Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Volkswagen to unveil production Golf GTI Cabriolet in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/volkswagen-to-unveil-production-golf-gti-cabriolet-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/volkswagen-to-unveil-production-golf-gti-cabriolet-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/volkswagen-to-unveil-production-golf-gti-cabriolet-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept

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

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

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

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

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

Volkswagen MQB architecture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen golf2014 volkswagen gtigolfgtimqbvolkswagenvolkswagen mqbvwFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/what-we-know-about-the-2013-volkswagen-golf-next-gen-gti/20163512/article-detail.xml 20163512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/volkswagen-modular-architecture_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/volkswagen-modular-architecture.jpg <![CDATA[Next Volkswagen infotainment system to use capacitive touchscreens, proximity sensors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

VW Modular Infotainment System

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitive touchscreengesture controlgolfinfotainmentmirrorlinknvidiategra 3telematicsvolkswagenvwWed, 01 Feb 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20161740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/01/next-volkswagen-infotainment-system-to-use-capacitive-touchscree/20161740/article-detail.xml 20161740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-mib-vw-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-mib-vw-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500500 abarth911audibuickcamarocamaro zl1chargercharger srt8chevroletdodgefiatfordfuture classicsgolfgolf rgrand cherokeegrand cherokee srt8gt-rgt-r black editionhagertyhagerty insuranceinsurancejeepmustangmustang boss 302mustang boss 302 lagunra secanissanporscheregalregal gstttt rsvolkswagenMon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20159781/article-detail.xml 20159781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-regal-gs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car is about par for the course]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster at the tee

We can think of a handful of automobiles that appear to be closer to golf carts than what we'd otherwise think of as "cars". Like the Smart ForTwo, for example. Or the Tata Nano. Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car, on the other hand, is not the first vehicle that would come to mind for schlepping clubs around the fairway, but Rhys himself appears to think otherwise with this latest video just released by Hyundai.

In the clip after the jump, you'll see what happens when Millen gives new meaning to the notion of picking the right driver for the course. The added bonus of using competition machinery in place of the usual putter put-putters is that you just might get to the green before your ball does. And that could come in handy on the PGA Tour. Watch all the way through to the end for the blooper reel.

Continue reading Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car is about par for the course

Rhys Millen's Hyundai Veloster rally car is about par for the course originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfhyundaihyundai velostermillenrallyrhys millenvelostervideoWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/25/rhys-millens-hyundai-veloster-rally-car-is-about-par-for-the-co/20156871/article-detail.xml 20156871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/rhys-golf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/rhys-golf.jpg <![CDATA[Nothing says "Chip Foose" like... Volkswagen?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen golf rappchip foosegolfgolf rgtiipadvideovolkswagenvwvw golfvw golf rFri, 20 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/nothing-says-chip-foose-like-volkswagen/20152007/article-detail.xml 20152007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chip-foose-vw-golf-gti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chip-foose-vw-golf-gti.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen brings six generations of GTIs to the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/volkswagen-brings-six-generations-of-gtis-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/volkswagen-brings-six-generations-of-gtis-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/volkswagen-brings-six-generations-of-gtis-to-the-track/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Six generations of Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen Golf and its GTI hot-hatch twin might only be six generations old, but the hatchback meant to replace the Beetle is more than 35 years old. That makes it one of the dwindling members of the old-growth forest of car models, standing in the shade of holdouts like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Ford Mustang.

To celebrate its 35th year in the UK, the limey VW reps put all six generations together and ran them around a track. Fair warning, it's short and they didn't wring them out so don't expect the sound and the fury, but if nothing else perhaps a glimpse of that Mk II will inspire stories that begin with "So this one time at band camp..." Follow the jump for the action.

Continue reading Volkswagen brings six generations of GTIs to the track

Volkswagen brings six generations of GTIs to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgtivolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen gtivolkswagen ukvw ukThu, 22 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/22/volkswagen-brings-six-generations-of-gtis-to-the-track/20132456/article-detail.xml 20132456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/vwgolfgensuk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/vwgolfgensuk.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/car-and-driver-reveals-its-2012-10best-cars-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/car-and-driver-reveals-its-2012-10best-cars-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/car-and-driver-reveals-its-2012-10best-cars-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



Each year, the scribes at Car and Driver go through every new vehicle on sale and pick the ten best cars available here in the United States. And while some major automotive awards are only shelled out to vehicles that are all-new or significantly updated for a certain model year, C/D's approach is to look at the full scope of cars currently on sale. After all, there are some cars that are simply perennial favorites, even if they haven't changed year over year.

