Car Blog

The Taylors break Guinness World Record driving a stock clean diesel Jetta TDI*

The world’s most fuel efficient couple, John and Helen Taylor, have broken the current world record for lowest fuel consumption across the 48 contiguous United States averaging 58.82 miles to the gallon. They ended their 20 day trip in West Virginia on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. To help them break the world record, they drove the all-new, 50-state-compliant clean diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI, fueled by Shell Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel under real world driving conditions, simply applying easy to use fuel saving tips and the latest efficient engine technology available for good clean diesel fun.

“We are very excited and grateful to have broken the current Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption across the 48 contiguous United States,” said Helen Taylor. “We would like to thank Volkswagen for providing us their new clean diesel Jetta that helped us get another World Record and to Shell for supplying the diesel fuel.”

The previous Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption on a nationwide drive was 51.58 miles per gallon and the Taylors broke it by setting a new record of 58.82 miles per gallon, a whopping 14 percent improvement. In 20 days, driving across 48 states the Taylors drove 9,419 miles, exceeding 60 mpg on several legs of the record-setting run, spending only 6.9 cents per mile (total was $653).

“The terrain was very diverse, the weather less than ideal, and the traffic heavy at rush hour and the VW Jetta TDI handled it all beautifully, showing its fuel efficiency and its fun-to-drive dynamic capability, just two of this vehicle’s many attributes,” said John Taylor. “The car efficiently helped us to drive to a fuel economy world record.”

People were encouraged to e-mail the Taylors along the way at: fuelacademy@gmail.com with any questions they may have about the tour, the vehicle or about fuel economy tips and join their “Fan” page on Facebook.com. As of the end of the trip, more than 2,000 people have e-mailed the Taylors.

Approximately 12 official check-in and refueling stops across the country were included throughout the duration of the drive. The couple drove on a counter-clockwise route passing through: Washington D.C.; New York City, Rutland, Vermont; Toledo, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Spearfish, S.D.; Missoula, Mont.; Winnemucca, Nev.; Santa Monica, Calif.; Durango, Colo.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Mount Vernon, Ill.; Ponchatoula, La.; and, Beckley, W.V. Some of the fuel saving tips the Taylors advocate include: avoiding idling and higher speeds, minimizing vehicle drag and performing regular vehicle maintenance.

The Taylors have made a 26-year career out of driving economically and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. They have collected 82 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe in Australia, Asia, South Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Via their Web site, the Taylors will be sharing their personal experiences on the road. For more information and regular reports from the road, visit www.fuelacademy.com and www.media.vw.com. For a complete list of fuel-saving driving tips, visit http://www.shell.com/us/fuelstretch.

*Awaiting official confirmation from GWR

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Top U.S. executive will lead endurance test of Audi TDI vehicles

Audi TDI system represents the world’s most fuel-efficient technology

Cross-country drive to show TDI answers today’s energy challenges

Clean diesel delivers driving performance and power

America will soon discover Audi TDI(R) turbocharged clean diesel technology, which has earned media attention and consumer praise throughout the world for its exceptional fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. Next month, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI will debut in the U.S. during the Audi Mileage Marathon, a two-week cross country drive that will display the world’s leading fuel-efficiency technology.

This won’t be an ordinary coming out party. Instead, Audi will demonstrate the Q7 3.0 TDI’s capabilities and ultra-low emissions system ahead of its 2009 U.S. launch by putting it through tough, real-world conditions.

The Mileage Marathon will cover more than 4,800 miles starting in New York and concluding in Los Angeles. From October 5-20, 184 drivers representing countries in North America, Europe and Asia will drive the fuel-efficient vehicles in 13 daily stages, during which they’ll experience the confident sportiness and extraordinary efficiency of Audi’s TDI models.

Audi of America chief Johan de Nysschen will lead the rally of 23 Audi TDI vehicles along America’s city streets and highways to illustrate how Audi’s clean diesel technology answers concerns about fuel prices, energy dependence and global warming.

“Driving responsibly and driving for pleasure have always been considered incompatible ideals,” said de Nysschen, Audi of America’s executive vice president. “Our cross country test showcasing TDI technology will prove that Audi has redefined diesel vehicles as car-lover’s cars without the guilt.”

Spotlight on the Audi Q7 TDI

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI doesn’t just recast diesel for an American audience, it also represents the ultimate progress in SUV engineering.

“Audi knows consumers are concerned about fuel economy and we want to make sure they know how Audi’s TDI engineering is reshaping their options,” said de Nysschen. “The Q7 TDI will be one of America’s first clean, highly efficient, 7-passenger SUV, combining the power and capacity Americans expect in an SUV with notable fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions.”

The Mileage Marathon’s TDI fleet will recast outdated perceptions of diesel vehicles. Gone are the days of loud, smoky, under-performing diesel engines. Due to its EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the Q7 3.0 TDI offers highway driving range of more than 600 miles, far more than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. It also provides 400 lb-ft of torque, more than most exotic sports cars.

Audi TDI

By reducing up to 90 percent of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) from a vehicle’s emissions, the Audi TDI exhaust purifying system complies with the world’s most demanding emissions law — California’s LEV II Bin 5. The TDI system also meets the upcoming Euro 6 norm limits planned for implementation in 2014. Compared with the fleet average of gasoline engines typically found in the U.S., the TDI achieves a fuel-efficiency advantage of up to 40 percent. This means that today’s diesel technology is designed for tomorrow’s challenges and can make a greater contribution to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels than any other type of engine.

Just the Facts

• Audi has now sold more than 4.5 million cars with TDI engines.

• Audi’s first American TDI diesel introduction under the new 2008 emissions guidelines will be the company’s luxury Audi Q7 3.0 TDI sport-utility vehicle.

• The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI sets a new standard for acceleration and power with 233 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, while seating seven.

• Audi Q7 3.0 TDI is designed to meet emissions regulations for all 50 U.S. states.

• Diesel vehicles typically get 20-40 percent more miles to the gallon than gasoline vehicles.

Efficient and Low-Emission System

Perfecting the TDI is just one part of Audi’s integrated technology strategy to further reduce CO2 and the emission of pollutants in all models. Audi has built this strategy on its state-of-the-art combustion engines and on the components of its modular efficiency system, including direct injection and turbocharging, the TFSI gasoline engines and TDI diesel engines. Audi’s powerplants provide convincing performance with comparatively low consumption now, while their innovative technologies form a solid basis for significant fuel consumption reductions in coming years.

The TDI Traveling Fleet

Along with the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, the brand new Audi Q5 3.0 TDI will debut in the Mileage Marathon. The Audi A4, the sportiest sedan in its class, will also make an appearance with the 3.0 TDI engine. The Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI — equipped with the innovative and efficient S tronic transmission — will add yet another highlight to the Mileage Marathon’s efficiency story.

The cars will be monitored during each leg of the journey and evaluated by speed, distance and fuel economy. Adding to the fuel-efficiency equation, each Audi vehicle on the Mileage Marathon will be equipped with Michelin Green X(R) energy saving tires as standard equipment. Michelin tires carrying the Green X sidewall designation — including the Latitude(R) Tour HP and Primacy(TM) HP featured on the marathon — guarantees a level of energy efficiency among the highest in the market and reduced CO2 emission while maintaining all the advantages of long wear, safety, and other performances.

The Mileage Marathon is working with four sponsors throughout the program. The fuel sponsor for the drive is Shell, a global leader in diesel technology and technical collaborator to Audi. The marathon will be fueled with ultra-low sulfur diesel and participants will refuel at Shell-branded stations along the route. However, two vehicles will kick-off the marathon fueled with Shell GTL, a synthetic fuel made from natural gas and one of the components of Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel, which fuels Audi in the Le Mans series. The two vehicles will test this revolutionary gas to liquid technology, which is synthesized from natural gas and has outstanding cetane quality and exceptional purity to burn more clearly and efficiently than conventional diesel. Additionally, Michelin is supplying all of the tires and will provide Michelin Maps & Guides Products as in-car and online reference sources for the event. The European clothing company Belstaff is sponsoring the staff clothing. Lastly, Sirius Satellite Radio is a sponsor and Audi installs Sirius exclusively in all of its vehicles sold in the United States.

Coming to a City Near You

The route of the Mileage Marathon leads across America from New York to Los Angeles, passing major cities like Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas as well as vistas, including the Rocky Mountains, Death Valley and the Grand Canyon.

The route includes a realistic mix of city driving and rural driving on urban streets, interstate highways and country roads. In this environment and under conditions that mirror everyday driving, the TDI will be able to clearly show off its superiority over every other efficiency technology.

Driving enthusiasts are welcome to follow Audi’s Mileage Marathon online by visiting http://www.audimileagemarathon.com/ and media can find more information at http://www.audiusanews.com/ .

