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[Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/volkswagen-prices-uk-scirocco-r-and-golf-r-debuts-new-ad-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/volkswagen-prices-uk-scirocco-r-and-golf-r-debuts-new-ad-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/volkswagen-prices-uk-scirocco-r-and-golf-r-debuts-new-ad-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

VW Golf R and Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery

For those of you in the U.K., the R-line versions of the Golf and Scirocco have been priced and can now be ordered. The Scirocco is the bargain of the two, going for £26,945 ($44,257 U.S.), while the Golf takes you slightly higher up the currency chart, priced at £28,930 ($47,518 U.S. -- nota bene: U.S. prices don't directly translate). They both come standard with a 6-speed manual, but if you want the car to shift for you, the DSG transmission option adds £1,300 ($2,135 U.S.) to either car.

They're the fastest and most powerful versions yet in their respective models: the 261-hp, front-wheel-drive Scirocco runs to 62 in 6 seconds; the 266-hp, 4MOTION-equipped Golf in 5.7. If you get the manual you can add 0.2 seconds to those times. The cars will make it to U.K. showrooms in February of next year, but in the meantime follow the jump to read all the specs and watch the video, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Volkswagen UK Golf R and Scirocco R


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]

Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 golf r2010 scirocco r2010 volkswagen golf r2010 volkswagen scirocco r2010GolfR2010SciroccoR2010VolkswagenGolfR2010VolkswagenSciroccoReuropegolf rGolfRscirocco rSciroccoRukvideovolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen sciroccoVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenSciroccovw golfVW SciroccoVW Scirocco RVwGolfVwSciroccoVwSciroccoRMon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/2010-volkswagen-golf-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/2010-volkswagen-golf-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/2010-volkswagen-golf-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Volkswagen Golf - Click above for high-res image gallery

Outside of North America, the Golf has been Volkswagen's bread-and-butter model for more than three decades, making the diminutive hatch one of the best selling global vehicles since its mid-Seventies launch as the Beetle's successor. But in the States, it's a totally different story. Except for a few brief periods when fuel prices spiked, the Golf/Rabbit has always played second fiddle to the Jetta - little more than a Golf with a trunk.

While the sixth generation Golf has been on sale in Europe for nearly a year, U.S.-spec versions are beginning to trickle into retailers on this side of the Atlantic. But before you head down to your local V-Dub dealer to check out the newest Golf (and buy a Jetta instead), we made the trek to Germany to sample the latest iteration of VW's workhorse in and around its Wolfsburg birthplace. Is the new Golf finally enough to woo hatch-averse Americans out of their sedans and into something with an added helping of practicality? Follow the jump to find out our first impressions.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback

First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volkswagen golf2010 vw golf2010VolkswagenGolf2010VwGolffeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivegolfvolkswagenvolkswagen golfVolkswagenGolfvwvw golfVwGolfThu, 15 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20 is our kind of bolt of blue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-volkswagen-golf-r20-is-our-kind-of-bolt-of-blue/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-volkswagen-golf-r20-is-our-kind-of-bolt-of-blue/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-volkswagen-golf-r20-is-our-kind-of-bolt-of-blue/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volkswagen Golf R20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen R20 returns some brawn to the styling of the body Golf after a lengthy flirtation with smaller, svelter lines. And we, for one, are happy about it. Things get started right up front with the lower grille and it's Audi-RS-and-R8-reminiscent openings and strakes. From there it's an easy flow back over a body a-bulge with just the right taste in creases and lines. We're still waiting for a less hipster tailpipe treatment to return, but we're happy with the car nevertheless. The interior gets the trim-and-texture treatment to identify it as a 270-hp flyer, and the seats complete the job by letting your butt feel what your eyes can see. Speaking of feeling, those earlier 60-mph runs were a little off: the manual gets to 62 in 5.7, the DSG in 5.5. Should we get it, we have a feeling we'll enjoy it.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20



Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20 is our kind of bolt of blue

Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20 is our kind of bolt of blue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowgolf r20GolfR20r20volkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf r20VolkswagenGolfVolkswagenGolfR20vwvw golfvw golf r20VwGolfVwGolfR20Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #142]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/autoblog-podcast-142/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/autoblog-podcast-142/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/autoblog-podcast-142/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #142 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, this week with the (not very) dynamic duo of Chris and Dan carrying the baton while seemingly the rest of the world is on vacation. We're certainly in the lull before auto show season swings into full effect, but there are still a few things to talk about. Pricing of the VW Golf TDI starts us off before moving on to cover the reportedly tight supply of Lexus HS250h hybrids, which may affect the car's U.S. launch. More excitingly, the possibility of a Lexus hatch is pondered before moving on from Toyota's fancy division. Last week, the podcast touched on the Spyker Aileron, and this week we went after the D8 Peking-to-Paris model in all its resplendent over-the-topness. Speaking of dramatic cars, we wrap up with the news that there may be three new Porsche models in the works to diversify that maker's line and increase volume. We fish through your questions before calling it a night a bit past the hour mark.

