RichC | June 26, 2013
Drivers Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger set a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption by a non-hybrid during their 8,000-mile trek across 48 states in a 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel. Gerdes, a practiced “hypermiler” who runs the online community CleanMPG, and his co-pilot Winger averaged nearly 78 miles per gallon during […]
RichC | March 13, 2013
The Volkswagen XL1 sure would be a different kind of car to own and would make stopping for fuel every 700 miles almost a pleasurable even. You could even spurge for “full service” and walk away with change from your ten dollar bill! (click for Autoblog “First Drive story) “The liquid fuel tank of the […]
RichC | March 3, 2013
It is during the challenging times when people know they are associated with the right groups and organizations. A couple groups I belong to demonstrated their true colors over the past few weeks. The TDIClub, a Volkswagen diesel car club of which our local CinciTDI is part, rallied around a long standing and giving member. […]
RichC | February 26, 2013
Not that the Volkswagen UP! is the sleekest looking VW model (image to right), but it may be the model getting the highly efficient 261mpg XL1 diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. According to Autocar.co.uk, the UP! minicar might be the 2-cylinder diesel and electric minicar produced en masse. I know VW enthusiasts would love to see the […]
RichC | February 21, 2013
According to Car and Driver, American VW buyers have a shot at getting the 2014 turbocharged 2.0 liter diesel powered Volkswagen Golf GTD. The new performance model will resemble the gas GTI, but offer a 184 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque diesel. Revs for this performance are incredibly low at not much above an […]
RichC | February 12, 2013
It’s not fun drying out our basement, but I am enjoying finding long lost photos. Here’s one of a canoe trip (one of many) taken during a 1977 spring trip to the Whitewater River in Indiana with Charlie “Kamakaze” Matthews. We spent our free time both canoeing and sailing when we were in high school […]
RichC | January 23, 2013
Volkswagen is showing off a new DSG all wheel drive Diesel Hybrid this year at the 2013 auto shows and getting a fair amount of praise and criticism — it is hard to make everybody happy. Some chastise the hybrid concept and others the unglamorous styling. Others see it as the SUV that they’ve been […]
RichC | January 14, 2013
Tell me this is not worth looking at? Mmm, mmm, mmm. The VW CrossBlue concept is Volkswagen’s midsize SUV that is larger than a Tiguan and not as off-road performance oriented as the larger Touareg. The CrossBlue concept has six-seats in three rows and could seat up to seven if they offer an optional bench […]
RichC | January 14, 2013
Phil LeBeau of CNBC interviewed Jonathan Browning the President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America and highlighted not only their outstanding 30+ sales growth year in 2012, but the commitment to expanding the TDI diesel line-up in North America. The interview from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show also mentioned the addition of […]
RichC | January 10, 2013
The popular automotive site, Autoblog, wasn’t overly complementary when it came to parting with a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI after a 12 month 20,000 plus mile test drive. This current and slightly larger body style has been widely criticized for its "cheapened" feel and less than European driving characteristics. Autoblog drivers did however say positive […]
RichC | December 24, 2012
After catching up on a bit of automotive reading, I realized that improvements propulsion for cars is moving us toward hybrid vehicles and that there will come a day when “almost” all our day to day vehicles will have some sort of hybrid drive … be they battery electric or some other booster technology. Mentioning […]
RichC | December 5, 2012
Autoblog posted a full review of the newly unveiled 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI which makes it the first diesel soft top in North America. On top of more aggressive and decidedly more masculine styling, the TDI will also be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox … and in “red” may be just the new […]
RichC | December 4, 2012
Although I had to parallel park to pass my driver’s test, I don’t recall being taught to do it this way???