Mileage Marathon Cities & Dates:

• New York, New York: October 5 – 6
• Washington, D.C.: October 6 – 7
• Cleveland, Ohio: October 7 – 8
• Chicago, Illinois: October 8 – 9
• Memphis, Tennessee: October 9 – 10
• Dallas, Texas: October 10 – 11
• Amarillo, Texas: October 11 – 12
• Denver, Colorado: October 12 – 13
• Durango, Colorado: October 13 – 14
• Sedona, Arizona: October 14 – 15
• Las Vegas, Nevada: October 15 – 16
• Mammoth Lakes, California: October 16 – 17
• Monterey, California: October 17 – 19
• Los Angeles, California: October 19 – 20

Source: Audi of America, Inc.

Hyundai Motor America announced that it is partnering with Street Concepts, one of the leading developers of auto show vehicles, to create a modified Genesis Coupe for the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The all-new, rear-wheel drive Street Concepts Genesis Coupe will make its SEMA Show debut at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 4, 2008. The Street Concepts Genesis Coupe will join vehicles designed by Rhys Millen and HKS as the third Genesis Coupe scheduled to appear at SEMA.

“Its aggressive, powerful design and high performance attributes make the Genesis Coupe a perfect vehicle for SEMA,” said Shawn Williams, owner, Street Concepts. “We plan to maximize the driving capabilities of the Genesis Coupe while striving for a level of practicality so that average consumers can take ideas from our vehicle and adapt it to their own.”

The Street Concepts Genesis Coupe will be outfitted with a black camouflage, stealth fighter-inspired paint design that compliments its styling. The exterior will also feature a custom grille design, tinted taillights and an APR rear wing.

“From its inception, Genesis Coupe was developed with the tuner buyer in mind. The Street Concepts vehicle accentuates the core DNA of the product, born from enthusiast driver demands,” said Derek Joyce, Genesis Coupe product manager, Hyundai Motor America. “The three Genesis Coupes scheduled to be displayed at the SEMA Show exemplify the tuner-based performance potential of the vehicle.”

The Street Concepts Genesis Coupe will showcase Volk 19-inch racing wheels, performance tires, a modified suspension and Brembo brakes. A Magnaflow cat-back exhaust and cold air intake system will enhance the performance of the 3.8-liter V6 engine.

Interior modifications include carbon fiber dashboard accents, a custom Infinity audio system, Cobra seats and black suede accents designed to fit the stealth jet fighter theme.

HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS

• Hyundai’s first rear-wheel drive sports car

• 306-horsepower (est.) from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan

• Standard 210-horsepower intercooled, turbocharged, in-line 4-cylinder

• Genesis Coupe production model arrives in spring of 2009

Source: Hyundai Motor America

AAA OFFERS 10 WAYS TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE IN VEHICLES

Most parents know it’s important to child proof their home. However, AAA reminds parents, grandparents and other caretakers that child proofing their vehicles is equally important. As a kick-off to National Child Passenger Safety Week, AAA offers 10 ways to help keep children safe in vehicles.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 2 to 14, and the leading cause of injury-related death for children under age 2, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2006, on average, three to four children were killed each day and more than 500 were injured as occupants in motor vehicle crashes.

10 Ways to Child Proof Your Vehicle

Secure loose items — Loose items such as purses, briefcases, laptops, CDs and umbrellas can potentially become flying projectiles during a sudden stop or crash. Make sure any items in your vehicle — including those in both the front and back seat areas — are secured to avoid harming vehicle occupants. A 10-pound laptop bag can have 300 pounds of force in a 30 mph crash. Use child locks — Be sure to engage child safety locks on the vehicle doors to keep children from opening the door while the vehicle is in motion.

Use correct safety restraint — Always use the safety restraint system appropriate for a child’s age, height and weight. There are four stages of safety restraint systems:

Stage 1: Rear-facing child safety seat
Stage 2: Forward-facing child safety seat
Stage 3: Booster seat
Stage 4: Lap and shoulder belts

Assistance in identifying the correct safety restraint for a child based on age, height and weight is available at AAA.com/CarSeat.

Install seat correctly — Three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed according to NHTSA. When installing a safety seat, be sure to read the installation instructions thoroughly. It’s best to have a seat checked by a certified technician. You can find a local technician at SeatCheck.org.

Prior to purchasing a safety seat, parents can find information on how easy particular safety seat features are to use and properly install from NHTSA’s Ease of Use Ratings.

When installing a child safety seat with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), be sure to buckle the unused seat belt prior to installing the safety seat to prevent possible strangulation. Do not install the seat using LATCH and the seat belt together. Position away from air bags — Children should be positioned away from both front passenger airbags as well as side-impact airbags. All children should be seated in the backseat until age 13. It’s best to position children away from side-impact airbags because leaning or resting their head against the airbag when it is deployed could result in injury or death.