For 2012, the Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata have fallen off the list to make room for the Audi A6/A7 and Ford Focus. The other eight vehicles that round out the 10Best list have carried over from the 2011 winners, but we can't say we're surprised. These ten cars indeed represent some of the best vehicles on sale today.

The 2012 Car and Driver 10Best winners are:
Head over to Car and Driver to read the full 10Best roundup, and follow the jump to see a video of this year's winning fleet, then check in to Comments to share your thoughts on C/D's list.

Continue reading Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video]

Car and Driver reveals its 2012 10Best cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 best10best2012 10best3 seriesa7accordaudibmwboss 302boxstercadillaccar and drivercts-vfitfocusfordgolfgtihondam3mustangporscheten bestvolkswagenTue, 06 Dec 2011 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20121966/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/06/car-and-driver-reveals-its-2012-10best-cars-w-video/20121966/article-detail.xml 20121966 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/cd10best628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/cd10best628.jpg <![CDATA[Next Volkswagen Golf out on the move]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/next-volkswagen-golf-out-on-the-move/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/next-volkswagen-golf-out-on-the-move/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/next-volkswagen-golf-out-on-the-move/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last we heard, Volkswagen was reportedly pushing forward the development of its seventh-generation (read: MkVII) Golf hatchback, with the final car being ready for public consumption as early as the end of next year. Our spy photographers recently caught this heavily camouflaged prototype for the new global hatch out testing, and though there's plenty of unknown details, it doesn't appear that the Golf formula has changed too much. (We aren't complaining.)

The size and shape of the five-door hatch looks to be nearly the same as the sixth-generation Golf that we've known and loved since its debut in 2009, but what lies under the hood will surely be different. In addition to the Blue-e-motion model that we've had the chance to sample in sixth-gen skin, new reports suggest that the not-so-great 2.5-liter inline-five base engine will be swapped out in favor of a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four. Good deal.

If the Golf is still on schedule to hit the streets at the end of next year, expect to see it show up somewhere in the 2012 auto show circuit.

Next Volkswagen Golf out on the move originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfspy photosspy picsspy shotsvolkswagenvwMon, 28 Nov 2011 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20115769/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/28/next-volkswagen-golf-out-on-the-move/20115769/article-detail.xml 20115769 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-vw-golf-spy-shots628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-vw-golf-spy-shots628.jpg <![CDATA[VW to replace unloved five-cylinder base engine with turbo four]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/vw-to-replace-unloved-five-cylinder-base-engine-with-turbo-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/vw-to-replace-unloved-five-cylinder-base-engine-with-turbo-four/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/18/vw-to-replace-unloved-five-cylinder-base-engine-with-turbo-four/#commentsFiled under:



The 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine under the hood of many Volkswagen models has never been a favorite of ours, and it appears VW may finally be over it as well. Car and Driver reports that a pair of VW sources have indicated that the 2.5 will be replaced with a 1.8-liter turbo four.

The smaller, boosted engine would reportedly be based off the tried-and-true 2.0-liter turbo that we've come to know and respect. The 1.8 is already part of VW's European engine lineup, and it pumps out a middling 158 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy should be improved compared to the 2.5, which returns a respectable 33 miles per gallon on the highway in a manual-equipped Jetta, but nothing like the 40 mpg numbers achieved by competitors like the Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus.

C/D claims that the move to the 1.8 could also have something to do with manufacturing efficiencies. Since the 1.8 and 2.0 are from the same engine factory, VW could build both models at the same facility.

VW to replace unloved five-cylinder base engine with turbo four originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.8 turbo1.8t2.52.5-literfive-cylindergolfjettavolkswagenvwFri, 18 Nov 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20109924/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/18/vw-to-replace-unloved-five-cylinder-base-engine-with-turbo-four/20109924/article-detail.xml 20109924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2-5-jetta-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2-5-jetta-2.jpg <![CDATA[900-horsepower VW Golf is quicker than Bugatti Veyron]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

900 Horsepower Volkwagen Golf

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>900 hp vw golf900-hpdrag racinggolfgtimk2 golfvideovolkswagenvolkswagen golfvwvw golfMon, 14 Nov 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105676/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/14/900-horsepower-vw-golf-is-quicker-than-bugatti-veyron/20105676/article-detail.xml 20105676 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/900-hp-vw-golf-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/900-hp-vw-golf-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW and Audi recall nearly 170,000 TDI diesel models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/vw-and-audi-recall-nearly-170-000-tdi-diesel-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/vw-and-audi-recall-nearly-170-000-tdi-diesel-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/06/vw-and-audi-recall-nearly-170-000-tdi-diesel-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Volkswagen Golf TDI

Volkswagen has officially announced a recall of 168,275 Jetta TDI and Golf TDI models as well as certain Audi A3 TDI vehicles after a recent stop sale. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem stems from the fuel line that feeds injector number two. Over time, the resonance from the injector could cause the line to fail, potentially leading to an engine fire. Volkswagen will replace the line with an improved piece and fit each injector with a vibration damper to prevent the failure from occurring in the future free of charge.

The recall covers certain 2010-2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI and Audi A3 TDI models as well as certain 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Jetta Sporwagen TDI models. Volkswagen will notify owners affected by the issue and work is expected to begin in November. Hit the jump for a look at the recall notice.

Continue reading VW and Audi recall nearly 170,000 TDI diesel models

VW and Audi recall nearly 170,000 TDI diesel models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3a3 tdiaudiaudi a3golfgolf tdijettajetta tdiNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecalltditdi recallvolkswagenThu, 06 Oct 2011 14:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20075616/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/06/vw-and-audi-recall-nearly-170-000-tdi-diesel-models/20075616/article-detail.xml 20075616 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/volkswagen-golf-tdi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/volkswagen-golf-tdi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Stop-sale issued for Volkswagen Jetta and Golf TDI diesel models, recall imminent?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/stop-sale-issued-for-volkswagen-jetta-and-golf-tdi-diesel-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/stop-sale-issued-for-volkswagen-jetta-and-golf-tdi-diesel-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/stop-sale-issued-for-volkswagen-jetta-and-golf-tdi-diesel-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Badge

According to a post by TDI Club, Volkswagen has issued a stop-sale on all 2009-2012 Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen and Golf TDI vehicles equipped with the company's 2.0-liter TDI turbo-diesel engine pending a voluntary safety recall. It's unclear whether or not the 2012 Passat will also be impacted. In a written communication attributed to Volkswagen, the problem stems from the fact that the fuel injector pulse rate happens to occur at the same natural frequency as injector line number two. Over time, the line could fail. That's especially true on certain lines manufactured with tube material that contains scratch marks from a grinding process. Volkswagen says that the inferior piece can't stand up to the stress of the injector pulse rate.

Vehicles manufactured in December 2008, January through February 2009, April 2010 and October through December 2010 all contain the faulty part. The document states that the automaker is currently working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a recall.

Autoblog spoke with a Volkswagen representative who said that in order for any recall to be official, it will have to go through NHTSA (though we're thinking the same can't be said of a stop-sale).

Stop-sale issued for Volkswagen Jetta and Golf TDI diesel models, recall imminent? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf tdijettajetta sportwagenjetta sportwagen tdijetta tdistop salevolkswagenvolkswagen golf tdivolkswagen jetta tdiWed, 05 Oct 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20074399/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/05/stop-sale-issued-for-volkswagen-jetta-and-golf-tdi-diesel-models/20074399/article-detail.xml 20074399 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/volkswagen-golf-tdi-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/volkswagen-golf-tdi-badge.jpg <![CDATA[256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/256-hp-volkswagen-golf-r-priced-from-33-990/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/256-hp-volkswagen-golf-r-priced-from-33-990/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/256-hp-volkswagen-golf-r-priced-from-33-990/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has finally released official U.S. pricing and specs on the 2012 Golf R. The meanest hatch in the company's stable will set you back $33,990 (*plus destination). That's a sizeable chunk of change, to be sure, but it will net you the most powerful Golf production engine to be sold in the States. At 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, the turbocharged 2.0-liter turns out six more horsepower than the 2008 Golf R32 VR6 while sucking down less fuel. Volkswagen says that the company's internal estimates put the 2012 Golf R at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. That's an impressive jump compared to Environmental Protection Agency estimates of 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for 2008 R32.

