Volkswagen revealed today at the Auto Mobil International in Leipzig the diesel brother of the Golf GTI: the GTD Golf, a car that is all about efficiency.
The GTD is powered by a 2,0 liter TDI engine that delivers 170 hp at 4,200 rpm and a peak torque of 350 NM between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. It makes the 0 to 62 mph sprint in 8.1 seconds and can hit a top speed of 137 mph. It has a fuel consumption of only 5.3 liters per 100 km and a CO2 emission of only 139 g/km. The engine comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the optional 6-speed DSG comes as an option.
On the exterior the GTD comes with bumper, radiator grille and headlights exactly like in the GTI, while the red horizontal stripes in the radiator grille are styled in chrome on the GTD. At the rear, the turbo-diesel sports a modified diffuser. You can recognize the GTD by the dual chrome tailpipes on the left side of the diffuser.
Press release after the jump.
Press release
After the Polo, the BlueMotion offensive and the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is pulling the next arrow out of its quiver: this time it is the Golf GTD. It is extremely fuel efficient yet exceedingly sporty, and it is debuting as a world premiere at the Auto Mobil International in Leipzig (March 28 to April 05). The GTD code letters carry on a tradition: the first Golf GTD appeared back in 1982 – it was the GTI among diesels. Now Volkswagen has perfected the various aspects of sportiness. The new Golf GTD with its 125 kW / 170 PS is aimed at all diesel fans who value a maximum in dynamic performance.
This is where the GTD shows a clear affinity to the new GTI (155 kW / 210 PS). While the GTI is in its own league with an efficient turbo gasoline engine that offers the same performance as far more expensive sports cars, the Golf GTD is making its appearance with phenomenal fuel economy. Every 100 kilometers, just 5.3 liters of fuel flow through the piezo injection valves of the common rail engine that can hardly be pegged as a diesel. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. This contrasts with a top speed of 222 km/h and 8.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.
As on the GTI, the GTD’s 6-speed manual transmission may be swapped out for an optional 6-speed DSG – which in the eyes of many experts is the most efficient automatic of our times. The Golf GTD with DSG reaches a top speed of 220 km/h; it accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and consumes 5.6 liters diesel on average (147 g/km CO2). These low fuel consumption values take both GTD variants to distances of about 1,000 kilometers on one tank of fuel (55 liters).
The GTD equipped with standard sport chassis and 17-inch alloy wheels (“Seattle” type) bears a close relationship to the GTI, in its highly agile handling properties as well as in its parallels in appearance and features.
The exterior clearly indicates that this is the sportiest Golf with a diesel engine. Take the front end, for example: the bumper, radiator grille and headlights are a 1:1 match with the GTI. However, the red horizontal stripes in the radiator grille are styled in chrome on the GTD. At the rear, the turbo-diesel sports a modified diffuser. Even though no GTD emblem comes with the car purchase, the diesel version of the Golf can be recognized by its dual chrome tailpipes on the left side of the diffuser (the GTI has one tailpipe on the left and one on the right).
Sound – sporty sound – has not traditionally been a particular strength of diesel engines. However, the GTD’s new common rail engine is different. Since it no longer has a superimposed “hammering” sound that was previously typical of diesels, engineers were able to fine tune its acoustics for the first time. This is accomplished by a special sound generator, which outputs a sonorous tone, especially in the lower engine speed range. The electromagnetic sound generator evaluates engine speed, momentary power demand and vehicle speed data obtained via the car’s CAN bus and tunes the engine sound that can be heard in the interior.
Volkswagen’s GT philosophy is also reflected in the interior. It expresses itself in standard high-end sport seats, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel whose curvature flattens at the bottom (GTD signature in the center chrome badge), leather parking brake lever and leather gearshift boot with stitching in contrasting color. However, unlike in the GTI the color is not red but light gray. The same applies to the sport seats in “Jacky” pattern: The color chosen for the flat-felled seams are an elegant light gray (“Art Grey”) instead of red (“Flash Red”). The seats themselves are styled in a “Black-White” color combination.
