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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/timewarp/" rel="tag">Classics</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-citigolf/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/citi-mk1-002_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Volkswagen CitiGolf - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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The original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 arrived as a replacement to the Volkswagen Beetle way back in 1974. Sold in the States as the Volkswagen Rabbit, the early front-wheel-drive hatchback had a transverse-mounted (water-cooled) 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at just 70 horsepower. It was good for a 93 mph top speed and nearly 38 miles per gallon. While the standard Rabbit was rather ho-hum, the late-to-arrive Mk1 "GTI" ushered in the hot-hatch movement with its 90-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, slick manual transmission, and upgraded suspension. It was a seriously cool car.<br />
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In 1984, Volkswagen introduced the Golf Mk2. As the successor was bigger, wider, and more expensive than the original - and customers may have been turned-off by the "improvements" - VW chose to continue the Mk1 production and sell it as the low-cost Econo Golf, or CitiGolf. <br />
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Over the past 25 years, more than 500,000 units of the venerable Mk1 have rolled out of a South African assembly plant for sale in markets abroad. Variants have been fitted with a wide range of engine choices (both gasoline and diesel), from 1.1-liters up to 1.8-liters of displacement. Transmissions have included 4- and 5-speed manuals, plus the (obviously outdated) 3-speed automatic. Lacking nearly all of today's necessary safety equipment (a driver's airbag was eventually fitted), time finally caught up with the CitiGolf this summer and the South African plant was closed in late August. <br />
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Interesting side note: the tooling used to build the CitiGolf all these years in South Africa was reportedly originally used to make the Rabbit at Volkswagen's Westmoreland plant in Pennsylvania. <em>Thanks for the tip, Doug!</em><br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-citigolf/low/">Volkswagen CitiGolf</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-citigolf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/citi-mk1-002_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-citigolf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/citi-mk1-005_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-citigolf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/1997-citi-golf-sonic_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-citigolf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/1992-1995-citi-golf-shuttle_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-citigolf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/1991-1992-citi-golf-designa_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://in4ride.blogspot.com/2009/11/volkswagen-citi-golf-death-of-25-year.html">in4ride</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/">They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19221006/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/they-still-make-that-vw-golf-mk1-ends-production-after-25-years/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>close</category><category>Ending</category><category>First-gen</category><category>Golf</category><category>Jetta</category><category>Mk1</category><category>Production</category><category>Rabbit</category><category>South Africa</category><category>SouthAfrica</category><category>Volkswagen Golf</category><category>Volkswagen Mk1</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenMk1</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>VW Mk1</category><category>VwMk1</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1984 Volkswagen GTI MkI]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/auction-action/" rel="tag">Auctions</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/ebay-517-mile-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/gangsta620.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><small>1984 Volkswagen GTI MkI - click above image for hi-res gallery</small></em></strong></div>
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No doubt we've had GTI on the brain the past week or so after driving Volkswagen's new, fun, we-like-it-more-than-we-thought-we-would <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-volkswagen-gti-first-drive/">MkVI GTI</a>. And if you <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/2010-volkswagen-gti-first-drive/">read our review</a>, you're aware that Volkswagen is actively trying to market the new GTI as if it's cut from the same cloth as the original gangsta GTI. It's priced nice, too, starting at just a smidge over $23,000. But what if you could get a <em>real</em> GTI, an <em>ur</em> GTI - which would you take? And what if said MkI GTI had only <em>517</em> miles on it? That's not a typo - just 517 miles! And stored properly, too. At least according to the seller, "<font size="2" face="Arial">My father had owned a Shell Service station for 50 years, he knows how to maintain a vehicle LOL and is quite the perfectionist."</font><br />
