Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New Tennessee-built VW Passat won't get the "Westmoreland" treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/new-tennessee-passat-wont-get-the-westmoreland-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/new-tennessee-passat-wont-get-the-westmoreland-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/new-tennessee-passat-wont-get-the-westmoreland-treatment/#commentsFiled under:


While we were chatting with VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby in Wolfsburg, Germany, the subject of its new 'Merican-built car came up. The so-called NMS or New Midsize Sedan will replace the Passat in the US VW lineup. This model will be unique to the North American market, which brought up a question about the last "Americanized" VW.

For those not old enough to remember, Volkswagen opened a factory in Westmoreland county Pennsylvania in 1978 and closed it a decade later. When the plant started building the Rabbit (aka MK 1 Golf) VW's home office modified the Rabbit to make it "more appealing" to American buyers. That meant giving it rectangular headlights and making it softer and losing much of the German character that made it fun to drive.

Jacoby promises that won't happen this time around. Instead, the process of adaption will involve growing the sedan to bring it on par with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The current Passat is considered to be just a bit too small inside by comparison. What won't change is the tight suspension setup and styling consistent with other contemporary VWs.

The current Passat is also pricey compared to its primary segment competitors. This is one of the main reasons the new car will be built Stateside. VW is currently sourcing parts and systems from US located suppliers which should bring down the cost basis of the new model by taking exchange rates out of the equation.

New Tennessee-built VW Passat won't get the "Westmoreland" treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new midsize sedanNewMidsizeSedannmspassatstefan jacobyStefanJacobyvolkswagenVolkswagen PassatVolkswagenPassatThu, 08 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/review-2009-volkswagen-cc-sport-is-a-mid-size-segment-buster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/review-2009-volkswagen-cc-sport-is-a-mid-size-segment-buster/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/review-2009-volkswagen-cc-sport-is-a-mid-size-segment-buster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Volkswagen CC Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

We still cringe upon hearing marketing types utter the phrase "four-door coupe." It's inherently a lie, a scam. Who are they trying to fool? It's not a four-door coupe, it's a sedan with a sloping roof - generally one that's missing a middle rear-seat. And there's nothing wrong with that. But, just like automakers the world 'round bend over backwards corrupting the language to avoid calling a station wagon anything but a station wagon (Sportback, Avant, Sportcombi, etc.), the oxymoronic four-door coupe appears to be here to stay. Where's George Carlin when you need him? With that rant out of the way, the 2009 Volkswagen CC is the best four-door coupe we've ever driven - at least this side of a Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, which is three times the price.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport

volkswagenccreview_01volkswagenccreview_02volkswagenccreview_03volkswagenccreview_04volkswagenccreview_05

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster

Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccCC SportCcSportfeaturedreviewreviewsVolkswagenVolkswagen CCVolkswagen CC SportVolkswagen PassatVolkswagenCcVolkswagenCcSportVolkswagenPassatFri, 28 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/volkswagen-cc-racks-up-the-design-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/volkswagen-cc-racks-up-the-design-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/volkswagen-cc-racks-up-the-design-awards/#commentsFiled under:

2009 Volkswagen (Passat) CC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is usually known for its simple, basic, iconic styling; the classic Beetle and the previous-generation Jetta are perfect case studies. Which is why the svelte and streamlined CC - known overseas as the Passat CC - has come as a refreshing change of pace for the German automaker. We're not the only ones who think so, either, as the four-door coupe from Wolfsburg has been accumulating design awards the world over.

Adding to the list that already includes the coveted iF Product Design Award and the Australian International Design Award, the Volkswagen CC has now been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award. The prize has bestowed annually since 1955 by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the legendary design museum housed in the reclaimed Zollverein coal mine. The Best of the Best award was accepted by designer Martin Kropp on behalf of VW's Exterior Design Studio 1 and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Continue reading Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards

Volkswagen CC racks up the design awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian international design awardAustralianInternationalDesignAwardif product design awardIfProductDesignAwardred dotred dot awardred dot award 2009red dot design awardRedDotRedDotAwardRedDotAward2009RedDotDesignAwardvolkswagenvolkswagen ccvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat ccVolkswagenCcVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatCcvwvw ccvw passatvw passat ccVwCcVwPassatVwPassatCcThu, 02 Jul 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Another new (old) Passat: Shanghai VW Lingyu]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/shanghai-vw-readying-another-new-old-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/shanghai-vw-readying-another-new-old-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/shanghai-vw-readying-another-new-old-passat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Chinese market VW Lingyu

China's already got Volkswagen's Passat in R36 guise, as well as a locally-made, Passat-derived model called the Magotan. Now it's going to have another car based on the Passat called the Lingyu. Built on a revised, long-wheelbase version of the 4-year-old PQ46 platform and using the previous-generation Passat body style, the Lingyu is shaping up to be the longest Passat sedan variant available in China.

Three engines have been mentioned, along with a 15% increase in fuel efficiency: the 1.8T, 2.0 FSI, and 2.4 V6. The changes are being made by VW's Chinese partner Shanghai VW, with the aim of increasing interior space and comfort. The car should be available in Q2 of this year, and might make an appearance at next month's Shanghai Auto Show.


