Those of you who have looked at purchasing the 2009 Jetta TDI (to be released in August) – but decided against it might want to reconsider. Volkswagen is inviting all consumers to purchase their new car not only for its excellent fuel economy – but also for the fact that anyone who purchases it will be given a large Federal Tax Credit.

The IRS has been kind enough to issue certification for all vehicles that are meeting the new requirements for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax break. Owners of these cars will be given a $1300 credit!

“Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety, and excellent value,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

What more could you ask for in a brand new car? It has good performance, fuel economy, affordable, safe for the enviroment, and gives you a great tax break! You have me sold.

© Naomi West for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2009 jetta tdi, 2009 volkswagen, diesel, jetta, jetta tdi, tdi, volkswagen jetta

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There have been several rumors circulating that have indicated that the 2009 Pontiac G8 GT was going to include a six-speed manual transmission as an option, but Pontiac’s communications manager Jim Hopson has set the record straight. The only transmissions to be offered will be a 5L40 five speed automatic unit for the base models, and a 6L80 six speed automatic for the V8 models.

The G8 is based off of the Holden Commodore, which is available with both automatic and manual gearboxes, so one will naturally think that the G8 would be available with both transmission styles, but that isn’t the case. Studies conducted by GM have concluded that most consumers prefer an automatic, so no manual will be offered. For satisfying those performance cravings, both automatics are equipped with manual shift modes.

For those folks who have their heart set on rowing through the gears themselves in a new G8, all hope is not lost. The limited production G8 GXP will be equipped with a Tremec TR6060 and a more powerful LS3 V8.

© 06RedfireGT for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: automatic, g8, GT, Pontiac, transmission

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In Europe and other markets, Honda offers its Accord with both 2.0 and 2.4L gasoline powered engines, as well as a 2.2L four-cylinder i-DTEC turbo-diesel. This same car is to be offered in the U.S. as the Acura TSX.

This new version of the TSX will go on sale next year. The new turbo diesel was developed in conjunction with German auto parts supplier Robert Bosch. This new motor is said to produce impressive fuel economy numbers, 34mpg in the city, and 53mpg on the highway.

This car is sure to have respectable performance sporting 140hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Even with those impressive power numbers, thing diesel passes all of the stringent 50-state emissions laws. Unlike other rival clean diesel models, Honda’s system doesn’t require owners to replace its filtering system with urea. This patented system produces its ammonia to serve the same purpose.

© 06RedfireGT for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Acura, diesel, TSX

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 Thundering out of the Mercedes-AMG  plant in Affalterbach, Germany, the C63 AMG dominates the C-segment that has previously been led by the BMW M3. To go after the likes of the M3, RS 4, and Lexus IS F, would appear to be a very long and misguided shot, but Mercedes pulls it off and then some.

AMG’s of the past tended to be more of a tuner based car consisting of bolt on power after the fact. The C63 AMG is the first in its history that was conceived, engineered and built as an AMG. All about power and handling it is a true AMG in every way. The interior of the AMG gives a mix of luxury and style with a little bit of disappointment. Mercedes comes up a little short on the dash and interior pieces giving the C63 a little bit of a cheap feel. Ignite the potent 6.2 litre V-8 and you forget all about the short comings of the interior as you listen to the growl of the hand assembled power plant making 451 horsepower and 443 pound feet of torque. New in the C63 is the redesigned AMG Speedshift 7 speed automatic. Featuring paddle shift and full manual mode, you can cover the hop to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds and earth shattering 12.5 second quarter mile pass.

Don’t let the monster engine up front worry you about handling though. With 56/44 front/rear weight balance, AMG tuned suspension and AMG brakes that would be at home on a race car, the C63 handles just as well as some of its 2 door rivals. 18 inch AMG wheels and Pirelli z rated tires aid the handling and performance and keep the Mercedes gripping the corners with ease. One swift punch of the throttle coming out of a corner though and those 451 ponies will test the 255/35/18 Pirelli’s to there limit and provide an easy wheel spinning and tail drifting exit.

© Doc8224 for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: AMG, C63, Mercedes, V8

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 Perhaps the most anticipated event on a luxury car enthusiast calendar is the release of a new X series Jaguar. While beautiful and luxurious, the lines of the Jag has went virtually unchanged over the past few years. For 2009 Jaguar dropped the old lines of the X series and completely redesigned the new XF in an attempt to set a bold statement that Jaguar is the definition of luxury and style for a new era of luxury car enthusiast.

 Styling and functionality are top priorities in the XF. Just a quick glance inside will tell you just how much went into designing the interior of this magnificent car. Press the start button and the gear selector knob rises from the console to give you total control of the JaguarDrive system, and hidden air conditioning and heat ducts open automatically. Satellite navigation and a redesigned center stack are also a part of the totally redone interior for the XF.

Jaguar doesn’t disappoint under the hood either, its 4.2 litre supercharged V8 produces 420 horsepower and 413 pound feet of torque. New for 09 as well is the refined ZF 6 speed automatic with steering wheel mounted shift paddles. Active suspension components and driver aide features make this one of the best handling and performing 4 door Jaguars to date. Getting the 4160 pound XF to 60 takes just 5 seconds, while covering the 1/4 mile takes just 13.4 seconds. Pretty impressive numbers from a 4 door luxury sedan. The new Jag is reportedly the last car designed under Ford ownership, and although it isn’t quite as impressive as the CX-F concept version, it still proves Jaguar is a main front runner in the luxury car world.

© Doc8224 for Modded Autos, 2008. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 4 door, Jaguar, Supercharged, XF

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