The 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine is bolted to a six-speed manual transmission and a Haldex all-wheel drive system, and the car will be offered in both two- and four-door bodystyles. Volkswagen has also taken the time to sharpen the vehicle's suspension even beyond what the already lithe GTI has to offer. Changes include a larger, tubular anti-roll bar up front and a four-link rear with three lateral control arms. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading 256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990*

256-hp Volkswagen Golf R priced from $33,990* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen golf rgolfgolf rgolf r pricegolf r pricinggtir32volkswagenvolkswagen golf rvw golf r msrpWed, 05 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20074303/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/05/256-hp-volkswagen-golf-r-priced-from-33-990/20074303/article-detail.xml 20074303 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-volkswagen-golf-r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2012-volkswagen-golf-r-628.jpg <![CDATA[Power bump mooted for next VW GTI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/power-bump-mooted-for-next-vw-gti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/power-bump-mooted-for-next-vw-gti/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/power-bump-mooted-for-next-vw-gti/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen GTI

Volkswagen is hard at work readying its next-generation GTI, and according to Autocar, one of the improvements we can look forward to is a slight bump in power. Currently, the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four is good for 200 horsepower, but the revised engine is rumored to produce closer to 220 horses.

This doesn't really come as much of a shock, however. Volkswagen recently introduced the 35th anniversary edition of the GTI for European customers, and this hot hatch cranks out a full 253 hp from the same 2.0-liter unit used in the standard GTI.

Autocar also reports that Volkswagen won't likely produce the GTI cabriolet that debuted in Wörthesee this year. Instead, if any new Golf-based convertible is to be given the green light, it will be the even hotter Golf R cabrio that debuted alongside the GTI.

Power bump mooted for next VW GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen gti2013 volkswagen gtigolfgtivolkswagenvwWed, 20 Jul 2011 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19996029/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/20/power-bump-mooted-for-next-vw-gti/19996029/article-detail.xml 19996029 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/vw-golf-gti-mule-7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/vw-golf-gti-mule-7.jpg <![CDATA[Next Volkswagen GTI mule snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/next-volkswagen-gti-mule-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/next-volkswagen-gti-mule-snapped/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/next-volkswagen-gti-mule-snapped/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Golf GTI Test Mule
Volkswagen Golf GTI test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has apparently commenced road tests for the company's next-generation Golf GTI and Golf R. Our legion of crafty spy photographers managed to nab a few photos of a pair of test mules spotted out and about in public. From the looks of things, the upcoming Golf GTI will rely on a set of dual-exhaust pipes in the future while the more menacing Golf R will go for quad pipes.

Volkswagen hasn't released any final details on either vehicle, but from the whispers kicking around the web, it sounds like both hatches will need their new easy-breathing exhausts. In GTI trim, the Golf is expected to kick out around 230 horsepower - 30 more ponies than the current model. Step up the Golf R and you'll likely be treated to closer to 300 ponies.

Long live the hot hatch. Stay tuned for more details as they surface, but in the meantime, check out this high-res gallery of spy shots.

Next Volkswagen GTI mule snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf gtigolf rgtispy shotsvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf gtivolkswagen golf rTue, 28 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19978430/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/next-volkswagen-gti-mule-snapped/19978430/article-detail.xml 19978430 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/vw-golf-gti-mule-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/vw-golf-gti-mule-630.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Golf24 gears up for race debut at the Nürburgring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/volkswagen-golf24-gears-up-for-race-debut-at-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/volkswagen-golf24-gears-up-for-race-debut-at-the-nurburgring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/23/volkswagen-golf24-gears-up-for-race-debut-at-the-nurburgring/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Golf24
Volkswagen Golf24 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The day is almost upon us when Volkswagen will unleash the ferocious Golf24 on the Green Hell. The hatchback endurance racer, which helps celebrate the GTI's 35 anniversary, was first revealed back in February, and is finally set to take on the Nürburgring race this weekend.

As you may recall, the Golf24 packs the turbocharged five-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive of the Audi TT RS, but tuned up to 450 horsepower and nearly 400 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed sequential gearbox, all mounted underneath some heavily revised competition-spec sheetmetal.

Volkswagen has lined up a star-studded roster of drivers to pilot the three cars around the clock, including former F1 drivers Johnny Herbert and Mark Blundell, as well as Ringmeisters Peter Terting and Patrick Simon. The company's three-time Dakar winners Nasser Al-Attiyah, Carlos Sainz and Giniel de Villiers will also be making their Nürburgring debut, piloting one of two CNG-fueled 330-hp Sciroccos at the event.