Other standard features of the Golf GTD include details such as a black roofliner and black roof pillar trim, special interior accents, seven airbags including knee airbag on the driver’s side, automatic climate control (“Climatronic”), front fog lights with chrome framing, daytime running lights, ESP, a winter package (with heated windshield washer nozzles, heated front seats, headlight cleaning system and low washer fluid indicator light) and the RCD 210 radio system. Nonetheless, the most important component of standard GTD equipment is still the Common Rail TDI with 170 PS being used in the Golf for the first time.
The 1,968 cm3 displacement engine is from a new TDI generation. It delivers its maximum power at 4,200 rpm. The engine – as sporty as it is fuel efficient – develops its 350 Newton-meter maximum torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Its specific torque is 177.8 Newton-meter per liter engine displacement. The upshot is that in practically any driving situation, the sixteen-valve four-cylinder engine offers power equivalent to that of a six-cylinder sports car engine.
About the technology: Fuel induction is handled by a common rail system. Fuel injection pressures of up to 1,800 bar and special eight-hole injection nozzles achieve exceptionally fine atomization of the diesel fuel. The eight-hole injection nozzles are driven by what are known as piezo in-line injectors. In this process, electrically controlled piezo crystals – boosted by hydraulics – initiate injection in fractions of a second. Compared to conventional solenoid valves, piezo technology enables more flexible injection processes with smaller and more precisely metered quantities of fuel. The results are a very quiet and pleasantly soft running engine, exceptionally quick response and the excellent fuel economy and emissions values already mentioned.
Another feature having a positive effect on the car’s acoustics is the maintenance-free toothed timing belt for the camshaft. The conversion to common rail technology and many other acoustic measures, such as a noise-damping film in the windshield, make the new Golf GTD one of the quietest diesel models in its class. In addition, the GTD will fulfill limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard. Advance sales of the Golf GTD in Germany will already begin in early May. And the prospects for a successful market launch look good. Because this sporty Volkswagen fits in perfectly with our times.
VOGA means fashion in Italian. It is no wonder why Ford designer Camilo Pardo, the designer of the Ford GT, chose this name when he introduced the upscale appearance package in 2006 on the vehicle named after the Italian fashion capital, the Mercury Milan. Since then Mercury has expanded the elegant VOGA line to include the Mercury Mariner crossover based on the Ford Escape.
Being an aesthetics package, the VOGA option is much more about design than function. In order to purchase the high-class VOGA equipped Mercury, future Mariner owners must first upgrade to a Mercury Mariner Premier, and then purchase the Moon and Tune package that includes a large panoramic sunroof and a seven speaker MP3 compatible sound system and much more.
Continued after the jump.
