Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Highline

By Kevin Harrison

There are a lot of things about North Americans that I really don’t get. For instance why do we like Walmart enough that it has to be open 24 hours? Have you ever bolted up at 4 am wanting to buy a new set of silverware?

Likewise, why are we so opposed to diesels? For some reason we’ve asphyxiated them with a bad reputation, and as a result, North Americans have not responded well to them.

This attitude is in complete contrast to Europe where selling a car without a diesel option is like ordering a hamburger at a Chinese restaurant – it just doesn’t make sense.

VW has been trying for decades to make diesels more mainstream in our market but they hit a bit of a snag in 2007 when stricter emission standards forced them to axe their diesel and revamp it. During that period TDI’s were missing in action in our market.

But they’re back and VW promises them to be even more powerful yet more efficient than before.

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Saab and BMW Team Up for Upcoming Audi A1 Fighter

Auto Express apparently has it on good word that Saab has officially inked a deal with BMW to build its upcoming sub-compact 9-2.  Rumour also has it that BMW will lend a helping hand with the next generation 9-3.

The 9-2, however, will use the Mini chasis along with other technologies from the lovable little Cooper.

According a Spyker exec: “We could build the 9-2 on our own, but that wouldn’t make sense. Thanks to the crisis in the industry, everyone is willing to share everything. So Spyker couldn’t have bought Saab at a better time.”

Nissan vs Germany Round 2

Recently Nissan has been becoming quite cocky as they have released ads taking jabs at three German companies known as being among the best for performance: BMW, Audi and Porsche.

Porsche didn’t take too well to Nissan’s new marketing approach as they threatened legal action against Nissan of using their logo without permission. I, on the other hand, said that Porsche should shut Nissan up by going head to head on the track. But anyway, technical legalities is definitely not stopping Nissan from digging at Porsche heals. Audi is also targeted again in this new round of advertising.

Nissan actually went out and bought an Audi TT-S and a Porsche Cayman S and is driving them around London with special messages to the public written on the side of each car. For the Audi, the message reads “More expensive, slower and less powerful than a Nissan 370Z”. The Porsche got branded with “I dream of being as fast as a Nissan 370Z”. Ouch.

That certainly is a way to get around the legalities that Porsche set out. BMW was not targeted this round, but I’m sure Nissan has something special in mind for them.

[Nissan via Top Speed]

Test Drive: 2010 Audi A3 TDI

By Kevin Harrison

I was driving behind an old Mercedes-Benz diesel a while back and I have to say, it was about as desirable as playing strip poker with your parents. It was just awful.

I actually had to turn my radio up because that diesel clatter was making my ears bleed. Then, despite being 30 degrees outside, I had to roll up my windows because the exhaust coming out of the tailpipe had a rather black/purple-ish hue that would make even Stephen Harper concerned about its effect on the environment. On top of that, the smell was less agreeable than a hockey player locker room after the second period.

For the first time ever, I finally started to understand North American tendencies. Diesels of the past were terrible.

Since then, many automakers have refined diesel technology, most notably Volkswagen. Even though most automakers bailed on the idea of bringing diesels back, Volkswagen stuck with it, leaving them with virtually all the market share. Not a bad move. BMW and Mercedes-Benz have followed suit with each brand offering a small dosage of their diesel technology for open minded North Americans.

Volkswagen has expanded the technology into four of their models. But what if you want a little premium with that oil burner? Well, for the first time Volkswagen has made its famous TDI engine available in the Audi A3. Is it worth it?

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‘How to Beat the Germans’ Nissan Style

Nissan is taking jabs at the Germans claiming their performance cars can do anything the Germans can do and do it better.

In a new ad campaign in the UK, Nissan touts the abilities of the 370Z and the GT-R. Both make an excellent case for being among the best in the performance world, but Nissan really wants everyone to know it.

When people think of performance, they tend to think of the German makes such as BMW, Audi, and Porsche. Well they are exactly who Nissan is taking aim at. The billboard ads feature either the 370Z or the GT-R with BMW, Audi and Porsche logos on the side of the car. Next to that is the five bar gate scoring system etched into the paint which showed the number of racing victories against each brand in the famous Nurburgring. Then the ad says “How to beat the Germans” or “The Germans came off Wurst” or “Kaisers Chiefed”.

BMW and Audi are no strangers to taking jabs at each other through friendly ads, so they likely won’t care too much, however this ad seems to have hit a nerve with Porsche. Apparently lawyers for Porsche are threatening legal action for unauthorized use of their logo. Nissan reportedly will comply, but will continue on with the campaign nevertheless.

That’s a bit of a bitch move Porsche. I mean, really? Getting lawyers involved? How about shutting Nissan up by putting your cars against theirs on the track instead?

[The Guardian]

BMW’s Supercar to be Called M8? May Have Hybrid Set Up

It’s going to be the battle of the 8′s! M8 vs. R8.

BMW’s new supercar is reportedly going to be called the M8 according to Autozeitung. It is going to take aim directly at the Audi R8.

The M8 is going to take a lot of styling cues from the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept pictured above. That concept uses a diesel-hybrid engine which relies mostly on torque for its get-up-and-go and was thought to carry over to the production model, but apparently BMW has dropped that idea in favour of another hybrid set up.

They will reportedly take the power plant from the upcoming M5 which is expected to produce 580 horsepower from either a V8 or a V10. They are then going to add two electric motors for added boost and of course for added efficiency. Since it’s a BMW, the weight will be distributed properly with one electric motor in the front, and the other in the back for perfect weight distribution. Total output is expected to be in between 600 and 700 horsepower!

Add the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG into the mix and you’ve got yourself one tasty German supercar showdown. Can’t wait!

[Autozeitung via BMWblog]

International Engine of the Year Award Winners Announced

Congrats to Volkswagen!

They picked up International Engine of the Year award honours for 2010 for the 1.4 litre TSI twincharger engine typically found in the Golf, Jetta, Scirocco, Tiguan, Touran, and Seat Ibiza Cupra. Unfortunately for us, we don’t get to experience that engine in any of VW’s offerings in North America. Volkwagen also picked up a second award for the 2.5 litre five-cylinder turbo that they use in the amazing Audi TT-RS.

BMW picked up the most awards for four different engines. The first was for the incredible 3 litre inline six D1 twin turbo used in the 135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i and Z4. Next BMW was awarded for the 1.6 litre turbo found in the Mini Cooper S, Clubman S, Peugot 207 & 308 as well as the John Cooper works Edition Cooper and Clubman. BMW’s wonderful diesel was recognized as well, specifically the 2 litre twin turbo used in the 123d and X1 123d. Finally, and not surprisingly, BMW picked up an award for the 4 litre V8 used in the M3.

Mercedes-Benz and Toyota rounded out the list, each picking up one award. Mercedes-Benz won for their 6.2 litre V8 found in all the AMG models and Toyota was awarded for their 1 litre engine found in the Yaris and IQ.

Congrats to all the winners!

[International Engine of the Year]

2012 Saab 9-3 to Have BMW Underpinnings?

Spyker is serious about turning its newly acquired brand, Saab, into a serious world contender that can take on zee German heavyweights such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

It looks like the tides are turning away from terminal GM influence on the Swedish brand. The newly designed 9-5 is now out, the 9-4 crossover is next on the docket, Spyker is making an 1-series, A1 and Mini fighter called the 9-2 (meant to be a throw back to the tear drop design) and now they’re promising an all-new redesigned 9-3 sedan for 2012.

Spyker is going to revive the hatchback design of the old 900 series and make a convertible version. If they’re smart, they’ll also revive the Viggen models as well. After personally driving a 2000 9-3 Viggen, I can say that, despite the notorious turbo lag, it was one spicy Swedish meatball. I definitely have a soft spot for it.

