Autoblog

Volkswagen confirms late 2013 launch date for all-electric Golf

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric

As we said when we first drove the Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion, Volkswagen is taking its time getting into the all-electric game. Given the tremendous ups and downs that electric vehicles and EV start-up companies are going through, maybe making sure you have a car where everything is working smoothly - to say nothing about getting the infrastructure in place - isn't such a bad idea. And it now seems like VW is confident enough in its Golf EV, which is undergoing testing in California, to push up its estimated release date from 2014 to late 2013.

Sure, technically, that could be a difference of just one day, but we don't think that's what VW of America president Jonathan Browning meant when he confirmed next year's U.S. release date with Automotive News. Late 2013 is also when the car will go on sale in Europe. A plug-in hybrid Golf is supposed to go on sale in 2015.

Even though VW is getting ready to move into electric vehicle territory, it is well behind other automakers. Perhaps that's why it is also a bit less optimistic about the potential success of plug-ins. The automaker expects just three percent of its new vehicles to be EVs or hybrids by 2018. You can read our second spin in the Golf blue e-motion here.

Volkswagen confirms late 2013 launch date for all-electric Golf originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

To help tell the story of the 256-horsepower 2012 Golf R, Volkswagen has enlisted aid from an unexpected quarter: hot rodder and kandy-kolored-tangerine-flake-inclined Chip Foose.

Turns out that Mr. Overhaulin' owned a 1985 Golf GTI and thought the world of it, and he engages in a couple minutes of reminiscing about his Mk II to prove it.

The video is after the jump, and there's a new Golf R Apple iPad app which should also help those of you looking for more interactive elements when digging into the history of one of the original hot hatches (we've included a video of the app after the jump, too).

Continue reading Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen?

Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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900-horsepower VW Golf is quicker than Bugatti Veyron

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Etc., Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Racing

We love the Mk2 Volkswagen Golf as much as anyone, but the vehicle has never exactly proffered up baskets of horsepower or straight-line speed. One owner has set out to change all that by building a 1.8-liter LZ diesel block to suck down E85 gasoline. Boba Motoring has thrown in a billet steel crank shaft, Pauter connecting rods, forged pistons and a 16-valve cylinder head. A Garrett GTX420R turbo shoves a stack of boost down the engine's throat and the finished product is said to be good for around 900 horsepower. The muscle gets dropped to the pavement via a six-speed manual transmission and a 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The monster Golf can hit 62 mph in a scant 2.7 seconds - quicker than the Bugatti Veyron - and the quarter mile dashes by in just 9.34 seconds. Those numbers sound impressive, but they fall short of actually watching the German econobox launch hard off the line. Hit the jump to check out a couple of videos of this Mk2 laying waste to the strip.

Continue reading 900-horsepower VW Golf is quicker than Bugatti Veyron

900-horsepower VW Golf is quicker than Bugatti Veyron originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen mulling North American production of Golf, won't be Jetta-fied

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Volkswagen

According to a senior source inside Volkswagen of America, the German automaking giant is considering bringing production of the next generation Golf to North America. But why? And where?

The reason behind the potential move is obvious: Shifting some of the assembly from Wolfsburg, Germany to North America has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars over the lifetime of the next Golf. The budget-minded hatch is due for a major overhaul in the next few years, and lining up another NA-based production center would go a long way towards bringing VW's production capacity up to achieve its goal of selling 15 million vehicles worldwide by 2018.

With its Puebla, Mexico facility building the new Jetta and ramping up production of the new Beetle, its output could be tapped out if the reborn Bug proves to be a sales success in the States. And VW probably won't expand its Mexican production operations, leaving its new Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, which is currently producing the Passat.

The facility in Tennessee is presently capable of producing 150,000 vehicles per year, but as VW officials have previously confirmed, there's plenty of potential to expand the plant. And we're sure Tennessee would welcome the extra investment.

One thing that won't happen - we've been assured - is a diluted and cut-price NA-specific Golf to compete on the low-end of the segment - even if production shifts to this side of the planet.
Regardless of where it's built, the next Golf will be a global model, unlike the current Jetta.

Volkswagen mulling North American production of Golf, won't be Jetta-fied originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 not coming to America after all?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reports that the Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 would make the transatlantic voyage to American dealerships appear to have been premature, as follow-up reports indicate that the anniversary-edition Golf won't be offered Stateside.

The Edition 35, as you may recall, sports a special front end, wheels and interior, but most crucially, an extra 25 horses underhood for a total of 235 hp.

Word of its arrival in the United States originally emanated from Car and Driver, which now cites source inside Volkswagen of America that says that the U.S. division isn't interested in the special.

The model was created by VW to celebrate 35 years of the GTI, but hot hatch icon has only been available Stateside for 30.