Follow the jump for the latest press release, and scope out the images in the thoroughly updated high-res gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Volkswagen Golf24 gears up for race debut at the Nürburgring

Volkswagen Golf24 gears up for race debut at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf24nürburgringnurburgringvolkswagenThu, 23 Jun 2011 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19973649/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/23/volkswagen-golf24-gears-up-for-race-debut-at-the-nurburgring/19973649/article-detail.xml 19973649 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webvwgolf24_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webvwgolf24.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 not coming to America after all?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/volkswagen-gti-edition-35-not-coming-to-america-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/volkswagen-gti-edition-35-not-coming-to-america-after-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/19/volkswagen-gti-edition-35-not-coming-to-america-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgolf gtigtivolkswagenvolkswagen golf gtivolkswagen golf gti 35 editionvolkswagen golf gti edition 35volkswagen gtivolkswagen gti 35 editionvolkswagen gti edition 35volkswagen of americavwvw golfvw golf gtivw golf gti 35 editionvw golf gti edition 35vw gti 35 editionvw gti edition 35Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970727/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/19/volkswagen-gti-edition-35-not-coming-to-america-after-all/19970727/article-detail.xml 19970727 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01-volkswagen-gti-35-edition630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01-volkswagen-gti-35-edition630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen rolls out 370-hp GTI Reifnitz at Wörthersee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/volkswagen-rolls-out-370hp-gti-reifnitz-at-worthersee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/volkswagen-rolls-out-370hp-gti-reifnitz-at-worthersee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/volkswagen-rolls-out-370hp-gti-reifnitz-at-worthersee/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

It wasn't all about cabrios at this year's GTI festival at Wörthersee, where Volkswagen also rolled out this hot GTI show car built by its own apprentices.

For the GTI Reifnitz (bearing the name of the lakeside town where the festival is held), the VW boffins borrowed a Stage III turbo kit and intercooler from APR and fitted an RSC performance exhaust. The result: a whopping 370 metric horsepower from an engine that normally produces 210. Nice work, boys.

Of course they didn't stop there. The body's been fitted with an aggressive wide-bod aero kit and a hood with twin vents, out of which the offset racing stripe protrudes and runs over the top of the red, white and blue car. The color scheme extends to the interior, which has been stripped out and fitted with a roll cage and racing buckets, all swathed in grippy Alcantara.

For the GTI faithful assembled at the Austrian lakeshore, the Reifnitz concept could very well be the hottest interpretation of the classic yet. Have a closer look in the gallery below.

Volkswagen rolls out 370-hp GTI Reifnitz at Wörthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgtigti reifnitzreifnitzvolkswagen gti reifnitzvwvw gti reifnitzwörtherseewortherseeMon, 06 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19958665/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/06/volkswagen-rolls-out-370hp-gti-reifnitz-at-worthersee/19958665/article-detail.xml 19958665 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web1vw-gti-reifnitz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web1vw-gti-reifnitz.jpg <![CDATA[VW to release 235-hp 35 Edition GTI to U.S. dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/vw-to-release-235-hp-35-edition-gti-to-u-s-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/vw-to-release-235-hp-35-edition-gti-to-u-s-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/02/vw-to-release-235-hp-35-edition-gti-to-u-s-dealers/#commentsFiled under: ,

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

Does this storyline look familiar? A German or Japanese automaker announces some hot-sounding variant of a vehicle we already love, but then they follow that news up by telling us that the new model won't be making its way to the U.S. We thought this tired and disappointing plot was once again unfolding with the recent announcement of a Volkswagen 35 Edition GTI, but Car and Driver cites sources who say we're likely to receive the hot hatch after all.

The big news for the 35 Edition GTI is a jump in horsepower to 235 horsepower, or 25 more ponies than the already awesome standard GTI. The name of the special edition VW comes as a tribute to the fact that the GTI has been available in Europe for 35 years. Not so in the U.S., though, so the name may have to change if it indeed reaches our shores. C/D points out that the first GTI hit the States in 1983, so the 30 Edition name could be a strong possibility. Of course, that means the 35 badging on the door sills, seats and fenders will need to go, but we're guessing the deletes won't be much trouble at all.

While this report is no clear confirmation from VW, we're optimistic that C/D's sources could be onto something. Hope springs eternal and all that...

VW to release 235-hp 35 Edition GTI to U.S. dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volkswagen gti2012 volkswagen gtiedition 35golfgtispecial edition gtivolkswagenvolkswagen 35 edition gtivwThu, 02 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19957026/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/02/vw-to-release-235-hp-35-edition-gti-to-u-s-dealers/19957026/article-detail.xml 19957026 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01-volkswagen-gti-35-edition630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/01-volkswagen-gti-35-edition630opt.jpg -1 2