VW TDI

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

Facebook

Twitter

Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford races in Jetta TDI Cup

tdipublisher — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:32:37 +0000

On September 25th and 26th, Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford joined the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup as a guest driver at Road Atlanta. As the series’ regular drivers found out, Whitford’s talents aren’t only limited to the studio or the stage. He’s also an avid amateur racecar driver, and he finished 18th in the final race of the season.

“This entire weekend was quite an experience for me,” said Whitford. 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.”

Click play to watch the video details of his experience at the Jetta TDI Cup.

Jetta TDI Cup racer Mark Pombo comes clean

tdipublisher — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:22:22 +0000

Mark Pombo was practically born at the track. His passion for racing was passed on by his father Pepe Pombo, winner of two SCCA National Championships in the 80s. For Mark, racing has been a lifelong dream starting at the age of 5 and continuing all the way up to his two thrilling seasons as a main contender for the Jetta TDI Cup Championship.

I was t-boned by a competitor in the driver’s door at about 80 mph. One of my first road races in late 2004 had me sitting at a dead stop right at the beginning of a huge braking zone at the fastest part of the track. I saw the entire thing coming and new it was going to be bad. I walked away though, and even got the car on the track the next day. Never skimp on safety; a high-quality roll cage is why I lived to race another day.

Bump drafting is risky, but can be the difference between the top 5 and the top 15 in qualifying. Every driver knows that a perfect lap by yourself on a high-speed circuit is never as fast as a perfect lap with a draft. Sometimes, it can be the pole versus second or third too.

I would like to think I outperformed the other drivers based on skill. I won this weekend, but there were other races I didn’t win. On the ones I didn’t win, I still don’t like to think I was outperformed based on other drivers’ skill. So I am just like most people — I rationalize the loss to myself (without making excuses of course!).

Veterans feel they have paid their dues and want to make rookies earn respect. Rookies have a chip on their shoulder and have something to prove right out of the box. Rookies typically feel like they should start out with the benefit of the doubt.

After crossing the finish line, the first person I called was my fiancée Leah Galloway. She puts up with weeks apart from each other and all my disappointments when things aren’t going well at the track. So I want share the moments of fulfillment with those who have sacrificed with me. My family often travels with me so I usually don’t have to call them.

I am living a dream right now. However, there is life after the Jetta TDI Cup. I try to never forget the fact that many people would love to be in my shoes. Sure, I view this as a step on the way up, but if for some reason this is my peak, then I still have some pretty cool stories to tell.

The more I progress in racing the more parity there is. Drivers in this series, especially the top-tier drivers can win on any given weekend. When I was younger, I felt like I could beat anyone in identical equipment, and to some degree I still feel that way. However, I have realized over the years that I can learn from everyone in this series because of how deep the talent is. I have a unique driving style, and no matter if I am fastest one weekend or not, there is bound to be someone faster than me in one turn or at least one segment of the track. As a driver, if you become content with where you are, others will close the gap trying to figure out what you are doing to go faster, so always continue to look for more speed, even if you are already the fastest.

Wake up and take a look at what we are doing. The facts don’t lie: 25mpg* on the track with B5 biodiesel in one of the most eco-conscious fossil-fuel-powered cars in the world. It is evolution, and this is just the beginning for Volkswagen. By today’s standards in the racing world, we are pioneers.

This series is more exciting to watch than nearly all other kinds of racing because the cars are as equal as possible. We are essentially all driving the same car; nearly identical to the one you can drive off the Volkswagen showroom floor. The drivers are young and aggressive, which typically makes for exciting (and sometimes dangerous) close-quarter racing for 30 minutes. If you like car carnage, there is usually no shortage of that, either.

I’ve never really lost my cool in the car. I will say I have made many mistakes, but those are usually from pushing too hard to be the best. I’m pretty calm, cool, and collected behind the wheel.

To me, a career is something you do to provide for yourself and your family. I hope the Jetta TDI Cup will launch my career to the point where I can call it my only career. I’m not there yet, but every year I’ve gotten closer.

Before a race, I always drink a ton of fluids, and then get the occasional butterflies (like everyone). This usually causes me to make a pit stop at the restroom right before I get in the car. My family follows with a hug and a kiss when I am strapping in the car. Once in the car, I like to have a few moments to myself in the car to visualize the track and go through the gears and braking zones. Then I try to visualize different scenarios on the start and the smartest way to react. By this time, the race is usually about to begin.

