RichC | February 14, 2012
For years automotive postulaters have envisioned a car being charged by embedded coils in the highway, but a comment in an article attributed to one researcher at Stanford sounds a little far fetched … maybe even stretching the laws of physics? Stanford researchers say they can develop what’s essentially an electric highway that one of […]
RichC | February 9, 2012
The expected Volkswagen Beetle TDI made its appearance at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday all squished down and sporty looking. It is to be offered as a 2013 model and will have the 2.0 liter diesel. The new model will be offered with the manual six-speed transmission or the VW six-speed DSG automatic and will […]
RichC | January 12, 2012
There’s must be an easy way for social media users to capitalize on advertising products or companies using social media …hmm? For example, yesterday morning I passively plugged a product by recommending the Volkswagen Passat TDI to Andrew Ross Sorkin, one of the CNBC Squawkbox anchors and NYTimes columnist. He is looking for a safe […]
RichC | January 8, 2012
In Autoblog’s 2011 VW Jetta TDI longterm update there were a couple less than flattering comments about the VW’s comfort and the manual gearbox. Besides disliking the firm Volkswagen seats, the follow up was that the 2011 TDI had a "much-disliked" and "tricky" gearbox. Having driven a variety of manual transmission cars and owning two […]
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 | 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 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 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 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 | 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 | August 25, 2011
My kind of diesel … well except for the 47,000 EUROs and “no word on U.S. availability or pricing” part. Mercedes’ newest SLK roadster combines thrilling performance, classic sportscar proportions, and (most relevant from our purposes) incredible fuel economy figures: try 47 miles for each gallon of diesel! The SLK250 CDI is powered by Mercedes’ […]
RichC | August 24, 2011
What is it going to take to make VW the “new people’s car?” With a larger size and lower price, the American built Passat could give domestics and the favored Toyota Camry a run for its money. While the current fuel saving hybrid is not in VW’s powertrain, the interstate frugal TDI diesel is sure […]
RichC | August 19, 2011
I’m getting pretty geeky with this post, but then again it this is a Tech Friday post. Having recently installed a QR (Quick Response) code reader on my Palm Pre, I’ve been trying to figure out just how to use them effectively. Obviously people sitting on a computer don’t need to use their smart-phone to […]
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 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 | 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 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 | April 3, 2011
My son borrowed my Honda Pilot this weekend (just after I filled up – but I received a “Thanks Dad” text message from him), so I’ve been driving his Volkswagen GTI … fun. Of course the fuel tank is exactly where most college students keep their cars – empty – so I ended up filling […]
RichC | March 16, 2011
Joe White wrote about $4/gallon gasoline this morning in the Wall Street Journal and wondered at what price Americans switch to subcompact car? While he acknowledged that we’re not quite as bad as we were during the 2008 spike, prior to domestic carmakers shifting to more fuel efficient engines and CUVs rather than SUVS, we […]
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 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 | January 9, 2011
Can’t say I like the “flames ad” (below), but I do like the new Chattanooga Tennessee built 2012 Volkswagen Passat … especially with a diesel and what appears to be attractive pricing, at least for the entry level? (this is yet to be seen for the TDI diesel version which should get impressive fuel economy) […]
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 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 | 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 | 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 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 | September 3, 2010
Although I have nothing against an all electric vehicle for running around town or commuting in the city, one has to wonder about the components being mined, transported and produced for batteries (or the eventual waste/recycling), as well as just how the power is generated in order to charge an all-electric vehicle – Edmunds ‘Swiss […]
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 | 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 | July 9, 2010
It is interesting to watch small cars marketed to North America grow a little in size with each generational change. Just as small cars from Japan grew from the late 1970’s to today (Camry, Accord, Civic, Corolla, etc), so did the small German Volkswagen Jetta Sedan. From the 1980’s it has grown into a very […]
RichC | July 6, 2010
The electrical and mechanical release locking mechanism on my daughter’s 2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI’s trunk malfunctioned last week and after further digging I noticed a broken plastic part. The complex linkage has both an electrical plunger and key lock that controls the latch. Unfortunately the poorly engineered (IMHO) plastic part broke off (click image below […]
RichC | June 24, 2010
For many A3 and A4 Volkswagen Golf TDI diesel lovers, it was good to see the TDI badge back on the North American version of their favorite economical and comfortable hatchback — some are glad to see the Golf badge as well. Boston.com‘s car reviewer Bill Griffith came to a similar conclusion in his recent […]
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 | June 9, 2010
I enjoyed the “Auto Examiner” review of the limited edition 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition review partly because it was a car I’ve had an interest in. Unfortunately the truly limited production will keep it away from most would be buyers in that they are only taking building after receiving orders — “The Jetta […]
RichC | June 4, 2010
Worth mentioning if you’re considering a new Volkswagen TDI this year … via cincitdi.com Posted via web from richc’s posterous
RichC | May 18, 2010
Oil is ‘cheap’ according to graphs depicting Unleaded Gasoline against the dollar this past year (right) and crude oil over the past two years (below). The crisis in Europe and lack of robust economic recovery worldwide is contributing to high inventories and the faltering Spring rally in oil. Lackluster demand aside, oil production countries remain […]
RichC | May 14, 2010
Mahindra & Mahindra to be the first company to sell a small pickup truck made in India to the U.S. market. A company spokesperson announced that they intend to sell their compact diesel pickup truck here by the end of the year. The company’s president of auto and farm equipment, Pawan Goenka, stated that the […]
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 11, 2010
Although the cost to bring a diesel Subaru to the US is high (new model, service training and parts inventory, etc) but knowing how Volkswagen diesel buyers love their little diesels, the fit for Subaru and their loyal following seems perfect. Who driving a Subaru doesn’t want 40 mpg in a solidly build 4 wheel […]
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 | March 12, 2010
It’s hard to do much better than grab 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place at what many consider to be the toughest race on the planet: The Dakar Rally. This impressive and resounding victory marks another important step on the road to dispelling the myths that still linger around what TDI clean diesel technology can do. […]
RichC | March 11, 2010
One of the noticeable economic signs for average Americans that our economy might be in recovery is the rise of fuel prices. An article in this mornings Wall Street Journal stated that “Gasoline prices are throttling toward $3 a gallon” and that “gasoline futures have rallied 21% since hitting a low in February to close […]