The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, the first Beetle TDI Clean Diesel model since 2006, is powered by the company’s 2.0 liter turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine making 140-hp and a maximum torque of 236 lb-ft of torque. Mated to either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch DSG transmission, estimated fuel-economy comes in at 29/39 mpg (city/highway).

The 2013 Beetle TDI will be available in three models including the TDI, TDI with Sunroof and the TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation. All models come standard with power windows with one-touch up/down; cruise control; V-Tex Leatherette seating; the kaeferfach secondary glovebox; Bluetooth; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls; three auxiliary gauges; Keyless entry with push-button start; and a Media Device Interface with iPod cable.

Check out more news on the Volkswagen Beetle.

The base 2013 Beetle TDI model comes standard with 17-inch alloy-wheels, a standard audi system with AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and eight speakers.It also gets an interior and exterior chrome package. The TDI with Sunroof adds a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, a Premium VIII audio system with a full-color touchscreen display, a 6-disc CD changer, and an SD card reader. The TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation adds a 5-inch touchscreen with navi and a Fender Premium audio system.

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI will go on sale this summer – prices will be announced closer to launch.

- By: Omar Rana

Last week, BMW finally gave us a preview of the upcoming M Performance Automobiles – a range of diesel powered M vehicles that will include the BMW M550d xDrive, BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d.

The company has now dropped a new video showing all the models in action.

Check it out after the jump.

Refresher: The BMW M550d xDrive, BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d will be powered by a new 3.0 liter 6-clyinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology which consists of three turbochargers. Output comes in at 381-hp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 546 lb-ft between 2,000 – 3,000 rpm. All models are mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission.

- By: Omar Rana

The two models are also powered by the new 3.0 liter 6-clyinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with three turbochargers. The engine makes 381-hp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 546 lb-ft between 2,000 – 3,000 rpm and is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW X5 M50d:

• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.4 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
• Average fuel consumption: 7.5 litres/100 kilometres (37.7 mpg imp)
• CO2 emissions: 199 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5

BMW X6 M50d:

• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.3 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
• Average fuel consumption: 7.7 litres/100 kilometres (36.7 mpg imp)
• CO2 emissions: 204 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5

- By: Omar Rana

All of the new models are powered by a completely new 3.0 liter 6-clyinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology which consists of three turbochargers. Output comes in at 381-hp at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 546 lb-ft between 2,000 – 3,000 rpm. All models are also mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics fitted as standard on all BMW M Performance Automobiles.

As the naming for the models suggest all of them come with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive – the BMW M550d xDrive comes as standard with the Driving Experience Control switch, including ECO PRO mode; BMW M550d xDrive Touring also features air suspension on the rear axle and automatic self-levelling; both models available as an option with Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive including anti-roll control.

Check out more news on the BMW 5-Series.

The BMW M550d xDrive Sedan runs from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. The BMW M550d xDrive Touring runs from still to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds with the same top speed.

Details on the X5 and X6 coming up next.

- By: Omar Rana

Squashing this past summer’s rumors, Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes has confirmed that the U.S. will be getting its first diesel-fueled model, and even adds a rough release date.

Barnes says “It’ll be here between 15 and 18 months behind the launch of the Skyactiv-G gasoline engine in the Mazda 3.” Since the Skyactiv-G 3 hit showrooms in October, this puts the estimate in the early half of next year.

Although it has not been confirmed, it is likely that the CX-5 will be the first U.S. diesel model, as the model boasts a 2.2-liter diesel in Japan and Europe, already. The European version comes in two variants, both four-cylinders with a two-stage turbocharger, making either 150hp at 280.2 lb-ft that does 0-62mph in 10 seconds, or 175hp at 309.7 lb-ft that cuts the 0-62mph down to 9.2 seconds and tops out 3 mph faster, at 126mph. Either way, a 6-speed Skyactive-MT manual transmission comes standard, with an option for a 6-speed automatic.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: CARandDRIVER

No details have been confirmed but the model is expected to be powered by a 140-hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel that we get in the Jetta and Passat.

The last time we saw a diesel Beetle in the U.S. was in 2007.

- By: Omar Rana

Recently we mentioned a diesel powered Jeep Grand Cherokee for the US, it looks like the same diesel powertrain might be making its way into another mule: the new Dodge Dakota. Chrysler’s chief, Sergio Marchionne said that the company is planning on a new Dakota pickup and that there is a “better than 50 percent chance that it will be a unibody.”

If this news does not arouse you in all of the right ways, consider this: the diesel might be working its way into the Jeep Wrangler too.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: Inside Line

Out of a Detroit factory known for Chrysler products such as the Dodge Durango and more recently the Maserati Kubang (at least partially) comes a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, diesel.

There is no word yet on performance or economy, but if this is the diesel Grand Cherokee currently on sale in Europe (since 2011), look for a 3 liter V6 packing 237 bhp, 406 ft-lbs of torque and 34 miles to the gallon. In other words, making the gas V8 version a questionable choice.

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Purely musing, but it seems that the price would slot in somewhere close or below that of the V8 version; all of this makes it a potential rival theoretically for the diesel VW Toureag.

We expect the diesel Jeep to be strutting its stuff on the streets as a 2013 model.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoWeek

“The agreement with BMW does not include any supply of BMW engines to Lexus,” Toyota Europe spokesman Etienne Plas told Automotive News Europe.

So if you had any hopes of Lexus offering diesel units in Europe or the United States, you can forget about it.