First impressionThe exterior of our 2009 Mercury Mariner Premium with the VOGA feature package is covered in a bright white finish that Ford calls, white suede clear coat, a very chic name befitting such a stylish SUV. Due to the fact that almost all of the upgrades were made to dress up the vehicle, our Mariner handled like you would expect from a crossover. The seating position is high and the vehicle exhibits some body roll; however the new anti-roll bar and re tuned suspension do help to soften the vehicle’s ride. Outside The VOGA package is made up mainly of chrome accents to the exterior of the vehicle. The 17 inch wheels with VOGA center caps are covered in the shiny metal, so are the roof rails, grill and badges. There is even a chrome panel with “MERCURY” stamped into it covering the rear bumper. The only indication that this is not your everyday Mercury is the VOGA badge found right under the chrome Mariner letters on the tailgate. Inside Inside the first things that you notice are the VOGA logos embroidered into the cashmere colored leather seats that are held together with ash stitching. The only other cue that this is an exclusive vehicle are the special dark colored floor mats, that just like the seats, are adorned with the VOGA logo.  There are metallic trim pieces framing the large air conditioning vents as well as the base of the automatic shifter. That piece looks very sleek and elegant thanks to a thick polished metal strip that runs vertically up the back of the lever. Everything else is either made from rough or glossy black plastic. The dash is made from dull black plastic, whereas the door pulls and center stack are covered in a slick piano black finish; exactly what someone looking to purchase a “fashionable” Ford would expect. Technology Our Mercury Mariner was equipped with Sync. Developed in conjunction with Microsoft, Sync allows the driver to control the navigation and audio systems as well as Bluetooth devices with voice activated commands. Even though drivers will never have to take their hands off the wheel to fiddle with buttons again, the voice recognition software does take some getting used to. Unlike most modern vehicles with complex infotainment systems, the Mariner unit is very well laid out. There are a lot of buttons, but they are not overwhelming, instead the dark tones help all the controls to blend together nicely into one user friendly unit. Powertrain The Mariner felt like there was a small V8 under the hood because the vehicle had great acceleration off the line and felt like it was making plenty of power. Although, once the over sized four cylinder engine was pushed, either around town or on the highway, the sound it made revealed that it was nothing more a hard working small displacement motor. For 2009 the Mercury Mariner is powered by a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder that makes 171 HP and 171 lb-ft of torque. The new power plant is 11% more powerful than the previous 2.3 liter engine, while increasing fuel economy, if only by 1 MPG. The redesigned engine allows this Mercury to do something that is unthinkable, achieve better performance and greater efficiency (19/26 MPG).  Quite possibly the greatest attributing factor to the Mariner’s gas savings is the six speed automatic transmission. The 6th gear in the new gearbox is taller than 4th gear in the old four speed transmission; this allows for highway cruising at a lower RPM and therefore consumes less combustible. What’s hot?The style of the VOGA crossover combined with the added power and economy makes this Mariner an attractive automobile. Ford also modified the exterior of the vehicle to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency as much as possible, by reshaping the front bumper and adding a lower chin spoiler, the blue oval aerodynamicists made the Mariner an efficient and powerful machine with a plush driver’s compartment. Mercury designers have also added small flaps in front of the rear tires, a first for a Ford SUV, which improves the Mariner’s aerodynamics even further. The keypad underneath the door handle is one of my favorite features on Ford automobiles. It forever eliminates the need to fiddle with keys when trying to unlock your vehicle, at least until they develop a smart access key like most automakers already offer. The most visually interesting aspect of the interior is the contrast between the soft light surfaces of the headliner and upholstery and the dark charcoal black carpeting. What’s not?Simply put, Mercury may be asking a little too much for this Mariner. With the base vehicle starting at $22,650 and our VOGA edition optioned north of $31,000, the price for all that style is a little steep. For only a few dollars more, buyers could opt for the Mariner Hybrid, a vehicle that starts at just over $30,000. No VOGA for Alaska. Ford, what’s up with that? |
Volkswagen revealed today at the Auto Mobil International in Leipzig the LPG version of the Golf Plus: a bivalent drive that can easily switch over to gasoline driving.
In Autogas mode, the Golf Plus BiFuel’s 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine outputs a power of 98 hp and consumes an average of 9.8 liters of LPG per 100 kilometers (159 g/km CO2). In gasoline mode, the Golf Plus BiFuel consumes a still economical 7.5 liters Super per 100 kilometers (179 g/km CO2).
With a single recharge the car is supposed to be capable of 1,100 kilometers (in LPG mode the car’s range is about 440 kilometers).
Press release after the jump.
Press release
In a world premiere at the Auto Mobil International in Leipzig, Volkswagen is presenting the new Autogas (LPG) version of the Golf Plus. Its bivalent drive – it is easy to switch over to gasoline driving – reduces costs and emissions. When the Golf Plus BiFuel is powered by LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), its environmen tal balance sheet shows a greater than 10 percent reduction in CO2 emissions when matched up with a comparable gasoline engine.
The system being presented in the Golf Plus BiFuel offers significant advantages compared to aftermarket Autogas systems. For one, unlike aftermarket solutions the car has been crash tested together with all of its fuel tanks – so it is safer. Second, the engine was specifically designed for LPG operation and is more durable than engines originally developed for just gasoline. The long-term quality of the Golf BiFuel has been verified in extensive durability testing.
A full warranty and access to the large Volkswagen service network are pluses too. All of this is being offered at the same price as an aftermarket retrofit. In Autogas mode, the Golf Plus BiFuel’s 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine outputs a power of 72 kW / 98 PS and consumes an average of 9.8 liters of LPG per 100 kilometers (159 g/km CO2). In gasoline mode, the Golf Plus BiFuel consumes a still economical 7.5 liters Super per 100 kilometers (179 g/km CO2).
Tesla gave the full reveal today on the all-electric Model S. The company’s first sedan will start at $57,400, but that is reduced to $49,900 after applying a federal tax credit of $7,500.
Tesla is promoting this as a family car, and that’s not hard to believe with seating for up to seven. This sedan has normal seating for five full adults, but it also is taking a page from the old station wagons and has a child-size set of reward facing seats.
Just like the rest of the domestic automakers, Tesla’s Model S comes with a list of options. The standard car comes with a lithium-ion battery pack that is good for 160 miles, but there will also be battery packs good for 230 and 300 miles. The base Model S will do 0-60 mph in under six seconds, and a optional sport version should shave about a second off that time. All cars will be electronically limited to a top speed of 130 mph.
Tesla says the Model S can be charged in any 110V, 220V or 440V outlet. While the 440V takes a convenient 45 minutes for a full charge, we may be a little displeased with having to devote a room in our homes just for the new electrical set up required for 440V service.
Press release after the jump.
Press release
Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge.
The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.
The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike *and* surfboard simultaneously. This packaging efficiency gives the Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.
“Model S doesn’t compromise on performance, efficiency or utility — it’s truly the only car you need,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we’re developing.”
Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.
Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list.
Teslas do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles – a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon.
The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.
“Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it’s a better value than much cheaper cars,” Musk said. “The ownership cost of Model S, if you were to lease and then account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of $4 per gallon, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000. I’m positive this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers.”
The standard Model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration well below five seconds. A single-speed gearbox delivers effortless acceleration and responsive handling. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop.
Tesla is taking reservations online and at showrooms in California. Tesla will open a store in Chicago this spring and plans to open stores in London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington DC and Munich later this year.
Take the Mazda CX9, the Lexus RX350 and the Buick Enclave, shake them profusely and you will know where the Veracruz came from. Even so, it still manages to include the Hyundai brand identity and feels very close to its smaller sibling, the Santa Fe.
In the front, the Veracruz is rather rounded and slanted, which gives the front-end a sleeker and sportier appearance, much like the Mazda CX9. The sporty vibe is further accentuated with a small chrome grill and headlamps that stretch alongside the fenders.
A large bumper takes up most of the front end. It is accented with a two fog lamps, which are standard on the SE and Limited trims, and only as an option on the GLS trim. As we walk along the side, we see Veracruz’s overall shape mimicked by a chrome line around the windows. Again very similar to the CX-9, the front end gets wider and taller towards the rear to give more room to accommodate 7 passengers. The back features large combination taillights, which is standard on the limited, and optional on the SE and GLS trims. The dual exhaust, nicer than its competition RX350, integrates well into the rear bumper and is distinctively oval. Overall, the Veracruz presents itself well, as a new contender, in the 7-passenger SUV market. There is no shortage of luxury and attention to details anywhere on this vehicle. In addition to competing with similarly priced vehicles, the Veracruz can easily be compared with more expensive SUVs, such as the Buick Enclave.
