Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New Tennessee-built VW Passat won't get the "Westmoreland" treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/new-tennessee-passat-wont-get-the-westmoreland-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/new-tennessee-passat-wont-get-the-westmoreland-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/new-tennessee-passat-wont-get-the-westmoreland-treatment/#commentsFiled under:


While we were chatting with VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby in Wolfsburg, Germany, the subject of its new 'Merican-built car came up. The so-called NMS or New Midsize Sedan will replace the Passat in the US VW lineup. This model will be unique to the North American market, which brought up a question about the last "Americanized" VW.

For those not old enough to remember, Volkswagen opened a factory in Westmoreland county Pennsylvania in 1978 and closed it a decade later. When the plant started building the Rabbit (aka MK 1 Golf) VW's home office modified the Rabbit to make it "more appealing" to American buyers. That meant giving it rectangular headlights and making it softer and losing much of the German character that made it fun to drive.

Jacoby promises that won't happen this time around. Instead, the process of adaption will involve growing the sedan to bring it on par with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The current Passat is considered to be just a bit too small inside by comparison. What won't change is the tight suspension setup and styling consistent with other contemporary VWs.

The current Passat is also pricey compared to its primary segment competitors. This is one of the main reasons the new car will be built Stateside. VW is currently sourcing parts and systems from US located suppliers which should bring down the cost basis of the new model by taking exchange rates out of the equation.

New Tennessee-built VW Passat won't get the "Westmoreland" treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new midsize sedanNewMidsizeSedannmspassatstefan jacobyStefanJacobyvolkswagenVolkswagen PassatVolkswagenPassatThu, 08 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: New VW mid-size sedan to start at $20,000, arrive in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/report-new-vw-mid-size-sedan-to-start-at-20-000-arrive-in-201/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/report-new-vw-mid-size-sedan-to-start-at-20-000-arrive-in-201/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/report-new-vw-mid-size-sedan-to-start-at-20-000-arrive-in-201/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As part of a far-reaching interview with Stefan Jacoby, Volkswagen's North American CEO, Automotive News has fleshed out some new details about the German automaker's forthcoming Chattanooga, Tennessee-built sedan, as well as the potential viability of the Polo subcompact in the States.

In the main, Jacoby allowed that the unnamed Chattanooga-built sedan will hit the market in the spring of 2012, with a targeted price tag of "around $20,000," and the car is tipped to rely on versions of the company's 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines that are already in production. Although the design has not yet been made public, Jacoby notes that the car was finalized over the last few weeks in Wolfsburg, and a rendering of the car (above) leaked out in February.

What else will be made in VW's new Tennessee plant? At the moment, there have been no firm decisions, but up for consideration, says Jacoby, are a compact SUV, a mid-size SUV, or something from "the Polo family."

About the latter - Jacoby says they have polled the company's dealership body in the States, and their response has been that the vehicle is not large enough to succeed in America. That said, VW appears to be considering a next-generation Polo sedan and/or a larger hatchback. While stopping short of confirming a model, VW's CEO did sound quite positive about the chances for a Polo when he said: "We are investigating what model we should start with and when we should start -- in 2011 or 2012."

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req.]

REPORT: New VW mid-size sedan to start at $20,000, arrive in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChattanoogaPassatPoloStefan JacobyStefanJacobyTennesseeTNVolkswagenVWMon, 27 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Another new (old) Passat: Shanghai VW Lingyu]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/shanghai-vw-readying-another-new-old-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/shanghai-vw-readying-another-new-old-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/shanghai-vw-readying-another-new-old-passat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Chinese market VW Lingyu

China's already got Volkswagen's Passat in R36 guise, as well as a locally-made, Passat-derived model called the Magotan. Now it's going to have another car based on the Passat called the Lingyu. Built on a revised, long-wheelbase version of the 4-year-old PQ46 platform and using the previous-generation Passat body style, the Lingyu is shaping up to be the longest Passat sedan variant available in China.

Three engines have been mentioned, along with a 15% increase in fuel efficiency: the 1.8T, 2.0 FSI, and 2.4 V6. The changes are being made by VW's Chinese partner Shanghai VW, with the aim of increasing interior space and comfort. The car should be available in Q2 of this year, and might make an appearance at next month's Shanghai Auto Show.