I’ve never been the guy to get a song stuck in my head while racing. I think I’m too in tune with the sound of the car to get distracted with music.

Liam Kenney makes me nervous. The driver who really makes me nervous is Kenney, from last season. Because he’ll hit you instead of giving you room.

If I win the Jetta TDI Cup, the money will all go back into pursuing a racing career. Some people call that crazy!

I really liked the Portland, Oregon track last year. I feel like I have some unfinished business there, and would love to race it again.

Track etiquette is track etiquette everywhere. You either have it or you don’t. Everybody makes bonehead mistakes, but owning up to them is what I think is important. This is especially true if your mistake costs someone else a better result. What I have noticed the last couple of years is that, typically, people’s race etiquette coincides with their tax bracket (or their parents’ tax bracket). There are always exceptions, though.

I want to beat them all. One week it could be Timmy Megenbier, the next Jake Thompson, the next Andy Lee, and the next Joey Atterbury, etc.

I’d like to think I’m the fastest, nicest, and most marketable. Hopefully.

*30 city/41 highway mpg (Jetta 2.0L TDI, manual). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.

TDI Cup racer Devin Cates comes clean

tdipublisher — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:47:32 +0000

A second-generation racer, and only 19, Devin Cates is one of the top amateur road racers in the United States. He has proven to be a consistent threat at courses such as Road Atlanta, Caroline Motorsport Park, Nelson Ledges, Mid Ohio and his hometown track Summit Point. Winning the Jetta TDI Cup adds yet another notch to his belt, and with his experience and age, it is expected that his move up the professional driver ranks will be swift one.

The first person I call is my mom. She has always been there for me and our relationship with each other has really grown strong over the last year. I called her on my way home and told her all about the win and how it felt, she was the happiest I have ever heard her!

I want to prove I can be the best no matter who is racing. I want to constantly improve my performance to meet my own expectations, and of course prove to my dad that I can be a successful racecar driver, he has always supported my dreams and has constantly pushed me to take it to the next level.

I find myself with a song stuck in my head every now and then when I’m racing. It’s always a different song, nothing specific and it usually comes and goes. When I’m in an intense battle there is no song, if I have a big lead a song may enter my head.

When I’m on the grid I like to close my eyes, clear my head and picture all the turns in order, one at a time. Going into the race calm, with a fresh and clear mind helps me maintain my focus; a low heartbeat helps keep my emotions intact along with staying calm throughout the whole race.

When you have 25 hungry drivers on the same track, battles are sure to ensue. You just have to make sure you’re at the right place at the right time so when opportunities open up you are there to capitalize, that’s exactly what I do. I am aggressive at the right times to get myself right in striking position, then I am patient and wait until the opportunity presented itself.

I think a driver breaks rules when he feels that there are no options left. Sometimes it is a desperate pass at the end of the race, or an overly optimistic view of getting both cars through the turn cleanly. When I bump someone it is more of a friendly gesture, kind of like shaking someone’s hand, it lets them know you’re willing to work with them to pull away from the guy or guys behind you.

I was hit from behind in the braking zone going into Canada Corner. My buddy Derek Jones made a slight miscalculation in the braking and sent me flying through the gravel at over 100mph, I felt the left front of the car dig into the gravel and at that point I knew I was going over. When I landed I opened my eyes and was on top of the tire wall. I remember letting out a huge yell when the car started to flip, but to be honest I was more pissed that my race was done than scared.

I punted a BMW e30, because…well he was in my way. I was running 3rd right behind Mat Pombo and Dean Copeland who were 1, 2 respectively. The e30 let both of them by on the outside and cut me off. I was so determined to win that race that I didn’t even think about lifting, and punted him right off the track. I ended up finishing 2nd but got dq’ed anyway because, as you can imagine the guy driving the e30 wasn’t too happy and “threw paper”, for which I don’t blame him.

The vets expect to have a big advantage. However, the rookies proved strong and won the first 2 races of the year. Out of the 6 winners this year, 3 of them have been veterans and 3 rookies. So I think it has been a pretty even battle between the rookies and veterans all season.

Timmy Megenbier, is the highest praised driver of the series. With the way he has been driving this year – rightly so.

Whenever I see the #22 car in my mirrors in a practice session I just pull over and let him by. He seems to like contact.

It’s a great experience getting to meet people from all over North and Central America. Getting to know what they’re all about, on and off the track. After a couple of race weekends I feel everyone started spreading out more and hanging out with different people, rather than just people who were from the same region. On the track everyone is just another racer, we all want to win and we all drive like it!

