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2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI revealed ahead of Chicago Auto Show
Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen, Chicago Auto Show 
Volkswagen has released details on its upcoming 2013 Beetle TDI before the vehicle gets an official unveil at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The oil-burning Beetle will bow with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine found in the Jetta TDI and Passat TDI, and Volkswagen projects the engine should help it net 39 miles per gallon highway and 29 mpg city.
Those numbers aren't quite as lofty as we'd expect, especially given how well our long-term Jetta TDI has performed with the same engine under the hood. While we're still waiting on Environmental Protection Agency numbers, our guess is real-world drivers will see significantly better performance out of the latest diesel Bug, which marks its return after being absent since 2006.
With 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, the Beetle TDI shouldn't be a slouch to drive, either. Buyers may choose either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. Otherwise, the Beetle TDI remains aesthetically similar to its gasoline counterparts. Expect to see it hit the market in mid-2012 as a 2013 model. In the meantime, stay tuned for our Chicago Auto Show coverage and hit the jump for the full press release.Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI revealed ahead of Chicago Auto Show 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI revealed ahead of Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel
Filed under: Diesel, MPG, BMW 
Saying automotive journalists like diesel sedans is like arguing the color pink is going to do well with the 5-year-old-girl demographic this quarter. You're not going to find too many dissenting voices. So, it should be no surprise that we love ourselves some BMW 335d. With plenty of power and impressive fuel economy, the outgoing diesel is a mechanical wonder child. And yet, thanks to the new F30-generation BMW 328i, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, there's some competition for the title of most fuel efficient 3 Series.
Admittedly, the 328i's numbers are a far cry from the 265 ponies and 425 lb-ft of torque cranked out by the diesel-fueled 3.0-liter inline six in the 335d. Even so, the 2012 328i is considerably lighter and more aerodynamic. It also boasts a next-generation transmission, which helps the car get to 60 mph one tenth of a second quicker than the old 335d. That's surprising, but not nearly as surprising as the fact that the 328i manages 1 mpg better than the diesel in the combined cycle. According to the EPA's just-released figures, the 328i nets 24 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. The 335i? 23 mpg city and 36 highway.
We'll give you a moment to pick up your jaw from the floor. Now all BMW needs to do, as Automobile points out, is drop a diesel four-cylinder behind the headlights of the 3 Series to go after even bigger green credentials. Fingers crossed.New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to debut at Chicago Auto Show
Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen, Chicago Auto Show 
Volkswagen has confirmed to Autoblog that the oil-burning 2013 Beetle TDI will make its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show next month.
No specific details have been released at this time, but you can bet that the automaker's slick 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four will be underhood. In the Golf, Jetta and Passat, the mill kicks out 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and both six-speed manual and DSG transmissions will likely be available. This engine is already good for as high as 43 miles per gallon highway in the Passat (and we've routinely hit as high as 50 mpg in our long-term Jetta TDI), so we expect exceptional fuel economy out of the diesel Bug, as well.
What's more, our understanding is that Volkswagen plans to offer the TDI engine in the upcoming Beetle Convertible, which will make it the very first clean diesel droptop available in the United States. Of course, we won't know for sure until the roofless Bug debuts later this year, but still, it's something to get excited about.
Stay tuned for the full scoop live from the Chicago show next month.2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to debut at Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Mercedes Benz, Detroit Auto Show 
In between debuting the Smart for-us and SL on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show today, Mercedes-Benz thought it right to bring out two brown cars that are actually green: diesel and gasoline flavors of the E-Class hybrid. In fact, the E300 diesel hybrid is so efficient that Mercedes calls it the "world's most economical luxury-class model." Unsurprisingly, the diesel will launch in Europe while the gas-powered E400 hybrid will arrive first in America and will later come to Japan, China and other countries. Pricing for the E-Class hybrids has not yet been announced, but Mercedes says the "extra cost involved here is only moderate."
As we learned during the slow-burning teaser month of December, the diesel-fueled BlueTec hybrid is expected to get 56 miles per gallon (on the European scale, so around 45 mpg in the U.S.) and the gas-electric E400 Hybrid will get 27 mpg (U.S.). The numbers for the E300 are based on the sedan (saloon) versions; it will also be available in estate (station wagon) form. The E-Class hybrids use a combination of lithium-ion batteries, start-stop, regenerative brakes and the ability to "sail" to save fuel. Sailing here means that, at speeds of up to 100 mph, the combustion engine can switch off while the electric motor keeps the car moving as long as the 0.8-kWh battery has enough power.
Since this is Mercedes, the cars also perform well: the E300 BlueTec offers 204 horsepower from the four-cylinder diesel powerplant and another 27 hp from the electric motor. The gas-powered E400 gives up 306 hp, plus the 27 hp. The E300 hybrid has a top speed of 150 miles per hour and goes 0-62 in in 7.5 seconds, while the E400 hybrid can hit 130 mph and does 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. Or, as Damiler's chairman of the board, Dieter Zetsche, put it this during the press conference in Detroit: Mercedes is "making green cars cooler and cool cars greener."Continue reading Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener Mercedes-Benz says E-Class hybrid makes cool cars greener originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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U.S. diesel auto sales up 27% in 2011 while hybrid share shrinks
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, USA 
A plethora of new diesel offerings is driving sales, according to a new report from the Diesel Technology Forum. Sales of diesels rose 27.4 percent in 2011, according to numbers from HybridCars.com and market researchers Baum and Associates.
The Diesel Technology Forum pegs the overall market growth in 2011 at 10.2 percent, putting diesels' increase considerably ahead of the curve. Interestingly enough, the group says hybrid sales were down 2.2 percent. The non-profit coalition of diesel engine and technology companies includes such auto industry heavyweights as Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda and Volkswagen.
Diesel sales are expected to grow to over six percent of the U.S. market by 2015, according to the report, and could reach as high as 7.4 percent by 2017, as more diesel models hit the market. Diesel-powered versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cadillac ATS, Porsche Cayenne, Chevrolet Cruze and Mercedes-Benz S-Class are slated for near-term U.S. release, according to the group.
To read the entire release, click past the jump and check out this in-depth look at 2011's green car sales.Continue reading U.S. diesel auto sales up 27% in 2011 while hybrid share shrinks U.S. diesel auto sales up 27% in 2011 while hybrid share shrinks originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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2013 Cadillac ATS debuts in Detroit, diesel engine confirmed
Filed under: Diesel, Cadillac, Detroit Auto Show 
It's the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, and Cadillac officially kicked things off tonight by unveiling its 2013 ATS sedan at Detroit's College for Creative Studies. Why CCS? Many of the college's graduates go on to work in areas of automotive design, and as Ed Welburn, General Motors' Vice President of Global Design, tols us, over 170 CCS graduates currently work within the larger GM design team, 20 of which directly worked on the ATS project. After getting our first impressions of the ATS in the flesh, we must indeed applaud those designers.
The ATS rides on an all-new rear-wheel-drive platform, and the end result is car that's about eight inches shorter in length than the larger CTS sedan. Cadillac's Art & Science design language has been updated for the smaller sedan, with angular lines and flat surfaces found throughout the four-door's styling. Sure, Cadillac is quite proud of the way the ATS looks, but what's most important about this car is its performance. After all, the ATS will go head-to-head with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, so on the road, it has to be good.
The ATS is around 100 pounds lighter than a comparable Audi A4, while packing a more powerful engine lineup.
