Autoblog Volkswagen http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Volkswagen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Oklahoma City-area tornado damage - helicopter overview

Judging by the destruction the Oklahoma City area experienced earlier this week, residents are going to need a lot of help in coming months. Fortunately, a number of automakers - including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Honda and Toyota - have stepped up to donate money, supplies and vehicles to aid in the recovery and rebuilding processes.

Here's a quick rundown of which automakers have pitched in and what each contributed so far:
  • Ford Motor Company has donating $250,000 and a Transit Connect to the American Red Cross, and it will match all other donations made to the Red Cross (up to $250,000) using a special URL tied to the latter's website (link here). Additionally, its local Oklahoma dealers have thrown in an extra $150,000 for the United Way and the automaker will be offering an extra $500 toward the purchase of a new Ford vehicle.
  • GM has given $50,000 and a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado to a Detroit-area charity called Forgotten Harvest, which has set up a campaign called "Help 4 Oklahoma" to bring food, medical and hygiene products to the area.
  • Chrysler is donating $100,000 to First Response Team of America - a nonprofit that assists first responders and helps with disaster cleanup.
  • Toyota has announced that it is donating $250,000 to restore food service to the area, small businesses revitalization and home rebuilding, and in addition to this amount, it will also be matching employee contributions.
  • The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Honda is donating generators to the Red Cross - a big advantage of having a power equipment division.
  • Volkswagen says it made a $250,000 donation to the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, but it isn't clear if that was a combined donation or that much was given to each organization. VW is also matching the funds of its employees.

Continue reading Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort

Automakers donating money, vehicles and supplies to Oklahoma tornado relief effort originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american red crosschryslerdonationsfirst response team of americafordForgotten harvestgeneral motorshabitat for humanityhondanatural disastersoklahoma disasteroklahoma tornadotoyota Fri, 24 May 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581683/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/automakers-donating-money-vehicles-and-supplies-to-oklahoma-tor/20581683/article-detail.xml 20581683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/oklahoma-city-area-tornado-13_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/oklahoma-city-area-tornado-13.jpg <![CDATA[China continues foreign automotive investment incentives after all]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Buick and China flags fly at dealership

China has reversed a policy that would have nixed incentives for investments from foreign automakers, paving the way for further expansion by General Motors, Volkswagen and others. Legislators had removed automotive manufacturing from the list of industries that would receive government support in the future, but foreign investment fell off significantly in April. The country's National Development and Reform Commission responded by not only reinstating foreign automotive investment but by giving the business "preferential treatment," according to Automotive News. Last year, China's central and western regions attracted $19.2 billion in foreign investment across the board.

With China serving as the world's largest automotive market, manufacturers are keen to make inroads in the region. The local government incentivised foreign-owned manufacturing plants for some seven years before the National Development and Reform Commission removed the industry from its approved list in an attempt to stave off overcapacity. Automotive News reports GM and VW have both invested heavily in the region, with the latter set to begin construction on an all-new facility. The new plant is part of a $13 billion investment in China and will join Volkswagen's 12 other car and component facilities in the region.

China continues foreign automotive investment incentives after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinachinese auto marketchinese carschinese governmentgeneral motorsgminvestmentnational development and reform commissionvw Thu, 23 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575202/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575202/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/china-continues-foreign-automotive-investment-incentives-after-a/20575202/article-detail.xml 20575202 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/buick-and-china-flag-at-dealer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/buick-and-china-flag-at-dealer.jpg <![CDATA[VW to retrofit quarter-million TDI diesels with misfueling protection]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/vw-to-retrofit-quarter-million-tdi-diesels-with-misfueling-prote/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/vw-to-retrofit-quarter-million-tdi-diesels-with-misfueling-prote/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/vw-to-retrofit-quarter-million-tdi-diesels-with-misfueling-prote/#comments Filed under: ,



According to a report from Autoweek, Volkswagen has plans in place to retrofit a quarter of a million 2009-2012 model-year TDI-engined cars with a system that will prevent misfueling with gasoline instead of diesel. In a notice sent out to VW dealers, the company specified that affected models will include the 2009-2012 Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen TDI, as well as 2010-2012 Golf TDI models.