My home track Summit Point, is an awesome track with a bunch of fast, intimidating turns; my favorite! I live about an hour away and have countless laps there. I know about every speed secret and passing zone there, and if the series visited SP I feel I would have a huge advantage. I also would make sure to put on a great show for the home crowd too!

Eco-conscious racing is the future of motorsport. Volkswagen is lifting all preconceptions with the clean diesel Jetta models in the VW Jetta TDI Cup. With such a large manufacturer as the likes of Volkswagen taking the initiative to have a completely eco-conscious race series, other race series, such as ALMS, are sure to follow.

Watch the Jetta TDI Cup! 25 young drivers, all competing for a name, a title and 100k. This is a very potent combination that allows for an extremely exciting racing!

I’m hoping the Jetta TDI Cup will pave a way for me in future Pro Racing. Whatever it may be, road or oval, I’m open to any kind of opportunity. I want to make racing my career and make a living doing what I love!

I’d definitely buy some kind of intense dune buggy to race on my dirt track at home. That is if I win the Jetta TDI Cup, $100,000 in prize money.

I am out of the Championship hunt. I am just focusing on finishing out the year strong, which will hopefully open up opportunities for me next year and beyond.

Believe that you’re the best. In racing or in any sport, you have to or else you will not win, simple as that.

Famed Hot Rodder Sees Opportunity in Clean Diesel Tech

tdipublisher — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:05:00 +0000

Courage. Determination. Perseverance. Persistence. They’re the words you see on those workplace posters, aimed at rallying the troops and inspiring residents of Office Space-type cubicles to put their noses to the grindstone. Sure they’re heavy on the cheesy factor, but the message they convey is behind the success of every world-class athlete and Fortune 500 company. No framed “Complacency” posters in these halls.

That refusal to find satisfaction with the status quo is behind the development of all Volkswagen products, and it inevitably leads to one question: What if…? As luck would have it, one of the most respected members of the aftermarket community shares that same mindset, and he’s crazy about diesels.

His name is Gale Banks, founder of Gale Banks Engineering. We recently had the opportunity to sit in on a discussion between Banks and the automotive press, and came away with a genuine hot-rodder’s perspective on the future of clean diesel engines and fuels.

About Gale Banks

Gale Banks has had a lifelong love affair with the internal combustion engine, from tearing apart his first engine at 14 years old to currently researching aftermarket applications for Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbocharged clean diesel offering. His work is complex, yet his goal is simple: Improve fuel economy and performance.

Banks’ resume highlights the development of General Motors’ Duramax diesel engine, diesel marine engines used by the private sector and the military, and the world’s fastest diesel-powered drag race truck.

Clean Diesel Technology Today and Tomorrow

“It’s time to change your minds about diesel, folks. It’s clean.” It might seem odd for Banks to make that statement to a roomful of knowledgeable automotive journalists, but it’s a message that bears repeating. With a stake in different manufacturers’ programs, not to mention his own product line, Banks has reason to promote diesel development, but what he envisions for the future differs significantly from what we drive today.

Current diesel-powered passenger cars, like the Jetta TDI and Golf TDI, offer outstanding torque and plenty of usable horsepower. That abundance of torque requires some beefy components to handle internal stresses; Banks sees an opportunity to develop a low-mass (engine weight relative to horsepower) diesel that generates more horsepower and, therefore, can reach greater speeds. It’s an idea more applicable to his dragsters than the Jetta SportWagen, but such advances would likely make their way into our daily commuters.

Another technology that excites Banks is already in the works. It’s dubbed supercritical diesel fuel injection. This is a system that heats diesel fuel, thereby lowering its viscosity and allowing it to be injected more quickly. According to an article published by MIT, supercritical diesel fuel injection can significantly cut emissions and provide a slight improvement in terms of efficiency.

Future Clean Diesel Fuels

“Environmentalists pushed diesel to clean up its act, and thereby guaranteed its future.” Clearly, Gale Banks believes clean diesel engines are here to stay, but that’s not necessarily the case for today’s diesel fuel.

Thanks in part to the distribution of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel, all new Volkswagen TDI models meet stringent air quality standards set for all 50 states, but so-called second-generation biodiesel is quickly making a name for itself.

One type is cellulosic, which can be created from agricultural byproducts, wood chips, and other non-food materials. The second centers around the use of algae. Yes, that slimy green goo that grows in your pool is actually largely comprised of lipid oil; ExxonMobil and Chevron are just two companies heavily invested in its development as an alternative fuel source.

