Europe's Largest Manufacturer - Noise, Vibration, and Harshness

Success, Winston Churchill once observed, is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. By that measure, Volkswagen is as successful as they come.For one thing, the automaker has the enthusiasm angle nailed down tight. And not without reason: VW really is successful. Already Europe's largest manufacturer, the pride of Wolfsburg recently overtook Ford to become the world's third-biggest carmaker. That's quite an achievement for a family-run firm that once led the field in building air-cooled, rear-engine curiosities.Of course, present-day market position is not always the best predictor of future success. You could ask General Motors. Or you could simply recall England's BMC. At one time the world's third-largest car seller, its remains are scattered today in Germany, India, China, on the side of the road, and in heaven.Most felicitously for its shareholders (dominated by the self-directed PiГ«ch and Porsche clans), the market currently values Volkswagen more highly than any other car company. Proclaiming that it will sell ten million cars worldwide each year and an incredibly ambitious one million cars annually in the United States by 2018 (2007 sales: 328,068), the Volkswagen Group is nothing if not enthusiastic. It is also supremely and, to my mind, inexplicably confident for an outfit that just foisted the Routan minivan upon us Americans.Actually, while it continues to show all the promise in the world, VW seems to have a host of problems here in the U.S. that ought to give it pause. Although the new Golf looks all right and the Up! concept cars are trГЁs magnifique, style has been downgraded. The lines of the current Passat and Jetta have lost the characterful distinctiveness of their immediate predecessors and look eerily like late-model Toyotas, vehicles hardly deserving of tribute, which has hurt sales. The Eos is less handsome than a Renault Alliance.Similarly, it's difficult to see how the Mercedes-Benz CLS-style CC four-door coupe is going to change the game. Yet VW has predicted it will sell some 160,000 CCs a year in the United States. This is, I fear, dangerously insane, more so since the economy hit the dumpster. And the strong hint from VW executives that they'll start engineering dumbed-down, cheaper-to-build cars for America is also ominous. That's not change we need. But for now, it's the Routan that most colorfully marks VW's wrong-way run into its own end zone.
[ Via: Automobilemag ]
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2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Well, this is certainly a diesel car that most Americans could love. It has lots of torque, of course, but also more revs than you'd expect. My biggest impression of the powertrain is the linearity of the power delivery and the elasticity of the throttle - the accelerator pedal has a lot of tension in it, which is good.I'm also reminded of how much better the Jetta is now than the last-generation car that became America's sweetheart, before its lack of quality bit everyone in the ass. This car has much better body control, steering, and brakes than before.
[ Via: Automobilemag ]
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2009 Volkswagen CC, 2009 Nissan Maxima, 2009 Mazda 6 - Midsize Sedan Comparison

Many are the mid-size sedan offerings, and most are sold in large numbers. Naturally, whenever a product is produced in great quantities, its very popularity will cause a subset of its audience to seek an alternative. Something a bit sportier, or more luxurious, or more stylish. The Volkswagen CC, the Nissan Maxima, and the Mazda 6 all hail from mainstream automakers, yet all three address this desire for something more in a mid-size car.Volkswagen's CC - the letters stand for Comfort Coupe - is the newest of the three. This low-slung four-door is essentially a rebodied Passat. VW has wrapped its mid-size sedan mechanicals in a sheetmetal form that is obviously inspired by the Mercedes-Benz CLS (itself a rebodied E-class).The Nissan Maxima has been a premium mid-size offering forever - or so it seems - but the 2009 version has been restyled inside and out to put more psychic distance between it and Nissan's volume-selling Altima, which uses the same platform.The 6 is Mazda's volume-selling mid-sizer, except that it's never sold in quantities anywhere near those of its big-name competitors, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. That alone makes it a bit of an alternative choice, and we've long felt that the Mazda provides a greater degree of driver involvement than the typical mid-size sedan. For 2009, the 6 is brand-new, with a particularly shapely new design. West Coast editor Jason Cammisa came back from his initial drive raving about the new version, so we thought a top-spec 6 could hold its own in this company.Styling is the first element you encounter, and although appearance is ultimately subjective, a few comments can be made. The Mazda's look is a major departure from that of its mundane predecessor, but the design is still perhaps not as dramatic as the other two cars here. The new Maxima is a vast improvement over the previous model and looks nothing like the Altima. The VW is a faithful copy of the CLS, from its banana-shaped profile to its slitlike side windows, but if you're going to copy, the highly successful CLS is a good template.In all three of these cars, the emphasis on style means a rakish roofline that threatens to seriously clip rear-seat headroom. True enough, medium-height and taller adults risk a painful thwack if they forget to duck their heads getting into the back of any of these cars.

[ Via: Automobilemag ]
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VW Golf Plus officially debuts in Bologna

The second generation of Volkswagen's Golf Plus has made its official debut (after an earlier blooper-style unveil) today at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Like the first edition that debuted back in 2004 and was based on the MK V Golf architecture, the new Plus is a raised-roof MPV version of the new sixth-gen Golf. We think it's quite fetching in a mini-minivanish sort of way, especially when equipped with the optional 18-inch alloys as seen above. Although the official powerplant options have yet to be revealed, the European market, which is where this new model will be sold, is sure to dictate that a range of diesel and petrol engines are on the menu.
VeeDub's cool ParkAssist system will also be optional on the new Golf Plus. The technology displays a real-time image of what's directly behind the car and can take control of the steering wheel to guide the car into a parking spot. Expect the official launch to take place next Spring in the UK.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: bologna motor show, BolognaMotorShow, golf plus, GolfPlus, volkswagen golf plus, VolkswagenGolfPlus, vw golf plus, VwGolfPlus ]

VW shows off Scirocco Study R in Bologna

Volkswagen's new Scirocco is rapidly becoming a popular canvas for customizing, and Wolfsburg itself is getting into the act. The Bologna Motor Show has been graced with the Scirocco Study R, which could be a preview of a production version called the Scirocco R20T. The Study R is a derivation of the ideas laid down by the GT24 race concept, with a sneery front end and a wing out back. The Study R is more understated in white with subdued striping, red mirrors and a nostriled hood. Power is provided by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine that twirls the cogs in a six-speed DSG gearbox. Suspension and braking systems have also been tweaked to deliver on the image's sporty promise, and a less restrictive exhaust offers some bark to underscore the bite. With the death of the R32, Volkswagen might bring the R20T to the North American market, and if it's anything like the Study R, we'll be saying R-thirty-who?

[ Via: Motor Authority ]
[ Tag: bologna motor show, BolognaMotorShow, scirocco r, scirocco r20t, SciroccoR, SciroccoR20t, study r, StudyR, volkswagen scirocco, volkswagen scirocco study r, VolkswagenScirocco, VolkswagenSciroccoStudyR, vw scirocco, vw scirocco study r, VwScirocco, VwSciroccoStudyR ]

MTM pumps up the VW Scirocco

It was only a matter of time before the Audi and VW specialists over at MTM got their hands on a Scirocco. The results are what we would expect from the German tuner: up to 272 horsepower, a sporty suspension, better brakes, and handsome 19- or 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. The boost in power comes from a re-mapped ECU combined with a new exhaust system that runs out of a modified rear fascia. The upgraded suspension system includes lowering springs and sport-tuned shocks, and the brakes come with eight-piston calipers with up to 15-inch discs.
[ Via: www.MTM–online.de ]
[ Tag: MTM, MTM Scirocco, MTM VW Scirocco, MtmScirocco, MtmVwScirocco, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Scirocco, VolkswagenScirocco, VW ]

 ABT Scirocco

[ Via: PRESS RELEASE:
ABT Sportsline at Essen Motor Show

The VW Tourareg TDI Trophy truck that was unveiled at the LA Auto Show last week made its competition debut on Saturday in the Baja 1000. The 550-hp diesel-powered off-road racer finished the 1,000 km race in 13th place in its class after a seal failed in the gearbox. The Arciero-Miller team had to swap out the whole box mid-race, dropping the truck well down in the standings. The Touareg is powered by a modified version of the same 5.5-liter V12 diesel used so successfully in the Audi R10 TDI for the last three years. It's the first clean diesel ever to run in the Baja 1000.




[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: baja 1000, Baja1000, vw touareg, vw touareg tdi trophy truck, vw touareg trophy truck, VwTouareg, VwTouaregTdiTrophyTruck, VwTouaregTrophyTruck ]

LA 2008: VW Race Touareg 2

This is Volkswagens entrant in this weekend's Baja 1000: a spaceframe-chassis Touareg TDI with 75 cm of suspension travel competing in the top-dog Trophy Truck class and utilizing an oil-burning V12 with nearly 550 hp. That's a long way from the first VW win in 1967 that came courtesy of a VW Beetle converted into one of the soon-to-be-ubiquitous dune monsters. Driver Mark Miller won the Baja 500 last year in the first Race Touareg. Aided by helicopters and eight support vehicles, we'll find out on Sunday if he and navigator Ryan Arciero can take The Big One this year.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: baja 1000, Baja1000, la 2008, la auto show, la auto show 2008, La2008, LaAutoShow, LaAutoShow2008, motorsports, race touareg 2, RaceTouareg2, volkswagen, volkswagen race touareg 2, VolkswagenRaceTouareg2, vw ]

MkVI VW Rabbit & GTI coming to America next September

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTIVolkswagen customers in the United States have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the new sixth-generation Rabbit and its GTI performance variant. And while it's still a little ways off, at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel as the German automaker has announced that the new model will hit the U.S. market in early September 2009. European customers, meanwhile, already began taking delivery of their new Golfs last month, with the GTI due to arrive there next summer.American versions will initially be available with the current 2.5-liter inline-five, a new 2-liter turbodiesel in the TDI version and the GTI's 2-liter TSI. A new 1.8-liter TFSI is expected to replace the base 2.5-liter unit, with 4Motion all-wheel-drive, TwinDrive hybrid and LPG versions to follow, as well as a possible all-electric version and a replacement for the current top-of-the-line R32 performance model. North American models will also come equipped with adaptive cruise control, adaptive chassis control and 19-inch wheels as standard. Of the current (fifth-generation) Rabbit, the GTI version accounted for roughly one third of models sold, which Volkswagen expects to continue with this new generation. In the meantime, you can check out the high-resolution images in the two galleries below.

[ Via: Inside Line ]
[ Tag: volkswagen, volkswagen golf, volkswagen gti, volkswagen rabbit, VolkswagenGolf, VolkswagenGti, VolkswagenRabbit, vw, vw golf, vw gti, vw rabbit, VwGolf, VwGti, VwRabbit ]

LA 2008: VW Jetta TDI named Green Car of the Year

There are a few standouts in the emerging green sector of the U.S. auto market that are hitting the market in 2009. BMW's first clean diesel in the United States, the 335d, is one such vehicle that has torque-loving enthusiasts salivating, and General Motors' upcoming Saturn Vue is the first application of the 2-Mode hybrid system in a front-wheel drive vehicle. No green car discussion is complete without a mention of the smart fortwo, which sports the best mileage of any non-hybrid car available. Of course, the new Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid from Ford are shaping up to be real contenders in the green mid-size sedan sweepstakes and they may take a chunk out of Camry hybrid sales when it finally debuts. Still, there is one '09 car that seems to offer the best of all worlds, with a relatively low starting price, excellent fuel economy and refined driving dynamics: The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. For these reasons, the oil-burner from Germany has been selected by Green Car Journal as the 2009 Green Car of the Year. We're not arguing with the decision, but you are, of course, free to make your voice heard in the comments section.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: 2009 green car of the year, 2009GreenCarOfTheYear, green car of the year, GreenCarOfTheYear, la, la 2008, la auto show, La2008, LaAutoShow, volkswagen jetta tdi, volkswagen jetta tdi green car of the year, VolkswagenJettaTdi, VolkswagenJettaTdiGreenCarOfTheYear, vw jetta green car of the year, vw jetta tdi, VwJettaGreenCarOfTheYear, VwJettaTdi ]

GM selling remaining Suzuki stake for $230M

General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner mentioned last week that, in addition to selling the HUMMER brand, other assets were being evaluated for sale, as well. While no other brands are likely to be sold off besides HUMMER, GM did announce this morning that it's selling all of its remaining stock in Suzuki. GM owns 16,413,000 Suzuki shares, which is about 3% of the Japanese automaker's traded stock. The value of the sale is estimated at $230 million, all of which should help keep the lights on at GM for an extra day or two if some form of government aid isn't approved this week by Congress.
Despite selling off its remaining interest in Suzuki, GM is still very much interested in continuing the two automakers' working relationship and may end up repurchasing a stake in the future. The giant American carmaker's interest in its Japanese competitor has fluctuated over the years, peaking in 2001 when it held over 20% of Suzuki's outstanding shares. In 2006, however, it sold 17.4% before today's unloading of the remaining 3%.


PRESS RELEASE

GM Sells Equity Stake in Suzuki Motor Corp.

Detroit – General Motors Corp. announced today it would sell its remaining equity stake in Suzuki Motor Corp. but based on a mutual agreement would continue the implementation and expansion of its business relationships with the company.

GM plans to sell 16,413,000 Suzuki shares, which is equal to 3 percent of Suzuki's total issued common stock, on the open market. Based on today's market price, the shares are worth approximately $230 million.

GM has held an equity stake in Suzuki since 1981, when it purchased approximately 5.3 percent of the Suzuki shares outstanding. GM's stake was diluted to 3.5 percent in subsequent years, but in 1998 GM increased its holding in Suzuki to 10 percent, and to slightly over 20 percent in 2001. In 2006, GM sold a 17.4 percent stake in Suzuki.

Suzuki and GM will continue promoting and implementing their existing projects, including development and collaboration on advanced technologies such as hybrids and fuel cells; joint operation of their CAMI vehicle manufacturing joint venture in Canada; collaboration on the development of powertrains; the cross-supply of OEM vehicles; joint global purchasing activities; and collaboration on entries in new emerging markets.

"We highly value our strategic relationship with Suzuki," said Rick Wagoner, GM chairman and chief executive officer. "Despite the sale of our remaining Suzuki shares, this action will have no impact on our existing bilateral business relationships. We look forward to continue building on our success to date with our long-term partner."

Suzuki and GM also agreed that they would discuss the repurchase of Suzuki shares by GM, should GM express its desire to do so at a future date.

[ Via: Autoblog (Suzuki) ]
[ Tag: general motors, GeneralMotors, gm, gm suzuki, gm suzuki sale, GmSuzuki, GmSuzukiSale, suzuki ]

NYT columnist calls on Steve Jobs to fix Detroit

In 2001, General Motors needed a revival and Bob Lutz was anointed The One. It was widely accepted that if anyone could breathe life into a struggling car company, it was him.
Fast-forward seven years, and GM is in the midst of a possible government bailout while its stock price sinks faster than a HUMMER's gas gauge on the freeway. It would seem that Maximum Bob's legendary straight-talking reputation for taking no prisoners and slicing through corporate red tape hasn't produced the results his supporters expected.
So if Bob Lutz can't save Detroit, who can? Steve Jobs, that's who. At least that's what Pulitzer Prize-winning Thomas Friedman says in his New York Times column. While some might be averse to the company, its products and/or its leader, Apple has made a ton of money while re-defining the computer, music and mobile phone industries. Isn't innovation what Detroit needs most?
What Friedman proposes is asking Steve Jobs to perform a "national service" for his country by taking reigns of one of Detroit's automakers for a year. The columnist has so much faith in the visionary talents of Jobs, he believes we'll all be lined up for a chance to buy a shiny new Chevrolet iCar. Or a JeepPro. Or a Mercury Lisa.
But we've heard in the past that Apple's CEO has been working for the other teams, so maybe Steve Wozniak could find some time in his schedule.

[ Via: MacDailyNews ]
[ Tag: apple, apple cars, apple icar, AppleCars, AppleIcar, bob lutz, BobLutz, icar, steve jobs, steve jobs car, SteveJobs, SteveJobsCar, thomas friedman, ThomasFriedman ]

LA Preview: VW to unveil diesel-powered Touareg TDI Trophy Truck

If Formula 1 is the pinnacle of on-road motorsports, competitive off-roading hits its apogee with the Baja Trophy Truck series. With vehicles sporting over 20 inches of suspension travel both front and rear, along with massive power provided by V8 engines, these trucks travel over the worst terrain imaginable at ludicrous speeds. Sounds like fun, right? Volkswagen thinks so, and while it's older Beetle-based buggies often make it through the race unscathed, albeit much slower than their big brothers, the automaker has decided to enter the top rung of the SCORE series and will debut its latest Touareg TDI to tackle the course at the upcoming LA Auto Show.
Boasting a turbocharged diesel 5.5L V12 engine that puts out 550 horsepower and a stump-pulling 625 lb-ft of torque, the 5,650-pound race-prepped Touareg should have the guts to keep up with the rest of the field. This will be the first turbo-diesel ever to compete at the Baja 1000 in the Trophy Truck class. Custom double A-arms up front and a four-link rear suspension provide 25 and 30 inches of wheel travel, respectively, and 37-inch BFG's will do their best to provide traction. VeeDub is set to officially unveil the truck on November 19th, just ahead of the 41st running of the big race.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: la 2008, la auto show, La2008, LaAutoShow, volkswagen touareg, volkswagen touareg tdi, volkswagen touareg tdi trophy truck, VolkswagenTouareg, VolkswagenTouaregTdi, VolkswagenTouaregTdiTrophyTruck, vw, vw touareg, vw touareg tdi, vw touareg trophy truck, VwTouareg, VwTouaregTdi, VwTouaregTrophyTruck ]

Japanese School Girl Wristcutters: So Wrong It Really, Really Hurts [Japan, Oh Japan]

Wowowow. I have no idea what the context of this clip is. I don't want to believe that these kawaii! schoolgirl wristcutters are real, peddled by schoolgirls winking and smiling as they lick the blood trickling down their wrists. But you know what? I honestly don't know what's real or not anymore. I just don't know. [Vidmax]

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
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SEMA 2008: VW Tiguan Performance Concept rocks the <strike>house</strike> CUV

[ Via: Autoblog (Aftermarket) ]
[ Tag: aftermarket, cuvs, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, tiguan performance concept, TiguanPerformanceConcept, tuners, volkswagen, volkswagen tiguan, VolkswagenTiguan, vw, vw tiguan, vw tiguan performance concept, VwTiguan, VwTiguanPerformanceConcept ]

SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Super CC Performance Concept

The year's SEMA is as much about economical performance as it is about out-and-out performance. VW threw its hat Passat CC in the latter ring with the Super CC Performance Concept, created by the VW Design Center with the aid of APR, Recaro, H&R, and Brembo. The Super CC gets a grey pearl coat and blacked-out chrome, and pinstripe graphics from the hood to the rear spoiler that actually looks tasty in person.
Under the hood is the 2.0-liter TSI with a 3-stage APR turbo delivering Eco Mode (222 hp, 236 lb-ft.), GT Mode (252 hp, 268 lb-ft.) and Full Power Mode (311 hp, 313 lb-ft.). In Eco Mode, the car still get 33 mpg on the autoroute and 27 in the city. Inside, you sit on black Recaros with white piping. The car sits on wheels we're going to call Walter Paytons, because they are pure sweetness. Hiding behind those wheels are white Brembo calipers that will be torturous to keep clean, but they'll look the business after a wash. And those door handles, mounted low on the door of a dropped car, come up to our knees. Check it all out in the press release after the jump and the gallery of high-res images below.
UPDATE: Gallery of official high-res pics added.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: apr, concept cars, ConceptCars, passat cc concept, PassatCcConcept, sedans, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008, volkswagen, volkswagen passat cc, volkswagen super cc performance concept, VolkswagenPassatCc, VolkswagenSuperCcPerformanceConcept ]

Volkswagen developing car even smaller than up! with 117.6 mpg!

In Fall of 2007, Volkswagen unveiled a series of three mini car concepts called the up!, Space up! and Space up! Blue. Apparently the German automaker has determined that the tiny "four seat" up! just isn't small enough and is planning an even smaller machine to take on the Smart ForTwo directly. The goal is to create a two-seater that can achieve a fuel consumption rating of 2 L/100 km or 117.6 mpg! According to Auto Motor und Sport, the smaller car will be based on the up! architecture with power coming from a 1.0L three-cylinder diesel making 50 hp. VW has been testing a two-cylinder engine, but is unlikely to go that route. A twin would have to work too hard to provide any mileage benefit, so the slightly larger engine is likely to find a home in the new car. The first of the up! models are expected to debut in 2010 with larger models, and now smaller ones, to follow. Thanks to Christian for the tip!

[ Via: German Car Blog ]
[ Tag: volkswagen, volkswagen up, VolkswagenUp, vw up, vw up concept, VwUp, VwUpConcept ]

SEMA 2008: Ford stacks the ballot with concepts for election day

Click above for massive gallery of Fords from SEMA

[ Via: Tags: ford edge ]
[ Tag: ford edge, ford edge sport, ford escape, ford escape hybrid, ford focus, ford focus coupe, ford transit connect, FordEdge, FordEdgeSport, FordEscape, FordEscapeHybrid, FordFocus, FordFocusCoupe, FordTransitConnect, lincoln mks, lincoln mkx, LincolnMks, LincolnMkx, sema, sema 2008, Sema2008 ]

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S

Over the past decade, virtually every automaker in the world has first introduced an SUV (or two) and more recently a crossover utility vehicle (or two) in an attempt to address every possible market niche. Volkswagen is no exception, although the German brand was a relative latecomer to the party. Its first attempt, the mid-sized but decidedly heavy-weight Touareg was the first entry, and earlier this year VW added a second smaller CUV called the Tiguan. Unlike the Touareg, which was built on an all-new platform shared and co-developed with Porsche, the Tiguan is more closely related to VW's mainstream car models.
When the Tiguan was introduced in Europe at last years Frankfurt Motor Show, VW made a big deal of the fact that it was the only CUV in the world powered exclusively by "charged" engines. Technically this is not true, as the Acura RDX currently has only one powertrain available, a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder. Nonetheless, all five of the engines available in the European Tiguan have either turbocharging or both a turbo and supercharging. While Europeans get a choice of four-cylinder engines running on gas or diesel, buyers here in the U.S. are stuck with only the most powerful gas engine, a 200-hp turbocharged and direct-injected unit. Find out what it's like to live with VW's new compact soft-roader after the jump.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: featured, tiguan, tiguan in the autoblog garage, TiguanInTheAutoblogGarage, volkswagen, volkswagen tiguan, volkswagen tiguan s, volkswagentiguan, VolkswagenTiguanS, vw tiguan, VwTiguan ]

VW discusses New Midsize Sedan to be built in Chattanooga

Volkswagen has so far been pretty sketchy about what will be built at its new Chattanooga plant. About all they've said is that it will be a brand new mid-size sedan model specifically for the U.S. market.
Chattanooga's NBC affiliate, WRCB, attended a VW reception last week in Berlin where they discovered a few more details about the car. A very few. First, the car is referred to by VW insiders as the NMS, an acronym for the uncreative name, "New Midsize Sedan." VW plans for the car to offer a TDI diesel as well as double clutch transmissions. Which all sounds very Jetta-like.
Also revealed in the WRCB video is that the NMS will have a "large trunk" and "spacious legroom." Thank goodness. We really can't stand sedans with tiny trunks and less legroom than economy on a domestic flight. And, despite WRCB's Web site proclaiming that the video gives "a sneak peek of what the Chattanooga car will look like," the generic outline you see at right is the closest you'll get.
Unfortunately, there was no mention during the speech of any Microbus plans for Chattanooga. So, for now, Brooke Shields will have to keep pushing re-branded Chryslers.

[ Via: The German Car Blog ]
[ Tag: chattanooga, new midsize sedan, NewMidsizeSedan, volkswagen chattanooga, volkswagen chattanooga tennessee, VolkswagenChattanooga, VolkswagenChattanoogaTennessee, wrcb ]

Toyota denies rumors of giving aid to GM

Rumors of a meeting between GM CEO Rick Wagoner and top officials from Toyota in Japan has been denied. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering that it's GM's policy not to comment on such matters, but Toyota has no such policy and has also denied that such discussions have or will take place. The Japanese Kyodo News had started the rumors, which specifically suggested that Toyota could offer GM hybrid technology and assistance in the assembly of small cars. That seemed rather odd, especially since GM has its own sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that was developed along with Chrysler and BMW. Toyota and GM also already share a factory in California that builds relatively fuel efficient compact cars, so any deal between the two automakers would just be an extension of their current agreements. What's more, General Motors is also in talks with Cerberus to make a major play on Chrysler's automotive operations, so it would seem to be an inopportune time to discuss major deals with other automakers as well.

[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: gm toyota, gm toyota partnership, gm toyota relationship, GmToyota, GmToyotaPartnership, GmToyotaRelationship, nummi, nummi plant, NummiPlant, rick wagoner, RickWagoner, toyota gm, ToyotaGm ]

GM CEO heading to Japan to talk with Toyota, expanding business partnership

According to a report by Japan's Kyodo News, General Motors' chief executive and chairman Rick Wagoner is considering visiting Toyota in Japan to discuss a myriad of issues, ranging from funding to parts sharing.
In typical fashion (of late), the story cites unnamed sources saying Toyota is "expected to consider quick fixes for the cash-strapped GM, including buying up its assets and helping secure sufficient business funds." The talks are also said to include a partnership that would license Toyota's hybrid technology for use in GM products, along with ToMoCo building fuel-efficient, compact cars for the General.
We're suitably skeptical about any kind of partnership between the world's two automotive giants, particular since no one from Toyota or GM was willing to comment for the story. More to come... or not. Watch this space.

[ Via: Reuters ]
[ Tag: breaking, cars, compact cars, CompactCars, general motors, GeneralMotors, gm, gm toyota partnership, GmToyotaPartnership, hybrids, partnership, toyota ]

Rendered Speculation: Audi's new up!-based city car

The up! is primed to be VW's long-awaited encore to the "People's Car," providing consumers abroad with an extremely efficient run-about that can get up to 95 European MPGs. The up! sounds like a vehicle VW should have been building all along, but does it sound like an Audi? The scribes over at Auto Express think so, and their rendering of an Audi up! looks the part. The image is a lightly reworked version of the stylish little up! concept, with body panels and roof lines looking very much like the V-Dub city car from that was first unveiled at Frankfurt.
The headlights are more vertical on the Audi and the open mouth look on the up!'s lower fascia is truncated by Audi's trademark split grille. The C-pillar is more triangular than the up! and the taillamps look like they were ripped from an A4 and stretched vertically.
Auto Express is reporting that an Audi version of the up! will be available in 2012. If that's true, it's unlikely we'll see the micro-Audi in the States in '12 anyway. We colonials aren't usually up (rimshot) for spending a big premium for a really small car that isn't named MINI.

[ Via: Auto Express ]
[ Tag: audi city car, Audi up, AudiCityCar, AudiUp, VW up, VwUp ]

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport with TRIP

For the 2009 model year, Suzuki will begin offering navigation as standard equipment on all SX4 Sport models. Starting at a buck under 16K, the new 'Zook is the cheapest car in America so equipped, and that news was very well received by the media and car shoppers alike. In fact, so positive was the response, the decision was made to begin offering the GPS navigation about six months early as part of the TRIP package. We were intrigued by the idea of a low-cost commuter car coming standard with such a desirable feature, so we decided to procure one such TRIP-equipped 2008.5 SX4 Sport for testing. Is the navigation nothing more than a gimmick to get you into a sub-standard car, or does the SX4 have more going for it than just being well equipped? Read on to find out.

[ Via: Autoblog (Suzuki) ]
[ Tag: featured, in the autoblog garage, InTheAutoblogGarage, suzuki sx4, suzuki sx4 review, suzuki sx4 sedan, suzuki sx4 sport, suzuki sx4 test, SuzukiSx4, SuzukiSx4Review, SuzukiSx4Sedan, SuzukiSx4Sport, SuzukiSx4Test, sx4, sx4 review, sx4 test, Sx4Review, Sx4Test ]

BREAKING: First images of 2009 Volkwagen GTI MkVI surface

Since the GTI got its groove back with the MkV, fans of the original couple generations rejoiced. We're on the edge of our collective seats waiting for the official release of the MkVI version, and some images have found their way onto the internet tonight. Taking some inspiration from the awesome GTI W12 that attended Worthersee, the front airdam echoes that car's wide maw. Foglamps are pushed out to the far corners to emphasize width, and out back the tailpipes follow suit. The look is fantastic in the refrigerator white the photo car is wearing; special but understated. Inside, the de rigeur plaid upholstery is in place, and things are spiffed up by metal accents and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Underhood is a 207-hp TFSI engine, and the car comes with an electronic limited-slip differential called XDS and the Scirocco's adaptive chassis. Of course, DSG is available for snapping off quick gearchanges with no fuss. When you've got a good thing, why mess with success? We dig, and it'll be available in Spring, at which point we'll certainly bring you our driving impressions.

[ Via: Carscoop ]
[ Tag: breaking, gti mk6, gti mkvi, gti pictures, GtiMk6, GtiMkvi, GtiPictures, volkswagen gti, VolkswagenGti, vw gti, vw gti mkvi, vw gti pictures, VwGti, VwGtiMkvi, VwGtiPictures ]

eBay Find of the Day: the VolksAru

While sharing our nightmares around the Autoblog virtual water cooler, we've discovered that it's common for interweb auto scribes to wake with a start in the middle of the night, cold sweat trickling down our brows. The common terror? Frankenstein cars. The dreaded dreams are usually brought on by late night eBay surfing, and this vehicle may haunt our slumber tonight. If you've ever thought to yourself "Gosh, I wonder what a Type I Beetle coughing up a Subaru GL would look like," here's your ride. It's got a Subaru dash and door panels, while the seats are VW, so the seam is somewhere up there. It's being sold as a gas-saver, likely because both of the flat-four powertrains - there are two - are relative fuel sippers. We can't discern whether the engines are synchronized to run at the same time, or if it's a one at a time type thing with the other motor and transmission serving as 500 pounds of extra mass to haul around when not in use. Like our nightmares, the seller of this vehicle is definitely dreaming with a $20,000 starting bid. Check out more awkward angles of this monstrosity in our gallery below, but don't blame us when the Boogey Man begins driving it in your dreams. Thanks for the tip, Raoul!

[ Via: eBay Motors ]
[ Tag: beetle, beetle subaru, BeetleSubaru, bug subaru gl, BugSubaruGl, ebay, ebay auction, ebay find of the day, ebay motors, ebay wtf, ebayauction, EbayFindOfTheDay, ebaymotors, EbayWtf, subaru beetle, subaru gl, SubaruBeetle, SubaruGl, volksaru, vw subaru, VwSubaru ]

Volkswagen temporarily becomes largest company in the world

The NFL season is clearly out of control, Audi just crossed the country in a bunch of diesels you can't buy here, and GM wants to "merge" with Chrysler. But it's not just America that's home to the madness: Ferrari might leave F1, Mitsuoka is selling this thing for €70,000, and today, for a brief moment, Volkswagen was the most valuable company in the entire world based on market capitalization. The reason: Porsche announced it would up its stake in the company to 75-percent. That blasted VW's €210 euro-per-share price up to €1,000 per share, making it more valuable than ExxonMobil and giving Ferdinand Piech reason to start practicing some lines from Scarface. The shares ended the day at €643, which is still pretty good for paper that could be had for less than €200 just about a month ago... Thanks for the tip, Kris!

[ Via: Seeking Alpha ]
[ Tag: dax, earnings, financials, market cap, market capitalization, MarketCap, MarketCapitalization, markets, stock market, StockMarket, vw market capitalization, VwMarketCapitalization ]

Porsche and Piech families bury the hatchet, will probably be dug up again...

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, the head of Porsche Holding, and Porsche's group works council chairman Uwe Huck took time to answer Porsche staff questions about the impending takeover of VW. It appeared to go well enough: Wolfgang said the Porsche and Piech families met, and Ferdinand Piech, the head of VW, "clearly stated that he unreservedly supports the course of Porsche Automobil Holding SE in all points and is fully and entirely behind the chairmen." It was also said that Piech did not support the committee formed to approve Porsche and Audi cooperation, that the co-detemination agreement between Porsche and VW would remain fair to the larger and smaller company, and that the VW Law would be struck down.
The only thing missing from the love fest was... Ferdinand Piech. The VW chief and supposed cause of much of Porsche's troubles didn't attend -- his sentiments were conveyed by Dr. Porsche with peculiar phrasing. For instance, even though Porsche said Piech didn't approve of the technology sharing committee, Piech purposely didn't attend the meeting that cast the votes. It all sounded good, but until Piech is forced to sit down in public and decide one way or another, we'll wait for the next turn in the soap opera before we assume everything is safe. You can check out the details of this latest turn in the press release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE
The Porsche and Piëch families have agreed: "We stand united behind all decisions"
Stuttgart -- 24/10/2008: In an additional works meeting today, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, partner and chairman of the supervisory board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE and Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, and group works council chairman Uwe Hück answered the outstanding questions surrounding the takeover of VW by Porsche in front of the staff of the sports car manufacturer. The public discussion had led to irritation, including among Porsche staff.

Wolfgang Porsche stressed that at a meeting of the Porsche and Piëch families the previous weekend, alongside the other family members Dr. Ferdinand Piëch had also clearly stated that he unreservedly supports the course of Porsche Automobil Holding SE in all points and is fully and entirely behind the chairmen Dr. Wiedeking and Holger Härter and their work. Wolfgang Porsche said: If there were uncertainties over the shared goals of the families in the VW acquisition, this was not in the interest of Ferdinand Piëch."

He continued, saying that the codetermination agreement was a point of dispute between the union representatives of Porsche and VW. In this context, Ferdinand Piëch, who is chairman of the VW supervisory board, stated that this agreement met with his total support.

The composition of the supervisory board, with three members each from Porsche and VW staff, is appropriate to the structure of the group. Wolfgang Porsche explained, "My cousin Ferdinand Piëch is convinced that this codetermination agreement has achieved a suitable solution for both workforces."

With a view to the VW supervisory board meeting on September 12, 2008, when it was decided, in the absence of Ferdinand Piëch, to create a committee for special business relationships, said Wolfgang Porsche: "This committee has been legally examined with the conclusion that it encroaches too much on the competences of the VW board. That's why Ferdinand Piëch will request the dissolution of this committee at the next VW supervisory board meeting."

A new edition of the VW law is also untenable, not only in the view of Porsche, but also clearly in the opinion of Ferdinand Piëch – especially after the far-reaching concessions offered by the board of Porsche SE on the question of job security.

Wolfgang Porsche stressed that the Porsche and Piëch families had always fulfilled their role with the necessary responsibility and personal commitment. To explain, he said, "In this context, however, responsibility also means that the families stand united behind all decisions that are reached together." Alongside Ferdinand Piëch, he is firmly convinced that the board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE and Porsche AG, with the support of the VW board and the two workforces can lead the combined company to a successful future in the current difficult economic climate.

The group works council chairman Uwe Hück indicated that there had been significant uncertainty within the Porsche workforce over the last few weeks regarding the future of Porsche. "Porsche staff want to remain independent in the future", emphasized Hück. He indicated that he is still willing to compromise with the VW group works council on the subject of codetermination. According to Hück, it is necessary to hold on to the right of veto regarding the termination of the codetermination agreement. Without this right of veto, VW could terminate the codetermination agreement and outvote the workforces of small sub-groups on all matters through its pure size. However, the Porsche workforce does not consider this to be acceptable. Hück consequently welcomed the news that the codetermination agreement also enjoys unreserved support from Ferdinand Piëch.

Hück concluded by saying, "We should now agree with employee representatives from VW, because both Porsche and VW are great companies with great staff". He emphasized that Porsche staff are keen to work together with the staff of VW.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: porsche, porsche buying vw, PorscheBuyingVw, volkswagen, vw, vw law, VwLaw ]

Volkwagen readying Touareg 2 for 2009 Dakar

Volkswagen Motorsport is putting four factory-backed teams in next year's 'Dakar' Rally, which will actually be held in South America, and they'll all be driving the new Race Touareg 2. The insanely intricate spaceframe chassis vehicles are being built in Germany and will use will use a 2.5-liter TDI with 276 hp and. The 15-stage race is expected to be more grueling than usual because of the extreme changes in altitude and terrain, but perhaps it will give other teams a chance to break Mitsubishi's seven-year chokehold on the winner's dais. Volkswagen's best chance at victory could be with driver Carlos Sainz, the 1990 WRC champion, and navigator Michel Perlin, a three-time Dakar winning navigator. The last -- and only -- time VW won the Dakar Rally was in 1980, with the Volkswagen Iltis.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: 2009 dakar, 2009 dakar rally, 2009Dakar, 2009DakarRally, dakar, dakar rally, DakarRally, motorsports, race touareg 2, RaceTouareg2, touareg 2, Touareg2, volkswagen, vw ]

Porsche now owns 42.6% of Volkswagen

Just last month, Porsche made another move toward fulfilling its vow to take over Volkswagen. Sunday, Porsche again increased its stake, giving it almost 43% of the Beetle-maker.
"The goal remains, as long as the financial conditions are right, to increase [the stake] to 75 percent in 2009 and clear the way for a controlling stake," Porsche said in a press release.
After last week's big meeting between the two companies and, more significantly, since Porsche's stated goal is to own 50% of VW by the end of November, this new step is really no surprise.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: porsche, porsche buying volkswagen, PorscheBuyingVolkswagen, volkswagen ]

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI

When the Volkswagen Touareg first arrived around five years ago, the SUV became the first production home to Volkswagen's then-new V10 TDI engine. However, as the old saw goes, "Time waits for no man"... or machine apparently. After a relatively short run, Volkswagen's 5.0L V10 turbodiesel is soon being consigned to the scrap heap of history. Increasingly stringent emissions requirements have meant that the V10 could only be sold in 45 states for the last two years with sales in the large market of California being verboten.
The Touareg will, of course, live on, and the TDI version will be transformed early next year into a new 50-state legal version using the same 3.0L diesel V6 that propels the Q7 we drove during the recent Audi Mileage Marathon. The Touareg itself was not only the first application for the diesel V10, it was also Volkswagen's first SUV. The architecture of the Touareg was developed in cooperation with long-time "friend" Porsche who happen to use the same platform for its Cayenne. Later, Audi popped out its own longer wheelbase variant as the Q7. Find out what it's like to live with this lame duck diesel beast after the jump.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: featured, touareg, touareg diesel, touareg v10 diesel, touareg v10 tdi, TouaregDiesel, TouaregV10Diesel, TouaregV10Tdi, vw touareg, vw touareg 2, vw touareg v10 tdi, VwTouareg, VwTouareg2, VwTouaregV10Tdi ]

Volkswagen reconsiders bringing Scirocco to the States

Volkswagen has heard our cries and is reconsidering its previous decision not to offer the Scirocco in the States.
Back when the low-slung hatch was launched in March, VW was insistent that the Scirocco would never find its way to U.S. shores, fearing that it would cannibalize sales of the GTI and that the strong euro would make it far too expensive.
Automotive News spoke with V-Dub spokesperson, Steve Keyes, who said the outcry from enthusiasts and the apparent popularity of the Scirocco in Europe has VW execs rethinking their initial decision. According to Keyes, "There's no real decision yet," and that if the Scirocco would be made available in the U.S., it would be positioned "a little bit differently." Two words: do it.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: scirocco, sold in us, SoldInUs, u.s., volkswagen, volkswagen scirocco, VolkswagenScirocco, vw, vw scirocco, VwScirocco ]

Build your own 1960 Beetle - with Legos

There's likely to be no shortage of VW Beetle owners who can relate to this new kit from Lego. It's a box with 1,626 parts in it that one day, after hours of work, will resemble a classic Bug. Three differences: This box of bits will only cost you $120 and a successful build is probably not above your skill level. Oh, and your spouse probably won't mind you building this one on the kitchen table.
When completed, the VW measures 16 inches long by 6.5 inches tall. Its tiny stick shift moves, the glove compartment opens and the seats fold forward. The engine is in back where Beetle engines belong and up front is the spare tire. When you're done, finish off the car with the included VW logo decal.
It's too bad the Beetle's curvaceous roofline and nose are made jagged by the blocky Logos, but on the other hand, it's kinda cool, too. Thanks for the tip, Andy!

[ Via: Auto Trader Blog ]
[ Tag: beetle, beetle toy, BeetleToy, classic beetle, ClassicBeetle, lego, legos, volkswagen beetle, VolkswagenBeetle ]

OETTINGER tuned Scirocco one mean hot hatch

Today on Cars We Can't Have, Oettinger turns its eye toward Volkswagen's C30 Scirocco. There's history between the tuning firm and VW's windy coupe, so this could be viewed as an addendum to past work. What does a tuner do, if not enhance performance? Indeed, Oettinger has fiddled about underhood to wring 240PS from the 2.0-liter engine, and the smaller 1.4-liter TSI mill is good for an even 200PS at the hands of the tuner. Anticipating that more is always better, the future holds a further enhanced 2.0 liter TSI engine frothing out 350PS.
It's not just engine tweaks. The hotted-up Scirocco is low enough to scrape roadkill from the tarmac, thanks to an adjustable suspension. Holding the increased go power from the engine room in check are larger brakes, and it wouldn't be a tuner car without a body kit. Oettinger's bodywork changes are more classy than garish, and overall the look is successful at ratcheting our desire for the Scirocco up another notch.

[ Via: World Car Fans ]
[ Tag: oettinger scirocco, oettinger volkswagen, oettinger vw, OettingerScirocco, OettingerVolkswagen, OettingerVw, tuner scirocco, TunerScirocco, volkswagen scirocco, VolkswagenScirocco, vw scirocco, VwScirocco ]

2010 VW Beetle to be 'more mature'

When it was first unveiled, the Volkswagen New Beetle's only mission in life was to emulate and modernize the look of the classic air-cooled Bug that was so popular in America during the '60s and '70s. The New Beetle's first restyling was so minor that you'd be forgiven for not even knowing it had been changed. Not so for the next update, a hardtop of which is due for the 2010 model year with a convertible following one year later. Such ergonomic deficiencies as a huge expanse between the driver and the windshield were acceptable in order to get the look right the first time around, but not any longer. Therefore, expect to see some radical changes for the cute little Bugger that will make what Volkswagen's own Walter De' Silva calls "a much more mature product." The word "mature" doesn't quite jive with the current New Beetle, so we're pretty interested to see how far this redesign will go.

[ Via: Tim in Sydney ]
[ Tag: 2010 volkswagen beetle, 2010 vw beetle, 2010VolkswagenBeetle, 2010VwBeetle, beetle, volkswagen beetle, volkswagen bug, VolkswagenBeetle, VolkswagenBug, vw beetle, vw bug, VwBeetle, VwBug ]

Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen SP2 redux

Back in the 1970s when Volkswagen was trying to evolve from The Beetle Company to something more, the Type III was developed to go gunning for the mainstream. VW's Brazilian division was essentially it's own little fiefdom; with the market closed to imports and only Karmann Ghias to offer as sports cars. Even the spiffy and rare Type III Ghia was no longer too impressive by 1971. Division head Rudolf Leiding saw the need for a newer sports car and pushed through Project X, which used the Type III underpinnings and placed an attractive and modern coupe body atop the floorpan. Leiding was called back to run Volkswagen proper, but his modern coupe saw some success, and around 10,000 were produced making VW fans worldwide envious of the Brazilian market.
With the revival of the Scirocco, it seems only natural that interest in other sporty 1970's VWs would be piqued. Designer Marcelo Rosa has whipped up an updated vision of what a new SP2 might look like, and we like it. The idea is much like the upcoming Camaro – paying homage to the past without going completely retro. Some of the detailing is a little slavishly accurate and wouldn't fit with where VW's current style direction is going, but there's always room for a vehicle that pulls on the heartstrings; this is the company that makes the New Beetle, after all.

[ Via: Carscoop ]
[ Tag: volkswagen coupe, volkswagen coupe rendering, volkswagen sp2, volkswagen sp2 concept, volkswagen sp2 design, volkswagen sp2 marcelo rosa, volkswagen sp2 rendering, VolkswagenCoupe, VolkswagenCoupeRendering, VolkswagenSp2, VolkswagenSp2Concept, VolkswagenSp2Design, VolkswagenSp2MarceloRosa, VolkswagenSp2Rendering, vw brazil, vw coupe rendering, vw sp2, VwBrazil, VwCoupeRendering, VwSp2 ]

Rumormill: Toyota developing baby roadster based on iQ

Toyota worked up an entirely new platform for its new iQ minicar, which features a very unique 3+1 seating arrangement in an effort to outsmart its competitors. Such a development takes a good deal of resources and Toyota seems to be considering ways to defray that cost through additional models based on the same underpinnings. The latest vehicle architecture to add to the always active rumormill would be a small two-seat roadster. If the German buff book Auto Motor und Sport is correct, expect the new sub-Miata-fighter to debut in concept form at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show and be called the Spider. The roadster would likely get the same powerplants as the normal iQ, including both gasoline and diesel four-cylinder variants. A decision on a production model, though, is likely still a good ways off. Other iQ models said to be waiting in the wings are an upcoming Yaris successor, a hybrid and a mini-minivan. Though we know the iQ has a good chance of being sold in the United States wearing a Scion badge, we have no idea yet how many of these other models could follow.

[ Via: Carscoop ]
[ Tag: iq, iq roadster, iq spider, IqRoadster, IqSpider, tokyo motor show, TokyoMotorShow, toyota iq, toyota iq concept, toyota iq roadster, toyota iq spider, ToyotaIq, ToyotaIqConcept, ToyotaIqRoadster, ToyotaIqSpider ]

More Rendered Speculation: Toyota/Subaru FR sportscar, no turbos for the EU

Japan's buff books are at it again, peppering a bit of informed speculation with a healthy dose of rendered conjecture to create images of Toyota's front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. While we dig the pic above, which blends a bit of Fisker Karma with the Mitsuoka Orochi, we're giving the design a snowcone's chance in Hades of resembling the production version of the coupe.
The renderings posted below the fold seem a bit more plausible and the dimensions, measuring 4,300mm long (14.1 feet), 1730mm wide (5.7 feet) and with a wheelbase of 2,570mm (8.4 feet), makes it a little smaller than the Scion tC that the FR coupe could replace.
Make the jump for more...

According to 7Tune, which translated the text from a recent article in BestCar, the design is aimed to change people's perception of Toyota by offering a vehicle with "wonderful style." While aesthetics might be a top priority, if Toyota wants to capture some of the mystique that surround the old AE86, it had better drive as good as it looks.

For better or worse, the coupe will be underpinned by the current Subaru Legacy platform, which makes use of front struts and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The conversion of the chassis from all-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive has caused some headaches around ToMoCo HQ, with one engineer saying the suspension from the Legacy is "weak and terrible." We wonder how much got lost in the translation.

Power is still expected to be provided by a 2.0-liter boxer four cribbed from Subaru, with between 190 and 200 horsepower sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic gearbox will be offered after the initial launch and don't be surprised if a convertible variant is available further down the road.

Autocar chimed in with its own inside sources, saying that due to new emissions requirements in the EU, turbocharged WRX or STI variants of the Subaru-badged coupe won't be offered. The Toyota version, however, will be sold in the UK (contradicting earlier reports) and that there's a chance that it could wear a Supra badge when it goes on sale for £20,000 in 2011.

[Sources: BestCar via 7Tune, Autocar]

[ Via: Autoblog (Subaru) ]
[ Tag: fr coupe, FrCoupe, subaru, toyobaru, toyota ]

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan's "German Engineering" ad campaign has provided plenty of irony-laced comedic fodder for the Autoblog water-cooler, and VW's own press release doesn't help, heralding the Routan as "a stylish alternative to the minivan." An alternative to what?
In a perfect world, VW would have revolutionized the moribund minivan segment with a production version of the 2001 Microbus concept, thereby capitalizing on V-Dub's cheeky heritage in the same way the new Beetle did in the late '90s, and perpetuated by other vehicles like the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 today.
Thankfully, all is not lost. According to VW's Product Planning Manager, Bret Scott, "We would never say 'no' to the possibility of a Microbus revival." But in the meantime, we have to make due with this: the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, a reworked Chrysler Town & Country that VW execs call (with a straight face) "The Beetle of minivans."


[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: 2009, 2009 volkswagen routan, 2009 volkswagen routan first drive, 2009 volkswagen routan test, 2009 volkswagen routan test drive, 2009VolkswagenRoutan, 2009VolkswagenRoutanFirstDrive, 2009VolkswagenRoutanTest, 2009VolkswagenRoutanTestDrive, featured, first drive, FirstDrive, routan, s, se, sel, test drive, TestDrive, volkswagen ]

Ford may be considering sale of Mazda stake

The financial peril that currently faces the U.S. domestic automakers is no secret, and according to Wall Street Journal report published yesterday, Ford is mulling over the possibility of unloading at least part of its controlling stake in Mazda to raise cash. Japanese media, via the AP, said that Ford would likely keep some interests in the Japanese automaker after such a move -- no surprise when you consider how closely tied Ford and Madza are right now in terms of shared technology. The Oval's third-quarter numbers are expected to be pretty ugly, and the Journal's source said that the potential sale of its Mazda holdings is one of many moves reportedly under consideration as Dearborn looks for ways to add to its cash on hand. For its part, Mazda denies that any decision has been made (a non-denial, really -- no outlets reported that a deal had yet been completed) and Ford weighed in with a to-be-expected "no comment." As they say, to be continued...
[Sources: The Wall Street Journal, AP]

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: ford, ford earnings, ford mazda, FordEarnings, FordMazda, mazda, mazda sale, MazdaSale ]

Toyota releases pricing and spec info for European iQ

IF you're in Europe and hoping to get your name on a list for a Toyota iQ, now's the time. Toyota has opened up the order banks for the cleverly packaged microcar prior to its January availability date, while also giving up the goods on available specs, options, and pricing. The iQ comes in only two trim levels, iQ and iQ2, and pricing starts at £9,495 for the manual, and £10,495 for the multidrive CVT transmission. All iQ models come with 15-inch alloys, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, air conditioning and six speaker audio system with auxiliary socket. Checking the box for the iQ2 adds another £1,000, but for the money you receive high-gloss wheels, fog lamps, auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, smart entry and start system and climate control.
The iQ is pretty damn small, but Toyota is stuffing the tiny coupe with plenty of standard safety features, including ABS, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and nine airbags, including the world's first rear window airbag. Toyota also offers five different option packages including leather seats, navigation, and iSport, iUrban and iStyle packages. The iQ may be small, but after looking at the specs, it looks like Toyota went out of its way to give you just about any option you can dream up for a bargain basement price. You just can't get one if you live in the US, at least not yet. Hit the jump to view Toyota's detailed press release.


[ Via: Autoblog (Toyota) ]
[ Tag: europe, iq specs and prices, IqSpecsAndPrices, microcar, toyota iq, ToyotaIq ]

Conflicting details: Volkswagen's LA-bound mid-engine coupe

CAR and Autoweek have tapped their sources within Volkswagen to get the scoop on a rumored mid-engine Elise-fighter that may debut at next month's LA Auto Show. But when working with unnamed insiders, information tends to get jumbled in the process and differing reports emerge that suggest it's all more speculation than hard facts.
Both reports confirm what we've heard before: Volkswagen will limit the cylinder count to four, but that's where the similarities end. Autoweek's sources say that engine choices will be limited to either a 170-hp 1.4-liter Twincharger TSI gasoline engine or a new 125-hp 1.6-liter TDI sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. CAR pegs displacement of the gasoline engines at between 1.2- and 1.4-liters, with output ranging from 105 to 160 hp. A 1.2-liter TDI producing 75 hp is also being bandied around.
According to Autoweek, the mid-engine coupe will come to market in 2011, while CAR contends production won't begin until 2013. Additionally, CAR reports that VW won't use an aluminum architecture due to cost constraints, meaning that the Modular Sports Car (MSC) will come in at around 2,660 pounds (300kg heavier than the Elise). On the other hand, Autoweek is saying that the concept will tip the scales below 2,200 pounds by tapping Audi for its expertise with aluminum and opening the door to a four-ringed variant with a choice of a 211-hp 2.0-liter TFSI or a 204-hp twin-turbo'd 2.0-liter TDI. Not to mention the possibility of a Porsche 914 successor.
A strut-based suspension will be employed instead of a Golf-derived multi-link arrangement, while parts cribbed from the rest of the VW line – ranging from steering components and brakes to electronics and transmissions – will be used to keep manufacturing costs in check. Autoweek is also reporting that both a coupe and roadster will be offered, which strikes us as totally unnecessary as VW would be better served offering a removable hard-top similar to that on the MSC's target, the Lotus Elise.
[Sources: CAR and Autoweek]

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: convertible, coupe, la, la 2008, la auto show, La2008, LaAutoShow, mid-engine, midengine, roadster, volkswagen, vw ]

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.

Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.


[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: toyota, toyota exports, toyota sequoia, toyota sienna, toyota tacoma, ToyotaExports, ToyotaSequoia, ToyotaSienna, ToyotaTacoma ]

In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3, return of the "hummer"

Hard as it may be to believe, the word "hummer" didn't always bring up visions of obnoxious, polarizing SUVs. In fact, there was a time not so very long ago that uttering that word evoked something entirely different, namely cars powered by Wankel rotary engines. For the past three decades, the world's sole purveyor of rotary-powered automobiles has been Mazda. The "Zoom-Zoom" brand has always been a little different from its compatriots. Back in 1963, a young Kenichi Yamamoto was heading up the research department at Mazda and latched on to the concept developed a decade earlier by Felix Wankel.
Just as two-stroke engines were all the rage for a time in the early 1990s and fuel cells in the middle of this decade, the Wankel rotary seemed to be the next big thing in the 1960s and early '70s. For a time it seemed every major automaker had licensed the design from Wankel and was trying to commercialize it. Some like NSU did build rotaries while General Motors and Daimler Benz built an assortment of concept cars. By the mid-'70s, all had given up except Yamamoto-san and Mazda. From the original 1967 Cosmo, Mazda has built an unbroken string of hummers culminating with the recently updated 2009 RX-8 R3. The pony-keg sized power plant isn't the only unique element of the RX-8, which you can read all about that after the jump.


[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: featured, mazda rx-8, mazda rx-8 r3, mazda rx-8 rotary en..., mazda rx-8 rotary engine 40th anniversary edition, mazda rx8, mazda rx8 hydrogen re, MazdaRx-8, MazdaRx-8R3, MazdaRx-8RotaryEn..., MazdaRx-8RotaryEngine40thAnniversaryEdition, MazdaRx8, MazdaRx8HydrogenRe ]

2010 Mazda3 unveiled ahead of LA Auto Show

Mazda has confirmed the time and place for the unveiling of its all-new 2010 Mazda3: November 19th at the LA Auto Show. In anticipation of the car's public debut, the Japanese automaker released these three images of the remodeled 3 sedan that reveal the car's new design. While the new 3 retains a similar shape as the current model with a high beltline and rear decklid, the new car sports a much more expressive face with a "smile" grille positioned low up front that's flanked by vertical air intake/fog light combos. The front fenders, likewise, are more distinct from the elevated hood and roll nicely back into the car's forward canted character line. Out back are bigger taillights embedded in what appears to be a larger trunk above dual exhaust tips. The overall shape is a logical evolution of the current car that combines current Mazda design elements already found on the RX-8, Mazda6 and recently refreshed MX-5. Mazda also tells us that the 3 sedan will carry over its 2.0L four-cylinder, but be joined by a larger 2.5L engine to replace the current car's 2.3L. As for the Mazda3 five-door hatchback, we'll have to wait until some time after the LA Auto Show for that, though we're hoping the new Mazdaspeed3 is not far behind.


[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: 2010 mazda3, 2010Mazda3, breaking, la auto show, LaAutoShow, mazda3 ]

Audi confirms pure electric city car in the works

Audi has long been rumored to be developing an electric car and many of us concluded that it would be based on the A1 concept that the German automaker recently showed off at the Paris Motor Show. According to Audi board member Peter Schwarzenbauer, the electric car is indeed coming, though it will be based on the Volkswagen up! platform that's destined to carry the Lupo badge when it goes into production. Audi will need to work fast if it's going to catch BMW, its natural rival, which has already begun production of an electric version of the hugely popular MINI Cooper. For the Audi/VW offering, a battery pack will be mounted at the rear of the Lupo's platform, though we still have no indication of what type of battery will be used. What might the new car be named? Not sure, but we do know that A2 is available.


[ Via: Autocar ]
[ Tag: audi, audi a1, audi a2, audi ev, AudiA1, AudiA2, AudiEv, electric audi, electric audi a1, ElectricAudi, ElectricAudiA1, vw up, vw up concept, vw up space, vw up space concept, VwUp, VwUpConcept, VwUpSpace, VwUpSpaceConcept ]

The most valuable carmaker in the world is... ta-da, Volkswagen

As with this year's American football season, weekly surprises in the car industry are now standard fare. VW recently overtook Ford for the number three spot in global sales, and now the home of the Beetle and the Veyron has overtaken Toyota as the industry's most valuable company based on dollar-converted market capitalization. Just as eyebrow raising is the reason for it: Toyota's stock has dropped 5% to its lowest point in four years due to the usual suspects, while VW's stock has climbed a stratospheric 87% due to the fact that Porsche is busy gobbling up the company. As far as we're concerned, that makes Porsche the real story: one of the industry's smallest players – it sold less than 100,000 cars around the world last year and still set a personal best – is about to be the world's third largest car maker and, for a while at least, its most valuable. What a difference a day a Cayenne makes. Thanks for the tip, bazzz!


[ Via: Bloomberg ]
[ Tag: market cap, market capitalization, market news, MarketCap, MarketCapitalization, MarketNews, stock market, StockMarket, toyota market capitalization, ToyotaMarketCapitalization, volkswagen, vw, vw market capitalization, VwMarketCapitalization ]