Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #156

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Aston Martin, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Volkswagen

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

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen takes 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen

Cue Ennio Morricone and the symphonic accompaniment to the endgame: VW has officially taken a 49.9% stake in Porsche. VW paid €3.9 billion ($5.75B U.S.) for its cut, "based on the enterprise value for Porsche AG calculated under a careful due diligence and valuation procedure." That's a few shades more than the €3.3 billion amount VW was saying it would pay a few months ago.

In acquiring Porsche, VW not only gains a premium brand that is still among the most profitable in the business, but VW expects its operating profit to jump by €700 million ($1.03B U.S.) over time due to cost-saving synergies. The purchase won't be finalized until 2011, though, when VW will incorporate Porsche Holding Salzburg, Europe's largest car dealer which also happens to be owned by Porsche.

You can read VW's press release - which has an air of something from Napoleon's PR department after the Battle of Austerlitz - after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen takes 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG

Volkswagen takes 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Germany's Wimmer RS unveils stonking 386 HP Volkswagen GTI

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Wimmer RS 386-hp GTI -- Click above for image gallery

Wimmer RS played around with a VW GTI, and this is the result: nothing too much on the outside and terror under the hood. The exterior, especially for a German tuner, is admirably untouched: just a set of 20-inch Motec Antares wheels, and a lower stance with height-adjustable coilovers.

Up front, though, the revisions take the 211-hp, 2.0-liter TFSI up to 386 hp and 336 ft-lb of torque. The upgraded grunt is courtesy of a new turbo and a thorough rework of the intake and manifold, injection valves, piston rods, fuel pump, and other sundries, along with a new software flash. Top speed is 166 mph, which just might be fast enough to outrun those graphics. Follow the jump for the press release, or have a look at it in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Wimmer RS 386-hp GTI

[Source: Wimmer RS]

Continue reading Germany's Wimmer RS unveils stonking 386 HP Volkswagen GTI

Germany's Wimmer RS unveils stonking 386 HP Volkswagen GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Diesel Beetle, electric Up! coming from Volkswagen

Michael Harley — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric, Diesel

Volkswagen Up! Lite concept - Click above for high-res gallery

Volkswagen Group of America President, Stefan Jacoby, has confirmed that the next-gen New Beetle, due to hit North American as a 2012 model, will be offered with a clean diesel engine. The current New Beetle was last offered with a 1.9-liter TDI in 2006, but was discontinued the following year due to tougher emissions requirements.

In addition, the U.S. market will reportedly get an electrified version of the Up! hatchback in 2014, but it will not be the gasoline version (the diesel/electric Up! Lite concept debuted at the LA Auto Show last week). Ulrich Hackenberg, head of technical development for Volkswagen AG, says the car will be manufactured in Germany and sold in the European marketplace before it makes its way across the Atlantic.

The complete Up! lineup -- including a hatchback, minivan, and sedan -- all are slated to go on sale in Europe during 2011. but still no word on which models will make it to the U.S.

Gallery: LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Diesel Beetle, electric Up! coming from Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric, Diesel

Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has just taken the cover off an all-new concept called the Up! Lite, a sinister looking diesel hybrid that gets (according to VW) 70 mpg combined. As in both City and Highway. Impressive, even if that only ends up being 90 percent accurate. In fact, should Volkswagen decide to green light the unfortunately named Up! Lite, it would be the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly four seat vehicle on the planet. Again, if the Up! Lite comes to fruition, we'll all be impressed. Interestingly, this concept isn't the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly car on earth is because another Volkswagen -- the L1 from Frankfurt - is. But it only seats two.

Ready for the good parts? The aptly titled Up! Lite barely tips the scales at 1,530 pounds. There are Honda Goldwings flirting with that weight class. This svelteness is achieved via a mix of aluminum, lightweight steel and carbon fiber. For instance, the roof is made entirely from the expensive weave. And those amazing wheels consist of ten carbon-fiber spokes and an aluminum fairing. Nifty, no? The tiny, stylized winglettes replace conventional rearview mirrors and contain cameras instead of reflective glass. The same holds true for the interior mounted mirror, as has been replaced by a camera.

Up front, there's an active air dam that opens up as needed. The extra cooling will help out the TDI hybrid drive lifted from the two-seater L1. This 800cc powerplant transmits power to the wheels using a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Even though the diesel engine is teeny, when coupled to the electric motor, the Up! Lite can reach 100 mph and hit 60 mph in 12 seconds. Not fast by any means, but good enough - especially for an ultra-high mileage vehicle. And it can haul stuff, too - including humans. Unlike the Up! Concept we saw in Frankfurt, the Up! Lite seats four people, and with the rear seats folded, it can haul 30 cubic feet of stuff. Not bad at all.

Overall, we're pretty impressed by the looks and promise of the Up! Lite. In our estimation, there's absolutely nothing wrong with blending a Honda CRX with a Volvo C30. Will the Up! Lite ever make it to production? Who knows. VW claims the first Up!s(?) will go on sale in 2011. We get the sense that any future decision will be based on how the two-door Up! does. But we get the feeling the Up! Lite might give the people more of what they want. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source:Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation

LA 2009: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept teases with practical, lightweight innovation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen Amarok pickup makes the scene

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Volkswagen, South America

Volkswagen Amarok - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well looky here - it's the latest in a long line of oddly named trucks from Volkswagen. This time, the Amarok refers to a cryptozoological Inuit giant wolf-creature that eats those who dares to hunt alone. No really. Regardless, the Amarok is VW's first pickup truck since the Caddy, aka the Rabbitamino first released in 1980. Aside from being thirty-years more new, the Amarok looks to be a bit, well, more stout.

Spartan, too - especially the no frills interior. And here's the really good part for you truck dudes - it's a real-deal, honest-to-goodness body-on-frame worker bee. Meaning it can haul 2,300 pounds and tow nearly three tons (5,600 pounds) when equipped with VW's 2.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel four-cylinder that's good for 163 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

A smaller diesel motor with 122 hp and 250 torques will be an option, as well as a direct-injected gasoline engine. True, it's not a Ford F-450 Super Duty. But then again, what is? And really, if hauling a couple of jet skis or a track car are your thing (as opposed to say a yacht), the Amarok could be your truck. If you live in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa or Australia. Predictably we can't get the Argentinian-built Amarok here. But feel free to inflame your trucky jealousy by reading the full press release, after the jump. Hat tips to Carlos and Doug!

Gallery: Volkswagen Amarok

[Source: Pickuptrucks.com via Argentina Auto Blog]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Amarok pickup makes the scene

Officially Official: Volkswagen Amarok pickup makes the scene originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Gol: Brazilian proto-Impreza by VW?

Dan Roth — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Hatchback, Volkswagen, South America

The string of interesting and offbeat Volkswagens from the firm's Brazilian division is enough to fill a coffee-table book. The SP2, for example, is one of the prettiest variations ever laid atop Type III mechanicals, one that many die-hard Volks-fans in the United States have never heard of. The rest of the world probably knows better what VW do Brasil has wrought; forty-something years of cars we'd dearly love to roll here in The States, but which never came north. Eventually, a Brazilian VeeDub did head for os Estados Unidos.

Instead of Brasilias or Karmann Ghia TCs, we got the Fox. Known in Brazil as the Gol, which rode on its own BX platform, itself a derivate of the B1 platform that underpinned other VW and Audi products. Our Foxes were all sedans or wagons, but a recent troll of old car ads on Flickr turned up this masterpiece. Look carefully - we always thought the Fox transaxle looked a lot like the naughty bits of a Beetle. And there it is, a doghouse-shrouded 1300cc bit of air-cooled muscle mounted in the FRONT. Hot diggety, this thing has it all, 3-door hatch bodywork, a flat-four, and no pesky coolant to boil over in tropical climes. The closest you can come to something like this now is an Impreza hatch, which is an exponentially better car. That doesn't stop us from thinking about bolting that spare 1600DP into a Polo-Edition Fox and warping everyone's minds at the next Spring Dust-Off.

