Folks,

I love my '97 Passat TDI.  This 90bhp diesel engine makes a mid-size car
surprisingly perky & gives 44mpg in mixed driving (800 miles between
fill-ups).  I've read wistfully about the larger, more powerful TDI engines
available in Europe, and wondered why I can't buy one of these engines.  My
envy led me to two theories:  criminal stupidity to corporate conspiracy....

Now, I found an objective answer (which doesn't imply that either of my
theories were wrong, BTW) in the Nov '01 issue of European Car, in its
review of the 2002 Audi A6:

"An unfortunate set of circumstances - legal roadblocks, fuel quality,
price - have kept VWAG's wonderful TDI technology from reaching the U.S.
market.  Combining healthy torque with high fuel mileage, the TDI comes in
three flavors: a new 1.9-liter four with pump-injector fuel injection and an
output of 130bhp; a new 2.6-liver V6 with 155bhp; and a more powerful 2.5 V6
outputting 180bhp.  Look for some of this technology to come to the U.S.
around 2004 when the sulfur content of our fuel is reduced and emissions
levels can be met."

Sign me up - I want one in my Syncro!

Regards,

David Jaffe
1986 Syncro West'faux'lia
Portland, Oregon