Finally, there’s the approach being taken by Valero, an energy company that has partnered with a food byproduct recycling company to build a renewable diesel fuel refinery.

Volkswagen Golf TDI: Practical Never Looked So Good

tdipublisher — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:50:48 +0000

Like it or not, most everything comes at the expense of something else. Want that new house with a pool? You may just have to sign over Junior’s college fund. But when it comes to a stylish car that’s powerful, fun, roomy, refined and affordable? Well, in that case you’re in luck. You won’t have to sacrifice a thing.

That’s because the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is on its way. And in addition to updated styling and refinements inside and out, a clean diesel Golf TDI model will be available, providing a new alternative for shoppers craving efficiency*, low emissions, and unrivaled value all in one attractive package.

Clean Diesel Technology
TDI. That’s Volkswagen’s name for its turbocharged, direct injection diesel engine technology, which allows the Golf TDI to achieve an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway*. Efficient diesels have been around for ages, but thanks to the U.S.’s adoption of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel and an advanced emissions system, VW’s TDI Clean Diesel models have up to 95% fewer sooty emissions than a traditional diesel engine. And unlike its non-diesel competitors, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI also delivers 236 lbs.-ft. of earth-moving torque.

Clean German Design
Sitting nearly an inch wider and just a smidge shorter, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf has a footprint almost identical to the outgoing VW Rabbit. Similar dimensions aside, the new Golf sports a more luxurious, precise style by comparison, with sleek headlight and taillight treatments outside and even more quality materials fitted to the tasteful interior.

Comfort and Convenience
Perhaps Volkswagen just doesn’t know how to build a poorly-equipped vehicle. That’s the impression you’ll likely get after viewing the new Golf’s list of standard equipment, which includes everything from air conditioning to sport seats with height and lumbar adjustments. The Golf TDI kicks things into overdrive with a standard touch screen audio system and a sport-tuned suspension. Every Golf addresses safety with six airbags**, a tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and ESP stabilization control. Options include a power moonroof, a Cold Weather Package, navigation system, and more.

Value Beyond Fuel Economy
Volkswagen has gained a reputation for building some of the most upscale, refined interiors in the business. Things get even better in the 2010 Volkswagen Golf, as Car and Driver’s Erik Johnson suggests that “the quality and design of the Golf VI’s interior is far and away better than the cabin of the previous-gen car, and that wasn’t a hobo tent or anything.” We’re not exactly sure what a hobo tent is, but we think that’s a compliment.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but shoppers can expect the Golf TDI to start in the low $20,000s***. Fuel economy figures will also mirror the clean diesel Jetta, with both vehicles achieving an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway*. Finally, the Golf TDI will be backed by three years or 36,000 miles of Carefree Maintenance† and may qualify for a federal tax credit.††

Awards and Accolades
2009 World Car of the Year
TDI engine ranked among Ward’s 10 Best Engines (2009)
Most Efficient Hatchback (based on EPA fuel economy data, 2010)
IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2009 model year)

Behind the Wheel
Folks interested in a test drive of the ’10 Golf will need to wait until later this year, and that includes members of the automotive press. However, a few journalists were able to get seat time in a European-spec Golf, and here’s what they had to say:

“We appreciated the TDI’s eagerness to rev and punchiness off the line, especially in the clogged and narrow Roman and Florentine streets we drove during our test.” – Erik Johnson, Car and Driver

“VW was one of the first automakers to really get electric power steering right in the current (Rabbit) Golf, but the steering ratio in our new Golf felt like it’s been quickened a bit, and the thick steering wheel felt just right (and a lot like the new one in the new Audi A4), and the car felt more tossable and responsive.” – Bengt Halvorson, TheCarConnection.com

Third-Party Video Preview
Until the aforementioned reviews hit the ‘Net, get an unbiased opinion of the Rabbit’s successor by checking out Kelley Blue Book’s video preview.

*EPA estimates; your mileage will vary.
***Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.
***MSRP not yet announced.
†The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first on all 2010 or newer models. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. The Touareg TDI program covers the vehicle’s 5k, 15k, 25k and 35k AdBlue refills. The Routan program covers 6k, 12k, 18k, 24k, 30k and 36k scheduled maintenance. Does not include routine wear and tear on parts such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details.
††$1,300 tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI with manual transmission. $1,700 tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI with automatic transmission. Available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.