A hearty "thank you" goes out to our listeners for all of your great reviews - your efforts got us featured on iTunes this week, and we appreciate it. You can join in the fun (if you haven't already) by leaving a review at iTunes, filling out our survey, or emailing us with questions/comments at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. See you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #142

Autoblog Podcast #142 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastautoblog podcast 142AutoblogPodcastAutoblogPodcast142golf tdiGolfTdilexus hs250hlexus hybridlexus hybrid shortagelexus hybrid us launchLexusHs250hLexusHybridLexusHybridShortageLexusHybridUsLaunchpodcastpodcast 142Podcast142porsche modelsporsche winterkornPorscheModelsPorscheWinterkornspykerspyker d8spyker d8 peking to parisSpykerD8SpykerD8PekingToParisvw golfvw golf pricingvw golf tdi pricingVwGolfVwGolfPricingVwGolfTdiPricingwinterkornwinterkorn porscheWinterkornPorscheWed, 26 Aug 2009 10:40:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #142Autoblog69:20podcast, autoblog podcast, spyker d8, vw golf, golf tdi, porsche panamera, porsche winterkorn, porsche models, lexus, lexus hs250h, lexus hybrid, lexus hatch, <![CDATA[Abt gives a boost to the 2010 VW Golf, GTI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/abt-gives-a-boost-to-the-2010-vw-golf-gti/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/abt-gives-a-boost-to-the-2010-vw-golf-gti/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/abt-gives-a-boost-to-the-2010-vw-golf-gti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Abt Volkswagen GTI MkVI - Click above for high-res image gallery

The sixth-generation Golf and GTI will soon arrive for 2010, and already, Abt Sportline - the largest Volkswagen tuner in the world - has released a variety of aftermarket parts for each. Starting with the new exterior, Abt adds a new front fascia and grill, side skirts, and rear fascia and spoiler. Wheel options come in 18- or 19-inch sizes, with or without sport rubber. Brakes can be upgraded to 345mm or 380mm sizes, and lowering springs can be fitted to provide a sportier ride and eliminate the VW's unsightly wheel gap.

Volkswagen has always left plenty of room for increased potential with its turbocharged engines, and Abt maximizes that with performance packages for the entire range. The GTI's 207-horsepower (197 here in the States) 2.0-liter turbo-four gets boosted to 240 horsepower, while the 2.0-liter diesel engine in the Golf TDI is pushed from 140 to 170 horsepower. The European-only 1.4-liter motor also gets a significant increase in performance, going from 122 to 160 horsepower. Full details on all of the available upgrades from Abt after the jump.


Gallery: Abt GTI MkVI


Gallery: Abt Golf VI


[Source: Abt Sportline]

Continue reading Abt gives a boost to the 2010 VW Golf, GTI

Abt gives a boost to the 2010 VW Golf, GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 VW Golf2010 VW GTI2010VwGolf2010VwGtiAbtAbt Golf MkVIAbt SportlineAbt VW GTI MkVIAbtGolfMkviAbtSportlineAbtVwGtiMkviVWVW GolfVW GTIVW GTI MkViVwGolfVwGtiVwGtiMkviTue, 14 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Next-Gen Opel Astra takes on Ford Focus and new VW Golf]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/video-next-gen-opel-astra-takes-on-ford-focus-and-new-vw-golf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/video-next-gen-opel-astra-takes-on-ford-focus-and-new-vw-golf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/video-next-gen-opel-astra-takes-on-ford-focus-and-new-vw-golf/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 2010 Opel Astra has an impressive exterior and an overhauled interior, but it's also important that the upcoming C-segment hatchback can hang with the competition. The guys and gals at Vauxhall wanted to show just how competent a handler the Astra is, so they brought a pre-production tester to the Millbrook Proving Ground test track in Bedfordshire, England.

Hit the jump to watch the next Astra take on the twists and turns at Millbrook, and while you're at it, make sure to keep an eye on the MKVI Golf and the Euro Focus. You'll have to really pay attention here, though, because the Astra passes them without much of a fight. Sure, that may have something to do with the fact that the Astra is piloted by Vauxhall's own BTCC pilot, Fabrizio Giovanardi. For all we know, the Golf and Focus could be driven by students from the local driver's ed academy.


Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra

Continue reading VIDEO: Next-Gen Opel Astra takes on Ford Focus and new VW Golf

VIDEO: Next-Gen Opel Astra takes on Ford Focus and new VW Golf originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Opel Astra2010 Vauxhall Astra2010OpelAstra2010VauxhallAstraford focusFordFocusgmVauxhall AstraVauxhallAstravideovw golfVwGolfyoutubeThu, 18 Jun 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50 ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/singapore-gets-special-volkswagen-gti-v50/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/singapore-gets-special-volkswagen-gti-v50/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/singapore-gets-special-volkswagen-gti-v50/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Volkswagen Golf GTI V50

Singapore has been singled out to receive a hotted up version of their Mark V Volkswagen GTI dubbed GTI V50. This gift to the island nation gets upgrades from APR including a Stage 1 ECU tune that adds 36 more horsepower and an additional 74 lb-ft of torque. Also underneath are a VW R32 brakes and calipers and a VW Performance exhaust. Together they'll turn your 0-to-60 run into a 5.6-second affair, which takes more than a second off the standard GTI.

Outside, the body is adorned with go-fast cosmetics like a VW Performance body kit, white turn signals, blue-tinted glass, along with some bespoke 18-inch VW wheels and Pirelli rubber to round the whole thing out. The paint job is one we'd describe as "novel." The GTI V50 will be a limited run, so expect a commensurate premium as another added feature. Check out the gallery of photos below, and the press release and tech specs after the jump.


Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI V50


[Source: VW Asia]

Continue reading Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50

Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketasiagolf gti v50GolfGtiV50gti v50GtiV50hatchbacklimited editionLimitedEditionsingaporespecial editionSpecialEditiontunervolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf gtivolkswagen golf gti v50VolkswagenGolfVolkswagenGolfGtiVolkswagenGolfGtiV50vwvw golfvw golf gtivw golf gti v50VwGolfVwGolfGtiVwGolfGtiV50Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/ukraine-lays-claim-to-the-mother-of-all-potholes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the VW Golf that was swallowed by a pothole in Ukraine

Think the roads are bad in your neck of the woods? Growing up just a bit south of Detroit before moving to the sunnier climes of Arizona, this particular blogger has always assumed that Michigan's harsh winters and heavy traffic conspire to make the frost heaved and potholed highways of the Motor City the worst in the world. Apparently, that's not the case, and it's not even close.

The dubious distinction of the world's worst pothole must go out to our friends in Ukraine. The story accompanies the set of photos seen below explains that an underground water pipe may have burst, which created a sinkhole large enough to swallow an entire Volkswagen Golf whole. Fortunately, the car's occupants were able to escape out the back window, which was just about the only portion of the hatchback that wasn't covered by a few tons of dirt and asphalt.


Gallery: Ukrainian pothole swallows VW Golf


[Source: English Russia]

Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Golfikraine sinkholeIkraineSinkholepotholepotholesRabbitrussiarussian potholerussian sinkholeRussianPotholeRussianSinkholesinkholeukraineukraine potholeUkrainePotholeVolkswagenVolkswagen GolfVolkswagenGolfVW GolfVW RabbitVwGolfVwRabbitThu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20 snapped on the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/spy-shots-volkswagen-golf-r20-snapped-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/spy-shots-volkswagen-golf-r20-snapped-on-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/01/spy-shots-volkswagen-golf-r20-snapped-on-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Volkswagen Golf G20 - Click above for a high-res gallery

Spy shooters have managed to snap a few pictures of Volkswagen's upcoming Golf R20 lapping the Nürburgring in Germany, in this case disguised as a mild-mannered 2.0 TDI.

The new hot hatchback will reportedly be available in both three- and five-door styles, and it will take the place of the now-departed R32. As the name suggests, the R20 will feature a four-cylinder engine displacing just 2.0 liters. Fortunately, that little engine looks to be direct-injected and pressurized by a big 'ol turbocharger, boosting output to an estimated 270 horsepower. Those ponies should be funneled to the front tires (not through all four contact patches as with the R32) through either a standard six-speed manual or VW's excellent DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Expect 0-60 mph times of around five seconds.

