RichC | December 1, 2011
U.S. built 2012 Volkswagen Passat – Motortrend Car of the Year 2012 Volkswagen reported strong sales for November 2011, up 40.7% over last year. The new Passat contributed over 6000 units and the Jetta 11,131 units (a 58.9% increase year-to-date). The somewhat unique to North America 40+ mpg clean diesel models contributed to nearly 20% […]
RichC | November 27, 2011
Most Volkswagen Jetta owners have experienced the “low front valance” problem with their cars (probably other models too) … be it a bump in the road, steep drive or the infamous parking curb. In my daughter’s case, it was a parking curb with the steel hold-down rebar protruding way too high and catching enough to […]
RichC | November 23, 2011
Could you be tempted by an AWD “performance” version of your favorite Volkswagen model … IF it was available with a diesel? According to recent comments at the LA Auto Show, VW could be offering their “R” line all-wheel drive with a TDI … and in more than the hatchback. “The future is diesel and […]
RichC | November 21, 2011
Small Volkswagen and Audi TDIs in North America could always use a little more competition … how about an attractive diesel roadster with both performance and fuel efficiency from Mercedes? The 47mpg SLK250 CDI. Mercedes’ newest SLK roadster combines thrilling performance, classic sportscar proportions, and (most relevant from our purposes) incredible fuel economy figures: […]
RichC | November 12, 2011
After reading a recent article in the WSJ discussing the tens of thousands of high paying energy sector and supporting jobs that would be immediately available if the Keystone XL pipeline project would be approved, its clear that politics are more important to President Obama that U.S. jobs. He must have decided that the votes […]
RichC | November 8, 2011
My daughter called to tell me her dependable Volkswagen Jetta TDI wouldn’t start. So far it has made it through high school, college, med school and to her medical residency without letting her down. Unfortunately it just cranked and wouldn’t start this time. I attempted to diagnose over the phone – having her check for […]
RichC | October 16, 2011
The weekend was a good one weather-wise for yard chores and closing up the pool. Beside meeting our son Taylor for lunch on Saturday, Brenda and I took advantage of the nice warm autumn weather and enjoyed both Saturday and Sunday outside. I also was able to retrieve the heads from the MGB that Jack […]
RichC | October 11, 2011
According to the Detroit News and reporter Scott Burgess, there were a few areas still in need of improvement before 2013 Chevrolet’s diesel Cruze will satisfy most American drivers. He points positively to the estimated 50 mpg and 800 range, but in a recent 587 mile trip around Europe, he was only able to return […]
RichC | October 9, 2011
As the U.S. economy tries muddle along, few new jobs are consistently being added to put Americans back to work. With confidence in the U.S. fiscal situation and our own personal finances low, it’s no surprise to see even new efficient “diesel” passenger vehicle sale struggle. According to the latest numbers, diesel passenger sales through […]
RichC | October 5, 2011
Not so promising long term update comments … but worth reading if you are looking at new VW TDIs. My first impressions of the new Jetta’s cabin aren’t very positive. While I had mentally prepared for a cheapened interior, I continue to find additional minor cost-cutting annoyances. First on the list is the frequently used […]
RichC | September 3, 2011
Spent the day enjoying the TDIFest 2011 in Lexington Kentucky on Saturday and wanted to post a few photos. The guys I work with have done an outstanding job and expect that this evening pig roast was a big hit … waiting for an update.
