If VW really want to be taken seriously in the off road market they should build a competitor for the Defender 90. Keep the 4.2 TDI, give it a 4 speed manual, with a divorced two speed transfer case with a granny low, and 4 wheel independent locking. Also, i think that TDI has promise in a lot sportier applications. I've looked at its spec sheet, and it makes me feel all tingly thinking about the tuner prospects of the engine.
You say 8 gears is at least one too many, well in a vehicle with 800nm of torque such as this a 7 speed transmission would be totally unsuitable, it would rip a 7 speed to pieces very quickly, I think it was Mercedes who tried fitting their S65 with a 7 speed but the engine had that much torque it was ripping it to shreds, so I think what VW decided to do was to add an extra gear instead of removing one leaving six, 8 gears means improved fuel economy
I enjoyed this reviewer and his pleasant demeanor.......love the TDI!
If VW really want to be taken seriously in the off road market they should build a competitor for the Defender 90. Keep the 4.2 TDI, give it a 4 speed manual, with a divorced two speed transfer case with a granny low, and 4 wheel independent locking.
Also, i think that TDI has promise in a lot sportier applications. I've looked at its spec sheet, and it makes me feel all tingly thinking about the tuner prospects of the engine.
Audi should release the Nanuk quattro with it's new V10 TDI. 544 PS and 1000 NM :-)
You say 8 gears is at least one too many, well in a vehicle with 800nm of torque such as this a 7 speed transmission would be totally unsuitable, it would rip a 7 speed to pieces very quickly, I think it was Mercedes who tried fitting their S65 with a 7 speed but the engine had that much torque it was ripping it to shreds, so I think what VW decided to do was to add an extra gear instead of removing one leaving six, 8 gears means improved fuel economy
Land Rover has been owned by India's Tata Motors since 2008. So...it's really a war between the German's and Indians.