Volkswagen to debut four new models in Frankfurt?
by Noah Joseph on May 11th 2009 at 6:29PM 
Germany only gets its own top-tier international auto show every other year, with the Frankfurt Motor Show alternating with the Paris salon. So when the circus rolls into town, you can bet Germany's giant auto industry will embrace the opportunity to reveal their latest. Audi's tipped to unveil its A5 Sportback and revised A8, Mercedes is expected to unveil its new E-Class Cabrio, BMW the new X1 and 5-Series GT/Progressive Activity Sedan... even Opel is anticipated to unveil its new Astra in Frankfurt. But according to the latest reports, Volkswagen is preparing to upstage them all with four new models.
First up is the Robust pick-up truck recently spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. A more versatile version of VW's midsize hatchback called the Golf Variant is tipped to join the show stage, too. But the real excitement is in the pair of hot hatches set to make their debuts in Frankfurt. The Golf R is anticipated to pack a 265-hp 2.0-liter TFSI with all the trimmings, while a mini-Scirocco based on the Polo could also be in the cards, packing a 180-hp 1.4-liter four. Of course, it's entirely possible that one or more of these could drop off the card for the upcoming show in September, but either way, Volkswagen looks set to make a big splash in Frankfurt this year, and of course we'll be on hand to catch it all for you.
[Source: AutoWeek.nl]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
zamafir 6:41PM (5/11/2009)
R20 sounds plausible, mini polo sirocco not so much.
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James 6:50PM (5/11/2009)
I've never anticipated an auto show so much! I can't wait.
Don't forget, I also read BMW is also supposed to debut the 3-series GT/PAS Concept as well, which will showcase the styling cues for the next gen 3.
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bc 7:00PM (5/11/2009)
The Golf Variant would be what we get as the Jetta SportWagen.
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cc 10:30PM (5/11/2009)
I'd love to see the Sportwagen/Variant/Wagon (it's just "Jetta Wagon" here in Canada; we don't get the cool US badging) in GTD form. I heard that over 50% of all wagons sold here in Canada are the TDI, so it makes sense that more than a few people might want a sportier version of it... (I know at least one!)
smak 7:01PM (5/11/2009)
Clicking A5 Sportback doesn't take you to anything. That's a pretty annoying practice.
It should at least give you:
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John Graham 8:00PM (5/11/2009)
But only if you're in North America! LOL!
P.V. 8:50PM (5/11/2009)
Wow! I am really anticipating ALL of these German automaker debuts at Frankfurt!
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RockStoneSteel 9:40PM (5/11/2009)
Bring the Golf TDI here to the US already (with the dual-clutch auto). Make mine a 3 door hatch. And while you're at it, please bring back the fastback/hatchback styling with it that looked so good on the original Sciroccos. The only thing I don't like about the Golfs is the Europeanish vertical back windows. They just don't look streamlined. Ok, admittedly, I also don't like the goofy plaid interior on some models. But I love the drivetrains and suspensions. VW is one of the manufacturers who don't view their small car as "cheap" or "entry level". Thank you VW for not incorporating a torsion beam or drum brakes into your Golf. ...wish I could say the same for the Polo!
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Rich 10:19AM (5/12/2009)
(Hm. Golfs. Shouldn't that be "Golves"?)
Seems like you and your countrymen need a quick lesson in aerodynamics. A creased trailing edge detaches the airflow and reduces drag. It's more efficient than trying to reassemble the air back to the way it was before the car hit. The Beetle is less aerodynamic than the Golf for exactly this reason. The principle is to punch a hole, and leave the hole behind.
The *most* aerodynamic shapes are boat-tails though -- but even the VW 1L concept didn't go that far.
Bman 10:56AM (5/12/2009)
@ Rich
I think Rock was speaking purely in aesthetic terms, but thanks for your translated aerodynamics lesson!? Clearly you just need to be heard.
CarlosMC 6:36PM (5/12/2009)
I think Rich's in the wrong thread - golf balls go in here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/11/ipopular-mechanics-i-declares-vehicle-wraps-do-not-improve-mp/ :)
Jonathan 10:21PM (5/11/2009)
I hope Audi only comes out with one Sportback model.. If they come out with an A5SB and an A7 it'd be a little ridiculous. Whatever happened to "never follow", Audi?
I'd like to see a new A3 sporting the TT's engines. Rather than show up to the CLS 4DC party way late, Audi should show BMW it is possible to make compact cars attractive:
http://www.netcarshow.com/audi/2007-metroproject_quattro_concept/800x600/wallpaper_03.htm
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HeyHuub 2:24AM (5/12/2009)
The A3 is already available with all of the TT's engines.
Rich 10:21AM (5/12/2009)
They already know:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2nd_Mini_Cooper_.jpg
RLC 1:28AM (5/13/2009)
Volkswagen should focus on improving the quality and reliability of their existing lineup, instead of gunning for lousy vehicles in every segment. Their cars are consistently at the bottom of the JD Powers list. I own a 2003 GTi that has been a piece of crap since I drove it off the lot brand new. Too many electrical and mechanical problems to list, plus countless plastic pieces that have broken off in my hands. Terrible sales people, terrible service, horrible quality vehicle, and a company that doesn't stand behind its products. I'll never touch another Volkswagen.
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