It is only fitting on this day of glorious green racers competing at the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, that we introduce you to the newest member of our Top Speed Test Fleet. Although its not quite the same as the Audi R15 running laps around La Sarthe, our new Volkswagen Jetta wears the same TDI apparel.
The Jetta TDI is surprisingly different than what you would expect to find from what should be the most economical option in for the automaker’s entry-level four door. Our Jetta TDI seems to be entranced with the spirit of the original GTI. The ride is very sporty; the suspension is stiff, which is great around corners, but a little harsher than you would like when out on a date.
The combination of turbocharged diesel power plant and a double clutch continuously variable transmission may be an optimization for fuel economy when cruising at highway speeds. When passing, the combination falls flat on its face before throwing you back in the seat the Jetta TDI has more speed than you would expect from your sister’s car. The needle on the tachometer moves around more like a tire pressure gauge than something connected to a traditional internal combustion engine, very odd.
Continued after the jump.
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Volkswagen is proving that diesels may have a future in North America. Introduced in August, VW has sold out this year’s allocation of about 1,300 Jettai TDi "clean" diesels. It’s a good start for diesels, but in a slow year like 2007, 16.14 million cars total were bought in the U.S.
About a month ago, Volkswagen was predicting that diesels would make up 25 percent of Jetta sedan sales in the United States and a third of all wagon sales.
Volkswagen credits part of the reason for the sales success is that is already established itself as a provider of diesel cars in the U.S. (it began selling diesel rabbits as early as 1976 and the latest direct-injection diesels from almost a decade.) VW sees this sales victory as a sign to expand its diesel line up including the return of the diesel-powered Rabbit when a redesigned version goes on sale next year.
Although Volkswagen promotes the fuel efficiency of its diesels, "we are not competing with Prius," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
If Volkswagen really wants to up it millage with the oil burners, it could start selling cars with the small diesel engines know as "BlueMotion". Already on sale in Europe, the Jetta version is expected to get at least 40 mpg.
Volkswagen is using their clean diesel Jetta TDI in an attempt o break the current world record for lowest fuel consumption across the 48 contiguous United States. The car will be driven by the world’s most fuel efficient drivers, John and Helen Taylor. The Jetta TDI are fueled by Shell’s best diesel fuel.
The couple will drive on a counter-clockwise route and plan to pass through these cities: Chantilly, Va.; Rutland, V.T.; Toledo, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Spearfish, S.D.; Missoula, Mont.; Winnemucca, Nev.; Santa Monica, Calif.; Durango, Colo.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mount Vernon, Ill.; Ponchatoula, La.; and, Beckley, W. Va. Some of the Shell FuelStretch tactics the Taylors will employ on the road include: avoiding idling and higher speeds, minimizing vehicle drag and performing regular vehicle maintenance.
Press release after the jump.
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Volkswagen today released the TDI version of the 2009 Jetta. TDI is a direction-injection turbo diesel engine. This Jetta runs on high-performance, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Its reduced emissions meet the most stringent fuel emissions standards in California and all 50 states. The “T” stands for turbocharged, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice power and performance to be environmentally-friendly.
For the new release, VW is assembled a one-of-a-kind TDI. The hood of a Volkswagen Jetta TDI was autographed backstage at Teen Choice Awards by attendees including Jerry O’Connell, Randy Jackson, Natasha Bedingfield, and Chris Brown, and will be donated to City of Hope, a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
Press release after the jump.
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India has become one of the emerging markets that carmakers want to get a sizable foothold, and Volkswagen is no exception. Today India gets what the rest of the world has had for almost 30 years, the Jetta. The current generation, now celebrating its fourth year, is available in three trim levels. All available engines produce about 100 horsepower, and the price will stay between $30,000 and $40,000. The mid-size sedan joins the more upscale Phaeton and Touareg that are already on sale in the country.
Continuing the expansion into this market, Volkswagen is also reported to be preparing a small car to be built and marketed specifically for the south Asian country by 2010.