Reports are swirling around the interwebs that Spyker has been in talks with BMW to help out with the chasis of the new 9-3 as well as the engines. The powerplant in the Mini Countryman is supposedly being considered. BMW has reportedly agreed to supply these underpinnings and if that’ true, the new 9-3 will definitely be a big contender.

Armed with BMW blood, the new 9-3′s goal is to take on the Audi A3 specifically. Should be interesting!

[Autocar]

Volkswagen Springs A Leak: 2011 Jetta Revealed

The official reveal of the 2011 Jetta wasn’t supposed to happen until tomorrow, but Auto Express apparently got their hands on some photos and decided the appropriate thing to do would be to leak them.

We saw spy shots a while back which pretty much revealed the entire design, but it’s nice to have official photos to look at.

There are no details for North American variants, but in Europe they will reportedly get a four engine choices: three gas engines ranging from 104 horsepower to 200 horsepower and a diesel. Speaking of the TDI, us Canucks will supposedly be getting the TDI version before the Amurricans do. Sweet deal.

The styling overall looks great, typical VW with non-flashy yet eye catching styling. The rear end styling is very Audi A4 and that’s definetly no a bad thing. I have a feeling VW is going to be setting the benchmark yet again in this segment for performance and refinement.

Two more pics after the jump.

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Audi Plays the Stereotype Game With…Everyone

Audi and BMW have long been German rivals as they have both taken pretty funny shots and jabs at each other from time to time. This time, Audi has decided to take a few additional shots at two other rivals: Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

The 3 minute spot is called “Meet the Beckers” and although it’s an oldie, it’s a goodie. The whole point of the spot is that Audi is for normal people and its rivals are for walking stereotypes.

First Audi naturally takes aim at BMW. We see a blue E46 M3 convertible speeding down the road. It is driven by a stereotypical (in Audi’s mind anyway) BMW driver which is a douchebag wearing a blutooth headset, blasting European techno music with a rather dim witted female in the passenger seat. Driving very aggressively, they catch up to a slow moving Toyota Prius which angers the BMW driver so he lays on the horn, passes on the right, cuts off the Prius without signalling all while giving the Prius driver the middle finger. Basically Audi is showcasing the stereotype that BMW drivers are inconsiderate, aggressive driving pricks who show off to girls and blast loud questionable European techno.

Then Audi picks on Mercedes owners where we see an old man who is obviously not with the times and seemingly has lots of money. He has a gold digging wife much younger than he and has trouble operating all the gadgets and gizmos in the Benz as he leaves his parking spot with the wipers on and the right turn signal on…as he turns left. We also see them splash puddle water into a homeless man begging for money as they make a turn. So basically Audi’s stereotype in this case is that all Mercedes-Benz owners are old rich white guys who have young trophy wives and don’t know how to operate their cars (insinuating they only have a Benz for the badge).

Then Audi turns its eye to Lexus owners as we see a preppy family who seemingly is happy, normal and wholesome, but really they are a bunch of freaks. The daughters aren’t quite what you’d call normal with a gothic heavy metal tendency. Meanwhile the father is clearly a neurotic nerd who may or may not be a hypochondriac. So basically Audi sees Lexus owners as boring, nerdy people who are freaks deep down inside.

Of course, Audi sees their drivers as completely normal level headed people.

Do you think all the stereotypes are accurate? Check out the video above and sound off in the comments.

Ouch! BMW Ups The Ante in Audi Rivalry

The BMW vs. Audi rivalry is heating up again!

The last showdown was in the form of television ads, but now BMW is apparently taking it to a whole new level: Audi’s own turf!

The pic you see above is a billboard that BMW erected in Hong Kong advertising the efficiency of the 3-series (likely the 335d). Seems harmless enough right? Well BMW decided the best place to advertise the 3-series was right above Audi’s own showroom! Ballsy!

Can’t wait to see how Audi will respond. And you know they will respond.

