2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Preview
Critical Knowledge:
Introduction
Hardware
The Dieselution Tour, touring environmental and auto shows across America, runs through the Super Bowl in Phoenix in late January 2008.
The return of a diesel engine to Volkswagen’s U.S. lineup (it had long been a mainstay, with diesel-engine models sometimes accounting for 30 percent of some model lines’ sales) represents the German automaker’s attempt to capitalize on issues such as higher gas prices and climate-change anxiety
that have made hybrid vehicles such successful sellers.
The 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine, which Volkswagen calls TDI, makes 140 hp and 235 lb.-ft. of torque. That makes for quick acceleration from stoplights, the automaker says. The engine meets Tier II/Bin 5 emission standards without needing the urea treatment that some other new-generation diesels will require. The Jetta’s storage catalyst reduces nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90 percent, and the car’s engine-management system changes modes to treat NOx stored in the catalyst. The company says the new engine operates more smoothly and quietly than past Volkswagen diesels. A dual-clutch DSG automated manual transmission will be an option.
Something Extra
At the 2007 SEMA Show, the automotive aftermarket extravaganza held in Las Vegas, Volkswagen showed a modified 2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen. That car featured a lowered ride height with H&R springs, larger Brembo brakes, 19-inch Sportec alloy wheels and Yokohama performance tires. The exterior featured custom paint and logo graphics.
