For when Zombies attack! Get back with a 6x6 F250

This is just the thing for a zombie apocalypse. What's better than a diesel powered, 6x6 driven, quad headlight, Ford F250 crew cab for you and your family to cruise in? I spotted this behemoth on the back of a flat bed trailer parked on the side of the road outside of Zelienople Pennsylvania. No one was available at the shop it was outside of to get details as to what exactly this truck was built for. A few friends on facebook have said they've seen it at mud bogs and tractor pulls in the area, but no one has ever seen it run. Here's what we can tell though. Whoever built it, really took their time to create something that doesn't really look home built. The bed has been professionally finished to look like a factory piece. Same with the grille and second set of headlights which instantly make you think of a pickup from the fictitious "Wagon Queen" brand from the National Lampoon movies. Even to the point of adding the fender and hood edges from the donor truck to make a finished front fascia. They were likely added for height limitations for lights so the truck can be driven on the road.

The body appears to be resting on a military style 6x6 chassis and and powered by likely the same diesel engine from the view I had through the fender well. And of course there's the air horn trumpets and the twin giant fuel tanks mounted in between the axles and the the twin big rig exhaust stacks in the bed. The truck also appears to have an air suspension added to raise and lower the truck. When I initially spotted this truck I first thought it was an old monster truck, and then an F150 mounted to a big rig frame, but closer inspection revealed the 6x6 chassis.  I'm trying to dig up some more details on this truck as it's just too cool to look away from.

Volkswagen setting records again.

Volkswagen is no stranger to setting records. Be it sales volume records or having a car swim across the English channel or the Panama Canal. Here's a new world record notch for the belt. An American built 2012 Passat TDI has set the world record for longest distance on one tank of gas. The trip started by mileage guru's John and Helen Taylor left Houston, TX on May 3rd and arrived in Sterling, VA on May 5th. A typical three day trip, simulating a typical trip. The Passat was bone stock, and carried over 120 pounds of luggage and drove only during daylight hours. What was the world record distance? 1,626 miles beating the previous record of 1,526.6 set by a BlueMotion Passat in Europe. Over the course of the trip, the Taylor's averaged just over 84 miles per gallon. Who says you need a hybrid?

Source: Volkswagen of America

Press release:

05.08.2012

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SETS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST DISTANCE ON ONE TANK OF CLEAN DIESEL FUEL

Mileage experts John and Helen Taylor complete 1626-mile drive in Chattanooga-built Volkswagen Passat TDI®—without stopping for fuel!

• Record set using a stock 2012 Passat TDI SE with six-speed manual transmission
• Average of 84.1 miles per gallon during three-day trip
• Shows mileage benefits of VW Clean Diesel technology

Herndon, VA -  The world’s most fuel-efficient couple has done it again. John and Helen Taylor were determined to break the record for the farthest distance traveled on a single tank of fuel. They decided to attempt the record in the U.S. with a stock 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI Clean Diesel vehicle equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The previous record for the most miles covered on a single tank of diesel was 1526.6 miles, achieved with a VW Passat 1.6 BlueMotion® diesel in Europe.

The result? A new record of 1626.1 miles, achieved on one tank of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel under real world driving conditions. That’s an incredible 99.5 miles better than the old mark. Over the course of three days and driving through nine states, the couple averaged 84.1 miles per gallon, spending only 4.65 cents per mile. The three-day drive commenced on May 3, 2012 in Houston, TX and ended on May 5, 2012 in Sterling, Virginia. To make the drive as realistic as possible, the couple included 120 pounds of luggage and drove during daylight hours to experience normal traffic situations. Additionally, the couple took turns driving and didn’t travel more than 14 hours per day.

“We’re excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel,” said John Taylor. “The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record.”

The Passat’s 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel inline four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and with a manual transmission delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg on the highway. The TDI engine is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) that fulfills emissions requirements in all 50 states. The Passat—built at the world’s only LEED Platinum certified automotive factory in Chattanooga, TN—was named Motor Trend’s 2012 Car of the Year.