No matter which way you sway, whether its Audi or BMW, you’re going to end up with a tremendous performance machine, which is what makes this rivalry so interesting and exciting!

Oh Hi: 2011 Audi Q7

With all the mild weather we’ve been having lately, it’s a bit puzzling that Audi would choose to release images of the 2011 Q7 in the snow. We’re all trying to forget that snow even exists.

No matter, the images also show a mild facelift in the form of typical Audi LED overload for both the headlights and tail lights and a small refresh to the front facia. Unfortunately, those homely looking wheels still remain.

The big news is under the hood where the V8 will be dropped in favour of a V6 that makes 272 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque which is good enough to get this porker from 0-100 in 7.9 seconds. The V6 will likely add better fuel economy over the V8 and a new eight speed automatic will also help the Q7 manage its fuel consumption. A more powerful 3.0 version will make 333 horsepower and 324 pound foot torque.

The diesel will stick around and will make 240 horses and 405 pound foot torque. It’s up in the air whether this TDI will be available for us Canucks, but there’s a good chance we’ll get it since Audi will likely wish to compete with the X5 diesel from BMW.

FAIL: Audi R8 Poseur

In our quest to bring you the latest and greatest in the automotive world, we sometimes come across a lot of stupid/embarrassing car related pictures and videos. We tend to ignore a good chunk of them, but it seems as though the world will be coming to an end very shortly as the amount of under glow, chrome rims, body kits and over sized spoilers are finding their way onto almost any vehicle imaginable at an astonishing rate.

Therefore, rather than ignoring the tastelessness, we have decided to expose the lack of brain cells out there in a new category called ‘FAILS’.

In this case, someone decided to take their perfectly fine Infiniti G35 coupe, and and tack on the side blade signature a la Audi R8. While the result isn’t quite as vomit inducing as you’d think, it’s still quite tacky and unfortunate. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the G35 coupes style to begin with, and the G35 isn’t exactly everywhere you look so if this person was seeking some form of exclusivity, he probably already had it before the tasteless mod.

In any event, FAIL.

Next Generation BMW M6 to Battle Audi R8

The next generation 6-series is just around the corner and there are now a few details on what the big boy of the line will be like.

The new M6 is going to go head on with the Audi R8. The R8 is a magnificent supercar that is highly touted as a car that can do splendidly on the track, but is comfortable and usable enough to be a daily driver. BMW is going to need to come up with something very good that has an additional selling point that the R8 doesn’t.

BMW recently revealed that it will indeed build the very attractive Vision EfficientDynamics concept, and it looks like it will come to fruition in the form of the new M6. The new M6 will take styling cues from the concept as well as elements from its 3 cylinder diesel electric sports car. The set up makes an estimated 356 horsepower and a ridiculous 590 pound feet of torque. Looks like efficiency is going to be the one up that the M6 will have on the R8.

Thanks, Guys! BMW and Audi Show Canada Some Love

Audi and BMW, even though they are both rivals, apparently share the same love for Canada.

Audi has announced the the 335 horsepower TT-S will make a limited appearance on our great shores. 250 will be made available here, though Audi did not specify if that will be the coupe or roadster or a mix of both. The TT-S has been rumoured to go on sale in the States for some time now, but Audi hasn’t confirmed their market yet. We can’t wait for this one, the TTS is one impressive performance car. Score one for us!

The other great German car maker, BMW, is also giving Canadians an exclusive version of one of their models: the X1. We will be able to get our choice of either a Xdrive (AWD) or a rear wheel drive X1. The U.S doesn’t get that choice, they are only getting the Xdrive version. The RWD likely means a bit more of a performance advantage as it will weigh less than the AWD versions, but it is still an SUV so performance is relative.

This likely means that a base X1 will be less expensive than anticipated as AWD usually commands a premium. This isn’t the first time BMW has offered Canadians a cheaper version of one of their models. The 323i is exclusive to our market as well.