Guinness World Record for Jetta TDI!

Remember the story of John and Helen Taylor and their attempt to break a  new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption while traveling in the 48 contiguous States?  Well they did it, at 58.82 miles to the gallon! Some of the highlights: 

Day two: 59.15 US mpg 71.03 IMP mpg 3.97 L/100km

Day four: 57.86 US mpg 69.49 IMP mpg 4.06 L/100km

Day five: 59.19 US mpg 71.08 IMP mpg 3.97 L/100km

Day six: 58.78 US mpg 70.6 IMP mpg 4.003 L/100km

Day eleven: 59.42 US mpg 71.37 IMP mpg 3.96 L/100km

Day thirteen: 57.28 US mpg 68.8 IMP mpg 4.1 L/100km

Day fourteen: 59.27 US mpg 71.19 IMP mpg 3.96 L/100km

Day sixteen: 60.80 US mpg 73.02 IMP mpg 3.87L/100km

Day seventeen: 59.33 US mpg 71.25 IMP mpg 3.96 L/100km

VW plans three hot Golfs

Interesting article from Autocar this morning [my comments in brackets]:

"Autocar has learned that Volkswagen is planning to launch three all-new performance VW Golf variants within the next three years.

A performance diesel Golf – dubbed the GTD - [there's quite a bit of buzz on the internet about this one already - think high performance and fuel economy] is scheduled for launch in the spring of 2009. It will use the VW Group’s latest twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre TDI engine, offering in excess of 200bhp and 260lb ft torque. [Sounds like our '09 Jetta TDI engine which passes our strict US emissions and is capable of 60 mpg, outfitted with a couple of turbos].

VW bosses have wanted to deliver a diesel-engined GTI since the Mark 5 went on sale in 2003. The combination of stringent European CO2 laws, the current economic climate and the arrival of the latest twin-turbo TDI technology means that the VW Golf GTD is now a certainty.

VW is also looking at a Golf GTI ‘plus’ model. This harder-core version of the GTI will use a tuned version of the standard car’s 2.0-litre TSI engine to deliver up to 270bhp [this kind of horsepower right out of the box should gain EVO and STi buyers' attention]. It will also have a seven-speed DSG gearbox and a Haldex clutch providing non-permanent four-wheel-drive [helps get that power to the ground]. This GTI ‘plus’ will replace the current-generation R32, although it also looks set to come close to entering the territory already occupied by sister company Audi’s S3 [this can't replace the R - there has to be another R... more powerful, more rare].

The final new performance Golf is likely to be another ‘R’ variant, possibly the ‘R42’, which is pencilled in for a 2010 launch [I thought they might]. This will use a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine that will be shared with the forthcoming Audi TT RS, giving the Golf around 350bhp along with competitive fuel economy and CO2 figures [350hp? Wow!].

According to Volkswagen insiders the spate of new high performance Golfs has been brought about by an influx of Audi engineers into Volkswagen [Porsche engineers' influence would be interesting], and a move to bring about more component sharing between the two companies."

MK6 GTI

From mk6

MK6 GTI pictures surfaced overnight, literally everywhere. I changed the rims to a set of BBS-RS-GT and gave it a polar ice hue for something different using Photoshop. I like this particular shot as it reminds me of the picture I took of my last Golf at the Kansas Speedway. I like the new GTI more angular lines. The frown of the Xenon headlights looks mean and aggresive, matching the honeycomb design on the inside. It screams "out of my way!" Bloggers say it has 210hp - a measly 10hp more than its predecessor. Give this GTI 260hp out of the box without having me spend the extra $600 on a chip, would you? Add APR Stage III ECU, exhaust, manifold, injectors, fuel pump, bigger turbo and you're fast approaching 400 hp and 350pound feet of torque. Just day-dreaming out loud.

Who does not love the dual exhaust in the rear (I wonder what that sounds like) - it's about time! Interior is impeccable as always and the plaid makes me want to redecorate my 337.

I'm digging it.

Fresh off the transporter

The Routan has landed!

 

If you want to test drive or buy the new minivan from Volkswagen, it is here. Contact me.

VW Pickup

Do you think this would do well in the US? I personally love the front end but the rear seems so impractical considering the current market.  Gas prices are high, people can't pay their mortgages let alone buy trucks that are not functional.  This is not for the US anyway but just curious what you think.