Gallery: China FAW-VW Lingyu


[Source: Gasgoo]

Another new (old) Passat: Shanghai VW Lingyu originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b6chinafawlingyupassatsedanshanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShowvolkswagenvolkswagen passatVolkswagenPassatvwvw lingyuvw passatVwLingyuVwPassatSun, 22 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/chicago-2009-volkswagen-passat-cc-gold-coast-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/chicago-2009-volkswagen-passat-cc-gold-coast-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/chicago-2009-volkswagen-passat-cc-gold-coast-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the VW CC Gold Coast concept


It made its debut over the summer at Pebble Beach. It showed up again in November at SEMA. And finally, we have a set of our own live shots of the CC Gold Coast concept because Volkswagen sent the swanky 4-door to Chi-town.

The Gold Coast is doused in a rich-looking brown finish dubbed "Pepe Pepper" by DuPont, and it adopts a squat, muscular stance riding on a set of KW coilovers. 19-inch wheels fill out the wells nicely, and a full ground effects kit brings the look even closer to the ground. Veedub's 280-horsepower 3.6 FSI V6 sits underhood, mated to a six-speed DSG. Stopping power on this looker is further enhanced with a set of the Audi R8's ceramic discs in front.

While the CC Gold Coast is technically a concept, VW's making sure it gets in front of as many eyes as possible. Hence, we wouldn't be surprised to see the "concept" moniker eventually turn into "special edition" - minus those supercar stoppers.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast


Photos copyright Frank Filipponio/ Weblogs, Inc.

Chicago 2009: Volkswagen CC Gold Coast concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccchicagochicago auto showchicagoautoshowgold coastGoldCoastpassatveedubvolkswagenvwFri, 13 Feb 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: <strike>VW kills Passat sedan?</strike>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/20/rumormill-vw-kills-passat-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/20/rumormill-vw-kills-passat-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/20/rumormill-vw-kills-passat-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,



UPDATE: Thanks to commenters Mike, ebm14, and dosahut, all of whom explain that the verbiage in the post at VWvortex simply indicates the point at which the standard Passat sedan switches from an '08 to an '09, and the end of production for the model. So basically, the lineup stays as is with the two Passats and the CC. Or, put more plainly, never mind.

UPDATE 2: VW confirms that the Passat's back for '09. Nothing to see here. Move along...

When VW unveiled the Passat CC at Detroit last January, a lot of us wondered whether it ought to simply be theVWvortex forums has posted what's reportedly a list of product changes for the upcoming year. Most of them are completely mundane, but for the Passat sedan, the change listed says, "Updated End of Production Date - wk 51/08." We read that as being the 51st week of 2008, which is this coming week. Assuming it's all on the level (we've got an email in to VW for confirmation), come 2009, the Passat Wagon's counterpart in U.S. showrooms will be the CC. Makes sense to us. Thanks for the tip, Jay!



[Source: VWvortex]

Rumormill: VW kills Passat sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpassatpassat ccpassat sedanpassat sedan killedPassatCcPassatSedanPassatSedanKilledvolkswagenvwSat, 20 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Volkswagen CC, Passat recalled for steering malfunction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/2009-volkswagen-cc-passat-recalled-for-steering-malfunction/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/2009-volkswagen-cc-passat-recalled-for-steering-malfunction/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/2009-volkswagen-cc-passat-recalled-for-steering-malfunction/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen CC

While sporting around the Southeast in Volkswagen's new CC recently, failure of the steering system was not something we worried about. Apparently, though, it should have been. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of all 2009 Volkswaken Passats, Passat Wagons and CCs sold for steering problems. According to the recall description, a damaged capacitor could mean the driver's "steering input is not properly addressed." Which, of course, is hardly ever a good thing.

Luckily, the recall affects only 130 cars and has resulted in no accidents.

[Source: NHTSA via Edmunds Inside Line]

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

2009 Volkswagen CC, Passat recalled for steering malfunction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cccc recallCcRecallpassatpassat recallpassat wagonPassatRecallPassatWagonvolkswagen ccvolkswagen passatvolkswagen recallVolkswagenCcVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenRecallTue, 11 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ABTrainer: VW tuner pumps up the Passat CC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/abtrainer-vw-tuner-pumps-up-the-passat-cc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/abtrainer-vw-tuner-pumps-up-the-passat-cc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/abtrainer-vw-tuner-pumps-up-the-passat-cc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the ABT Passat CC

"C" is for comfort, but that's not good enough for ABT. The German tuning house has taken Volkswagen's sleek new Passat Comfort Coupe (CC) and given it a little more grunt. The 1.8-liter TSI goes up from 160hp to 200, the 2.0 TSI from 200 to 240, with the diesel versions up more conservatively from 140 to 170 and from 170 to 190. Suspension upgrades and a choice of wheels in 18-20 inches are also thrown into the mix, with a visual upgrades package to follow. Check out the trio of images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Abt Volkswagen Passat CC

[Source: ABT]

ABTrainer: VW tuner pumps up the Passat CC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abtabt passatabt passat ccabt volkswagenabt volkswagen passat ccabt vwabt vw passat ccAbtPassatAbtPassatCcAbtVolkswagenAbtVolkswagenPassatCcAbtVwAbtVwPassatCcpassatpassat ccPassatCcvolkswagenvolkswagen passat ccVolkswagenPassatCcvw passat ccVwPassatCcWed, 30 Jul 2008 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: 2011 Passat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The rendering specialists at AutoBild have come up with images of the next Passat. It gets a bit more character in the twin swage lines running down the side of the body, a feature that is looking like the next big design thing. The front end continues the tripartite bumper design VW has recently taken up, but swaps the giant headlamps for some sleek, stylized numbers reminiscent of Audi.

We aren't sure about the sedan design. It looks like it could be a contender with character... or it could be a sedan just trying to be fancy. The wagon, however, looks pretty sexy. We'll know when we see it in the flesh, but the Passat CC is probably a good indicator in the mean time, so if you like that, then you'll probably like this.

[Source: AutoBild via German Car Blog]

Rendered speculation: 2011 Passat originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011new modelsNewModelsnext generationnext-genNextGenerationpassatvolkswagenvolkswagen passatVolkswagenPassatvwMon, 05 May 2008 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Passat R36 goes on sale in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Passat R36

Volkswagen's most powerful Passat ever, the R36, which we've been hearing about for over a year, is finally on sale in the U.K. in both sedan and wagon versions. Featuring a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system to put the 300 horses and 258 lb. ft. of torque to the ground, VeeDub claims that the sedan can get to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds. The wagon is a few hundredths slower in the sprint to sixty, but both boast a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Besides the powertrain updates, the R36 gets a unique body kit, Bi-Xenon headlights and a new grille. Chassis enhancements include 18-inch rims, new brake calipers and most importantly, a 20mm lowering of the ride height. A blindingly bright turned-aluminum dash applique matches the new allow pedals and sill plates, while new seats promise a snug fit. The £30,990 base-price is encroaching on Audi territory, though not one featuring 300 horsepower. Now that Volvo's V70R is no longer available, the £32,150 estate model (that's wagon to us yanks) offers lots of performance and utility in a much more refined manner than your typical SUV. No word on a Stateside offering as of yet, but we won't give up the hope.

Gallery: Volkswagen Passat R36


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Passat R36 goes on sale in UK

VW Passat R36 goes on sale in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>passatpassat r36passat-r36PassatR36Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[What will Volkswagen build at a new US factory? The Scirocco?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/what-will-volkswagen-build-at-a-new-us-factory-the-scirocco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/what-will-volkswagen-build-at-a-new-us-factory-the-scirocco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/what-will-volkswagen-build-at-a-new-us-factory-the-scirocco/#commentsFiled under: ,

VW LogoWith Volkswagen due to make a decision about the location of its first US factory in more than two decades, the next obvious question is what to build there? We had a chance to pose that very question to Steve Keyes, GM of Public Relations for VW of America. According to Steve, the driving force for the factory is two-fold. First and most obvious is the exchange rate issue. With dollar being worth less almost daily against the Euro, it's increasingly difficult for VW to price cars competitively, especially in the mainstream segments where it primarily competes. The second reason is capacity constraints at the Peubla, Mexico factory that builds VW's highest volume US product, the Jetta. VW of America has set a target tripling combined sales of Audi and VW within the next decade.

Meeting those sales goals will require a lot more vehicles to sell at a competitive cost. So the first products out of the plant will likely be the highest volume products, the Passat and Jetta. If the plant is set up to build Jettas, then it could relatively easily be adapted to build any other model that shares the Golf/Jetta platform. That could potentially mean products like the Scirocco and even the Audi TT. Will we see these? Probably not at first, but if demand warrants, it could happen. So if you are all really serious about wanting the Scirocco on US shores, you should start pestering the head office (which just moved to Virginia last week).

[Source: Volkswagen]

What will Volkswagen build at a new US factory? The Scirocco? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jettapassatsciroccovolkswagen factoryvolkswagen-us-factoryVolkswagenFactoryvw factoryvw us factoryvw-us-factoryVwFactoryVwUsFactorySun, 27 Apr 2008 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen drops "Passat" sticks with "CC" for new sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-drops-passat-sticks-with-cc-for-new-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-drops-passat-sticks-with-cc-for-new-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-drops-passat-sticks-with-cc-for-new-sedan/#commentsFiled under: ,



A few of us around the Autoblog offices have made the case that the recently unveiled Volkswagen Passat CC should replace the current model and drop the "CC" suffix altogether. Both are fine looking vehicles, but there doesn't seem to be any need for another variant carrying the Passat name. Well, apparently VW agrees with part of that argument and has updated its consumer web site with information about the new CC, while dropping the Passat moniker altogether. It's a subtle marketing ploy that may or may not work, but will help to fill the gaping hole between the standard Passat and the soon-to-be-revived Phaeton nameplate.

Thanks for the tip Rob!

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen drops "Passat" sticks with "CC" for new sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpassatvolkswagenvolkswagen ccvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat ccVolkswagenCcVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatCcvwThu, 03 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VW unveils official Olympic torch relay vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/vw-unveils-official-olympic-torch-relay-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/vw-unveils-official-olympic-torch-relay-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/vw-unveils-official-olympic-torch-relay-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,


Volkswagen recently rolled out its own Olympic team for the big Beijing 2008 event. They go by the names Touran, Lingyu, Crafter, Sagitar, and Magotan. While they'll never make the synchronized swimming squad, these official participants will be responsible for accompanying the Olympic torch throughout its nearly 25,000-mile journey.

You say you aren't familiar with these entrants? These are all models that Volkswagen sells outside of the United States in continents such as Europe and Asia. More specifically, the Touran (above) is a Golf-based 5-door MPV, the Lingyu is a sedan based on a previous-generation Passat, and the Crafter is a large commercial van. The Sagitar is a re-badged Jetta, and the Magotan is a flagship long-wheelbase Passat.

This eclectic team of Volkswagen vehicles numbering 1,000 strong will represent the German automaker, which has been selected as, "The Official Vehicle for the Olympic Torch Relay." (You may recall Audi being named "The Official Premium Car of the Beijing Olympics" last year.) Cutting through the hype, it means VW will supply a substantial fleet of 1,000 cars to ensure the torch arrives in Beijing still ablaze. According to the VW press release, it will take 346 vehicles for the core convoy, 583 for administration and support, and 30 for security and media. We have no idea where the other 41 cars are going, but can tell you that we'd get the torch there intact with just a few cases of Red Bull and a hot new 2009 Scirocco.

[Source: VW]

VW unveils official Olympic torch relay vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeijingCrafterGolfLingyuMagotanPassatSagitarSciroccoTouranVolkswagenWed, 05 Mar 2008 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/mind-the-gap-vw-planning-another-sedan-to-slot-in-between-passa/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image to view more pics of the Passat CC in high-res

Remember when Volkswagen launched the Phaeton, and everyone was like, What the heck are they thinking? Yeah, that was awesome. But it left a huge gaping hole in Volkswagen's product line-up between the Passat and the Phaeton. Wolfsburg tried to bridge the gap a little with the previous-generation Passat W8 4Motion, but that didn't do so well and was quickly taken off the market. The Passat CC unveiled earlier this week in Detroit helps fill the void, and the next Phaeton is expected to go down-market, but the gap is still so wide between the sedans that Volkswagen is reportedly considering making another one to slot into the line-up. Since the Phaeton isn't sold in the U.S. anymore, we assume this gap-bridging car is destined for the European market only.

This isn't mere rumor, speculation or conjecture. It comes straight from the mouth of Volkswagen's design chief, Klaus Bischoff, who revealed at the Passat CC's unveiling "We are planning another model between the Passat CC and Phaeton." Well, there you have it.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via The German Car Blog]

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccgapline-upmodelnewpassatphaetonsedanvolkswagenThu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Volkswagen unveils the Passat CC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-volkswagen-unveils-the-passat-cc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-volkswagen-unveils-the-passat-cc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-volkswagen-unveils-the-passat-cc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more high-res images of the Volkswagen Passat CC

After months of informed speculation, Volkswagen finally revealed its CLS-inspired Passat, dubbed the "CC." The four-door "coupe" is based off the Passat platform and carries over several of the standard sedan's cues, but the sleek shape of the plummeting C-pillar, shortened rear overhang and revised fascia make it considerably more upmarket. The interior is up to V-Dub snuff, meaning plenty of premium materials and what one VW exec described as "intimate seating." And despite the stubby trunk lid, Volkswagen made a point to demonstrate that the CC can consume the international unit of boot measurement, two golf bags.

When the Passat CC goes on sale later this year, it will be fitted with the 3.6-liter FSI V6 making around 300 hp, along with three selectable chassis control systems, spanning the range from Sport to Normal and Comfort. In addition to a host of electronic gizmos, Volkswagen will begin offering its own version of the utterly sucktastic Park Assist feature on the CC, similar to the system used on the Lexus LS460.

Check the live and press pics in the gallery below, and make the jump to read VW's full press release.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Volkswagen unveils the Passat CC

Detroit 2008: Volkswagen unveils the Passat CC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcoupedetroitdetroit 2008detroit volkswagenDetroit2008DetroitVolkswagennaiaspassatpassat ccPassatCcvolkswagenvolkswagen passat ccVolkswagenPassatCcSun, 13 Jan 2008 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: Volkswagen Passat CC "coupe"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/spy-shots-volkswagen-passat-cc-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/spy-shots-volkswagen-passat-cc-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/spy-shots-volkswagen-passat-cc-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With the imminent arrival of the new coupe-shaped Volkswagen Passat at the Geneva Motor Show and the recently launched teaser site for the budget CLS competitor, it was only a matter of time before more detailed spy shots found their way onto the Web.

The artic white mule was caught undergoing testing in the chilly clime of Finland with its upmarket Mercedes rival. The front end struck us as particularly Lexus-like, aping the Japanese GS model with lights inset between the grille and the headlamps, and carrying a similar theme throughout the air dams. Whether all those elements will make it to production, or are merely camo to confound spy photogs, remains to be seen.

Unfortunately, the profile proves to be more last-gen Accord then Benz-beating chic, although judging from the awkwardly shaped rear window, we doubt that the back end will remain as staid when it graces the V-Dub show stand in March.

Click the pic above to check out several shots of the Passat "coupe" in action.

[Source: Auto Channel]

Spy shots: Volkswagen Passat CC "coupe" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clscoupefour door coupeFourDoorCoupemercedesmercedes benz clsMercedesBenzClspassatvolkswagenvolkswagen passat coupevolkswagen passat four door coupeVolkswagenPassatCoupeVolkswagenPassatFourDoorCoupevwvw passat four door coupeVwPassatFourDoorCoupeFri, 14 Dec 2007 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen to build Up! in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/volkswagen-to-build-up-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/volkswagen-to-build-up-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/09/volkswagen-to-build-up-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Volkswagen has been struggling here in the US, but in emerging markets the German automaker is among the best. VW has been a big player in China since way before it was cool, and now Mr. Winterkorn and co. are focusing their attention on the booming India market. VW is planning on producing 240,000 vehicles per year in India by 2012, and it's using two small cars to supply much of the volume. The size and price of the Polo compact and the upcoming Up! minicar are perfect for the India market, and Europe's largest automaker plans on building both vehicles at its new plant in Chakan. Up! will go head to head with its low-cost Indian market competition with a price tag in the $7,500 price range.

The Passat has already been on sale in India since November, the next generation Jetta and the ultra-luxury Phaeton are scheduled to hit India's VW dealerships in the next couple years. With VW's vast expertise making and selling its cars in low-cost markets, the company that created the original Beetle has a great chance to make hay in the land of Gandhi and the Taj Mahal.

[Source: Inside Line]

Volkswagen to build Up! in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IndiaJettaPassatPhaetonPoloUp!VolkswagenVWSun, 09 Dec 2007 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen to drop prices, aims to compete with Toyota]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/volkswagen-to-drop-prices-aims-to-compete-with-toyota/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/volkswagen-to-drop-prices-aims-to-compete-with-toyota/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/18/volkswagen-to-drop-prices-aims-to-compete-with-toyota/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Wall Street Journal has confirmed what's been alluded to in the past, but this time, it's from the top. Volkswagen's CEO Martin Winterkorn plans to price its U.S. offerings more aggressively in a bid to better compete with the likes of Toyota.

Currently, the Jetta starts around $17,000, while a comparable (?) Corolla is about $2k less. Same goes for the Passat and Camry segment, where the VW's mid-size sedan has close to a $4,000 premium over its Toyota counterpart.

Interestingly, Winterkorn admits, "We have definitely added too many technical items that (American) customers don't want to pay for." What those particular features are escapes us, but as long as they work, that's all that matters.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Volkswagen to drop prices, aims to compete with Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camrycorollajettapassattoyotavolkswagenvwThu, 18 Oct 2007 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[NHTSA digging deeper into Volkswagen Passat engine fires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/nhtsa-digging-deeper-into-volkswagen-passat-engine-fires/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/nhtsa-digging-deeper-into-volkswagen-passat-engine-fires/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/nhtsa-digging-deeper-into-volkswagen-passat-engine-fires/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Back in May, it was reported that 2000-2003 Volkswagen Passats were currently under investigation by NHTSA due to 19 reports of engine fires supposedly caused by a failure in the coil pack. That number has since swelled to 78 over the last few months, and now includes two reported injuries as a result of the Passat's penchant for self-immolation.

Of the 345,000 Passat affected by the issue, Volkswagen has received over 14,000 warranty claims. NHTSA has received three different engine and ignition systems from the automaker, which is also in the process of investigating the cause. Only four- and six-cylinder models seem to be affected, so those of you who plunked down the extra cash for the W8 can rest easy.

[Source: Detroit News]

NHTSA digging deeper into Volkswagen Passat engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2000200120022003engine firesEngineFiresnhtsapassatvolkswagenTue, 02 Oct 2007 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Volkswagen Passat "Coupe"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/spy-shots-2009-volkswagen-passat-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/spy-shots-2009-volkswagen-passat-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/spy-shots-2009-volkswagen-passat-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The VW Passat is a good-looking sedan that hasn't exactly set the world on fire since its redesign for the 2006 model year. In fact, July sales of VW's biggest car were down a staggering 34% from July 2006. It doesn't help that the Passat carries a hefty premium vs. other midsize sedans, costing over $30,000 for the base V6, which is $7,000 more than a V6 Accord.

To further spur Passat sales, VW is in the final stages of testing a four-door coupe variant. Shy photographer Hans G Lehmann caught the sleek, Mercedes Benz CLK-like coupe in testing, and from the looks of the nearly undisguised pics, VW has a good looking vehicle on its hands. Our problem with said coupe is the premium position VW is planning, with prices starting somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000. For those of you scoring at home, that's base 5-Series money. For $40k, VW had better be planning on adding AWD and a turbo 3.6, or sales will be less than stellar. We'd be interested to hear whether you feel America is ready for a $40,000 Passat, or is the luxurious four-door coupe destined to be the next Phaeton?

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: 2009 Volkswagen Passat "Coupe" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CLKCoupeHans G LehmannHansGLehmannMercedesPassatphotospy shotSpyShotVWTue, 21 Aug 2007 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. or Bust: Volkswagen China developing car for North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/u-s-or-bust-volkswagen-china-developing-car-for-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/u-s-or-bust-volkswagen-china-developing-car-for-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/19/u-s-or-bust-volkswagen-china-developing-car-for-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,



Volkswagen makes good-looking vehicles with terrific interiors, very good fuel economy, and spirited driving dynamics. In the US, those virtues alone don't make a high volume automaker, as price tends to play a major role in buyer's decisions. Due to the strength of the Euro, VW has much higher fixed costs than its competitors, even when production in Mexico is taken into account. As a result of their large financial burden, Volkswagens usually cost more than most of the competition. To strengthen their competitive position and leverage cheap labor in developing countries, VW is planning on producing vehicles in China for the US market.

VW, along with partner SECI Motors, is a juggernaut in the land of the Great Wall, as the Germans automaker has been entrenched in China since 1984. The SECI/VW partnership will replace the Chinese market Passat Lingyu with a sedan that will also be sold on our shores. Many automakers have utilized China's inexpensive labor for cheaper parts, but as of yet, no US-sold vehicles have been assembled there. If VW can make cars in China that can meet US safety and emissions standards, Europe's only volume automaker with a presence in the US will go a long way towards closing the cost gap.

[Source: Auto News (subscription req'd)]

U.S. or Bust: Volkswagen China developing car for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinaJettaPassatPolorabbitShanghaiVWThu, 19 Jul 2007 11:26:00 EST