Besides the influx of power, VW's new R20 is expected to arrive equipped with a set of upsized brakes cribbed from the Audi A3. We're hoping that rumors of the new VeeDub R20's entrance into the States as a 2010 model come true, but in the meantime, it seems that the car will make its debut at the 24-hour Nürburgring race in May.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20


[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Golf R20 snapped on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GTINurburgringR32spy shotsSpyShotsvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf r20volkswagen golf r20tvolkswagen gti r20volkswagen r20volkswagengolfVolkswagenGolfR20VolkswagenGolfR20tVolkswagenGtiR20VolkswagenR20VW Golfvw golf r20vw golf r20tvw gti r20VwGolfVwGolfR20VwGolfR20tVwGtiR20Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volkswagen Golf VI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone itching to bring home a brand new Volkswagen Rabbit had better act fast. As expected, VeeDub has just confirmed that 2009 will be the last year that the American version of the automaker's popular hatchback will be called the Rabbit. The renamed 2010 Golf will be shown at next month's New York Auto Show in production form with an expected sale date here in the States sometime this fall.

Says Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, "The Golf is an iconic nameplate for the Volkswagen Brand and it is known throughout the world. The Golf is Volkswagen's best selling global nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in over 120 countries. Making the change back to Golf is an important step in realigning with our global heritage."

We couldn't agree more, which is why we were all left scratching our heads back in 2006 when the German automaker chose to reintroduce the Rabbit name in America for the fifth-gen Golf in the first place. Oh well, that was a mistake that the automaker can easily rectify. Read the official press release after the break.


Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf

Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volkswagen golf2010 vw golf2010VolkswagenGolf2010VwGolfNYAutoShowvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen rabbitVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenRabbitvwvw golfvw rabbitVwGolfVwRabbitTue, 31 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Wassership Down: VW seen euthanizing the Rabbit. Again.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Back in 2006, Volkswagen of America's public relations department had what they thought was a brilliant idea to rename the fifth-generation Golf as the Rabbit... again. Back when VW's first front-wheel-drive hatchback replaced the iconic Beetle in the United States, it was introduced as the Rabbit, despite the fact that the rest of the world knew it as the Golf. VeeDub apparently thought that we megalomaniacal Americans preferred our own personalized nameplate over what the rest of the world got. Not anymore.

It seems that the marketing move did little to influence actual sales of the vehicle, so it's back to the drawing board. According to Car and Driver, when the sixth-generation hatchback hits American shores, probably as a 2010 model, it will once again be christened the Golf, and hopefully for good this time.


Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI


[Source: Car and Driver]

Wassership Down: VW seen euthanizing the Rabbit. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen rabbitVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenRabbitvw golfvw rabbitVwGolfVwRabbitWed, 25 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Golf VII already in the cards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/rendered-speculation-volkswagen-golf-vii-already-in-the-cards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/rendered-speculation-volkswagen-golf-vii-already-in-the-cards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/25/rendered-speculation-volkswagen-golf-vii-already-in-the-cards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The current Volkswagen Golf (a.k.a. "Rabbit"), which is a 2010 model, hasn't made it through the front nine, and already the next Golf is being teed up behind it. The new model is planned for 2012, two years earlier than planned, perhaps because VW wants to recast what the Golf represents with a return to frugal-yet-sporty motoring.

If these AutoExpress renderings are at all accurate, the reskin won't make your jaw drop, as there is little planned for the hatch's exterior save for a few tweaks. It is the philosophy of the car that takes a new stand, however: the Mk VII is rumored to ride on a smaller platform than the MkVI, borrow parts from the Polo, employ lightweight body panels, and get VW's Twin Drive plug-in diesel hybrid engines.

