Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Seat announces five-door Mii city car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Seat Mii

We knew at its unveiling in Frankfurt that the debut of the production version of the Volkswagen Up! was only the beginning, what with all the concept versions Volkswagen showcased over the years. But that was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. VW isn't the only brand in the group that will offer the little city car, and its sister marques are eager to follow suit.

So after Volkswagen debuted the Up!, Skoda unveiled the Citigo and Seat showcased the Mii - all versions of the same vehicle, but with slightly modified sheetmetal and different nameplates. But those were only the three-door versions. Now that Volkswagen has confirmed the five-door Up! and Skoda the five-door Citigo, Seat is taking its turn with the five-door Mii.

The similarities between the Mii, Citigo and Up are, of course, greater than the differences. But at the end of the day, the variety gives European buyers a greater range of choices when buying their new city car, even if similar exercises on this side of the Atlantic - Plymouth, Mercury, Pontiac, Oldsmobile...we're looking at you - have long since disappeared.

Continue reading Seat announces five-door Mii city car

Seat announces five-door Mii city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miiseatseat miiupvolkswagen upWed, 08 Feb 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165841/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/seat-announces-five-door-mii-city-car/20165841/article-detail.xml 20165841 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mii5_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/mii5.jpg <![CDATA[VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/#commentsFiled under: ,



Martin Winterkorn is a happy man: Volkswagen is putting up big numbers in North America, its latest field of dreams, Audi, is breaking records every month, there are exciting cars in the pipeline - from Bugatti down to the XL1, Porsche's digestion continues, and now Skoda and especially Seat are turning in no-questions performance.

It seems Skoda has been on the ups for years, making the most of keen pricing and modern redesigns of the chassis and tech it gets handed down from big brothers VW and Audi. Winterkorn predicts the Czech brand will just about double its 2010 sales by 2018, going from 762,000 to 1.5 million.

Seat, on the other hand, wasn't just on the hotseat a year-and-a-half ago, phrases like "uncertain future" - code for "possible demise" - were rumbling in the background. A new CEO was brought in, new money and new models were thrown against the wall, and the efforts have stuck. The Spanish brand has hit three strong chords with Winterkorn, with increased sales, strong performance in China and anticipated models due. If this keeps up there won't be much left for him to do but, a la Alexander the Great, break down and cry with no worlds left to conquer.

VW CEO Winterkorn happy with rebounding Seat, Skoda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesmartin winterkornsalesseatskodaMon, 31 Oct 2011 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20094139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/vw-ceo-winterkorn-happy-with-rebounding-seat-skoda/20094139/article-detail.xml 20094139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/gyi0063882578.jpg <![CDATA[Wear a ponytail? Buy a Buick Verano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Buick Verano interior

With the launch of the $23,470 Buick Verano, General Motors has its work cut out in differentiating this luxury compact from its mass market sibling, the Chevrolet Cruze. Verano's price tag starts less than $500 above a top-of-the-line Cruze LTZ, but GM has a few arrows in its premium-product quiver to insure Verano doesn't come off as a badge-engineered baby Buick.

While we're more interested in the engine upgrade, which puts the 2.4-liter four-cylinder from the Buick Regal underhood, GM is touting the Verano's "1,000-hour" seats. They share leather, foam and padding with the top-of-the-line Buick LaCrosse, and are designed to prevent "hot spots" when driving long distances, says GM in a new press release. (The 1,000 hours GM refers to is the development time that went into the seats, not the duration you can sit in them before experiencing discomfort.)

The icing on the cake is that the Verano's seat head rests are "positioned to accommodate ponytails and other up-dos without compromising the occupants' postural comfort," says GM. Which, of course, makes us wonder whether we might someday see a Steven Seagal special edition Verano. Read the entire press release after the jump.

Continue reading Wear a ponytail? Buy a Buick Verano

Wear a ponytail? Buy a Buick Verano originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 buick veranobuickluxuryponytailseatveranoWed, 19 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20084769/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/wear-a-ponytail-buy-a-buick-verano/20084769/article-detail.xml 20084769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/buickveranointeriorcomfort2-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/buickveranointeriorcomfort2-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.