RichC | November 8, 2012
If you’re thinking about a new midsize 4 door car … be sure to test drive the new Volkswagen Passat TDI. Our mileage has been pretty remarkable — so far we’re averaging just shy of 46 MPG, with a one-day high of 50.2 MPG (moderate speeds and only a few steep hills to climb) and […]
RichC | October 31, 2012
This week I parted with a set of VW TDI A4 injectors that I had been holding back for my daughter’s Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 turbo diesel. A fellow TDIClub member was in need of them so decided to sell them. He is planning to put them in his WVO converted “old” New Beetle (I think […]
RichC | October 25, 2012
Volkswagen has been receiving accolades from all directions after building the new VW Passat in Chattanooga Tennessee … and with that success the company is planning to do the same with a new SUV. One wonders if it will look like last years concept (above) or be entirely new? The reports are that it will […]
RichC | October 1, 2012
A “Hypermiling” friend of mine posted a graph to his forum after driving a 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI with a 6-speed and the realistic above 50mpg results being returned by this mid-sized car are impressive. I sure wish VW had a TDI 4motion wagon! Click for larger graph Temps were 57 – 59 degrees F […]
RichC | July 5, 2012
Volkswagen Beetles have been adapted for many things, but a “Homefront Security” missile launcher like this bug is new to me. This VeeDub half-track isn’t the quietest or speediest of weapon systems (video below), but it is definitely a unique VW … and most likely will attract more than just your neighbor’s attention while patrolling the […]
RichC | June 28, 2012
It was great to see a couple Volkswagen friends last night for a couple hours, even if we didn’t actually solve any of their problems. We used the computer and Vagcom software to pull codes on a Passat 2.0 turbo and Passat TDI to hopefully diagnose the reason for the check engine light, but both […]
RichC | May 1, 2012
Posted via email from RichC’s posterous
RichC | April 19, 2012
TDI diesels from Volkswagen are the only mid priced diesels available, so it is no wonder VW has 58% of all diesel sales in the U.S. As the new Passat TDIs become more available, expect their sales to nip away at the Jetta TDI dominance. Allen Schaeffer, DTF’s executive director, said in a statement that, […]
RichC | April 12, 2012
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to rent a diesel car at car rental companies … never have been successful. Occasionally I’ll rent a hybrid (Prius) or a Volkswagen Jetta (gasser), but haven’t been able to find a TDI. Hopefully we’ll see a few more airport locations offer the TDI at a […]
RichC | March 28, 2012
I’ve sort of wondered just what kind of push GM was going to make in order to start moving their Chevrolet Volts … not that I’m looking. I suspect one of the reasons the cars are not selling well is that they are price way too high for an “experimental” car … who really knows […]
RichC | March 22, 2012
According to Volkswagen (WSJ), the demand for their new American built Passat is showing steady improvement and therefore they’ll will be adding a 3rd shift and 800 new jobs in their Chattanooga Tennessee plant. I’ve commented on the new diesel version Passat previously and found it an excellent mid-sized sedan; with the current high oil […]
RichC | February 24, 2012
A Volkswagen diesel friend of mine and I tweeted a few messages back and forth yesterday after we noticed this interesting AT-AT Walker Microbus. He of course has a real VW van (1979) as well as a few ideas for a playhouse for his kids (below). Even though I’m not really all that geeky (at […]
RichC | February 19, 2012
There must be a reason automakers are not pairing hybrids or plug-in electric vehicles with diesel engines … for the life of me I can’t figure it out. The coupling on paper seems to be a perfect combination … especially for a company like e GM with the “Volt” type of EV/Hybrid technology. Volkswagen will […]
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 17, 2012
I saw the key photo above as a tease in a recent article highlighting the 10 cheapest new cars you can buy and was disappointed as other VW owners/shoppers might be – yes the key is a VW key and fob, but the list (below) doesn’t contain a Volkswagen. The 10 cheapest new cars […]
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 | 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 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 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 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 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 17, 2011
Volkswagen’s CEO Martin Winterkorn (Germany) is committed to plug in hybrids according to a translation posted: I am firmly convinced that plug-in hybrids are the right solution for the next ten years. You can drive 50 to 60 kilometers all-electric and have the full flexibility of an internal combustion engine. The plug-in hybrid will be […]
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 7, 2011
Probably only my biased opinion, but I found the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept attractive only from the front? Perhaps we’ll see this aggressive grill in the VW EOS with a few optional powerplants (hint, TDI?) … now that would be nice.
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 28, 2011
The new Chattanooga, Tennessee Volkswagen plant opened this past week (May 24, 2011) and is an example of how VW incorporates its trademarked ThinkBlue initiative. Here’s hoping the trend continues to the cars they build in America … the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat and Passat TDI clean diesel. Below is a chart from the ThinkBlue […]
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 24, 2011
Volkswagen Group’s Jonathan Browning, President and CEO (Volkswagen of America, Inc) gave a quick interview on an important day for VW’s new Chattanooga Tennessee facility. It is exciting to American workers building what hopefully will be a great mid sized car: 2012 VW Passat. CNBC: Phil LeBeau‘s interview with VW’s Jonathan Browning
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 28, 2011
How much of Volkswagen’s unique ‘transparent’ Phaeton factory in Dresden, Germany will be found in their new Chattanooga, Tennessee operation? (The VW Phaeton is Volkswagen’s flagship ‘premium class’ automobile)
RichC | February 6, 2011
No Superbowl party for us, but my wife and I did enjoy pizza and wings while watching the the Superbowl this evening. The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers gave us an entertaining game, although both teams played hot and cool at different points in the game. When all the “commercials” were done, the final […]
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 | December 4, 2010
Volkswagen New Beetle lovers received a video glimpse of the new 2012 VW bug now that a spy video is on YouTube. The smooched down redesign looks less bug-like and a little more Porche/Audi TT-ish. Personally I’m not rushing out to to put an order in… even with a TDI engine. It’s hard to imagine […]