“The Passat was engineered and designed to be a comfortable yet fun to drive alternative in the midsize segment. The TDI Clean Diesel version unites driving dynamics and fuel efficiency that isn’t found in the competitive set,” said Rainer Michel, Vice President of Product Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re honored that the Taylors chose the 2012 Passat TDI as the vehicle to set this outstanding distance record. Their record shows just how economical the Passat TDI can be in the right hands.”

Prior to the drive, the speedometer and odometer were calibrated by a state certified testing station in Houston, Texas. Law enforcement officers from the city of Houston, Texas oversaw validation of mileage, fuel fill-up, and gas tank sealing at the beginning of the drive. A Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff’s Deputy verified completion of the drive and mileage prior to removing the fuel tank seal.

The Taylors have made a career out of driving efficiently and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. They have collected more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe.

2011 Toyota Diesel Dually Coming Soon to USA

Edmunds.com has announced that the 2010 model Tundra will feature a 4.5L diesel engine as an option. Provided some rough fuel economy and performance numbers.

Estimated hp: 300 @ 3500 RPM
Estimated torque: 500 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM
Estimated MPG: 22 MPG (both city and highway)

Edmunds.com also announced that the HD Tundra will debut in 2011 or 2012, and that it will feature a 7.0L diesel. We were unable to confirm this. Frankly, it seems a little optimistic considering the current market. Still, it's intriguing information.

You can learn more about the 4.5L in our story, as well as see a video of the engine here:

4.5L Diesel Tundra Confirmed, Bigger Diesel Coming? | tundraheadquarters.com

Our best guess is that the new 4.5L diesel will cost an extra $5k to $6k, which means a new Tundra Limited Crew 4x4 with the diesel may cost as much as $50k!

Exciting times - the Tundra diesel is coming soon!

source Tundra Solutions

Top 3 Diesel Sedans under $5000

#1. 1984-1989 Mercedes-Benz 300sd
This car is a Mercedes period. It is a bit old, but still looks good, got a little bit of power especially from the turbo. It's a five cylinder, and will last you a lifetime. Wish they made these in a 5 speed manual at least. Quality interior, quality engine just the way Mercedes was meant to be. Ranging from $1500-$3500. This car has been tested by Zsports Cars at 26 mpg avg, 32 on thehwy and 24 in the city.

#2. 1980-1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
This car is a bad example of Mercedes luxury, it is pretty basic. But looking at other cars in this era in the same class, this one is 5 times better then the rest. The 240D has the 4 cylinder diesel engine which is famous for being name "the million mile engine". Only 68hp from production, so after about thirty only about 57hp left. Pretty slow, we tested the 4 speed manual. Nice interior, looks best in black. The black interior never gets old. The price for this car ranges from $1000 to $2000 at the most. This car has been tested by Zsports Cars at 28 mpg avg, 36 on the highway and 28 in the city.


#3. 1998 Jetta TDI
This car has bad styling, bad interior quality, bad paint job, considered it is a German car. The only thing that shows it's a German Car is the engine. Reported to get 40 mpg, but we haven't tested it yet so can't guarantee it. But based on the 300sd and 240d reports from other people saying they get 40 mpg, we can say that they are all a little bit over exagerating. It has an inline-4 engine and comes in a 4 speed automatic, or 5 speed manual. This car has not been tested by Zsports Cars, only word of mouth.

1990 Mercedes travels over 1 million Kilometers

We all know Mercedes Benz diesels are the automotive equivalent of a bank vault, with thousands covering well over 100,000 miles. News from Mercedes of Canada is that they have found one that has covered 1,110,000+ kilometers under the ownership of its original owner. Robert Miles from Ontario and his 1990 300D (W124) chassis have stood the test of time. That calculates out to roughly 690,000 miles on the original engine and trans. 