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Well, friends, today is your <em>lucky day</em>. Here we have a 1984 GTI that isn't even done with its break in period. The story -complete with lots of LOLs - goes something like this. The seller's dad bought the car new in January of 1985. He had a new <font size="2" face="Arial">Blaupunkt stereo installed (gotta have that). Then he had back surgery. Two more surgeries and twenty-five years later, the poor guy still can't drive a stick. So, the GTI has to go. And there's <em>no reserve</em>. Currently the bidding's at $5,600 with over six days to go. We have the strange premonition that it's going to tick up a bit higher than that. Happy bidding! <em>Big ol' Autoblog shoutout to Mike R. for the tip!</em><br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ebay-517-mile-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/low/">eBay 517 Mile 1984 Volkswagen GTI MkI</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ebay-517-mile-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/ogti00_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ebay-517-mile-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/ogti20_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ebay-517-mile-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/ogti90_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ebay-517-mile-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/ogti30_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ebay-517-mile-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/ogti130_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1984-GTI-RABBIT-517-ORIGINAL-MILES-ORIGINAL-OWNER_W0QQitemZ130335847774QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item1e589f355e">eBay Motors</a>]<br />
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</font><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/">eBay Find of the Day: 1984 Volkswagen GTI MkI</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19189379/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1984-volkswagen-gti-mki/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>1984 GTI</category><category>1984 MkI GTI</category><category>1984 Volkswagen GTI MkI</category><category>1984Gti</category><category>1984MkiGti</category><category>1984VolkswagenGtiMki</category><category>eBay</category><category>eBay Motors</category><category>EbayMotors</category><category>GTI</category><category>GTI MkI</category><category>GtiMki</category><category>MkI GTI</category><category>MkiGti</category><category>Volkswagen</category><category>Volkswagen GTI</category><category>Volkswagen GTI MkI</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit GTI</category><category>VolkswagenGti</category><category>VolkswagenGtiMki</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>VolkswagenRabbitGti</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonny Lieberman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/" rel="tag">Diesel</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border=" " alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/vw_golf_se.jpg" /><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>2010 Volkswagen Golf - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br /> For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf name used in the rest of the world's markets. The European hatchbacks will begin arriving in the U.S. in the coming weeks, beginning with the GTI. The standard Golf will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that arrived last year in the Jetta TDI. Although they aren't linked to from the main VW site, new GTI and Golf websites are now live and include TDI information, specs and pricing. <br /> <br /> The base two-door, 2.5-liter gas-powered Golf starts at $17,490 and the four-door will command $19,190. Like the Jetta, TDI models come with a higher level of equipment and therefore start at $21,990 and $22,590 with a six-speed manual gearbox. The new GTI, meanwhile, starts at $23,290.<br /> <br /> What's interesting are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen website lists both the manual and DSG versions of the new Golf TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However, a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows that the Golf TDI rates even better at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level of improvement over the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. <em>Thanks to Jay for the tip!</em><br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf/low/">2010 Volkswagen Golf</a></strong></p><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/08/2010-golf-vi-1280-05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/08/2010-golf-vi-1280-02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/08/2010-golf-vi-1280-06_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/08/2010-golf-vi-1280-07_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/08/2010-golf-vi-1280-04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: <a href="http://www.vw.com/golf/compare/en/us/">Volkswagen</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/">2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19138679/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/2010-vw-golf-tdi-starts-at-21-990-rated-29-40-mpg-or-maybe-3/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>golf</category><category>golf pricing</category><category>GolfPricing</category><category>GTI</category><category>mpg</category><category>rabbit</category><category>tdi</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen golf tdi</category><category>volkswagen golf vi</category><category>volkswagen jetta tdi</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>volkswagengolf</category><category>VolkswagenGolfTdi</category><category>VolkswagenGolfVi</category><category>VolkswagenJettaTdi</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>VW GTI</category><category>VW Rabbit</category><category>VwGti</category><category>VwRabbit</category><category>wolfsburg</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/1024223/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/14_09golfvw_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-style: italic;"><small>Volkswagen Golf VI - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></span></strong><br /></div>
