Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Volkswagen shows off performance-ish Passat concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/volkswagen-passat-performance-concept-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/volkswagen-passat-performance-concept-detroit-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/volkswagen-passat-performance-concept-detroit-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept

As part of its 2013 Detroit Auto Show debut package, Volkswagen has rolled out a sportier version of the Passat sedan, though it's strictly conceptual for now. A small dose of go-fast visuals have been added to the handsome Volkswagen, including 19-inch wheels, carbon-capped mirrors, an advanced front lighting system, LED taillamps and dual exhaust. Some carbon bits and upgraded leather are found inside the cabin, as well.

But the real performance chops come in the form of a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends 250 horsepower to the Passat's front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. That's a good boost in power over the 170 hp of the base 2.5-liter inline-five, but not quite as potent as the 3.6-liter VR6. A lowered sport suspension and revised electronic steering are also on hand, making things slightly more involving out on the road... we assume.

It's not quite the performance concept we were hoping for, but a more enthusiastic Passat isn't necessarily a bad thing. Scroll down for the press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen shows off performance-ish Passat concept

Volkswagen shows off performance-ish Passat concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto showdetroitdetroit 2013passatpassat performance conceptvolkswagenvwMon, 14 Jan 2013 17:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427977/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/14/volkswagen-passat-performance-concept-detroit-2013/20427977/article-detail.xml 20427977 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-passat-performance-concept-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-passat-performance-concept-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen breaks 40-year-old sales record in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The last time Volkswagen moved this many vehicles in America in one year, Richard Nixon was still a President in good standing, Let It Be was a radio hit and each car wearing the VW badge boasted an air-cooled engine. That's right, with a grand total of 580,286 vehicles sold in the US last year, the VW Group has broken its own four-decades-old sales record by 2,899 vehicles.

Of that 580k total sold, 438k were Volkswagens and 139k were Audi products - increases of 35.1 percent and 18.5 percent, respectively, in year-over-year sales. The ultra-premium members of the VW group also fared well; Bentley delivered 2,315 vehicles for a 23.3-precent increase, and Lamborghini delivered 520 units for a 52.9-percent jump. Bugatti, we're told is "right on track."

Jetta (pictured) sales paced the marque with 170k models sold, and Passat also finished very strong with sales of 117k total. Tiguan also racked up its best year on file, with 31,731 models shifted.

The company expects what it is calling "moderate growth" for the 2013 sales year ahead, though perhaps not at so blistering a rate as it racked up in 2012. Scroll down to read the official Volkswagen press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen breaks 40-year-old sales record in 2012

Volkswagen breaks 40-year-old sales record in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibentleybugattijettalamborghinipassatsales recordtiguanvolkswagenvwSun, 13 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20427592/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/13/volkswagen-breaks-40-year-old-sales-record-in-2012/20427592/article-detail.xml 20427592 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-jetta-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-jetta-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen unveils sportier Passat Performance Concept ahead of Detroit debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/volkswagen-unveils-sportier-passat-performance-concept-ahead-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/volkswagen-unveils-sportier-passat-performance-concept-ahead-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/volkswagen-unveils-sportier-passat-performance-concept-ahead-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept

Ahead of its official unveiling at next week's Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen has released some preliminary details and images of its Passat Performance Concept - a car that, as its name suggests, adds a little more spice to the automaker's midsize sedan formula. VW makes no mention of any production intent for this road-ready-looking sedan, simply stating that the Performance Concept is a way to "explore this practical four-door's sportier side."

It certainly doesn't look too sporty, the only visual upgrades being larger 19-inch wheels, dual exhaust, bi-xenon headlamps with VW's Advanced Front Lighting system, LED taillmaps and carbon-look mirror caps. Inside, there are carbon interior accents and two-tone leather upholstery. But no matter, the real upgrades for this mightier Passat are found below the sheetmetal.

Powering the Performance Concept is a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out 250 horsepower and sending its grunt to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission. For reference, that's 80 more horsepower than the Passat's base 2.5-liter inline-five, but 20 horsepower less than the potent 3.6-liter VR6. As for other performance upgrades, Volkswagen has fitted the car with a lowered sport suspension and revamped electronic steering, which should indeed add a bit more dynamic feedback to the already nice-driving sedan.

We'll see the Performance Concept in the metal next week under the lights of Cobo Hall. In the meantime, scroll down to read Volkswagen's brief press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen unveils sportier Passat Performance Concept ahead of Detroit debut

Volkswagen unveils sportier Passat Performance Concept ahead of Detroit debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto showdetroitdetroit 2013passatpassat performance conceptvolkswagenvwFri, 11 Jan 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20426505/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/11/volkswagen-unveils-sportier-passat-performance-concept-ahead-of/20426505/article-detail.xml 20426505 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-volkswagen-passat-performance-concept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/001-volkswagen-passat-performance-concept628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VW transporter conflagration - video screencap

Watching a small fire that no one can stop from becoming a big fire is like watching a train wreck in Super Slo-Mo. That is the spectacle we get from a rural two-lane road in Poland when a transporter truck hauling seven Volkswagen Passat wagons catches flame.

The cause appears to be some sort of tire or axle failure on the trailer that starts a small fire under one of the cars. For unknown reasons, no one among the bystanders has a fire extinguisher, so they try to put the flames out with snow. That doesn't work, and then when it takes 12 minutes for the volunteer fire department to arrive in their vintage Mercedes-Benz pump and get the first stream of water shooting - almost five minutes before the state fire department - the conflagration is big enough to cook cattle and s'mores for Zeus.

The transporter inferno is on the long side at 23 minutes, but you'll find it all in the video below.

Continue reading Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens

Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefire departmentlive leakpassatpassat wagonpolandtransportervideovideosvolkswagenFri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/20416796/article-detail.xml 20416796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vwtransporterfire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vwtransporterfire.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2013 Honda Accord V6 Coupe - red - front three-quarter view

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed its annual list of Top Safety Picks, an award that highlights automobiles it says offer "superior crash protection." A new and still more significant award, the Top Safety Pick+ honor, is given to those vehicles that earn good ratings for occupant protection in four out of five areas of measure. And while some 117 vehicles were given the TSP seal of approval for 2013, just 13 passed muster for TSP+.

To be fair, IIHS only evaluated 29 vehicles with its new testing procedures for TSP+ (we'd expect that the number of qualified cars will rise substantially for 2014). Luxury and Near Luxury midsize cars were the first groups evaluated, followed by midsizers in the Moderately Priced Cars category - unsurprisingly, it's only midsize cars that you'll find among the class this year.

Only two luxury sedans made the list of 13 for 2013: the Acura TL and Volvo S60. The other 11 cars on the list included entries from domestic, Japanese and German car makers: Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (sedan and coupe), Kia Optima (but not its close kin, the Hyundai Sonata, strangely), Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Outback, Suzuki Kizashi and the Volkswagen Passat all made the grade.

Scroll down below for the full IIHS press release, and some more information about the methodology behind the institute's new Top Safety Pick+ testing.

Continue reading IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013

IIHS says these are the safest cars of 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002013 iihs top safety pickaccordaccord coupeacuraaltimaauto safetyavengerchryslerdodgefordfusionhondaiihsinsurance institute for highway safetykiakizashilegacynissaoptimaoutbackpassats60subarusuzukitltop safety picktop safety pick+volkswagenvolvoWed, 02 Jan 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20414992/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/iihs-says-these-are-the-safest-cars-of-2013/20414992/article-detail.xml 20414992 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/iihs-top-safety-picks-2013-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/2013-volkswagen-passat-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/2013-volkswagen-passat-tdi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/2013-volkswagen-passat-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Volkswagen Passat TDi - front three-quarter view

Can you name a fun-to-drive sedan with a manual transmission that can transport five adults and their luggage comfortably while sipping fuel at the rate of 50 mpg? The answer is the Volkswagen Passat TDI - a German antonym for "range anxiety."

The past forty years have seen the Volkswagen Passat evolve from a three-door hatchback with a 1.5-liter engine (sold as the Dasher in the States) to a four-door near-luxury sedan boasting a 4.0-liter W8 a decade ago. I'm making the case that today's reasonably priced diesel-burning 2.0-liter TDI is the best, and most sensible, Passat ever built.
  • The turbocharged, direct-injected, 2.0-liter inline-four is a little stump puller. While only rated at 140 horsepower, it delivers 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. Launching from a standstill - even with a full load - was uneventful and it pulled confidently under all driving conditions (even though the acceleration numbers are far from impressive).
  • According to the EPA, the Passat TDI earns 31 mpg city and 43 mpg highway - but not on my watch. My city average was more like 35 mpg and 50 mpg wasn't difficult to achieve on the highway at 70 mph. With an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, its cruising range is just short of the moon.
  • Curiosity got the better of me one night, so I decided to run a 100-mile highway loop between Camarillo and Goleta on Southern California's coastal US 101. Following a few suggestions, I pumped the tires up from the recommended 32 psi to 42 psi (51 psi is the maximum on the sidewall of the all-season Continental ContiProContact tires), shut off the air conditioning and set cruise control at 60 mph on the highway. Driving at this "hypermiling" speed was painful, but it delivered an impressive 56.9 mpg according to the Passat's computer - that's a burn rate of just over one gallon per hour!
  • The Passat's cabin is huge. Almost limousine-like in the second row, it easily swallowed two adults and three teenage soccer players (with all of the associated gear in the trunk) during a long drive to a weekend tournament. Nobody complained about room, and the air vents in the second row kept the atmosphere fresh.
  • The cabin appointments on the 6MT model, Volkswagen's SE trim, aren't very luxurious. An upgrade to a sunroof, navigation, leather upholstery or even an iPod interface requires acceptance of the dual-clutch DSG automatic, which brings with it lower fuel economy and a less engaging driving experience. That's very frustrating.
  • On the odd side of things, the clutch pedal transmitted an awful lot of engine vibration to the driver's left foot and I noticed an unnerving sound of fuel sloshing around inside the tank each time the sedan came to a stop (keep the radio on and passengers won't notice). [Volkswagen says the noise I heard was the AdBlue urea solution sloshing around inside its 4.9-gallon tank in the trunk. One tank lasts about 15,000 miles - MH]
  • Even though the diesel is the perhaps the wisest choice in the Passat family, Volkswagen doesn't seem to want offer consumers any incentives to take one home. Unattractive lease and financing rates on the TDI often make its more expensive gasoline counterparts (or worse, its competitors) more attractive in the showroom. America's wildly fluctuating (but generally costlier) diesel fuel prices don't help, either.

2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen passatfeaturedpassatpassat tdiquick spintdivolkswagenvwWed, 19 Dec 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20405200/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/19/2013-volkswagen-passat-tdi/20405200/article-detail.xml 20405200 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/passattdilead628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/passattdilead628.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Car and Driver mid-size sedan comparison test - 2013

Last year, the Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SE won a Car and Driver comparison test of mid-size sedans, beating the Honda Accord V6 and Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. A couple of months later, the same Passat model won a mid-size comparo from Motor Trend against the Hyundai Sonata GLS and Toyota Camry LE. Earlier this year, the VW won an even larger C/D comparison test, beating the Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Accord EX-L, Sonata SE, Kia Optima EX and Camry SE.

That's a convincing string of victories, but they're all against the old hotness. So C/D put the Passat 2.5 SE against the freshest mid-sized competitors, the all-new-for-2013 versions of the Ford Fusion SE EcoBoost, Honda Accord EX and Nissan Altima 2.5 SV, and, well, you'll have to see if the German's enormous back seat and good chassis were enough to keep it on top. You can find out how they all ranked, and why, in the video below.

Continue reading Car and Driver "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord

Car and Driver "Masters of the Middle" comparo sizes up Passat, Fusion, Altima and Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusion2013 honda accord2013 nissan altima2013 volkswagen passataccordaltimacar and drivercomparisonfordfusionhondanissanpassatvideovolkswagenMon, 12 Nov 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/car-and-driver-masters-of-the-middle-comparo-sizes-up-p/20376709/article-detail.xml 20376709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cdmid-sizecomparo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/cdmid-sizecomparo.jpg <![CDATA[VW trending toward best U.S. showing since 1973]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/vw-trending-toward-best-u-s-showing-since-1973/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/vw-trending-toward-best-u-s-showing-since-1973/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/vw-trending-toward-best-u-s-showing-since-1973/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 SEL - silver - front three-quarter view

Volkswagen product planners have been making more concerted overtures to North American customers over the last year or so, and their efforts appear to be working. On the strength of new Jetta and Passat models tailored specifically for U.S. customers (read: larger and less costly), VW is poised to reach its best sales year since 1973, says the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

According to the report, VW's sales are up 35.4 percent year over year for a total of 208,725 units, suggesting that the German automaker should see over 400,000 sales this year if its momentum holds up. Of particular note to the Tennessee paper, June's Passat sales totals exceeded 10,000 units for the fourth month in a row. The Passat is built in Chattanooga, where they are planning to add a third shift to keep up with demand by month's end.

Other products carrying water for the brand? VW's new Beetle, surging Golf and the facelifted Tiguan, whose sales are steadily improving after a slow start.

VW trending toward best U.S. showing since 1973 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlechattanoogagolfjettapassattiguanvolkswagenvolkswagen salesvwvw salesThu, 05 Jul 2012 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20272922/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/05/vw-trending-toward-best-u-s-showing-since-1973/20272922/article-detail.xml 20272922 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-vw-passat-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2012-vw-passat-review.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen designer claims no cost was taken out of Jetta, Passat interiors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/volkswagen-designer-claims-no-cost-was-taken-out-of-jetta-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/volkswagen-designer-claims-no-cost-was-taken-out-of-jetta-passa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/volkswagen-designer-claims-no-cost-was-taken-out-of-jetta-passa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Volkswagen Jetta interior

There was a lot of built-up excitement surrounding the larger and less costly 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, but the anticipation deflated among critics when the model's less-than-impressive interior was revealed to the world. Critics chided the cheapened cabin, and quite a few negative reviews followed.

It's tough to argue that in the process of its upsizing, the Jetta's interior wasn't downgraded with lesser plastics and trim. The 2012 Passat does a much better job in this regard, but even then there are some areas where it feels like cost has been taken out of the cabin. But none of that is apparently enough to stop designer Jae Min from taking issue with these characterizations. Ward's Automotive reports that VW's chief U.S. designer claims that the Jetta and Passat interiors were not the victims of cost-cutting. Min claims that the money was simply re-purposed, with money shifting "from here to there." The designer went on to add that the automaker was able to lower the starting price of both vehicles in part because of more flexible vehicle architectures and shifting production from Germany to the States.

While Min sounds convinced that no pennies were pinched, we're not so sure - unless when he says money was shifted "from here to there" he means "from where you can see and feel to where you can't." Regardless of what we think, one statistic is impossible to argue: Jetta sales have shot up 43.9 percent this year and Passat sales have skyrocketed by 80.9 percent. That, ladies and gentlemen, is letting the numbers do the talking.

Volkswagen designer claims no cost was taken out of Jetta, Passat interiors originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volkswagen jettajae minjettapassatvolkswagen jettavolkswagen passatvolkwagenvwvw qualitywardsFri, 18 May 2012 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240473/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/18/volkswagen-designer-claims-no-cost-was-taken-out-of-jetta-passa/20240473/article-detail.xml 20240473 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/long-term-2011-vw-jetta-tdi-interior_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/long-term-2011-vw-jetta-tdi-interior.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen gives the R-Line treatment to European-model Passat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/volkswagen-gives-the-r-line-treatment-to-european-model-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/volkswagen-gives-the-r-line-treatment-to-european-model-passat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/volkswagen-gives-the-r-line-treatment-to-european-model-passat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Passat R-Line

Few automakers can produce the kind of sports sedans that the Germans do. And for most of the country's automakers, those performance vehicles can be recognized by one letter (or a combination of a few): M for BMW, RS for Audi, AMG for Mercedes-Benz... and R for Volkswagen. The relatively new performance division at Wolfsburg has now gotten its hands on the Passat, and these are the results.

Well, almost, but not quite. You see, this isn't a full-on R performance variant, but an R-Line model that gives the midsize sedan (and wagon) a sportier look and an upgraded suspension, but without the engine mods you'd expect to come with it.

It also isn't the same Passat as the one we get here. Ours is made in America (Chatanooga, Tennessee, to be specific). This is based on the European model, and as such is available (in Europe, anyway) in both sedan and wagon form. In either body-style, the Passat R-Line includes a new aero kit (complete with sportier bumpers front and rear, side skirts, rear diffuser and deck-lid spoiler), 17-inch alloys, a sport-tuned suspension and a cabin decked out with sports seats, stainless steel trim and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The R-Line model stands as a separate trim level atop the Passat range - selling for €30,225 in Germany (equivalent to about $39k) - but buyers of the Comfortline and Highline trim levels can also specify the aero kit for an extra €990 (~$1,300). Check it out in the high-res image gallery for a closer look.

Volkswagen gives the R-Line treatment to European-model Passat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>passatpassat r-liner gmbhr-linevolkswagen passatvolkswagen passat r-linevwThu, 10 May 2012 18:41:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235067/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/volkswagen-gives-the-r-line-treatment-to-european-model-passat/20235067/article-detail.xml 20235067 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volkswagen-passat-r-line1web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volkswagen-passat-r-line1web.jpg <![CDATA[High-MPG Taylors drive a Volkswagen Passat 1,626 miles on one tank of diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/high-mpg-taylors-drive-a-volkswagen-passat-1-626-miles-on-one-ta/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/high-mpg-taylors-drive-a-volkswagen-passat-1-626-miles-on-one-ta/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/high-mpg-taylors-drive-a-volkswagen-passat-1-626-miles-on-one-ta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watch out, Wayne Gerdes, there's a new hypermiling crew in town.

John and Helen Taylor - Volkswagen calls them "mileage experts" and "the world's most fuel-efficient couple" - recently drove a stock 2012 Passat TDI SE all the way from Houston, Texas to Sterling, Virginia without refueling. That's 1,626.1 miles from just 19.3 gallons. Bad with numbers? VW has done the math for you: it's 84.1 miles per gallon (we came up with 84.2, but who's counting?).

The three-day trip happened earlier this month, and it turns out that the Taylors are not new to the high mileage game. They have previously set the "48 Contiguous U.S. States Fuel Economy Guinness World Record." Still, the new Passat TDI record is impressive and it mimics some of the ways that Gerdes runs his hypermiling trips. As you can see in the gallery, the gas tank was filled to the brim with gas (see here) and there was a LOT of documentation going on during the trip. These sorts of things are important, since the Taylors often run workshops on driving efficiently and have, over the years, "collected more than 90 world fuel economy and vehicle-related records from drives around the globe." They run the website Fuel Academy.

Continue reading High-MPG Taylors drive a Volkswagen Passat 1,626 miles on one tank of diesel

High-MPG Taylors drive a Volkswagen Passat 1,626 miles on one tank of diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean dieseldistance recordfuel academyhelen taylorhypermilingjohn taylorpassatpassat tditdivolkswagenwayne gerdesWed, 09 May 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20234276/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/high-mpg-taylors-drive-a-volkswagen-passat-1-626-miles-on-one-ta/20234276/article-detail.xml 20234276 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/taylors-jetta-mpg-vw-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/taylors-jetta-mpg-vw-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen weighs next Scirocco, diesel Alltrack for U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/volkswagen-weighs-next-scirocco-diesel-alltrack-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/volkswagen-weighs-next-scirocco-diesel-alltrack-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/volkswagen-weighs-next-scirocco-diesel-alltrack-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Scirocco R - dynamic front three-quarter shot

Do you miss the opportunity to buy a Volkswagen Scirocco? You're not alone. Of all the Volkswagen Group products offered overseas but not in these United States, the Scirocco tops our list. (Though we understand there are plenty out there pining for a Transporter van.) Discontinued in its previous iteration in 1988, the Scirocco made its triumphant return to the market in 2008, but with the global financial crisis setting in around the sometime, Volkswagen wasn't up to spreading itself thin enough to bring it here.

That could change with the next-generation model, however. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen is working on a next-generation Scirocco, and this one could very well make it Stateside. This according to Volkswagen of America CEO Jonathan Browning, who admitted as much while speaking with journalists at the New York Auto Show this past week. While it's unclear if he's referring to a facelifted version of the current model (expected to launch next year) or an all-new model, the prospect of finding a Scirocco - any Scirocco - in U.S. showrooms is tantalizing.

While he was at it, Browning reportedly also suggested the Passat Alltrack - which was shown in "concept" form in New York - could be sold here in diesel form, which strikes us as tantalizing (if expensive). Further, Browning reiterated that the company is looking into a mid-size crossover to slot in between the Tiguan and the Touareg, something we've heard before and fully expect to happen.

Volkswagen weighs next Scirocco, diesel Alltrack for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alltrackpassatsciroccotouaregvolkswagenvolkswagen alltrackvolkswagen passat alltrackvolkswagen sciroccovwTue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/volkswagen-weighs-next-scirocco-diesel-alltrack-for-u-s/20211663/article-detail.xml 20211663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/03vwsciroccornice_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/03vwsciroccornice.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen brings Passat Alltrack "concept" from overseas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/volkswagen-passat-alltrack-concept-2012-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/volkswagen-passat-alltrack-concept-2012-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/volkswagen-passat-alltrack-concept-2012-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Passat Alltrak Concept - live in New York

A Passat used to be a Passat, and that was that. But these days, things have gotten more complicated. Like Honda does with the Accord, the Passat that Volkswagen builds and offers in the United States is an entirely different vehicle from the one it offers overseas. And while we used to have a Passat wagon at our disposal in American showrooms, that one stayed on the opposite shore when the model was split.

And then there's the Alltrack. Taking a similar approach to what Volvo took to make its V70 into the XC70, what Subaru does to its Legacy to turn it into an Outback and what (perhaps most pertinently) sister-brand Audi does to its A6 to make it the Allroad, the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack production model was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show back in November with a higher suspension and some rugged-looking lower body cladding.

Although the Alltrack - or for that matter, the Passat wagon altogether - is not currently available in the United States, Volkswagen has brought the overseas model to the New York Auto Show (as a "concept", mind you) in an effort to gauge reaction. If it drums up enough support - and over 80 percent of you have supported in our informal poll so far - VW could opt to offer it to American customers as a more cost-effective alternative to the Audi Allroad range. The showcar seen here is fitted with a TDI diesel engine, but presumably if it came to the States, it would be offered with a gasoline engine as its main powerplant. Take a closer look in our gallery of high-resolution live images from the show floor and the official release below and decide for yourself.

Continue reading Volkswagen brings Passat Alltrack "concept" from overseas

Volkswagen brings Passat Alltrack "concept" from overseas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen passat alltrackalltrackalltrack conceptnew yorknew york 2012new york auto showpassatpassat conceptvolkswagenvolkswagen passat alltrackvwWed, 04 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20208535/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/volkswagen-passat-alltrack-concept-2012-new-york/20208535/article-detail.xml 20208535 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vw-passat-alltrack-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/vw-passat-alltrack-ny.jpg <![CDATA[VW bringing Passat Alltrak to New York as a concept [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/vw-bringing-passat-alltrak-to-new-york-as-a-concept-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/vw-bringing-passat-alltrak-to-new-york-as-a-concept-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/vw-bringing-passat-alltrak-to-new-york-as-a-concept-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Volkswagen is bringing its diesel-powered Passat Alltrack to the States after all. But don't get too excited - it's only coming in the form of a concept car at the New York Auto Show. At least, for now.

We last saw the Alltrack at the Tokyo Motor Show in November where VW announced that it would offer the all-wheel-drive wagon in the UK with two versions of the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four. The engines are rated at 138 and 168 horsepower, the smaller of which is available with a manual transmission.

Despite the fact that the Tokyo show car was a full-on production model, VW is calling the New York-bound Alltrack a concept to presumably gauge the U.S. public's perception. If Americans seem open to the Alltrack, it would be a welcome alternative to the pricy Audi Allroad and granola-flavored Subaru models.

Check out our Tokyo Motor Show gallery below, and scroll down for the official press blast. Be sure to tell us if you think the Passat Alltrack should come to the states in our poll, as well.


View Poll

Continue reading VW bringing Passat Alltrak to New York as a concept [w/poll]

VW bringing Passat Alltrak to New York as a concept [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alltracknew yorknew york 2012new york auto showpassatpassat alltrackvolkswagenvwMon, 02 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206112/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/02/vw-bringing-passat-alltrak-to-new-york-as-a-concept-w-poll/20206112/article-detail.xml 20206112 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-vw-alltrack-concept1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2012-vw-alltrack-concept1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen hiring 800 workers in Chattanooga to meet Passat demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/volkswagen-hiring-800-workers-in-chattanooga-to-meet-passat-dema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/volkswagen-hiring-800-workers-in-chattanooga-to-meet-passat-dema/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/23/volkswagen-hiring-800-workers-in-chattanooga-to-meet-passat-dema/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Volkswagen Passat

How well is Volkswagen doing with its new made-in-America Passat? What if we told you that sales in February were up 14,523.2 percent? Okay, perhaps that isn't the best measure of performance, given that there wasn't actually a 2011 model year Passat. But VW moved 8,189 of the midsize sedans last month after selling 6,318 in January.

While that's but a fraction of the 34,543 February sales for the Toyota Camry, it's enough that VW is adding another 800 jobs at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant that builds the car. That's the second ramp-up this year - VW already announced the addition of 200 jobs last month.

"Quite plainly, we need more Passats to meet the market demand and I'm glad that we can respond so quickly by adding staff in Chattanooga," said VW's U.S. President and CEO, Jonathan Browning.

VW currently employs over 2,700 people at the plant, though 500 actually work for a "staffing partner." VW says the new jobs will be filled both by those contract employees already working at the plant and by new hires. Positions include production, supervisors, quality engineers, and other professionals roles. Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen hiring 800 workers in Chattanooga to meet Passat demand

Volkswagen hiring 800 workers in Chattanooga to meet Passat demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chattanoogapassattennesseevolkswagenvolkswagen chattanoogavwFri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20199089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/23/volkswagen-hiring-800-workers-in-chattanooga-to-meet-passat-dema/20199089/article-detail.xml 20199089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-vw-passat-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-vw-passat-review.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA closes probes into VW Passat fires, GM medium-duty trucks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/nhtsa-closes-probes-into-vw-passat-fires-gm-medium-duty-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/nhtsa-closes-probes-into-vw-passat-fires-gm-medium-duty-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/nhtsa-closes-probes-into-vw-passat-fires-gm-medium-duty-trucks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Looks like Volkswagen and General Motors can breathe a corporate sigh of relief. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has closed investigations into both companies without issuing fines or ordering a recall.

The government safety agency said it had reviewed 43 reports of engine fires in 2001-2007 VW Passat models. The turbocharged four cylinder's ignition coils apparently were the source of the blazes. We reported on the initial investigation here.

After a 19-month study, NHTSA said, "The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment. There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time."

"Safety-related defect" or not, that hardly sounds comforting for Passat owners. Might want to get that ignition coil checked out.

GM got the all clear after the NHTSA checked into cracked cooling fans on the GMT-560 series of trucks, which includes Chevrolet, GMC and Isuzu 4500 and 5000 models. NHTSA said it "remains concerned about the potential for injury," but basically couldn't find the "root cause" and that the number of complaints seems to be "small and diminishing."

Hmmm. Might want to get those fans checked, too.

Check out the full PR text below to read the NHTSA report on the Passat.

Continue reading NHTSA closes probes into VW Passat fires, GM medium-duty trucks

NHTSA closes probes into VW Passat fires, GM medium-duty trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletgmgmcisuzuNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsanhtsa investigationpassatvolkswagenWed, 14 Mar 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192160/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/14/nhtsa-closes-probes-into-vw-passat-fires-gm-medium-duty-trucks/20192160/article-detail.xml 20192160 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2003-vw-passat_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2003-vw-passat.jpg <![CDATA[MAMA says Volkswagen Passat will knock you out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/#commentsFiled under:



Detroit has the North American Car and Truck of the Year. Chicago? The Family Vehicle of the Year. And for 2012, the winner is the Volkswagen Passat.

While we must have missed last year's inaugural winner - it was the Hyundai Sonata, by the way - we did catch this year's award presentation. The Passat beat out two other finalists, the Ford Explorer and Mazda5, in the voting of 68 automotive journalists. Those car scribes all belong to the Midwest Automotive Media Association, or "MAMA," as the Chicago-based group is affectionately known.

Candidates for the FVOTY must be new or updated vehicles that have four doors, have base prices under $50,000, and "appear at one of MAMA's two annual rallies." Other models considered in the 2012 voting included the Chevrolet Volt, Dodge Durango, Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Ford Focus, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Camry.

MAMA says Volkswagen Passat will knock you out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 family car of the year2012 volkswagen passat2012 vw passatchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showfamily car of the yearmamamidwest auto media associationpassatvolkswagenvwWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20167127/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/08/mama-says-volkswagen-passat-will-knock-you-out/20167127/article-detail.xml 20167127 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-vw-passat-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/01-2012-vw-passat-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Volkswagen Passat front-three quarter view

The good people of Tennessee are no doubt thrilled to have a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. The facility already features well over 2,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, and now the German automaker is bolstering employment by another 200 full-time VW staffers, boosting the employment total to 2,500 full-time and temp workers.

VW says it is making the move to enable the plant to increase production from 31 vehicles per hour to 35. The boosted line rate also means that VW dealers will soon have more Passat sedans to sell, though the automaker failed to mention the sedan in the post-jump press release. Given VW's torrid sales pace in January, we're guessing the jump in factory output will be good news for the automaker's retail outlets.

VW isn't just looking for line workers - the automaker is also looking for supervisors and engineers. Hit the jump to read over the VW press release, which includes information on how to apply for a position.

Continue reading Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga

Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen passatchattanoogahiringpassattennesseevolkswagenvolkswagen hiringvwFri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20162409/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/20162409/article-detail.xml 20162409 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-628-1322053009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-volkswagen-passat-628-1322053009.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen CC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sleek Four-Door Coupe Noses Upmarket



When European deliveries of the then new Volkswagen Passat CC started back in late 2007, even in its home market, the know-it-alls received it with skepticism. There didn't seem to be any burning need for a sexed-up four-door based on a Passat chassis. Was there an audience large enough for a Mercedes-Benz CLS-inspired sedan for the coupe-loving common family?

Apparently the smug automotive intelligentsia was wrong about the CC. In four years, the image-enhancing four-door with the swoopy body has quietly sold 320,000 units worldwide. Last we checked, that's a lot for something supposedly meant to fill a niche.

For the 2013 model year, the CC is receiving a mid-life updo in the form of several small but important touches. The unfortunate news is that many of the premium upgrades happening in this freshened CC for the European market will not come out to play in North America. But enough of them will, making a First Drive the proper thing to do. Besides, it's the least we could do when VW has finally changed the name of the car worldwide from the European "Passat CC" to the simpler "CC" moniker favored Stateside.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen CC

2013 Volkswagen CC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen ccccfirst driveFirstDrivepassatpassat ccvolkswagenvwThu, 19 Jan 2012 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/2013-volkswagen-cc-first-drive-review/20151557/article-detail.xml 20151557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-volkswagen-cc-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-volkswagen-cc-fd.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L SEL Premium]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/2012-volkswagen-passat-2-5l-sel-premium-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/2012-volkswagen-passat-2-5l-sel-premium-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/2012-volkswagen-passat-2-5l-sel-premium-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ich bin ein Mainstreamer

2012 Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen tried building cars in the U.S. once before, and it didn't end well for the Rabbits assembled in Westmoreland, PA. "In Vietnam, 'Westmoreland' was a synonym for boundless optimisim in the face of raw facts. The same principle applies here," said my friend Mike, explaining why his Rabbits at the time were imported from Das Vaterland. The real problem with American-made VWs wasn't Pennsylvania or a self-deluding General, Mike continued, but "mushbucket suspensions, chintzy build quality, frou-frou styling compromises," all resulting in a sub-par experience that's got Volks-folks with long memories wondering if we're doomed to repeat the past.

Volkswagen wants its new 2012 Passat to disprove that trope about repeating history, and the Passat has racked up awards like the Motor Trend Car of the Year and was a North American Car of the Year finalist, lending credence to VW's efforts. We contemplated if the United States earning its own version of the Passat makes us elite or uncultured swine in the wake of our First Drive, and so we signed out a Passat SEL with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine to see what the Mainstream American Sedan Songbook sounds like when delivered with a German lilt.

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L SEL Premium

2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L SEL Premium originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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