A key factor to the ATS' development was lightness, and GM's North American President, Mark Reuss, stated that the new sedan will be "the most mass-efficient car in the segment." Weighing in at less than 3,400 pounds, the ATS is around 100 pounds lighter than a comparable Audi A4, while packing a more powerful engine lineup. The base engine is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, putting out 200 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque, which should be good for over 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The real points of interest are the new turbocharged 2.0-liter four and 3.6-liter V6. The up-level turbo four should be good for around 270 horsepower, and the larger direct-injected V6 will send 318 hp to the ground. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and both rear- and all-wheel drive will be available.
The ATS will get a diesel engine in its first life-cycle.
During the presentation, Reuss also confirmed that the ATS will get a diesel engine in its first life-cycle, though specific details are unavailable as of this writing. We know that GM is already working on a small diesel mill for the Cruze sedan, so the new oil-burning ATS could use a version of this engine, if not the same exact one.
As for how the ATS will perform on the road, we'll have to wait until we get our first stint behind the wheel later this year, but things do indeed look promising. In addition to a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, the ATS will use GM's Magnetic Ride Control, and will have "the best steering I've ever tested," as Reuss stated. Vice President of Cadillac Marketing, Don Butler, says the ATS' key development themes were to make it "nimble, quick, [and] fun."
It certainly sounds promising, and if all this goodness comes to live out on the pavement, we only have one thing to say: Bring on the V.Continue reading 2013 Cadillac ATS debuts in Detroit, diesel engine confirmed 2013 Cadillac ATS debuts in Detroit, diesel engine confirmed originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package
Filed under: Diesel, Mercedes Benz Getting Deliciously Dirty With Clean Diesel
Back in July, our man Bowman got his first chance to drive the new Mercedes M-Class in the wilds of Montana, and he came away particularly impressed by the ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic. It's great news that this updated diesel powertrain is coming to the United States in November, but in Montana, we missed out on the new-generation On&Offroad Package and innovative Active Curve System.
Fortunately, we were recently afforded the chance to test all of this goodness over a small paved circuit in Austria, as well as up and down a truly hellacious off-road course. By the end of the day, we were convinced that this ML350 diesel 4x4 thus equipped can finally take it to a similarly optioned BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. And, as Mercedes Germany tells us, North American buyers will at long last get a crack at this On&Offroad harder-core package for 2013. Are they at risk of messing with the winning on-road recipe that has made the M-Class the world's best-selling premium SUV, with over 1.2 million sold?Continue reading 2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package 2012 Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC w/ On&Offroad Package originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Mercedes bringing two E-class hybrids, one diesel-powered, to Detroit *UPDATE
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, Mercedes Benz, Detroit Auto Show 
The Detroit Auto Show is shaping up to be a full-fledged green event. Looks like there are now two more efficiency-minded vehicles to add to the list: an E-Class hybrid and a diesel hybrid E-Class from Mercedes-Benz.
The diesel-burning E300 Bluetec Hybrid is obviously the more efficient of the two. If numbers reported by AutoBild are accurate, it will get 56 miles per gallon (on the European scale, probably something like 45 mpg here) while the standard petrol-powered E400 Hybrid will manage only 27 mpg (U.S. scale). Both vehicles will use a 0.8-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 7G-Tronic transmission.
Mercedes already has the S400 Hybrid and the news that Mercedes would produce the E300 Bluetec Hybrid was confirmed back in May. Even though AutoBild's report says we'll see the diesel-hybrid debut in Detroit, we still don't have any more of an inkling that we'll see it for sale anywhere outside of Europe. We'll be on the lookout for complete details from Cobo Hall in the very near future.
*UPDATE: M-B has released official information on the cars, which we've pasted after the jump.Continue reading Mercedes bringing two E-class hybrids, one diesel-powered, to Detroit *UPDATE Mercedes bringing two E-class hybrids, one diesel-powered, to Detroit *UPDATE originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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New BMW-Toyota deal doesn't include diesels for Lexus
Filed under: Diesel, BMW, Lexus, Toyota 
Automotive News reports Lexus won't be getting any diesel engines from BMW as part of the new collaboration between parent company Toyota and the German automaker. BMW and Toyota are set to team up on next-generation green technology, though the two will apparently stick to crafting a new lithium-ion battery instead of swapping diesel tech. BMW will serve up a few small-displacement diesel engines for use in European Toyota models, but it won't supply direct-competitor Lexus with any oil-burning lumps. Right now, European buyers can expect to see 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter BMW diesel engines to show up under the hoods of certain Toyota products soon.