Gallery: China FAW-VW Lingyu


[Source: Gasgoo]

Another new (old) Passat: Shanghai VW Lingyu originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b6chinafawlingyupassatsedanshanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShowvolkswagenvolkswagen passatVolkswagenPassatvwvw lingyuvw passatVwLingyuVwPassatSun, 22 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Volkswagen CC, Passat recalled for steering malfunction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/2009-volkswagen-cc-passat-recalled-for-steering-malfunction/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/2009-volkswagen-cc-passat-recalled-for-steering-malfunction/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/2009-volkswagen-cc-passat-recalled-for-steering-malfunction/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen CC

While sporting around the Southeast in Volkswagen's new CC recently, failure of the steering system was not something we worried about. Apparently, though, it should have been. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of all 2009 Volkswaken Passats, Passat Wagons and CCs sold for steering problems. According to the recall description, a damaged capacitor could mean the driver's "steering input is not properly addressed." Which, of course, is hardly ever a good thing.

Luckily, the recall affects only 130 cars and has resulted in no accidents.

[Source: NHTSA via Edmunds Inside Line]

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen CC


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.

2009 Volkswagen CC, Passat recalled for steering malfunction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cccc recallCcRecallpassatpassat recallpassat wagonPassatRecallPassatWagonvolkswagen ccvolkswagen passatvolkswagen recallVolkswagenCcVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenRecallTue, 11 Nov 2008 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: 2011 Passat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/rendered-speculation-2011-passat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The rendering specialists at AutoBild have come up with images of the next Passat. It gets a bit more character in the twin swage lines running down the side of the body, a feature that is looking like the next big design thing. The front end continues the tripartite bumper design VW has recently taken up, but swaps the giant headlamps for some sleek, stylized numbers reminiscent of Audi.

We aren't sure about the sedan design. It looks like it could be a contender with character... or it could be a sedan just trying to be fancy. The wagon, however, looks pretty sexy. We'll know when we see it in the flesh, but the Passat CC is probably a good indicator in the mean time, so if you like that, then you'll probably like this.

[Source: AutoBild via German Car Blog]

Rendered speculation: 2011 Passat originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011new modelsNewModelsnext generationnext-genNextGenerationpassatvolkswagenvolkswagen passatVolkswagenPassatvwMon, 05 May 2008 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen drops "Passat" sticks with "CC" for new sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-drops-passat-sticks-with-cc-for-new-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-drops-passat-sticks-with-cc-for-new-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-drops-passat-sticks-with-cc-for-new-sedan/#commentsFiled under: ,



A few of us around the Autoblog offices have made the case that the recently unveiled Volkswagen Passat CC should replace the current model and drop the "CC" suffix altogether. Both are fine looking vehicles, but there doesn't seem to be any need for another variant carrying the Passat name. Well, apparently VW agrees with part of that argument and has updated its consumer web site with information about the new CC, while dropping the Passat moniker altogether. It's a subtle marketing ploy that may or may not work, but will help to fill the gaping hole between the standard Passat and the soon-to-be-revived Phaeton nameplate.

Thanks for the tip Rob!

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen drops "Passat" sticks with "CC" for new sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpassatvolkswagenvolkswagen ccvolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat ccVolkswagenCcVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatCcvwThu, 03 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Volkswagen Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-volkswagen-passat-variant-tsi-ecofuel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-volkswagen-passat-variant-tsi-ecofuel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/04/geneva-2008-volkswagen-passat-variant-tsi-ecofuel/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above image for gallery of live shots of this high mileage Passat from Geneva

The Passat Variant (aka Estate, Wagon, Family Truckster) TSI EcoFuel popped up in Geneva today, joining Volkswagen's other super efficient headline grabber, the Golf TDI Hybrid. This particular VW uses the company's first natural-gas powerplant. If you look closely, you'll see that VW put a mirror at the rear of the display to show the natural gas storage tank mounted where a regular old gas tank would normally be on petrol versions. And as we learned from the press release (after the jump), it doesn't sacrifice power in the name of economy. This Passat pumps out 110-kW / 150-PS from its TSI engine. That's a direct-injection turbo, in case you weren't paying attention. It should sip just 5.2 kilograms of gas for each 100 kilometres of motoring fun. Look for this "concept" to appear in sedan and wagon versions by the end of the year.

The press release after the jump and check the gallery below.

Gallery: Volkswagen Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Volkswagen Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel

Geneva 2008: Volkswagen Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Mar 2008 05:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecofuelGenevaGeneva 2008Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2008GenevaMotorShownatural gasNaturalGasPasat EstatePasatEstatePassat EcoFuelPassat VariantPassat WagonPassatEcofuelPassatVariantPassatWagonVolkswagen PassatVolkswagen Passat TSI EcoFuelVolkswagenPassatVolkswagenPassatTsiEcofuelTue, 04 Mar 2008 05:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/24/finalists-announced-for-2006-world-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/24/finalists-announced-for-2006-world-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/24/finalists-announced-for-2006-world-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



May I have the envelope, please? Not quite yet.

However... the finalists are:

  • BMW 3-Series
  • Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  • Lexus IS
  • Mazda MX-5
  • Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • Porsche Cayman S
  • Suzuki Swift
  • Volkswagen Passat

The finalists were selected by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists in a secret ballot. To pick the winner, the jury will rate each finalist in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal, and significance. The winner will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in April. (Last year's winner was the Audi A6.)

Three specialty awards will also be handed out by the WCOTY program: World Performance Car, World Green Car, and World Car Design of the Year. (Finalists in these categories are selected separately from the WCOTY finalists.) Check out the WCOTY website for details.

Finalists announced for 2006 World Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-seriesawardcar of the yearCarOfTheYearHonda CivicHondaCivicLexus ISLexusIsMazda MX-5MazdaMx-5Mercedes M-ClassMercedes S-ClassMercedesM-classMercedesS-classnew york auto showPorsche CaymanPorscheCaymanRange Rover SportRangeRoverSportSuzuki SwiftSuzukiSwiftVolkswagen PassatVolkswagenPassatworld car of the yearFri, 24 Feb 2006 16:00:00 EST