Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Volkswagen Passat Sets New Guiness World Record

The Record

The Volkswagen Passat may have beat the biggest mouthful of a name for a Guiness World Record, the "lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car". Nonetheless, the Passat Clean Diesel TDI earned it, respectfully. It heard that the EPA estimated it at 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway and laughed. 

This Passat was able to travel 8,122 miles on only 104.94 gallons of diesel. If you do your math correctly, it comes out to 77.99 mpg. Wayne Gerdes was probably saving the even '78 mpg' for the next time he goes out to break his own record.

With journalist and hyper-miling expert Wayne Gerdes (Twitter: @CleanMPG) behind the wheel along with energy conservation engineer Bob Winger, the two were able to hold off on potty breaks and shatter the old world record of 67.9 mpg.


Tips for Everyday Drivers

Gerdes said, “We felt we had a good chance of beating the existing record with the Passat TDI, but to smash it by averaging 77.99 mpg is really impressive and a testament to the potential of Volkswagen’s TDI Clean Diesel vehicles.” 

So how did they do it? First, they had the most fuel efficient vehicle at their fingertips from Volkswagen, and they were driving to save fuel. Here are the valuable tips from Wayne Gerdes for getting some amazing gas mileage for everyday drivers:
  • Plan in advance: look for impediments or topography 15 to 45 seconds ahead, rather than reacting to where you’re currently driving. Use downhill momentum to help crest an uphill section.
  • Allow the rabbits to win the race to the stoplights. Heavy braking and acceleration consume fuel at a far greater rate than coasting between intersections.
  • Obey speed limits: The difference in fuel economy between 55 mph and 75 mph can be as much as 30 percent or even higher in some cars.
Source: Volkswagen

Where to Get Your Volkswagen Passat TDI
To get your Volkswagen Passat TDI, or set up a test drive (unfortunately, we won't let you make any world record attempts during your test drive), contact us here on our blog, or visit Betten Imports in Grand Rapids, Michigan.


More about Volkswagen from GR AutoBlog:

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Audi A4 vs. Volvo S60 Challenge

The Challenge
How challenging can is possibly be, really? Here's the short and sweet: Volvo is encouraging drivers to test drive the Audi A4, and then test drive the Volvo S60 to see which one they like better, all the way until July 1, 2013. If they still like the Audi A4 better (which they won't), Volvo will cover the first payment for them.*


Exposing the Competiton
So why did Volvo pick the Audi A4 to pick on? Did the A4 put gum in the S60's hair? Did Audi take the toy at the bottom of Volvo's box of cereal? Maybe the A4 took the S60's lunch money... We don't know, but the Audi A4 has consistently been one of the top competitors in the Volvo S60's segment, and Volvo wants people to know that the competition shouldn't even be close.

USA Today took the challenge, only with 6 competitors. They compared the 2013 Acura TL, 2013 Audi A4, 2013 BMW 328i, 2013 Cadillac ATS, 2013 Mercedes C250 and 2013 Volvo S60. To see what they thought of the challenge, click here.

See for Yourself
To take the challenge for yourself, test drive one today and let us know what you think. You can also call us (616) 301-2100 or let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

How can Volvo be so confident that drivers will choose the S60? Looking at the numbers and the side by side comparison below, you can see why. This seems like a pretty safe bet for Volvo.


Category  Audi A4  Volvo S60
 Engine 2.0L I-4 2.5L I-5
 Horsepower 211 HP @ 4,300 RPM 250 HP @ 5,400 RPM
 0 - 60 6.7 seconds 6.4 seconds
 Torque 258 @1,500 RPM 266 @ 1,800 RPM
W/ Overboost to 295
 Fuel Estimates 31 MPG 30 MPG
 Suspension Tuning Regular Touring
 Torque Vectoring N/A Standard
 Bluetooth Available Standard
 HD Radio Available Standard
 Driver Memory Available Standard
 iPod Connection Available Standard
Scheduled Maintenance  12 MO/ 5,000 MI 36 MO/ 36,000 MI
 MSRP $32,500 $31,900
 City Safety N/A Standard
 IIHS Small Overlap
Crash Test Rating
Poor Good

In conclusion, it appears that Volvo has made a good move in showing off its latest S60. Both vehicles are easy on the eyes, and have impressive features. However, the numbers tip the scale in Volvo's favor.

Volvo S60 Awards:
IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus
USAA Preferred Best Value Midsize Luxury Sedan
5-Star Crash Test Rating
International Car of the Year (ICOTY)
Ward’s 10 Best Interiors Award
Vincentric’s 2011 Best Value in America
Automobile magazine All-Star Award 
Ward’s 10 Best Engines

Even more about the Volvo S60:
Click Here

More about Volvo from GRAutoBlog:
The Importance of taking your Volvo in for Its 100,000 mile service
How to Sync Your Phone - Volvo XC60 - Sensus System Bluetooth Tutorial
World's Highest Mileage Car: Volvo P1800
Volvo Develops Animal Detection Safety System
News from Volvo: Tech Progress and Historical Homage

*Contact Betten Imports for details
5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Friday, June 14, 2013

Car of the Month June: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Clean Diesel TDI


TMI on the TDI

With summer coming fast, you're going to want to put the top down, grab your 3 closest friends, and hop in the new Beetle Convertible TDI. Make sure to get cozy, because your road trip won't end until 594 miles later (VW's estimated distance on one tank), assuming you don't have a destination, nobody gets hungry, and nobody needs a bathroom break.

 

One of a Kind
As the only diesel convertible sold in America, VW has continued to keep a stylish design even with a car who's look hasn't changed much since 1949. An added bonus is that you can take the top off or put it back on as long as you are traveling under 30 mph. That means you don't have to pull over during a sudden rainstorm, but be sure to slow down and take caution. On the inside, this VW Beetle offers Bluetooth on the steering wheel, a touchscreen radio, and keyless entry.

The Numbers
The 2013 VW Beetle TDI is the latest addition to the Beetle family with an estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway. Approximated 594 miles to each tank, this TDI is powered by a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder turbocharged clean diesel engine with direct injection. With a starting price of under $28,000, it's a great deal for the price. The diesel-powered bug has a six-speed transmission, 140 horsepower and 236 lbs/feet of torque. 

New Slug Bug Rules for Diesel?
Along with these features, those at Slug-Bug Headquarters issued the rule for 2013 that "slugging" must be at least 2X harder when a new Diesel Bug is spotted. This will make your road trips more interesting, and also bit more painful. Just make sure you spot the Diesel Bug first.

To see more about the iconic VW Beetle's history, click here.To see more about Volkswagen's 
Clean Diesel TDI lineup, click here.

Read the review on Edmunds.com about the Beetle.
Read the review on Autotrader.com about the Beetle.

Special offer: The 2013 Beetle APR Special
Volkswagen Sign then Drive Event - until July 1, 2013.
*See dealer for complete details.

Betten Imports
5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 301-2100
www.bettenimports.com


More about Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog.com
2013 Volkswagen Golf R at Betten Imports
VW Beetle Fender Edition, TDI Versions Coming This Fall
Betten Imports Introduces New Volkswagen Service Xpress
Volkswagen in America: The Story Behind the Chattanooga Plant
2012 Volkswagen Passat at Betten Imports