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[MAMA says Volkswagen Passat will knock you out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/#commentsFiled under:



Detroit has the North American Car and Truck of the Year. Chicago? The Family Vehicle of the Year. And for 2012, the winner is the Volkswagen Passat.

While we must have missed last year's inaugural winner - it was the Hyundai Sonata, by the way - we did catch this year's award presentation. The Passat beat out two other finalists, the Ford Explorer and Mazda5, in the voting of 68 automotive journalists. Those car scribes all belong to the Midwest Automotive Media Association, or "MAMA," as the Chicago-based group is affectionately known.

Candidates for the FVOTY must be new or updated vehicles that have four doors, have base prices under $50,000, and "appear at one of MAMA's two annual rallies." Other models considered in the 2012 voting included the Chevrolet Volt, Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Ford Focus, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Camry.

MAMA says Volkswagen Passat will knock you out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 family car of the year2012 volkswagen passat2012 vw passatchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showfamily car of the yearmamamidwest auto media associationpassatvolkswagenvwWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167127/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/20167127/article-detail.xml 20167127 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-vw-passat-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-vw-passat-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen to unveil production Golf GTI Cabriolet in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/volkswagen-to-unveil-production-golf-gti-cabriolet-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/volkswagen-to-unveil-production-golf-gti-cabriolet-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/volkswagen-to-unveil-production-golf-gti-cabriolet-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept

If you were watching the news out of Wörthersee last year, you may recall the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept pictured above. The show car debuted at the annual Volkswagen fan-fest in Austria, alongside an even hotter Golf R Cabriolet and a whole mess of other machinery from the burgeoning German auto empire. But that was the last we heard of it ... until now.

Reports coming in from across the pond indicate that Volkswagen is planning to actually build the GTI Cabrio, and that it will unveil the production version at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month. Although Volkswagen has offered the GTI's engine in versions of the Golf Cabriolet and Eos in some markets, this would only be the second time that a full-on GTI convertible will be offered from the factory, complete with the suspension and other bits that go along with it.

Word has it that the GTI Cabrio would be the final swan song for the current sixth-generation Golf before it's replaced next year. But if that's not enough, VW is also tipped to be preparing the hotter 268-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Golf R Cabrio for production as well. Chances that either of these would be offered on this side of the Atlantic, however, don't look good.

Volkswagen to unveil production Golf GTI Cabriolet in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2012geneva motor showgolfgolf rgtigti cabriogti convertiblevolkswagenvwTue, 07 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20165599/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/volkswagen-to-unveil-production-golf-gti-cabriolet-in-geneva/20165599/article-detail.xml 20165599 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1vw-gti-cabriolet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/1vw-gti-cabriolet.jpg <![CDATA[What we know about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, next-gen GTI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/what-we-know-about-the-2013-volkswagen-golf-next-gen-gti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/what-we-know-about-the-2013-volkswagen-golf-next-gen-gti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/what-we-know-about-the-2013-volkswagen-golf-next-gen-gti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Volkswagen MQB architecture

The next GTI will be an order of magnitude better, bringing it back in line with the original hot hatch.

Lighter, faster, stronger, better. That's what we can expect from the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf, due to be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show before it hits dealerships across Europe this fall and eventually lands on U.S. shores as a 2013 model.

So what makes it special? A combination of new manufacturing processes, an all-new platform, a range of upgraded engines and what will go down as one of the greatest democratizations of active safety and in-car technology in automotive history.

What's more, the next GTI will be an order of magnitude better because of it, bringing it back in line with the original hot hatch while packed with even more standard features.

It all starts with Volkswagen's new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, which is set to underpin every front-wheel-drive VW product from the Polo to the Passat, along with the 2013 Audi A3. To hear VW tell it, it will redefine the automaker's manufacturing processes while curing world hunger and eradicating leprosy.

Read on to find out what's got Volkswagen so excited.

Continue reading What we know about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, next-gen GTI

What we know about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, next-gen GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen golf2014 volkswagen gtigolfgtimqbvolkswagenvolkswagen mqbvwFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/what-we-know-about-the-2013-volkswagen-golf-next-gen-gti/20163512/article-detail.xml 20163512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/volkswagen-modular-architecture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/volkswagen-modular-architecture.jpg <![CDATA[Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Volkswagen Passat front-three quarter view

The good people of Tennessee are no doubt thrilled to have a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. The facility already features well over 2,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, and now the German automaker is bolstering employment by another 200 full-time VW staffers, boosting the employment total to 2,500 full-time and temp workers.