<br />Anyone itching to bring home a brand new Volkswagen Rabbit had better act fast. As <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/">expected</a>, 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 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/new-york-auto-show/">New York Auto Show</a> in production form with an expected sale date here in the States sometime this fall.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />We couldn't agree more, which is why we were all left scratching our heads back in 2006 when the German automaker chose to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/">reintroduce the Rabbit name</a> 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.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/">Volkswagen Golf VI</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/00_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/01_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/02_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/03_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/04_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Volkswagen]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/">Officially Official: VW changes Rabbit back to Golf</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1502651/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/officially-official-vw-changes-rabbit-back-to-golf/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2010 volkswagen golf</category><category>2010 vw golf</category><category>2010VolkswagenGolf</category><category>2010VwGolf</category><category>NYAutoShow</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>vw</category><category>vw golf</category><category>vw rabbit</category><category>VwGolf</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapin' Leipzig! Volkswagen Golf GTD details and photos released]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/volkswagen-golf-gtd-details-and-photos-released/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/volkswagen-golf-gtd-details-and-photos-released/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/volkswagen-golf-gtd-details-and-photos-released/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/green/" rel="tag">Green</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/misc-auto-shows/" rel="tag">Misc. Auto Shows</a></p><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf-gtd/1456460/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/vw_golf_gtd_580.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD - Click above for a high res gallery</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Volkswagen is set to introduce the world to its new Volkswagen Golf GTD at the Leipzig Motor Show in Germany. What we have here is the basic GTI package, except that the wonderful gas-powered 2.0-liter turbo engine that powers VW's latest hot hatch has been yanked in favor of a new high-performance turbo diesel engine (also displacing 2.0 liters) that offers up 168 horsepower and, just as importantly, about 260 lb-ft of torque. VW says the new drivetrain package is enough to scoot the new GTD to 60 mph in about eight seconds. European combined fuel economy is rated at 44.4 mpg (U.S.) with CO<sub>2</sub> emissions of 139 g/km.<br /><br />On the outside, the GTD features all of the exterior differentiation of the GTI, except that the red exterior accents are now done in chrome. Step inside, and you'll be greeted with VW's signature plaid seating surfaces, though the red fabrics and stitching are now done in light grey. German sales of the GTD will begin in May, with the rest of Europe likely following shortly thereafter. So far, there's no official word on whether the GTD is coming to America, but <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/new-vw-golf-gtd-to-debut-in-april-rabbit-gtd-to-follow-for-u-s/">signs point to "Yes</a>." Press release after the break.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf-gtd/low/">2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD</a></strong></p><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf-gtd/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/vw_golf_gtd_large_2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf-gtd/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/db2009au00423_large-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf-gtd/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/db2009au00424_large-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf-gtd/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/db2009au00425_large-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-golf-gtd/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2009/03/db2009au00426_large-1280_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Volkswagen]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/volkswagen-golf-gtd-details-and-photos-released/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Leapin' Leipzig! Volkswagen Golf GTD details and photos released</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/volkswagen-golf-gtd-details-and-photos-released/">Leapin' Leipzig! Volkswagen Golf GTD details and photos released</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/volkswagen-golf-gtd-details-and-photos-released/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1500295/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/volkswagen-golf-gtd-details-and-photos-released/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>diesel</category><category>green</category><category>leipzig motor show</category><category>LeipzigMotorShow</category><category>Veedub</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen golf gtd</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenGolfGtd</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>VW</category><category>vw golf gtd</category><category>VW Rabbit</category><category>VwGolfGtd</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wassership Down: VW seen euthanizing the Rabbit. Again.]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/1024214/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/06rabbit_12_hrgb_opta.jpg"  class="right border" alt="" /></a>Back in 2006, Volkswagen of America's public relations department had what they thought was a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/">brilliant idea</a> 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.<br /><br />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 <em>Car and Driver</em>, 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.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/">Volkswagen Golf VI</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/00_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/01_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/02_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/03_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/04_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/vw_audi_central/scoop_volkswagen_kills_rabbit_nameplate_car_news">Car and Driver</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/">Wassership Down: VW seen euthanizing the Rabbit. Again.</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/vw_audi_central/scoop_volkswagen_kills_rabbit_nameplate_car_news>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1497412/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/25/wassership-down-vw-seen-euthanizing-the-rabbit-again/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>vw golf</category><category>vw rabbit</category><category>VwGolf</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/vw_glf_mtrx2.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/">Click above</a> to see the VW Golf commercial</small></span><br /></div>
<br />So it's not just America that gets up in arms over commercials. Remember <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/video-new-vw-golf-commercial-goes-matrix/">the Matrix-styled ad</a> 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.<br /><br />The complaints could mean the spot won't be aired before the 9 p.m. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watershed_(television)#United_Kingdom">watershed</a>, 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 <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420238/"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Tale of Despereaux</span></a> has more chilling moments than this commercial -- but maybe the parents are afraid their kids will end up fighting...  their clones. <br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jan/05/volkswagen-fight-ad-complaints">The Guardian</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/">FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jan/05/volkswagen-fight-ad-complaints>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1420736/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/10/followup-vws-matrix-style-advertisement-garners-100-complaint/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>advertising</category><category>commercial</category><category>commercials</category><category>ddb london</category><category>DdbLondon</category><category>golf</category><category>golf vi</category><category>GolfVi</category><category>hatchback</category><category>marketing</category><category>video</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen commercial</category><category>volkswagen commercials</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenCommercial</category><category>VolkswagenCommercials</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>vw</category><category>vw golf</category><category>VW Rabbit</category><category>VwGolf</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[MkVI VW Rabbit &amp; GTI coming to America next September]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/1069205/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/11/gti-mk6.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em><strong><small>Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI</small></strong></em></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/low/">2009 Volkswagen GTI LIVE</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/01_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/02_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/03_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/04_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-volkswagen-gti/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/05_2009_vw_gti_live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/">Volkswagen Golf VI</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/00_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/01_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/02_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/03_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/04_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136067">Inside Line</a>]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/">MkVI VW Rabbit &amp; GTI coming to America next September</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136067>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1378220/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/mkvi-vw-rabbit-and-gti-coming-to-america-next-september/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen gti</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenGti</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>vw</category><category>vw golf</category><category>vw gti</category><category>vw rabbit</category><category>VwGolf</category><category>VwGti</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition by Walter de Silva]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition/1048958/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/golf-collect-01-web.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><strong><em><small>Click to view the VW Golf Collectors Edition in hi-res</small></em></strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition/1048954/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/golf-collect-03-web.jpg" /></a>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.</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition/low/">Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/golf-collect-04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/golf-collect-02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/golf-collect-03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p>
<p>[Source: Volkswagen]</p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition by Walter de Silva</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/">Volkswagen Golf Collectors Edition by Walter de Silva</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1320171/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/23/volkswagen-golf-collectors-edition-by-walter-de-silva/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>edition</category><category>special edition</category><category>SpecialEdition</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen golf special edition</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>volkswagen rabbit collectors edition</category><category>volkswagen rabbit special edition</category><category>volkswagen special edition</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenGolfSpecialEdition</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>VolkswagenRabbitCollectorsEdition</category><category>VolkswagenRabbitSpecialEdition</category><category>VolkswagenSpecialEdition</category><category>vw</category><category>vw golf</category><category>vw golf collectors edition</category><category>vw rabbit</category><category>vw rabbit collectors edition</category><category>VwGolf</category><category>VwGolfCollectorsEdition</category><category>VwRabbit</category><category>VwRabbitCollectorsEdition</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2007-vw-gti/367177/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/vwgti_web.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>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 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/08/pics-aplenty-2009-volkswagen-golf-vi/">sixth iteration</a>. Short of a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/vw-planning-new-golf-gti-and-r-variant/">new R32</a>, enthusiasts are undoubtedly looking forward most to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/spy-shots-mkvi-golf-gti-spotted-testing/">new GTI</a>. And if the latest reports are any indication, Volkswagen won't be keeping its fans waiting any longer as the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/needs-posting-rendered-speculation-sixth-gen-vw-gti/">MkVI GTI</a> 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.</p>
<p>[Source: <a href="http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/09/insider-vw-to-unveil-golf-gti-vi-in.html">CarScoop</a>]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/">Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/09/insider-vw-to-unveil-golf-gti-vi-in.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1320156/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/report-volkswagen-to-unveil-new-gti-in-paris/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>golf</category><category>golf rabbit</category><category>GolfRabbit</category><category>gti</category><category>paris volkswagen</category><category>ParisVolkswagen</category><category>rabbit</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen golf gti</category><category>volkswagen gti</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>volkswagen rabbit gti</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenGolfGti</category><category>VolkswagenGti</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>VolkswagenRabbitGti</category><category>vw</category><category>vw golf</category><category>vw gti paris</category><category>vw paris</category><category>vw rabbit</category><category>VwGolf</category><category>VwGtiParis</category><category>VwParis</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen to launch Golf cabrio in 2010]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/volkswagen-to-launch-golf-cabrio-in-2010/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/volkswagen-to-launch-golf-cabrio-in-2010/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/volkswagen-to-launch-golf-cabrio-in-2010/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/960460/"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/db2008au00842_medium_opt.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI</span></p>
<p><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>With the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/officially-officialy-vw-drops-details-on-golf-vi/">next-generation Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit</a> looming on the horizon, Wolfsburg is gearing up for an array of new derivatives. First came the report of the next <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/vw-planning-new-golf-gti-and-r-variant/">GTI and R hot hatches</a> and now it's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/vw-golf-cabrio-returning-in-2010-but-karmann-wont-build-it/">confirmed that VW intends to produce a convertible variant</a> as well.</p>
<p>Positioned between the New Beetle convertible and the Eos, the Golf cabrio will feature a cloth top borrowed from the Audi A3 convertible. The Edscha-supplied collapsible roof mechanism should help VW get the new cabriolet to market in a cost-effective and timely manner, and reportedly preclude the need for a roll bar. Expect to see the Golf/Rabbit convertible, which will be made exclusively at Volkswagen's plants in Wolfsburg and Mosel, popping up on the market by 2010.</p>
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/">Volkswagen Golf VI</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/00_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/01_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/02_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/03_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-vi/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/04_09golfvw_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div>
<p>[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20080811/ANE02/962065537/1177/rss02&amp;rssfeed=rss02">Automotive News Europe</a> - sub. req'd]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/volkswagen-to-launch-golf-cabrio-in-2010/">Volkswagen to launch Golf cabrio in 2010</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/article/20080811/ANE02/962065537/1177/rss02&amp;rssfeed=rss02>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/volkswagen-to-launch-golf-cabrio-in-2010/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1281197/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/volkswagen-to-launch-golf-cabrio-in-2010/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Volkswagen Golf</category><category>Volkswagen Golf cabrio</category><category>volkswagen golf convertible</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenGolfCabrio</category><category>VolkswagenGolfConvertible</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VW Rabbit gets a carrot from Consumer Reports]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/" rel="tag">Dodge</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/pontiac/" rel="tag">Pontiac</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/subaru/" rel="tag">Subaru</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/vw_rabbit_08.jpg" /></a><br /><br />If <em>Consumer Reports</em> is right, Volkswagen is well on its way to attaining its dream of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/24/toyota-to-be-overtaken-in-2015-by-the-germans/">outselling Toyota</a> by 2015. In the magazine's <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm">June 2008</a> issue, <em>CR</em> threw a handful of hatchbacks into the ring and the VW Rabbit hopped out the winner. The magazine cited the Rabbit's "very well finished" interior for its class, agility, braking and transmission as reasons to choose it over a growing field of small hatchbacks. CR also expects the Rabbit to have an "above average" reliability record.<br /><br />The biggest negative the staff found in the VW was "mediocre" fuel economy for a car its size, though many SUV drivers looking to downsize will love seeing its 24 mpg figure. Staffers also complained about the large C-pillars blocking their view and engine lag after stops.<br /><br /><em>Consumer Reports</em> has routinely praised the Mazda3 as one of its favorite hatches, but in overall scoring, the car now comes in third, slightly behind the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/01/in-the-autoblog-garage-2007-toyota-prius-touring/">Toyota Prius Touring</a>. Rounding out the top five are the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/05/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-subaru-impreza-outback-sport/">Subaru Impreza Outback Sport</a> and the newly redesigned Toyota Matrix/<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-pontiac-vibe/">Pontiac Vibe</a> twins. At the bottom of the list are the Dodge Caliber and the Chevrolet HHR. <br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm">Consumer Reports</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/">VW Rabbit gets a carrot from Consumer Reports</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sun, 11 May 2008 13:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1192088/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/vw-rabbit-gets-a-carrot-from-consumer-reports/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>consumer reports</category><category>ConsumerReports</category><category>prius</category><category>prius hybrid</category><category>prius review</category><category>PriusHybrid</category><category>PriusReview</category><category>rabbit</category><category>rabbit review</category><category>RabbitReview</category><category>Toyota prius</category><category>toyota prius review</category><category>ToyotaPrius</category><category>ToyotaPriusReview</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>vw rabbit review</category><category>VwRabbitReview</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Tutor]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2008 13:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[VW Rabbit is the new top-researched car on Gaywheels.com]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trends/" rel="tag">Trends</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lifestyle/" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a></p><a href="http://www.gaywheels.com/top_10_researched_vehicles_on_1.htm"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/rabbit_up.jpg" alt="" /></a>This quarter, the Volkswagen Rabbit knocks the Toyota Yaris out of the top spot on Gaywheels.com's list of <a href="http://www.gaywheels.com/top_10_researched_vehicles_on_1.htm">top-researched cars</a>. The Yaris, which <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/still-on-top-toyota-yaris-remains-most-researched-vehicle-among/">had hung on</a> to the numero uno spot for the last twelve months, dropped to third place as the VeeDub managed to snag the second spot as well with the hardtop-convertible Eos, which is also a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/27/officially-official-volkswagen-eos-a-chick-car/">chick car</a>. Making their first appearances on the list are the Volvo C30 at number nine and the Mazda 3 at the tenth spot.<br /><br />Interestingly, Joe LaMuraglia from Gaywheels.com points out, "60% of the vehicles on the most-researched list are hatchbacks and four of those six have a MSRP starting at under $16K." You'll also see that the entire list, which is available after the jump, is populated with gas-sippers. <br /><br />Note too that each vehicle on the Most-Researched list is offered by a gay-friendly brand -- based on corporate policies for offering domestic-partner benefits to employees in the U.S.<br /><br />Comments, as always, are welcome. Please remember to keep 'em clean.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.gaywheels.com/top_10_researched_vehicles_on_1.htm">Gaywheels.com</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VW Rabbit is the new top-researched car on Gaywheels.com</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/">VW Rabbit is the new top-researched car on Gaywheels.com</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.gaywheels.com/top_10_researched_vehicles_on_1.htm>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1163291/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/vw-rabbit-is-the-new-top-researched-car-on-gaywheels-com/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>gay</category><category>gay marriage</category><category>gay rights</category><category>gay wheels</category><category>GayMarriage</category><category>GayRights</category><category>gaywheels</category><category>gaywheels.com</category><category>gaywheelshonda</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>volkswagen-rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>vw rabbit</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[SEMA: VW hops to it with Thunder Bunny concept]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-hops-to-it-with-thunder-bunny-concept/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-hops-to-it-with-thunder-bunny-concept/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-hops-to-it-with-thunder-bunny-concept/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/" rel="tag">SEMA Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><span class="bodytext"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/img_6235.jpg" id="vimage_5" alt="" /></span></span><br /><br />The original Thunder Bunny was built by Bill Neumann, founder of Neuspeed, back in 1981. At the time, the Volkswagen GTI wasn't sold in the United States and Neumann was so eager for its arrival stateside that he decided to build his own. Thus, the original Thunder Bunny was born. It was extremely well received for its punch and practicality, and the next year VW began selling the GTI here in the States. Coincidence? We think not. <br /><br />Some 25 years later, VW has teamed up with Neuspeed to commemorate the original car with the Thunder Bunny concept shown yesterday at the SEMA show. The Thunder Bunny concept adds a turbo to the Rabbit's torquey 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine that increases power from 150 to 225 horsepower. A new front fascia has been grafted on the front and the whole car has been dipped in candy white paint with "topographical" graphics that "blink" on and off depending on the angle at which the car is viewed. Shocks from Bilstein, bunny-bedecked brakes from Brembo and gold-painted forged alloy wheels round out the hardware upgrades to the modern day Thunder Bunny.<br /><br />Along with the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-r-gti-packs-375-hp-punch/">R GTI</a>, the Thunder Bunny is another compelling iteration of the Rabbit that could make a place for itself in the market. Considering how many versions of the Ford Mustang are on the market, one could easily imagine a different Rabbit for every day of the week. <br /><br />There are more live shots, press pics and VW's full Thunder Bunny press release after the jump<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-hops-to-it-with-thunder-bunny-concept/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SEMA: VW hops to it with Thunder Bunny concept</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-hops-to-it-with-thunder-bunny-concept/">SEMA: VW hops to it with Thunder Bunny concept</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 09:53:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-hops-to-it-with-thunder-bunny-concept/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/694201/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/sema-vw-hops-to-it-with-thunder-bunny-concept/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>SEMA VW</category><category>SemaVw</category><category>Thunder Rabbit</category><category>Thunder Rabbit Concept</category><category>ThunderRabbit</category><category>ThunderRabbitConcept</category><category>Volkswagen</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit</category><category>Volkswagen SEMA</category><category>Volkswagen Thunder Rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><category>VolkswagenSema</category><category>VolkswagenThunderRabbit</category><category>VW Concept</category><category>VW Rabbit Concept</category><category>VW SEMA</category><category>VW SEMA Tuner</category><category>VW Thunder Rabbit</category><category>VW Tuner</category><category>VW Tuner Concept</category><category>VwConcept</category><category>VwRabbitConcept</category><category>VwSema</category><category>VwSemaTuner</category><category>VwThunderRabbit</category><category>VwTuner</category><category>VwTunerConcept</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Tutor]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Nov 2006 09:53:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paris Motor Show: Audi S3]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-audi-s3/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-audi-s3/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-audi-s3/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a></p><p><img id="vimage_2" alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/dsc07457.jpg" vspace="4" border="1" /></p>
<p>Fans everywhere of the sporty A3 hatchback have even more reason to drool -- its wicked twin, the Audi S3, just launched in Paris, and we've got pictures to prove it, thanks to Autoblog's Eric Bryant.</p>
<p>With 265 turbocharged horses pumped out by one of Audi's new TFSI engines, this is one hot hatch to watch. A six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox puts the power to the road through Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system, and a beefed-up suspension system takes care of the handling. Sport seats characterize the interior, with aluminum accents and panel inlay options of piano finish black, more aluminum or birch wood grain. Upholstery is cloth/leather combo unless upgraded to all leather, and the orange is SWEET in this Autoblogger's humble opinion.</p>
<p>Styling is another notch above the A3, where an extended front fascia and 18-inch wheels make their mark. The only complaint we have is the rear end, which the vehicle shares with the A3 -- the tail lights lack the kind of inspiration seen in the Q7 and other siblings.</p>
<p>The benefits of owning an S3 don't come cheap -- the vehicle starts out at 35,150 euro, or $44,650.<span lang="EN-GB" style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: " new="" times=""><!--StartFragment --></span></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-audi-s3/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Paris Motor Show: Audi S3</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-audi-s3/">Paris Motor Show: Audi S3</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:40:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-audi-s3/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/676655/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/28/paris-motor-show-audi-s3/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>audi</category><category>audi a3</category><category>audi s3</category><category>AudiA3</category><category>AudiS3</category><category>quattro</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen gti</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>VolkswagenGolf</category><category>VolkswagenGti</category><category>VolkswagenRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Erin Mays]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:40:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #36]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/autoblog-podcast-36/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/autoblog-podcast-36/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/autoblog-podcast-36/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/podcasts/" rel="tag">Podcasts</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/0412075763230518.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" />On this week's episode, Damon and I break down what occurred between Mazda and the RX-8 community late last week. We also go over the new GMT900 pickups and how new battle lines are being drawn in the pickup wars thanks to high gas prices. We couldn't let the week go by with talking about Playboy, as well. This month's issue of the men's magazine was chock full bunnies, Rabbits and high-priced exotics. We end the show expressing our lament for another Enzo that has bitten the dust and give our best wishes to its owners, Richard Losee, who is recovering after he and his Ferrari crashed at 200 mph and rolled seven times on a highway in Utah. Enjoy the show!<br /><br />[<a href="http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/autoblog/podcasts/auto20060806_0036.mp3">MP3</a>] Listen to the show now.<br />[<a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73331469&amp;s=">iTunes</a>] Subscribe to the podcast directly in iTunes.<br />[<a href="http://podcasts.autoblog.com/rss.xml">RSS</a>] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.<br />[<a href="http://www.podcastalley.com/podcast_details.php?pod_id=1708">Vote</a>] Vote for us in Podcast Alley!<br /><br />Hosts<br />John Neff and Damon Lavrinc<br /><br />Producer<br />John Neff<br /><br />Length<br />33:20<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/autoblog-podcast-36/">Autoblog Podcast #36</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/autoblog-podcast-36/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/651672/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/autoblog-podcast-36/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Autoblog</category><category>Autoblog Podcast</category><category>Chevy Silverado</category><category>Ferrari Enzo</category><category>Ford F-150</category><category>GMC Sierra</category><category>GMT900</category><category>Mazda</category><category>Playboy</category><category>Richard Losee</category><category>RX-8</category><category>Toyota Tundra</category><category>Volkswagen Rabbit</category><enclosure url="http://www.autoblog.com/podcasts/auto20060806_0036.mp3" length="16004383" type="audio/mpeg"/><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:30:00 EST</pubDate><itunes:subtitle>Autoblog Podcast #36</itunes:subtitle><itunes:author>Autoblog</itunes:author><itunes:duration>33:20</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords>Autoblog; Autoblog Podcast; Mazda; RX-8; Chevy Silverado; GMC Sierra; GMT900; Ford F-150; Toyota Tundra; Playboy; Volkswagen Rabbit; Richard Losee; Ferrari Enzo</itunes:keywords></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rabbit Redux - Volkswagen revives '70s badge]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/rabbitlogo.jpg"/>No, really. Volkswagen announced Tuesday that the U.S.- and Canadian-market Golf will be renamed the Rabbit. Thebunny's first official debut will be at the New York International Auto Show Wednesday (just in time for Easter!),although the 2006 Rabbit debuted as the fifth-generation Golf at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year.<br /><br/>Volkswagen's Director of Brand Innovation, Kerri Martin, said, "The reintroduction of the Rabbit representsVolkswagen's commitment to this market and is a nod to the passionate North American enthusiasts who have anemotional connection with the Rabbit name."<br /><br />Maybe we'll see the Thing return, too.<br /><br />[Source:Volkswagen] Thanks to Peter and Josh for the tip!<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/">Rabbit Redux - Volkswagen revives '70s badge</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:50:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/607700/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/11/rabbit-redux-volkswagen-revives-70s-badge/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2006 rabbit</category><category>volkswagen rabbit</category><category>vw rabbit</category><category>VwRabbit</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Stuart Waterman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:50:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>