and its engine (a diesel, of course). In a brilliant engineering decision, the TwinDrive’s 1.5 liter diesel engine is actually in a position to drive the car while simultaneously turning the generator, thus recharging the battery. Yeah, it made our jaws drop too. Check out the article to learn much more about the TwinDrive.

SOURCE: http://blogs.motortrend.com/6566713/green/volkswagen-twindrive-the-peoples-plug-in/index.html

Megenbier wins Jetta TDI Cup Season Series

tdipublisher — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:37:09 +0000

Braselton, GA – For the third consecutive race weekend, the drivers of the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup had to navigate a rain-soaked track on race day. This added an interesting but familiar twist to the final race of the year, which was contested on the 12-turn, 2.54-mile road course at Road Atlanta.

When the drivers arrived at the track, they saw that the series’ technicians had installed the grooved Pirelli rain tires that would make their 14 laps of racing action more manageable. When the race began, Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle held the lead he gained from winning the pole position, but it didn’t take Mark Pombo long to show who is boss on his home track. The Duluth, Georgia native took the lead in Turn 10 on the first lap, and he never looked back. The top three race finishers included Pombo, Andrew Cordeiro (2nd) and Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle (3rd).

“There’s something about racing in the rain that really works well for me because the two races I’ve won this year have been on a wet track,” Pombo said. “This win is really bittersweet for me because if it weren’t for a couple of bad breaks, I feel as though I might have had a chance to fight with Timmy (Megenbier) for the Championship. However, I think it’s pretty neat that I’ve won the first race for the series last year and my final race this year. I’ll be too old to race in the Jetta TDI Cup again next year, so it’s great to be able to go out on top.”

While Pombo took the Road Atlanta trophy, there was another race going on today. Timmy Megenbier and Andy Lee came into the weekend fighting for the series Championship and its $100,000 prize. Megenbier brought a 39-point lead into the race, and it was apparent from the start that he was taking a conservative approach to the race in order to maintain his spot on top. Naturally, the rain caused several dramatic spins and accidents, but the pair was able to avoid trouble with Lee placing sixth and Megenbier 11th. While Lee was able to cut into the Melrose Park, Illinois native’s lead, Megenbier’s mid-pack finish was enough to maintain a 29-point advantage over Lee and give him the Championship. Pombo’s race win vaulted him two positions in the standings to third.

“I knew what I had to do to achieve my ultimate goal of winning the Championship,” Megenbier said. “After being on the podium nearly every race this season, it was a real challenge to hold myself back so that I didn’t potentially risk my season. I had a couple of close calls out there today with the rain and people spinning in front of me, but thankfully I was able to hold on. Being named the Champion is a dream come true for me, and my hope is that this will lead to much bigger things for me down the road.”

While the series’ regulars had previous experience battling the elements, the guest drivers experienced an added obstacle today. However, both journalist Jeremy Shaw and Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford avoided trouble, with Shaw placing 12th and Whitford 18th.

“This entire weekend was quite the experience for me,” Whitford said. “First of all, I was driving a totally different car than I have competed in before. Secondly, I have never raced in the rain. Add the two together, and it sounds like a recipe for disaster. However, I was able to keep the car on track and in one piece for the entire race. Considering the conditions, I was really amazed at how well these cars held up to the demands of racing. Several years ago, nobody would have guessed that you could race a diesel, but these Jetta TDI clean diesels are awesome little cars, and I think the fans that showed up early to the track today got a great show.”

At the end of the day, it was fitting that tire grip and handling were the two factors that decided the race. First year series sponsor Pirelli had brought more than 100 tire dealers to the track, and they got to see first hand how the products perform under challenging conditions.

“While I’m sure that some of the drivers weren’t pleased to see the rain today, I don’t think we could have asked for a better demonstration of our product,” said Rafael Navarro, Pirelli Director of Media Communications and Motorsports. “Our involvement in this series has far surpassed our expectations, and I look forward to a bright future with Volkswagen and continuing to contribute to the environmentally-conscious spirit of the series in 2010.”

Road Atlanta (Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup – Round 10):

Fin. Pos./St. Pos./Car Number/Driver/Hometown/Sponsor/Best Lap Time/Best Lap Speed

1 3 20 Mark Pombo/Duluth/GA/VW Parts & Accessories/ 1:51.180 / 82.245

2 10 26 Andrew Cordeiro/Woodbridge/ON/VION/ 1:51.630 81.913

3 1 23 Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle/Puebla/MX/Castrol/ 1:51.877 / 81.732

4 2 14 Joey Atterbury(R)/Renton/WA/Hyperfuels/ 1:51.419 / 82.068

5 5 29 Devin Cates(R)/Broad Run/VA/HYPERFUELS/ 1:52.083 / 81.582

6 7 27 Andy Lee/Maricopa/AZ/Castrol/ 1:52.313 / 81.415

7 6 7 JD Mobley(R)/Castle Rock/CO/Bosch/ 1:52.505 / 81.276

8 9 24 Donny Warren(R)/Winchester/VA/Aggreko/ 1:52.721 81.120

9 11 4 Nicky Boulle(R)/Dallas/TX/Defnder/ 1:52.898 80.993

10 12 5 Ryan Ellis(R)/Ashburn/VA/VION/ 1:52.557 81.238

11 8 17 Timmy Megenbier/Melrose Park/IL/Chicagoland VW/ 1:53.013 / 80.911

22 31 Jeremy Shaw(G)/Santa Margarita/CA/ 1:53.091 / 80.855

12 19 30 Perry Richardson(R)/Los Gatos/CA/Pirelli/1:52.541 / 81.250

13 20 3 Taylor Broekemeier/Fort Collins/CO/Sherwin-Williams/ 1:52.657 / 81.166

14 17 28 Rhett Tucker(R)/Cumming/GA/SCCA/ 1:53.527 / 80.544

15 15 6 David Richert/Niverville/MB/LAMIN-X/ 1:55.155 / 79.406

16 21 32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R)/McDonough/GA/Pirelli/ 1:54.689 / 79.728

17 13 34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R)/Orizaba/VZ/Red Bull/ 1:54.455 / 79.891

23 35 Brad Whitford(G)/Winchester/MA/DC United/ 1:59.115 / 76.766

18 4 2 AJ Nealey(R)/Pasadena/MD/Brimtek/ 1:52.624 / 81.190

19 18 18 Kerstin Smutny(R)/Bothell/WA/iRacing.com/ 1:55.636 / 79.075

20 14 22 Andrew Novich(R)/Novato/CA/Oakley/ 1:54.857 / 79.612

21 16 15 Theresa Condict(R)/Lexington/MA/Bosch/ 1:57.922 77.542

(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver

(G) – Guest Driver

About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup

The 2009 season marked the second year of competition for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. During the season, young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) competed in 10 events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared Jetta TDI clean diesels powered by Syndiesel® B5 blended biodiesel fuel. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion won $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, driver’s racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors included: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:

www.vwmotorsportusa.com

SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Live Timing & Scoring

Volkswagen Online Newsroom

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