VW says it is making the move to enable the plant to increase production from 31 vehicles per hour to 35. The boosted line rate also means that VW dealers will soon have more Passat sedans to sell, though the automaker failed to mention the sedan in the post-jump press release. Given VW's torrid sales pace in January, we're guessing the jump in factory output will be good news for the automaker's retail outlets.

VW isn't just looking for line workers - the automaker is also looking for supervisors and engineers. Hit the jump to read over the VW press release, which includes information on how to apply for a position.

Continue reading Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga

Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen passatchattanoogahiringpassattennesseevolkswagenvolkswagen hiringvwFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162409/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/20162409/article-detail.xml 20162409 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-628-1322053009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-628-1322053009.jpg <![CDATA[Next Volkswagen infotainment system to use capacitive touchscreens, proximity sensors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

VW Modular Infotainment System

The next Volkswagen Golf will be chock-full of standard and optional technology features, but its all-new Modular Infotainment System has the potential to set a new benchmark for both high-end and entry-level navigation, entertainment and connectivity.

Three new systems will be available when the 2013 Golf goes on sale in Europe towards the end of this year, starting with a five-inch touchscreen and moving up to a 5.8-inch unit and finally a range-topping eight-inch system. Each unit will be equipped with a capacitive touchscreen, with the eight-inch version packing an 800x450 resolution screen, multitouch functionality and the same NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor set to debut in future Audi models, including the next A3. Making use of that high-powered chipset will be revamped 3D graphics for menus and mapping, with free nav updates available for three years and the ability to activate additional features after the initial vehicle purchase.

Handwriting recognition will also be included in the system, much like the system already offered by Audi, which will allow users to skip the soft keyboard and write out destinations and point-of-interest searches. Additionally, VW is looking to include MirrorLink functionality (which essentially mirrors your phone's screen on the navigation display), as expected, Internet-connectivity through smartphone tethering will be an option, along with the ability to create a WLAN hotspot.

Finally, VW tells Autoblog it plans to integrate proximity sensors into the head unit - similar to Cadillac's CUE system - switching over from "display mode" to "operating mode" when it detects the driver or passenger's hand moving towards the screen. The proximity sensors could also detect which side of the screen your hand is placed and then highlight specific features for easier selection.

Naturally, pricing for each system won't be released until the Golf goes on sale in Europe this fall and hits the U.S. sometime in 2013, but VW representatives made it clear that these systems will be priced aggressively in order to compete with other feature-rich competitors.

Next Volkswagen infotainment system to use capacitive touchscreens, proximity sensors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitive touchscreengesture controlgolfinfotainmentmirrorlinknvidiategra 3telematicsvolkswagenvwWed, 01 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/20161740/article-detail.xml 20161740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-mib-vw-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-mib-vw-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen puts a twist on its Beetle Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/volkswagen-puts-a-twist-on-its-beetle-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/volkswagen-puts-a-twist-on-its-beetle-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/volkswagen-puts-a-twist-on-its-beetle-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

VW Super Bowl ad with Bolt the dog

Volkswagen has released an extended version of its Super Bowl ad ahead of the Big Game, and it may not be what you expected. While the automaker's teaser hinted toward yet another Star Wars-themed spot after the success of last year's "The Force," the new commercial focuses instead on a pudgy puppy named Bolt. The advertisement's tagline is "Back and better than ever," and Bolt enters into a fitness montage set to some excellent James Brown tunes in order to slim down and chase after the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

There isn't a single Star Wars reference throughout the whole clip, which may leave fans wondering exactly what that whole chorus of dogs barking in tune to the Empire's theme in the Volkswagen teaser was about. We won't spoil the twist for you, but we will say the 2012 Super Bowl ad heads toward a wretched hive of scum and villainy pretty quickly. Hit the jump for the video, as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen puts a twist on its Beetle Super Bowl ad

