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[Volkswagen approves Up! GT for production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen GT Up! concept

The Volkswagen Golf GTI stands as an enduring icon in the hot hatch genre. But as the Golf gets bigger, so does the GTI, and when it comes to hot hatches, bigger is not always better. That's where the Polo GTI comes in, but if even that's too big for minimalists, Volkswagen is reportedly set on putting the Up! GT into production.

Unveiled as a show car alongside the production Up! at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, the GT Up! concept pictured above incorporated 17-inch alloys to fill those little wheel wells, a new front end with wider grille, bigger brake ducts and integrated LED accents, as well as a diffuser, spoiler and twin exhaust pipes installed around back.

According to PistonHeads, the production Up! GT is tipped to get a three-cylinder turbo driving around 110 horsepower through a six-speed gearbox to the front wheels. That may be less than the 133 hp packaged by the Renaultsport Twingo, but could prove a feisty pocket rocket in its own right.

Volkswagen approves Up! GT for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt upgtiupup gtup gtivolkswagenvolkswagen gt upvolkswagen upvolkswagen up gtvwvw upMon, 23 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20154041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/23/volkswagen-approves-up-gt-for-production/20154041/article-detail.xml 20154041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webvw-gt-up_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/webvw-gt-up.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[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[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 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[Volkswagen brings GTI Cabriolet to join Golf R Cabrio at Wörthersee [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/volkswagen-brings-gti-cabriolet-to-join-golf-r-cabrio-at-worther/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/volkswagen-brings-gti-cabriolet-to-join-golf-r-cabrio-at-worther/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/volkswagen-brings-gti-cabriolet-to-join-golf-r-cabrio-at-worther/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept
Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no doubt about it. Summer is here, and Volkswagen has gone crazy with open-air motoring. The German auto giant rolled in to its 30th-annual hot-hatch festival at Lake Wörthersee in Austria with the Skoda Fabia RS 2000 roadster. Then it dropped the top on a Golf R Cabriolet concept. But just in case that wasn't enough, VW also brought out a second Golf GTI Cabriolet.

Like the Golf R Cabrio, the formula for the GTI Cabrio is simplicity itself: take one new Golf Cabrio and one GTI, mix 'em together and this is what you get: 207 turbocharged horsepower to redo your coif in the open air. Just for good measure, VW also outfitted the show car with a full body kit, dropped suspension and special 19-inch wheels. The Firespark Metallic paint is offset by the high-gloss black trim, a color combo continued into the cabin decked out in black leather - Wörthersee is, after all, in the Austrian province of Corinthia - with red and grey top-stitching.

Unfortunately, like the Golf R cabrio and the Skoda roadster, this is strictly a show car for the time being, but if enough fans demand it, the GTI Cabrio could become a reality. So which would you rather drive home from your local dealership? Check out the images in the high-res gallery, scope out the full press release after the jump, and cast your vote below.

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Continue reading Volkswagen brings GTI Cabriolet to join Golf R Cabrio at Wörthersee [w/poll]

Volkswagen brings GTI Cabriolet to join Golf R Cabrio at Wörthersee [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golf gtigtigti cabriogti cabrioletvolkswagenvolkswagen golf gtivolkswagen gti cabrioletvwwörtherseewortherseeMon, 06 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19958648/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/06/volkswagen-brings-gti-cabriolet-to-join-golf-r-cabrio-at-worther/19958648/article-detail.xml 19958648 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web4vw-gti-cabriolet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/web4vw-gti-cabriolet.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 <![CDATA[Forget kicking tires, VW dealer shows off GTI durability with enthusiasm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/24/forget-kicking-tires-vw-dealer-shows-off-gti-durability-with-en/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/24/forget-kicking-tires-vw-dealer-shows-off-gti-durability-with-en/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/24/forget-kicking-tires-vw-dealer-shows-off-gti-durability-with-en/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dealer abusing a Volkswagen Golf GTI
Larry Roesch Volkswagen puts a GTI through its paces - Click above to watch video after the jump

Buying a used vehicle can be a scary experience. You just never know what kind of abuse the car has been subjected to by the hands of a previous owner, which is why plenty of people knowingly take the depreciation hit and buy new. After all, what kind of harm can a vehicle endure from the time it leaves the production facility until you sign on the dotted line? Quite a bit, according to the video after the jump. One very overzealous Volkswagen dealer set about taking to the YouTubes to demonstrate the sturdiness of his wares.

An innocent GTI was subjected to a few full-force door slams. That's cringe-worthy enough in our book, but the wayward salesman wasn't quite done. He then proceeded to use the full force of his body weight to jump up and down on the open driver's door. While we appreciate a dealer's desire to prove how well the vehicles he sells are built, we wouldn't want that done to our own cars... and we'd hate to see what these guys do to the vehicles when the camera isn't rolling.

Hit the jump to see the mayhem for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Mateusz!

Continue reading Forget kicking tires, VW dealer shows off GTI durability with enthusiasm

Forget kicking tires, VW dealer shows off GTI durability with enthusiasm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car dealership abusedealerdealer abusegtilarry roesch volkswagenvideovolkswagenvolkswagen dealervolkswagen gtiTue, 24 May 2011 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947650/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/24/forget-kicking-tires-vw-dealer-shows-off-gti-durability-with-en/19947650/article-detail.xml 19947650 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/volkswagen-golf-gti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/volkswagen-golf-gti.jpg <![CDATA[VW celebrates GTI anniversary with 235-hp Edition 35]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/10/vw-celebrates-gti-anniversary-with-232-hp-edition-35/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/10/vw-celebrates-gti-anniversary-with-232-hp-edition-35/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/10/vw-celebrates-gti-anniversary-with-232-hp-edition-35/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

The Volkswagen GTI is the king of the hot hatches. Sure, there are more powerful, better-driving cars in the segment, but Volkswagen's hot Golf kicked off this niche of flingable sport compacts back in the mid-1970s, and it's quickly grown to become one of our favorite vehicle classes. When it comes to fun per dollar, you just can't beat a hot hatch.

To celebrate the 35th birthday of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has created this, the 35 Edition, which goes on sale in Germany this week. Visually, the 35 Edition is set apart by a unique front bumper, special wheels, and '35' badging on the door sills and seats. The most important upgrade, however, is the substantial boost in power over the normal GTI - 25 horsepower - for a grand total of 235 hp.

Volkswagen hasn't said a word about availability here in the United States just yet, but we're keeping our fingers crossed. The Golf GTI 35 Edition makes its official debut at the infamous GTI Meet in Wörthersee, Germany, on June 1st. Follow the jump for VW's (translated) press release.

Continue reading VW celebrates GTI anniversary with 235-hp Edition 35

VW celebrates GTI anniversary with 235-hp Edition 35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 May 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>35 editiongolfgtivolkswagenvwTue, 10 May 2011 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19936414/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/10/vw-celebrates-gti-anniversary-with-232-hp-edition-35/19936414/article-detail.xml 19936414 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[GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/gti35-com-celebrates-volkswagen-hot-hatchs-anniversary-with-spe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/gti35-com-celebrates-volkswagen-hot-hatchs-anniversary-with-spe/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/26/gti35-com-celebrates-volkswagen-hot-hatchs-anniversary-with-spe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com
Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not unusual for an automaker to roll out a special anniversary model when the brand or a specific model celebrates a milestone. This Volkswagen doesn't come from Wolfsburg itself, though. Instead, an independent outfit bent on marking the 35th birthday of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is behind the effort.

Partnering with German tuning house Wunschel Sport, the website GTI35.com has outfitted the hopped-up Golf with a 50-horse boost to 260 hp, a body kit, lowered suspension, and 19-inch OZ Quaranta wheels on low-profile rubber. The result is a claimed half-second off the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint, now down to 6.4 seconds (as equipped with the DSG) and a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).

The titanium-colored aftermarket special also wears decals emulating a racing number, which is repeated on the keychain, parking sign and t-shirt that come along with the €32,800 package, which is also available as individual components. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com


[Source: GTI35.com]

Continue reading GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack

GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>golfgtigti35gti35.comvolkswagenvolkswagen golfvolkswagen golf gtivolkswagen gtivwvw golfvw golf gtivw gtiwunschelwunschel sportSat, 26 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19889152/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/26/gti35-com-celebrates-volkswagen-hot-hatchs-anniversary-with-spe/19889152/article-detail.xml 19889152 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/we630-03-gti35_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/we630-03-gti35.jpg <![CDATA[First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/2012-volkswagen-golf-r-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/2012-volkswagen-golf-r-first-drive-review-road-test/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/07/2012-volkswagen-golf-r-first-drive-review-road-test/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A Hotter GTI Is Hatched

2012 Volkswagen Golf R
2012 Volkswagen Golf R - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're slumming through traffic in downtown Geneva, Switzerland, making our way towards the French border where we're about to spend a few hours flogging the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R along the twisty, narrow roads of the Alps. Right now, we're focused on the Golf's comfortable, well-appointed interior, and how its good visibility and relatively small stature make it a pleasant drive through heavy city traffic. It's just like every other GTI - or Golf, for that matter - in this regard. But as soon as we approach the entrance to highway A40, we find out exactly what that R badge is for.

We speed towards the sharp, right-hand on-ramp with a furious growl coming from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, and as we throw the wheel to the right, the Golf R hunkers down, digs its claws into the pavement, clips the apex of the ramp and sends us blasting onto the A40 with tremendous force.

"A GTI would have fallen all over itself right there," our co-driver states, matter-of-factly. He's right, too. Even with Volkswagen's nifty new XDS active differential, the GTI is prone to understeer when coming into a turn at high speed, and there's a decent amount of torque steer that makes the exit a bit more skittish than you'd prefer. But in the Golf R, with its fourth-generation 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and more powerful engine, every step of the high-speed cornering dance is executed perfectly.

You can imagine, then, that the rest of our drive through the French Alps was nothing short of bliss. The Golf R is Volkswagen's new poster child for hot hatchery, and if you've ever fallen in love with a GTI, be prepared to be absolutely smitten with this little number.

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R...


Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R: First Drive

2012 Volkswagen Golf R2012 Volkswagen Golf R2012 Volkswagen Golf R2012 Volkswagen Golf R2012 Volkswagen Golf R

Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R

First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Golf R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen golf rfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivegolfgolf rgtir32reviewsvolkswagenMon, 07 Mar 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19869726/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/07/2012-volkswagen-golf-r-first-drive-review-road-test/19869726/article-detail.xml 19869726 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/2012-volkswagen-golf-r_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/2012-volkswagen-golf-r.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/09/volkswagen-golf-r-coming-to-america-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/09/volkswagen-golf-r-coming-to-america-official/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/09/volkswagen-golf-r-coming-to-america-official/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Volkswagen Golf R20
2010 Volkswagen Golf R20 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a couple of years since Volkswagen's heavyweight hot hatch, the R32, graced America's shores, but now we have official word of a successor. Tuned by the in-house R team at Volkswagen, the Golf R should be a good bit more exciting than its already entertaining forebear, and hopefully, it will shave a few pounds off, too.

Unlike the R32, which was powered by VW's popular VR6, the new model will be powered by Volkswagen's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. And while Volkswagen isn't quoting power output for the new U.S. model, the European version currently on sale conjures up 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All of that gumption will be routed through VW's fourth generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which means the VW should once again be a good foil for cars like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Along with the power increase, VW is promising bigger brakes, an uprated suspension, 18-inch wheels, center-exit dual exhaust and a more liberally tuned ESP. Perhaps most interestingly, the Golf R will be available in both two and four doors and be paired exclusively with a manual transmission. That's right, we said it.

Although the press release after the jump doesn't mention when it will debut (our money's on Detroit), additional R accoutrements include model-specific aero bits and badging, along with upgrated trim and a new steering wheel, shift knob, and so on.

In other words, it's time to get excited.


Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012

Officially Official: Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S. for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volkswagen golf r202011 detroit auto showbreakingdetroit auto showgolf rgolf r20GTIR32volkswagen golf r20Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19752867/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/09/volkswagen-golf-r-coming-to-america-official/19752867/article-detail.xml 19752867 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/volkswagen-golf-r20-630_01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/volkswagen-golf-r20-630_01.jpg <![CDATA[Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI - It's got its mojo workin' again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/26/review-2010-volkswagen-gti-its-got-its-mojo-finally-workin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/26/review-2010-volkswagen-gti-its-got-its-mojo-finally-workin/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/26/review-2010-volkswagen-gti-its-got-its-mojo-finally-workin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

In 1983, Run-DMC was fresh (which meant dope), Volvo 760 Turbos weighed 3,300 pounds and the 2,200-pound Volkswagen GTI made its U.S. debut. In 2010, the Rabbit-turned-Golf entered its sixth generation and attempted to draw a clear line to the first-generation car. The historical link has been made especially clear in the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, though it's gone through the typical changes you face when you hit your 30s. The GTI is now 1,000 pounds porkier, but it's still as slick as a greased pig when it comes to handling.

Inside, there's plaid seat upholstery and higher-quality materials. Just like it was back in '83, the underhood motivation is only available from a four-cylinder, a change from recent generations that could be stuffed with Volkswagen's VR6. At a glance, the 2010 model promises to be more visceral than its direct predecessors, but does it come anywhere near the primal magic of the original, or is it just playing dress-up? Click through to the jump to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI


Photos by John Neff / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI - It's got its mojo workin' again

Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI - It's got its mojo workin' again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 GTI2010 Volkswagen2010 Volkswagen GTI2010Gti2010Volkswagen2010VolkswagenGtifeaturedGTIGTI reviewGTI road testGtiReviewGtiRoadTestreviewreviewsroad testRoadTestVolkswagenVWVW GTiVwGtiWed, 26 May 2010 11:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19491896/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/26/review-2010-volkswagen-gti-its-got-its-mojo-finally-workin/19491896/article-detail.xml 19491896 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10vwgti---lead21_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/10vwgti---lead21.jpg -1 2