Mercedes-Benz revealed today its latest version of the classic G-Class off-roader, now in its 31st year, features state-of-the-art BlueTEC technology. For those who don’t know BlueTEC is a technology developed by the German manufacturer in order to reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The new G 350 BlueTEC uses AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution which is injected into the exhaust-gas stream. This process releases ammonia, which means that 80 percent of... Read More

German automakers, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are selling their newest "clean" diesel vehicles nationally, including in California—home of the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show—a state that, historically, with its air pollution regulations, has been hostile to diesel cars.  But even the auto companies with umlauts on their computer keyboards are making plug-in electrics and hybrids a major part of their U.S. future. The Germans keep plugging away to make their case... Read More

The Jetta and Jetta SportWagon have always appealed to drivers seeking German engineering in a versatile, stylish, and fun-to-drive package. With starting prices of $17,605 for the Jetta and $19,265 for the Jetta SportWagon, affordability remains another important trait of the 2010 Jetta lineup. The fuel-sipping 2010 Jetta TDI® model once again features the critically acclaimed 2.0-liter clean diesel TDI engine – the same engine that powered a Jetta to a Guinness World Record for Lowest... Read More

While some of us here at ABG HQ are major fans of BMW’s diesel engines, we were disappointed when BMW opted to enter the U.S. market only with the twin turbo 3.0-liter six cylinder diesel. As fantastic an engine as that is, the 2.0-liter four cylinder is also plenty strong and yields even better fuel efficiency. At an event at BMW’s North American headquarters this week, VP engineering Tom Baloga told the audience that BMW would introduce the four-cylinder diesel to the U.S. lineup now... Read More

When we were in Germany last month for the launch of the 2010 Golf, VW product planner Andres Valbuena told us that a special street replica of the Jetta TDI Cup race car would be launching in January 2010. We just got the first photo of the new limited edition model along with further details. The TDI Cup "Street" edition gets the same deeper front fascia, rocker panel and rear bumper extensions used on the race cars. Unfortunately, the replica keeps the standard 140-horsepower engine... Read More

Volkswagen has just launched the new BlueMotion Golf in the European market and it is the most efficient Golf ever. The new model is rated at 61.9 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of just 99 g/km. The BlueMotion model uses the new 1.6-liter common-rail TDI diesel engine combined with a slate of technologies like automatic start-stop, brake energy regeneration and revised gearing for lower engine revs. The BlueMotion also gets the sports package body kit which... Read More

While we think that the clean diesel 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI will do well in the States, VW has just rolled out an uber-economical BlueMotion model for European markets that gets 62 miles per gallon of diesel fuel. BlueMotion is VW’s designation for the most fuel efficient model in each of its ranges, including the Passat sedan and Polo subcompact hatchback. But this new Golf BlueMotion tops even the most economical version of the last Polo. The 62-MPG compact hatch VW has pulled out all... Read More

A diesel BMW M model? What is the world coming to? According to a recent rumor, BMW is considering the possibility of introducing diesel engines on its performance M models. Ever since BMW invented the M version they all have been gasoline powered, high performance machines which were built only to put a big smile on your face. We’re wondering if a diesel BMW M3 will offer quite the same result. Apparently, the diesel BMW M rumor started with a statement from Albert Biermann, BMW’s development... Read More

BMW 335d BluePerformance mark the entering of a new era in the company’s mission to deliver ultimate driving machines that combine superior performance with exemplary fuel economy, as the BMW Group debuted two vehicle models equipped with the BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Successfully meeting the strict exhaust emissions requirements of the North American automobile market, BMW Advanced Diesel – slated... Read More

Top standards and demands newly defined: Introducing the fifth generation of the BMW 7-Series Luxury Saloon, the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars is setting the benchmark once again, proving how sheer driving pleasure and the pleasure of exclusive generosity may be perfectly combined in the ultimate symbiosis. The new BMW 7-Series is the result of perfection in design and supreme engineering on the drivetrain, on the chassis, in terms of safety systems, driver assistance,... Read More