Volkswagen puts a twist on its Beetle Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen beetlebeetleboltdarth vadermos eisleynew beetlestar warssuper bowlsuper bowl advideovolkswagenvolkswagen super bowl advwWed, 01 Feb 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161726/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/volkswagen-puts-a-twist-on-its-beetle-super-bowl-ad/20161726/article-detail.xml 20161726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/vw-bolt-super-bowl-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/vw-bolt-super-bowl-ad-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen says it could conclude takeover of Porsche this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/volkswagen-says-it-could-conclude-takeover-of-porsche-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/volkswagen-says-it-could-conclude-takeover-of-porsche-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/volkswagen-says-it-could-conclude-takeover-of-porsche-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche and Volkswagen emblems

It's been a whole three weeks since we checked in with Volkswagen's takeoever of Porsche, and the most recent news wasn't so good: investors filed a $2.6 billion suit against Porsche over the Stuttgart maker's attempt to gobble up VW. Those same investors also filed an arbitration application against Volkswagen. That hasn't stopped a VW executive from saying that its ownership of Porsche could finally be concluded this year, according to a report in Der Spiegel.

VW had earlier predicted the deal would be done last year, then released a statement in September saying that that too many hurdles and unknowns remained concerning investigations and economic ramfications for the deal to get done in 2011. The hurdles centered around previous lawsuits, including one brought by American investors in 2010, and the fact that VW couldn't evaluate Porsche appropriately until they were settled.

However, the latest upbeat report on overcoming the obstructions to getting a deal done this year don't mention those lawsuits. Instead, the resolved issues are a one-billion-euro tax payment that VW can avoid by creating a holding company by 2014 to control the Porsche stake, and VW's agreeing to contractually assure Porsche retains control over its models and where it spends its money. According to that unnamed executive, this opens the door for VW to sponge up the final 50.1 percent of Porsche it doesn't own, for a price of €3.9 billion - about $5.1B USD - but we have no idea how or why the lawsuits aren't mentioned as a factor.

In the meantime, Reuters reports that VW and Porsche are working "at arm's length" even though they have the same CEO and CFO and are busy developing cars together, a fact which is testing CEO Martin Winterkorn's patience. Earlier this month, Winterkorn was quoted as saying he wants to bring the companies closer "without needing to have a lawyer stand next to a Porsche employee every time he screws something into a Volkswagen or vice-versa."

Volkswagen says it could conclude takeover of Porsche this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>porscheporsche volkswagenporsche vwporsche vw mergervolkswagenvolkswagen porschevolkswagen porsche mergervwVW porscheWed, 25 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156173/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/volkswagen-says-it-could-conclude-takeover-of-porsche-this-year/20156173/article-detail.xml 20156173 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vw-and-porsche-emblems_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vw-and-porsche-emblems.jpg <![CDATA[How Volkswagen came up with its "Bark Side" Star Wars dog ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/how-volkswagen-came-up-with-its-bark-side-star-wars-dog-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/how-volkswagen-came-up-with-its-bark-side-star-wars-dog-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/how-volkswagen-came-up-with-its-bark-side-star-wars-dog-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Bark Side Volkswagen Commercial screen capture

Volkswagen has once again proven itself capable of crafting some seriously clever advertising, and with the Super Bowl quickly approaching, all eyes have turned to the automaker to see what the company has in store this year. In order to stoke even more interest, Volkswagen has released what it calls an ad for an ad in its "The Bark Side" spot. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen wanted to get fans excited about its spot for the Super Bowl and set about casting 12 dogs. The production team specifically chose the pups based on their resemblance to certain Star Wars characters instead of their vocal ability.

The clip was then shot just like a music video, both with all the dogs together and with each of them individually. The final track was crafted using a mix of archived dog barks which were then layered with new sounds from the dogs on stage. Certain barks were then pitched to catch the tune required. Hit the jump to check out the video once again, and then click on the Automotive News link to learn more about how VW's ad came to be.

Continue reading How Volkswagen came up with its "Bark Side" Star Wars dog ad

How Volkswagen came up with its "Bark Side" Star Wars dog ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bark sidedog commercialdogsmarketingstar warsstar wars dogssuper bowlvolkswagenvolkswagen dog commercialvolkswagen star wars commercialvolkswagen the bark sidevwTue, 24 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20155525/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/24/how-volkswagen-came-up-with-its-bark-side-star-wars-dog-ad/20155525/article-detail.xml 20155525 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/the-bark-side-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/the-bark-side-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen approves Up! GT for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen GT Up! concept

The Volkswagen Golf GTI stands as an enduring icon in the hot hatch genre. But as the Golf gets bigger, so does the GTI, and when it comes to hot hatches, bigger is not always better. That's where the Polo GTI comes in, but if even that's too big for minimalists, Volkswagen is reportedly set on putting the Up! GT into production.

