Is There a Future for Clean Burning Diesels in North America?
In North America, the three letters "TDI" signify diesel, along with massive savings on fuel and over 1,000 kilometers to the tank, if your
middle name isn't "Lead-Foot". Diesel technology is inarguably one of Volkswagen's strongest cards, particularly within the North American market where most automakers don't sell their oil burning products. Purveyor of the most vehicles powered by Rudolph's ingenious form of combustion, a large portion of VW's compact cars, such as the New Beetle, Jetta and Golf are delivered in TDI form, while the previous generation of Passat (still available in wagon trim) and last year's Touareg luxury SUV also sporting diesel technology.
Aside from being driven towards diesel for the obvious fuel-saving incentives,
diesel engines today have come a long way from those of just a decade ago. Diesel ownership no longer means coping with thick plumes of black soot, intrusive engine noise and noxious odors; most modern diesels are nearly as quiet as their gasoline counterparts, likewise for emissions. Performance has also improved, thanks to turbocharging and advanced gearboxes (stay tuned for a review of the '06 New Beetle TDI with a 100-hp four-cylinder featuring 177 lb-ft of torque paired to VW's new 6-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox).
In an effort to improve efficiency and emissions, Volkswagen Auto Group recently announced that it would be switching to common-rail turbo diesel technology, starting with a new wave of diesels beginning in 2007 - perfectly timed to meet new tougher North American emissions regulations that will also see cleaner diesel fuel introduced across the continent. Wait... Volkswagen, the industry leader in diesel sales, not on the forefront of diesel technology?
In North America, the three letters "TDI" signify diesel, along with massive savings on fuel and over 1,000 kilometers to the tank, if your
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| The acronym "TDI" signifies diesel to most North Americans, along with massive savings on fuel and over 1,000 kilometers to the tank. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) |
Aside from being driven towards diesel for the obvious fuel-saving incentives,
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| Diesel ownership no longer means coping with thick plumes of black soot, intrusive engine noise and noxious odors; most modern diesels, like the TDI fitted into the new Jetta, are nearly as clean and quiet as their gasoline counterparts. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) |
In an effort to improve efficiency and emissions, Volkswagen Auto Group recently announced that it would be switching to common-rail turbo diesel technology, starting with a new wave of diesels beginning in 2007 - perfectly timed to meet new tougher North American emissions regulations that will also see cleaner diesel fuel introduced across the continent. Wait... Volkswagen, the industry leader in diesel sales, not on the forefront of diesel technology?