By Bill C.
No Diesel Dual... Yet
VW Stands Alone – A few months back, I mentioned that VW is the only automobile manufacturer to offer diesel engines in U.S. passenger cars. Ford was planning on changing that by adding a diesel engine to its Focus line. However, Ford COO Jim Padilla recently stated that they have dumped those plans. Despite the fuel economy, “the economics are just not there.” They may be following suit of other manufacturers who are watching for changes in California’s smog rules that would make it easier to certify diesel engines. Also, reformulated diesel fuel with less sulfur is due in 2007, which will bring dramatic improvements in diesel emissions.
Ci Ci
More On Concept C – “C” stands for Cabriolet… or is that Coupe? … or maybe BOTH!
Volkswagen showed off another concept car in Geneva this winter; the “C.” It has a folding steel roof, which also includes a glass sunroof, and 150-hp 4-cylinder under the hood. If it goes to production, don’t count on seeing it for another 2 years.
C Another
Lots of Concepts – Is this the one they’re talking about? This one is out there a ways, as far as timelines go. Things are starting to go transverse at the House that the Dr. built. Passat is supposed to go transverse in ’05. Speculations are that VW might rob the Audi parts bins to build the C1. Time will tell.