In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi classicsbentleybentley classicbugatti classicsdr franz josef paefgenfranz josef paefgenlamborghiniseatskodavolkswagenvolkswagen classicsvolkswagen groupvwTue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/volkswagen-group-names-paefgen-head-of-classics-program/20071695/article-detail.xml 20071695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webpaefgen.jpg <![CDATA[Seat is all grown Up! with a Mii of its own [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Seat Mii

After a seemingly endless stream of Up! concept cars rolled out by Volkswagen over the past few years, the production version is finally upon us. But don't think for even a second that this is the end. No, it's just the beginning, with numerous Up-based models to follow, and not all of them will carry a VW badge.

Skoda was the first VW division to get its own version called the Citigo, and now Seat is following suit with a rebadged version of its own dubbed Mii. Launching in Spain next month before rolling out across Europe in the spring, the Mii will be available initially as a three-door before the five-door variant follows next year.

Overseas buyers will be able to choose between three trim levels, two equipment packages (Chic with chrome trim and Sport with firmer suspension and tinted windows) , two engine specs (1.0-liter threes with 59 or 74 horsepower), two transmissions (manual or robotized) and an optional Economotive pack with stop-start engine management and regenerative braking.

The last time Seat sold a car in this segment, it was the Arosa, a model discontinued in 2005. But while Seat models typically look more dynamic than their Volkswagen and Skoda counterparts (think Ibiza vs. Polo and Fabia), this time - from a styling perspective, anyway - we think we'd stick with the VW. But don't take our word for it: check out the high-resolution images in the gallery, and the video footage and press release after the jump and share your thoughts in Comments.

Continue reading Seat is all grown Up! with a Mii of its own [w/video]

Seat is all grown Up! with a Mii of its own [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 seat miimiiseatseat miiupvw upMon, 03 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20072307/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/03/seat-is-all-grown-up-with-a-mii-of-its-own-w-video/20072307/article-detail.xml 20072307 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webseat-mii_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webseat-mii.jpg <![CDATA[Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The only better place to watch a drag race than from the other side of the wall is behind the steering wheel. Then again, that depends on what car you're driving. This gentleman enjoyed the view from the driver's seat of his hopped-up 80's Buick Regal for the holeshot, or just until his seat went from upright to permanently reclined in 1.2 seconds.

All of which just goes to show how souping up a car can sometimes reveal hidden weaknesses in the most surprising ways. Our advice: Do some crunches, get back out there and try again! Check out the disaster-averted hilarity after the jump.

Continue reading Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house

Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buickdrag racedrag race videodrag racingdrag racing videoreclineregalseatseat malfunctionvideoFri, 30 Sep 2011 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20071076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/drag-racing-buick-regal-driver-loses-best-seat-in-the-house/20071076/article-detail.xml 20071076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/buick-regal-drag-seat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/buick-regal-drag-seat.jpg <![CDATA[Is Seat getting its own version of the VW Up?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Seat Up! pic

Could this be Seat's version of the Volkswagen Up!? Skoda recently showed off its take on the Up! runabout, the Citigo, and it's plausible that VW wants to make the biggest statement possible with the little car. The diminutive hatchback could also be employed to help reverse Seat's fortunes - remember, in May of 2010, the Spanish brand was put on notice about its financial performance. An innovative and inexpensive city car could help round out the planned portfolio expansion.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, our sister UK site reported that Seat was working on a sporty version of the Up! that would be "good to drive." However, there wasn't any additional information at the source site, so we aren't sure how much of the image above is an actual photo and how much is rendering. We expect it would still come, as the rest, with either the 59- or 74-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-clinder engines.

Is Seat getting its own version of the VW Up? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>seatseat upskoda citigoupvolkswagen upvw upThu, 29 Sep 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20069540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/29/is-seat-getting-its-own-version-of-the-vw-up/20069540/article-detail.xml 20069540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/seatupvariant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/seatupvariant.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Seat Exeo is Audi with the old, in with the new-ish]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Seat Exeo

We know what you're thinking: This car looks an awful lot like an Audi A4. But it isn't. And it is.

Regular readers may be aware that Audi's Spanish sister-company Seat inherited the previous-generation A4 some time after it was replaced. They put some new badges on it and presto! A new flagship model for Seat.