The focus on reduced weight will mean more punch from VW's smaller TDI engines. The Twin Drive, which is three electric motors mated to a 1.5-liter diesel, works on battery power alone at 31 miles-per-hour or below, and doubles the gas mileage of the 2.0-liter TDI. VW is also working on a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) that ditches the spark plugs in a gas engine to give it the fuel efficiency of a diesel. If VW can bring all of those things together in a couple of years and keep the fun-to-drive factor, the MkVII Golf sounds like a clear winner.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Golf VII already in the cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativecoupegolfgolf mkvigolf mkviigolf viGolfMkviGolfMkviiGolfVigreenhatchbackhybridrendered speculationRenderedSpeculationVeedubvolkswagenvolkswagen golfVolkswagenGolfvwvw golfvw golf mkvivw golf mkviiVwGolfVwGolfMkviVwGolfMkviiWed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to see the VW Golf commercial

So it's not just America that gets up in arms over commercials. Remember the Matrix-styled ad with the Volkswagen Golf designer fighting various versions of himself? It seems a number of British telly viewers think the commercial "is in breach of the broadcast advertising code for featuring excessive violence that could be copied by children." So they complained to the Advertising Standards Authority, and the ASA is now investigating.

The complaints could mean the spot won't be aired before the 9 p.m. watershed, which is when programs for "children" ages 15-and-up get aired. We've seen more frightening things on YouTube -- in fact, even the G-rated The Tale of Despereaux has more chilling moments than this commercial -- but maybe the parents are afraid their kids will end up fighting... their clones.

[Source: The Guardian]

Continue reading FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints

FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcommercialcommercialsddb londonDdbLondongolfgolf viGolfVihatchbackmarketingvideovolkswagenvolkswagen commercialvolkswagen commercialsvolkswagen golfVolkswagen RabbitVolkswagenCommercialVolkswagenCommercialsVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenRabbitvwvw golfVW RabbitVwGolfVwRabbitSat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[MkVI VW Rabbit & GTI coming to America next September]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen customers in the United States have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the new sixth-generation Rabbit and its GTI performance variant. And while it's still a little ways off, at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel as the German automaker has announced that the new model will hit the U.S. market in early September 2009. European customers, meanwhile, already began taking delivery of their new Golfs last month, with the GTI due to arrive there next summer.

American versions will initially be available with the current 2.5-liter inline-five, a new 2-liter turbodiesel in the TDI version and the GTI's 2-liter TSI. A new 1.8-liter TFSI is expected to replace the base 2.5-liter unit, with 4Motion all-wheel-drive, TwinDrive hybrid and LPG versions to follow, as well as a possible all-electric version and a replacement for the current top-of-the-line R32 performance model. North American models will also come equipped with adaptive cruise control, adaptive chassis control and 19-inch wheels as standard. Of the current (fifth-generation) Rabbit, the GTI version accounted for roughly one third of models sold, which Volkswagen expects to continue with this new generation. In the meantime, you can check out the high-resolution images in the two galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI LIVE


Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI


[Source: Inside Line]

MkVI VW Rabbit & GTI coming to America next September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen gtivolkswagen rabbitVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenGtiVolkswagenRabbitvwvw golfvw gtivw rabbitVwGolfVwGtiVwRabbitThu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[2012 Volkswagen Golf expected to shed pounds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2012-volkswagen-golf-expected-to-shed-pounds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2012-volkswagen-golf-expected-to-shed-pounds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2012-volkswagen-golf-expected-to-shed-pounds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI

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

Just when are we likely to see Golf v7.0? Rumors point to 2012, but VeeDub is keeping quiet. What they do admit to, however, is working on it as you read this.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI


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

2012 Volkswagen Golf expected to shed pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf vigolf viiGolfViGolfViivolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf bluemotionvolkswagen golf vivolkswagen golf viiVolkswagenGolfVolkswagenGolfBluemotionVolkswagenGolfViVolkswagenGolfViivwvw golfvw golf bluemotionvw golf vivw golf viiVwGolfVwGolfBluemotionVwGolfViVwGolfViiMon, 29 Sep 2008 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition by Walter de Silva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click to view the VW Golf Collectors Edition in hi-res

Remember when the Volkswagen Golf was meant to be an economy car? Well those days may be long gone, if they weren't already, as customers in Europe have demonstrated a willingness to shell out extra for luxury options even on less-than-premium automobiles. To cash in on that demand, European automakers have been scrambling to launch luxury option packages, complete with leather and all the trimmings, like Volkswagen has done with the first special edition of the new sixth-generation Golf.