[Source: Flickr/Hugo90 - CC2.0]

Gallery: VW Gol

VW Gol: Brazilian proto-Impreza by VW? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Volkswagen ponders becoming F1 engine supplier in 2012

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:19:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen

There have been rumblings about VW getting into F1 by signing up with a specific team, but the chatter was always quashed. This time, reports suggest that VW is actively talking up the idea of getting into Formula 1 after 2012, but as an engine supplier to multiple teams. Hans-Joachim Stuck, VW's motorsports head, said with the way F1 engine regulations are going -- especially with costs and the potential of the "world engine" -- it could be the perfect opportunity for VW to start pumping out powerplants.

While future F1 regulations are still undefined, and VW's eventual entry into the series is by no means guaranteed, it's clear that VW's looking for ways to show off its engineering chops and get its name onto tracks. Stuck recently visited a NASCAR race and spoke about the company looking to get into the GrandAm series, and perhaps IndyCar.

Interestingly, the very conditions that Stuck sees as favorable for VW's entry are the ones that a number of F1 teams and fans are, at best, ambivalent about: substantially lower costs, spec engines, and more than 24 teams on the grid. With a new FIA president, what F1 is going to look like after 2012 is almost completely unknown. Hat tip to Stefano

[Source: Autosport]

Rumormill: Volkswagen ponders becoming F1 engine supplier in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big Deal? VW racing chief, F1 drivers visit Homestead for NASCAR season-closer

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen

This year's Sprint Cup was awarded this past weekend at Homestead, where Jimmie Johnson scored his record fourth consecutive championship with a fifth-place finish behind race winner Denny Hamlin. (Oh yeah, "spoiler alert".) Anyway, on to the interesting part: the oval speedway had some unlikely German visitors for the series finale, leading the motorsport press and the fans to begin asking questions.

The Volkswagen Group's head of motorsports Hans-Joachim Stuck was reportedly among the spectators at Homestead this past weekend, and took a few visible meetings with NASCAR officials. But Stuck was quick to dispel any rumors. Although he kvelled over the purity of the spectacle that NASCAR offers, Stuck said that convincing the bean counters back in Wolfsburg that stock car racing made sense for them would be a tough sell.

If you think it would be an even tougher sell to fans, consider that VW's new plant in Chatanooga, Tennessee, could be only the first step in an increasing American presence for the German automaker, and that Toyota may have already prepared the ground for foreign makes to enter the series.

Meanwhile Stuck did confirm ongoing negotiations over the German auto group's potential participation in the Grand Am sportscar series, also owned by NASCAR's France family. According to Stuck, the Audi/Lamborghini V10 could be a perfect fit for the prototype racers, though they'd have to make it work with the spec ECU. Stuck also revealed that his company was discussing a possible entry into the IndyCar series.

The VW racing chief wasn't the only notable German at Homestead this past weekend, though, as Red Bull flew out its star driver Sebastian Vettel to witness the spectacle as well. After watching the race and chatting with former colleague Juan Pablo Montoya, Vettel said that F1 could stand to learn a lot from NASCAR, and that while he's committed to F1, he'd like to try out a stock car on an oval. This after his professed fascination with rallying as well. It's worth noting that Heikki Kovalainen, now looking for a new drive since leaving McLaren, was also at the race as a guest of Penske Racing, leading to speculation over the Finnish driver's prospects for next season.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Jason Smith/Getty]

Big Deal? VW racing chief, F1 drivers visit Homestead for NASCAR season-closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

As Audi begins to roll out the A3 TDI to its U.S. dealers in the coming weeks and the diesel version of the Q7 takes an ever larger share of sales, it's time to celebrate. This Fall marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the first ever TDI engine. TDI, for the uninitiated, stands for turbocharged-direct-injection, and refers to modern diesel engines from the Volkswagen group. Today's TDI technology has evolved from the 20 year-old 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the Audi 100.

