Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

Stellar fuel efficiency is still the name of the game when it comes to our long-term Volkswagen Jetta TDI, as it’s averaging well over its EPA-estimated 30 city and 42 highway miles per gallon in our hands. In fact, with a deft throttle foot, it’s not terribly difficult to crest the 50-mpg plateau on long, steady-state trips.

The oil-burning steed recently made the trek from Southern California to the Phoenix, Arizona area so that our resident photographer, Drew Phillips, could make sure we got all the right shots as we lead-footed our way around the Bondurant circuit with the Chevy Camaro ZL1.

Parking the Jetta TDI next to the Camaro ZL1 was an interesting exercise – it’s hard to imagine two vehicles more diametrically opposed than these. And, needless to say, moving directly from 580 supercharged horsepower in the ZL1 to just 140 horses in the VW took a bit of right-foot recalibration.

The good news is that, with 236 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Jetta TDI is fun to drive in its own right. Short-shifting the six-speed manual gearbox to keep the diesel mill in its sweet spot produces the most satisfying experience in the Jetta, and it allows you to feel the rush of torque as the turbocharger gets a hold of the spent diesel fumes, pushing your body into the seatback.

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: January 2012

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: January 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Nissan

Nissan is partnering with the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) to create an all new Spec Z Series that promises low costs and performance parity. The single classification series will feature 350Z models from 2003 to 2008, and prizes that part-time track warriors can really get behind.

At the regional level, podium finishers can earn up to $850 in prize money. Further, Nissan will pony up $6,500 in cash support for top Spec Z finishers at the 2012 NASA Championships. Further support will come from BFGoodrich, which will be the control tire for the series and will back a contingency price program for Spec Z.

Hit the jump to read over the Nissan press release, which includes a link that will provide still more information on the Spec Z series.

Continue reading Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series

Nissan and NASA announce 350Z-based spec series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NEW YORK – Citigroup's Chinese subsidiary has been granted permission to offer its credit cards in China, becoming the first US based bank and the second foreign bank to receive the nod.

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The country’s foreign reserves rose from $32.98 billion (N5.11trillion) in December, 2011, to $34.67 billion (about N5.37 trillion) on Feb. 1.

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ATHENS – Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos has said he would continue intense talks with his coalition partners on austerity measures for a 130 billion-euro EU bailout plan second for Greece.

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LONDON – Heavy snowfall and intense cold this winter, one of the most severe in decades, has taken its toll across Europe, with many rural areas badly affected and several deaths reported.

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CAIRO – Egypt has decided to advance the election of a new president, giving in to the demands of increasingly violent protesters and raising hopes of a civilian government taking over the task of fra

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Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Skoda

On this side of the Atlantic, one Volkswagen division’s new product may not have a significant impact on those of another. That’s because the German auto giant’s brands are kept quite separate in North America. Less so, however, back in Europe, where a new VW is likely to reappear in due time as a Seat or Skoda.

Case in point: the new Up! city car, which is also sold overseas as the Seat Mii and Skoda Citigo. And, true to form, with the Volkswagen brand having enlarged its city car to a five-door, its Czech cousin has followed suit.

And so, starting in May (after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show), European buyers will be able to get their hands on a five-door Citigo, offering the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (in either 60- or 75-horsepower guise) as the Up, Mii and three-door Citigo. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo

Skoda up!grades with five-door Citigo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BRISTOL – Hundreds of traders and business establishments have signed up for Bristol's own currency to be launched May 21, with the backing of the Bristol Credit Union, a bank run as a cooperative.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorcycle, UK, Design/Style

We don’t envy the designers who pen bikes for the likes of Triumph or Harley-Davidson. Machines like the Bonneville and Sportster are inherently popular for their nostalgic looks, and die-hard fans are the first to cry foul when the bikes wander too far from the original recipe. As the Triumph Bonneville Speed Twin Concept elegantly illustrates, that’s a crying shame. As the brainchild of English designers Roy Norton and Tom Kasher, the Speed Twin is a modern take on the classic Bonneville. The two started with a Bonnie as a base platform and proceeded to update the machine’s aesthetics accordingly.

The conceit began with the simple notion of what the Bonneville could have evolved into were it not so saddled with the nostalgia millstone. The two contacted Triumph while working for a design studio shortly after college, and Triumph Product Manager Simon Warburton gave the concept the go-ahead. The result is what you see here.

The concept uses a heavily modified Bonneville frame in conjunction with muscular-looking girder forks. Barbour cloth covers both the seats and the grips. With an 865cc engine, Thruxton brakes and unique gauges and levers, the Speed Twin is distilled awesome. Warburton is apparently pleased with the final result as well, and says some of the elements may make their way to future Triumph models. Head over to BikeExif for the full story.

Triumph Bonnevile Speed Twin Concept is what two-wheel dreams are made of originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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