Called the Exeo, it has now undergone a minor facelift that did nothing if not make it look even more like an Audi, if that were possible, and we got up close and personal with the new model here in Frankfurt. Check it out in our high-res gallery of live images from the show floor.

2012 Seat Exeo is Audi with the old, in with the new-ish originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2012 seat exeoa4audiaudi a4exeofrankfurtfrankfurt motor showseatseat exeoThu, 15 Sep 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20043191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/15/2012-seat-exeo-frankfurt-2011/20043191/article-detail.xml 20043191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/08-2012-seat-exeoiaa2011-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/08-2012-seat-exeoiaa2011-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Seat IBL Concept is a glimpse into the automaker's future [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/seat-ibl-concept-video-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/seat-ibl-concept-video-frankfurt-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/seat-ibl-concept-video-frankfurt-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Seat IBL Concept

Spanish automaker Seat has chosen the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show as the venue where its future styling direction will be shared with the world. The vehicle upon which these styling cues have been implemented is called the Seat IBL Concept, and it's a modern minimalist language that incorporates lines familiar to the automaker in a forward-looking (if conservative) way.

The IBL is the latest in a line of Seat concepts car shown to the world, starting with the IBE concept shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The automaker feels that the IBL represents a blend of sedan and coupe appeal through the combination of its spacious interior and sporty exterior appearance. We feel that the anything with four doors is a sedan, plain and simple. Still, that doesn't mean a sedan can't have strongly styled lines that work to evoke the mental notes of a coupe.

Despite our issues with automaker jargon, we think the IBL provides a touch of subtle muscle with its pushed out wheel arches and strong shoulder line. The lower fascia is aggressively angled to mimic the powerful tone, and the fascia lines are nicely complemented by the angular LED headlamps and daytime running lights.

Seat has paid serious attention to the interior details of the IBL, too. A one-piece glass cover sits over the instrument panel, and the digital driver's display is programmable, and it can be switched to show an analog or digital readout. Two touch pads on the steering wheel allow the driver to control the features of the infotainment system, while the central display offers up navigation views sourced from Google Earth and real-time traffic information. Check out the gallery, then watch a video of the concept's live unveiling in Frankfurt after the jump.

Continue reading Seat IBL Concept is a glimpse into the automaker's future [w/video]

Seat IBL Concept is a glimpse into the automaker's future [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurtfrankfurtfrankfurt motor showiblibl conceptseatseat iblseat ibl conceptWed, 14 Sep 2011 15:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20042354/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/14/seat-ibl-concept-video-frankfurt-2011/20042354/article-detail.xml 20042354 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/seat-ibl-concept-frankfurt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/seat-ibl-concept-frankfurt.jpg <![CDATA[Refreshed Seat Exeo looks even more like an Audi than before]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/refreshed-seat-exeo-looks-even-more-like-an-audi-than-before/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/refreshed-seat-exeo-looks-even-more-like-an-audi-than-before/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/25/refreshed-seat-exeo-looks-even-more-like-an-audi-than-before/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Seat Exeo

What happens to German cars when they've outlived their lifecycles? Some die off like any other model line, but others get turned into more budget-oriented vehicles with new badges.

Take the old Mercedes-Benz E-Class, for example, whose platform was recycled into the Chrysler 300 and then, in turn, into the Dodge Challenger. Same with the old SLK that was turned into the Chrysler Crossfire. Volkswagen often continues producing its old vehicles after they've been replaced, offering them in markets like South America and Canada. But when the Audi A4 was replaced, it was transformed into a new flagship model for Seat.

The Exeo has only been on the market for three years, but the B7-generation A4 on which it's based (and by "based," we mean a few fresh body panels and some new badges) dates back to 2004. That's seven years ago, and that makes the Exeo a dated product. So Seat's toiled to keep it fresh by launching this facelifted model. But though you might think they'd have made it look less obviously like an Audi, to our eyes it looks like they've done precisely the opposite.

Improvements center around a revised front end with bi-xenon headlights and available LED daytime running lights, a touched-up interior and updated powertrain. That last bit includes upgrades to the 2.0-liter common-rail TDI, now mated to a new CVT with stepped changes.

The revised Exeo sedan and wagon will be unveiled in full at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but while it won't be coming to the States, you can read about it now in the press release after the jump and check it out in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Refreshed Seat Exeo looks even more like an Audi than before

Refreshed Seat Exeo looks even more like an Audi than before originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2011 frankfurt motor show2012 seat exeoexeofrankfurtfrankfurt motor showseatseat exeoThu, 25 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20026838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/25/refreshed-seat-exeo-looks-even-more-like-an-audi-than-before/20026838/article-detail.xml 20026838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web-2012-exeo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/web-2012-exeo.jpg <![CDATA[Seat expands Leon hot hatch family with new FR+]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/seat-expands-leon-hot-hatch-family-with-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/seat-expands-leon-hot-hatch-family-with-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/10/seat-expands-leon-hot-hatch-family-with-new-fr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Seat Leon FR+

Buyers looking for a hot hatch could do worse than a Volkswagen GTI. But European buyers also have the option of going with its Spanish version, the Seat Leon, which offers a touch of Latin flavor along with a little bit more power than its German sibling often at a more attractive price. Now, the Iberian auto marque is expanding the range of its Leon FR with a choice of new engines.

Where the Leon FR was previously available with either a 208-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI or a 168 hp turbo-diesel, these have now moved up a notch to the new FR+. Underneath them, Seat is offering the more accessible 123 hp 1.4-liter TSI and 138 hp 2.0-liter TDI, giving buyers the sportier treatment but with smaller engines.

Overseas buyers can also opt for either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG, but those looking for the more hardcore hot-hatch experience can still go for the Leon Cupra R, which also gets a subtle refresh to keep it current. Check out the whole family in the press release after the jump and the images in the high-res gallery for more.

Continue reading Seat expands Leon hot hatch family with new FR+

Seat expands Leon hot hatch family with new FR+ originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>leonleon frleon fr+seatseat leonseat leon frseat leon fr+Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013617/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/10/seat-expands-leon-hot-hatch-family-with-new-fr/20013617/article-detail.xml 20013617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webleon-fr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/webleon-fr.jpg <![CDATA[Audi Q3 production begins in Spain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/audi-q3-production-begins-in-spain/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/audi-q3-production-begins-in-spain/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/audi-q3-production-begins-in-spain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 Audi Q3
2012 Audi Q3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It wasn't that long ago that Audi had no SUVs in its lineup - aside from the A6 Allroad Quattro - despite being known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles. But that's all changed, just as it has for BMW and Porsche. The Q7 was followed by the Q5, and now the Q3 has started production as well.

The first Q3 rolled off the assembly line today at the plant in Martorell, Spain. The facility belongs principally to Audi's sister-company Seat, but has gone through a considerable expansion - funded by both Audi and Seat - to prepare for the Q3's production.

Now that production has gotten under way, the Martorell plant is expected to churn out as many as 100,000 examples of the Q3 every year. For more details on the program and the expansion that made it possible, follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Audi Q3 production begins in Spain

Audi Q3 production begins in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assemblyassembly plantaudiaudi q3martorellplantq3seatspainTue, 07 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19960428/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/07/audi-q3-production-begins-in-spain/19960428/article-detail.xml 19960428 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/q3-road_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/q3-road.jpg <![CDATA[Seat to build IBX crossover based on Audi Q3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/report-seat-to-build-ibx-crossover-based-on-audi-q3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/report-seat-to-build-ibx-crossover-based-on-audi-q3/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/report-seat-to-build-ibx-crossover-based-on-audi-q3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Seat IBX concept in Geneva
Seat IBX concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Seat was awarded the internal contract to build the Audi Q3 at its factory in Martorell, Spain, but jobs aren't the only thing the Spanish subsidiary of Volkswagen may get out of the arrangement. According to a new report from What Car?, Seat will receive a production version of the IBX concept on the same platform.

The IBX show car was unveiled last month at the Geneva Motor Show, packing a hybrid powertrain and coupe-like three-door bodystyle. When it enters production - tipped for sometime next year - it is likely to more closely follow convention in both drivetrain and layout.

The last time Seat developed a crossover was with the Tribu concept of 2007, though its production was halted midway through its development process when the global economy began to tank.


Gallery: Seat IBX Concept: Geneva 2011


Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: What Car?]

