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VW Touareg 3 TDI Dakar Challenger

Touareg 3 TDI
Replacing the Race Touareg 2, twice winner in 2009 and 2010 of the gruelling Dakar Rally and the first diesel-powered vehicle ever to win the event, the new Race Touareg 3 promises to be faster and more efficient while retaining the immense strength and durability of the outgoing car.

Wind tunnel testing has led to changes being made to the carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork with particular attention to improving the cooling systems around the roof of the vehicle while minimising disruption to the airflow at high speeds. At the same time the changes have meant the Touareg has adopted a fresh look with new LED lights, a new grille, window line, rear clamshell and wheels.

Beneath the bodywork the twin-turbocharged 2.5-litre TDI engine has been optimised to allow greater economy while still producing 300 PS and 442 lbs ft of torque. It has also been revised to cope with the severe altitude changes incurred on the Dakar with the vehicle climbing to heights of over 15,000 feet above sea level. The Race Touareg 3 can now adapt to these conditions, meaning the performance doesn’t suffer despite the thinner air encountered at such altitudes.

The 2.5-litre engine channels its drive through three limited slip differentials via a newly upgraded five-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch.

The result is the ability to accelerate to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 117 mph in nearly any conditions.

In order to maintain these speeds in extreme off-road conditions the Race Touareg 3 needs to be able to withstand the rigours passing over sand dunes, through deep mud, and across gravel and broken tarmac roads. As a result the Race Touareg 3 is based on a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis with a pair of springs and damper units fitted to every corner in order to protect the vehicle against severe impacts. A set of specially developed BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres provide the grip while a pair of wheels and tyres are carried by the vehicle at all times.

The new Race Touareg 3 has already undergone shakedown tests comprising 10,000 kilometres of simulated special stages ahead of the 2011 Dakar Rally. This equates to twice the length of the Rally itself and a greater distance than Formula 1 cars cover in an entire season.

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Posted in Diesel News, TDI Owners

The New VW Diesel Jetta

New Volswagen Jetta

The new Jetta has been unveiled at Times Square in New York, featuring a sharp new look, greater space and the most advanced range of petrol and diesel engines yet.

Drawing inspiration from the popular NCC (New Compact Coupé) concept car which made its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the new Jetta was styled under the leadership of Klaus Bischoff, head of design for the Volkswagen brand. Every panel is new with precise, clean lines lending the Jetta an elegant appearance that marks the latest evolution of the new Volkswagen design language.

The fresh styling and acute attention to detail continues inside the Jetta. An all-new dashboard featuring subtle aluminium highlights sits ahead of a leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel. Every Jetta will feature an integrated multifunction display, air conditioning and a CD stereo system. Available as an option will be touchscreen satellite navigation.

As with the outgoing Jetta, the new car mixes the practicality of being able to seat five adults with a large, 510 litre loadspace and a comprehensive range of standard safety features including six airbags,ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP).

The overall length of the Jetta has grown by 90 mm to measure 4,644 mm. In addition, the wheelbase has also been extended to 2,648 mm, an increase of 70 mm, resulting in 67 mm greater legroom for rear seat passengers.

Powering the new Jetta is a range of advanced petrol and diesel forced induction engines. New to the Jetta is the 1.2-litre TSI engine producing 105 PS while the twincharged 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine mixing performance and economy is added to the range. The 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS and 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS continue unchanged. Diesel options consist of a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS and a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS engine.

BlueMotion Technology modifications including Start/Stop and battery regeneration will be made available linked to the 1.2-litre TSI and the 1.6-litreTDI engines. The changes allow the 1.2-litre TSI version to achieve 53.2 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 123 g/km of CO2. The 1.6-litre TDI variant is capable of returning 68 mpg and emits just 109 g/km of carbon dioxide.

The original Jetta was launched in Germany in 1979 with over 9.6 million vehicles sold with the nameplate since then.

Sustained popularity in the US market has led the Jetta to become the biggest selling German saloon car in North America where it accounts for 110,000 sales every year.

Sales of the new Jetta in the UK will commence in early 2011 with prices and specifications being announced nearer this time.

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Posted in Diesel News, TDI Owners

New Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

Vauxhall Astra Tourer
Brit-built Astra Sports Tourer set to hit UK showrooms by the end of 2010
Versatile and capacious cargo area combines with sleek design, inside and out
Extended powertrain line-up enhanced by Start/Stop tech
Major contribution by Vauxhall Engineering Centre to car’s development
Luton – These are the first official pictures of the new Astra Sports Tourer, which will receive its debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September and hit UK showrooms by the end of the year.