Back then, the first TDI engines retained distributor type injector pumps, although the fuel was sprayed directly into the combustion chambers rather than a pre-chamber. Later, the company used something called Pumpe Düse - pump-injectors - for fuel delivery. This design integrated the high pressure pump and injector for each cylinder. These days, TDI uses common rail injection where a single pump pressurizes a single fuel rail that feeds all of the injectors. Regardless of the injector type, TDI has gone a long way towards improving the power output and reducing emissions of diesel engines. Audi and Volkswagen have built over five million TDI powerplants and remain committed to the technology. Congratulations on the double-decade milestone, guys.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI

Continue reading All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011

Michael Harley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

Volkswagen AG has announced it will be establishing a new manufacturing unit in Osnabrueck, located in VW's home state of Lower Saxony, Germany. Interestingly enough, VW will be purchasing the land, equipment, and machinery formerly owned by Karmann -- the coachbuilder and convertible roof specialists who manufactured the classic Beetle-based Karmann Ghia coupe (Karmann filed for bankruptcy protection in April, and has been struggling since).

Production of a new vehicle at the plant is slated to start in 2011. In the meantime, 200 people will be needed to open the plant next year, and VW is estimating more than 1,000 new jobs will be created by 2014. Volkswagen AG has not disclosed which model will be built at the plant, or any financial details.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Volkswagen confirms Karmann purchase, plans to build new car at factory in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 65,000 seek jobs to build VW's New Midsize Sedan in Tennessee

Chris Shunk — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST

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

2011 Volkswagen NMS Sketch No. 2 - Click above to enlarge

You probably already know just how bad the employment situation is here in the States, and if you don't, nationwide unemployment is right around 10% - and that doesn't include those who took lower-paying part-time jobs in place of a lost full-time job. That's bad news for us, but at least in one case, that's good news for Volkswagen. No, the German automaker doesn't take pleasure in the fact that the U.S. job market sucks or that consumers aren't buying new vehicles like they were just a few years ago, but on the bright side, the automaker has scored 65,000 applications for its under-construction Tennessee production facility. That's enough people to fit into the typical pro football stadium or enough workers to run 32 assembly plants - and all of those apps were turned in over a narrow three week window.

According to the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Volkswagen plans to hire 2,000 workers overall; 1,200 for general assembly and another 800 for salaried and skilled positions. Since only one-in-32.5 applicants are likely to be hired, VW is being very selective. Prospective employees will need to pass an aptitude test and be able to perform some basic tasks in order to be considered. Once workers are able to prove their worth, the next step for applicants is to be entered into a lottery for the precious jobs. Only residents of Chattanooga and Hamilton County will be given preferential treatment.

The German automaker has already hired about 200 workers for the facility which will produce the company's so-called New Midsize Sedan (NMS), and a lot more figure to come on-line in the Spring. The rest of the employees will be brought on board closer to the plant's scheduled opening in early 2011. General laborers will receive a starting wage of $14.50 per hour with that number rising to $19.50 within three years plus a "comprehensive benefits package."

[Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press]

REPORT: 65,000 seek jobs to build VW's New Midsize Sedan in Tennessee originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Volkswagen

Volkswagn Amarok pickup - click above to enlarge

Two months from now, Volkswagen will be expanding its involvement in the annual Dakar Rally in South America. Just as they did last January, factory-backed teams will be competing in the 5.600 mile race through Argentina and Chile. However, this time, those outfits will be fielding four race Touaregs rather than two.