Seat to build IBX crossover based on Audi Q3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q3ibxq3seatseat ibxseat ibx conceptseat ibx crossoverWed, 27 Apr 2011 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19923203/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/27/report-seat-to-build-ibx-crossover-based-on-audi-q3/19923203/article-detail.xml 19923203 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-ibx-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-ibx-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Seat gears up for Audi Q3 production at Spanish plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/seat-gears-up-for-audi-q3-production-at-spanish-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/seat-gears-up-for-audi-q3-production-at-spanish-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/24/seat-gears-up-for-audi-q3-production-at-spanish-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Seat plant in Martorell, Spain

Last week, Porsche announced production plans for its upcoming Cajun sport-ute at its Leipzig plant in Germany. Now, sister-company Seat is following suit with preparations to build the Audi Q3 at its facility (pictured above) in Martorell on the outskirts of Barcelona.

If you're wondering what Audi has to do with Seat, allow us to fill in the blanks. Most essentially, the two are sister brands fall under the larger Volkswagen Group umbrella. Seat's flagship Exeo is essentially a re-bodied version of the previous-generation Audi A4. And when Audi was looking for the right place to build its upcoming Q3 compact crossover, it turned to the Spanish subsidiary.

In preparation for Q3 prduction to start, Seat is hiring over 700 new employees. Overall the company has undertaken the training of 1,200 new personnel, and if production requirements demand, could hire some or all of the remaining 500. Hit the jump for the full details in the press release.

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Seat gears up for Audi Q3 production at Spanish plant

Seat gears up for Audi Q3 production at Spanish plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibarcelonamartorellq3seatseat martorellspainThu, 24 Mar 2011 06:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19887453/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/24/seat-gears-up-for-audi-q3-production-at-spanish-plant/19887453/article-detail.xml 19887453 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/210311sea_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/210311sea.jpg <![CDATA[VW launching Seat in China?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/vw-launching-seat-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/vw-launching-seat-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/vw-launching-seat-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Seat logoVolkswagen is looking for ways to improve the dismal sales of its Spanish brand, Seat. Rather than simply shutting it down, officials apparently wants to use the brand to expand the VW Group's presence in emerging markets. Positioning Seat as a sporty alternative, Automotive News Europe says VW will bring the brand to China and attempt to move the automaker a bit upmarket from where it currently sits.

Currently, the Volkswagen Group is represented in China by VW, Lamborghini, Skoda and Audi. Those brands are doing well and Seat will need to quickly fall in line. If not, it be shuttered by 2015.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req.]

VW launching Seat in China? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaseatseat carsseat in chinavolkswagenvolkswagen groupvolkswagen seatThu, 17 Mar 2011 17:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19881509/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/17/vw-launching-seat-in-china/19881509/article-detail.xml 19881509 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-logo-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-logo-250.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks... appliance white]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-seat-ibx-concept-looks-appliance-white/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-seat-ibx-concept-looks-appliance-white/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-seat-ibx-concept-looks-appliance-white/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Seat IBX Concept
SEAT IBX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Geneva Motor Show is in high gear, and Volkswagen subsidiary SEAT has no intentions of sitting on the sidelines during the massive European show, as the IBX crossover clearly illustrates.

The IBX was penned to show the Spanish brand's future design direction, as well as the company's commitment to environmentally friendly technology. Power for the front-wheel-drive concept comes from a Chevrolet Volt-like mixture of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack. SEAT hasn't provided many details about the powertrain, only mentioning that the vehicle could travel 45 kilometers (28 miles) on an electricity alone, with the range-extending gas or diesel engine kicking in once electro-juice is exhausted. SEAT says that the engine could come courtesy of one of the gas or diesel offerings already available in its lineup.

On the design front, this little ute's two-door design carries some coupe-inspired lines while still
aiming for the roominess of a crossover. The overall form is clean and attractive, if a bit nondescript (an impression no doubt enhanced by its relentlessly white paint). Chief designer Luc Donckerwolke says in the company's press release that the IBX represents the footprint of future SEAT design, adding that "this design DNA will have a profound impact on every one of our models." Hit the jump to read over the official press release, and peruse the high-res images of the IBX concept by clicking on the galleries below.