That should help Toyota immensely in a market where 52 percent of all vehicles sold are diesels. Lexus, meanwhile, will continue to focus on plug-in hybrid and hybrid models to position itself as a niche innovation company. Automotive News reports Lexus has nailed down a European market share of just 0.2 percent over the past 11 months.New BMW-Toyota deal doesn't include diesels for Lexus originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Carbon Motors petitions for federal loan with open letter to Obama cabinet
Filed under: Diesel, Legislation and Policy, USA 
Carbon Motors, the manufacturer of the purpose-built E7 law enforcement vehicle, has sent an open letter to members of President Barack Obama's cabinet urging the administration to approve the company's Department of Energy Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan. Carbon Motors applied for a $300 million ATVM loan two years ago, but has yet to secure the funding. With members of congress eying any and all ways to stem the flow of government spending, there's some concern the ATVM loan program will dry up entirely.
The letter specifically underscores why Carbon Motors deserves its loan on a point by point basis, tackling everything from the environmental impact of the current fleet of law enforcement vehicles to the lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies as they attempt to retrofit retail vehicles for law enforcement duty. The company says that its diesel-powered E7 could reduce law enforcement fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 40 percent, and that building the vehicle could create as many as 10,000 jobs. Hit the jump for the full open letter.Continue reading Carbon Motors petitions for federal loan with open letter to Obama cabinet Carbon Motors petitions for federal loan with open letter to Obama cabinet originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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BMW releases second X6 M diesel teaser
Filed under: Diesel, BMW, Geneva Motor Show 
While the notion of an M-tuned SUV may have seemed inconceivable just a few years ago, the BMW X5 M and X6 M are by now a reality. And it's already been hinted that the M-powered SUV family is set to gain a new diesel-powered member.
BMW has now released a second clip showing an X6 equipped what we expect is a tri-turbo oil-burner and an M badge on its rump. Follow the jump to watch the intentionally blurry video. We're guessing that the un-blurred real-life version will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.Continue reading BMW releases second X6 M diesel teaser BMW releases second X6 M diesel teaser originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Volvo introduces production V60 diesel plug-in hybrid
Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Volvo 
Volvo is laying claim to the first production diesel plug-in hybrid title with the company's new V60. The vehicle makes use of a five-cylinder 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine with 215 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission as well as an electric motor good for up to 70 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The forced-induction internal combustion engine puts power to the front wheels while the electric motor feeds its grunt to the rear. An 11.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack fields power storage duties, and Volvo says the V60 plug-in diesel hybrid can travel up to 32 miles on all-electric power with a single charge.
As with most plug-ins, charge times vary depending on the available current, but Volvo claims the V60 can top off its cells in as little as 3.5 hours on a 16-amp line. Interestingly enough, the vehicle allows the driver to chose between three drive modes. Pure mode relies on the electric motor as much as possible while Hybrid mode splits the difference between the diesel mill and the electric motor. Finally, Power mode calls on the full 285 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque for the most driving enjoyment. Volvo says the V60 diesel plug-in hybrid can kick up to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds in Power mode.
It's worth recalling that Peugeot was the first automaker to bring a production diesel hybrid to market, but the fact that the new V60 can plug in to charge its cells earns Volvo a spot in the pantheon of green firsts. For now, the model is only slated for European dealerships. Hit the jump to check out the full press release.Continue reading Volvo introduces production V60 diesel plug-in hybrid Volvo introduces production V60 diesel plug-in hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Honda's reach for No. 1 in fuel economy includes new diesel engine to challenge VW
Filed under: Diesel, Honda, Volkswagen  So, Honda is shooting to have "top-of-industry fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years," right? And the "Earth Dreams Technology" includes building better, cleaner diesel engines.
