The world’s most fuel-efficient couple has done it again. John and Helen Taylor were determined to break the record for the farthest distance traveled on a single tank of fuel. They decided to attempt the record in the U.S. with a stock 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI Clean Diesel vehicle equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The previous record for the most miles covered on a single tank of diesel was 1526.6 miles, achieved with a VW Passat 1.6 BlueMotion® diesel in Europe.

The result? A new record of 1626.1 miles, achieved on one tank of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel under real world driving conditions. That’s an incredible 99.5 miles better than the old mark. Over the course of three days and driving through nine states, the couple averaged 84.1 miles per gallon, spending only 4.65 cents per mile. The three-day drive commenced on May 3, 2012 in Houston, TX and ended on May 5, 2012 in Sterling, Virginia. To make the drive as realistic as possible, the couple included 120 pounds of luggage and drove during daylight hours to experience normal traffic situations. Additionally, the couple took turns driving and didn’t travel more than 14 hours per day.

“We’re excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel,” said John Taylor. “The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record.”

The Passat’s 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel inline four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and with a manual transmission delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg on the highway. The TDI engine is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) that fulfills emissions requirements in all 50 states. The Passat—built at the world’s only LEED Platinum certified automotive factory in Chattanooga, TN—was named Motor Trend’s 2012 Car of the Year.

“The Passat was engineered and designed to be a comfortable yet fun to drive alternative in the midsize segment. The TDI Clean Diesel version unites driving dynamics and fuel efficiency that isn’t found in the competitive set,” said Rainer Michel, Vice President of Product Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re honored that the Taylors chose the 2012 Passat TDI as the vehicle to set this outstanding distance record. Their record shows just how economical the Passat TDI can be in the right hands.”

Prior to the drive, the speedometer and odometer were calibrated by a state certified testing station in Houston, Texas. Law enforcement officers from the city of Houston, Texas oversaw validation of mileage, fuel fill-up, and gas tank sealing at the beginning of the drive. A Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff’s Deputy verified completion of the drive and mileage prior to removing the fuel tank seal.

The Taylors have made a career out of driving efficiently and conducting workshops globally on fuel-efficient driving techniques. They have collected more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe.

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1. Volkswagen Passat “Best Of 2012″ from Cars.Com

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Adding to a growing list of awards, the new-for-2012 Volkswagen Passat has earned additional praise from Cars.com for its outstanding value and long list of standard features. Named “Best of 2012,” the Passat captured the third annual award from the popular online automotive source. The Passat’s long list of standard features includes Bluetooth® technology, dual-zone automatic climate control, class-leading rear seat legroom, and Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance program for a starting MSRP of $19,995.

Prior to choosing the “Best of 2012” awards, editors at Cars.com tested more than 65 models released for 2012. Editors picked their top six before selecting the 2012 Passat as “Best of 2012.” The Passat ousted the Subaru Impreza, Range Rover Evoque, Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai Accent, and Audi A7.

In addition to the “Best of 2012” honor, Cars.com named the Passat TDI Clean Diesel model their “Eco-Friendly Car of the Year.” The clean diesel’s 2.0L four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and an exceptional 236 pound-feet of torque. Boasting an industry-leading 795-mile range on a full tank, the Passat TDI manual has an EPA estimated 43 mpg on the highway. As the only affordable diesel in midsize sedan segment, the Passat delivers excellent performance while maintaining exceptional fuel economy.

“This recognition is an honor. We set out to bring to market a sedan that appealed to the American consumer in the highly competitive midsize segment and the Passat is quickly earning a spot on the U.S. consumer’s shopping list due to its exceptional value, strong list of standard features, and German heritage,” said Kevin Joostema, general manager of product marketing. “Accolades such as this indicate that we’re succeeding.”

Engineered in Germany and built at Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 2012 Passat has garnered praise from the automotive press since its introduction last fall.

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1. Innovation At Work: All-New 2012 Passat

You're reading Volkswagen Passat “Best Of 2012″ from Cars.Com originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

VWvortex’s managing editor Jamie Vondruska talks about his favorite features, and what to ask about when test driving the all-new Passat.

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1. Innovation At Work: All-New 2012 Passat

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Volkswagen says the poor U.S. track record of its Passat is stark proof that a one-world, one-car approach doesn’t get the job done.

VW has tried for years to carve out a respectable piece of the important U.S. mid-sized sedan market with the German-built Passat. But VW’s U.S. dealers in 2010 sold fewer than 13,000 Passat sedans and wagons combined. By comparison, VW in 2010 sold more than 66,000 Passats just in Germany, and more than 170,000 across Europe.

It works there. It hasn’t worked here. Why?

The car was failing for a number of reasons. The first was price. The euro is strong against the dollar these days. By the time the Passat was built in Emden, Germany, with German labor costs and a euro currency base for its components, and then shipped to North America, its base sticker price was $27,945, including shipping. That’s $7,000 higher than a base-model Toyota Camry.

The new U.S. Passat will have a base price of $20,765, including shipping.

The Passat is slightly smaller and less roomy inside than other mid-sized cars, including the Camry and the Hyundai Sonata. The new Passat is now on a 110.4-inch wheelbase, with 42.4 inches of front seat legroom, exceeding the Camry in both categories.

In Europe, the Passat’s base engine will deliver 120 hp. In North America, it’s 170 hp.

- Autonews

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1. Innovation At Work: All-New 2012 Passat

You're reading VW Passat’s U.S. problems show world cars don’t work originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Get all the details about the Chattanooga plant where the all-new 2012 Passat is built, directly from Frank Fischer, CEO of Chattanooga Operations and Don Jackson, President of Manufacturing USA.

Find out why the all-new Passat is worth the wait.

- VWoA

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