Volkswagen recently rolled out its own Olympic team for the big Beijing 2008 event. They go by the names Touran, Lingyu, Crafter, Sagitar, and Magotan. While they'll never make the synchronized swimming squad, these official participants will be responsible for accompanying the Olympic torch throughout its nearly 25,000-mile journey.

You say you aren't familiar with these entrants? These are all models that Volkswagen sells outside of the United States in continents such as Europe and Asia. More specifically, the Touran (above) is a Golf-based 5-door MPV, the Lingyu is a sedan based on a previous-generation Passat, and the Crafter is a large commercial van. The Sagitar is a re-badged Jetta, and the Magotan is a flagship long-wheelbase Passat.

This eclectic team of Volkswagen vehicles numbering 1,000 strong will represent the German automaker, which has been selected as, "The Official Vehicle for the Olympic Torch Relay." (You may recall Audi being named "The Official Premium Car of the Beijing Olympics" last year.) Cutting through the hype, it means VW will supply a substantial fleet of 1,000 cars to ensure the torch arrives in Beijing still ablaze. According to the VW press release, it will take 346 vehicles for the core convoy, 583 for administration and support, and 30 for security and media. We have no idea where the other 41 cars are going, but can tell you that we'd get the torch there intact with just a few cases of Red Bull and a hot new 2009 Scirocco.

[Source: VW]

VW unveils official Olympic torch relay vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sharan/Touran - could it mark the end of the current VW grille? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2007 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Not "crossing" the pond: Volkswagen's CrossTouran

Not "crossing" the pond: Volkswagen's CrossTouran originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Following sister-company Audi's example with the high-performance S model range (and, for that matter, similar divisions from competitors like Mercedes AMG and BMW M), Volkswagen has been developing its R range into a force to be reckoned with. First came the 250-hp Golf R32 hot hatch, followed by the recently-released 300-hp Passat R36 sports sedan. Now, just like Audi has the purely aesthetic (read: all show, no go) S-Line trim packages, VW is following suit in revealing the new R-Line.

With the R-Line, buyers of the Golf, Touran, Passat and Touareg can opt to for a more sporty appearance. The packages come in three increments: Trendline, Plus and Exterior. Developed by Volkswagen Individual, they include upgraded wheels in 17 and 18-inch diameters, competition-style steering wheels, pedals, more supportive seats and special interior trim. Buyers can also opt for blacked-out grilles, anthracite powder-coated wheels and full aero kits.

While Volkswagen was once the bare-bones, basic "people's car", the German carmaker has been striving to emerge from that shell with high-performance models, exclusive editions, high-end luxury automobiles and the like. The R-Line takes them a step further in that direction, giving buyers the option of spicing things up a bit.

(Follow the jump for the full hi-resolution image gallery.)

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches R-Line trim packages

Volkswagen launches R-Line trim packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Volkswagen Touran

Paris Motor Show: Volkswagen Touran originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Paris Preview: VW Shows off the new Touran

Paris Preview: VW Shows off the new Touran originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a bid to rationalize its vehicle lineup and control costs, Volkswagen's British outpost is taking a massive axe to its range, culling dozens of models and options from its order books. With in excess of 10,000 different build combinations and pressures to streamline their operations, VW has resorted to nixing entire trim levels, colors, options in an effort to simplify its offerings.

Models that have seen their final days on UK shores include the 4.2-liter V8 short-wheelbase Phaeton, the Polo in 1.4-liter TDI E, S, SE and Sport variants, and the Touran in 2.0-liter FSI 150 SE trim. Newer models like the Eos, Touareg, Jetta, and Fox have been spared.

The company promises that existing owners of discontinued models will not have any service or parts issues as a result.

While Autoblog has yet to confirm if mainland Europe is similarly affected, we would be surprised if similar measures weren't taken there as well. Will U.S. lineups receive a similar once-over? Nothing is certain, but VW's U.S. lineups have a far more abbreviated lineup of vehicles and trims on offer, particularly in areas of drivetrain options. If company officials do seek to lessen the number of build combinations, expect changes to be wrought with a far lighter hand.

[Sources: AutoExpress UK; VW-Resource.com]

Volkswagen strips vehicle lineup in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.