For '99 models, VW is introducing a new and stronger 2.5 TDI for the Caravelle
range here in Europe, responding to the fact that over 80% of the buyers chose
the present TDI. While the 2,5 TDI has been around a couple of years, it has had
an output of only 102 hp, compared to the 140 hp of the VR6, but with adequate
torque(250 nm vs 240nm)
The new TDI has enough power and torque to blow away even the VR6! With 150 hp
on tap, and a whopping 295 nm at a low 1900 rpm, it can do a 0-62 mph sprint in
12,5 secs and tops out at 112 mph. On top of that, it only drinks 7,3 liters of
diesel on 100 km, where the VR6 slurps 11,8 liters(not much compared to a '88
2,1 syncro anyway).
VW now has a total of 3 gas-engines and 4 diesel-engines in the
Transporter/Caravelle range, enough to suit any demand.

The choises are:
gas:                hp/rpm             torque(nm)/rpm         0-62        top
speed(mph)
2,0 4-I            84/4300            159/2200                   21,7        90
2,5 5-I            115/4500          200/2200                   15,6        102
2,8 VR6         140/4500          240/3000                   13,7        109

diesel:
1,9td 4-I        68/3700            140/2000                    28,5        82
2,4d  5-I        78/3700            164/1800                    24,7        85
2,5TDI 5-I    102/3500           250/2900                    18,1        98
2,5TDI 5-I    150/4000           295/1900                    12,5        112

The 2,5 liter gas and the 2,4 and 2,5TDI/102hp diesels are also available as
Syncros.
With plenty of power and very low fuel consumption, the new TDI is going to be a
winner.
Now, if only I can stuff one of those into the rear of my 88 Syncro....:-)

Per Lindgren