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DETROIT, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen's technologically advanced 2.0 Liter turbodiesel was recognized as a 2009 10 Best Engine by Ward's Automotive Group. The all-new 2.0L clean diesel TDI engine features common rail injection and is the first of a new generation of dynamic and efficient diesel engines from Volkswagen.

"We're pleased that Ward's has recognized our advanced 2.0-liter clean diesel engine as one of their 2009 10 Best Engines," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "The all-new 2.0L turbodiesel engine is not only the first of its kind to be emissions-compliant in all 50 states, but perhaps the most technically refined powerplant of its kind in the world."

As the pioneering entry in the new era of clean diesel in North America, the new TDI engine technology in the Jetta sedan and SportWagen meets the United States most stringent emissions control standard -- California's Tier II/Bin 5 -- without the use of urea injection. Additionally, the technology enables 20- to 40-percent better fuel efficiency than gasoline engines with comparable acceleration and significantly better torque.

When compared with gasoline/electric hybrid applications, the new clean diesel TDI enables comparable fuel efficiency with better performance and proven long-term durability. In terms of cost, the clean diesel TDI-equipped Jetta sedan -- which went on sale in September of 2008 in the U.S. -- has a starting price that's significantly less than the most popular similar-sized gas/electric hybrids sold, and there are no batteries to replace over the life of the vehicle.

"The TDI clean diesel technology truly enables a no compromises alternative fuel driving experience," said Jacoby. "They're clean, efficient, quiet and affordable without sacrificing what every driver wants: performance that makes motoring flat-out fun.

"The joy of driving -- along with affordable technology -- has always been part of the Volkswagen promise, and these new clean diesel TDIs are just the latest example of how we'll continue to fulfill that promise."

In response to the U.S. federal mandate for Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD), Volkswagen has been able to greatly reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions on its clean diesel TDI engines through use of three key technologies: a common rail direct injection system; piezo fuel injectors; and an advanced exhaust system aftertreatment system. The result is a reduction of NOx and particulate emissions by up to 90-percent; exceptional noise and vibration harshness performance; and fuel efficiency on par with more complex and expensive gas/electric hybrid systems.

Unlike other clean diesel engines which use a urea injection system to convert NOx to nitrogen and water, the TDI Clean Diesel uses a NOx-storage catalyst, which is basically a reservoir that temporarily holds the noxious emissions, like a particulate filter, until they can be burned off during one of the engine cycles. A common-rail direct-injection system -- used instead of a traditional mechanical system -- incorporates piezoelectric fuel injectors. Combined, this technology permits higher injection pressures, which better atomize the fuel and make it easier to control pollution with a leaner, more efficient burn within the combustion chamber.

The piezoelectric injectors also enable a quick on/off feature that enables engineers greater leeway in spray timing and density, which in turn greatly reduces noise and vibration -- e.g. "knock" -- commonly associated with diesel engines of the last century.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.