Mr. Miles used the car for daily transportation every day since he purchased the car new. Traveling over 5,000 kilometers each month. Mr. Miles credits the cars longevity on the superb service he's received from Mercedes technician Peter Hagen Jr. Congratulations to Mr. Miles on the honor.

Source: Mercedes Benz Canada.

(Press Release)

Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to announce today that Mr. Robert Miles of Port Dover, Ontario, has driven more than 1,110,000 kilometres in the 1990 300D he purchased as a brand new car in the winter of 1989. This significant milestone was reached without any modifications to the engine or transmission. As a traveling insurance salesman, Mr. Miles relied on his car for many years to transport him to client meetings and house calls back and forth across the province. 

The Mercedes-Benz 300D is one of the many memorable cars that have made the Mercedes-Benz brand and the E-Class family of cars so highly popular. Currently in its ninth-generation, the E-Class is still considered to be a benchmark in the luxury segment and one of the world’s best business sedans. 

“Indeed, my 300D was a vital part of my business. I simply could not afford to miss a meeting or be delayed. There is no doubt that this very reliable vehicle was crucial to my success over these years,” said Mr. Miles. “I was driving an average of 5 ,200 kilometres a month which meant I had to ensure that the scheduled maintenance was always kept completely up to date. I made a conscious decision to have the car serviced at the same dealership even after the warranty expired. I developed a wonderful relationship with my Mercedes-Benz technician, Peter Hagen Jr, who nurtured this car like his own for more than twenty years. Despite the long distances I would travel, my mind was at ease; I always knew that Peter’s diligence and my trusted 300D would take me back home to my family safe and sound.”

Even with countless hours on the road, Mr. Miles was never involved in an accident in his office-on-wheels, and was also never wary of driving his beloved Mercedes-Benz through the most extreme weather conditions. Despite the lovely patina it has accumulated over the years, Mr. Miles’ car is still in good condition. It truly epitomizes the unmatched quality and exemplary durability that is inherent in every Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

“Mercedes-Benz vehicles are engineered to stand the test of time. Mr. Miles’ personal story highlights what kind of longevity is possible through regularly scheduled maintenance, and also demonstrates the benefits of a strong and trusting relationship between a customer and his or her dealership,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “I would like to personally thank Mr. Miles on behalf of our entire organization for his loyalty to the brand and to his dealership throughout the years. In addition, I would also like to recognize and applaud Peter Hagen Jr. and the Mercedes-Benz Oakville staff for their dedication to excellence in customer service.” 

He adds, “It was 125 years ago when our company’s founding fathers invented the automobile; they made a historic promise to always offer our customers the absolute best automotive experience in the industry. Today, our collective and unwavering resolve remains squarely focused on upholding this guarantee and ensuring that the three-pointed star continues to represent the benchmark in the luxury segment.”

Audi R8 V12 TDI Le Mans Concept

The age of the diesel supercar has dawned. Ferrari should worry.

Diesel rush begins: VW Jetta TDI Officialy Out

Lovers of both fuel mileage and torque can finally rest easy, Volkswagen of America is now officially selling its 50-State-approved, clean diesel engine in either the Jetta sedan for $21,990 or Jetta SportWagen wrappers for $23,590. Equipped with the six-speed DSG transmission, both Jetta gets an EPA rating of 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway. We expect to see better real-world numbers, though we're a bit wary of VW's advertising its alternate rating of 38/44 -- a number that is impossible to compare with anything else currently available. In any case, the $2,000 premium for the TDI engine will be lessened somewhat by the Fed's $1,300 tax credit which applies to either TDI model. Look for an early test of the oil-burner on these pages shortly.

Source: Volkswagen

Hybrid/Diesel Land Rover LRX

THIS is the first picture of the new “baby” Land Rover.
The car-like LRX blends the looks of a 4x4 with a coupé.

And it will be the “green” new face of Land Rover - exploding the myth of 4x4s as gas eating monsters.

It's diesel/hybrid engine will slash CO2 emissions and return 40 mpg when the car goes on sale in 2010.

Land Rover managing director Phil Popham says the LRX is described as a cross-coupé this gives “a powerful message” that the firm is serious about environment friendly vehicles.

He said “It’s a way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach."

The car, features lightweight materials, it is 5.9 ins shorter than the Freelander and 8.1 ins lower. Butstill a full four seater with wood and leather trim.

Sun Motoring Editor Ken Gibson said “It’s sensational and extends the brand into a new segment.”

Source: The Sun

Volkswagen Touareg R50 - a Review From Down Under

Volkswagen’s strident motto clearly and eloquently defines their love of the car, though when it comes to the ‘R’ designated models, one must surmise that this is no ordinary love. This is lustful and unadulterated passion.

Having driven the thrilling R32 earlier this year I was impressed at just how well balanced and centred a car it had become above that of the already outstanding Golf. Thanks to some brilliant engineering work the enhanced model is truly something to behold.

Not only had shoe-horning a 3.2 litre V6 in to the small hatch back made it go harder, but every other mechanical feature of the car complimented the package so well as a whole that parting with such splendid company was a very hard process indeed.

Imagine then applying that level of enthusiasm and exhilaration to Volkswagen’s über four wheel drive, the Touareg. Now, that time has come.

Engine

Power bhp: 345

Torque lb-ft: 627

Type: Turbo-Diesel V10

Performance

Acceleration 0-60 mph: 6.7 Seconds

Top Speed: 146 mph

Full Review: Car Advice

Detroit 2008: Audi R8 V12 TDI

The Audi R8 has been receiving lots of press and just as many awards recently. And it gets our vote for sexiest car ever built. It's hard to believe that Audi could find a way to top their super car. But they did find a way. Behold the R8 V12 TDI. Yes TDI as in Diesel. Audi took a page from their American LeMans success to combine sports cars with diesel power.

Audi took the 6.0 liter V12 used in last years Q7 concept car from last year and stuffed it into the R8 super car. This R8 has 500 horses on tap while the V8 version stops at 420. Though where the R8 V12 TDI shines is torque. All 738 lb ft of them. This enables the R8 V12 to roar to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds. With a top speed of 186 mph. Being a super car, you'd figure it would get horrible gas mileage. Wrong. 23mpg, that's really impressive for any car in this class. Top that with Audi's Quattro full time all wheel drive and it makes one superb handling car.

The front bumper has been redesigned and looks awesome. And how about the glass roof with built in air scoop to feed air to the motor.

Now this is a concept car, though it certainly looks good enough and feasible enough to be a production car. Hopefully Audi won't wait too long to decide to produce this bad boy.

Source: Audi.

VW TDI Cup gearing up for 2008 season

Are you between the age of 16 and 26? Do you like legal track racing? Do love VWs? If you answered yes, then the VW TDI Cup is for you.

VW announced the TDI Cup at the SEMA show in October along with showing off the new Jetta TDI Cup Car. The jetta is powered by a specially prepared 2.0liter Turbo by Volkswagen Motorsport. Capable of 170 horsepower.

Interested drivers will begin a series of qualifying events beginning in March. The entire series will be limited to thirty drivers. Qualifying drivers will be required to come up with $35,000 to cover the race season. VW will provide the Jetta TDI Cup Cars complete with all the safety equipment, tires, etc for the season. Each race is worth $1,500 to the first place driver with a $100,000 purse at the end of the season for the championship winner. As a bonus, if the winning series driver can score him or herself a pro ride within six months within winning. They will be awarded an additional $250,000 bonus.

Interested drivers should contact Volkswagen directly via the VW Motorsports website below.

http://www.vw.com/vwhype/motorsport/en/us/

Source: VW

SEMA 07: More VW TDI Diesel madness

While the new Jetta SportWagen is still not available yet, Volkswagen is still making VW nuts drool by showing off a modified TDI version of the hot wagon. Powered by the all new 2.0 Clean Diesel TDI, sporting 140 horsepower and 235 ft lbs of torque. The SportWagen is also topped off by revised body styling components, 19 inch Sportec Wheels, and a H&R suspension.