Honda's history with diesel engines and passenger cars can best be described as fluctuating, sometimes up, sometimes down. The automaker has invested in diesel technology, though, and mostly usesit overseas. There is a renewed commitment to the technology now that the overall target has been set, but still not in the U.S.
Honda engineer Junji Yamano told Automotive News that Honda is directly targeting European automakers like VW. Through an interpreter, he said that, "It is good if they have some sleepless nights because we have had sleepless nights" developing the diesel engine. The details of Honda's new mill are that it is a 1.6-liter (down from 2.2 liters) engine that is 50 kilograms lighter, has less friction and improved thermal management with CO2 emissions that are 15 percent lower than before, under 100 grams per kilometer. AN says the turbodiesel powerplant offers 120 horsepower and 300 newton meters of torque. For now, this engine is destined for the Civic in Europe in 2013. Honda's reach for No. 1 in fuel economy includes new diesel engine to challenge VW originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Medium-duty truck fuel regulations under legal fire
Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Legislation and Policy 
A legal firm representing a small group of construction companies, dump truck operators, and contractors has filed suit to block new fuel economy standards for medium-duty trucks.
In August, the EPA and NHTSA jointly announced the first fuel economy standards that affect both medium and heavy duty trucks. Those standards didn't include specific MPG targets, like the standards for passenger vehicles do. Instead, the truck standards are intended to reduce both fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas production, with truck operators given a wide leeway in determining the best way to achieve those savings.
For large over-the-road trucks, the savings target is a 20 percent reduction by 2018. Medium duty vehicles, including dump trucks and local delivery vehicles, have a target reduction of 10 reduction by 2018. For most medium duty trucks, this should save about one gallon for every 100 miles traveled. In other words, for the average new truck they're being asked to take their efficiency from a bit under 10 mpg and turn it up to 11. Looking at the medium duty requirements last year, a panel of experts projected that rather than costing money for the operators, the changes required would actually be more than paid for in decreased fuel use. (This is why.)
The Pacific Legal Foundation, which filed the lawsuit, did so on the basis that the EPA didn't follow protocol in issuing the new rules, and that the federal government wanted to "dictate the design" of trucks and tractors. PLF's language suggests that the changes would cost "thousands of dollars" for every truck. One of those listed in the suit objected that the new regulation could force his existing fleet of vehicles off the road, even though the regulations only affect new vehicles.
Some vehicles now being introduced, such as the Peterbuilt medium-duty hybrid pictured above, exceed the new regulations and reach 30 to 50 percent reduction.Medium-duty truck fuel regulations under legal fire originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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BMW and Toyota agree to collaborate on future green technology
Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, BMW, Toyota 
BMW has confirmed the German automaker will join forces with Toyota to create new green technologies. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding for mid-to-long-term collaboration on next-generation lithium-ion battery technology, with the option to expand the partnership into additional areas. BMW has also announced the company will supply Toyota with 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter diesel engines beginning in 2014. That doesn't mean we'll be seeing a clean-diesel Prius in the U.S. anytime soon, however. BMW stresses that the engines will be used exclusively in Toyota products destined for the European market.
What other sorts of tech could be spread between the two automakers? BMW may have an eye on gleaning some hybrid knowledge from the fiercely successful Prius program, and we wouldn't be surprised if BMW slipped its new partner a few hints on carbon-fiber construction, either. Either way, the partnership will likely save both automakers plenty of research and development dollars, helping to bring new tech to customers with a slimmer price tag than would otherwise be possible. Hit the jump for the press release.Continue reading BMW and Toyota agree to collaborate on future green technology BMW and Toyota agree to collaborate on future green technology originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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