Called, quite simply, the Collectors Edition, the exclusive new Golf tops the range of trim levels. The exterior is sprayed in an especially dark shade of blue which Volkswagen calls "Moonlight blue pearl effect" with matching grille. The 18-inch "Vancouver" wheels have been given a special high-gloss finish. But it's the interior that has been given the really special treatment, swathed in "Iowa" natural leather with piano-lacquer dash inserts and aluminum kick-plates. The special edition, supervised specifically by design chief Walter de Silva - whose initials adorn the vehicle - is being launched in its German market specification; we wouldn't expect it to make it to the US market any time soon, but you can still check out the press release after the jump and the trio of images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition by Walter de Silva

Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition by Walter de Silva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

[Source: CarScoop]

Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI

In what may be the least shocking news you will read today, Volkswagen will indeed be launching a revised GTI model shortly after its recently revealed sixth-generation Golf (or, Rabbit, as it's known in the U.S.) hits the market. According to Autocar, the next GTI will steer even closer to its original hot hatch mission, with VW reportedly giving the new model a "harder edge" than the current GTI. Underhood, at least in Europe, will be the same 2.0L TFSI engine that powers the base Audi A5, featuring Audi's valvelift technology that helps it offer up 208 hp at 4300 RPM and 258 lb-ft at 1500 RPM. That ought to make for a very spirited, though still relatively frugal ride.

What may be even more interesting news, though, is the replacement for the R32 model. Volkswagen won't be keeping its narrow-angle V6 underhood any longer, instead opting for a high-boost 2.0L with 265 horses and an 'R' moniker. All-wheel drive is also on the menu. Sounds like a bargain Audi TT-S to us, to which we simply say, "yes, please."

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI


[Source: Autocar]

VW planning new Golf GTI and R variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI

Following the internet's unofficial, unscheduled and probably unwanted (at least by Volkswagen) reveal of the sixth-generation Golf this week, VW has thrown its cards on the table and revealed its hand. Along with high-res images, VW has revealed that the new Golf will launch this October in Europe and then find its way to markets in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. Unfortunately, the company did not specify the U.S. (could just be Canada, for instance), but we're going on VW of North America's word that it will eventually go on sale in the States. Europeans, however, get first dibs and the base price will be 16,500 Euros at launch.

The car's new design carries forward trademark Golf cues but adds a bit of crispness. VW says it's more "three-dimensional" than the current car, which is strange since they're both technically objects in space. Regardless, VW does fess up to the Scirocco's influence, particularly the broad shoulder section on which the roof sits. The interior also was inspired and borrows bits and pieces from the more expensive Passat CC.

Power for the new Golf, in Europe at least, will be provided four gas engines and two diesels. All of the gassers will be TSI, i.e. they incorporate both a supercharger and turbo. The diesels meanwhile get common rail injection across the board with two balancer shafts to quell vibrations. Finally, DSG is essentially replacing the automatic in all Golfs except base models. Either a 6- or 7-speed DSG will be used depending on which engine it's paired to. Electronic doo-dads include "automatic distance control" (ACC), "adaptive chassis control" (DCC), a "park steering assistant" and updated ESP system.

Check out VW's official press release after the jump for more details and peruse the new high-res images in the gallery below.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Officially Official: VW drops details on Golf VI

Officially Official: VW drops details on Golf VI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golf VIGolfVivolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen sciroccovolkswagengolfVolkswagenSciroccovw golfvwgolfTue, 05 Aug 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkwagen Golf VI unveiled a bit early]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/volkwagen-golf-vi-unveiled-a-bit-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/volkwagen-golf-vi-unveiled-a-bit-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/volkwagen-golf-vi-unveiled-a-bit-early/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of the new VW Golf VI

Volkswagen was planning to unveil the sixth generation of its popular Golf model this week, but the internet strikes again with a preview of the new people's hatch ahead of its official reveal. Information is limited so far and comes primarily from bloggers who don't speak the Queen's English, but from what we can tell the next-generation Golf will be larger than the current model. Indeed, it does appear to be a bit wider and maybe even lower than the current model. Might we even see some hints of the Scirocco in its design, as well? Our source indicates that the range of engines available with the Golf VI will include a 1.4L TSI, 1.8L TFSI and maybe even the 2.0L TFSI, while diesels will include the company's 1.9L and 2.0L TDI motors. A manual, automatic and DSG transmission will also be on the spec sheet. Contrary to some reports, VW of America has said that the new Golf will be sold in the U.S., though not until late next year. That's all we know for now, and it's admittedly basic stuff, so stay tuned this week for the official word from Volkswagen. Until then, scope out the new Golf VI in our gallery below.

UPDATE: High-res images added to gallery.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI


[Source: Autoblog.nl (no relation)]

Volkwagen Golf VI unveiled a bit early originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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