Tag Archives: GTD

Automobiles

The Continental: Goodwood Festival, a Fantastic Peugeot, VW and Diesel News

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By Jens Meiners

Peugeot RCZ R

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

This powerful Peugeot bowed at Goodwood.

Mere weeks after our very own John Lamm went for a spin in the Italdesign Giugiaro Parcour, the one-of-a-kind concept suffered a literal blow at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. We hope the crashed, Lamborghini-powered sports car/SUV, which required some 50,000 man-hours to build, will be fixed.

Peugeot RCZ R

Besides hosting some crashes, Goodwood also served as the backdrop for a few new vehicle launches. There was the 154-mph Skoda Octavia RS reveal, and now Peugeot has unveiled a 266-horsepower variation of its two-seat RCZ sports car dubbed the RCZ R. It is powered by a version of the 1.6-liter “Prince” engine that was co-developed with BMW; a version is used by Mini, as well as several Peugeot and Citroën models. The RCZ R’s mill is called EP6CDTR, and it is force-fed by a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver 243 lb-ft of torque. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph takes 5.9 seconds, and Peugeot governs the top speed at 155 mph. Based on the 308 compact sedan, the RCZ is a beautifully executed and fun-to-drive sports car that competes directly with the Audi TTS and Nissan 370Z.

I hear that Audi is celebrating 30 years of its quattro GmbH subsidiary with three special editions. The brand will make 30 units (each) of the A5 cabriolet, the RS6 Avant, and the RS7 Sportback. They are distinguished by their color schemes and equipment level, but they don’t have exclusive performance options. There’s no word on whether the A5 or the RS7 variants will be offered in the U.S.; regardless, I predict they will be sold out in no time. Besides, the RS6 Avant is not sold in the U.S.—sorry to bring that up again.

For the 2014 model year, Volkswagen has killed the V-6–powered Touareg in the German market. Only the V-6 and V-8 TDI remain, as well as the annoying hybrid. Other markets keep the V-6 (actually a VR-6), and the Middle East even gets the fantastic 4.2-liter V-8. For an SUV that once ruled the segment with a W-12 engine—it was available on the first-generation Touareg, and almost ruined me when I tested it for two weeks thanks to its vociferous appetite—killing a regular gasoline option is kind of sad.

VW Golf BlueMotion

No need to apologize to the birds: The Golf BlueMotion doesn’t need wind power.

GTD, Diesel Impresses

Of course, VW’s diesel engines are fairly impressive. At the launch of the Euro-spec SportWagen in Amsterdam last week, I had the opportunity to drive the Golf BlueMotion, which, despite a sprightly 105-horsepower 1.6-liter TDI, …read more

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Linux

Duane Hinnen: To Do Applications

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For quite some time I have been trying out different to do applications that will integrate with my Android phone and Ubuntu computer. Before I had a smart phone I loved Emacs OrgMode. However I recently switched to vim.

I tried Remember The Milk and Toodeldo. Both are very good apps. I use a form of GTD and their are several guides to use these apps as a GTD system. However I found myself spending more time setting up to do items then I would of liked. I guess my impatience got the best of me.

Since I use so many Google services GTasks seems liked an obvious next choice. I like that I can create different lists. I have a  personal-actions lists, school-action lists,work-action lists, reference. and tickler file. This is my modified GTD system. I also like the easy integration with Google calendar. Gtasks does not have an overwhelming amount of features, which I kind of like. However I continue to look at different to do apps in case their is a real jem out their i am missing.

Lately I have been trying out an app on my Android phone called Catch. You can have up to 5 spaces(notebooks/lists) for your free account and sync your to do list online. You can add more space if you go Pro. Some of the features I like is the ability to take notes via notes – obviously, checklists, audio notes, and pictures. Also Catch is a collaborative note application. You can share your space with anyone who has a Catch account – and even if they don’t you can invite them via e-mail.This is great for collaborating on projects.

Another app i really like is Evernote. Packed full of features it is very useful. I use it to take photos of brainstorming sessions off grease boards at work or school. By the time I am back at home the picture is there waiting. I also use it to clip things off the web.  Evernote has a set of organizational tools: tags, notebooks, and stacks. It has a ton of features. I use it a lot but not as a to do application. I need something a little simpler to get my to do tasks down quick. Maybe if I buckled down and got through the learning curve of some of these feature rich apps I would love them as to do apps.

When Google Keep came  out I was excited. I like the less is more approach. Too simple, maybe. I know, I know I am a  paradoxical creature. I am anxious to use it for a little while and see how it fits in my work flow. I have started using it for some of the things I used Evernote for, like taking pictures related to my to do items.

Just today I started using Taskwarrior

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Planet Ubuntu

Linux

Serge Hallyn: gtd – managing projects

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I learned about GTD 5 or 8 years ago, and pretty immediately was trying to use it. Ever since then I keep all of my information in one gtd folder, with Projects and Reference folders, a nextactions file, etc. I’ve blogged before about my tickler file, which frankly rocks and never lets me down.

However, a few months ago I decided I wasn’t happy with my nextactions file. Sitting down for a bit to think about it, it was clear that the following happens: some new project comes in. I only have time to jot a quick note, so I do so in nextactions. Later, another piece of information comes in, so I add it there. Over time, my nextactions files grows and is no longer a nextactions file.

I briefly tried simply not using the Projects/ directory, and keeping a indented/formatted structure in the nextactions file. But that does not work out – I spend most of my time either gazing at too much information, or/and ignoring parts which I hadn’t been working on recently. (I also briefly tried ETM and bug which both are *very* neat, but they similarly didn’t work for me for GTD.)

I have a Projects directory, so why am I not using it? Doing so takes several steps (think of a name, make the directory, open a file in it, make the notes, exit) and after that I don’t have a good system for managing the project files. Looking at a project again involves several steps – cd into gtd/Projects, look around, cd , look again. Clearly, project files needed better tools.

So I wrote up a simple ‘project’ script, with a corresponding bash_completion file. If info comes in for a trip I have to take in a few months, I can simply

	project start trip-sandiego-201303

or

	p s trip-sandiego-201303

This creates the project directory and opens vim with three buffers, for each of the three files – a summary, actions, and log. (‘project new’ will create without pulling up vim with those files.) Later, I can

	project list

or (for short)

	p l

to list all open projects,

	p e tr<tab>

to edit the project – which again opens the same files, or

	p cat tr<tab>

to cat the files to stdout. I’ve added a ‘Postponed’ directory for projects which are on hold, so I can

	project postpone trip-sandiego-201303

or just

	p po tr<tab>

to temporarily move the project folder into Postponed, or

	p complete tr<tab>

to move the project folder into the Completed/ directory.

I’ve been using this for a few months now, and am very happy with the result. The scipt and completion file are in lp:~serge-hallyn/+junk/gtdproject. It’s really not much, but so useful!

From: http://s3hh.wordpress.com/2013/04/19/gtd-managing-projects/

Automobiles

Volkswagen Details U.S.-Spec 2015 Golf and GTI Powertrains [2013 New York Auto Show]

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By Alexander Stoklosa

Volkswagen Details U.S.-Spec 2015 Golf and GTI Powertrains [2013 New York Auto Show]

When Volkswagen debuted the seventh-generation, 2015 Golf at the last year’s Paris auto show and the 2015 GTI at the Geneva show earlier this year, the automaker tantalizingly revealed nearly everything about both rides. That is, everything except final engine options for the U.S. market. Oh sure, VW furnished European powertrain specifications for both rides, but despite the latest Golf and GTI being still about a year away from going on sale here in the U.S., we’re an impatient bunch—after all, the Golf and GTI are among our favorite compacts. Thankfully, the wait is over for U.S.-spec powertrain info, which Volkswagen has announced at the 2013 New York auto show.

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI

While the European Golf offers a host of gas and diesel engines, the U.S. model will offer just two: A turbocharged, gas-fed 1.8-liter four and a 2.0-liter diesel four. The 1.8-liter makes the same 170 horsepower as the outgoing Golf’s inline-five it replaces, but seven more lb-ft of torque. Once again, the diesel will be dropped into the Golf TDI, but this time around it’s an all-new engine. Compared to the current Golf TDI’s 2.0-liter four, the new engine—which is a member of VW’s new EA288 engine family—produces the same 236 lb-ft of torque, but 10 additional horsepower, for a total of 150. Volkswagen’s specificity regarding the regular Golf’s transmission choices starts and ends with the promise that both manual and automatic options will be offered; gear counts and the type of automatic weren’t detailed. We’re betting that we get either the Euro model’s seven- or six-speed dual-clutch auto.

2015 Volkswagen GTI

As for our favorite hot hatchback, the GTI, it will get the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter four as the Euro model. Only our version will make slightly less horsepower, with VW’s initial estimates coming in around 210 ponies. Before you start bellyaching about how Americans always get the short end of the stick, consider that at least the 2015 GTI will make the same 258 lb-ft of torque as the Euro model. The outgoing U.S.-spec GTI packs 200 horses and 207 lb-ft and is hardly a slouch; factor in the newest model’s slight weight loss, and it should be quicker than before. Regardless, the last-gen GTI was down a few horsepower to its European counterpart, too, so any anguish over missing output shouldn’t be a surprise. Once again, a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission will be offered.

Finally, Volkswagen gave no further indication of expected fuel economy for any 2015 Golf derivative, or whether it plans to bring the latest GTD—effectively a diesel-powered GTI—to the States. (We suspect it will make it here.) As for the possible next-generation Jetta SportWagen, well, look no further than the …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

Geneva: 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is our favorite oil-burning GTI

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By Zach Bowman

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

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The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD has officially bowed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Engineers managed to squeeze an additional 14 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque out of the familiar 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, nudging total output to 184 hp and 280 lb-ft for 2014. The figures are good enough to earn the GTD the honor of being the most powerful diesel Golf in Volkswagen history. A start/stop system helps improve efficiency over the previous generation with the new model consuming 56 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. That’s up from the 2013 model’s 46 mpg. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, though a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also available.

The GTD also offers buyers a few aesthetic tweaks to help separate the hatch from its less potent siblings. Those include a more aggressive front fascia, special badges and 17-inch alloy wheels. Expect to find the GTD in one of three exterior colors, including Tornado Red, Black and Pure White. Check out the quick press release below for more details.

Continue reading 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is our favorite oil-burning GTI

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is our favorite oil-burning GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Automobiles

2015 Volkswagen GTI: Evolutionary Look, More Power, and a Long Wait [2013 Geneva Auto Show]

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By Alexander Stoklosa

2015 Volkswagen GTI 3-door

The 2013 Geneva auto show has turned out to be Volkswagen’s venue of choice for debuting its latest sporty Golf-based models. First, the German automaker introduced the GTD diesel based on the new, seventh-generation Golf hatchback, and now it is pulling the wraps off of the newest GTI. The hottest Golf—at least until the next R model makes an appearance—goes on sale in Europe this spring, but we’ll have to wait an agonizing extra year for it to arrive here in the States.  READ MORE ››

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

Volkswagen To Debut New Golf GTD In Geneva

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By Kurt Ernst

Volkswagen Golf GTD - image: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTD – image: Volkswagen

Do you love the performance of the Volkswagen GTI, but long for the fuel efficiency of the Golf TDI? Would you shop a car that gives you the GTI’s nimble handling, while serving up fuel economy of up to 56 mpg combined in Euro-cycle testing? If you answered yes to these questions, we have good news (of sorts) for you: Volkswagen will debut the new Golf GTD at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.

Popular in Europe, the Golf GTD is the offspring of a GTI and a Golf TDI. Its 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine produces 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which is good enough to get the car from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 143 mph. That’s on par with the gasoline-powered GTI, which makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque to yield a a comparable 7.3 second run from 0-60 mph.

Volkswagen Golf GTD - image: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTD – image: Volkswagen

Its fuel economy, however, is closer to the Golf TDI’s numbers of 34 mpg combined (30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway). Since Euro cycle testing differs dramatically from our own EPA testing regimen, we can expect to see the GTD get a combined rating in the neighborhood of 39 mpg, if it’s sold here.

Volkswagen Golf GTD - image: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTD – image: Volkswagen

The GTD borrows from the GTI’s good looks, too. Outside, it wears a lowered suspension with unique 17-inch wheels, side skirts, a rear spoiler and smoked LED taillights. Inside, it gets “Clark” plaid upholstery, a model specific instrument cluster, a black headliner, stainless steel pedals and a sport steering wheel (shared with the GTI) that we think is the best on the market, bar none.

For now, the GTD is forbidden fruit, available to customers across the pond only, beginning in June. Will we see it on this side of the Atlantic? The answer, for now anyway, is “we certainly hope so.”

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts

Automobiles

Official: Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

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As Volkswagen prepares for the launch of the seventh-generation Golf, it continues to show off some of the car’s different variants. With the standard Golf and the ultra-efficient BlueMotion Concept out of the way, now we’re finally starting to see some of the sportier versions planned for the hatchback. Confirmed for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen has now given us our first glimpse at the Golf GTD.

Just think of the GTD as a diesel version of the GTI with all the handling and styling upgrades, and then add a torquey engine to the equation. (We had the chance to sample the current GTD over the summer, so click here to read more.) To go with the new body style, VW also gave the GTD a new TDI engine consisting of a similar turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four layout but with an output of 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque – that’s an increase of 14 hp and 22 lb-ft over the current GTD. That’s a pretty good oomph, but the GTD won’t be setting any acceleration records with VW quoting a 0-62 mile per hour time of 7.5 seconds thanks to the car’s 3,036-pound curb weight.

The styling of the MkVII Golf lends itself quite well to the more aggressive body kit found on the GTD (and likely matching the GTI). The new front fascia and blacked-out grille give the GTD a sporty look up front, while 17-inch sport wheels, rocker panel extensions and smoked LED taillights finish off the visual changes. The GTD will only be offered in three exterior colors: Tornado Red, Black and Pure White. As expected, the interior gets the plaid seat inserts and flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, but the car also gets stainless steel pedals, a black headliner, ambient cabin lighting and a specific gauge cluster readout.

Aside from saying the GTD will get a “lowered sport suspension,” there is word on what specific changes were made, but if that slammed stance is anything to go by, this is going to be one fun car on the track. Volkswagen has yet to say whether or not the 2014 GTD will be sold in the US, but buyers in Germany can get their hands on this car in June with a starting price of 29,350 euros, which will include standard features such as park assist and a touch-screen infotainment system.

Continue reading Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD

Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Automobiles

2014 Volkswagen GTD Debuts: The Diesel GTI May Hit the U.S. [2013 Geneva Auto Show]

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By Alexander Stoklosa

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

Please give us a moment to come down from our diesel-huffing high, we’re still tingling from first laying eyes on the 2014 Volkswagen GTD. Yes, we know, the Golf-based GTD—essentially a diesel-powered GTI—has existed for decades, but the latest iteration actually has a shot at making it to the U.S. market for the first time. We were impressed with the outgoing GTD—Volkswagen teasingly lent us one to test here on American soil—and the 2014 model brings even more power and refinement. Thus far, VW has only announced the GTD is headed for Europe but we’ve got our fingers crossed. The model bows at the 2013 Geneva auto show.  READ MORE ››

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver