Autoblog

Polish team develops own Volkswagen Polo rally car

Noah Joseph — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Racing

News doesn't travel fast in Poland. In fact, very few things travel all that fast in Poland. Sure, the emergence of Robert Kubica on the Formula One scene has shown well for the Eastern European country, but when he tried his hand at rallying, well... he almost lost it. (His hand, we mean.) So you can imagine our surprise when we caught wind of a Volkswagen Polo rally car being developed in Poland.

Apparently nobody told a guy named Paul Dytko that Volkswagen was already building a Polo-based rally car to challenge the World Rally Championship. Or that sister-company Skoda had turned its Fabia (which shares its underpinnings with the Polo) into an S2000 rally car, too. Not that we're complaining, mind you - there's always room for another fire-breathing, 400-horsepower hatchback in the world. We're just surprised, is all.

Dytko is reportedly trying to raise funds to continue development on the project, and potentially take it to Pikes Peak to prove what it can do. In the mean time, the Polish Polo will be taking on hill climb events across Europe in the coming season, now just weeks away. But if you can't wait that long, there's a good six minutes of rather artfully shot footage of the prototype drifting sideways around what looks like an abandoned airfield after the jump. Check it out.

Continue reading Polish team develops own Volkswagen Polo rally car

Polish team develops own Volkswagen Polo rally car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen releases Polo R-Line and Passat Exclusive in Germany

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Luxury

We may have to wait a while for Volkswagen to release a Polo R - in fact it may never reach American showrooms at all - but as a stopgap measure VW has released a pair of R-Line packages for its diminutive hatchback that at least make it look the part.

The exterior R-Line trim package comes with wider wheels in either 16-inch diameter or 17, new bumpers front and rear, rear spoiler and diffuser, chrome exhaust tips, side skirts, fog lamps and gloss black grille. The interior package, meanwhile, gives the cabin Alcantara or leather trim, sport buckets, black headliner, a new steering wheel, piano-lacquer trim and aluminum pedals. Both kits can be fitted to either the Comfortline or Highline trim levels, and appear, for the time being, to be limited to the German market.

At the same time Volkswagen has rolled out a new Exclusive edition of the Passat, incorporating 18-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, chocolate brown Nappa leather trim with white top-stitching and wood and aluminum trim. Since this trim level is fitted on the sedan or wagon versions of the European-market Passat - an entirely different vehicle from the one we get here - we wouldn't hold our breath on this one making it to U.S. dealerships, either. But you can check 'em both out in the high-res image gallery for a closer look.

Volkswagen releases Polo R-Line and Passat Exclusive in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Polo R WRC looks ready to tackle the tarmac

Drew Phillips — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Racing

Volkswagen announced earlier this year that it would be entering the World Rally Championship starting in 2013 with the Polo R, and we got our first glimpse of the race car here in Frankfurt. While it's easy to see the similarities to the road version, the Polo R WRC has been transformed into an all-out rally car with widened fenders, a fully stripped and caged interior, and plenty of carbon fiber on the body. Under the hood is a race-prepped version of Volkswagen's 1.6-liter STI engine producing something in the range of 300 horsepower. 300 HP! This is a Polo, people.

Volkswagen is no stranger to rally racing, having won the 1986 Group A championship with a Golf GTI 16V and more recently finding success in the Australian and Finnish Rally Car Championships. VW also hopes to transfer some of the knowledge gained from competing in the Dakar Rally, which it has won the past three years.

We'll have to wait and see if the Polo R WRC finds similar success in motorsports, but with Volkswagen's backing, we wouldn't be surprised to see it on the podium soon enough. That won't be for a few years, though, so in the meantime, check out our photos of the car on display in Frankfurt.

Volkswagen Polo R WRC looks ready to tackle the tarmac originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" performed entirely inside a VW Polo

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Volkswagen

Porkka Playboys play Queen in a VW Polo - Click above to watch video after the jump

A Volkswagen Polo is a small car. Queen's epic "Bohemian Rhapsody," by contrast, is a huge song. Finnish musicians the Porkka Playboys inexplicably and delightfully decided to combine the two. The Playboys crammed their bodies and instruments into the old hatchback and promptly proceeded to rock out (apparently a Wayne's World-spec AMC Pacer was unavailable).

Who knew that the German subcompact was such an acoustical delight? Apparently these Finnish lads did, because their music sounds pretty awesome coming out of the rusty heap. Click past the jump to watch them make Freddie Mercury proud.

Also, if you wander over to their YouTube page, you'll find an excellent rendition of Motörhead's "Ace of Spades." Sadly, that song was not performed inside of a automobile. Either way, Volkswagen needs to hire these guys for its next Polo commercial.

Continue reading Watch Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" performed entirely inside a VW Polo

Watch Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" performed entirely inside a VW Polo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen WRC program to lead to street-legal Polo R?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Volkswagen Polo R WRC - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been an on-again, off-again affair with rumors of a possible R version of the Volkswagen Polo. But according to the latest from the Old World, things are looking up for the prospective pocket rocket.

The change in fortunes come down, according to Autocar, to the launch of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC, the car with which the German automaker is preparing to mount its assault on the World Rally Championship. As you can see, the rally machine carries R branding, prompting the British publication to press VW board member Ulrich Hackenberg on the renewed possibility of a production Polo R hot hatch.

Hackenberg admitted such a vehicle is more likely with the launch of the WRC Polo, but that it wouldn't arrive before 2013. As for specs, that's all up to speculation. Autocar figures on a version of the Polo GTI's 1.4-liter twin-charger four with over 200 horsepower, with or without the all-wheel-drive system being developed by Audi for the A1 built on the same platform. One way or another, we'll be watching this development as it unfolds (or doesn't).

Volkswagen WRC program to lead to street-legal Polo R? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo R WRC - Click above for high-res image gallery

Everyone wants to go rallying these days. Mini put the world on notice when it announced it was heading back into the WRC fray, and now Volkswagen wants to join that party. No longer content to watch its Touaregs blast across the vicious routes of the Dakar Rally, VW is bringing the Polo R WRC hot hatch to the World Rally Championship.

The all-wheel-drive Polo R WRC will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which Volkswagen expects will produce around 300 horsepower. Volkswagen Motorsport has high hopes for its WRC Polo, and hopefully the team can draw on the success that VW experienced with rallying in the 1980s. In 1986, a Volkswagen GTI was the winning car in the newly formed Group A. Look for the Volkwagen Polo R WRC to try and capture some of that former glory starting with the 2013 WRC season. Hit the jump for VW's official press release, as well as a teaser video. Hat tip to Chris!

Continue reading Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video]

Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is working hard to make sure it accomplishes its North American assimilation plan. In order to fully realize its ambitious 800,000-unit volume target, the automaker will be required to introduce an even greater variety of vehicles into its existing lineup. Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen North America, says that he and his team understand this, and a few new VW family members could wind up in U.S. dealer showrooms.

According to Car and Driver, Volkswagen believes that an additional crossover is needed to help round-out the lineup. This vehicle would need three-rows of passenger seating, and its crosshairs would target the likes of Ford's Explorer and the Honda Pilot. For whatever it's worth, the scuttlebutt we've heard is that VW is considering a stretched Tiguan to fill this duty, as a three-row Touareg would be too costly for the family-oriented segment.

Volkswagen could also be looking to go small. Though its current European-market Polo seems like an easy solution, VW believes that's not the case. The car is not ready for U.S. consumption, and it would require a bit of "Americanizing" before VW will sell you one.

We love the Polo and are looking forward to whatever form in which it arrives, but we'd love to see us some Scirocco and Amarok, too.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen to announce WRC entry in May

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST

Rumors surrounding a prospective motorsports expansion in the Volkswagen Group have been swirling around for years now. One of the largest automakers in the world, VW's factory-supported racing activities are largely limited to Audi and its considerable Le Mans program and Volkswagen's own Dakar efforts, with a handful of lower-level initiatives and non-works entries in other series. We're still expecting a big shake-up, but the first step, according to reports, will see the Volkswagen brand launch a challenge for the World Rally Championship.

The initiative was set to launch last month at the WRC Portugal Rally, but Germans being Germans, the launch was reportedly delayed because the papers had yet to be signed by the right people. With all the Johan Hanckonenshteins now apparently in place, the program is set to be announced next month at Italy's Sardegna rally.

Volkswagen's WRC entry is expected to revolve around the Polo (pictured above in South Africa in S2000 rally spec), which will challenge select rounds in 2012 before going flat-out for the full season in 2013 - similar to the path which Mini and Prodrive have taken with their new entry. Norwegian driver Petter Solberg - who won the championship for Subaru in 2003 - is rumored as a potential driver, as is Nasser Al-Attiyah, the Qatari driver (and competitive marksman) who won at Dakar in a Volkswagen Touareg this year as well as the WRC production class which he won in 2006 in a Subaru Impreza.

[Source: Autosport]

Report: Volkswagen to announce WRC entry in May originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: No Volkswagen Polo R for you!

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Off-Road

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought that Audi's adaption of the A1's platform for all-wheel drive would open the door for an AWD version of the Volkswagen Polo as well, think again. Although the A1 and the Polo share the same platform, the latest reports indicate that Volkswagen has no plans to apply the technology for an all-wheel-drive variant of the CrossPolo or a hotter Polo R.

This platform was never intended to accommodate all-wheel drive, but Audi saw it fit to tweak things in order to accommodate a Quattro version of the A1. The potential had sparked speculation about how this could be adapted for Volkswagen use, but according to reports, VW feels that a Polo R - with AWD or without - would crowd the already limited space between the above-pictured Polo GTI and the Golf GTI. Meanwhile, the automaker says that the soft-road CrossPolo is already popular enough in front-wheel-drive form, and even with Audi already laying the groundwork, the added expense of adapting the high-riding Polo to all-wheel drive wouldn't be worth the return.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

[Source: Autocar]

Report: No Volkswagen Polo R for you! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karl Lagerfeld gives Volkswagen hatchbacks some extra Style [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Celebrities, Design/Style

Volkswagen Golf & Polo Style by Karl Lagerfeld - Click above for high-res image gallery

Karl Lagerfeld might not be the first name you associate with automobiles - fashion and photography, sure, but not automobiles. The German fashion icon recently shot the latest Pirelli calendar, but that's not as close as he's getting to cars, as Volkswagen has brought him in to design and promote a new trim line.

Thus far offered exclusively in Germany, the Style packages for the Polo, Golf and Golf Plus upgrade on the plebeian hatchbacks' appearance with such special touches as new alloys, tinted windows and lamp lenses and the requisite special badges. There's also a Style Plus package that changes the wheels yet again and throws in a sunroof in the process.

The packages actually save customers money over spec'ing out the same vehicles with the same options independently, but is this a question of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts? Check out the photos in the gallery below along with the television commercial and press release (both of which are available only in German) after the jump to see for yourself.

Gallery: Volkswagen Style by Karl Lagerfeld

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Karl Lagerfeld gives Volkswagen hatchbacks some extra Style [w/video]

Karl Lagerfeld gives Volkswagen hatchbacks some extra Style [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end - treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper - plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options - three gasoline and three diesels - in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.

Intrigued? There's plenty more information where that came from in the press release after the jump, and a fresh batch of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Polo sedan unveiled in Russia

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Russia

2011 Volkswagen Polo Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen finally unveiled its new sub-compact Polo sedan in Moscow today, billing it as the first ever VW developed specifically for the Russian market. While Russia may be the first market for the trunked Polo, it isn't likely to have an exclusive on it for long. The Polo sedan is expected to make its way to North America within the next 12 months as part of VW's drive to expand its sales here to 800,000 units a year by 2018.

Like Americans, Russians consumers have generally had a preference for notchbacks over hatchbacks despite the sacrifices in utility. In an effort to keep the Polo sedan affordable in Russia, Volkswagen is equipping it with a 103-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline inline four-cylinder engine with a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

When the Polo arrives in the U.S., it will likely offer either this combination or the 1.2-liter turbocharged, direct injected TSI four- cylinder that we drove in Germany last fall.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo Sedan

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Polo sedan unveiled in Russia

Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Polo sedan unveiled in Russia originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen Polo GTI, 177 hp, 40 mpg and plaid seats!