Entertain with soft toys — Give children only soft toys to play with in the vehicle. Hard toys can become dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop or crash. They also can be harmful to other vehicle occupants if thrown by the child while playing.

Secure unused safety seats — Always make sure unused safety seats and attachments are secured in a vehicle. Booster seats or car seats should be buckled up even when they are not in use to avoid becoming airborne during a sudden stop or crash. Unused LATCH and tether attachments from safety seats should also be secured to avoid injuring occupants.

Avoid non-regulated products — Do not use any non-regulated products, such as mirrors, window covers, harness covers or extra padding, that are not recommended by your child safety seat manufacturer. These products or add-on accessories may cause injury to children or other occupants during a crash.

Lock parked vehicles’ doors and trunks — Keep the doors, trunks and hatchbacks locked and the keys out of reach when the vehicle is not in operation to eliminate any risk of children climbing into the vehicle. Children should understand vehicles are not a place to play.

Adult supervision — One of the best ways to child proof a vehicle is to always have adult supervision in and around vehicles. Children should never be left unattended in a vehicle — with or without the engine running.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com

Source: AAA

Buyers of Volkswagen Jetta TDI vehicles eligible for a $1300 Federal Tax Credit

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that buyers of the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen are eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

“The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value.”

Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen showcase the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel vehicle with no compromises. Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience come standard with the 50-state compliant Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen models, which meet the most stringent emissions standards in California. Vehicles are currently available to test drive at local Volkswagen dealers, both models will be available for sale this August.

While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.*

The Jetta TDI models come standard with Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Both the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen include six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDIs also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program — with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen’s ESP technology works in conjunction with antilock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if automakers included stability systems as standard equipment.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Va. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, Tiguan and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

*29 city / 40 highway EPA estimates. 38 city / 44 highway real world fuel economy based on AMCI testing. Your mileage may vary. For more information on Volkswagen, go to www.vw.com.

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Embarking on a hybrid car adventure, WebRidesTV reviews the Toyota Prius during a West Coast road trip from the smoggy British Petroleum Oil Refineries in Carson, California to the majestic mountain cliffs of Big Sur.

The Toyota Prius averages 51 miles per gallon during the approximate 320-mile journey. An impressive MPG lends to overall satisfaction with the vehicle’s fuel economy, despite shortcomings in the car’s appearance and performance

While documenting the journey WebRidesTV probes into the environmental and economical contexts out of which the Prius was born. WebRidesTV highlights the battery technology as well as the dominant battery suppliers for hybrid electric vehicles.

The major power players in the car battery market for hybrid electric vehicles are suppliers: Panasonic (Japan), Sanyo (Japan), Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (Japan), GS Yuasa (Japan), Cobasys (U.S.) and Johnson Controls-Saft (U.S.).

These dominating car battery makers and other emerging suppliers are in a full fledged battle to capture the hybrid electric vehicle market.

Recent news reports Toyota as opposing tax break incentives for hybrid electric vehicles with a battery that holds at least six kilowatt-hours of electricity. Toyota claims this proposed legislative incentive unfairly benefits certain makes and models and battery suppliers.

The current Toyota Prius stores 1.3 kilowatt-hours of electricity in a Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery supplied by Panasonic. The highly buzzed Chevrolet Volt stores approximately 16 kilowatt-hours of electricity in its Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack.

Today, most major car battery suppliers concentrate production on NiMH battery technology. However this battery type is soon to be replaced and in 2010 Li-ion battery technology is anticipated to take over the hybrid electric vehicle market.

Li-ion batteries are currently used in popular consumer electronics including cellular phones and lap top computers.

The hybrid electric vehicle battery market, estimated at $600 million in 2006, is expected to grow to $1.4 billion in 2010 and $2.3 billion in 2015.

Toyota and Panasonic have done well with the Prius and announced earlier this year that worldwide cumulative sales of the Prius had passed the 1 million mark.

“Toyota has succeeded in producing the right car at the right time with the Prius,” say Technical Editor for WebRidesTV Larry Harvey. “The Toyota Prius accounts for over half of Toyota’s U.S. sales since its debut in 2000. The Prius is optimized for gas mileage efficiency but certainly not for performance and handling. The hybrid Toyota Camry on the other hand has no such shortcomings because it handles well and drives like a regular car,” says Harvey.

The Toyota Prius car review video is now available to view on the WebRidesTV Green Channel. The video reviews the price, battery, parts, interior and exterior design, technology, economy, environmental impact and cultural significance of the Toyota Prius.

Editor’s Reference Link:
Video Review of Toyota Prius – WebRidesTV:

http://www.webridestv.com/videos/prius-hybrid-car-review-129654