Gallery: Seat IBX Concept: Geneva 2011


Gallery: Seat IBX Concept

Seat IBX Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: SEAT]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks... appliance white

Geneva 2011: SEAT IBX Concept looks... appliance white originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2011geneva motor showibxluc donckerwolkeseatseat ibxseat ibx conceptWed, 02 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19862503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-seat-ibx-concept-looks-appliance-white/19862503/article-detail.xml 19862503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-ibx-concept-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/seat-ibx-concept-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[Paris 2010: Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/seat-ibe-concept-paris-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/seat-ibe-concept-paris-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/01/seat-ibe-concept-paris-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Seat Ibe concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

By unveiling the Ibe all-electric sports coupe concept at the Paris Motor Show, automaker Seat showed that it's about ready to go toe-to-toe with some of the big dogs in the world of dreamy battery-powered machines. The low-slung four-seater oozes with style befitting a proper sports coupe and, in red, it's oh so delicious to look at. In concept form, the Ibe lacks the necessary go power that's needed to convince the performance-oriented buyer that it's a real contender in the sports coupe category, but what the Ibe gives up in grunt, it more than makes up for in style.

On to the goods we go. At less than 13 feet in length, the Ibe's smallish size significantly contributes to its low, 2,425-pound curb weight. With a max of 102 horsepower and around 148 pound-feet of torque provided by its electric motor, the Ibe's performance capabilities are very much determined by the vehicle's mass. The battery-powered 2+2 sports coupe runs 0-60 a few ticks shy of 10 seconds and tops out at 100 miles per hour. The lithium-ion battery, with a rated capacity of 18 kWh, should provide an honest 81 miles of range.

Seat describes the Ibe as the "super-compact sports coupe for urban mobility in the near future," and we find no reason to argue with that. Hit the jump for more on Seat's battery-powered Ibe sports coupe concept and your day just wouldn't be complete without browsing the high-res image gallery of live shots that just came in from Paris.


Gallery: Paris 2010: Seat IBE Concept

Paris 2010: Seat IBE ConceptParis 2010: Seat IBE ConceptParis 2010: Seat IBE ConceptParis 2010: Seat IBE ConceptParis 2010: Seat IBE Concept

Gallery: Seat Ibe concept


Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Paris 2010: Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future

Paris 2010: Seat Ibe concept, the zero-emissions sports coupe of the future originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ibe conceptparisparis 2010paris motor showparis motor show 2010seatseat ibe conceptFri, 01 Oct 2010 10:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19656981/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/01/seat-ibe-concept-paris-2010/19656981/article-detail.xml 19656981 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01seatibeconceptparis2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/01seatibeconceptparis2010.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Seat touring car flips into crowd at Brands Hatch over weekend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/video-seat-touring-car-flips-into-crowd-at-brands-hatch-over-we/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/video-seat-touring-car-flips-into-crowd-at-brands-hatch-over-we/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/video-seat-touring-car-flips-into-crowd-at-brands-hatch-over-we/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

That's not gonna buff out - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you've ever found yourself as a spectator at a race track, it's easy to lull yourself into believing that you'll be as safe as can be just so long as you keep a crash barrier between your brittle bones and the lightspeed chunks of metal blasting by. Thing is, that's not always the case. The interwebs are full of videos of cars gone airborne, leaping guard rails and tire walls by leaps and bounds to come crashing down in the middle of a passel of spectators. We can officially add the video after the jump to that list of horrors.

According to our English cousins, Portugese driver Francisco Carvalho had a bit of a mishap at this weekend's World Touring Car Championship event at Brands Hatch. Carvalho was competing in the Seat Leon Euro Cup Race when he received a nudge from a fellow racer. Instead of losing a position, Carvalho's car was sent veering off of the course and into a crash barrier before bouncing end-over-end and vaulting back over the wall. The crash sent a crowd of race marshals fleeing before the car came to a stop, but amazingly enough, no one was injured. Not even Carvalho. Hit the jump to see the devastation for yourself.

[Source: YouTube via Autoblog UK]

Continue reading Video: Seat touring car flips into crowd at Brands Hatch over weekend

Video: Seat touring car flips into crowd at Brands Hatch over weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carvalhoCrashFrancisco CarvalhoFranciscoCarvalhoSeatSeat Leon Euro Cup RaceSeatLeonEuroCupRaceVideoWorld Touring Car ChampionshipWorld Touring Car FlipWorldTouringCarChampionshipWorldTouringCarFlipWTCCMon, 19 Jul 2010 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19559606/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/19/video-seat-touring-car-flips-into-crowd-at-brands-hatch-over-we/19559606/article-detail.xml 19559606 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/seat-flip-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/seat-flip-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: VW CEO says Seat getting its last chance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/report-vw-ceo-says-seat-getting-its-last-chance/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/report-vw-ceo-says-seat-getting-its-last-chance/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/18/report-vw-ceo-says-seat-getting-its-last-chance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Seat Ibiza Sport Tourer - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that Seat is the dimmest bulb in the Volkswagen classroom. The beleaguered Spanish manufacturer squandered a total of $138 million in the first quarter of this year alone - more than double what the next two least profitable brands in the German manufacturer's lineup lost. In a last-ditch effort to get Seat back on its feet, VW has announced that it will both expand the company's offerings and spread the brand outside of Spain. The plan is the brainchild of James Muir, the company's new CEO as of September of last year.

Many of the problems currently afflicting Seat are due to the fact that Spain's economy has taken a beating during the global recession. Likewise, most of the company's sales come from Southern Europe - an area that hasn't fared well amid the financial crisis. VW hasn't said exactly where the Seat name will be showing up in the near future, but you can bet your lucky underpants it will be somewhere with a little extra money in its pocket.

Likewise, the company didn't say much about what we can expect in terms of new models. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, a total of 56 percent of Seat sales come from the Ibiza compact, and Muir says that if the automaker's outlook is to improve, that needs to change.


Gallery: SEAT Ibiza Sport Tourer


[Source: Bloomberg Businessweek]

Report: VW CEO says Seat getting its last chance originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ibizajames muirJamesMuirSeatSeat Ibizaseat salesSeatIbizaSeatSalesVAGvolkswagenvolkswagen groupVolkswagenGroupVWTue, 18 May 2010 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19479779/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/18/report-vw-ceo-says-seat-getting-its-last-chance/19479779/article-detail.xml 19479779 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ibiza-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ibiza-630.jpg <![CDATA[Seat shows off new Alhambra people-mover based on VW Sharan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/seat-shows-off-new-alhambra-peoplemover-based-on-vw-sharan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/seat-shows-off-new-alhambra-peoplemover-based-on-vw-sharan/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/seat-shows-off-new-alhambra-peoplemover-based-on-vw-sharan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Seat Alhambra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Seat has officially unveiled its German-blooded minivan, the Alhambra. Like its clone, the Volkswagen Sharan, the people-mover packs plenty of space, dual-sliding doors and an efficient turbo-diesel option. The Alhambra's spec sheet reads like your run-of-the-mill minivan recipe, with a few exceptions. There are seven seats thanks to a third row capable of comfortably ferrying full-size adults, cavernous amounts of cargo room when all but the front two chairs are stowed away and a laundry list of safety equipment.

Since the Alhambra shares its bones with Volkswagen, it's no surprise that the van gets its power from either a 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter TDI. The latter engine dishes out 140 horsepower and 51 mpg on the European cycle. Even better, you can get the thing with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The mechanicals aren't quite enough to make our mouths water over the thought of some time behind the wheel, but we're intrigued nevertheless. Head past the jump to see the press release.


Gallery: Seat Alhambra


[Source: Seat]

Continue reading Seat shows off new Alhambra people-mover based on VW Sharan

Seat shows off new Alhambra people-mover based on VW Sharan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alhambraAlhambra MinivanAlhambra MPVAlhambra VanAlhambraMinivanAlhambraMpvAlhambraVanSeatSeat AlhambraSeatAlhambraSharanSharan minivanSharan MPVSharan vanSharanMinivanSharanMpvSharanVanVolkswagen SharanVolkswagenSharanVW SharanVwSharanTue, 20 Apr 2010 17:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19447190/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/seat-shows-off-new-alhambra-peoplemover-based-on-vw-sharan/19447190/article-detail.xml 19447190 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-seat-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/01-seat-630.jpg -1 2