Volkswagen claims that the increased popularity of TDI diesel models has resulted in more incidents of damaging and potentially very costly misfueling mishaps. To address the issue, the company will front the cash for dealers to retrofit a fuel filler neck cap that can recognize the smaller nozzle of a gasoline pump and keep the fuel tank gate closed.

Autoweek also reports that the move might be slightly defensive in nature; VW has blamed misfueling on the wave of high-pressure fuel pump failures that has recently been the subject of an investigation by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

VW to retrofit quarter-million TDI diesels with misfueling protection originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> volkswagen jetta tdivwvw golf tdivw jetta tdi Wed, 22 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579990/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579990/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/vw-to-retrofit-quarter-million-tdi-diesels-with-misfueling-prote/20579990/article-detail.xml 20579990 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2011-vw-jetta-tdi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2011-vw-jetta-tdi-628.jpg <![CDATA[2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2015 Volkswagen Golf R caught testing on Nordschliefe - video screencap

The upcoming version of the Volkswagen Golf R is nearly ready for prime time, if this video of the car flying around the Nürburgring is any indication. The all-wheel-drive R seems to make quick, neat work of the corners we see here, and sounds pretty devilish in the process.

Expectations are that the new Golf R will run a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (what else?), tuned to produce even more than the current car's 256 horsepower. (Some sources have indicated outputs as high as 286 horsepower, with 280 pound-feet of torque. It's still not clear if Volkswagen will bring the six-speed dual-clutch transmission to the US-spec Golf R in this next go-round or if we'll stick to having only... eh... the stick.

In either case - watching the video below will only whet your appetite for the new, highest performing member of the Golf family.

Continue reading 2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring

2015 VW Golf R caught getting a flogging on 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nurburgringvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf rvolkswagen gtivwvw gti Wed, 22 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579751/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/2015-vw-golf-r-caught-getting-a-flogging-on-ring/20579751/article-detail.xml 20579751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-golf-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-golf-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Employing complex scientific formulas and methodologies probably best described as "Whatever we felt like choosing," Automobile has named its All-Stars for the 2013 model year. The 11 vehicles earned their trophies for being "the best and most significant" offerings to the mag's staff and contributors, and while we were surprised to see a couple of them on the list, none of them were shocking. In no particular order, they are: Random notes: The least expensive vehicle on the list was the Ford Focus at $16,995 however, it was the $24,495 Focus ST that was actually driven; the least expensive vehicle as-tested, when such indication was given, was the $28,265 BRZ; the most expensive vehicle as-tested was the $75,615 Porsche Boxster S, hurdling the price of the A7 by nearly $4,000; the greatest disparity between base and as-tested price was the Ram, from the $24,395 skin-and-bones truck to the $54,335 Laramie Longhorn Crew Cab; the GTI was viewed through the history of its birthplace, Wolfsburg.

There you have it. Head on over to Automobile for the full story and the adventures they created to test each winner.

Automobile Magazine names its 2013 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi a7automobileautomobile magazineautomobile magazine all-starsbmw 3 serieschevrolet camaro zl1ford focushonda accordmazda cx-5porsche boxsterram 1500scion fr-ssubaru brzvolkswagen golf gti Wed, 22 May 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578483/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/automobile-magazine-names-its-2013-all-stars/20578483/article-detail.xml 20578483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chevrolet-camaro-zl1.jpg <![CDATA[Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen Stop Start Ad

Babies and cars go together like screaming blobs of insomnia and sleep machines. New parents quickly find that nothing soothes an irritable newborn quite like a quick drive around the block, and Volkswagen employed that truth in the company's newest ad for its stop/start technology. The spot follows one new dad as he tries to lull his child to sleep with the burble and purr of his Tiguan TDI. Unfortunately, his efforts are thwarted by the machine's start/stop system at each stop light.

