Ladies and Gentleman, start your diesels [xfloat=left]http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_VW_Jetta_TDI_at_the_TDI_Cup.jpg[/xfloat]Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 13, 2009 2009 VW Jetta Racing prepped TDI’s driving “Fast and Furious” on B5 biodiesel. For the second year in a row, the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing series includes a special “diesel only” series known as the VW Jetta TDI Cup. Younger drivers aged 16 to 26 compete in ten events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepped Jetta TDIs. At the conclusion of the season, the Series champion wins $100,000. The Jetta TDI Cup cars are powered by a 2.0L, 170 HP, four-cylinder TDI turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is modified slightly from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. The VW Jetta TDI Cup is the only all-diesel racing series in the US, and Volkswagen is the only auto manufacturer participating with its TDI powered Jetta’s. Like last year, the TDI’s will be running a special blend of Syndiesel® B5 biodiesel supplied by Houston-based HYPERFUELS to power the race cars, transport vehicles and generators during the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup season. VW Jetta TDI recent accolades The 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel was named the 2009 “Green Car of the Year®” by Green Car Journal. “The Volkswagen Jetta TDI rose to the top as Green Car Journal’s 2009 “Green Car of the Year” for some very important reasons,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. “Hybrids have dominated the discussion of environmentally positive vehicles in recent years. The highly fuel efficient, 50 state emissions certified Jetta TDI shows that advanced clean diesel has arrived and is poised to change this dynamic. With its affordable price point, refined ride and handling, and high fuel economy, the Jetta TDI shows that hybrids now have a strong competitor in the marketplace.” The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup begins its second year at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA. Round one will be held on April 25th with round two completing on the 26th.
Between this and the two Diesel teams absolutely dominating Sebring recently, there is more than one petrol supercar company sweating bullets over future sales. :woot:
