Autoblog

They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years

Michael Harley — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen CitiGolf - Click above for high-res image gallery

The original Volkswagen Golf Mk1 arrived as a replacement to the Volkswagen Beetle way back in 1974. Sold in the States as the Volkswagen Rabbit, the early front-wheel-drive hatchback had a transverse-mounted (water-cooled) 1.5-liter four-cylinder rated at just 70 horsepower. It was good for a 93 mph top speed and nearly 38 miles per gallon. While the standard Rabbit was rather ho-hum, the late-to-arrive Mk1 "GTI" ushered in the hot-hatch movement with its 90-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder, slick manual transmission, and upgraded suspension. It was a seriously cool car.

In 1984, Volkswagen introduced the Golf Mk2. As the successor was bigger, wider, and more expensive than the original - and customers may have been turned-off by the "improvements" - VW chose to continue the Mk1 production and sell it as the low-cost Econo Golf, or CitiGolf.

Over the past 25 years, more than 500,000 units of the venerable Mk1 have rolled out of a South African assembly plant for sale in markets abroad. Variants have been fitted with a wide range of engine choices (both gasoline and diesel), from 1.1-liters up to 1.8-liters of displacement. Transmissions have included 4- and 5-speed manuals, plus the (obviously outdated) 3-speed automatic. Lacking nearly all of today's necessary safety equipment (a driver's airbag was eventually fitted), time finally caught up with the CitiGolf this summer and the South African plant was closed in late August.

Interesting side note: the tooling used to build the CitiGolf all these years in South Africa was reportedly originally used to make the Rabbit at Volkswagen's Westmoreland plant in Pennsylvania. Thanks for the tip, Doug!

Gallery: Volkswagen CitiGolf

[Source: in4ride]

They still make that? VW Golf Mk1 ends production after 25 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drive, Diesel

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

Outside of North America, the Golf has been Volkswagen's bread-and-butter model for more than three decades, making the diminutive hatch one of the best selling global vehicles since its mid-Seventies launch as the Beetle's successor. But in the States, it's a totally different story. Except for a few brief periods when fuel prices spiked, the Golf/Rabbit has always played second fiddle to the Jetta - little more than a Golf with a trunk.

While the sixth generation Golf has been on sale in Europe for nearly a year, U.S.-spec versions are beginning to trickle into retailers on this side of the Atlantic. But before you head down to your local V-Dub dealer to check out the newest Golf (and buy a Jetta instead), we made the trek to Germany to sample the latest iteration of VW's workhorse in and around its Wolfsburg birthplace. Is the new Golf finally enough to woo hatch-averse Americans out of their sedans and into something with an added helping of practicality? Follow the jump to find out our first impressions.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback

First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Golf evolves the German hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drive

2010 Volkswagen GTI - Click above for high-res gallery

Performance Icon. That two-word phrase is bandied about so often there's hardly any meaning left in its 15 letters. After all, if a Porsche 911 is rightly referred to as a performance icon, can we call a Honda Civic Si the same? And are we talking any old 911/Civic Si, or just certain years and models? For instance, there is no doubt that the B13 Nissan Sentra SE-R, with its killer SR20DE engine, is a performance icon, but what about the current B17 Sentra SE-R? How about the Spec V? No way - the Versa has a better chassis.

We mention this problem with the Performance Icon label because Volkswagen described the all-new 2010 MkVI GTI to us as the "performance icon of the brand." As you may have noticed, Volkswagen's been delving pretty deeply into its past for marketing purposes as of late. First they tried reintroducing the Rabbit name much to the chagrin of Golf fans nationwide, and now they have Max, the black 1964 Beetle telling you that VW is "Das Auto." On a smaller scale, it's attempting to remind potential GTI buyers that the new model is both a direct descendant of and flag bearer for the original 1983 MkI GTI. Here comes the begged question: is it?

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much

First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced, diesels vs. hybrids

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Diesel

Last year, Volkswagen's new Jetta TDI was named the 2009 Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, which means that the Volkswagen Golf TDI has a bit of baggage if it wants to win the 2010 award. Regardless, the Golf was named one of five finalists today, along with the Audi A3 TDI, the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Toyota Prius. Odd that the Mercury would be chosen above the Ford Fusion Hybrid, but so it goes. That makes it two diesels and three hybrids vying for top spot.

The Green Car of the Year award is given out by Green Car Journal, which narrows the field of green cars down to five and then turns over picking the winner to "jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pop." The winner will be announced in LA on December 3, so stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading 2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced, diesels vs. hybrids

2010 Green Car of the Year finalists announced, diesels vs. hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R20 and Scirocco R track-side -- Click above to watch video

In another astronaut-ish commercial, VW has thrown two test drivers in a G-force simulator and on the track in two of its blistering blue R-line cars: the Scirocco R and the Golf R20. It's like the Ferrari video, but with less yellow and red... and less money. We're not quite sure what's happening with the G-Force segments, but we'd like to be driving those track portions ourselves. Follow the jump to check out the video. Hat tip to Mehdi

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Volkswagen R20 hits the web early

Chris Shunk — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Golf R32 had an small but dedicated fan base here in the U.S. It's 250 horses and road-gripping 4Motion all-wheel drive made for one sprightly Golf, but changing times calls for another approach for the R franchise. Our German friends at VW are using home field advantage at the Frankfurt Motor Show to announce the highly anticipated 2010 R20. The newest R-badged Golf will drop a couple cylinders and add turbocharging for motivation, but the AWD system will stay to keep all that power from being wasted at the front wheels.

The R20 will be reportedly be powered by a boosted 2.0L engine capable of 265 hp and 258 lb-ft, likely an exact duplicate of the engine of the Scirocco R20. World Car Fans says the new powertrain will make for a 0-62 time of 6.5 seconds with the six-speed manual, and 6.4 seconds with the dual clutch gear box. Those times sound pretty slow to us and are akin to what a standard GTI can manage, so we're guessing VW is sandbagging for now.

The R20 also has several aesthetic changes including a new front grille, LED daylight running lamps and plenty of fresh R-badging to let onlookers know this is no run-of-the-mill Golf. Also new are some gorgeous new rims that look to be of the 18 inch variety, and the interior receives some tasteful two tone treatments as well. We'll be sure to update you on all things R20 as official information from VW becomes available. Click below to enjoy the high-res gallery.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R20

[Source: World Car Fans]

Frankfurt Preview: Volkswagen R20 hits the web early originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

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

For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf name used in the rest of the world's markets. The European hatchbacks will begin arriving in the U.S. in the coming weeks, beginning with the GTI. The standard Golf will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that arrived last year in the Jetta TDI. Although they aren't linked to from the main VW site, new GTI and Golf websites are now live and include TDI information, specs and pricing.

The base two-door, 2.5-liter gas-powered Golf starts at $17,490 and the four-door will command $19,190. Like the Jetta, TDI models come with a higher level of equipment and therefore start at $21,990 and $22,590 with a six-speed manual gearbox. The new GTI, meanwhile, starts at $23,290.

What's interesting are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen website lists both the manual and DSG versions of the new Golf TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However, a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows that the Golf TDI rates even better at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level of improvement over the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. Thanks to Jay for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

[Source: Volkswagen]

2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Best possible way to win a BMW Z4?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Videos, BMW, Canada

2009 BMW Z4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

PGA golfer Leif Olson has only made $19,512 so far in 2009, and, we're just guessing here when we say that his portfolio and his golf game probably isn't going to approach Tiger Woods status any time soon. At the same time, Olson has done something that Woods hasn't done on tour in a long time; hit a hole-in-one when it counts. Not only did Olson gain two strokes on the competition as a reward for his improbable shot, but he also received a $51,512 bonus in the form of a spanking new 2009 BMW Z4.

Hit the jump to see Olson's totally ridiculous hole-in-one shot this past weekend at the Canadian Open. The ball lands about 10 feet past the hole, roles back, hits another ball, then goes in the hole. Even better is the genuine expression of joy on the face of Olson when he gets in his new, 300 horsepower Bimmer convertible. Usually the big-dollar athletes aren't as excited to win a car that isn't as nice as the 10 they already have, but in Olson's case, there's a decent chance this Zed will be his new daily driver.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 BMW Z4

[Source:ESPN via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Best possible way to win a BMW Z4?

VIDEO: Best possible way to win a BMW Z4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Audi RS3 gunning for Focus RS, hybrid A3 on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Green, Hatchback, Audi

The all-new Audi A3 is right around the corner and that means a new RS3 will follow soon thereafter. According to Autocar, the new four-ringed hot hatch will be motivated by the TT RS' twin-turbocharged, 2.5-liter five-cylinder, putting out approximately 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque through a new, beefed-up seven speed dual-clutch gearbox. Naturally, motivation will be sent to all four wheels through Audi's Quattro system, and a new torque-vectoring differential will be tasked with getting all that grunt to the ground. The new A3 is expected to debut in 2011, with the RS3 variant coming the following year.

Also in 2012, Audi is rumored to begin fleet trials of its new A3 equipped with TwinDrive - the same system set to be employed on the hybrid Golf - which utilizes a 105 hp, 1.6-liter diesel-powered four-pot that joins a 30kW motor to aid the front wheels and another set of 30kW in-wheel motors to power the rears. A 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack will be mounted in the floor of the trunk, receiving electricity from a combination of regenerative braking and (supposedly) a plug-in charger. When equipped in the Golf, the TwinDrive system will reportedly power the hatch up to 31 miles on electricity alone.

[Source: Autocar (1) (2)]

REPORT: 2011 Audi RS3 gunning for Focus RS, hybrid A3 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Humor, Russia

Click above for a gallery of the VW Golf that was swallowed by a pothole in Ukraine

Think the roads are bad in your neck of the woods? Growing up just a bit south of Detroit before moving to the sunnier climes of Arizona, this particular blogger has always assumed that Michigan's harsh winters and heavy traffic conspire to make the frost heaved and potholed highways of the Motor City the worst in the world. Apparently, that's not the case, and it's not even close.

The dubious distinction of the world's worst pothole must go out to our friends in Ukraine. The story accompanies the set of photos seen below explains that an underground water pipe may have burst, which created a sinkhole large enough to swallow an entire Volkswagen Golf whole. Fortunately, the car's occupants were able to escape out the back window, which was just about the only portion of the hatchback that wasn't covered by a few tons of dirt and asphalt.

Gallery: Ukrainian pothole swallows VW Golf

[Source: English Russia]

Ukraine lays claim to the mother of all potholes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI coming Stateside this summer

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI - Click above for a high-res gallery

The 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mark VI) is upon us, and as suspected, the thinly-veiled "concept" shown in Paris is an exact duplicate of the production model we'll be getting in the States this summer.

With redesigned front and rear fascias, artfully sculpted haunches and Scirocco-inspired headlamps, the Mark VI is a subtle evolution of the outgoing model that lends a bit more aggression to the three- and five-door hatch. Power is provided by a tweaked and turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four putting out 210 horsepower (10 hp more than its predecessor) and 206 lb-ft of torque beginning at 1,800 rpm. The run to 60 mph comes in at 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.

A six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch gearbox are available, along with a standard sport suspension, DCC adaptive damping (with settings for Normal, Sport and Comfort) and an XDS electronic differential that monitors traction and sends power to the outside wheel. The interior remains largely unchanged, with standard plaid seating (leather is optional), along with stainless-steel pedals, aluminum shift knob and a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The new GTI will hit dealers in Germany later this week, while those of us in the U.S. will have to wait until this summer to get our hands on VW's latest hot hatch.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

Continue reading Officially Official: 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI coming Stateside this summer

Officially Official: 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI coming Stateside this summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW GTI W12 body kit offers all the show, none of the go

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Exclusive Tuning Worldwide Mark V VW GTI "W12 650" - Click above for a gallery

At the 2007 Wörthersee show in Austria, the VAG crew brought out two concepts that had VW and Audi fanboys frothing at the mouth. The first was the Audi TT Clubsport Quattro concept and the other was the VW Golf GTI W12 650 concept. The TT roadster made the transition from concept to limited production model (between 50 and 100 are being made for the Middle East market), while the W12-powered GTI remained an engineering show-piece. Exclusive Tuning Worldwide decided that the show crowd shouldn't be left out of the fun and developed a full body kit for the Mark V GTI that apes the W12's insane exterior.

The kit consists of new side skirts, widened front and rear fenders, a reworked hatch and bumper, along with an oddly proportioned front bumper and "W12 650" badging, all used to create a close facsimile of the show car. Unfortunately, aside from a reworked suspension, the performance modifications have been kept to a minimum and there's no twin-turbocharged, Bentley-sourced W12 mounted out back. That's a bummer, but considering Clarkson's review (posted after the break), you might be better off with a hatch that's not trying to kill you.

Gallery: Exclusive Tuning Worldwide VW Golf GTI W12

Gallery: VW Golf GTI W12 650 Concept

[Source: ETW via Autoblog.nl]

Continue reading VW GTI W12 body kit offers all the show, none of the go

VW GTI W12 body kit offers all the show, none of the go originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Volkswagen GTI-R with AWD coming to Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK

2009 Volkswagen GTI - Click above for a high-res gallery

The rumored Volkswagen Scirocco R20T never made an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show, but according to CAR, V-Dub has something else up its sleeve for this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The Brit pub is reporting the imminent arrival of the Volkswagen Golf GTI-R, a hotter version of VW's iconic hatch with a more powerful variant of the turbocharged 2.0-liter motivating all four wheels.

The turbo'd four-pot is related to the Audi S3's mill, so expect output to be up and over 260 hp. And, according to the report, a major element of the GTI-R is weight reduction, so VW has opted to use the 2.0-liter turbo in favor of its 3.2-liter V6. The supposed weight-loss regime might come in the form of lighter structural and body components, along with a less luxurious interior that won't infringe on the premium confines of the R32 and Scirocco. Then again, with the additional weight of the AWD system - versus the Focus RS and Renaultsport Megane 250, which both use a trick front differential to limit torque steer - the overall weight could be a wash over the standard GTI. CAR says the GTI-R should debut in Frankfurt this fall, with sales beginning in late 2009 or early 2010.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

[Source: CAR]

Rumormill: Volkswagen GTI-R with AWD coming to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Golf VII already in the cards

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rendered Speculation

The current Volkswagen Golf (a.k.a. "Rabbit"), which is a 2010 model, hasn't made it through the front nine, and already the next Golf is being teed up behind it. The new model is planned for 2012, two years earlier than planned, perhaps because VW wants to recast what the Golf represents with a return to frugal-yet-sporty motoring.

If these AutoExpress renderings are at all accurate, the reskin won't make your jaw drop, as there is little planned for the hatch's exterior save for a few tweaks. It is the philosophy of the car that takes a new stand, however: the Mk VII is rumored to ride on a smaller platform than the MkVI, borrow parts from the Polo, employ lightweight body panels, and get VW's Twin Drive plug-in diesel hybrid engines.

The focus on reduced weight will mean more punch from VW's smaller TDI engines. The Twin Drive, which is three electric motors mated to a 1.5-liter diesel, works on battery power alone at 31 miles-per-hour or below, and doubles the gas mileage of the 2.0-liter TDI. VW is also working on a Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) that ditches the spark plugs in a gas engine to give it the fuel efficiency of a diesel. If VW can bring all of those things together in a couple of years and keep the fun-to-drive factor, the MkVII Golf sounds like a clear winner.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Volkswagen Golf VII already in the cards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Lifestyle

Click above to see the VW Golf commercial

So it's not just America that gets up in arms over commercials. Remember the Matrix-styled ad with the Volkswagen Golf designer fighting various versions of himself? It seems a number of British telly viewers think the commercial "is in breach of the broadcast advertising code for featuring excessive violence that could be copied by children." So they complained to the Advertising Standards Authority, and the ASA is now investigating.

The complaints could mean the spot won't be aired before the 9 p.m. watershed, which is when programs for "children" ages 15-and-up get aired. We've seen more frightening things on YouTube -- in fact, even the G-rated The Tale of Despereaux has more chilling moments than this commercial -- but maybe the parents are afraid their kids will end up fighting... their clones.

[Source: The Guardian]

Continue reading FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints

FOLLOWUP: VW's Matrix-style advertisement garners 100+ complaints originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Volkswagen Golf expected to shed pounds

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Budget, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI

These days, when discussions turn towards the cars we'll be driving a few years from now, efficiency and emissions are two unavoidable topics. Such is the case with the next-next generation of the VW Golf, following the sixth iteration that will hit European dealerships later this year. So, what will the seventh version have in store for us? Smaller engines and a smaller structure. For the last few decades, every succeeding redesign was just a bit bigger and more powerful that its predecessor. Expect that trend to end with the Mk VII Golf. You can bet that diesels will account for a larger percentage of sales too, possibly even in the States.