Perhaps more interesting is official word that VW's new Amarok pickup truck will be the official support truck of the for the entire rally. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has struck a deal with the race organizers, and as a result, the specially outfitted Amaroks will travel the same route as the competitors carrying media, checking out route conditions, and carrying VW crews and race organizers. The Amarok will be built by VW in Argentina starting in 2010, but the automaker has repeatedly said the truck won't be offered in the U.S. market. Learn more by checking out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar

Volkswagen Amarok to tackle desert as official support vehicle of Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mechanically-inclined ninja blows our collective mind

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

You won't believe your eyes - Click above image to watch video after the jump

Years and years ago, we saw punk rock legend Mike Watt break an E-string on his bass during a fIREHOSE show. Without missing a beat, he yanked a new string from beside his amp, slid it through the bridge, tied it around the tuning peg and with a single twist his bass was back in tune. The whole shebang from snapped string to next note took perhaps three seconds and the song never stopped. It was amazing; truly one of the most impressive things we've ever seen. Until today.

You're just going to have watch this to believe it. However, we'd like to take this opportunity to tell you that if you happen to have an old VW Bug and a screwdriver sitting around, you should totally NOT try this at home, as odds are you'll lose a knuckle or three. Why? You sir, are not superhuman. This guy, however, is. Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Streetfire]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mechanically-inclined ninja blows our collective mind

VIDEO: Mechanically-inclined ninja blows our collective mind originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW building $125M flagship dealer complex on Manhattan's west side

Alex Nunez — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Audi, Volkswagen

Rendering of new VW/Audi complex in Manhattan - Click above to view in high-res

Volkswagen is building swanky new digs on New York City's west side for its VW and Audi brands. The automaker has purchased a 256,000 square foot space currently occupied by Potamkin GM (the Potamkin family has been synonymous with car sales in NY for decades), which stretches between 55th and 56th Street along 11th Avenue.

Visually unimpressive in its current state, the space will be converted into a state-of-the-art mega facility featuring brand-new Volkswagen and Audi stores. VW's total outlay for the real estate purchase and ensuing renovation will be around $125 million. The splashy move is part of the automaker's push to dramatically increase its U.S. sales numbers over the next several years. Potamkin GM will relocate a few blocks south to the space once occupied by Potamkin Honda (the family has sold its Honda franchise to another dealer group). Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW building $125M flagship dealer complex on Manhattan's west side

VW building $125M flagship dealer complex on Manhattan's west side originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen Touareg successor headed for Detroit

Michael Harley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Hybrid, SUV, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Touareg - Click above for high-res image gallery

January's North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) is expected to host the debut of Volkswagen's all-new third-generation Touareg SUV (the facelifted "second-gen" arrived in the States as a 2008 model). While details are few, rumor has it that VW will introduce its new Touareg with a variety of powerplant choices during its first model year, including a hybrid variant.

As previously reported, the hybrid is expected to combine the supercharged 3.0-liter TSI V6 from the Audi S4 mated to a 38 kW electric motor. An all-new eight-speed automatic transmission wraps up the package. Total combined power is 374 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. With an all-wheel drive powertrain, the Touareg Hybrid should sprint to 60 mph in less than seven seconds and return a combined EPA fuel economy figure of about 26 mpg. While it debuts in just two months, the new Volkswagen Touareg isn't expected in showrooms until the second half of 2010.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Volkswagen Touareg successor headed for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Politically Correct Edition

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Humor

Volkswagen loves everyone - Click above to watch the video after the break

Nowadays, being politically correct is of the utmost importance to companies the world over, and that includes automakers. Especially Volkswagen, apparently. Judging from the commercial pasted after the break, the German automaker - which just happens to have recently earned the title of World's Largest Automaker - wants you to know that everyone loves it cars, regardless of age, sex, race or color.

Volkswagen is also accepting of any sexual preference, and it doesn't care if you are right- or left-handed. Do you like to drive fast? Slow? It doesn't matter - the Volkswagen New Beetle is the perfect car for you. Or something like that. Click past the break to watch the video and visit veryfunnyads.com for more humorous car ads.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Politically Correct Edition

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Politically Correct Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen GTI named Automobile Magazine car of the year

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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

It's funny how publications have a personality. It shouldn't be funny, as obviously all publications have an editor and said editor has a collection of likes and dislikes, but we still find it amusing. Here's a for instance. This year, our pals over at Motor Trend went ahead and named the Subaru Outback their Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year. Besides the obvious issue (a jacked up station wagon counts as an SUV?), this selection makes perfect sense considering that in 2008, the Subaru Forester won the same award. Funny, huh?

Therefore, it should surprise no one that Automobile has named the 2010 Volkswagen GTI their Automobile of the Year. Why? Because they did the same thing back in 2007. Really? Yeah, man... really. Only this time, we're not sure how ha ha funny we find this selection. It's more funny odd. For one thing, the 2010 GTI really isn't all that different than the 2007 GTI. Same powerplant, same suspension, same hard points. All that's really new are some body panels and an electronic differential, the latter of which is suspect during sustained, high-speed back country driving.

All that said, the new GTI is a fine car - we said so ourselves a few months back. However, we just don't see it as COTY material. In fact, if we were to select a single car to shower praise down upon... we're not even sure where we'd start. Some of us (ahem) would no doubt push for the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 because for the money it just can't be beat (or for that matter, for twice the money). Still others would pick... the Ford Fusion Hybrid. So what do we know? Oh wait, two of us are on the Internet Car of the Year jury...

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

[Source: Automobile]

Volkswagen GTI named Automobile Magazine car of the year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW takes over #1 carmaker slot, sings "Wir sind die Meister, mein Freund"

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Volkswagen

It was a little more than a year ago when Volkswagen, because of Porsche's stock market finagling, briefly became the most valuable company in the world. This was just after it passed Ford for the number three slot in global sales. Now the big company that could - powered by the little car that could - has passed Toyota to take the number one slot as the world's largest automaker.

Of course, there is some number play involved once again. We're talking about the combined entity VW-Porsche, which has built 4.4 million cars to date, which is roughly 400,000 beyond Toyota's mark. However, Toyota halved its production earlier this year and shut down all of its plants in February, and come summer, VW benefited much more than Toyota from the European cash-for-clunkers programs. VW's also got the edge on Toyota in China, where it has spent years introducing models specifically designed for that market.

The year isn't over yet, though, and Toyota still expects to build seven million cars this year. But stay tuned for Q4 of 2010, when it's announced that VW is officially bigger than the Beatles. Hat tip to Jarrett.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen U.S. Lineup

[Source: The Guardian]

REPORT: VW takes over #1 carmaker slot, sings "Wir sind die Meister, mein Freund" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Budget, Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

In 1974, this 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (a.k.a. 'Bus') was stolen from Washington State. Fast-forward to October 19 of this year and custom agents at the Port of Los Angeles open up a container bound for Europe only to rediscover said van. Somehow, the Bus's VIN was still in the LAPD's stolen vehicle database. Guess which 1965 Type 2 is no longer headed for Europe?

Here's where it gets a little bit foggy, a little bit weird. According to the Los Angeles Times, the cops and the feds can't find the original owner. And the gentleman that restored the thirteen-window Bus to such pristine condition and who was planning on shipping said Bus back to the fatherland is also a victim of the theft - meaning he's off the hook, but out of money. Because way back in 1974, Allstate ("You're in good hands") Insurance paid the then owner $2,500 for the stolen Volkswagen. Which means that Allstate is winding up with the Bus.

Update: The original owner has been located! Her name is Michelle Squires and yes, she would like her Bus back. The reason that she couldn't be located at first is because her last name used to be Carlson. Says Squires, "I don't know if I could afford it because the restored bus is supposed to be around $25,000 now, but I would like the opportunity to talk to Allstate to see if I could get it back." While we think it would be a stellar PR coup for Allstate, Squires should probably prepare to stay separated from her van.

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Department of Homeland Security]

VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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