Porsche takes control of VW

Porsche has now secured control of Volkswagen by increasing its share to 35.14%, keeping it safe from hostile takeovers from other countries. Remember that Ferdinand Porsche designed the original Beetle while the Touareg and the Cayenne already share production, so there couldn't be a more natural fit. This move helps Porsche meet strict European emissions standards by essentially diluting its power oriented line-up into the huge Volkswagen pool. In other words they don't have to turn the 911 into a hybrid to stay alive.

There are issues with the Lower State of Saxony able to veto with its 20% stake but Europe's justice department is dealing with that, and then the labor unions are a bit agitated but that will all get worked out. This will continue to strengthen VW as the best carmaker in the world who itself owns Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Seat and Skoda. VW is third in the world and number one in Europe and China.

I'm looking forward to the day where Porsche and Volkswagen are the top two of the JD Powers survey in overall quality. Volkswagen has made great strides in the past 3 years by earning Best Resale Value from kbb.com and being associated with the best in the world will only better the company and its products. These continue to be exciting times...

Read related article...

Followers. Anyone?

I just added the "Followers" feature to this blog. If you read this blog, show your face on the left hand side. It's nice to keep in touch with you this way. This has been the best way for me to keep up with everyone.

How do I become a Follower of a blog (taken from blogger)?

There are several ways to become a follower of a blog. One of the easiest ways is to visit a blog that has added the Following widget and click on the "Follow this Blog" link under the "Followers" widget:



You'll then see a popup window with the options to either follow publicly or anonymously:





Select how you'd like to follow the blog, then click the orange "Follow" button. It is that simple, you are now a follower of the blog! If you elected to follow the blog publicly, your profile picture will be displayed on the blog with a link to your Blogger profile (Note: The widget may not show all followers of the blog. If this is the case all followers will be linked from the widget).

Volk-L Phone Button Brochure

Volkswagen released a Volk-L Brochure for the steering wheel phone button compatible bluetooth kit. The Music streaming feature sounds kinda cool.

If you have music stored on your phone and are paired to Volk-L, you can listen to your music over your car speakers.

59.19 mpg!!

OK, it may not be as exciting as following the Large Hadron Collider experiment, but a follow-up from the adventures of Helen and John Taylor, seven days into driving a new Jetta TDI across the 48 states to break a new world record in fuel economy shows that so far 59.19 mpg on day five certainly confirms customers' reports of 55 mpg.

Golf Mk6 - a small facelift

The new MK6 Golf will come to the US after a nine month gap or so, as ordering of the current model Rabbit and GTI have stopped. Dealers have been wanting VW to bring in a smaller VW to the US such as the Polo to fill in that gap. Not sure that will happen considering that car would have to come from Europe and the exchange rate would not be in its favor. We sure would love to have a $13-$15k small VW to sell over here. TDI preferably but even a small gas engine would be welcome. In the meantime we look forward to the Golf. Real MK6 GTI pictures should surface soon.

2009 Warranty

The 2009 Carefree Maintenance warranty is simply explained with this graphic. You can find more information at vw.com

All 2009 model-year vehicles, all of your regularly scheduled maintenance activities during the first 3 years or 36,000 miles* will be provided at no charge by your authorized Volkswagen dealer.
5yr/60,000 on powertrain.
12yr corrosion.

TDI on route to break world record

Volkswagen released this interesting article about a couple trying to break a new world record for lowest fuel consumption across the Continental US in a new 2009 Jetta TDI. You can follow the couple's journey by following John and Helen Taylor's blog.



COUPLE SETS OUT TO BREAK GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LOWEST FUEL CONSUMPTION ACROSS THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel selected as vehicle of choice

HERNDON, Va., September 3, 2008—Two of the world’s most fuel-efficient drivers, John and Helen Taylor, will embark today on the “Taylors’ Diesel Inspiration” tour—an attempt to break the current world record for lowest fuel consumption on a drive across the 48 contiguous United States. To help meet this goal, the Taylors will be behind the wheel of an all-new, 50-state-compliant clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI employing simple “FuelStretch” fuel-saving driving tips they developed with Shell.

The Taylors are an Australian husband and wife team who set a Guinness World Record for driving around the globe on 24 tanks of fuel behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf in 2006, and as always, Guinness World Records rules and regulations will be strictly adhered to on this challenge. Approximately 12 official check-in and refueling stops across the country are included throughout the duration of the drive, which is slated to conclude September 26 in W. Va. The current world record for the lowest fuel consumption on a nationwide drive is 51.8 miles per gallon.

“It will be a great challenge and adventure to drive through the 48 U.S. mainland states,” said Helen Taylor. “We want to educate the American public that by choosing the right car, using the right fuel and adopting fuel-saving driving techniques, everyone in the U.S. can save money, fuel and reduce carbon emissions.”

Kicking off their more than 8,000-mile drive at a Shell station in Chantilly, Va. followed by a “flag-off” ceremony at the Volkswagen of America, Inc. headquarters in nearby Herndon, Va., the Taylors are setting out on this challenge in their vehicle of choice—Volkswagen’s all-new clean diesel Jetta TDI—powered by the fuel of their choice—Shell Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel.

“We’re thrilled that the Taylors have chosen our all-new clean diesel Jetta TDI in their attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO/President, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We believe our Jetta TDIs truly offer a no- compromise alternative fuel driving experience that provides our customers the best of both worlds—excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience. We’re excited to see the tremendous fuel efficiency that the Taylors will get as they set a new world record. We wish the Taylors the best of luck and a safe journey,” added Jacoby. It’s just good, clean diesel fun.

Volkswagen has more than 30 years of experience selling diesel passenger cars in the United States, and they’re the first manufacturer to market with an affordable 50-state compliant clean diesel passenger vehicle that meets the strictest emission standards of California and the world.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 miles per gallon city and 40 miles per gallon highway. Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real-world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI.

Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 miles per gallon in the city and 44 miles per gallon on the highway.* Using fuel-saving driving techniques and vehicle maintenance tips from Shell, the Taylors hope to push their fuel efficiency even further.

The couple will drive on a counter-clockwise route including stops in Va., N.H., Ohio, Neb., S.D., Mont., Nev., Calif., Colo., Okla., Ill., La. and W. Va. Some of the fuel-maximizing tactics the Taylors will employ on the road include actions such as avoiding idling and higher speeds, minimizing vehicle drag and performing regular vehicle maintenance.

"With everyone focused on stretching their fuel dollars, the Taylors’ world record-breaking attempt will demonstrate to American drivers that a little modification to vehicle maintenance and driving habits can help maximize fuel economy," said Jens Mueller-Belau, U.S. Retail Fuels Marketing, Shell Oil Products U.S. "Like the Taylors, we have a passion for fuel economy, and we’re glad both Shell fuel and “FuelStretch” tips will power this exciting event.”

The Taylors have made a 26-year career out of driving economically and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. Along the way, they have collected 36 world fuel economy world records from drives around the globe in Australia, Asia, South Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Via their Web site, the Taylors will be sharing their personal experiences on the road. For more information and regular reports from the road, visit www.fuelacademy.com. For a complete list of fuel-saving driving tips, visit http://www.shell.com/us/fuelstretch.

Link to information on the Taylors’ 2006 Guinness World Record for Fuel Efficiency:

http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa/aboutshell/media_center/news_and_press_releases/archive/2006/fuel_challenge_record.html

*29 city / 40 highway EPA estimates; 38 city / 44 highway real-world fuel economy based on AMCI testing. Actual mileage may vary. For more information on Volkswagen, go to www.vw.com.

Routan Training

From Routan Training

I trained on the new VW Routan minivan this morning. We had a special guest at the event - the Passat CC (stunning car in person). The Routan is surprisingly impressive when compared to the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Chrysler's Town & Country. The interior is way more refined than its counterparts especially in leather. The handling is second to none, although I will say the Odyssey surprised me in its handling as it sits lower than the Routan. The Routan has self-leveling struts and shocks that drastically reduce body roll and give it a great ride. The ride is definitely better than the Chrysler Voyager my wife and I drove for 5 years. The entry level engine with 197hp is adequate but of course if you like speed the 251hp is the best choice.

Model Prices
S: $24,700
SE: $29,600
SEL: $33,200
SEL Premium: $37,500