RichC | September 2, 2011
For those interested in all things TDI (that’s Volkswagen TDI diesel automobiles), the TDIFest is this weekend in the host city of Lexington KY. Our local CinciTDI club is hosting the TDIClub “fest” and it looks to be a good one. Hopefully the weather and activities will be enjoyable … I know that I’m looking […]
RichC | July 28, 2011
I had the chance to test drive the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI diesel on Wednesday and was both surprised and impressed; it was not entirely what I expected. The SEL Premium package made this mid to large sized sedan seem more like the VW Phaeton than it did the previous Passat. Besides the larger […]
RichC | July 22, 2011
I’m not sure I’m ready to wait a full 17 months to see Chevrolet’s diesel Cruze, but glad to hear that at least one US domestic is planning to add a diesel option to the North American offerings. This is no small step considering what has to happen behind the scenes at dealerships, parts suppliers, […]
RichC | July 2, 2011
The Panamericana Challenge trip/race/challenge delayed their start by 3 days, but as of 4AM Saturday morning started their drive. The heavy snow near their starting point at the tip of South America which postponed their start of the challenge has been cleared for their VW Touareg TDI and in watching progress on the map show […]
RichC | June 28, 2011
How about topping this hypermiling diesel concept vehicle developed UK’s Cambridge Design Partnership and driven by an eleven-year old kid – 1,325 mpg. When I told my parents how far this car could go on a gallon of fuel they were absolutely amazed! It wasn’t too hard. The Go system helped me use as […]
RichC | June 20, 2011
Although I’m a big advocate for diesel power and biodiesel fuel, call me at least a little skeptical regarding the boastful numbers … At the heart of the sleek Iceni is a modified 550 bhp, GM 6.6 liter, twin-turbo diesel V8 running bio-fuel, and according to previously released info, the Iceni will run to 230 […]
RichC | June 15, 2011
Not a bad week for Audi; they continue to dominate with diesel powered Le Mans racing TDIs and show of the tweaking o their diesel-hybrid technology in the e-Tron Spyder plug-in diesel as well. From my perspective the supercar styling isn’t half bad either. It was a big weekend for Audi, which debuted a new […]
RichC | June 14, 2011
Although this Volkswagen Caddy 1.9L TDI isn’t available in the U.S. (yet), I know many diesel TDI enthusiast who could comfortably live with this ugly duckling when it comes to styling. The small van like cargo-carrying diesel mini-van with a 5-speed manual would be considerably more efficient than what North America offers today — and […]
RichC | June 13, 2011
The invitation to the annual TDIFest may not be the biggest and best car show in the nation, but for a group of loyal Volkswagen (and Audi) TDIClub members, it is the big bash of the year – and not to be missed. Previous “fests” have been hosted by local dedicated members of the TDIClub forum […]
RichC | June 10, 2011
Here’s a write-up by Jonathan Spira for Diesel Driver that highlights the new American built mid-size TDI sedan coming from Volkswagen … The 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI will be arriving at VW dealerships soon and we had an opportunity to pick up the car at the factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and drive it to Nashville. […]
RichC | June 9, 2011
I enjoyed exchanging emails and text messages (and tweets below) with a couple automotive writers touring the newly opened Volkswagen facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee the other day. The photos were great to see (above from Kiplinger’s Jessica Anderson) and the initial opinion regarding the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI exciting to hear as well (below from […]
RichC | June 5, 2011
If you like the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, check out the high resolution photo gallery at gorideit.com.
RichC | May 26, 2011
With the recent overseas photos of a TDI (Volkswagen) with the “hybrid” badge, the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 and indications that Mercedes is planning a 2012 E300 Bluetec diesel hybrid … then I’m getting pretty excited. As someone sure to take a bit of heat from my diesel and biodiesel oriented friends, I’m still going […]
RichC | May 26, 2011
Great article in the WSJ talking about European diesels … Coming to America: European Gas Sippers Luxury Car Makers to Launch in the U.S. Fuel-Efficient Variations of Popular Models Previously Found Only Overseas European luxury-car makers are going to give U.S. consumers some tastes of the forbidden fruit they have been keeping to themselves. Joe […]
RichC | April 25, 2011
The 2011 BMW 335d was voted the “Diesel Car of the Year” at the New York International Auto Show by readers of “The Diesel Driver” … following up the positive comment from others in prior years … like MotorTrend saying that the “BMW 335d is the best car I’ve driven in a very long time.” […]
RichC | April 18, 2011
If you live between Dayton and Cincinnati and drive a B99 biodiesel capable car (word of caution for some of the latest models), you can now fill up for substantially less than the current $4-plus/gallon price of petroleum diesel … and do your part to help the environment. Biodiesel is now available on a regular […]