Unveiled as a show car alongside the production Up! at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, the GT Up! concept pictured above incorporated 17-inch alloys to fill those little wheel wells, a new front end with wider grille, bigger brake ducts and integrated LED accents, as well as a diffuser, spoiler and twin exhaust pipes installed around back.

According to PistonHeads, the production Up! GT is tipped to get a three-cylinder turbo driving around 110 horsepower through a six-speed gearbox to the front wheels. That may be less than the 133 hp packaged by the Renaultsport Twingo, but could prove a feisty pocket rocket in its own right.

Volkswagen approves Up! GT for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt upgtiupup gtup gtivolkswagenvolkswagen gt upvolkswagen upvolkswagen up gtvwvw upMon, 23 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/20154041/article-detail.xml 20154041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webvw-gt-up_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webvw-gt-up.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen reveals production five-door Up!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-reveals-production-five-door-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-reveals-production-five-door-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-reveals-production-five-door-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Up! Five-Door

Volkswagen has unveiled the new production model five-door Up! after patent drawings of the vehicle made their way to the web. The newest member to the Volkswagen small-car line is expected to land on dealer lots in Germany by early March, with availability opening up to the rest of Europe by summer. The vehicle will launch with the exact same engines and external dimensions as its three-door brethren. That means buyers will be able to opt for either a 60-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine or a 75 horsepower version of the same powerplant. Even so, Volkswagen anticipates roughly half of Up! buyers will opt for the new five-door bodystyle.

The five-door Up! does serve up a few stylistic changes over its three-door counterpart beyond the addition of two extra doors. For starters, the rear hatch is solid glass and the hatchback's side profile line is now basically straight from front to rear. In the three-door version, that line kicks up slightly as it heads toward the rear of the vehicle. Buyers can expect to pay $13,295 (including Europe's notorious taxes) at current conversion rates, which is a little over $600 more than the three-door hatch. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen reveals production five-door Up!

Volkswagen reveals production five-door Up! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen upfive-doorupup five doorvolkswagen upvolkswagen up five doorvwMon, 23 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154402/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/volkswagen-reveals-production-five-door-up/20154402/article-detail.xml 20154402 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vw-up-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vw-up-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen golf rappchip foosegolfgolf rgtiipadvideovolkswagenvwvw golfvw golf rFri, 20 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/20152007/article-detail.xml 20152007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chip-foose-vw-golf-gti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chip-foose-vw-golf-gti.jpg <![CDATA[VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Volkswagen badge

We hope General Motors hasn't started planning that ticker-tape parade down Jefferson Avenue yet, as Volkswagen has apparently taken issue with the notion that GM might again be the world's largest automaker.

According to The Wall Street Journal, VW has said it will be adding some 200,000 units to its previously released sales total, contributions from some commercial truck manufacturers that are subsidiaries. Moreover, the WSJ has called into question GM's practice of counting the vehicles sold by two Chinese partners in which GM does not have a controlling interest. Liuzhou Wuling Motors sold 1.2 million vehicles in China last year, according to the report, which the Journal says some analysts don't count in tabulating their numbers. If those vehicles were excluded from GM's nine million vehicle sales total, it would drop behind VW.

Further controversy may cloud third place on the list, as the Nissan-Renault partnership may have passed Toyota in the rankings, according to the report. That is, if you accept the notion that Nissan and Renault are one company and that Renault's AvtoVAZ subsidiary should have its sales numbers count. Renault has a 25-percent state in the Russian company, notes the report.

Since there's little agreement about what rules should govern the accounting, until one of the top four really separates itself from the rest and pushes its total sales over 10 million vehicles, we will likely continue to see the annual global sales championship end in argument. VW, for what it's worth, seems hell-bent on becoming the undisputed largest car company, having repeatedly stated its intention to top 10 million sales.

