Last year, it looked like the European's bet on 50-state diesels was going to be a bust. As gas prices fell well below diesel, consumers saw little value in paying up for the privilege.
Now that the tables have turned, diesel sales are stating to pick up. Some Volkswagen dealers told Automotive News that they're having trouble keeping Jetta TDIs in stock and sales increased by more than 1,600 units from April to May.
Mercedes-Benz says its diesel sales are up as well, as nearly all of the models that offer diesel engines have shown an improvement in market share.
If there's any bad news to the recent equalization of diesel and gasoline prices, it's the inability of the Big Three to capitalize on it. Chrysler, Ford and GM all cut their light-duty diesel truck programs and the chances of them restarting those programs anytime soon are slim.
Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.
Diesels are finally here, sort of. Now that we have the low-sulfur fuel, manufacturers have responded with vehicles that even the great state of California will allow on its hallowed highways.
Trouble is, these vehicles aren't exactly cheap. Case in point: the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI. It starts at nearly $43K, which is over $3,000 more than the base V6. And as the numbers below attest, it's not exactly the fastest SUV we've ever tested.
That said, the diesel engine works well in the Touareg, doling out torque right when you need a stiff push in the back. It's quiet, too, and according to the EPA it will return 25 mpg on the highway. See what our road test editor thought about what it can do at the test track after the jump.
Truth is, the uconnect Wi-Fi router can be installed in any vehicle, no matter the make or model. All you have to do is pay the $499 for the Autonet router and a subscription of $29 a month. And the router and service is available through the aftermarket as well.
Writing about the best used performance cars for $5,000 was a challenge. At that price point, you're either going to get lucky and find a gem, or get unlucky and end up shelling out another $5,000 to keep a basket case running.
So with that in mind, we decided to bump the price floor to $10K to start and see what we could find. The talent pool is much deeper for sure, although the possibility of a clunker is still there if you're not careful.
So take a look at our list and see what you think. Anything we missed?
This is the new White Night edition of the Volkswagen Eos. Not to be confused with the British Knights Cabriolet of the late '80s, this model combines Candy White paint with a gloss black roof to create what Volkswagen calls, "an interesting set of contrasts".
Additional enhancements include black-accented "Budapest" 18-inch wheels, a dark grille, black mirror covers and light stitching for the interior's black leather trim. No word yet whether this special edition will be available in the U.S.
For the first time in nearly two years, the average price of diesel fuel has fallen below regular gas. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), it's a "traditional" spring inversion that occurs in the U.S., but there's no doubt that BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen will try to take advantage of the new pricing structure.
All three automakers took the plunge and introduced new diesel models in the last year, but apart from strong sales of Volkswagen's TDI cars, sales have been disappointing. As Bill Visnic points out on AutoObserver, several other manufacturers had diesel programs in the works, but shelved them when got prices plunged.
Now that prices have evened out, and stricter CAFE regulations are on the way, there are some incentives to get those programs moving again. Hard to tell if consumers would respnod at this point, but it seems like it's worth another try given refined and quiet modern diesel engines have become.
Don't bother lamenting the fact that we don't get the Scirocco. Yeah, it's cool looking and all, but how many people in the U.S. would pay $35-$40k for it? As far as Volkswagen is concerned, it's not worth trying to find out.
That said, there's still some potential news here. The upgraded 2.0T used in this Scirocco is the same motor pegged for the Golf R20 we showed you on the Nurburgring last week. The revised engine uses a reinforced block and stronger con-rods to handle its output of 261-horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That power goes through either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG transmission. Volkswagen's XDS differential control manages front wheel torque to get the most power to the ground.
Will any of this matter? The best answer we can give you now is maybe. Volkswagen knows the Scirocco is too expensive to sell in the U.S., but a Golf R20 probably wouldn't be cheap either. If the market improves considerably by the end of this year, Volkswagen could change its mind and give it a shot but don't get your hopes up.
Have you ever seen a better looking pair of four-cylinder family sedans? Possibly, but the fact that these two four-doors manage to blend commuter-friendly engines with spacious interiors and top-shelf features makes them two of the most compelling family car choices on the road today.
So which one is the better overall choice? Senior Editor Erin Riches was tasked with finding out and pinning down an answer wasn't easy. Check out the final results and see if you agree in our latest family sedan comparison test.
We showed you spy photos of the 2010 Volkswagen Golf R20 a month ago and now we have spy video of the same car testing on the Nurburgring. It may have lost the tell tale burble of the R32's exhaust, but it looks as though it's making good time nonetheless.
Here's hoping we actually get to find out. Last we heard Volkswagen wasn't planning to sell this car in the U.S. We should know for sure by the end of the year.
Volkswagen has built another "image" car, and this time it got the formula right. Unlike the misunderstood Phaeton, the CC doesn't take much explanation. It looks good, feels good and doesn't cost a fortune. Executive Editor Michael Jordan didn't even mind the base four-cylinder engine. Is this the halo car Volkswagen has been waiting for?
Tony Danza speaks Italian but drives German. TMZ caught the Hollywood D-lister climbing into his piss poor Porsche Speedster replica recently in Malibu. There's even a close up of the cracks in the fiberglass body. Man, what a POS. Come on Tony, if you're going to drive a fakey doo, at least make it a big-block Cobra.
You may not have noticed, but the Germans love their diesels. Actually, most of Europe seems to prefer diesel-powered automobiles, possibly because gasoline is taxed to death.
Convincing Americans that diesel is the answer isn't so easy. Our gas is cheap and diesel-powered vehicles are not. There are advantages though, like more usable torque and fewer fill ups.
In an effort to educate more Americans about the wonders of diesel, Volkswagen has launched a new blog that it says will be an unedited conversation about diesel. Of course, that conversation starts with a tutorial on "clean" diesel so pay attention.
Mazda has now confirmed what Inside Line reported over a month ago. Derek Jenkins, former head of Volkswagen of America's design center, has been named Design Director, Mazda Design Americas.
Jenkins is best known for projects like the Volkswagen GX3 and R-GT concepts.
Earlier this week, Volkswagen announced that it would build its new minicar lineup in Slovakia starting in 2011. The new vehicles would be the production versions of the Up! minicars shown at the 2007 Frankfurt and Tokyo shows.
Today, Volkswagen of America told Inside Line News that this lineup was definitely headed to America. Which models and what they would be called are still being determined.
Just when you thought Porsche might eventually swallow Volkswagen, now comes a report from the Financial Times that it might actually be the other way around. VW might buy up Porsche's sports car business.
You'll recall that Porsche increased its stake in Volkswagen to over 50 percent in January and said it would keep buying up shares in VW until it had a 75-percent stake. Note that it's Porsche SE, a holding company jointly owned by the Porsche and Piech families, that owns the stake.
FT reports that Ferdinand Piech, chair of Volkswagen and co-owner of Porsche, is considering buying up Porsche's automotive division (Porsche AG) and integrating it into the VW family as a 10th brand. This sale would possibly pay down some of the debt Porsche SE is said to have amassed during its buying spree. The holding company would keep its stake in VW.
Remember the Up! minicar concept that debuted in Frankfurt almost two years ago now? It's now headed for production, at least in sedan form, and Volkswagen has announced that its Slovakan plant will build the new car.
Although Up! was shown with a rear-mounted engine, expect to see a more traditional layout when it goes into production. According to Volkswagen the first sedans will be rolling off the assembly line in early 2011.
Volkswagen told Inside Line News that it's mulling over the possibility of importing the R Line Tiguan, a model that's already headed to European markets.
Other "R" models are under consideration for import as well. We think a R Line CC could make for a particularly fetching sedan.