RichC | April 17, 2011
… and Google Video! With Google shutting down ‘cloud’ storage of videos users may have archived for years on their service, I decided it might be best to save a few important ones to my computer and personal webserver – a lesson for those putting to much trust in ‘cloud’ only storage. Later this month, […]
RichC | March 8, 2011
During a press conference today, Audi of America boss Johan de Nysschen confirmed that along with the current A3 and Q7 clean diesel models, the U.S. will get diesel versions of the A6 and A8 luxury sedans, as well as a diesel version of the Q5. The expansion of Audi’s TDI portfolio will take place […]
RichC | March 1, 2011
The pain at the pump over high fuel prices will most likely slow the pace of our tepid economic recovery. For Americans fortunate enough to be fully employed, that means spending more dollars on fuel and less in other areas that might have hired a new workers. For businesses that mean a higher cost of […]
RichC | February 14, 2011
According to Car and Driver, a few new Mercedes Benz diesel powered cars are planned for North America. Although the S class is probably a bit of a stretch, I’m anxious to see the 4 cylinder GLK and C-class vehicles. …we’re told, U.S. Benz dealers will also begin selling a diesel GLK. Likely wearing GLK250 […]
RichC | January 29, 2011
The L1 concept Volkswagen has been toying around with for the past couple of years is finally inching towards limited production (100 to be built). The car has grown into a side-by-side two seater and is known as the XL1 diesel plug-in hybrid has an aero design to reduce drag and increase gas mileage. It […]
RichC | January 27, 2011
Although the dream of flying around like the Jetsons has been something many of us believed would be here by now, those at Carter Copters are a bit more serious in developing something that might move us closer to that reality. Their combination of aviation engineering using fuel sipping diesel engines, gyro-plane lift, airplane like […]
RichC | January 23, 2011
For those who might be interested in what is happening in transportation here in Ohio (and the nation), Clean Fuels Ohio is hosting a lecture and a facilities tour at the Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research. The February 16th lunch will be a great opportunity to hear about the changes coming to the […]
RichC | January 13, 2011
As mentioned the other day, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be built on a new platform in Chattanooga, Tennessee and be available with the very efficient and desirable TDI diesel engine. According to what I’ve read on other blogs, the published fuel economy will be 43 mpg on the highway and will be offered with […]
RichC | December 21, 2010
Long time readers know that upon occasion Volkswagen TDI diesel related posts show up on my blog and am a big advocate for adding a skidplate. Recently a friend in a forum posted photo from his wife’s 2003 Jetta TDI Wagon after an encounter with a 6” curb. The damage to the unprotected cast aluminum […]
RichC | November 30, 2010
Are you thinking about bigger injectors and chipping your Volkswagen TDI for a few added HP and a bit more torque? Maybe an engine transplant is in order … although this little Detroit diesel coming in at 3424 HP might not be the optimum transplant for most VeeDubs? Still, this will be pretty impressive in […]
RichC | November 24, 2010
Congratulations to my friend Bruce and somewhat local (<2hrs from Cinci) Volkswagen TDI guru for putting together the winning bid to host this years TDIFest. As those of us in the CinciTDI group found out in 2008, it was a big job … but ultimately rewarding. Hopefully our locals will be able to lend a […]
RichC | November 22, 2010
My eyes never wander when we are talking about the female form … I keep them focused straight ahead … for my health and safely. But … I will admit to looking at cars. What’s interesting after reviewing a new Mercedes-Benz.TV video, the most “eye-catching” part of the CLS for me is the little […]
RichC | November 21, 2010
I almost forget … but I promised Jacob I would post this video. Here’s the footage that survived a CinciTDI How-To video attempt a year or so ago. Unfortunately the second part of the video (the more difficult part) covered the seal which requires more delicate adjustment and didn’t survive. I’m hoping we get a […]
RichC | November 17, 2010
I’m archiving an older forum post from a few years back when I still had my little diesel Jetta. Occasionally someone asks me why I’m “pro-skidplate” on a Volkswagen TDI and I point them to this post … Don’t be on the fence. Here’s a older photo taken shortly after I installed a skidplate … […]
RichC | October 24, 2010
My daughter recently started tracking her 2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI fuel economy numbers on Fuelly.com and we have both been impress at the significant improvement since replacing her tires. Although she doesn’t have a lifetime of postings for her car, the regular private calculations haven’t been near the 50 mpg mark. She (we) couldn’t be […]
RichC | October 22, 2010
I enjoyed the review from north of our border and liked what this Canadian Driver reporter had to say after driving the both the gasoline powered 2011 Volkswagen Jetta and then the TDI diesel: “Things come alive in the Jetta TDI. This engine has much more power than the Jetta 2.0L, and the throttle is […]
RichC | October 9, 2010
Even with stable gasoline prices and minimal incentives, the sluggish new car buying public are still buying new diesel cars. Sales continue to increase in North America amongst the handful of European brands. Could it be that those who test drive this new breed of ‘clean diesel’ are surprised with how quiet and clean diesel […]
RichC | September 22, 2010
Here’s hoping that “the little things” remain in the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI model. It must have an uplevel of trim since the base pricing will be $23,755 for the diesel compared to the much lower gasoline powered base car. With over three months and 5,342 miles on our Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition […]
RichC | September 15, 2010
Earlier this month, the folks at TFLcar ran a non-scientific test where they compared three different fueling options in three different cars. All three vehicles are known to offer good fuel economy … but only one is fun to drive. 🙂 Unfortunately, the test doesn’t offer any high degree of accuracy due to the small […]
RichC | September 13, 2010
In this weekend’s WSJ, Dan Neil’s full page article on the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta highlighted design changes, some for “for pedestrian safety.” (see video below) The “safety” comments apply to more brands than the Volkswagen as design changes will apply to all new vehicle designs. Personally I see the “pedestrian impact” even more critical since […]
RichC | September 12, 2010
A couple CinciTDI guys stopped over on Sunday afternoon and we installed a Dieselgeek Panzer plate on Tim Hunter‘s Volkswagen Golf TDI. He waited a bit too long (in my opinion) as his TDI is now over 180,000 miles, but his VW is still a solid little commuter. His little hatchback certainly doesn’t fit his […]
RichC | September 5, 2010
A story Tweeted by a friend of mine in Wired highlights a Washington to Mexico one tank trip of 1478 miles and returned a “stunning 119.1. mpg.” We might hit 60 mpg in our VW TDI sometimes, but seeing someone double that is impressive. (thanks for the link Scott) From Washington to Mexico on 12.4 […]
RichC | August 6, 2010
Probably not the most enjoyable 16 minute video clip to watch or listen to (below), but VW Product Manager Mark Jo does offer an overview of what will be included in the new ‘lower price for 2011’ Volkswagen Jetta. Hmm, the “diesel coming out later this year” comment which mean the TDI will probably not […]
RichC | July 17, 2010
My daughter was home with her little diesel from NEOUCOM for a few days and I took the opportunity to replace her Dunlop Sport A2 tires with a set of Goodyear’s (Eagle LS-2 – $408.00) hoping to get a little more even wear as she’ll be spending more time on the road interviewing for her […]
RichC | June 13, 2010
When it comes to endurance, it is hard to top a diesel engine, a fact know by truckers, commercial equipment owners and a few fortunate automobile owners. The endurance fact was once again reinforced by Audi R10 TDIs Audi R15 TDIs winning their ninth Le Mans 24 Hours race this weekend – dominating and taking […]
RichC | December 4, 2008
It’s hard to imagine General Motors going the diesel route again after their last go-around 30 years ago, but considering a number of vehicles desired by American purchasers are the larger SUV and light trucks, a clean, highly efficient diesel would make sense. Besides the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine mated to the GM […]
RichC | September 9, 2008
During the TDIFest OH8, I put my daughter to work logging in names and tabulating times during the “timed drive” Road Rally. A fellow planner and friend gave her a new ‘red’ badge for her TDI which she installed this past week. She sent me a photo and I thought it looks pretty nice.
RichC | September 1, 2008
I’m back dating a couple of blog entries so I can include a few photos and video from this past weekend — TDIFest OH8. Here’s a great video by TDIClub member “TeDeEye1” of the “timed drive” Road Rally: TDIFest OH8 Road Rally from Fred on Vimeo.
RichC | August 21, 2008
North Carolina TDIClub member “coolbreeze” may bring his new 2009 Volkswagen Sportwagen TDI to the TDIFest over Labor Day weekend – thread. If he does, it will be the first one most of us will have seen. Crossing my fingers that you can make it Bruce!
RichC | July 15, 2008
Although this is by no means a challenging milestone for Volkswagen diesel cars, it is a personal milestone for my daughter. Her first car, a 2001 VW Jetta TDI, has been treating her well for 100,000 miles now and she sent me an early morning photo from her Palm Treo Centro as it hit 100K. […]
RichC | July 14, 2008
The dealer demo TDIs have been slow to arrive to Cincinnati area dealerships, but today did get a chance to head over to Fairfield VW and test drive the new 2009 Jetta ‘clean diesel.’ Its basically the same body (A5) that has been part of the VW Jetta line up for a couple of years […]
RichC | March 11, 2008
The large 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI SUV equipped with the 3.0 Liter diesel was reviewed on the PBS program Motorweek this past weekend. I took a test drive back in August (here) and was impressed with this expensive and large vehicle. It certainly benefits from the diesel powerplant which will be upgraded with Urea injection […]