Aside from which, VWoA apparently doesn't feel it needs the special to boost sales, creating its own editions on its own schedule - not to mention that the dropped air dam was deemed too low for American roads. We can do without the revised front end, but we hope Volkswagen of America will find another way to package those extra horses for American consumption.

Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 not coming to America after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack

Noah Joseph — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not unusual for an automaker to roll out a special anniversary model when the brand or a specific model celebrates a milestone. This Volkswagen doesn't come from Wolfsburg itself, though. Instead, an independent outfit bent on marking the 35th birthday of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is behind the effort.

Partnering with German tuning house Wunschel Sport, the website GTI35.com has outfitted the hopped-up Golf with a 50-horse boost to 260 hp, a body kit, lowered suspension, and 19-inch OZ Quaranta wheels on low-profile rubber. The result is a claimed half-second off the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint, now down to 6.4 seconds (as equipped with the DSG) and a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).

The titanium-colored aftermarket special also wears decals emulating a racing number, which is repeated on the keychain, parking sign and t-shirt that come along with the €32,800 package, which is also available as individual components. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com

[Source: GTI35.com]

Continue reading GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack

GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second Spin: 2014 Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion

Matt Davis — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drives, Electric

Wolfsburg Questions Its Own Wisdom With EV Golf

2014 Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yes, we know. "2014" sounds so impressively future-y, doesn't it? When we're testing a car and the R&D people involved look at us and say it won't be on the market until 2014, our eyes dilate, too. "Wow," we say to ourselves while keeping a straight face in front of the mega-powerful board member, "That's like space travel and everything!"

So yeah, we get emotional.

It's understandable, too, because we're in the mothership for what seems like half of the world's significant automotive brands. It's the Volkswagen Group's Wolfsburg HQ on the vast verdant lowlands of northern Germany in the region of Lower Saxony. There is no Upper Saxony, by the way. We looked.

We're here to get a personalized infotainment-filled test of the already much commented-on Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion. It's coming to the United States in... 2014.

Continue reading Second Drive: 2014 Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion...

Gallery: 2014 Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion: Second Spin

Continue reading Second Spin: 2014 Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion

Second Spin: 2014 Volkswagen Golf Blue-e-motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Dutch VW 'RollGolf' proves that Yankees don't have a lock on junkyard creativity

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Humor, Diesel

VW RollGolf - Click above to watch video after the jump

Never let it be said that this generation lacks imagination. Sure, these guys could have simply scrapped their diesel VW Golf when it started showing its age, but where's the innovation? Instead, they did a fairly seamless job of shortening the wheelbase, bolted on a set of steel tube inverted rockers and called it a day.

What more could you ask for in terms of entertainment? Build up a head of steam, stab the brakes and watch as the sky and the ground switch places a few times. It's very possibly the safest way to flip a car without having to answer to the law or your insurance company. And, to answer the inevitable question... why not?

According to the YouTube description, the builder still has a few tweaks to make to the design. We have to wonder exactly the mastermind behind the contraption has planned. If nothing else, it'd be a great way to get past those pesky tire strips on your next low-speed chase. Hit the jump to take a look at the video for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Joost!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Dutch VW 'RollGolf' proves that Yankees don't have a lock on junkyard creativity

Video: Dutch VW 'RollGolf' proves that Yankees don't have a lock on junkyard creativity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTE rolls out 785-hp Volkswagen Golf R32 [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

MTE Volkswagen Golf R32 BiTurbo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen scientists at MTE recently decided that their Golf R32 BiTurbo just wasn't quite up to snuff. While the company had already managed to drag staggering amounts of power out of the little German hatch, the project simply lacked that certain muchness that a true tuner purebred needs in order to stand out of the crowd. The solution? Yank 785 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque from the car - a 55 horse jump over the previous iteration of the project.

Yeah, we think that'll do just fine.

How'd they do it? For starters, there's a pair of mammoth Garrett G28/71 turbos under the hood pushing on forged internals. The team also reworked the cylinder heads, bolted on a water/methanol-injection intake manifold and unique cast-iron exhaust manifold. The whole kit breathes through an up-sized stainless steel exhaust system, and MTE says that it has limited the wicked little Golf at 193 mph. In order to cope with that kind of speed, the VW wears Brembo six-piston calipers and KW Variant 3 coilovers along with semi-slick tires. Hit the jump for a look at the car back when it was in its lowly 730-horsepower guise.