The Sports Tourer will be the second model to join the new Astra range, which has now sold over 28,000 units in the UK (to end of May) since its launch last December, and has helped the Astra become Britain’s best-selling retail range in the first five months of this year.

Combining high levels of practicality, clothed in a typically sleek and rakish body from Brit, Mark Adams’ design team, the Sports Tourer will be available to order from the start of October.

Crucially, the Astra Sports Tourer and its hatch sibling will also be among the first Vauxhall models to adopt Start/Stop technology, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Illustrating the depth of Vauxhall’s engineering and manufacturing excellence in the UK, the Sports Tourer will be assembled solely at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, while its new upper-body structure has been 100 per cent engineered at Vauxhall Engineering Centre in Bedfordshire. And like the recently launched Astra hatch, the Sports Tourer will feature key dynamic elements tuned for UK roads.

PRACTICALITY & EQUIPMENT

Packed with clever features, the Astra Sports Tourer maintains the hatch’s wheelbase (2685mm), yet its superior packaging has allowed the maximum load length to be increased by 28mm to 1835mm, and its load volume by 30 litres to 500 litres with the rear seats up.

As well as boasting a cargo area with flat wall linings to fully optimise available space, a new FlexFold feature (standard or optional depending on trim level) allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment. In addition, with the rear seat cushions folded up against the front seat-backs, the Sports Tourer has a completely flat load floor and a maximum load capacity of up to 1550 litres.

But improved interior practicality doesn’t stop there. Compared with the current Astra estate, the Sports Tourer has an additional 25 litres of storage space in the cabin, 50 per cent more than before. And like its hatch sibling, the Sports Tourer also benefits from the option of Vauxhall’s award winning Ergonomic Sports Seats, providing front occupants with best-in-class comfort.

In keeping with Vauxhall’s commitment to bringing premium features to the compact segment, the Astra Sports Tourer will also adopt the option of Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), which has eight different bi-xenon settings and automatically adapts the headlights according to weather and road conditions.

DESIGN

The Astra Sports Tourer’s exterior design aims to raise the bar in the compact-estate market, bringing a touch of class and dynamism, without compromising the car’s high levels of practicality. The tapered profile, falling roofline and prominent ‘blades’ set into the sides of the car are complemented by a muscular shoulder line, which leads gracefully into eye-catching sculpted rear light units.

Inside, occupants will benefit from the same embracing, premium cabin as in the new Astra hatch, with features like the wraparound wing front fascia and unique ambient lighting.

POWERTRAINS

From launch, Astra Sports Tourer buyers will have a choice of six frugal, yet lively engines, with an ultra-low emissions, Start/Stop-equipped ecoFLEX model available soon afterwards.

The petrol line-up starts with the 100PS 1.4i ECOTEC-4 with variable valve timing and sequential fuel injection, while a 1.6i ECOTEC-4 with 115PS is also available. The Sports Tourer’s most powerful petrol engine will be the smooth and punchy 1.4i Turbo which produces 140PS, yet achieves a combined fuel consumption of 45.6mpg and CO2emissions of 145g/km.

A new ecoFLEX model will be available soon after launch and will be one of the first Vauxhall models to get Start/Stop technology. Based on the 1.3 CDTi 95PS engine, the ecoFLEX features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and variable geometry turbocharger.

Two 1.7-litre CDTis, with either 110 or 125PS, and a 160PS 2.0 CDTi, which combines high performance with 55.4mpg combined economy and emissions of just 134g/km, complete the Sports Tourer’s diesel engine range.*

*All figures quoted are provisional

CHASSIS

From the start of the Astra Sports Tourer’s development, Vauxhall’s target was to maintain current levels of ride and handling enjoyed by the five-door hatch. As a consequence, its wheelbase remains the same at 2685mm, as do its front and rear tracks (1544 and 1588mm respectively).

Also carried over is the hatch’s innovative compound crank/Watt’s link rear suspension, which combines exceptional body control and ride characteristics and is unique to Vauxhall/Opel. For the Sports Tourer, the compound crank’s settings have been revised, as have damper calibrations, to cater for the model’s higher load capabilities without compromising the hatch’s dynamics.

Vauxhall has also carried over the steering settings from the hatch, which are bespoke to all new UK Astras. This programme offers drivers a more natural feel, thanks to careful tuning of the car’s electronic power steering system.