Sales of BMW's 335d sedan and xDrive 35d are off to a slow start. According to Edmunds.com data, the 335d comprises about 1% of current 3 Series sales while the xDrive 35d is only slightly better at roughly 7-8% of X5 sales.
According to a report in Automotive News, BMW only expects to sell about 3,000 diesel models total this year. BMW of North America CEO Jim O'Donnell told the industry trade paper that sales "haven't taken off" largely because the brand hasn't advertised them much.
Volkswagen is having much better luck with its Jetta TDI model. The diesel models currently make up 30% of sedan sales and 50% of Jetta wagon sales. The company is expecting similar results for its upcoming sixth-generation Golf TDI that will go on sale later this year.
#NYIAS Already on sale in Europe, the 2010 Volkswagen GTI hasn't yet made it to the U.S. You may not have even noticed, though, as the sixth-generation Golf looks almost unchanged compared to its predecessor.
Same look, same engines and typical Volkswagen attention to detail. And according to European Editor Alistair Weaver, surprisingly civilized, almost to a fault. Get the rest of the detail in our first drive report from Europe. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor
Caught just yesterday testing on the Nurburgring, the R20 as it may be called will get a 260-horsepower version of the 2.0-liter TFSI engine used in the GTI. It will also get all-wheel drive like the old V6-powered R32, and by the looks of this prototype, a pair of center-exit exhaust pipes.
The new GTI won't be the only hot Golf-based Volkswagen to be unveiled this year. A new, GTI-derived GTD will be on sale in Europe as early as June and a flagship 'R' model will debut at the Frankfurt auto show in September.
Forget all the nonsense about the Tesla Model S, it's all vaporware don't you know. For an example of serious mileage and affordability in the real world check out the Project Sipster series on Top Gear USA. They built a car that could not only achieve 70mpg, but could also go from 0-to-60mph in less than 7-seconds. Oh, and their budget was $7,000.
A near impossible task, but Jared and crew attacked it non-stop for two months. They added a new engine, new suspension and some homemade bodywork that may have improved its aerodynamics.
Dave Coleman of Sport Compact Car fame narrates the story, adding his own unique perspective along the way. It's a great read and a good reminder that mileage and speed don't come easy, especially in a '81 Rabbit.
Rabbit fans, you are too few. At least, that's how Volkswagen is feeling these days according to Automotive News.
The redesigned Golf which is already on sale in Europe, will come to America under the same name this fall, a reversal of the reversal instituted just a few years ago. No particular reason was given other than the fact that the U.S. was the only market that didn't use Golf.
More importantly, the Golf will offer Volkswagen's excellent 50-state legal, 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine that's currently offered in the Jetta TDI. Golf TDI, yep that sounds pretty good.
Volkswagen has finally announced official on-sale dates for the latest GTI hatchback. Naturally, the Germans get it first, followed by the rest of Europe in April. U.S. buyers will have to wait until the end of this summer for the mildly revised hatchback.
You might remember from its Paris debut, but not much has changed this GTI. U.S. versions will still use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with roughly 207 horsepower. The transmissions remain six-speeds, in either DSG or manual style. One notable new feature: the XDS electronic transverse differential lock. It's essentially a more sophisticated version of the electronic limited-slip differential already in use, so wheel spin through corners should be reduced.
We've heard rumors of this before and now it sounds official, at least according to Automotive News. The industry trade paper reported today that Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen Group of America's CEO, said to expect two Polo models in 2011, a sedan and a four-door hatchback.
Although Volkswagen showed an all-new Polo at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, it's not the same model we'll get here. Jacoby said the U.S. version will be taller and ride on a longer wheelbase, increased which would make Polo about the same size as a Honda Fit. The goal is to price the Polo between $13,000 and $15,000 according to Jacoby.
The next-generation 2010 Volkswagen Polo is yet another compact hatchback that could be headed to the U.S. in 2011.
A long-time member of Volkswagen's lineup, the Polo has always been considered too small for American tastes. This particular version is larger than previous models, but still smaller than a Rabbit. At 155.6-inches long and 57-inches high, it's half a foot shorter than a Honda Fit and three-inches lower.
In Geneva, Volkswagen displayed various examples, one of which was the Bluemotion diesel concept. According to Volkswagen, the Bluemotion Polo is capable of returning up to 70mpg thanks to a three-cylinder, 1.2-liter diesel engine, stop-start technology, low-rolling resistance tires and improved underbody aerodynamics.
Although labeled a concept, Volkswagen officials said they expect to have a production ready Bluemotion Polo ready for Europe by early next year. For the U.S., sales of the standard Polo could start about a year later in early 2011.
So what do you think? Is the U.S. ready for a Volkswagen this small? - Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
Hmm...probably not the way the BMW X 1 engineers planned it back in Munich. Oh well, once you've augured yourself into a snow bank in the middle of nowhere there aren't too many options.
In this case, a call to the Volkwagen Tiguan that was along for comparison was all it took to get the new BMW sport utility free. I'm sure there's a joke in there about Xdrive versus 4Motion, but we'll leave that up to you.
Volkswagen is a diesel evangelist of the highest order, seeing compression-ignition motors as the preferred way to generate big mpg numbers. Still, the company will produce three gasoline-electric hybrids in the next few years and one of them will be constructed in the recently announced Chattanooga, TN plant.
It's been a few years since we heard any speculation about a Jetta Hybrid. But, according to our source at Volkswagen, the company will build a hybrid version on the next-generation of the sedan platform with a target on sale date of 2010.
Further, the company's upcoming Passat midsize sedan replacement will also have a hybrid power train option. That vehicle will be built at the company's new plant in Tennessee and is slated for introduction in 2011. Like the next Jetta, the upcoming midsize car will be offered with gasoline and diesel engines to compliment the new hybrid-powered versions.
Also in 2011, the company will offer a hybrid power train option for the Touareg sport-utility vehicle.
Automotive News is reporting that Volkswagen plans to sell the Polo subcompact in the United States in the near future.
The Polo is a step down in size from the Rabbit and is roughly equivalent to the Toyota Yaris and the soon-to-arrive Ford Fiesta. The trade journal quoted Volkswagen Group of America CEO Stefan Jacoby, "We are working right now to upgrade these cars for the American market." Given that Jacoby expects to more than triple U.S. VW sales to 800,000 annually over the next decade, he'd better hope Americans like the upgrades the company is working on.
No word yet on exactly when the Polo will hit U.S. shores. But a new, presumably less-frumpy, version of the Polo is expected for the 2010 model year, and will be unveiled at this year's Geneva auto show in March. The current model offers a number of engine options including three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel mills making between 64 to 180 horsepower.
For all its success in Europe, the Polo is probably best known in the U.S. as the subject of a spoof advertisement (or VW-sponsored viral marketing campaign, if you listen to conspiracy theorists) in which a suicide bomber parks a Polo in front of a streetside cafe and detonates a bomb. The Polo remains undamaged and VW's Polo ad tagline "Small but tough" appears on screen.
#DAS09 Several reporters and I met and had a brief conversation with Italdesign director Fabrizio Giugiaro tonight at the 2009 Michelin Challenge Design reception a few doors down from Cobo in Detroit.
Giugiaro's favorite concept car of the show is the Cadillac Converj, though for different reasons, he also likes the Volvo S60 concept. Naturally, he's a fan of the Volkswagen Concept Bluesport, as he worked on an early iteration of this well-received, easily translatable-for-production roadster concept.
And he likes what Audi has done with the Sportback concept, though he conceded that the tail is awkwardly truncated on this car. He's confident, though, that this detail will be resolved on the anticipated A7 production car: "This is one case where the production car will look better than the concept."
