RichC | August 16, 2016
Audi’s 2017 SQ7 diesel TDI takes a new spin on hybrid vehicles by incorporating an electric compressor in addition to the already impressive 2 compressors (turbochargers). I’m not sure at what point technology goes too far in adding complexity but improving performance, but this is one impressive TDI! (link and video illustration below) https://youtu.be/ALOV0Tcl-4k
RichC | November 3, 2015
When there is blood in the water, it’s a feeding frenzy. Just as we Volkswagen diesel advocates were thinking “maybe” the company would come up with a fix … then the second shoe dropped. This news includes more diesel vehicles, this time the 6-cylinder TDIs adding Audi and Porsche diesel SUVs. According to earlier comments, […]
RichC | November 20, 2012
Although Honda Civic diesel I commented on will probably remain overseas for the next few years, Audi confirmed that additional diesel models will be added to their U.S. line-up next year (press announcement). 2014 Model Availability A8 TDI Spring 2013 A7 TDI Fall 2013 A6 TDI Fall 2013 Q5 TDI Fall 2013 These new models, […]
RichC | January 6, 2012
Audi Vail expect to be similar to the Q3 (above) What are the chances that Audi’s new “Vail” CUV concept expected at the Detroit Auto Show this year will sport a TDI diesel engine like their A3 does here in the U.S. – I’m guessing slim? Audi will use the Detroit motor show next week […]
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 | 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 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 | 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 | August 30, 2010
After reading the Winding Road review of the 2010 Audi A3 TDI, there isn’t a good reason to envy those forking over additional dollars to own the Audi (over $30K). Comments from the review: We relished the torquiness of the 2.0-liter TDI, with its 236 pound-feet of torque on tap for passing maneuvers. Strangely, this […]
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 | April 15, 2010
I was reading a column in SmartMoney magazine by James Stewart after he attended the New York Auto Show about the return of profits to the automotive industry, at least some of them. It may be in part due to a cycle of replacing their aging cars and in part due to a renewed focus […]
RichC | April 9, 2010
Mark Phelan, a columnist at the Detroit Free Press, offered a balanced article on the small A3 TDI by Audi. I’ve been ogling the luxury hatchback as an eventual daily driver for my long jaunts. Disappointingly the lack of the excellent Audi Quattro feature and high price for a small car has shying away. Still, […]
RichC | February 9, 2010
I had to chuckle this morning when registering my vote on the Wall Street Journal poll for best and worst commercial during the Super Bowl – Audi was first in both (click for graphic of poll). See ad video below It’s "Green Police" ad was the sixth most popular in USA TODAY’S Ad Meter, in […]
RichC | January 25, 2010
Still waiting for the boxer Subaru diesel in the U.S. I know a few people who would enjoy a solidly built all-wheel drive diesel, be it one from VW, Audi or Subaru … or for that matter a domestic manufacturer. Subaru Impreza 2.0 RC diesel MENTION the Subaru Impreza and most people think of the […]
RichC | November 17, 2009
From Time Magazine’s How Audi is Cleaning Up with Clean Diesel‘s question and answer with Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi’s U.S. division: Audi is instead touting the benefits of diesel technology. How do you get around the negative perception of diesel cars in the U.S.? Clean-diesel technology represents an immediate technological leap — you […]
RichC | October 24, 2009
Although the Science Channel program “How It’s Made” isn’t one of the most exciting television programs, it does offer a glimpse as to what it takes to manufacture complex items. I happened to watch an episode on how Audi builds its 6-cylinder TDI diesel engine the other day and found it interesting (video clip below). […]
RichC | September 10, 2009
The conclusion many might make from a recent Popular Mechanic article is that diesel vehicles might be a good solution when fuel prices are high, but they don’t want to spend more for them when fuel prices are low. According to JD Power’s Omotoso, hybrids are projected to become 9.5 percent of the passenger-car market […]
RichC | February 3, 2009
Although all the Superbowl 43 ads are here, I’m only going to embed one … not because it is a favorite, but because I know my Audi-loving son will enjoy it (besides we both enjoyed the Tranporter movies with Jason Statham). Check out the making of the Audi Superbowl ad below …
RichC | February 28, 2008
Wired highlighted the new Audi TT 2.0 TDI, but can’t confirm if it will be available North America. Notice the comment “Roadster” below … might we see a TDI convertible? (LINK to full article) Behold the TT 2.0 TDI. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (pictured above), matched to a six-speed manual transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, […]
RichC | February 21, 2006
Someone forwarded me this interesting piece of driving from somewhere in Russia. Its a BMW M5 chasing an old style Audi RS4 down a busy 4 lane highway. Considering this clip is ‘real’ and not Hollywood, its sort of frightening. I does make me realize just how quick the M5 is. Hey, Dave can you […]