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 10 May 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has fleshed out its latest generation Polo lineup with the introduction of a new GTI variant. This latest GTI has the same output as the last hot Pol,o but now produces it on one-quarter less petrol. Each and every one of its 177 horsepower now comes from VW's twin-charged 1.4-liter TSI inline-four with direct injection, a turbocharger and a mechanical supercharger. The combined fuel efficiency goes from 29.8 miles per gallon to 39.9 mpg on the EU test cycle.

The Polo GTI gets a similar rounded five spoke wheel design to its big brother, the Golf GTI, along with the obligatory red brake calipers and trim on the grille. Note, too, that this is the first Polo to get LED eyeliner running lamps and corner markers along with bi-xenon headlamps. In proper GTI fashion, the seats are covered in a plaid fabric just like the originals of three decades ago. In fact, with the growth of the Golf over six generations, this Polo is actually almost the same size as the original Golf.

Interestingly, the Polo GTI only comes with the quick shifting seven-speed DSG gearbox and sprints to 62 miles per hour in just 6.9 seconds, and handling will be aided by VW's electronic differential lock, which is said to reduce oversteer.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Polo GTI, 177 hp, 40 mpg and plaid seats!

Officially Official: Volkswagen Polo GTI, 177 hp, 40 mpg and plaid seats! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen R GmbH reportedly working on Polo R

Noah Joseph — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:28:00 EST

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's barely been a couple of months since Volkswagen confirmed the formation of its own high-performance division, dubbed R GmbH. But with the Golf R and Scirocco R already released, what is the highly anticipated new performance studio up to next?

According to reports, a new Polo R is on the way. Picking up where the (above) Polo GTI - due for release this summer, complete with 178-horsepower, 1.4-liter Twincharger four - leaves off, the Polo R is tipped to benefit from a 1.6-liter turbo four. Because the Polo's platform reportedly can't accommodate the VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the Polo R will likely drive around 210 horsepower through the front wheels only, slotting in nicely below 270-hp, all-wheel drive Golf R. Sources expect the Polo R's arrival in 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

[Source: Autocar]

Volkswagen R GmbH reportedly working on Polo R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI is the MKI for the 21st century

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST

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

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

When we drove the Volkswagen Polo in Deutschland last year, a few execs mentioned that the automaker was actively considering importing the subcompact hatch into the States. If they ever get up the gusto, the Polo GTI needs to make the trek as well.

Drawing a clearer line to the GTI's of yore than it's biggie-sized brother, the Polo GTI embodies everything we loved about the Mk1: a small footprint, supreme usability and a miserly mill packing a potent punch. In this newest iteration, said punch is provided by a 178-horsepower turbo- and supercharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder putting out an incredibly healthy 184 pound-feet of torque. Those figures aren't too far away from what our beloved GTI produces, and the Polo comes in a few hundred pounds lighter and doesn't skimp on the good bits (top notch interior and the XDS differential).

The GTI is set to go on sale in Europe this summer with a sticker of around £18,000. We figure if we ask nicely (and VW begins building the Polo in North America), we might get a crack at it in the U.S. Then again, we've been asking nicely for the Scirocco for over two years...

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Volkswagen Polo GTI

Continue reading Geneva 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI is the MKI for the 21st century

Geneva 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI is the MKI for the 21st century originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Volkswagen CrossPolo to join GTI in Geneva

John Neff — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen CrossPolo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen will be using the stage at this year's Geneva Motor Show to flesh out its new Polo range, which includes the base Polo, a high-efficiency Bluemotion model, the GTI version unveiled earlier this week and the CrossPolo revealed today. The latest generation CrossPolo takes the hatchback's sharp new styling and beefs it up with black plastic molding around the wheel arches, across the sills and bottom of each door, as well as on the front and rear bumpers. The front bumper gets a honeycomb treatment for the lower air intake and light silver trim at the bottom that suggests underbody protection (there isn't any, though). Also included are the CrossPolo's trademark silver anodized roof rails and handsome 17-inch two-tone wheels.

With the rear seat down, the little CrossPolo will swallow about 37 cubic feet of cargo, and Volkswagen offers no less than six (!) engines to haul all that stuff. There are three gas-powered engines that include a 1.2- and 1.4-liter four-cylinder, as well as a 1.2-liter TSI engine that features direct injection and turbocharging. There are also three diesel engines available and your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or 7-speed DSG automatic. That is, if you live in Europe.

The Polo remains off limits to U.S buyers for now, but VW has confirmed it will eventually be sold in the U.S. We drove a new Polo with the most powerful 1.2-liter TSI engine recently and came away eager for the day it goes on sale in the States. With the unveiling of the GTI and CrossPolo, we're now anxious.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen CrossPolo

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading New Volkswagen CrossPolo to join GTI in Geneva

New Volkswagen CrossPolo to join GTI in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: 178-hp Volkswagen Polo GTI revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST

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

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen's taken the wraps off its all-new Polo GTI ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, and while the hotted up hatch appears to be a scaled down version of its Golf brethren, it's more devoted to the original GTI's ethos than its larger sibling.

Sharing an engine with the SEAT Ibiza Cupra, the Polo GTI packs a 178 horsepower and 184 pound-foot punch from its turbo- and supercharged 1.4-liter gasoline-powered four. VW's XDS differential receives power from a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, allowing the GTI to scoot to 60 in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 163 mph.

Pricing hasn't been set for the European market yet, but expect the GTI to carry a £18,000 sticker when it arrives in August. And if VW decides to pull the trigger and bring the Polo to the U.S., here's hoping the GTI can sneak on board the ship. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 178-hp Volkswagen Polo GTI revealed

Geneva Preview: 178-hp Volkswagen Polo GTI revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Quick Spins

2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

At last year's Geneva Motor Show, we got our first in-person look at the all-new fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo, the brand's popular B-segment model that slots in below the ever-expanding Golf and Jetta range. While subcompact vehicles like the Polo have been a staple in Europe for decades where fuel prices hover around $8/gallon, in the last few years, Americans have finally started to take a serious look at cars of this size. With the Honda Fit and Mini Cooper well established, the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 twins on the way and an all-new Chevrolet Aveo coming late in 2010, the market for subcompact runabouts is picking up steam in the States - and VW is taking a long, hard look at adding the Polo to its North American lineup in the next few years.

With that in mind, VW trotted out a fleet of Polos for us to sample on its home turf near Wolfsburg, Germany recently - and while the automaker has yet to make a firm decision about importing the Polo to the U.S., they clearly wanted our feedback. Here's what we told VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby and his staff.

Gallery: Quick Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come

Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mk1 Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing does the quarter in 9.38

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Volkswagen

MkI Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing - Click above to watch the video

Remember that drag racing, 700-horsepower Saab 99 with the Audi Quattro chassis swap? Well here's the MkI Volkswagen Polo version of that car, by AME Racing. The Wild Wild East German tuning house thoroughly reworked the motor, getting 1,032 horsepower and 701 pound-feet out of the 1.9-liter lump. Yes, a giant turbo is involved. Redline is a sky-high 9,500 rpm. Going from standstill to 60 miles per hour takes 2.3 seconds. That's less time than it took you to read that sentence.

We'll let the car do the rest of it's talking. Follow the jump to see the vid and watch a Polo do things that can only be described as "ridiculous."

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: Mk1 Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing does the quarter in 9.38

Video: Mk1 Volkswagen Polo by AME Racing does the quarter in 9.38 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Sedan, Volkswagen, Rumormill

It seems that we'll be getting a new Jetta sedan next June, and it apparently won't be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to Car and Driver, VW's so-called New Compact Sedan, which will be built at the same Mexican plant that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.

Following its June debut here in the States, Volkswagen will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there's a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.

Lastly, we're told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there's a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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