While I was reading this column, I almost thought I was perusing my latest copy of Car and Driver. Then, I realized that the writing was not as good, and the attempts at humor less successful. But, anyway, John McCormick did cover some of the points that Patrick Bedard consistently seems to touch on in his monthly column. Namely that global warming is either fake or that man's contribution to greenhouse gases is insubstantial.

One thing that McCormick wrote did make me think, though. Is it really fair to "double tax" certain automobiles based on both their gasoline consumption and their CO2 output? I'll go out on a limb and say yes. Why? Because the two items are different. Gasoline consumption is closely tied with a vehicle's emissions, but they are certainly two different measurables of a vehicle's impact on the environment.

Walking further out on that limb, let me suggest that the gas-guzzler tax and the so called Clean Air Discount Bill which McCormick's article is about (not a law - just a proposal at this time) should probably not be as high as they currently are. A higher gas tax across the board would have greater effect, and isn't that the point of both laws in the first place? With a gas tax, all vehicles are treated exactly the same, which seems to make more sense.

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Remember, if you want to have some influence yourself, you can always contact Congress as was suggested by the Auto Alliance themselves.

[Source: John McCormick / Detroit News]

We have been following the release of the Can-Am Spyder since we first heard about it, and now we have an online ride review to digest. If you have any interest in this 3-wheeled vehicle, it would be a good idea to click here and read their three page report, and then click here to watch the video that they have made, showing the Spyder in an obstacle course.

It remains to be seen what impact this vehicle will have on the motorcycle and automotive market. The good news is that it is backed by a very large company with a lot of experience manufacturing small and large market vehicles. The lessons that they have learned while building ATVs, snowmobiles and jet-skis is sure to come in handy as this street-legal vehicle rolls out.

The testers at MotorcycleUSA likened the riding dynamics to that of an ATV and a snowmobile more than a motorcycle. But, the controls operate much like a motorcycle's, minus the lack of a separate front brake lever. An automatic transmission is available in addition to the standard five-speed manual shifter. ABS, traction control and rollover stability control are standard. Still interested? I am... and when I check one out in person, you'll see the posting here.

Bonus Coverage: For more external reviews try: Car and Driver, Edmunds and the American Motorcyclist Association.

Related:

• A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder
• More transportation alternatives, this time plucked from Kneeslider
• You too can ride like an animal after watching this Piaggio MP3 video. Scary!
• Can-Am Spyder official site is live, view our gallery
  

[Source: Motorcycle USA, Car and Driver, Edmunds and the AMA]

I won't give you all the details of Car and Driver's first test of the new Jetta TDI here, you can click to go to their site and read it if you'd like. But, I will give you some details...

• 50 state legal
• 140 HP, an increase of 40% over the 1.9
• 236 lb-ft torque, an increase of 33%
• available with 6 speed manual or DSG
• it will not be called BlueTec

Instead of the urea injection that many will use to meet new emissions standards, VW is using a filter similar to the old ones that will store and eventually burn off the NOx that makes it hard for diesels to meet the new standards. As long as it works, that is OK with me. It also means that there will be no need to refill the urea tank ever. No jokes about refilling urea tanks in the comments, that is too obvious! Anyway, they like the car, but never mention any mileage claims. I guess we'll see what it is capable of when they hit the road in 2008 or so.

P.S. - I get Car and Driver in the mail. I don't like the new layout either.

Edit below: Thanks for the extra input, Marcel!

2008 Jetta 2.0 TDI 103kW / 140hp

6 Speed Manual: 51/35 MPG

DSG Automatic: 49/30 MPG

Related:

• New Jetta TDI is the cleanest VW diesel ever; VW looking for oldest, highest-mileage VW diesel
• Our own Gallery of the different VW's and their varied powertrains

[Source: Car and Driver]

BMW cars have always had a reputation for performance. They are renowned for their exceptional steering feel, precise handling and exceptional engines, particularly the in-line 6 cylinders. The six bangers had turbine-like smoothness and excellent power for their displacement. The company did sell some diesels in the US market in the 1980s but hasn't offered them here in recent years. BMW diesels have remained available and popular in the European market and are now finally coming back to the US with a vengeance. BMW and Car and Driver magazine are going to be running a pair of twin-turbo 3.0L in-line six diesel 335d sedans in the upcoming Thunderhill 25 hour enduro.

The race takes place December 2-3 at Thunderhill Raceway Park in California. The driving team will include Csaba Csere, Tony Swan and others from Car and Driver along with professional racers Bill Auberlen and others. Auberlen has been racing BMWs in classes from SCCA regionals to LeMans since the early 1990s. This is not the first time diesel powered 3 series have gone racing. In 1998 a 320d won the 24 of Nurburgring endurance race which is run on the legendary Nordschleife. The new 335d uses a pair of turbochargers (one small and one large) to give maximum responsiveness and flexibility. The road version is rated at 286 hp and 427 ft-lbs of torque, even more than the new Mercedes E320 BlueTec. Given the performance of the Audi R10 this year, as long as the new BMWs are reliable, they should do pretty well in this enduro. The full BMW press release is after the jump.

[Source: BMW]