The Car Connection reports that the Volkswagen Jetta is set to receive a Bluetec common-rail diesel engine that will meet emissions requirements in all 50 US states in 2008. The previous diesel Jetta was discontinued for the US market after the 2006 model year after it did not, but because of its popularity here, Volkswagen continued to produce 2006 models even after most other new cars were labeled as 2007s to evade the new emissions requirement.
Volkswagen has sold over 800,000 diesel cars in the United States, and the since-discontinued Jetta was a good one. Much to the disappointment of hybrid fans, Consumer Reports magazine rated it higher than the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids. With cleaner emissions than before and no restrictions on where it will be sold, the new model should continue to offer top-notch fuel economy and continue Volkswagen’s diesel sales success.
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There aren’t many folks who would describe Porsche as a “thrifty” marque, but as soccer moms, hockey dads, and boaters looking for something nice to lug around their vessel with discover the brand by way of the Cayenne, fuel consumption and engine efficiency have become an issue for the sports car maker.
Along with interior and exterior changes (which we’ll get to in a second), the engine choices are what’s causing a stir in Detroit this week. The Cayenne’s V6 now puts out 290HP, and the Turbo engine now offers a massive 500HP V8, rocketing the Cayenne from 0-60 in just 4.9 seconds (it’s never 5, is it?). Amazingly, Porsche’s new high-tech injection system lowers fuel consumption by 10% or more, even with the boost in horsepower!
TheCarConnection examined the car up close, and reported on the updated sheetmetal:
The new version boasts significant revisions to the exterior designed to smooth out some of the more criticized design features. That includes more widely-set headlights, as well as the addition of a new LED light bar, mounted in the grille below the main lamps. That will become a standard feature on future Porsche products, company officials noted during the unveiling, at the North American International Auto Show. The rear spoiler on the Cayenne Turbo has been lengthened for further aerodynamic stability, and new, rear LED taillights have been added. The subtle changes reduce Cayenne’s wind drag markedly.
The final verdict? The new features are important in the growth of the vehicle. Sales are good, and this may make them great, as folks who read up on the changes may consider the Porsche over bulkier, boxier American large SUVs that don’t handle as well and VW’s Cayenne-cousin Touareg.