FlexRide, Vauxhall’s adaptive suspension system, is also available as an option on the Sports Tourer. The system continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed. In Standard mode, FlexRide offers the whole bandwidth of settings available and adjusts to suit the driver’s behaviour. In Tour mode, damper settings are relaxed to optimise ride quality, while in Sport mode, throttle and steering responses are sharpened, in addition to the adoption of stiffer damper settings.

For customers who tow, the Sports Tourer will be available with Vauxhall’s electronic Trailer Stability Assist system, which subtly brakes individual wheels to maintain control of the trailer/caravan in emergency situations.

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Posted in CDTi Owners, Diesel News, Vauxhall Owners

Pole for Peugeot 908 for the 4th time in a row

908 HDi Peugeot


For the fourth time in as many years a Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has taken pole position for tomorrow’s 78th Le Mans 24 Hours, with the team’s three cars occupying the first three places just ahead of Team Oreca’s Peugeot in fourth. Changeable weather on the second day of qualifying prevented a new battle for the top spot but allowed Team Peugeot Total to concentrate on perfecting its set up in preparation for the start of the race on Saturday at 15h00.

Starting on wet tyres, the three 908 HDi FAPs of Team Peugeot Total ventured out on a damp but drying track with the firm intention of taking advantage of every minute available to them. Following a clearly defined programme, the focus was on testing different tyre compounds and aerodynamic set ups. As the session advanced the times dropped, though without threatening to surpass yesterday’s performance; Alexander Wurz (Car No 1) posted the fastest lap of 3’23”238, ahead of Simon Pagenaud (Car No 3) and Stéphane Sarrazin (Car No 2).

With conditions improving during the ultimate qualifying session the times started to fall fast over the last 15 minutes. Comfortably installed in the first three places, the experienced Team Peugeot Total concentrated on validating the fruit of their labours. Sébastien Bourdais nevertheless posted the fastest lap of the day of 3’20”212, to the delight of his many supporters who turned out to cheer on their local hero. Aboard his Peugeot 908 HDi FAP No 3, Sébastien achieved his first pole position thanks to yesterday’s quickest lap of 3’19”711.

The Peugeot 908s have monopolised the first two rows of the grid for tomorrow’s race, with the three factory cars, No 3, the No 1 and then the No 2 ahead of the Peugeot of Team Oreca.

Pedro Lamy, Marc Gené and Franck Montagny are the nominated drivers who will start Saturday’s race.

Olivier Quesnel (Peugeot Sport Team Director). “We worked hard and we couldn’t have done better, but we haven’t won anything yet. We are ready but that doesn’t mean we are going to have an easy weekend. Taking the pole is one thing, taking the victory is quite another.”

908 HDi FAP No 3: Sébastien Bourdais (FRA) – Pedro Lamy (POR) – Simon Pagenaud (FRA)
Sébastien Bourdais : “This pole proves that we are strong, now we have to turn that strength intovictory. We worked well today and the goal of the last 15 minutes was to confirm the car’s balance, not to chase after another pole. Now I want the race to start, time is going to drag until Saturday. We have the equipment, the speed and the people to win, but we need to stay humble and hope for a little luck.”

908 HDi FAP No 1: Anthony Davidson (GBR) – Marc Gené (ESP) – Alexander Wurz (AUT)
Anthony Davidson: “Until that last run I didn’t feel all that prepared and it took me a while to get up to speed. But then I got comfortable and my lap times started to come down. Now I can’t wait for race day to come.”

908 HDi FAP No 2: Nicolas Minassian (FRA) – Franck Montagny (FRA) – Stéphane Sarrazin (FRA) Nicolas Minassian : We have gone well over these last two days. Yesterday Franck worked on the tyres and then Stéphane went after a time. He could have got the pole, but was unlucky with the traffic. The weather was changeable which was both challenging and useful. Now our mechanics are going to have a lot of work, while we rest and prepare for the race.”

Qualifying results

1 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°3 (Bourdais) : 3’19’’711

2 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°1 (Wurz) : 3’20’’317

3 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°2 (Sarrazin) : 3’20’’325

4 – PEUGEOT 908 HDi FAP n°4 (Lapierre) : 3’21’’192

5 – AUDI R15 TDI n°9 (Rockenfeller) : 3’21’’981

6 – AUDI R15 TDI n°7 (McNish) : 3’22’’176

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Posted in Diesel News, HDi Topics

Diesel TDCi Ford Mondeo

TDCI Mondeo
Ford Mondeo range benefits from Ford EcoBoost petrol engine technology and improved TDCi diesels
Higher output Ford EcoBoost petrol-injection turbo engine up to 19 per cent more efficient
New 163PS TDCi diesel option
Ford Powershift twin-clutch transmission now available in Mondeo – standard with 2.0-litre EcoBoost
All latest upgraded Duratorq TDCi diesels boast sub 140g emissions
BRENTWOOD, Essex,11 June, 2010 – The Ford Mondeo boasts improved fuel economy, lower emissions and stronger performance thanks to high efficiency Ford EcoBoost petrol-injection turbo and upgraded Ford Duratorq TDCi diesel engines now on sale.

New for Mondeo are the turbocharged 203PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and significantly improved 2.0-litre TDCi diesels with 115, 140 and an impressive new 163PS version.

Additionally Ford PowerShift, the smooth six-speed dual-clutch transmission system, comes to the Mondeo range. The enhancements are set to continue Ford Mondeo’s leading position within its segment.

Jon Gunn-Smith, Ford large cars product manager, said: “These new powertrains are responsive and refined – ideally suited to Mondeo’s acclaimed driving enjoyment, yet without sacrificing economy or CO2 performance.”

New 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost

Mondeo, along with the new S-MAX and Galaxy models now on sale, spearhead the European introduction of Ford’s global EcoBoost petrol engine technology.

The 2.0-litre EcoBoost has an advanced combustion system which brings new levels of performance and fuel efficiency to petrol units in this power range. The engine features lightweight all-aluminium construction, the latest-generation high-pressure direct-injection system, low-inertia turbocharging and twin-independent variable cam timing.

With a maximum output of 203PS at 5,500rpm, combined with maximum torque of 300 Nm delivered across a 1,750-4,500rpm range, the EcoBoost engine enables Mondeo to achieve 0-62mph acceleration in 7.9sec (8.2sec for the estate) with a top speed of over 144mph for four and five-door versions (141mph for estates).

A key benefit of Ford EcoBoost technology is its ability to deliver excellent fuel economy and CO2 emissions as well as impressive performance. Combined fuel economy is as low as 36.6mpg* which translates into average CO2 emission of just 179g/km. Compared with the previous Mondeo 2.3-litre automatic, CO2 emissions are reduced by 19 per cent while the new Mondeo EcoBoost delivers 25 per cent more power.

Ford 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi

Diesel Mondeo buyers have the choice of a significantly improved 2.0-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi engine family which complies with Stage V emission regulations and, for the first time, is available in three power outputs – 115, 140 and 163PS.

To meet strict Stage V emission regulations, the Duratorq TDCi engine has been comprehensively revised. New solenoid fuel injectors, now with eight smaller holes, work with a maximum injection pressure of 2,000 bar for improved fuel atomisation, compared with the former six-hole injectors and lower 1,800 bar pressure.

All new Mondeo TDCi models are equipped with six-speed manual transmission as standard and achieve emission figures that were formerly only achieved by the low-CO2 Mondeo ECOnetic. With ECOnetic technologies delivering fuel consumption of 53.2mpg* and an average CO2 emission of 139g/km across the diesel Mondeo range, there is no longer a dedicated ECOnetic model.

Ford PowerShift

The Ford Mondeo range sees the introduction of the efficient and smooth-changing Ford PowerShift six-speed, double-wet-clutch transmission. The new gearbox is an excellent match for both the new Ford EcoBoost petrol direct-injection and Ford Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines.

Ford PowerShift is standard with the new 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine and also available as an option with both 140 and 163PS 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi units. With these diesel powertrain combinations, Mondeo delivers a combined fuel economy of 50.4mpg*, with CO2 at 149g/km.

The Ford PowerShift transmission consists of two transmissions working in parallel, each with its own wet-clutch unit. Thanks to the layout of the intermediate shafts – one carrying the ‘uneven’ gears 1, 3 and 5, and the other the ‘even’ gears 2, 4 and 6 – subsequent gear changes can be prepared by pre-selecting the next gear while in motion and at full power.

In contrast to conventional automatic transmissions, the basic technical configuration of the Ford PowerShift transmission offers numerous advantages. It does not, for instance, require any complex sub-systems such as torque converters, planetary gear sets, multiple wet-clutches and multiple bands – all of which serve to degrade gearbox efficiency through increased inertia and drag torque effects.

The result is impressive: Ford PowerShift provides the operational ease and convenience of a conventional automatic transmission, coupled with the performance of a manual, while also delivering fast, sporty and notably smooth shifts.

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Posted in Diesel News

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