The interior is as spacious as you would expect to see in a vehicle of this size. The center stack is slanted and some of the controls are hard reach and difficult to see when exposed to direct sunlight. Our test vehicle has the optional navigation package, included at an additional cost of $1,750. This package gives you an easy to use touch screen that also controls the 10 speaker Infinity surround sound system. The touch screen, however, is difficult to see and reach as it is located at the top of the center stack. The instrument cluster is sleek and easy to read, but it falls behind in sophistication when compared to its rival the Toyota Highlander, which features fancy illuminated needles.
Our limited edition features some equipment that are optional for the other trims, such as the leather wrapped (not just a fake leather pattern) 4-way electric steering wheel and the must have electronically adjustable pedals that guarantees a perfect driving position for anyone.
Also standard on the limited edition are leather seats and door trims. The seats are comfortable, however, they can sometime be too wide to provide good lateral support. Side sills that light up in a warm blue shade are standard on all trims. It is a nice detail that is rarely available on sedans or SUVs under $100k.
Hyundai took into consideration that this indeed a family vehicle, and thus created a fold down rear view mirror to provide a view the younglings in the back seats.
At the rear, the second row passengers will enjoy reasonable legroom and seats that slide and recline. Third row passengers should be able to seat comfortably as well, but legroom is limited for the average sized adults.
The rear passengers can adjust their own temperature settings via two knobs located on the back of the center glove box. This central glove box also acts as a cooler if the vents located at the bottom are opened.
Another important feature that makes this a perfect family car is the amount of storage. This people mover offers numerous storage compartments on the center console, on the center glove box, and many more throughout the vehicle. This should help you stay organized and clutter free.
Overall, the interior feels as luxurious as the exterior. And it doesn’t look or feel cheap either. The materials (plastic and leather) are high quality and all the electrical features you could hope for are included.
It is equipped with an RF entry system that allows detection of your key while still in the pocket/purse. Simply press the little button located on the door handle, and you door will unlock. Get in and turn the ignition knob to start the engine. It is that simple! Engine vibrations are minimized thanks to the electronically controlled motor mount system under the hood. Put the car in drive, and you will realize that Hyundai engineers really aimed for the Lexus RX350 feel. The steering, braking and overall driving sensation offers a very similar Lexus touch. However, we noticed one annoying detail about the steering feedback. For some reason the steering wheel has a very strong tendency to pull back to its center position, as if there was some kind of auto-center feature or something. Past this detail, the drive is very sharp and comfortable. The very high seating position combined with a large windshield offer a great view of the road and contribute to the spacious feel.
The 260 horsepower engine delivers smooth acceleration. At cruising speed, the cabin is very well isolated from external noises but the engine can get a little loud when pushed hard. 0 to 60 times are up to par with the competition at 7.8s compared to 7.3s for the Highlander for example. If you have any doubt about how fast can the Veracruz go, check out this video where the speedometer reads 250kph (155mph)!
Lucky for you, brakes are strong and combined with the four wheel drive system, the Veracruz always provide a sensation of control and security.
Veracruz is Hyundai’s first attempt at a full size 7-passenger SUV and it is already keeping up with the competition. With this vehicle, Hyundai is getting further away from its image of cheap car manufacturer and show skills only demonstrated by more established brands. The competition is nothing less than the award winning Mazda CX9 and newly redesigned Toyota Highlander. Nonetheless, the Veracruz bring a style of its own that will certainly win sales just by the way it looks, and the feeling of driving a bigger car for your money.
If you are shopping for a 7-passenger SUV around $30K, the Hyundai offers a great alternative to the old dogs: Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander. Make sure to test drive the Hyundai Veracruz before making your decision.
Pros
Style In/Out Material quality Handling in 4WD version sunroof illuminated door sills adjustable pedals very wide seats RF key / keyless ignition large cargo area with (7) seats folding totally flat.
Cons Engine sound steering wheel, odd center feel Navigation system to be perfected limited seats support instrumentation cluster design a little basic