The Sportback breaks with current Audi designs, he added, and the company needs that. "Q5s look like Q7s. A3s look like A4s." -- Erin Riches, Senior Editor
Walter De Silva, director of design for the Volkswagen Group, is Italian. So we can't really blame him for wanting to drop into his native tongue to describe the new Volkswagen Concept Bluesport at today's world premiere. It sounded quite nice, actually. The fact that we only understood every eighth word or so didn't matter, as this isn't a car that needs much explanation.
So Detroit is hurting and the Asian automakers are pulling out of Detroit. So what's left?
Plenty of room for the Europeans apparently. There will be no less than ten world debuts from the other side of the pond at this year's show, a sign that although our market is down, it's can still make or break a new product for most manufacturers. Here's a rundown of what the German et al. will have on display next week.
Adolf Merckle, a German billionaire, threw himself in front a train after coming to terms with the fact that his business empire was crumbling. Although Mr. Merckle's business interests ranged from cement companies to pharmaceuticals, it was revealed in October that his VEM investment group had lost hundreds of millions of euros betting on the decline of Volkswagen stock. An unprecedented surge in the share price of Volkswagen stock in late October briefly made the German company the world's largest corporation in terms of market capitalization.
Just yesterday, Porsche increased its stake in Volkswagen to over 50%. The move was no surprise as Porsche officials said publicly in December that they planned to increase Porsche's stake once Volkswagen shares had returned to normal after their spectacular October run up. Porsche plans to continue buying up shares of Volkswagen until it reaches roughly 75% ownership.
WorldCarFans.com is reporting that Fiat & PSA/Peugeot-Citroen are about to merge. The story, which apparently originated in Italy, states the reason for the merger is to try and survive the global financial crisis. It's that simple: merge or die.
So here we have one more example of just how far-reaching this economic debacle is. If this merger does come about, it would create the fourth largest automaker in the world, rivaling VW and Renault-Nissan in scale.
VW debuted the second-generation Golf Plus at the Bologna Motor Show. The car will go sale shortly in Europe. No word yet on powertrain options, but you can bet there will both gas and diesel versions offered. I would love to see this offered here.
For those interested in the upcoming, but-not-for-the-USofA VW pickup, here are a couple of videos to further frustrate you. The first is of the surf-rescue concept that was shown at the IAA back ib September. The other is a camo-clad test mule.
Sure, we're all at the L.A. auto show to see all the brand-spanking-new cars, but a few manufacturers chose to display some greats from their past. Here are some of the gems. My favorite is the Jag. -- James Riswick, Automotive Editor
Before and after the wraps were removed from Volkswagen's SCORE Baja 1000 Trophy Truck, the diesel-powered Touareg you'll soon be able to buy sat unloved right next door.
The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI, as they're calling it, will reportedly be available as early as January 2009. Some dealers have already received order guides listing the starting price at $43,490, including destination charges. That's about $3,500 more than the 3.6-liter gasoline V6.
No one at the show could confirm whether or not the 19-inch wheels and tires on the display car would be standard on the TDI, but if they are, the effective price difference shrinks by $1,200 -- the cost of that option on the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline model.
Volkswagen pulled the wraps off its TDI diesel-powered VW Touareg Trophy Truck this morning. Not content with a mere class win, VW's Trophy Truck leaves no doubt that nothing less than an overall win in the Baja 1000 and other SCORE off-road events will suffice.
SCORE President Sal Fish (above) was on hand with drivers Ryan Arciero and Mark Miller for the announcement.
Powering this purpose-built two-wheel-drive machine is a 5.0-liter TDI diesel V12 engine that VW officials at the launch said makes "550 horsepower and nearly unlimited torque." Presumably the limit is whatever the custom-made driveline components can stand for 1,000 miles of abuse.
VW will show their new Touareg off-road racer that will compete in the upcoming Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race.
It will be powered by a 5.5L V12 turbo clean diesel, which puts out 550 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. In addition it will be equipped with a trick suspension that offers 25 inches of wheel travel.
Volkswagen somehow manages to attend SEMA without getting too overwhelmed by SEMA. Its concepts are always classy, understated and inherently buildable, which is essentially the exact opposite of every other vehicle on the show floor. Hence the large crowd around the CC Eco Performance Concept.
It basically a CC with a lowering kit, 20-inch wheels and big, four-piston brakes. It also has black chrome exterior trim, a full body kit and aftermarket paint. Nothing special really except for the fact that it's all done so tastefully that you might want to actually own such a CC.
The topper is the engine. It has a Stage 3 APR turbo that bumps the output of the 2.0T four-cylinder to as much as 311 horsepower and 313 pound-feet of torque. There's an Eco mode that drops power to 222-hp and 236 lb-ft but boosts fuel economy to 33 highway/ 27 city according to APR. No reason to doubt that. I mean EPA, APR; what's the difference, right?
Since you can't really see much of this Tiguan Performance concept (there was a guy playing guitar out of the cargo area), here are the details. Its most notable feature is the APR Stage 3 turbocharger that bumps output of the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine to 295 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Not bad.
It sends the power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic and on to 19-inch wheels with 225/40 tires. There's also a full body kit that includes fender flares, side steps and a two-tone paint job. Volkswagen officials announced this morning that they intend to sell the body kit through dealers starting early next year. Don't get your hopes up for the turbocharger.
Volkswagen has heavily publicized its VW Jetta TDI Cup racing series, which gives young racers a chance to compete in lightly modified '09 Jetta TDIs. And today at VW's SEMA stand, in a quiet corner of the Vegas Convention Center's North Hall, we saw what is likely to be a vaguely related production application.
We say "vaguely" because the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Concept is not a racecar and can't be optioned with a roll cage and five-point harnesses. It is, however, a Jetta TDI with GLI brakes and antiroll bars, and firmer overall suspension tuning. Of course, it also has a pretty heavy body kit on it, and the Volkswagen officials we talked to told us that VW dealers are clamoring for a sassier diesel Jetta. Several have already built their own.
You can, too, actually, as all this stuff is available in VW's parts catalog. However, a factory special-edition model based on the Jetta TDI Cup Street Concept is a virtual certainty sometime during the 2009 calendar year. A $30K price estimate was suggested in conversation, but we'd guess the MSRP will end up in the high $20Ks. Apparently, you'll have a choice of the conventional six-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG.
The spreading Wall Street financial crisis is beginning to affect what we will see offered here and around the world--and sooner rather than later. No market is going to get by untouched. Even those OPEC and other oil-rich countries will see some sort of negative effect as it pertains to vehicle choices. AutoObserver has an excellent article on how automakers are addressing this situation:
There have been several stories coming out of Europe recently about Porsche offering a sports car under the Boxster (Porsche entry-level model rumors), a true entry-level model, so to speak. In doing so, Porsche would most likely do it in partnership with VW. They did this 30-plus years ago with the VW/Porsche 914.
Now we have a story from the UK's car magazine saying that VW is seriously considering a mid-engine sports car to take on the Lotus Elise. Now when you consider to those Porsche rumors, things are start to fall into place.
If this comes to pass, this sportster would likely hit the market around 2013.
It's well known that racing has contributed heavily to the design and engineering of vehicles that you and I drive. With that thought in mind the LA Auto Show will feature a display of what future race cars might be like in 2025, what they may offer in terms of technology and safety; and ultimately, how that might be applied to ordinary cars sometime in the future.
The designs are part of the fifth annual Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge, where studios including Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen are pitted against each other to showcase their talents and further explore new ideas in automotive design.