While the clip does a great job of explaining how the start/stop system works and what it does for the buyer, Volkswagen took a bit of a gamble by having the system wake a sleeping babe. Automakers spend plenty of time trying to convince the world that their stop/start gear is as smooth as possible, and while this wee Volkswagen enthusiast falls asleep the moment the diesel engine wakes up, the implication is that the system isn't exactly imperceptible. Check out the
for yourself.

Continue reading Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech

Baby not keen on VW's stop/start tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adcommercialstop startvideovwvw tiguanvw tiguan tdi Fri, 10 May 2013 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564907/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/vw-stop-start-ad-video/20564907/article-detail.xml 20564907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-stop-start-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-stop-start-ad-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW Amarok R-Style debuting at Worthersee]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Volkswagen has announced another vehicle that will be delighting the brand's fans at this week's Wörthersee festival in Austria. The Amarok R-Style is a performance version of the pickup that VW seemingly sells all over the world... except the US and Canada, of course.

The truck is powered by a 3.0-liter TDI V6 making 272 horsepower and a stout 442 pound-feet of torque. That engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic, and the pair are reportedly good for helping the truck reach 62 miles per hour in 7.9 seconds. While a 20-year-old GMC Cyclone pickup would laugh that figure off as cute, the Amarok R-Style at least looks the part of a performance truck with 22-inch wheels bursting out of fenders widened by 2.36 inches on either side. There's also a carbon fiber diffuser out back, side sill extensions and bigger air intakes up front. Oh, and two chromed tailpipes for good measure.

Inside, the Amarok R-Style apes the GTI with a black, white and red color scheme on its surfaces and deeply bolstered sport seats. A new steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen, subwoofer and carbon fiber dashboard round out the other extra upgrades.

VW Amarok R-Style debuting at Worthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw amarokvw amarok r-stylewortherseeworthersee 2013 Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562186/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562186/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/vw-amarok-r-style-debuting-worthersee/20562186/article-detail.xml 20562186 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-amarok-r-style-000-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-amarok-r-style-000-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As is the case every year, Volkswagen engineers have built and brought a new toy to their fans at the annual Wörthersee festival in Reifnitz, Austria. Called the Design Vision GTI, this track toy is a Golf that's been widened, lowered and given an injection of twin-turbo V6 steroids.

The powerplant providing motivation is a 3.0-liter V6 paired with two turbochargers to produce 503 horsepower and up to 413 pound-feet of torque. With all-wheel drive and Volkswagen's famous DSG gearbox (the gear count is unknown), the Design Vision GTI can erase what's between you and 62 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, as well as a reach a terminal velocity of 186 mph. Carbon ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels and a specially tuned chassis round out the hardware upgrades, while engineers compressed the car's dimensions to be shorter, wider and lower than a stock GTI.

The exterior of the Design Vision GTI is meant to evoke the future of GTI styling, which is fine by us as we especially like how the car's iconic C-pillar is pulled away from the body and flows into the significantly flared rear fenders. It looks like the reflection of a GTI in a circus mirror with menace-making bends. The interior, meanwhile, is an exercise in editing, with switches, knobs and all manner of unnecessary controls removed, and the center console more severely oriented towards the driver. The rear seats have been replaced by an X-shaped crossbar, and red straps appear where door handles used to be (à la Porsche). There's even a camera embedded in the A-pillar that can shoot either the track ahead or the driver at work.

While not as stout in the power or performance departments as the 2007 GTI W12 Concept, the Design Vision GTI looks even more the business than that King of Golfs. For now we only have renderings, but we'll update this post with live images of the Design Vision GTI as soon as they're available.

Continue reading VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video]

VW debuts 503-hp Design Vision GTI at Wörthersee [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gtivwvw design vision gtivw gtiwortherseeworthersee 2013 Tue, 07 May 2013 21:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561381/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/vw-debuts-503-hp-design-vision-gti-at-worthersee/20561381/article-detail.xml 20561381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-design-vision-gti-2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW developing carbon fiber roof for performance Golf models]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/#comments Filed under: , ,

2015 Volkswagen GTI

According to Edmunds, Volkswagen is currently developing a carbon fiber roof option for performance versions of its Golf hatchback. This feature would not only save weight, but could slightly improve fuel economy as well.

