The Beetle TDI is powered by the same 2-liter turbodiesel currently available in the Jetta, Golf and Passat, rated at 140 horsepower. Low-speed torque is abundant, with 236 pound-feet available at less than 2,000 r.p.m. Volkswagen projects fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon in city and 39 m.p.g. in highway driving. Such numbers, though competitive with compact models like the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Sonic, would not make the vehicle a contender for the small-car economy crown, let alone among the other diesel models produced by VW.
Volkswagen did not offer projected sales figures for the TDI, but Corey Proffitt, a spokesman for VW, said in a telephone interview that the model was expected to account for a similar portion of total Beetle sales as the Passat TDI does for overall Passat sales, about 20 percent.
Pricing has not been announced, but Volkswagen’s other diesel models command a premium of roughly $4,500-$6,000 over their gasoline-burning equivalents. Should the same hold true for the Beetle TDI, a sticker topping $25,000 would be likely.
Like most modern oil burners, the Volkswagen engine relies on direct-injection and turbocharging to generate power far in excess of the normally aspirated diesels of yesteryear. An iron cylinder block, forged-steel crankshaft and piston oil cooling help manage the high cylinder pressure and combustion temperature inherent to diesels.
To meet the stringent nitrogen oxides emission standards of the United States, the engine utilizes an exhaust after-treatment system consisting of three catalytic converters and a particulate filter. The need for after treatment and stout underpinnings contribute to the premium price typically commanded by diesel-powered automobiles in America." [Read more]
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