Looks like there may indeed be some truth to a possible new entry-level Porsche. Not too long ago Straightline reported that there may be a new 4-cylinder model (Porsche and BMW may be considering 4-cylinder engines), possibly a Boxster or perhaps even a 911. Now there is this latest rumor that adds credibility to the fact that Porsche is thinking of offering a less expensive model to their lineup.
This rumor, however, suggests a small hatch, and that it may be developed with VW, and targeted at the BMW 1-Series hatch. What's not clear (actually there's a lot that's not clear at this point) is whether VW will also get a variant of this model. That was the case with the original 914, in that both Porsche and VW sold versions of this car.
Well this came from out of left field. PickupTruck.com (via Automotive News) is reporting that VW may be considering a pickup built off the next-generation Beetle. What!?!?While Euro-El Camino may sounds cute and nifty, I was hoping--especially coming from an European brand--a pickup that might challenge the full-size domestic pickups. I'm thinking something more like a Dodge Sprinter, but with a pickup bed. It's already been reported that VW will be building a new 1-ton pickup in South America (VW pickup concept debuts at 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show). That's what we need, a modern, smaller but truly work-ready truck; not a trendy, pop-culture, softie pick-'em-up.Full story here.
There's an interesting comment over in AutoObserver today, regarding the just-introduced at Paris Honda Insight concept:
Fuel economy? Somewhere close to the Civic hybrid,...
Okay, if that's the case, then what's the point? Shouldn't this car get better--if not significantly better--gas mileage than the Civic hybrid? Is this just going to be a styling statement much like the original '60s-era Karmann Ghia VW, a "designer hybrid," so to speak? Is this Insight merely something in which owners can drive around whispering to the neighbors that, hey, I'm green?
Sort of reminds me of a while back when Bentleys and Roll-Royces were identical, save for the grille. It was often said that Bentley owners were a bit more restrained, and that they, unlike RR owners, didn't want to announce their wealth so much.
If there's one good thing about the massive venue Volkswagen chose for its premiere party, it's the fact that the cars could actually drive around a little on stage. Nothing too crazy, just a few figure eights to give the crowd a little taste of what each car looked like in motion. When it came time to roll out the new 2010 Volkwagen GTI, the executive behind the wheel couldn't help goose the throttle a few times as he navigated the show stage. The tires squealed as the GTI displayed massive understeer, but it was fun to watch nonetheless.
As for the car itself, there's not much to say. It's almost indistinguishable from the current model and its 2.0T engine only has 10 additional horsepower. A standard electronic limited-slip differential should get it out of the corners a little faster than before, though, so expect a solid all-around hatchback when it goes on sale in the U.S. next fall. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
Sick of hearing all the hybrid hype? Well, we already know how the Mechanic feels, and now we have a pretty good idea what Martin Winterkorn, chairman of Volkswagen, thinks about the emerging technology. In the final presentation at Volkswagen's pre-show premiere party, Winterkorn not only introduced Volkswagen's cleanest Passat diesel ever, he delivered a few choice words about the competition.
"Why drive a hybrid when you can have a clean diesel now?" he asked rhetorically. He went on to call diesel "a reliable and affordable alternative" to hybrids and noted that although hybrids might imply high technology, "we set the pace when it comes to technology." You hear that, GM and Toyota? -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
VW will use the Paris auto show to launch their latest generation GTI. As per previous generation models, the styling is very evolutionary. There is nothing here that will upset GTI loyalists.
The new GTI is powered by VW's new EA888 four-cylinder 2.0 turbo engine. It puts out 210 horsepower, which is 10 hp over the current GTI. Torque,remains unchanged at 206 pound-feet at just 1,800 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via either a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed double-clutch gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddles and a full automatic mode. New to the GTI is an electronic differential called XDS, that operates through an enhanced electronic stability program to help power get to the road cleanly and efficiently.
Volkswagen claims a zero to 60 mph in under 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph.
At the 62nd IAA in Germany VW showed a Caddy concept called the PanAmericana. It's based on the 1.9L turbo diesel 4WD Caddy, which is already on the market.
The vehicle on display is a concept, so the actual production version will differ a bit, but this gives you a pretty good idea as to what to expect; which is sort of a mini (midi?) Avalanche, but without a midgate. It appears to be sized like most mid-sized trucks, but is expected to have a hefty payload rating (VW refers to it as a 1-ton vehicle).
As it stands, here's what we know: We aren't getting it, at least not right away. Bummer! If you want one you will have to move to South America, South Africa or Australia. Note that besides the United States, Europe is not on this list. A glimmer of hope for the U.S. and European markets, however, is the phrase in the press release that states "other markets will follow." The truck will be built in Argentina and will arrive at dealers by the end of 2009.
Here's what we don't know: Two words: a lot. We don't know the name. We don't know any of the specs, or what engines and cab configurations will be offered (well, yeah, a crew cab for sure...).
Having said that, I think it's safe to assume that a version of the dual-range AWD found on the Touareg will be used; yes, the press release did mention "AWD." Also mentioned are both gas and diesel engines, most likely Touareg-derived would be my guess. As to the bed, it's wide enough to handle a "Euro pallet" sideways, something VW claims the competition can't do. If it ever comes here, I hope it's wide enough to handle 4 x 8 sheets of plywood.
The original VW bug lives on. Much like cockroaches, you just can't get rid of them. Even so, Mexico City is making a concerted effort to rid the city of the old VW bug taxis, as in this day and age, they're just too inefficient. They use too much fuel (19 mpg). They're too small and cramped. Worst of all, they are a major reason for Mexico City's poor air quality, as the engines are really quite dirty when compared to modern emission-controled engines.
"We want to get rid of them. ... This vehicle is now a nuisance in Mexico City," said Victor Manuel Ramirez, head of the taxi division at the city transport and road ministry. "The government wants to replace them with more modern, fuel-efficient vehicles."
Another Latin America-related story: A coke-powered Chevy
Here's another reason to keep body-on-frame construction: You can pack it with cocaine, hoping to get it past customs.
It doesn't always work, however. Police in Lyon, France snatched an old Chevy that arrived from South America in which the frame had been stuffed with cocaine. The cocaine was put in zinc boxes and then placed inside the frame, in hope of eluding drug-sniffing dogs.
Porsche has just increased its share of VW to 35.1 percent, up from 31 percent. In doing so, Porsche has gained "de facto" control over Volkswagen AG. Also, by increasing its ownership stake, Porsche is required by law to submit a formal offer to buy Volkswagen's subsidiary Audi.
Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche's CEO, said that the automaker has no intentions of separating Audi from the Volkswagen Group.
"We see Audi as an integral part of VW group and have no interest in taking the company out of the group."
"Our goal continues to be to increase our stake in Volkswagen to more than 50 percent," Wiedeking added. "Today's step is a further milestone along this road."
Lots of news these days about what's going to debut at the Paris auto show, so here's a bit of a break from that: VW will debut their new pickup at IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany, which is held next week.
Rumored to be called the Robust, or Toro II, the vehicle will be built at VW's factory in Pacheco, Argentina. VW is claiming it to be a 1-ton truck, but not in the same sense that American think of 1-toners. This will be more of what we call mid-sized, but with a very healthy payload rating. Expect gas and diesel versions to be offered.That's the good news. The bad news is it won't be for sale here; at least not now, or at least until the pickup market rebounds here. So if you live south of our border, or in Europe, you can get this new VW pick-em-up starting late in 2009.
VW, and possibly Fiat and Renault too, are considering putting forth rally teams for the WRC. I think this is great news if it comes to pass. I say the more the merrier.Personally I think the WRC is the most exciting form of 4-wheeled motorsport out there. And unlike NASCAR, the racers bear more than a passing resemblance to "stock" cars--like those you might find in showrooms.Full story here.