VW takes issue with claim that GM is world's largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 auto salesauto salesbiggest automakercar salesgeneral motorsgmlargest automakernissannissan-renaultrenaultrenault-nissantoyotavolkswagenvwFri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153181/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/vw-takes-issue-with-claim-that-gm-is-worlds-largest-automaker/20153181/article-detail.xml 20153181 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vwemblem-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vwemblem-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hundreds of vintage VWs scrapped over Florida zoning [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sunray Bugs

We certainly understand the need to scrap older vehicles. Not only is it impractical to preserve every car that's ever been built, but why would you want to? That said, decisions to destroy old cars, whether under the auspices of a government program like Cash For Clunkers or by profit motive at an automotive recycler, should be made by informed individuals. That way, vehicles that may have potential as collectibles don't unnecessarily vanish.

That's why we find this story so frustrating. According to the Tampa Bay Times, one of the foremost "VW graveyards," Sunray Bugs of Dade City, FL, is headed the way of the Type 4. The giant, 10-acre Volkswagen salvage yard lost its legal battle over zoning with Pasco County, and officials have nearly completed cleanup of the site. Hundreds of cars have been crushed, though the octogenarian owner, "Corky" Yager, may have saved most of what was truly valuable, according to this long thread on TheSamba.com.

While the situation is certainly a complex one that's caused quite a few VW enthusiasts to take to their keyboards to voice their opinions - the aforementioned thread runs to eight pages - the bottom line is that some potentially useful old cars are no longer with us.

Click through the jump to see some video of Sunray Bugs before the zoning incident, including an interview with Corky.

Continue reading Hundreds of vintage VWs scrapped over Florida zoning [w/video]

Hundreds of vintage VWs scrapped over Florida zoning [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlebugjunkyardsalvagesalvage yardsunraysunray bugsvideovolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugvolkswagen busvwvw bugvw busThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151238/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/20151238/article-detail.xml 20151238 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sunraybugs-opt-1326921966_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sunraybugs-opt-1326921966.jpg <![CDATA[The Bark Side: Volkswagen hounds bring back <i>Star Wars</i> in Super Bowl teaser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/the-bark-side-volkswagen-hounds-bring-back-star-wars-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/the-bark-side-volkswagen-hounds-bring-back-star-wars-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/the-bark-side-volkswagen-hounds-bring-back-star-wars-in/#commentsFiled under: , ,

dog dressed up like an ewok from a volkswagen commercial

Volkswagen knows how to get attention through advertising, as its latest teaser spot shows. Start with the Star Wars Imperial March to make the tighty-whities of every 40-year-old geek just a little bit tighter, and add dogs for the rest of the nation. That's how you get the undivided attention of the United States of America.

Building on the success of last year's "Tiny Vader" commercial, Volkswagen has begun the buildup to a full minute-long commercial featuring the Beetle that will debut during next month's Super Bowl. Which Beetle is the question, and Volkswagen says that on February 5th, 2012, something will be "back and better than ever."

The car that's coming back is likely to be the diesel-powered Beetle TDI, especially since the timing lines up with the Chicago Auto Show that runs from February 8th. What, you're still here? Who cares about conjecture, go watch the teaser. There are dogs dressed up like Ewoks, and there's even a little Wookie singing in there. See it after the jump.

Continue reading The Bark Side: Volkswagen hounds bring back Star Wars in Super Bowl teaser

The Bark Side: Volkswagen hounds bring back Star Wars in Super Bowl teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emperial marchimperial marchstar warsstar wars dogssuper bowlsuper bowl commercialvideovolkswagenvolkswagen dog commercialvolkswagen star wars dog commercialvolkswagen superbowl commercialvwThu, 19 Jan 2012 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/the-bark-side-volkswagen-hounds-bring-back-star-wars-in/20151740/article-detail.xml 20151740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ewok-dog_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/ewok-dog.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen CC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sleek Four-Door Coupe Noses Upmarket



When European deliveries of the then new Volkswagen Passat CC started back in late 2007, even in its home market, the know-it-alls received it with skepticism. There didn't seem to be any burning need for a sexed-up four-door based on a Passat chassis. Was there an audience large enough for a Mercedes-Benz CLS-inspired sedan for the coupe-loving common family?

Apparently the smug automotive intelligentsia was wrong about the CC. In four years, the image-enhancing four-door with the swoopy body has quietly sold 320,000 units worldwide. Last we checked, that's a lot for something supposedly meant to fill a niche.

For the 2013 model year, the CC is receiving a mid-life updo in the form of several small but important touches. The unfortunate news is that many of the premium upgrades happening in this freshened CC for the European market will not come out to play in North America. But enough of them will, making a First Drive the proper thing to do. Besides, it's the least we could do when VW has finally changed the name of the car worldwide from the European "Passat CC" to the simpler "CC" moniker favored Stateside.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen CC

2013 Volkswagen CC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen ccccfirst driveFirstDrivepassatpassat ccvolkswagenvwThu, 19 Jan 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/20151557/article-detail.xml 20151557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-volkswagen-cc-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-volkswagen-cc-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to debut at Chicago Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/2013-volkswagen-beetle-tdi-to-debut-at-chicago-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/2013-volkswagen-beetle-tdi-to-debut-at-chicago-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/2013-volkswagen-beetle-tdi-to-debut-at-chicago-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Volkswagen has confirmed to Autoblog that the oil-burning 2013 Beetle TDI will make its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show next month.

No specific details have been released at this time, but you can bet that the automaker's slick 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four will be underhood. In the Golf, Jetta and Passat, the mill kicks out 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and both six-speed manual and DSG transmissions will likely be available. This engine is already good for as high as 43 miles per gallon highway in the Passat (and we've routinely hit as high as 50 mpg in our long-term Jetta TDI), so we expect exceptional fuel economy out of the diesel Bug, as well.

What's more, our understanding is that Volkswagen plans to offer the TDI engine in the upcoming Beetle Convertible, which will make it the very first clean diesel droptop available in the United States. Of course, we won't know for sure until the roofless Bug debuts later this year, but still, it's something to get excited about (if ragtop Beetles are your thing, anyway).

Stay tuned for the full scoop live from the Chicago show next month.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to debut at Chicago Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen beetle tdibeetle tdichicagochicago 2012chicago auto showdieseltdivolkswagenvwWed, 18 Jan 2012 19:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151520/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/2013-volkswagen-beetle-tdi-to-debut-at-chicago-auto-show/20151520/article-detail.xml 20151520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/08-2012-vw-beetle-turbo-review-1323239811_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/08-2012-vw-beetle-turbo-review-1323239811.jpg <![CDATA[VW Bluesport Roadster might finally be dead before it lived]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/vw-bluesport-roadster-might-finally-be-dead-before-it-lived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/vw-bluesport-roadster-might-finally-be-dead-before-it-lived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/17/vw-bluesport-roadster-might-finally-be-dead-before-it-lived/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen BlueSport concept revealed in Detroit, 2009

A Black Knight stalks the ramparts of corporate castles, he carries a shield decorated with a wreath of beans, he swings a double-edged spreadsheet and he rides a terrifying black mare called The Bottom Line. His name is The Business Case and if a new report from Autocar is accurate, he's done his foul work again, this time dealing another blow to the already-long-delayed Volkswagen Bluesport Roadster. Even though the engineering work for the two-seater convertible is reportedly finished, it appears no one can come up with a way to support the necessary sales projections of 50,000 units annually.

That is in part because Jonathan Browning, head of VW USA, apparently doesn't see the point of expanding VW's product portfolio with another model (a truly unexpected sentiment coming from Volkswagen as far as we're concerned). The U.S. being the largest consumer of sports cars, our sitting this one out puts the 2009 Detroit Auto Show showcar in a tough spot.

Synergies being what they are, that also puts Bluesport's brand brothers from Audi and Porsche in doubt. Audi plans for an R4 will apparently get iced in light of the news, but Porsche might have dodged a bullet: it wanted a four-cylinder 550-successor, but not one that would eat into Boxster sales, which this car almost certainly would. The Bluesport isn't officially dead yet, but at three years in and counting, you can be sure there's a hand on the life-support plug.

VW Bluesport Roadster might finally be dead before it lived originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi r4bluesportbluesport conceptr4volkswagenvolkswagen bluesport roadstervwvw bluesportvw roadsterTue, 17 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147982/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/17/vw-bluesport-roadster-might-finally-be-dead-before-it-lived/20147982/article-detail.xml 20147982 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bluesportonhold_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bluesportonhold.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen beats Toyota, takes 2011 sales crown]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/#commentsFiled under:

Volkswagen assembly line

Volkswagen has repeatedly told the world that it will soon be the largest automaker in terms of global sales volume. As it stands, it may already be number two. Car Advice reports that VW sold 8.16 million units in 2011, marking the first time it has eclipsed eight million global sales.. Toyota finished 2011 with 7.9 million sales, in part because of production disruptions resulting from the March earthquake in Japan.

That's an incredible feat made all the more impressive by a 14.3-percent surge in sales compared to the auto giant's 2010 totals. Volkswagen has plenty of reason to celebrate, but it's not quite time to erect a statue in honor of the year's sales success. General Motors hasn't yet reported full-year sales, but analysts expect that the final tally could reach nine million units.

The German automaker should feel pretty good about its accomplishment, but there is more work to do if VW is to reach its lofty goal of 10 million units annually by 2018. If VW can continue to roll out waves of successful new products and global auto sales continue to climb, we're not going to bet against them.

Volkswagen beats Toyota, takes 2011 sales crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesbiggest automakercar saleslargest automakernumber one automakervolkswagenvwFri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/volkswagen-beats-toyota-takes-2011-sales-crown/20144283/article-detail.xml 20144283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/volkswagen-chattanooga-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/volkswagen-chattanooga-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept electric slides into Detroit [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-detroit-auto-show-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-detroit-auto-show-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-detroit-auto-show-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen e-Bugster Concept

Don't call it a Ragster. Though it shares its basic body shape with the slammed New Beetle that debuted at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the Volkswagen E-Bugster is a completely new concept that's based on the latest version of VW's iconic Beetle. And it's electric.

That electric motor puts out 114-horsepower (85 kW) and 199 pound-feet of torque, which out to be plenty to get this squashed Bug down the road with a quickness. Range is listed at about 100 miles, courtesy of a 695-pound lithium ion battery pack that resides both under the rear seats and trunk floor. A charging port is located under the VW logo at the car's nose, and, depending on the charger being used, an 80-percent charge can happen in just 30 minutes.

The electric drivetrain is only half of the story. The E-Bugster's most distinctive styling element is no doubt its chopped roof, which, when combined with the wide, flat windshield, makes the E-Bugster look like a 2012 Beetle that's seen a California-based plastic surgeon customizing shop. Also take not of the 20-inch wheels, which remind us a bit of the Fuchs wheels seen on many retro Beetles all around the country.

But you don't have to take our word for it. Check out our high-res image gallery of live photos from Detroit, and then watch a video that shows the E-Bugster topless after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept electric slides into Detroit [w/video]

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept electric slides into Detroit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetledetroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showe-bugstere-bugster conceptvolkswagenvwMon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20144043/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-detroit-auto-show-2012/20144043/article-detail.xml 20144043 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vw-e-bugster-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/vw-e-bugster-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: December 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-december-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-december-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/06/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-december-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



After spending the first half of December up in the San Fernando Vallery with Drew Phillips, our long-term Jetta TDI made its way back into my care for a holiday road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Old Blue saw some great American icons on the trip, such as Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Sonoma Valley and the Golden Gate Bridge. Come to think of it, the Jetta and I have seen a lot of the country's splendor together. After all, my last run with the Volkswagen involved driving it 2,000 miles from Detroit to LA.

Since that long road trip in the Jetta this past summer, the interior seems to be more broken-in, though it isn't showing any noticeable signs of wear. That said, it still isn't a very pleasant place to be. I didn't love it on my cross-country journey a few months ago, and while it's more comfortable now that more butts have been in the driver's seat, there simply isn't anything to rave about.

Fuel economy, however, is as great as ever - I commonly see numbers over 40 mpg. The car's much-disliked gearbox is still tricky, and we broke a sweat trying not to stall while starting out on some of those steep San Francisco hills (especially when cars were behind us). But with some serious concentration, we managed with minimal problems.

All-in-all, the Jetta TDI continues to get the job done, though never quite in the refined manner that we're looking for. I've put thousands of miles on this Jetta TDI myself, but have yet to completely bond with it.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: December 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volkswagen jetta tdiablongtermablongterm-jettafeaturedjettajetta tdilong-termvolkswagenvwFri, 06 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/06/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-december-2011/20141751/article-detail.xml 20141751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/08-long-term-2011-vw-jetta-tdi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/08-long-term-2011-vw-jetta-tdi.jpg -1 2