Gallery: MTE Volkswagen Golf R32 BiTurbo

[Source: MTE via Inside Line]

Continue reading MTE rolls out 785-hp Volkswagen Golf R32 [w/video]

MTE rolls out 785-hp Volkswagen Golf R32 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen reconfirms EVs for 2013, next-generation vehicles to reduce weight

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric

Speaking outside its Electronics Research Lab in Palo Alto, California, Volkswagen chairman Dr. Martin Winterkorn reconfirmed the automaker's commitment to bring electric vehicles to market in 2013, beginning with the eGolf compact and eUp! city car.

Drawing a faint parallel to the original Beetle, Winterkorn told the assembled media that "Volkswagen is working on the electric car for everyone." And one of the first electrified V-Dubs will be its bread-and-butter Golf hatchback.

"The automotive industry is reinventing itself," Winterkorn continued, "and Volkswagen will be the first automaker to mass produce the electric car for everyone." VW believes that electric vehicles are the next great revolution in the automobile, and in order to achieve its goal of becoming the world's top automaker by 2018, it believes it has to dominate the EV segment.

In addition to bringing two EVs to market in the next three years, the Touareg Hybrid (shown above) is being produced, with the hybrid Golf and Jetta due later that year and the hybrid Passat following in 2012. All of which VW considers to be interim products.

Although current battery technology has limited the eGolf to a 100-mile range when fitted with a 26.5 kWh battery pack, Winterkorn asserts that "Our customers are not willing to compromise. They expect the same thing from a standard [internal-combustion engine] Golf as they would from an electric Golf." But until its partnerships with Samsung, Toshiba and other battery manufacturers pan out and develop lighter, smaller, less expensive and higher capacity batteries, they'll have their work cut out for them.

When asked what VW plans to do about vehicle weight, Winterkorn rattled off a litany of advanced materials - from carbon fiber to magnesium - and told Autoblog that the next generation of Volkswagen products will undergo a weight loss program.

[Image: Sean Gallup/Getty]

Volkswagen reconfirms EVs for 2013, next-generation vehicles to reduce weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion coming to Worthersee

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Volkswagen is set to descend on the yearly Audi/Volkswagen meet up in Worthersee, Austria with a pair of reworked GTI hatches. First up is a collaboration with Adidas that features a rash of aesthetic changes, including new wheels and sports seats. You'll also find the stock headlights and tail lights swapped out in favor of the trick hardware found on the Golf R. VW says that it will push 4,410 examples of the Adidas-branded GTI via European dealers.

Then there's the Golf Excessive Edition. As far as we can tell, the company hasn't bothered to breathe on the stock turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Instead, VW has a wider track with bodywork to match. Throw in a reworked set of springs, bigger brakes and a free-breathing exhaust and you've got a recipe for getting us all hot and bothered.

VW hasn't released any photos of the Golf Excessive Edition just yet, so we'll have to wait until the Worthersee event kicks off next week to lay our eyes on the creation. Stay tuned. In the mean time hop the jump for the translated press release.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion coming to Worthersee

Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion coming to Worthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AmD Milltek Racing brings the Volkswagen Golf back to the British Touring Car Championship

Noah Joseph — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK, Racing

AmD Milltek Racing Volkswagen Golf touring car - Click above for image gallery

Touring car racing is big business overseas. Think of it as European stock cars and you've got an idea of the fan base. And while there's a World Touring Car Championship, it's the individual national series that draw the most attention: series like DTM in Germany, Australia's V8 Supercars, Italy's Superstars series, and this, the British Touring Car Championship.

The UK series dates back for decades, and has attracted the participation of many of the world's biggest automakers. Now, for the first time in ten years, a Volkswagen will be competing in the series. Prepared by AmD Milltek Racing, this VW Golf will be dicing it with the likes of the BMW 320si, Vauxhall Vectra, Seat Leon and Honda Civic Type R for the glory as an independent entry. (In fact most - if not all - of the entries are now privateers since the major manufacturers packed up shop.)

The Golf touring car was brought over under the new S2000 rules from the Baltic Touring Car Championship - one of the more obscure series in the discipline - and modified by Milltek before recently undergoing a shakedown at Brands Hatch where the team is based. The car was driven, as it will be throughout the season, by the team's managing director Shaun Hollamby, whose past experience had him competing in the Volkswagen Cup and directing the television department for Formula One Management.

Gallery: AmD Milltek Racing Volkswagen Golf touring car

[Source: AmD Milltek Racing via JonSibal.com]

AmD Milltek Racing brings the Volkswagen Golf back to the British Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK

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.

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First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drives, Diesel

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

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.

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

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Volkswagen

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.

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Autoblog Podcast #142

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Ford, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo, Spyker

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.

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Abt gives a boost to the 2010 VW Golf, GTI

Drew Phillips — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Budget, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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.

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

Chris Shunk — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Volkswagen, Vauxhall

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.

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Singapore gets special Volkswagen GTI V50

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Specialty

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.

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Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Humor, Russia

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.

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