Adding the carbon fiber roof could shed anywhere from 18 to 20 pounds off the porky little hatch's curb weight, Edmunds reports. At this point in development, Volkswagen is currently working out how to develop a set of waterproof joints to seal the roof to the car's body sides and windshield.

Pricing or specific launch timing for the carbon fiber roof has not been released, nor have any details about what specific models will receive the option. Of course, it stands to reason that the hottest Golf of the bunch, the R, will have this weight-saving feature, but the perennial favorite GTI, pictured, would also be a good match for something like this.

VW developing carbon fiber roof for performance Golf models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carbon fiber roofvwvw golfvw golf rvw gti Tue, 07 May 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560512/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/vw-developing-carbon-fiber-roof-for-performance-golf-models/20560512/article-detail.xml 20560512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/13-2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/13-2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen still considering small roadster]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/#comments Filed under: , ,

Volkswagen BlueSport Roadster

Despite the on-again, off-again rumors surrounding a small Volkswagen roadster, it would appear that a small droptop two-seater is still on track. CarScoops, citing a report in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine, states that there are many people within Volkswagen who still believe that this sort of vehicle would be good for the brand.

"I'm not the only one in our company who is convinced that a small roadster wouldn't be the worst thing for Volkswagen," the automaker's design chief, Walter de Silva, told AMS, according to CarScoops. "This is a vehicle that we particularly like, and we always have in mind."

Volkswagen showed the BlueSport concept (pictured above) at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but the project was quickly put on hold, with earlier reports stating that there simply wasn't a business case for the car. Those reports were contradicted early last year, and it's good to hear that spokespeople within the company are still looking to move forward with the project.

The BlueSport concept debuted with a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, good for 177 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. According to Volkswagen, the BlueSport would hit 62 miles per hour in 6.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 140 mph, and able to hit fuel economy numbers as high as 54.7 miles per gallon. Of course, a small turbocharged gasoline engine could also work in this application, and CarScoops states that this sort of vehicle could also find homes within the Audi and Porsche brands, as well.

Volkswagen still considering small roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw bluesportvw bluesport conceptvw roadster Mon, 06 May 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559048/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559048/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/volkswagen-still-considering-small-roadster/20559048/article-detail.xml 20559048 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/00vwroadster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/00vwroadster.jpg <![CDATA[VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/vw-2-0t-engine-raised-to-210-hp-offered-in-beetle-turbo-and-jet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/vw-2-0t-engine-raised-to-210-hp-offered-in-beetle-turbo-and-jet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/vw-2-0t-engine-raised-to-210-hp-offered-in-beetle-turbo-and-jet/#comments Filed under: , ,

2013.5 VW Beetle Turbo R Line

Volkswagen has pushed up the power for the new half-model year. For 2013.5 (yep, this isn't a 2013 and it's not quite a 2014), the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine offered in the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible and Jetta GLI now makes 210 horsepower, an increase of 10 ponies over the previous version of the long-running engine. Torque remains unchanged at 207 pound-feet.

According to VW, the Beetle Turbo can accelerate from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, which is a .2-second improvement over the previous car. The Jetta GLI does the run to 60 in 6.7 seconds, according to the automaker. Those worried about economy will be pleased to know that the increase in performance extends to the pump - VW claims increases of four to eight percent in city and combined fuel economy.

The Beetle Turbo is fitted with new R Line bumpers for 2013.5; a separate R Line package that includes the new bumpers, a diffuser at the rear, 19-inch Tornado wheels and badging inside and out will start at $30,135. Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI gets LED taillamps, and the automaker isn't mentioning any increase in price. Want to know more? Click on the lone image above to enlarge, then scroll down below for the press release.

Continue reading VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI

VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw beetlevw beetle r linevw beetle turbovw beetle turbo convertiblevw jettavw jetta gli Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557074/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557074/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/vw-2-0t-engine-raised-to-210-hp-offered-in-beetle-turbo-and-jet/20557074/article-detail.xml 20557074 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013.5-vw-beetle-turbo-r-line-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2013.5-vw-beetle-turbo-r-line-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2015 Volkswagen GTI

Following the announcement that Audi will be using the Wörthersee Tour to unveil a lightweight version of the TT called the TT Ultra Quattro Concept, we're now hearing that Volkswagen also has plans to show off a special concept vehicle at the annual brand-centric performance festival. According to Car magazine, VW will bring a hotter version of the GTI to the show, although not quite as hot as the 2007 VW GTI W12 concept.

After speaking with VW R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, the article says that the concept could be a preview of a future version of the new GTI, and with the 2015 model year signifying the 40th anniversary of the hot hatch that started it all, we expect to see this new model sooner rather than later. The 2013 Wörthersee Tour runs from May 17 to 19, so we don't have much longer to wait before we see this new concept.

VW readying hotter GTI for Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> vwvw gtivw gti conceptwortherseeworthersee 2013 Thu, 02 May 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556012/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556012/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/vw-readying-hotter-gti-for-worthersee/20556012/article-detail.xml 20556012 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Taigun patent filings - front three-quarter view

Volkswagen brought an angular, bulldog-like small crossover concept called Taigun to the São Paulo motor show last year, claiming that it wanted to gauge interest in the design before making a decision about production. If a new report with alleged leaked patent images is to be believed, then, interest must have been pretty high.

China's Auto.Sohu.com has published this group of Taigun images, claiming that they have been sourced from the Chinese patent office and that the subcompact VW utility based on the Up! has been cleared for production.

If all of that is true, and if these images are representative of the final product, you'll see that designers haven't done much to alter the concept car's appearance. Comparing, shot for shot, with the images we have from Brazil, we see that even small details like roof rack-mounted lights and exhaust tips integrated in the rear fascia have been carried over. Take a closer look for yourself in the attached galleries.

Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> sao paulo motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen taigunvwvw taigun Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554593/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/20554593/article-detail.xml 20554593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen introduces R-Line accoutrements for new Golf]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Volkswagen has rolled out three new R-Line packages for the Golf, comprising exterior and interior kits along with a Sport Pack. Any one of them can be had on the Comfortline or Highline trims, but for different prices. The exterior add-ons include logos, new front and rear bumpers and a rear spoiler, new side sills and a black diffuser. It runs 995 euros ($1,297 US) on the Highline, 1,180 euros ($1,538 US) on the Comfortline.

The interior package includes items like aluminum-look instrument and door panels, new door sills, a black headliner, stainless steel pedal caps and sports seats. It goes for 640 euros on the Highline trim or 945 euros ($1,231 US) on Comfortline. You can add Vienna leather to that, upgrading from cloth, for either 1,755 ($2,287 US) euros on the Highline or 2,115 euros ($2,756 US) on the Comfortline.

Finally, the Sport package gets a new suspension and revised steering, plus tinted windows. It's the most economical of the lot, needing just 430 euros ($560 US) for both Comfortline and Highline. The Salvador wheels in either 17- or 18-inch sizes can finish the whole thing off, and the press release below can tell you more about the tidbits included.

Continue reading Volkswagen introduces R-Line accoutrements for new Golf

Volkswagen introduces R-Line accoutrements for new Golf originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> r-linevwvw golfvw golf r-line Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550361/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550361/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/volkswagen-introduces-r-line-accoutrements-for-new-golf/20550361/article-detail.xml 20550361 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-golf-r-line_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-golf-r-line.jpg <![CDATA[VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/#comments Filed under: , ,



Each year, the Vienna International Motor Symposium showcases some of the up-and-coming technologies automakers are engineering for the use in passenger cars, and Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed some big developments VW is working on for its future products. Winterkorn discussed a multi-faceted approach that VW is looking to reduce its fleet fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Some of the bigger news he discussed included a "high-performance" diesel engine that will produce 134 horsepower per liter and a 10-speed DSG automatic transmission. While no specific applications were mentioned, we can only hope this is for the Audi R4 we keep hearing about.

Another topic he touched on that caused us to perk up our ears was had to do with VW's plug-in hybrid technology. While we know the PHEV versions of the Audi A3 and Porsche Panamera are on the way, Winterkorn also said that these two models will be followed up by Golf, Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne plug-in models. Scroll down for a press release highlighting the automaker's future fuel-saving initiatives.

Continue reading VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel

VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 10-speed transmissionaudiaudi 16audi a6audi a6 plug-in hybriddieseldsgmartin winterkornporscheporsche cayenneporsche cayenne plug-in hybridvienna international motor symposiumvolkswagenvolkswagen agvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat plug-in hybrid Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549903/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/20549903/article-detail.xml 20549903 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628.jpg <![CDATA[2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

The 911 Of Hot Hatches Takes The Compact Game To New Levels

2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI - front three-quarter view, in motion

North American car buyers get a bit of a slap in the face when it comes to delivery schedules for new the Volkswagen Golf and pumped-up GTI models. We'll just repeat the old chestnut: It's worth the wait... even though it still stinks. This time around, Western Europe is taking deliveries of the new Golf as we speak, and GTI deliveries start between May and July. North America doesn't get the Mk7 Golf or GTI until about July of 2014.

So we approached our first drive of the new GTI with this chip on our shoulder: "You're making us wait? Well, then at least give us the exact car we'll be able to buy. No compromises, mein freund." And so it was that we extracted nearly all of our drive impressions from behind the wheel of what, for the United States, will technically be a model year 2015 two-door Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance with the standard six-speed manual.

This time around, Volkswagen in Wolfsburg and in Herndon, VA, explain the wait in very practical terms. Whereas before it was just a long wait while Volkswagen slowly realized it needed to properly invest in North America, the wait this time is because VW needs to get its Puebla, Mexico, factory completely on-line to build all of North America's Golfs and GTIs. The deadline for this happening is... July 2014. We're still gonna whine about it though, because that's how we roll.

Continue reading 2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]

2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 volkswagen gtifeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivevolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen gtivwvw golfvw gti Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549296/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549296/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/20549296/article-detail.xml 20549296 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota maintains world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Toyota badge

Toyota still holds the title of World's Largest Automaker. The Japanese automaker ceded the claim to General Motors in 2011 following a series of natural and man-made disasters that stifled production in Asia. Production is back up to full speed and, coupled with the introduction of a new Camry midsize sedan, Toyota retook the title in 2012 and has so far been able to keep it by selling 2.43 million vehicles in the first quarter of 2013.

The race is still tight - General Motors reports sales of 2.36 million vehicles, earning it the second spot globally with Volkswagen's 2.27 million sales nabbing the German automaker third place. It's not all smooth sailing for Toyota, either, as the brand's first-quarter figures were down 2.2 percent when compared to last year. GM posted a 3.6-percent gain and VW managed a 5.1-percent gain over the same period.

Sales in China may be a deciding factor as to which automaker performs best in 2013. Toyota's figures were down 13 percent in China. Meanwhile, GM and VW are continuing their upward trajectories in the crucial Chinese market.

As ever, each of the automakers says publicly it doesn't care much about the title. Shino Yamada, a spokesperson for Toyota, told The Washington Post, "Rather than pursuing numbers, we try to sell one car at a time, producing good cars. We aren't focused on being number one." GM spokesperson Jim Cain echoed a similar note, saying, "A day doesn't go by that we don't try to increase our sales all over the world."

Toyota maintains world's largest automaker crown, GM and VW close behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> automaker salesgmtoyotavwworlds largest automaker Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548387/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548387/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/toyota-maintains-worlds-largest-automaker-crown-gm-and-vw-clos/20548387/article-detail.xml 20548387 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-fascia-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/toyota-fascia-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/#comments Filed under: ,

Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition logo

Volkswagen has just announced a new Passat Wolfsburg Edition, which slots between the base S and mid-grade SE trims in terms of content and price. The automaker has not released any official photos of the car as of this writing (aside from the badge shot you see here, of course), but the Wolfsburg Passat will be visually set apart from the rest by a unique set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The big host of upgrades for the Wolfsburg Edition are found inside, where buyers will enjoy standard amenities like leatherette seats (with bun-warmers on the front chairs), a power driver's seat, satellite radio and a media interface with iPod connectivity. Of course, this comes on top of the already standard Passat features like Bluetooth and auto on/off headlamps. The Wolfsburg Passat will only be available with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Look for the 2013 Wolfsburg Edition Passat to hit dealerships in the very near future, priced from $23,495, *not including $795 for destination. Speaking of dealers, Volkswagen is currently sitting on an average 97-day supply of Passat models, and recently laid off 500 workers at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant to accommodate for the production reduction.

Have a look below for Volkswagen's official press blast.

Continue reading Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495*

Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 volkswagen passat wolfsburg editionvolkswagenvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat wolfsburg editionvw Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547600/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547600/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/20547600/article-detail.xml 20547600 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wolfsburgeditionlogo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wolfsburgeditionlogo.jpg <![CDATA[Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Meet Brad, Sheena and Nacho

Drive Nacho Drive

Driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering $19,514 just to cover the fees.

Brad and Sheena Van Orden are in the midst of a life-defining campaign to travel around the world, and they're doing it in a 1984 Volkswagen Vanagon custom built for the occasion. The past 15 months have seen the couple quit their jobs with Gore-Tex and drive from Arizona to the very southern tip of Argentina after spending a full two years saving and preparing for the trek. Now they're in southern Asia gearing up for the next leg of their journey.

Currently, Brad and Sheena face two options when it comes to making their way west toward Greece. Right now, the couple plans to point their faithful van, Nacho, toward Cambodia and drive through Laos before entering China. No one said the Van Ordens were taking the direct route.

The only problem is that driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering $19,514 just to cover the fees associated with obtaining a Chinese driver's license, registering Nacho in the People's Republic and paying for an official, government-required guide's food and lodging during their time in the country. Considering Brad and Sheena have budgeted $2,000 a month for their entire adventure, the price tag is a bit out of reach. Or at least it is without our help.

We caught up with the Van Ordens while they were stopped at a campground in Thailand for a quick chat.

Continue reading Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world

Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> around the worldautoblog vanagonautoblogvanagondrive around the worlddrive nacho drivevanagonvolkswagenvolkswagen vanagon Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547009/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547009/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/20547009/article-detail.xml 20547009 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Those of us who like a little style injected into our greenery will appreciate the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept seen above. Like the original seven-seat non-coupe version of the crossover first seen at the Detroit Auto Show, this five-seat machine from Shanghai features a high-tech drivetrain that consists of twin electric motors, one up front and one at the rear, that get juice from a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. Under the hood sits a 295-horsepower, direct-injection, gasoline-burning V6 in place of the turbo-diesel of the Detroit version.

Those three powerplants combine to put out an impressive 415 horsepower, which is sufficient to shuttle the CrossBlue Coupe Concept from 0-60 in a scant 5.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 147 miles per hour. Of course, green-leaners will be more interested in the Concept's ability to travel 21 miles on electricity alone that couples with the estimated 79 miles per gallon on the European combined cycle - for what it's worth, there's no direct translation of that figure into US mpg, but it wouldn't be nearly that high - that allows for a 720-mile range... on paper, of course.

Styling, as they say, is subjective, but we like what we see. Have a look at the VW CrossBlue Coupe Concept in our high-res image gallery above, read the press release below, and let us know what you think.

Continue reading Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showshanghaishanghai motor showvwvw crossblue coupe concept Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546161/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546161/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/20546161/article-detail.xml 20546161 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-628-1366450811_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-628-1366450811.jpg -1 2