Just when are we likely to see Golf v7.0? Rumors point to 2012, but VeeDub is keeping quiet. What they do admit to, however, is working on it as you read this.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

2012 Volkswagen Golf expected to shed pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Volkswagen working on GTI 'Plus', GTD, and R42

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of Volkswagen Golf GT MkVI

VW is going to make the most of its new GTI, with three models joining what has already been a well received hot hatch. A 'GTD' variant using a 2.0-liter common rail diesel will go into production in April 2009, with 170 horses and nearly 260 lb.-ft. moving through either a six-speed manual or VW's DSG gearbox. The GTD will be sold at an €800 premium over its gasoline brother, and will get to 62 mph about a second slower in return for longer hauls between refills.

After that, toward the end of 2009, comes the GTI 'Plus' that will push the car dangerously close to the Audi S3 and may spell the end of the current R32. A 60 hp bump over the standard GTI takes the Plus up to 270. The fun-to-drive factor should be raised with a seven-speed DSG transmission, and handling mastery will come courtesy of a Haldex all-wheel-drive system.

The capstone: to help everyone get over the current and rather underwhelming R32, the hottest hotness is supposed to come in 2010 in the form of an R42. Swapping the current V6 for a 2.5-liter, turbocharged 5-cylinder that it will share with Audi's TT-RS and RS3, the raunchy R is rumored to get a chest-hair-growing 350 hp. If Auto Motor und Sport are to be believed, it will start rolling out of factories in November of 2009 at an undisclosed price.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

[Source: Auto Motor Sport via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: Volkswagen working on GTI 'Plus', GTD, and R42 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next VW GTI puts out 210 hp, R version gets AWD and 270 hp

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen's high-performance plans for the new Golf will spawn three new models, beginning with the new 210 hp GTI set to debut in Paris and go on sale in the middle of 2009. According to Automotive News, the Mk. VI GTI will sprint to 60 in a tick above seven seconds and hit a top speed of around 150 mph.

A performance-oriented diesel Golf, dubbed the GTD, will hit the market in April, putting out around 170 hp from its common-rail diesel, while a range-topping R model, available through Volkswagen Individual, will be churn out 270 hp, send power to all four wheels and will be equipped with an aero package that includes a "black gleaming diffuser." Sales of the R version will begin in November of 2009.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Next VW GTI puts out 210 hp, R version gets AWD and 270 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris

Noah Joseph — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Every time Porsche re-does its core product - the 911 - we anticipate a staggered roll-out of new derivatives. Now that Porsche has Volkswagen by the reins, we can expect VW to undertake the same as it unveils new versions of its core offering, known here as the Rabbit and elsewhere as the Golf, now out in the open in its sixth iteration. Short of a new R32, enthusiasts are undoubtedly looking forward most to the new GTI. And if the latest reports are any indication, Volkswagen won't be keeping its fans waiting any longer as the MkVI GTI is tipped to be unveiled next week at the Paris show. Of course we'll be on hand to see if that's the case, so stay tuned, sports(car) fans.

[Source: CarScoop]

Report: Volkswagen to unveil new GTI in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW unveils 74 mpg Golf BlueMotion Concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hybrid, Europe, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res images of the Golf BlueMotion concept

Debuting in concept form today is the most fuel efficient and cleanest version of Volkswagen's sixth-generation Golf. Wearing the BlueMotion badge, as is common for VeeDubs with fuel-saving tweaks, the new Golf is able to complete the European driving cycle mileage tests with a rather epic 74 miles per gallon (around 62 mpg in the U.S. if conversions can be trusted). For those who like to keep track of such things, that's just 99g/km of carbon emissions and an excellent score by any measure. In order to achieve such low fuel consumption and emissions, the Golf BlueMotion is bestowed with a miserly 1.6-liter TDI common rail diesel engine that kicks out 105 horses and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque at a low 2,000 rpm. Low rolling resistance tires, aero tweaks and revised gearing all help the cause. Though still just a concept, there is little doubt that this model or one very similar will debut a few months after the the standard Golf in Europe next year. In the U.S.? Don't hold your breath, though a Golf TDI sold in the States may happen eventually.

Gallery: VW Golf BlueMotion Concept

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW unveils 74 mpg Golf BlueMotion Concept

VW unveils 74 mpg Golf BlueMotion Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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