VW fans won't be shocked at the new images of the next-generation Golf, which was to be introduced later this week; but then again, best laid plans are foiled thanks to the Internet... The new model, as usual, follows the long-established VW Golf overall look, with a hint of the new Scirocco up front.
The new model is said be larger than the outgoing model. Gas engines should include a 1.4L TSI and a 1.8L TFSI (perhaps even the 2.0L TFSI?). On the diesel front, expect 1.9L and 2.0L TDI versions. A manual, automatic and DSG transmission are also expected.
VW and other European diesel makers are still bullish on this technology, but others aren't so sure. Besides the fact that diesel fuel continues to be substantially higher than premium gas, there is another new fly in the ointment which could douse the diesel fire here in the USA.
The recently revised EPA fuel rating methods have hurt diesel fuel ratings. For example, the Jetta TDI's EPA economy numbers are 40 percent better than the 21/29 of the Jetta with the base 2.5-liter gasoline 5-cylinder engine. That's great but not as great as VW had been hoping. The Jetta TDI's 30-mpg city figure is nearly achieved by some gasoline-engine compact cars. Worse still, hybrid-electric vehicles such as the Toyota Prius achieve a far superior 48-mpg city rating.
Mercury may be taking a page from arguably the most famous ad campaign ever, the Doyle, Dane Bernback VW "Think Small" ad from 1959. With no future new products slated coming from American Ford plants, Mercury could become the one-stop-shop for small Euro-Ford cars. At least that's what The New York Times is suggesting here.
We'll have a better idea Thursday as that's when Ford is going to lay out revised product plans, and how Mercury fits into that picture.
So, anyone placing any bets here? Do you think this could be Mercury's (Merkur's?) savior?
LeftLaneNews is reporting that a possible new mid-engine sportscar from VW may be in the works, and may be displayed at the LA auto show. If true, this would be a 'halo' car for the VW brand. Even more intrieging is that Audi and Porsche may also get versions.
Think of this as being a modern-day VW/Porsche 914. Also think Lotus Elise-fighter, but cheaper; well the VW version will be cheaper. A couple of engine could be used, all based on a four inline four-cylinder format set in front of the rear axles. As to specifics, a gasoline 1.4-liter turbo engine making 168 horsepower and a new 1.6-liter diesel with 125hp are under consideration. Either engine will likely use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Audi version would likely use the 211hp 2.0TFSI engine, with the option of a twin-turbo 2.0-liter TDI good for 204hp. Porsche may even revive the 914 nameplate for their model.
Also expected is an aluminum spaceframe. If true, the car would weigh in at under 2,200lbs, which would mean great performance as well as fuel economy.
Unlike the up! concepts shown--which were rear-engine and RWD, as per the original Beetle--the production up! will be powered by FWD.
The decision to go FWD was cost. Staying with current FWD VW engineering is by far the cheaper way to go, as existing mechanical components can be shared.
For all you gearheads sitting by the pool (with your laptop of course), by the lake, by the beach, at the park, or wherever, here's a few automotive related items to get you through until Monday, when we start all over again:
The Parajet Skycar: Britain's zero-carbon flying dune buggy aims for Timbouctou.
Good news for the US auto industry, and especially good news for the South, as they get yet another auto factory. VW has selected Chattanooga, TN for their new plant, which will build a sedan specific to North America. This will be a $1 billion investment and will mean 2,200 new jobs coming to the area. The expected startup is early 2011.
VW is working on producing a 100km per liter car, and obviously the key word here is production. The news is being reported on this Aussie site, but first surfaced on the UK's CAR site. So in Australia, that means one could travel from Sydney to Brisbane on just 10 litres of fuel.
Sound too wild to be true? Perhaps, but VW says it can it, and by 2010, so I guess we'll see. Not much is known about the car, but VW did show a concept back in 2002 (pictured) which might well be the basis of this new vehicle.Full story here.
Great news for fuel cell advocates, as Honda has announced that deliveries of the fuel cell-powered Clarity will begin in July, as well as providing news as to where these cars can be obtained here in the USA.
Film producer Ron Yerxa will take delivery of the first FCX Clarity in July. Other early adopters for Honda's next-generation fuel cell vehicle are author and actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her filmmaker husband Christopher Guest; business owner and car enthusiast Jim Salomon; actress Laura Harris; and Jon Spallino, who was already the world's first retail fuel cell vehicle customer. He had been been leasing a current generation FCX since 2005...
Last year there were reports that Apple and VW may get together and do a vehicle of some sort. Now there is a report on the German site Autobild (via Carscoop) of a possible result of that pairing.
So is this the "iCar?" Don't know, but it's certainly possible.
The Chrysler-sourced VW Routan minivan will start $24,700 for the "S" model. The mid-range "SE" stickers at $29,600, and the range-topping "SEL" starts at $33,200. As an added incentive VW is partnering with Upromise, the country's largest private source of college funding, to offer Routan customers $1500 towards their kid's college education.
"We know parents are concerned about saving for their kid’s future...
Fresh off nailing down the Jaguar/Land Rover deal; there are rumors that Tata is interested in getting a stake in both MV Agusta, the hyper-performance Italian motorcycle maker; and Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.
It's interesting to note that both VW (VW and Ducati?) and now Tata, are interested in getting an exotic motorcycle brand under their large umbrellas.
As for Pininfarina, Tata is aiming to take a minority holding in the firm, partnering up with the French industrial group, Bollore, with up to a 100-million euro capital increase. It's expected that Tata and Bollare will cut down the Pininfarina family's share from 55-percent to 30-percent...
VW is making a couple of significant changes to the warranties of all their 2009 models. One is good and one is bad.
Good: VW will be offering a new maintenance service plan called the "Carefree Maintenance Program." It's a no-charge program that will cover (pay for!) scheduled maintenance for the life of the new-car warranty, which three years or 36,00 miles. Also, the scheduled maintenance intervals are now stretched out to 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 miles; meaning there will be fewer needed stops to the dealer during that course of time...
There are much clearer pictures of the upcoming VW Robust pickup now up on the Net, thanks to Brenda Priddy and her gang of photo sleuths.
This time a crew cab version was caught with only the front and rear masked. It appears to be mid-sized, and hints a bit ,from the profile of the Chevy Colorado. The Robust will come in both 2WD and 4WD versions...
There are stories up on the Net that, back in 1985, VW's Chairman Ferdinand Peich had wanted to buy Italian motorcycle maker Ducati. This was back when Ducati was in financial trouble, and could have been bought for a song.
...And apparently VW is still interested in acquiring Ducati according to a recent Bloomberg.com news item.
"I would still like a small, valuable motorcycle manufacturer," says Peich, who, at the age of 71, owns and rides a Ducati...
OK, that Ford neo-Thunderbird image was posted to get your attention. Guess what... it's one on the list.
So David Kinney, a guy who follows old cars, and who's the publisher of Cars That Matter Price Guide, has listed six now-cheap cars that he guarantees will raise in value over the years...
More evidence of VW's new Robust pickup has shown up over at UK's AutoExpress. Straightline just did a blog on this last week (VW's Robust pick-em-up).
In addition to the crew cab seen here, it's expected to be offered in a regular cab model as well. The vehicle is sized to go against the mid-sized Japanese pickups, but will likely have a higher payload than the Asian competitors...
It's long been known that VW is interested in jumping into the water with a new pickup truck. Recently there have been spy images of a Toyota-based pickup coming from (VW pickup spied!).
The latest news coming from PickupTruck.com indicates that the working name for this vehicle is "Robust," and that it will be a true VW design. Whether that name sticks, or just remains an internal code name is still in question...
DISCLAIMER: Yes, this is a Subaru video. Yes, I'm a Subaru fan. Yes, the Forester and Legacy GT have different AWD systems (VDC on the GT which allows for 1-wheel traction, and not on '08 Forester, but is on '09 Forester). Yes, the Highlander and VW here are 2007 models, and therefore may not represent what's currently being sold...
Not "ugly" as in looks, because I don't think there is an ugly VW being sold. I mean ugly in terms of what's happened to VW over the years, as in going from numero uno in import sales (back in the 1960s) to an also-ran (today).
AutoObserver has posted a good editorial on the "People's Car;" what they're doing right, very little; and what they're doing wrong, a whole lot. Basically it centers around VW's effort to go upmarket, and in doing so, lost many of their long-time core customers...
Would you be willing to pay $30K for the Volkswagen Scirocco? Certain members of Volkswagen’s executive board in the U.S. don’t think so. That’s why they’ve been telling the home office not to send the Scirocco to the U.S. after it goes on sale in Europe later this year.
At least that’s what we hear. Too much overlap with the GTI, they say. They’ve got a point, as the Scirocco is pretty much just a GTI with a different body. Factor in the R32 that’s also based on the GTI and it’s hard to make a good business case for bringing in the Scirocco. Maybe a limited run like the R32? We’ll see, but don’t get your hopes up. –- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line
There are reports now circulating that an increased Porsche ownership in VW could lead to more mergers and industry consolidation. When this goes through there's a good possibility that VW might take over the Swedish truckmaker Scania, combining it with German truck maker MAN, which VW owns 29.9 percent. In doing so it would make for a huge European commercial truck giant.
There have been rumors for a very long time that Porsche wanted more of a stake in VW than it currently has. It's been an unofficial on-and-off thing for quite a while.
Now, it is indeed official, as they (Porsche) are going to buy more than 50% of VW, effectively taking control of the company. It should also be noted that Porsche does not plan on merging the two companies...
VW will debut a diesel hybrid that's sure to generate a lot of buzz within the auto industry. It has a 3-cylinder 75 hp diesel that's paired to a 27 hp electric motor. Power is transferred to the ground via a 7-speed DSG transmission, and VW claims 69 mpg. It's full hybrid in that it can run on all electric power, diesel power, or any combination of the two...
In the latest edition of broken news embargos, there are now images up on the Net of the production VW Scirocco. The car will debut at the Geneva auto show next week.
Probably most surprising, at least to me, is the front, as it looks very little like the concept that had been making the auto show rounds. And, as is often the case, I prefer the concept, at least from the front...
The German military seems to feel that the VW Touareg is well suited to be a military scout car, a modern-day Kübelwagen, if you will. No word on what was done to beef the vehicle up to military specs, or to protect from IEDs, other than what you can see here.
Wonder what's under the hood? I bet a diesel of some sort; perhaps their 5-cylinder TDI, or maybe even the V10 TDI!
Volkswagen of America's President and CEO Stefan Jacoby announced that the Windy City was an appropriate place for the 2009 VW Routan debut as there is a "fresh wind" at VW. Perhaps "winds of change" may have been a more appropriate translation.
Either way, with "Come and Get Your Love" playing in the background, Jacoby and Volkswagen R&D Chief Ulrich Hackenburgposed happily for a photo op with their, er, Chrysler's baby, the Routan minivan.
We say Chrysler's baby, because underneath its shiny VW sheet metal, the Routan is really a Dodge Caravan without the benefit of Chrysler's handy Stow 'n Go seat option...
It has been long known that VW would love to have a piece of the pickup market, and now we have a couple of spy shots of said truck.
What's surprising is that this may not be a pure VW effort, but rather a re-badged Toyota Hilux pickup. Apparently this is not the first time VW has colaberated with Toyota, as they did this back in the '80s as well.
VW has announced that their new Routan minivan will debut at the Chicago Auto Show.
Never heard of a "Routan," you say? Well, it's a byproduct of a VW-Chrysler get together. Chrysler's done the heavy lifting here, with VW sprinkling some people's car fairy dust upon it...
Sure, it was strange seeing Bob Lutz and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick bustin' a move to Kid Rock. And surely it was a bit surreal to see a herd of longhorn steer trying (in vain) to procreate on the streets of Detroit.
But we maintain that the weirdest thing we've seen at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show is VW Group Overlord and all-around German-industry sultan, Dr. Ferdinand Piech without a security detail...
Are you like us? Are you still trying to figure out what a four-door coupe might be, exactly? Well, according to Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby, the Passat CC four-door coupe is a "road runner in a tuxedo." So, we reckon that clears things right up for you.
The CC, which goes on sale near the end of the year in the U.S., is an attempt by Volkswagen to push the Passat upmarket and to make it a more "emotional" car...
VW, already known for having a very good DSG, will be offering a 7-speed DSG shortly. Normally you would expect something like this to show up on some high-ticket brand. Not so, as this is VW—and it will be offered in the much "people cars" Golf and Golf Plus. Like the new '08 Subaru Impreza and '09 Forester with manual transmissions, these cars will come with a "Hill Assist" to aid in starting on hills without any rolling back...
As of January 1, 2008 VW is changing their name here to "Volkswagen Group of America." The reason for the name change is to give more attention to the Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini nameplates, which are under VW’s brand umbrella, as well as Volkswagen and Audi. Full story here.
1947: First design sketch of the rear-engined Transporter produced
1950: Production of the first generation, 'split-screen' Transporter started in Wolfsburg for the 1950 model year with an air-cooled, 1131 cc engine developing 25 PS borrowed from the Volkswagen Beetle. By comparison, today's Transporter has a choice of four TDI PD diesel engines from 1.9-litres to 2.5-litres, producing from 84 PS to 174 PS
1955: Volkswagen imported the first Transporter to the UK
1956: Transporter production moved to a new Volkswagen factory in Hanover. 1967: The second generation, 'bay window' Transporter was introduced. Over three million were made during 12 years of production. It's still produced to this day in Mexico 1979: The third generation Transporter was introduced
1982: After 32 years and with production totalling over five million vehicles, the Transporter switched from air-cooled to water-cooled engines - still rear-mounted
1990: The fourth generation Transporter was introduced and became the first to have the engine at the front to leave a completely flat load area
2003: The current, fifth generation Transporter made its debut
2007: Rock legends, The Who, performed live at an official event to celebrate 60 years of Volkswagen vans held in Hanover, Germany, which attracted 71,000 visitors with an amazing selection of over 5,000 Transporter vans
I would love to see modern Transporter-like trucks here once again...
Volkswagen broke out the big guns for the introduction of its Space Up! Blue fuel cell vehicle. Surrounded by basketball-dribbling guys in Lakers jerseys, the tiny compact car rolled out of what looked like a gigantic Pringles can with former NBA player John Salley riding shotgun. After some inane banter with a VW executive who asked what Salley thought of the car, the co-host of The Best Damn Sports Show Period disappeared. Didn't really get the connection. So come to think of it, maybe they weren't such big guns.
Anyway, Volkswagen's Space Up! concept was shown in Tokyo, but the Blue version features VW's new high-temperature fuel cell (HT-FC). Featuring an electric motor capable of producing 45 KW, this subcompact can reach a theoretical top speed of 75 mph and can go from zero to 62 mph in a "dynamic" 13.7 seconds. Yes, very dynamic. The batteries have a range of 65 miles and with the hydrogen fuel cell, range is estimated to be 220 miles.
If you think the control interface shown in the video below looks familiar, Volkswagen's designers agree. However, VW's new prototype touchscreen interface was developed completely separate from the iPhone. According to VW interface designer Gustav Hofmann, those on the design team were quite surprised when iPhone advertisements showed up with a touchscreen interface and carousel menus eerily similar to those found in the Space Up! Blue concept vehicle shown here in Los Angeles.
This isn’t the actual 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco, but it pretty close. Based on the same prototypes shown in our latest Scirocco spy video, this illustration reveals just how close the production Scirocco will come to the Iroc concept. It looks pretty good, but don’t expect to see it in the U.S. anytime soon...
Should you need any more evidence that the world of cars has become a crazy, mixed-up international world, you should have been at the Tokyo auto show's first press conference this morning. The company displayed more languages at its press conference than it did automobiles. You had German (of course), Japanese, Italian and English. No Esperanto though...
VW might be once again considering a pickup truck for the US market. A few years back, before the Touareg debuted, VW showed the concept truck showed above. However, somewhere along the way they got cold feet and backed off the idea...
If VW continued to sell the Westfalia Camper in the U.S., this is what it would look like. This is a camper or caravan conversion of a VW Multivan plus it's a limited-edition California No Limit -- love Euro names.
Part of the special edition includes suede seating and painted appliances which consist of a two-burner stove, sink and fridge. Of course there's the pop-up sleeping compartment and hidden storage spaces throughout...
Although the Volkswagen stand here in Frankfurt feels like it's the size of a football field, only two models were revealed at today's press conference. The first was the up! concept shown last night, while the rest of the time was devoted to the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. The Tiguan seems like old news now, but this was its official world premiere...
Volkswagen made a big deal about a very small car at tonight's pre-show unveil party. It's called the up! Concept, and it's Volkswagen's answer to the Smart city car. Chairman of the Board, Martin Winterkorn, said it was the first project he turned his attention to when he became head of the German automaker...
VW is reportedly going to move their US corporate headquarters from Auburn Hills, MI to the Dulles Corridor, which is just west of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia. Besides VW, Audi and Bentley will also pack their bags and head east.
VW is scheduled to make an announcement on this on Thursday, and will surely outline the reasons behind the move.
The Net was abuzz all day about the possibility VW and Apple partnering to develop an iCar. Apparently the CEOs of both companies, Steve Jobs and Martin Winterkorn met earlier this week to discuss a possible deal.
If this were to happen, it's sure to be one wild ride, packed with technology no one has even thought of before. You also know it will cost about twice what other comparable (if that word can even be used here) vehicles cost...
The thing that's neat about events like the Woodward Dream Cruise, is that you see concrete evidence of gearheads with way too much time on their hands. Case in point, this oh-so-cool VW microbus that's been converted into a rolling pool table, that Winding Road found while checking out the scene.
These are the first spy photos of what looks like the 2009 Volkswagen Passat coupe. Yes, this prototype clearly has four doors, but this is a "coupe" the same way a Mercedes-Benz CLS is a coupe. Volkswagen intends to position this low slung sedan as a step up from the traditional Passat, so expect a more luxurious interior and a price tag that will push well past $40K. Sales are expected to start in the U.S...
A dubious award for sure, but the VW Beetle leads the list of most recalled vehicles for 2007. While seeing VW leading the list might not come as a surprise, the number two on this list might surprise you.
Find out which one that is plus the rest here and here (for slide show) on the BusinessWeek.com listing.
Actually it's not a Business Week listing, but rather a listing put together by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)...
Inside Line conducted a not-really-a-comparison test by pitting the BMW M3 against some of our favorite cars. There was no track testing involved, just an all-out drive across Spain.
The players were a 2008 BMW M3, a VW Golf GTI, an Audi RS4, a Porsche 911 GT3 and an Audi R8.
For a while there it looked like the "Bluetec" name and technology, which was developed by DaimlerChrysler, was going to be used by other German brands in order to achieve the US Tier 2 Bin 5 diesel regulations. Both BMW and VW had earlier said they they would be on board with Bluetec.
However last year BMW bowed out, preferring to go their own way. Now VW has backed out stating that they would continue to use the TDI branding...
VW is going back-to-the-future at the upcoming Frankfurt auto show with their City Expert concept. How so you ask? Think basic "People's Car."
Oh, wait you want more... Okay, how about an über basic automobile (projected price to be under $12,000) with a rear-mounted flat-four (boxer) engine?..
A few days ago Straightline ran a story on the upcoming Porsche Cayenne hybrid (Porsche Cayenne hybrid to use 1/3 less fuel). Now, thanks to Jalopnik, we have more info on the vehicle. According to Porsche, the Cayenne hybrid will be off-road capable. Now that may not mean much to US customers, but outside our borders (Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia) this is important, as these vehicles do go off road. Also—and perhaps more important—this same system will be used on the VW Touareg hybrid, which will definitely be used more off road worldwide.
These are the first pictures of what appears to be the 2010 Volkswagen Rabbit. It doesn't appear substantially different from the current Volkswagen Rabbit, but it shouldn't as it's based on the same platform. A slight increase in size is expected and we'll probably see some updated engines too by the time it makes its way to the U.S. Although we expect to see this go on sale as the Golf in Europe by 2009, U.S...
Might VW pull out of the US market if they can't right their financial ship?
BusinessWeek has an interesting article on VW and their state of affairs here in America, and it's not very rosy.
"But there's only so long any management can put up with nearly $1 billion annual losses. Says one executive close to VW: "For the first time in some time, the phrase If we are to stay in the U.S.' precedes a lot of conversations at VW."
I can't imagine the American car market without a Volkswagen presence. It would almost be like having Chrysler disappear (which still might happen!)...
These are the first spy photos of the upcoming Volkswagen Scirocco. Don't get too excited, however, as there are no plans at this time for U.S. sales. The big wigs at the U.S...
We love hatchbacks, especially sporty ones. The VW R32 is a revved-up Rabbit with all-wheel drive and a 250-hp V6 engine. The interior is pretty comfy too.
Inside Line drove it across the Alps to see if it's worth $33,000.
Even though the VW Tiguan won't be announced until the Frankfurt auto show this fall, official images have been released.
The handsome small SUV will powered by a choice of three TSI and two TDI engines. Of these the completely new developments are the extremely quiet TDIs with common rail fuel injection. They achieve 103 kW / 140 hp and 125 kW / 170 hp and at 1,750 rpm already output 320 Nm or 350 Nm in four-wheel drive. Both TDIs already meet the limits of the Euro-5 standard first coming into effect in 2009.
VW is offering Touareg off-road adventures that showcase the off road ability of the Touareg, called the TouaregAdventure. This trip is planned for Moab, Utah, which is about as off road as it gets.
“It’s our goal to introduce our special guests to one of the country’s most gorgeous natural environments, in the comfortable confines of our new Touareg,” said Steve Keyes, general manager public relations, Volkswagen of America...
Did you know that Ford experimented with rear-engined cars back in the 1930s? ...And not only that, but also with both inline and transverse engine arrangements. Ford also played around with 4-wheel steering, as well as rear-engined cars that powered the front wheels!..
In a tune-up for the 2008 Dakar Rally, VW entered their Touareg racers in the Baja 500, taking one and two in their class. Overall they finished 11th and 16th out of 273 competitors.
Perhaps even more amazing is they did this all without refueling! The vehicles were using the 2.5L 5-cylinder turbo diesel (not available on US-spec Touaregs)...
Last week news leaked out that VW was about to announce a 7-speed DSG gearbox. Here's the official press release: __________
PIONEERING SEVEN-SPEED DSG GEARBOX BREAKS COVER
Volkswagen has developed an evolution of its pioneering DSG gearbox. The new seven-speed system – a world first and codenamed DQ200 – uses a pair of dry clutches in preference to the six-speed version’s twin wet clutches. This increases efficiency and performance over the wet clutch six-speed system...
Well, you just knew this was bound to happen: A disgruntled Cadillac owner is suing GM over the fact that the OnStar on his '02 Caddy will go dead next year as GM converts their OnStar system from analog to digital. Welcome to the world of high technology, where nothing is safe from obsolescence...
This change will also affect some cars from Acura, Audi, Subaru and Volkswagen. Some vehicles made between 2002 and 2004 can be upgraded, but all pre-2002 models will become obsolete...
Volkswagen management has rejected Porsche's takeover offer. "The value of Volkswagen shares is superior to the price offered," is the reason for the rejection.
Back in March Porsche stated it would increase its share in VW by 3.6 percent. In doing so, that would raise Porsche's ownership to 30.9 percent, thereby triggering a German law requiring a public launch takeover of all outstanding VW shares...
Bad news for VW fans, as the Wolfsburg boys have announced that the upcoming all-new Scirocco is not going to make the trip across the pond.
Reason? VW fears it will steal sales from the GTI, and that they already have too many hatches being sold in a country (USA) that has an aversion to hatches.
VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Although it will be shown next week in New York, the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg made its North American debut today at the Vancouver Auto Show under the gigantic white garbage bag that covers BC Place Stadium. Dubbed as the Touareg 2, it's actually more along the lines of Touareg 1.5, as it quite clearly is a mid-life refresh of Volkswagen's first sport utility that originally appeared for the 2004 model year. Volkswagen's new trademark chrome grille and curvier headlights have been adopted up front, while darkened tail lamps highlight the changes out back...
In a surprise move, Volkswagen announced that their luxury liner Phaeton will return Stateside. This news was reported on Winding Road via Bloomberg News.
The Phaeton just got a freshening at Geneva, and that's what we'll be getting here.
Volkswagen once again flew under the radar at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show by unveiling what we'll eventually come to know as the Jetta wagon. In Eurospeak it's whimsically named the Golf Variant, but even that wasn't enough to make anybody notice. It goes on sale in Europe this summer which means we'll probably see it sometime late this year or in early 2008. Then again, given Volkswagen's track record as of late, you might not want to get your hopes up for another couple of years or so.—Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
VW is planning on showing the ultra-frugal Passat Bluemotion at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The Bluemotion diesel Passat is reported to average of 5.1 litres of diesel over 100 kilometres (55.4 mpg). The Passat wagon BlueMotion needs 5.2 litres (54.3 mpg) and produces 137 g/km of CO2 – also a top value, even in comparison to vehicles worldwide. Both sedan and wagon versions have a driving range of up to 1,350 kilometres (838 miles) with a full tank...
On the surface the U.S.-spec 2008 Volkswagen R32 introduced today in Chicago doesn't look much different than the previous R32 sold in 2004. It has 250 horsepower, all-wheel drive and a bunch of cosmetic upgrades. When we dug a little deeper with Volkswagen Product Specialist Andres Valbuena, however, the 2008 R32 sounded a little better. Turns out this R32 is tuned to the exact specifications of the European model...
VW has just announced the next-generation TDI in Germany. Being part of the consortium of German auto manufacturers developing the Bluetec diesel technology, VW claims this new TDI will be the cleanest diesel on the planet. Hmmm... I wonder how this compare to the ultra-clean diesel Honda is working on?
The new 2.0 liter common rail diesel engine is different from the urea injection systems used in other Bluetec vehicles, in that a nitrogen oxide reservoir in the catalytic converter is used to help it meet even Californian's most stringent emission standards, the Tier 2 / Bin 5 levels...
The VW CrossTouran will debut at the Bologna Motor Show. One thing that's interesting here with this vehicle is that it has different size 17" tires on the front and rear (215/50 front, 235/45 back)—something never before seen on this type of vehicle, and in this price range.
It's rumored that the CrossTouran (Tiguan?) may be sold Stateside in couple of years. A somewhat similar Volkswagen Concept Tiguan was shown at the LA Show...
Volkswagen invited us to a star-studded Hollywood shindig to debut the Concept Tiguan. Well, mostly I ate hors d'oeuvres and downed champagne while trying to find a woman to talk to. Success on all counts! At least, I think so. Had a bit of champagne, you see.
Set in a swanky Hollywood studio on Melrose, Ludacris spun beats while star-stalkers mingled with journalists and VW brass, none of whom wore name tags. I pretended I was a producer, even though I have no clue what a producer does. Christian Slater, Danny Masterson, members of the Wu Tang Clan, and David Spade were confirmed to show up, but since the camera adds 20 pounds, I didn't recognize them. Heck, celebrities are inevitably much shorter than you expect them to be, so I probably looked right over the tops of their heads.
So you thought you would have to cough up big Lexus $$$ in order to get a car that will park itself? Not so, as VW offers that feature on their Touran people-mover. The catch: You need to move to Europe...
In an obvious "Braggiin' Rights-oriented" PR stunt, a VW Touareg turbo diesel tows a 155 ton Boeing 747. Regardless, this is pretty darn impressive!
The V10 Touareg TDI was slightly (?) modified with an additional 15,498 pounds of ballast weight, and it used the 4.56 axle from the Touareg V8. All Touaregs are rated for 7,715 (with trailer brakes) for towing—also very impressive for a mid-sized SUV.
The folks over at JDR Tuning are planning on unleashing 250 and 385 horsepower Mega-Beetles for VW fans. The 385-hp beast will use the HPA R32 3.2 liter V6 with twin turbochargers Chassis, brakes and wheels have also been upgraded to help control all the extra power. Even Quattro AWD will be offered as an option.
There have been a number of stories recently about Porsche increasing their percentage of VW ownership, perhaps even raising it to a point in which they would have a controlling interest.
Is this a good thing? Matthew Lynn of Bloomberg News thinks not. His point being why would Porsche want to take on all the baggage and headaches that are associated with VW?..
Some official looking photos have made their way on to the Internet of the new VW Passat R36.
The R36 will come in both sedan and wagon variants and most likely will get a 280-hp 3.6-liter V6, coupled with the DSG automanual and 4Motion all-wheel drive. It will probably debut at the Geneva show.
Volkswagen's new Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn plans on making some big changes, according to Spiegel magazine.
Spiegel said that Winterkorn plans to create a special premium brand group including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini and a mass brand group including Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda.
In another proposed move, the roles of executive board members would be recast, including creating a central post for a development chief.
Think Mary Kay Edition but for the less ambitious, the new VW Beetle Barbie Edition comes only in shocking Pepto Bismol Pink, and will be priced from $24,300.
Not only are the domestic carmakers having trouble turning profits, but so is Volkswagen, as their profits dropped 92 percent during the third quarter.
The Wolfsburg-based company earned 23 million euros ($29.1 million) in the July-September period, down from the 282 million euros it earned in the same period last year. But the result was better than the 4 million euros ($5.06 million) analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had expected.
Much of this is due to severance costs and a pensions deal associated with a wide-ranging corporate restructuring...
Pope Benedict XVI, a man of the people, fittingly gets a new "People's Car," a trick 450 horsepower W12 VW LWB Phaeton. So with the Pope's blessing, the VW limo gets a new lease on life. Maybe...
Do you think this new Popemobile will translate into some street cred for the long-suffering VW flagship?..