Official Specs:

2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen
Powered by the 2.0L Clean Diesel TDI, delivering 140 horsepower and 235 ft.-lbs. of torque, the new Jetta SportWagen does not conform to old station wagon stereotypes.
Using readily available body components and finished in custom paint and graphics, this Jetta TDI SportWagen demonstrates what can be done to personalize a Jetta. To reinforce the sportin this wagon, the Jetta’s underpinnings were upgraded by H&R Springs to lower its ride height, and make its handling razor sharp.

The Jetta TDI SportWagen remains firmly planted with 19 inch Sportec Wheels and Yokohama Tires wrapped around an upgraded Brembo brake kit, providing high performance stopping power. Hella provides up-level lighting components that add a unique flair to the styling.

Source: Volkswagen.

Volkswagen introduces Touareg R50 In Sydney.

WOLFSBURG, Germany - In a world premiere, Volkswagen will be presenting the Touareg R50 on October 11 at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. Its power of 258 kW / 350 PS (at 3,500 rpm) positions the new Touareg version among the most powerful SUVs in the world. The Touareg R50 can be ordered in Germany at prices starting at 88,260 Euro; it will be introduced to the market this November.

The engine characteristic of the Touareg R50 is marked by a torque level nearly unattainable by the competition: The V10 TDI of the Touareg R50 develops its enormous power of 850 Newton-meter at a low 2,000 rpm. The turbo diesel was derived from the well-known ten cylinder with 230 kW / 313 PS. Adjustments to its turbo charging and modified engine management enabled a 28 kW / 37 PS increase in power and a considerable 100 Newton-meter increase in maximum torque. Under these new parameters, the SUV accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds (production car: 7.4 seconds); its top speed is 235 km/h. In relation to engine power and vehicle size, the fuel consumption of the production ten-cylinder diesel equipped with a particulate filter is a moderate 9.6 liters per 100 km (highway) and 12.6 liters per 100 km (overall). Despite big gains in power and torque, its DIN fuel consumption values have remained constant compared to the Touareg V10 TDI.

In keeping with the performance potential of the R50, Volkswagen Individual designed new exterior and interior features according to the R philosophy. From the outside, the new Touareg R50 is easy to recognize with its 21-inch Omanyt type alloy wheels and size 295 tires, blue painted brake calipers, discrete wheel well flares, side skirts and distinctive bumpers (Sport Design Package), as well as a modified radiator grille (in a matte finish chrome).
Offered exclusively on the Touareg R50 is the car color "Biscay blue". Blue hues of this type have been typical of the high-powered R models since the first Golf R32 was introduced in the year 2002. Offered as optional car colors on the Touareg R50 are "Campanella white", "Reflex silver", "Black Magic" and "Atacam gray".

The car’s extensive features also include an air suspension sport chassis: The so-called "Driving dynamics package with adaptive roll compensation" and chassis lowered by twenty millimeter supplements the "Sport" mode of the manually or automatically controlled air suspension by achieving a stiffer spring rate.

On the inside, the SUV’s features include a sport seating system in anthracite-colored nappa leather with R50 logo integrated in the headrests. The logo was also integrated in the stainless steel tread plates. Also in keeping with the sporty character of the Touareg is the light-colored "engine spin" decor of the interior – a metallic structure similar to that previously used on race cars – as well as metal worked caps for the accelerator and brake pedals. A R50 logo also decorates the gearshift lever of the six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). Standard features the Touareg R50 also include a winter package (including seat heating for the rear seats), the Premium Memory Package (including electrically adjustable seats, steering column and seatbelt height), net partition behind the rear seats and a ski sack.

Source: Volkswagen.