“We don’t have any concerns,” BMW’s development chief Klaus Draeger said. “The engines are not planned for use in the Lexus brand.”

According to the ACEA, 52 percent of cars sold in Europe in 2012 were diesels.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

BMW has just dropped another teaser of what is known as the BMW X6 M550d. The first teaser was released earlier this month and showed an ‘M-fied’ X6 traveling through mountain sides.

The second video shows much of the same but with a couple of BMW M engineers and executives talking about how wonderful the car will be.

Click here for the first teaser on the BMW X6 M550d.

Rumors so far suggest that the BMW X6 M550d will be powered by a tri-turbo 6-cylinder diesel engine that will produce around 381-hp with a maximum torque of 545 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph is expected in fast 4.9 seconds.

More details to come.

- By: Omar Rana

This new X6M’s powerplant though also blows many M cars even out of the water and puts BMW’s older fuel-sippers to shame. 0-60 comes in under five seconds and 38 miles to the gallon also happens in the case of next year’s Euro-only M550D X-Drive (0-60 happens in 4.7s in the teased car). The powerplant, which let’s be honest is the whole point of this car is good for 381 bhp and 545 ft-lb of torque. In keeping with the current theme of smaller is better, the engine only has six cylinders, but has three turbochargers, most likely accounting for the high efficiency and power.

BMW has not been extensively vocal about the diesel X6M, but if the past is any indication, there will only be an automatic ‘box in a world with the admittedly less powerful but cheaper and more practical 3-door Range Rover Evoque diesel, which right now only comes with a six-speed manual. Just a thought.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: BMWBlog

The engine, which weighs in at 396 pounds, is going to be the lightest engine in its class.

When asked whether he hopes the new diesel engine will put some pressure on V-dub, Honda engineer Junji Yamano said through an interpreter: “It is good if they have some sleepless nights because we have had sleepless nights” trying to develop a diesel that can compete against theirs.

Click here for more news on the Honda Civic.

The engine will make its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and will first be offered in the 9th generation Civic in early 2013. It will be produced at Honda’s Swindon, England factory.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoNews

BMW M GmbH is teasing a new model today. The teaser, titled ‘A new chapter powered M’ shows an X6 going around a nice curvy road at high-speeds.

Recent rumors lead us to believe that this is the X6 M550d  high-peformance diesel that we’ve been hearing about for quite some time.

Check out the video after the jump and stay tuned for more details.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW and Toyota announced today that they have signed memorandum of understanding where the two will join forces on a mid-to-long-term collaboration on the development next-generation of environment-friendly technologies.

“Under the MOU, the two companies agreed on a collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery technologies,” the companies said in a statement. “Furthermore, they have agreed to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects.”

The two companies have also entered into a contract where BMW will supply 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to Toyota starting in 2014. The engines will be offered in a range of Toyota vehicles that will be available in the European market.

The Japanese automaker is looking to expand its Euro lineup and sales of fuel-sipping diesel vehicles.

“Toyota is the leading provider of environment-friendly series technology in the volume segment and the BMW Group is the most innovative and sustainable manufacturer of premium automobiles,” said BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer. “We are now joining forces to further develop environment-friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments.”

“In the spirit of contributing to furthering the development of the auto industry and society, both companies will bring their wide-ranging knowledge – starting with that concerning environmental technologies – to the table and make ever-better cars,” said Toyota’s President Akio Toyoda.

- By: Omar Rana

While you may be surprised there are man instances where German and Japanese automakers work together to cut costs, speed up development and of course, please the governments by producing fuel-efficient vehicles. Daimler AG has already linked up with Nissan and now new reports suggest that BMW and Toyota are planning to collaborate on clean engine technologies.

According to a report by J.P. Morgan’s Tokyo office, the partnership between the two will give Toyota access to BMW’s diesel engines, while BMW will get hybrid technologies in return.

“We see this as positive for Toyota in that it could lower costs by boosting production of hybrid systems, enhance research and development efficiency … and boost European sales by expanding Toyota’s diesel-engine lineup,” said J.P. Morgan analyst Kohei Takahashi.

He went on to say, ”We think the company needs to address this not only through technology partnerships, but also in every other conceivable way,” including by transferring more production from Japan to local regions.”

No official word has been given from either automaker.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Cadillac will do whatever it takes to compete with the best of the best – that’s the mentality that goes on inside the heads of executives at the Detroit luxury brand. At a recent interview with Automotive News at the 2011 LA Auto Show, Don Butler, Cadillac’s marketing vice president, confirmed that Cadillac is considering offering a diesel option in and outside the United States.

All of Cadillac‘s primary competitors in the United States already offer diesel options including Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Of course, there is also the benefit of better fuel-economy and strong performance.

Butler made it pretty clear that Caddy will do whatever it takes to compete with the Germans.

“We absolutely mean it when we say we aim to compete with the best of the best without compromises. And if that means making the right powertrain choices, then those are the choices we will have to make,” he continued.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

The engine is also expected to make its way into the X5 and X6 models.

Click here for more news on the BMW 5-Series.

Furthermore, rumors suggest that the M550d will be available with all-wheel-drive only.

According to documents, production of the BMW M550d will start next March. No word on whether the diesel 5-Series will come to the United States.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: 5post

Jeep brand CEO Mike Manley told CARandDRIVER that besides the Grand Cherokee, no other U.S market model will be available with a diesel powertrain for the foreseeable future.

He also said that the Grand Cherokee will also be the only model to get the high-performance SRT model.

Click here for more news on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Manley also killed any speculation of the Jeep brand getting any hybrid powertrain.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER