2012 Volkswagen Golf expected to shed pounds

These days, when discussions turn towards the cars we'll be driving a few years from now, efficiency and emissions are two unavoidable topics. Such is the case with the next-next generation of the VW Golf, following the sixth iteration that will hit European dealerships later this year. So, what will the seventh version have in store for us? Smaller engines and a smaller structure. For the last few decades, every succeeding redesign was just a bit bigger and more powerful that its predecessor. Expect that trend to end with the Mk VII Golf. You can bet that diesels will account for a larger percentage of sales too, possibly even in the States.
Just when are we likely to see Golf v7.0? Rumors point to 2012, but VeeDub is keeping quiet. What they do admit to, however, is working on it as you read this.

[ Via: Automotive News Europe ]
[ Tag: golf, golf vi, golf vii, GolfVi, GolfVii, volkswagen, volkswagen golf, volkswagen golf bluemotion, volkswagen golf vi, volkswagen golf vii, VolkswagenGolf, VolkswagenGolfBluemotion, VolkswagenGolfVi, VolkswagenGolfVii, vw, vw golf, vw golf bluemotion, vw golf vi, vw golf vii, VwGolf, VwGolfBluemotion, VwGolfVi, VwGolfVii ]

Rumormill: Volkswagen working on GTI 'Plus', GTD, and R42

VW is going to make the most of its new GTI, with three models joining what has already been a well received hot hatch. A 'GTD' variant using a 2.0-liter common rail diesel will go into production in April 2009, with 170 horses and nearly 260 lb.-ft. moving through either a six-speed manual or VW's DSG gearbox. The GTD will be sold at an €800 premium over its gasoline brother, and will get to 62 mph about a second slower in return for longer hauls between refills.
After that, toward the end of 2009, comes the GTI 'Plus' that will push the car dangerously close to the Audi S3 and may spell the end of the current R32. A 60 hp bump over the standard GTI takes the Plus up to 270. The fun-to-drive factor should be raised with a seven-speed DSG transmission, and handling mastery will come courtesy of a Haldex all-wheel-drive system.
The capstone: to help everyone get over the current and rather underwhelming R32, the hottest hotness is supposed to come in 2010 in the form of an R42. Swapping the current V6 for a 2.5-liter, turbocharged 5-cylinder that it will share with Audi's TT-RS and RS3, the raunchy R is rumored to get a chest-hair-growing 350 hp. If Auto Motor und Sport are to be believed, it will start rolling out of factories in November of 2009 at an undisclosed price.

[ Via: Motor Authority ]
[ Tag: golf, gtd, gti, gti plus, gti r42, GtiPlus, GtiR42, paris motor show, ParisMotorShow, r42, volkswagen, volkswagen gti, VolkswagenGti, vw gti, vw gti mkvi, vw r42, VwGti, VwGtiMkvi, VwR42 ]

Rendered Speculation: 2010 Mazda3 smiles back

We have an idea of what the next Mazda3 will look like based on some trademark renderings that Mazda supplied the European Union Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market; basically what they amount to are patent drawings. Based on these very rough outlines, somebody named Pascal Boissé from Auto-Motive D&C has created a rendering that gives us a slightly better idea of what the new compact car will look like. The results are a bit mixed, with the fenders and greenhouse meeting our expectations, but that happy-go-lucky front end may be a bit off. Recent spy shots don't show the snout protruding out quite that far. We may see character lines along the door's bottom edge, leading up to the rear arches as the rendering clearly shows. What we know for sure is that Mazda has been getting more expressive with its styling, as the revised 6 and recent concepts prove. We'll see the Mazda3 in person at the upcoming LA Auto Show and here's hoping that it's a bit more refined than the rendering above.

[ Via: MSN ]
[ Tag: 2010 mazda 3, 2010 mazda3, 2010Mazda3, mazda, mazda 3, mazda3, mazda3 rendering, Mazda3Rendering ]

Rumormill: Porsche developing Baby Boxster, a return of the 356

Volkswagen is set to debut a mid-engine concept at this year's LA Auto Show, and an Audi R3 derivative that could replace the TT is reportedly also being considered. With Porsche's increased stake in VAG, it was just a matter of time before rumors of sharing this mid-engine platform between VW, Audi and Porsche began to surface, and a new model destined to slot in below the Boxster is the obvious conclusion.
Once again, CAR is leading the speculative charge, with sources suggesting that Porsche will use the mid-engine architecture to revive the 356 marque – not the 914 moniker – to create a baby Boxster priced around £20,000-35,000 and produced in very small numbers.
Unlike the stillborn Audi R4, the R3 and its Porsche sibling wouldn't encroach on Boxster sales due to their limited availability. Fixed roof and convertible versions of both models are planned, but engine choices would be limited to turbocharged four-cylinders displacing between 1.2- and 2.0-liters and ranging in output from 105 hp to 280 hp. Diesel variants could also be offered in the Audi, but Quattro all-wheel-drive wouldn't be part of package due to weight and friction penalties.
It's a very compelling proposition, particularly since the new architecture is reportedly being developed to accept everything from electric drivetrains to hybrids, and with a curb weight around 2,200 pounds. But don't expect anything to come to market until 2012 or 2013 at the earliest, assuming that Porsche doesn't get cold feet and kills off the project before it leaves the drawing board.

[ Via: CAR ]
[ Tag: 2012 porsche 356, 2012Porsche356, 2013 porsche 356, 2013Porsche356, audi, baby boxster, BabyBoxster, la, la auto show, LaAutoShow, mid-engine, midengine, porsche, volkwagen ]

Suzuki releases new Wagon R, Wagon R Stingray

As of today, Suzuki has a new Wagon R on the market in Japan. It's joined by a new Wagon R Stingray variant (above) as well, and the duo will set about filling the shoes of their bestselling predecessors. The new Wagon Rs don't lose their signature boxiness, but they wear all-new sheetmetal and sit on a longer wheelbase. The standard Wagon R gets a friendly face with large, tall headlamps, while the sportier-themed Wagon R Stingray gets a chrome grille strip that runs between its thinner, horizontal lamps.
The rest follows the standard kei-car formula. Darker, more masculine colors characterize the Stingray, while the Wagon R clearly includes women in its target audience, sporting a color palette loaded with the lighter solids and pastels. Normally-aspirated and turbocharged 660cc engines are offered, mated to either 4- or 5-speed automatics or a CVT, depending on trim level. The turbocharged Stingray with CVT even gets paddle shifters to give drivers complete control over the 64 ponies corraled underhood. A snazzier, dark interior with some nifty lighting is also available in the Stingray.
Suzuki hopes to sell 18,000 new Wagon Rs every month, and if the previous generation showed us anything, we can expect to see a variety of spinoff models over time.

[ Via: Autoblog (Suzuki) ]
[ Tag: 2009 suzuki wagon r, 2009SuzukiWagonR, jdm suzuki wagon r, JdmSuzukiWagonR, kei, new wagon r, NewWagonR, suzuki, wagon r, wagon r stingray, WagonR, WagonRStingray ]

Officially Official: 2010 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

We already saw the first images of the new MK VI Volkswagen GTI and we now have them in all their high-res glory courtesy of VW's German media site. As with the standard version of the Golf and the Scirocco, VW is abandoning the huge Audi-like grille of recent models in favor of something more subdued. The new GTI also harkens back to the original GTI of the late 1970s with its red-bordered grille. Under the hood, the new GTI gets the latest edition of the corporate 2.0L TFSI four cylinder cranking out 210 hp and a reasonably healthy 207 lb-ft of torque at just 1,800 rpm. The electronically controlled limited-slip XDS differential will help guide that torque to the wheel with the most grip and hopefully manage torque steer as well. The GTI is expected to hit 62 mph from a standing start in 7.2 seconds with a combined fuel efficiency on the EU cycle of 31.4 mpg. VW will start adding to the GTI's cumulative tally of 1.7 million units sold next spring in Europe and in the U.S. during the summer of 2009, while the regular Golf VI will hit our shores as the new Rabbit in the fall of 2009.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: gti, paris, paris 2008, paris motor show, Paris2008, ParisMotorShow, volkswagen, volkswagen gti, volkswagen gti mk vi, VolkswagenGti, VolkswagenGtiMkVi, vw gti, VwGti ]

The gauntlet is thrown: VW Jetta TDI vs. Toyota Prius

Clean diesel or hybrid drive? It's an intriguing question, and one that's not quite so easy to answer. There's the price of diesel fuel to consider, which runs a few dimes over that of regular gasoline. Then there is fuel mileage. Does the Volkswagen Jetta TDI have a shot at dethroning the Toyota Prius as the undisputed mileage champion of the U.S.? To get a preliminary answer to some of these questions, Popular Mechanics put almost 500 miles on both cars, dividing up their miles between the city and the highway. It's not a knock-out for either car, but it may offer some early answers to a few questions.
First, the mileage. In the city, there's just no beating a hybrid, which uses its electric motor to good effect and scores over ten mpg better in the stop-and-go traffic of Los Angeles. On the highway, though, the Jetta TDI is able to eke out a narrow victory, scoring less than one mile per gallon better. Once the price of crude is factored in, the Prius remains the overall cheaper car to keep filled up. Of course, there is more to the story than that, including which car is a better to drive -- according to PM, the Jetta. Finally, the TDI qualifies for a $1,300 tax credit that the Prius can't claim. It's too close to call. Expect a rematch soon enough.
Read our First Drive of the 2009 VW Jetta TDI and full review of the Toyota Prius to see what we think.

[ Via: Popular Mechanics ]
[ Tag: jetta tdi, jetta tdi mileage, jetta tdi prius, jetta tdi test, jetta tdi vs prius, JettaTdi, JettaTdiMileage, JettaTdiPrius, JettaTdiTest, JettaTdiVsPrius, prius mileage, prius test, prius vs jetta tdi, prius vs. jetta tdi, PriusMileage, PriusTest, PriusVs.JettaTdi, PriusVsJettaTdi ]

Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition by Walter de Silva

Click to view the VW Golf Collectors Edition in hi-resRemember when the Volkswagen Golf was meant to be an economy car? Well those days may be long gone, if they weren't already, as customers in Europe have demonstrated a willingness to shell out extra for luxury options even on less-than-premium automobiles. To cash in on that demand, European automakers have been scrambling to launch luxury option packages, complete with leather and all the trimmings, like Volkswagen has done with the first special edition of the new sixth-generation Golf. Called, quite simply, the Collectors Edition, the exclusive new Golf tops the range of trim levels. The exterior is sprayed in an especially dark shade of blue which Volkswagen calls "Moonlight blue pearl effect" with matching grille. The 18-inch "Vancouver" wheels have been given a special high-gloss finish. But it's the interior that has been given the really special treatment, swathed in "Iowa" natural leather with piano-lacquer dash inserts and aluminum kick-plates. The special edition, supervised specifically by design chief Walter de Silva – whose initials adorn the vehicle – is being launched in its German market specification; we wouldn't expect it to make it to the US market any time soon, but you can still check out the press release after the jump and the trio of images in the gallery below.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: edition, special edition, SpecialEdition, volkswagen, volkswagen golf, volkswagen golf special edition, volkswagen rabbit, volkswagen rabbit collectors edition, volkswagen rabbit special edition, volkswagen special edition, VolkswagenGolf, VolkswagenGolfSpecialEdition, VolkswagenRabbit, VolkswagenRabbitCollectorsEdition, VolkswagenRabbitSpecialEdition, VolkswagenSpecialEdition, vw, vw golf, vw golf collectors edition, vw rabbit, vw rabbit collectors edition, VwGolf, VwGolfCollectorsEdition, VwRabbit, VwRabbitCollectorsEdition ]

Next VW GTI puts out 210 hp, R version gets AWD and 270 hp

Volkswagen's high-performance plans for the new Golf will spawn three new models, beginning with the new 210 hp GTI set to debut in Paris and go on sale in the middle of 2009. According to Automotive News, the Mk. VI GTI will sprint to 60 in a tick above seven seconds and hit a top speed of around 150 mph.
A performance-oriented diesel Golf, dubbed the GTD, will hit the market in April, putting out around 170 hp from its common-rail diesel, while a range-topping R model, available through Volkswagen Individual, will be churn out 270 hp, send power to all four wheels and will be equipped with an aero package that includes a "black gleaming diffuser." Sales of the R version will begin in November of 2009.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: 2009, 2009 golf gti, 2009 golf r, 2009 volkswagen gti, 2009 volkwagen golf gti, 2009GolfGti, 2009GolfR, 2009VolkswagenGti, 2009VolkwagenGolfGti, golf, gtd, gti, r, volkwagen ]

Volkswagen unveils Concept Pickup, aka the Robust

Volkswagen's entry into the "one-ton" truck fray has officially hit the Web before its proper unveiling at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show, and although it's only called the "Concept Pickup" for now, this spartan work truck is what consumers in South America and other emerging markets (not the U.S. and Europe) will likely know as the Robust when it goes into production In Pacheco, Argentina next year.
Blending V-Dub style with a profile reminiscent of the Honda Ridgeline, the double-cab concept is tarted up with SAR badges, a functional light bar and all the life-saving tools that you'd find in a coastal search-and-rescue-mobile, include a Baywatch-style "can" in the bed.
We're partial to the massive grille and deep air dam that spans the fascia, along with the bars flanking the bed and the incredibly production-ready interior. Both gasoline and diesel powerplants will be available when the production version goes on sale next year, and if it were 1995, we'd loved to see the VW pickup available in the U.S.

[ Via: Pickuptrucks.com ]
[ Tag: breaking, concept, pickup, volkswagen, volkswagen pickup concept, VolkswagenPickupConcept, vw, vw pickup concept, VwPickupConcept ]

Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris

Every time Porsche re-does its core product – the 911 – we anticipate a staggered roll-out of new derivatives. Now that Porsche has Volkswagen by the reins, we can expect VW to undertake the same as it unveils new versions of its core offering, known here as the Rabbit and elsewhere as the Golf, now out in the open in its sixth iteration. Short of a new R32, enthusiasts are undoubtedly looking forward most to the new GTI. And if the latest reports are any indication, Volkswagen won't be keeping its fans waiting any longer as the MkVI GTI is tipped to be unveiled next week at the Paris show. Of course we'll be on hand to see if that's the case, so stay tuned, sports(car) fans.

[ Via: CarScoop ]
[ Tag: golf, golf rabbit, GolfRabbit, gti, paris volkswagen, ParisVolkswagen, rabbit, volkswagen, volkswagen golf, volkswagen golf gti, volkswagen gti, volkswagen rabbit, volkswagen rabbit gti, VolkswagenGolf, VolkswagenGolfGti, VolkswagenGti, VolkswagenRabbit, VolkswagenRabbitGti, vw, vw golf, vw gti paris, vw paris, vw rabbit, VwGolf, VwGtiParis, VwParis, VwRabbit ]

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

The state of California has the toughest vehicle emissions regulations in the world in its LEV II (and the corresponding national Tier 2 Bin 5) standards. Those rules treat all engine types the same regardless of what fuel they use. It doesn't matter if the engine runs on gasoline, diesel or cow dung, the emissions standards are the same. These rules are so tight that no manufacturer has been able to sell light-duty passenger vehicles powered by diesel engines in California and four other states for the last several years. That's all about to change beginning with last month's sales launch of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Jetta TDI is the first new diesel-powered car to meet the tough T2B5 standards, and it's fitting that VW invited us out to the birthplace of these emissions regulations to drive it. We spent a day driving the Jetta TDI in and around Santa Monica to gauge whether it has the right balance of Fahrvergnügen and low fuel consumption to be a viable alternative to cars like the Prius, Civic and Focus. Continue after the jump to find out more.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: 2009 volkswagen jetta tdi, 2009 vw jetta tdi, 2009VolkswagenJettaTdi, 2009VwJettaTdi, featured, first drive, FirstDrive, jetta tdi, JettaTdi, volkswagen jetta tdi, VolkswagenJettaTdi, vw jetta tdi, VwJettaTdi ]

VW Rabbit TDI confirmed for next fall, no diesel Tiguan

Volkswagen officials gave Autoblog some insight into their new model roll-out plans when we met with them earlier this week at the media drive for the new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. First into showrooms will be the 3.0-liter Touareg TDI, scheduled to start production in Mid-February 2009. It will followed by the MK VI GTI, based on the new Golf making its debut at the Paris Motor Show next month. The 2.5-liter Rabbit (gas) and 2.0-liter Rabbit TDI (diesel) will follow in the fall. Absent from VW's diesel lineup is the Tiguan. Larger and heavier than the compact cars currently utilizing the 2.0-liter TDI, the engine would need an urea injection to meet emission standards -- and the crossover wasn't designed with a storage tank in mind. Sorry diesel fans, the Tiguan will be sitting this one out for a while.

[ Via: AutoblogGreen ]
[ Tag: Jetta TDI, JettaTdi, Rabbit TDI, RabbitTdi, TDI Rabbit, TdiRabbit, Tiguan, Tiguan TDI, TiguanTdi, touareg, touareg 2, touareg diesel, Touareg2, TouaregDiesel, Volkswagen TDI, VolkswagenTdi ]

Mazda developing vehicles for people with special needs

For the thirteenth year running, Mazda has created a number of vehicles for those with special needs to be showcased at the International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition in Japan. The AZ-Wagon gets a lift-gate out back so that folks limited to wheelchairs can enter and exit through the converted rear hatch while still in their wheelchairs. The MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat (pictured) is also for those in wheelchairs, but those who have the mobility to sit in a conventional seat. And the Biante Autostep has, like an RV, a step that extends whenever the rear door is opened. All of the vehicles are JDM-only, but now that we know Mazda has this kind of expertise, we'd like to speak to them about getting a Kazamai with an ejector seat. Hit the jump for the press release.
PRESS RELEASE
HIROSHIMA, Japan-Mazda Motor Corporation will exhibit three special needs vehicles at the 35th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) 2008, organized by Japan's Health and Welfare Information Association, from September 24 through 26, 2008, at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center.

Mazda will display three special needs vehicles intended for the Japanese market. The AZ-Wagon i is equipped to carry wheelchairs, the MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat vehicle features a second-row passenger seat with a lift-up function, and the Biante Autostep is based on the Mazda Biante mid-size tall 'high-roof' minivan that was launched in July 2008.

The International H.C.R. Exhibition covers medical and health care equipment ranging from handcrafted self-help devices to state-of-the-art special needs vehicles from all over the world. Mazda has participated in this event since 1995.

AZ-Wagon i (aftermarket model)
The AZ-Wagon i is based on the space-efficient micro-mini AZ-Wagon. People in wheelchairs can get in and out of the vehicle through the rear liftgate opening.

MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat (aftermarket model)
Based on the mid-size Mazda MPV minivan, the MPV Second Row Lift-up Seat vehicle is designed to transport and assist wheelchair users. The second row seat automatically elevates and rotates for ease of use.

Biante Autostep (reference model)
Mazda's newly developed tall 'high roof' Biante minivan features an "Autostep" function to help passengers step into the rear cabin. The Autostep automatically extends and withdraws when the sliding door is opened and closed.

[ Via: Autoblog (Mazda) ]
[ Tag: az-wagon i, Az-wagonI, biante, mazda, mazda az-wagon, mazda az-wagon i, mazda biante, mazda mpv, MazdaAz-wagon, MazdaAz-wagonI, MazdaBiante, MazdaMpv, modification, modifications, modified, modified vehicles, ModifiedVehicles, mpv, special needs vehicles, SpecialNeedsVehicles ]

Toyota attacks potential Volt-only tax break

Automotive News reports that Toyota is preparing a statement for a congressional hearing on the progress of EVs, the results of which could influence legislation that gives a big $7,500 tax credit to any hybrid with a battery pack rated at 6 kilowatt-hours of electricity or more. Toyota argues that the legislation is too restrictive and redefines what a hybrid is since the only vehicle eligible (that we know about) would be the 2011 Chevy Volt with its 16 killowatt-hour battery pack, though Toyota never calls out the series hybrid by name.
For reference, the current Toyota Prius uses a battery pack that generates 1.3 killowatt-hour, and judging by the Japanese automaker's reaction to this legislation, we doubt that its plug-in hybrid electric Prius currently under development uses a battery pack powerful enough, either. Nevertheless, there could be other hybrids being developed besides the Volt that would be eligible, which would poke a big hole in Toyota's argument. Also, as AutoblogGreen points out, this legislation will likely change many times before it becomes law.
The government is right, however, to put higher restrictions on what is eligible for a tax credit of this size. Current hybrid tax credits have topped out around $3,000, with the largest on record being for the Prius itself at $3,150. If the government is considering offering more than twice that amount for future hybrids, then we think it's fair they raise the bar on what should be eligible.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: 2011 chevy volt, 2011ChevyVolt, chevy, chevy volt, ChevyVolt, gm, hybrid tax break, HybridTaxBreak, toyota, volt tax break, VoltTaxBreak ]

Spy Photos: Mazda3 sedan wearing skin-tight camo

When is camo not really camo? When it's black and white tape stuck to the body of the 2010 Mazda3 sedan. The new 3 was recently caught in the U.S. and the new front end is essentially a reworked version of the Mazda6's, with a grinning, two-piece grille split by an angular bumper. Notice the bulges and fairings around the foglamps next to the lower grille, and the way the stretched headlights and flared fenders turn the hood outline into a wild polyhedral. The sculpted leather seats and roomy cabin look a treat as well. Assuming Mazda won't jack up the price or sink the driving dynamics, this could exceed the success of the current car. We'll bring you the full story from the LA Auto Show in just about sixty days. Thanks for the tip, Kris!


[ Via: Auto.cz ]
[ Tag: 2010 mazda 3, 2010 mazda3, 2010Mazda3, la auto show, LaAutoShow, mazda, mazda3, sedan, sedans, spy shots, SpyShots ]

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC

Is "four-door coupe" an oxymoron or a clever twist on automotive design rules? That was a popular question among the 50 or so journalists invited to drive Volkswagen's new CC from Atlanta to Nashville last week.
The seemingly contradictory term was apparently first used to describe the Rover P5 Mark II in 1962, but was revived more recently when Mercedes introduced its CLS in 2004. In both cases the cars' low rooflines defied conventional saloon styling and needed a unique descriptor for marketing pizazz.
When rumors of the VW CC began to leak out, some speculated the CLS would be its main target. But Volkswagen learned from the disappointing U.S. acceptance of the Phaeton: Luxury buyers pay for brand cache as much as they do for supple leather and high-tech gadgets. This time around, says Brett Scott, VW's product planning manager, they expect many of their customers to be Camry and Accord shoppers attracted to the CC's stand-out styling.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: 2009 volkswagen cc, 2009VolkswagenCc, cc, comfort coupe, ComfortCoupe, coupe, featured, four-door coupe, Four-doorCoupe, volkswagen, volkswagen cc, VolkswagenCc, vw, vw cc, VwCc ]

Volkswagen pickup concept to debut next week

Pickup truck sales have tanked here in the States, but in emerging markets, affordable haulers are still in demand. VW has announced that those markets would get a sneak peak at the concept version of its upcoming pickup truck offering at next week's Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. Our friend Mike Levine over at Pickuptrucks.com says that while VW calls the upcoming truck a one ton, it's more like a mid-sizer. Since the spy pics we showed you back in April were of a Toyota HiLux body sitting atop VW internals, we'd tend to agree with that statement.
Names on the table for VW's upcoming truck are the Robust and Taro II, and it's to be built in Pacheco, Argentina beginning next year. The Robust was not designed for the US market, so Stateside VW fans will have to cut the back out of a Touareg if they need an open truck bed.

[ Via: Pickuptrucks ]
[ Tag: pickup truck, PickupTruck, robust, taro II, TaroIi, volkswagen, vw ]

Porsche raises stake in VW again, makes offer for Audi

Porsche has raised its stake yet again in Volkswagen, going from a bit above 30% ownership in the German giant to a solid 35.14%. The purchase apparently gives Porsche, or rather the company that owns Porsche – Porsche Automobil Holding SE – control over VW. It released a statement today that said, "as a result of this acquisition, Volkswagen... has become a subsidiary of Porsche Automobil Holding SE." Pursuant to German securities law, Porsche also made an offer to purchase Audi at the bare minimum stock price of 487 euros per share. Though Porsche says there are no plans to separate Audi from VW, it's unlikely VW will accept the offer anyway. All of this is but a single step on Porsche's long path to securing more than 50% ownership in VW. In the meantime, VW representatives will now have a seat on Porsche Automobil Holding's employee council and supervisory board. The power struggle between these two companies will undoubtedly continue, with Porsche Chairman Wolfgang Porsche leading the charge for his company while his cousin, Ferdinand Piech, holds court for Volkswagen and the powerful labor unions that are trying to stop this takeover.

[ Via: Automotive News ]
[ Tag: porsche buys volkswagen, porsche volkswagen, porsche vw, PorscheBuysVolkswagen, PorscheVolkswagen, PorscheVw ]

Euro patent drawings reveal production Suzuki Kizashi

The European patent office has revealed a few outline drawings of the upcoming Suzuki Kizashi mid-sizer that the Japanese automaker, more often associated with high-performance motorcycles, hopes will compete head-on with the best in the world. The Kizashi could be a make-it or break-it type vehicle for Suzuki, which sells huge numbers of very small cars in Japan but has only a small foothold in the United States. These drawings seem to indicate that the Kizashi will keep some of its styling cues intact, though it also looks as if it could be mistaken for a Chevy Malibu from some angles.
When Suzuki releases the Kizashi to the general public, which some speculate could be as early as the Paris Motor Show next month, it will be equipped with both four-cylinder and V6 engine options with up to 300 horsepower and all-wheel-drive. Specs like that ought to strike some fear into the established players if Suzuki is able to keep the price down. Stay tuned.

[ Via: Autoblog Spanish ]
[ Tag: suzuki kizashi, suzuki kizashi drawings, SuzukiKizashi, SuzukiKizashiDrawings ]

REPORT: Porsche considering 914 revival

Once every 40 years or so, when the stars are aligned just right, there arises the cosmic possibility for Volkswagen and Porsche to collaborate on a small sportscar. The stars in question seem to be Porsche chairman Dr. Ferdinand Piech, a spirit of takeover cooperation between the two German automakers, and the input of third-party contractor Karmann. It was Dr. Piech, the same man who has been driving Porsche's takeover of the Volkswagen group, who had ushered the original Porsche 914 into reality. But when Volkswagen launches its latest concept at the LA Auto Show this November, it hopes the little Elise fighter will garner enough attention to put the project into production as soon as 2011 with versions for both VW and Porsche.
The original Porsche 914 was based largely on borrowed Volkswagen mechanicals. Karmann was also heavily involved in the 914 project, and could be tapped once again to build the new sportscar for both Volkswagen and Porsche, with the project potentially spawning an Audi R4, as well. Although some sources suggest the Porsche version could adopt the 2.7-liter flat six from the base Boxster, with Zuffenhausen admittedly considering the possibility of going back to four-cylinder engines, anything's possible. Sources point out, however, that the four-cylinder version of the 914 was the top selling model. While you consider the idea of a budget Porsche, check out the high-resolution images of original 914 images in the gallery below.

[ Via: PistonHeads ]
[ Tag: porsche, porsche 914, porsche volkswagen, porsche vw, Porsche914, PorscheVolkswagen, PorscheVw, volkswagen, volkswagen porsche, VolkswagenPorsche, vw porsche, VwPorsche ]

GM gives very early sneak peek at next-gen Astra

We just told you about Bob Lutz' comments that the Saturn Astra is too expensive and not making any money in the U.S., but that may change when the next iteration arrives. Of course, the next Astra will debut in Europe first as an Opel (and Vauxhall in the UK), but we suspect that GM will offer it in the U.S. again, especially if the automaker can build it locally so that it's not dogged by a weak currency exchange like the current model. Though not scheduled to debut until late next year at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the fourth-gen Astra is making an appearance today in a couple of sketches released by General Motors Europe. The design is said to take direct inspiration from the new Insignia, which itself will become the next-gen Saturn Aura. The all-new Astra will be based on the Delta II platform with vehicles like the Chevy Cruze and Volt and feature a new range of fuel efficient engines, clever packaging solutions and trick technology like the Insignia's Front Camera System that recognizes road signs. Check out the sneak peeks in our gallery below.

[ Via: Autoblog (Vauxhall) ]
[ Tag: astra, fourth-generation astra, Fourth-generationAstra, frankfurt, frankfurt 2009, frankfurt motor show, Frankfurt2009, FrankfurtMotorShow, opel astra, OpelAstra, saturn astra, SaturnAstra, vauxhall astra, VauxhallAstra ]

Pics Aplenty: 2009 Volkswagen Golf VI

Though we got a preview of the sixth-generation Volkswagen Golf earlier this month, it took VW this long to get its act together and release the full gamut of official images and details. In addition to the new exterior and interior, the Golf VI will also be offered with four TSI gas engines and two TDI diesels, and the superlative 6- and 7-speed DSG transmissions will replace automatic trannies in all but the entry-level models. Electronic nannies will include DCC Adaptive Chassis Control, Park Assist, a Rear Assist rearview camera and the Park Pilot with a visual display. Pricing hasn't bee released yet for Europe, but expect it to start low and end high.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: 2009 volkswagen golf, 2009VolkswagenGolf, golf vi, GolfVi, volkswagen, volkswagen golf VI, VolkswagenGolfVi ]

VW unveils 74 mpg Golf BlueMotion Concept

Debuting in concept form today is the most fuel efficient and cleanest version of Volkswagen's sixth-generation Golf. Wearing the BlueMotion badge, as is common for VeeDubs with fuel-saving tweaks, the new Golf is able to complete the European driving cycle mileage tests with a rather epic 74 miles per gallon (around 62 mpg in the U.S. if conversions can be trusted). For those who like to keep track of such things, that's just 99g/km of carbon emissions and an excellent score by any measure. In order to achieve such low fuel consumption and emissions, the Golf BlueMotion is bestowed with a miserly 1.6-liter TDI common rail diesel engine that kicks out 105 horses and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque at a low 2,000 rpm. Low rolling resistance tires, aero tweaks and revised gearing all help the cause. Though still just a concept, there is little doubt that this model or one very similar will debut a few months after the the standard Golf in Europe next year. In the U.S.? Don't hold your breath, though a Golf TDI sold in the States may happen eventually.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: golf, golf bluemotion, golf tdi, GolfBluemotion, GolfTdi, volkswagen golf bluemotion, volkswagen golf tdi, VolkswagenGolfBluemotion, VolkswagenGolfTdi, vw gold tdi, vw golf bluemotion, VwGoldTdi, VwGolfBluemotion ]

Flying Bug: driver apprehended after 100+ mph chase in a VW

It's being reported as the second most incredible thing next to cold fusion - a VOLKSWAGEN traveling above 100 mph? What next? We suppose a bunch of kids from England will kick Elvis off the top of the charts. Welcome to the 21st century, out of touch news-ninnies. Volkswagen Beetles - proper air-cooled medieval rollerskates - indeed have a tough time cracking 100 mph in stock trim. A New Beetle, which is really just a modern Rabbit in drag, can easily crank that speedo right around to 125 with its 5-cylinder mill.
In this case, the news media is just piling its idiocy on top of a stupid driver who tried running from the police. It rarely ends well when a driver decides to run, and the case of Nathan Hurlbirt and his gray VW are no different. Hurlbirt and a female colleague were nipping along I-25 in Littleton, Colorado when a Sheriff's deputy took issue with the pair's 115 mph speed and attempted to pull them over. Hurlbirt took off, instead, and the deputy broke off pursuit shortly before the VW crashed after exiting the highway. Hurlbirt and passenger escaped injury, but not the long arm of the law. The lack of injuries is the incredible part; try crashing an old Bug and see if there's anything left to put cuffs on.

[ Via: AP ]
[ Tag: volkswgen beetle chase,VolkswgenBeetleChase,vw beetle chase,vw chase,vw chase colorado,vw high speed chase,VwBeetleChase,VwChase,VwChaseColorado,VwHighSpeedChase ]

Pebble Beach 2008: VW shows off CC Gold Coast in Monterey

Volkswagen has used the occasion of this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to unveil its new CC Gold Coast edition. The most obvious change that sets the CC GC apart from more plebian CCs is the tri-coat paint – DuPont's light brown 'Pepe Pepper' to be specific, which reportedly has gold, brown and silver tones all mixed in for your ocular pleasure. Of course, such a high-end exterior color must be paired with an equally special interior hue, in this case it's leather done up Starbucks-style in 'Latte Macchiatto Cornsilk' with Bronze Piping on the seats and matching accents on the dash and door trim. Also on the docket are 19-inch propeller style wheels that fill the wheel arches rather nicely. A unique ground effects package rounds out the visual mods. Underhood is the familiar 3.6-liter TFSI engine with 280 horsepower and 265 lbs.-ft of torque mated to the automaker's stellar DSG double-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission. We know the regular CC is arriving this fall with a starting price tag around $27,000, but no details on the availability or pricing of the Gold Coast edition have been released yet.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: cc gold coast,CcGoldCoast,gold coast,GoldCoast,monterey,monterey 2008,Monterey2008,passat cc,PassatCc,pebble beach,pebble beach 2008,PebbleBeach,PebbleBeach2008,volkswagen cc,VolkswagenCc,vw cc,vw cc gold coast,VwCc,VwCcGoldCoast ]

Spy Shots: MkVI Golf GTI spotted testing

Not too many surprises lie under the camoflage, the next-generation GTI will be the Angry-Teut-Box version of Volkswagen's forthcoming Golf VI, which we've already seen. The overall milieu is an evolutionary step from our current fifth-generation Golf/Rabbit, though the detail changes to the GTI that KGP snagged add some sporty stylistic touches which will undoubtedly be backed up by hardware. The front end gets honeycomb grilles for every opening and eschews foglamps in favor of brake cooling, with bright red calipers now squeezing away. A dual exhaust setup might have you thinking R32 instead of GTI, but there are rumors floating around that the R32 will be kaput after the current generation. We hope that the MkVI keeps or even expands upon the current GTI's demeanor, which finally returned to some of the original hot-hatch magic after years of bloat. Rumors are that the GTI VI will show up at the Paris Motor Show as a "concept" - nudge,nudge,wink,wink.

[ Via: golfmk6.com ]
[ Tag: golf vi gti,GolfViGti,gti spy shots,GtiSpyShots,spy photos,spy shots,SpyPhotos,SpyShots,volkswagen golf,volkswagen golf gti performance,volkswagen golf gti vi,volkswagen golf vi,volkswagen spy photos,volkswagen spy shots,VolkswagenGolf,VolkswagenGolfGtiPerformance,VolkswagenGolfGtiVi,VolkswagenGolfVi,VolkswagenSpyPhotos,VolkswagenSpyShots ]

Rumormill: VW Microbus back on the table?

The 2001 VW Microbus concept was really cool; so much so that it looked like it was headed for 2005 production. Then the project started getting expensive at the same time the U.S. dollar began to hit the skids. So, then-boss Bernd Pischetsrieder swung the axe, and it was curtains for the retro breadbox. Fast-forward to the present. Instead of a spiffy new Microbus, we now have the Routan, which is fake German for "Dodge Caravan." Not very exciting, to say the least.
A revival of Flower Power's official vehicle seemed hopeless -- until now. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that VW's entertaining the possibility of a 21st-century Microbus built on the same platform as the new sedan that'll pe produced at VW's Chattanooga, TN facility. An unnamed "senior Volkswagen official" told the paper that European production's basically a non-starter, and Volkswagen Group of America's Jill Bratina played it coy, saying only that a second vehicle line out of Chattanooga is "conceivable in the foreseeable future." A locally-built, car-based Microbus is an idea that certainly piques our interest. How about yours?
(Oh, and by the way, should you ever decide to move to Brazil, you can still kick it old-school down there in the meantime.)

[ Via: Squob.com ]
[ Tag: chattanooga, kombi, microbus, volkswagen, vw ]

Paris Preview: Subaru debuts boxer diesel Forester and Impreza

Subaru debuted its new 2.0L diesel boxer engine earlier this year in the Legacy and Outback, and soon it will also be offered in the Forester and Impreza, though only in Europe. These two latest models to feature the unique horizontally opposed oil-burning engines will debut at the Paris Motor Show next month. The Forester 2.0D will offer 147 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque while returning 44.8 combined mpg in the European cycle, which is class-leading for a small CUV over there, while the Impreza 2.0D offers 148 hp and 258 lb-ft (fuel economy for the Impreza 2.0D was not released for some reason). The diesel Forester will hit showrooms later this month while Euro shoppers will have to wait until January for the diesel Impreza. While we certainly hope Subaru is tweaking its 2.0L diesel boxer engine to meet emissions standards in all 50 U.S. states, we haven't heard one word about it.

[ Via: Autoblog (Subaru) ]
[ Tag: diesel forester, diesel impreza, diesel subarus, DieselForester, DieselImpreza, DieselSubarus, subaru forester 2.0D, subaru impreza 2.0D, SubaruForester2.0d, SubaruImpreza2.0d ]

VW picks five best Campervans from each generation for display

There are few vehicles which can approach the Volkswagen van for sheer classic presence. Today, early examples of the first-generation models are so desirable that they can fetch more money than any current van on the market. That's mighty impressive for a vehicle which sold for very low prices when new. And who could possibly forget the Campervan conversions which were available right from the factory? Apparently, Volkswagen isn't completely unaware of its illustrious rear-engined past. The automaker has selected five Campervans to take part in a special part in this year's Vanfest, which takes place this month in the U.K. The five winners represent one model from each of the five generations that VW has been selling its commercial vans. Our favorite has got to be the 1966 split-window Transporter, complete with Safari windows. Seriously, as far as Campervans go, it just doesn't get any better than that. Looking at these past designs, we wonder how Volkswagen ended up choosing a restyled Chrysler minivan for its U.S. Routan. They can make up for it, at least a little bit, by cutting its roof off for a proper camping conversion. Yeah... not likely.
Press Release:
WINNERS OF VANFEST 'FIVE GENERATIONS OF CAMPERVAN' DISPLAY

The winning Volkswagen vans have been chosen for the 'Five generations of Campervan' display at Vanfest, Europe's largest gathering of Volkswagen vans, which takes place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern from 12 to 14 September.

The competition for owners to have their vans selected for the special display and each receive £100 worth of items from the retro collection of Volkswagen merchandise was supported by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the organisers of Vanfest.

The oldest van chosen to represent the first generation of the Volkswagen Transporter is a valuable 1966 'split-screen' Samba entered by its proud owner Simon Callum.

The second generation 'bay window' model chosen for the display is Allan Ward's 1968 Devon Eurovette, while the third generation, often known as the T25 or 'wedge' is a 1990 Atlantic owned by Philip Clegg.

A red customised 2002 campervan conversion owned by Michael and Anne Whitburn represents the fourth generation of the Transporter, while Martin and Blanche Adams will have the newest van on display with their cool, black Volkswagen California camper complete with chrome accessories as an example of the current fifth generation model.

Over 10 million Volkswagen Transporters have been built since production started with the iconic 'split-screen' model in 1950, which must make the Transporter one of the most popular vans in the world.

Now in its fifth generation, today's California camper is now produced directly by Volkswagen at its own factory to the same high standards as all its vehicles, and sold in the UK with a three year warranty.

The versatile and practical design of Volkswagen campers has made them a great success for travelling as well as an every day vehicle. The latest California, for example, quickly transforms from a car that fits into multi-storey car parks, into a home from home with an electrically-operated pop-up roof, two double beds, kitchen with fridge, sink and two burner hob, a four-seater lounge with table, plus an outside table neatly stored in its side door with two deckchairs stowed in the tailgate.

The full retro collection of Volkswagen merchandise can be seen and purchased at www.volkswagenmerchandise.co.uk. For more details of the California camper, visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/california, or call 0800 717131 for a brochure.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: camper van, CamperVan, volkswagen, volkswagen bus, volkswagen camper, volkswagen samba, volkswagen transporter, volkswagen van, volkswagen vanagon, VolkswagenBus, VolkswagenCamper, VolkswagenSamba, VolkswagenTransporter, VolkswagenVan, VolkswagenVanagon, vw camper van, vw type 2, vw type ii, VwCamperVan, VwType2, VwTypeIi ]

Volkswagen offering 0% financing on all 2008 models

Volkswagen typically shies away from massive rebates, but tough sledding on the sales floor had led the German automaker to take drastic measures. All 2008 models can be had with 0% financing for a limited time, which should help VW dealers clear inventory before the '09 models arrive. The 0% deals vary in duration depending on the model, with most models receiving the special financing for 60 months. You can even get a GTI interest free for five years.
Almost every automaker is breaking the bank with incentives to keep declining sales and increased inventories in check. VW is one of the few automakers that fared fairly well in August sales, so something as drastic as 0% financing is a bit of a surprise. Given that the competition is doing it, though, the German automaker may just be keeping up with the Joneses. Thanks for the tip, Jay!

[ Via: Volkswagen ]
[ Tag: 0 financing, 0Financing, interest, jetta, rabbit, routan, volkswagen, VW ]

Ford, Toyota adopt Netflix technology for bill paying

The long-time comeback for inquiring creditors has always been the once fail-safe "The check is in the mail." That oldie but goodie won't work anymore if you've purchased a new vehicle from Ford or Toyota's credit arm. The two automakers have adopted bar code scan technology that tells each company whether or not your check actually is in the mail. The same technology is used by Netflix to determine when a subscriber has sent back a DVD, which enables the cloud-based DVD rental service to send that customer another DVD before the first actually arrives back.
Though the bar code scan technology can be a hassle for people trying to get credit companies off their backs, it actually helps them, as well. If a payment was lost in the mail or some unforeseen natural disaster like a hurricane puts your check under five feet of water, the credit companies will know and you won't have to pay a late fee. Also, if your check really is in the mail then they won't bother with the annoying phone call all together, as they'll already know it's headed their way.

[ Via: CC2.0 ]
[ Tag: credit arm, CreditArm, Ford, ford credit, FordCredit, netflix, toyota, toyota credit, ToyotaCredit ]

VW and its dealers butting heads over Jetta TDI?

We recently received a note from an anonymous source indicating that there's a mildly strained relationship between VW and some of its dealers. The source of the consternation seems to be the highly anticipated Jetta TDI, which was just recently released in the U.S. market. Apparently, Volkswagen of America has gotten complaints that some dealers are adding a significant markup on the new and desirable model -- a big problem for many automakers when a new model makes its initial introduction. The dealers are eager to make some money on the new cars while VW is concerned that customers may just look elsewhere because they feel they're being treated unfairly. What's more, some VW dealers may not be all that excited by the new model as there aren't that many available quite yet.
This is a situation that's frustrating for the dealers, VW and, most importantly, prospective customers. Volkswagen promises that the situation will improve, and we hope it does. If the clean diesel engine is truly capable of returning the kind of fuel mileage that VW says it can, the Jetta TDI sedan and Sportwagen may indeed offer an ideal alternative to gasoline-sipping hybrids, that is, if customers can put up with the buying process.

[ Via: Autoblog (Volkswagen) ]
[ Tag: clean diesel, CleanDiesel, jetta tdi, JettaTdi, volkswagen, volkswagen jetta, volkswagen jetta diesel, volkswagen jetta tdi, VolkswagenJetta, VolkswagenJettaDiesel, VolkswagenJettaTdi, vw dealer, vw jetta diesel, vw jetta tdi, VwDealer, VwJettaDiesel, VwJettaTdi ]