Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #327

Dan Roth — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Truck, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Lincoln, Volkswagen

New York Auto Show, Jim Farley interview, 2014 Chevrolet Silverado fuel economy, Ford fuel economy app challenge

Episode #327 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about this year's New York Auto Show, Chevrolet's latest assault in the pickup truck fuel economy battle, and Ford's reward for developing a better fuel economy app. Dan also has an interview with Ford's Jim Farley about the future of Lincoln. We wrap with your questions and emails, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #327:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
2013 Jaguar XFR
2013 Chevrolet Traverse

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:36:11

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #327

Autoblog Podcast #327 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sets world speed record at 185 mph

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Sedan, Volkswagen

After blasting down the Bonneville Salt Flats at 185 miles per hour, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is now the "world's fastest hybrid," according to VW.

The modified Jetta Hybrid was driven by Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago, and the official speed was 185.394 mph (298.363 kph). That is "the fastest speed ever achieved by a production-based hybrid car on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats." Production-based here still means that the powertrain was modified by Volkswagen engineers in Germany. We can see aerodynamic wheels, but exact changes that were implemented were not described, only that the car was "run according to SCTA rules." The production Jetta Hybrid gets 45 miles per gallon and has a 0-60 time of 9.0 seconds. It uses a four-cylinder, 1.4-liter turbocharged, 150-horsepower, TSI gasoline engine mated to a 20-kW (27-hp) electric motor.

Sure, 185 mph is impressive, but it's not that far ahead of the record set in May by a huge hybrid Volvo truck in the flying kilometer: 165 mph. We suggest a head-to-head.

Continue reading Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sets world speed record at 185 mph

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sets world speed record at 185 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen designer claims no cost was taken out of Jetta, Passat interiors

Chris Shunk — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Design/Style

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.

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What crisis in Europe? Volkswagen announces best-ever first quarter sales

Dan Roth — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Volkswagen

Apparently the Jetta and Passat redesigns are working well, because Volkswagen is reporting 1.36 million vehicle deliveries for the first quarter of 2012. That's an increase of more than ten percent over last year, and in March alone, VW delivered a record 536,600 cars.

Wait a minute, aren't things bleak in Europe? Indeed, while Volkswagen managed to eke out a 5 percent increase in European market deliveries, that's mostly thanks to solid sales performance in Germany. Deliveries to the rest of Western Europe drooped by almost four percent. It seems Volkswagen is compensating for this challenging situation by selling the bejeezus out of its vehicles in markets like Russia, China, South America, and the United States. You know, the entire rest of the world. Check out the press release posted after the jump.

Continue reading What crisis in Europe? Volkswagen announces best-ever first quarter sales

What crisis in Europe? Volkswagen announces best-ever first quarter sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mythbusters test the lumber-hauling prowess of a Jetta

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Volkswagen, Celebrities, Humor

Remember the old saw about German cars being "over-built?" Well, if this doesn't lend it some credence, nothing will.

MythBusters decided to try its hand at debunking the decade-old "Lumber Car" photo. You know you've seen it at least a dozen times by now - the Volkswagen Jetta with the giant stack of plywood and two-by-fours on the roof? So the guys found a Jetta III, bought some 3,000 pounds of building supplies, and... Well, we can't tell you exactly what happens, as that would spoil the ending, but you can clearly see that they at least managed to get the car loaded.

Maybe VW ought to try something like this with its "Great For The Price of Good" Jetta to convince the faithful it is still building them in the German tradition?

Watch the whole four-and-a-half minute "MiniMyth" after the jump.

Continue reading Mythbusters test the lumber-hauling prowess of a Jetta

Mythbusters test the lumber-hauling prowess of a Jetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW pokes fun at motorcyclists in new spot for South Africa

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Videos, Volkswagen, Motorcycle, Humor

Riding a motorcycle isn't for everyone. Aside from the requisite blatant disregard for personal safety, there are a host of inconveniences to deal with. Bugs, heat, dirt, dust, grime and the stench of road kill can all put a kink in an otherwise enjoyable afternoon of riding. We understand that, but it doesn't mean we're going to be trading the bike for what could very well be the most bland compact available on the market right now. Volkswagen South Africa has released a new ad for the company's Jetta featuring a duo of would-be motorcycle heroes as they endure the slings of motorcycling on a pair of beautiful Kawasaki steeds.

After a variety of calamities ensue, the two decide to swap their bikes for the ultimate symbol of domestication: the Jetta. Approving nods from seasoned bikers ensue and the screen rolls to black. As you can likely tell, we have a bit of an issue with the ad, entertaining as it may be. Perhaps the spot would have gone down a little easier if our two failed bikers had swapped their machines for a GTI. Hit the jump to check out the ad for yourself.

Continue reading VW pokes fun at motorcyclists in new spot for South Africa

VW pokes fun at motorcyclists in new spot for South Africa originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011-2012 VW Jetta models recalled over.... excessively long exhaust?!

Eric Loveday — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

German automaker Volkwagen is recalling 30,294 of its 2011-2012 model year Jetta sedans for tailpipe finishers that extend beyond the vehicle's rear bumper.

On certain Jettas, stainless steel exhaust tips - sold at the point-of-purchase and installed at port during importation - may extend beyond the original length of the factory-installed exhaust pipes, a situation that could result in burns if bumped or touched while hot.

VW will notify owners of affected Jetta models by the end of November and says that dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the stainless tips with updated versions. Owners are urged to contact Volkswagen for additional info. Follow the jump for more details.

Continue reading 2011-2012 VW Jetta models recalled over.... excessively long exhaust?!

2011-2012 VW Jetta models recalled over.... excessively long exhaust?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen paints Canada red & white with first GLI commercial

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Canada

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI commercial - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

If you want a hot hatch, you could do a lot worse than the Volkswagen GTI. But if you're looking for a sedan with a fixed trunk, drop the T and pick up an L for the Jetta GLI.

The compact sports sedan debuted earlier this year in Chicago - packing the same 200-horsepower turbo four and XDS diff as its be-hatched brother - and is just about ready to hit the North American market it's designed for. So to drum up some enthusiasm, VW shot a rather innovative commercial... in Canada.

The television spot combines video and long-exposure photography to paint shapes with the head and tail lamps. The effect is quite stunning, and you can watch it for yourself - along with a making-of video - right after the jump.

Continue reading Volkswagen paints Canada red & white with first GLI commercial

Volkswagen paints Canada red & white with first GLI commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We check out VW's new Fender audio systems

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Technology, Volkswagen

At the 2011 New York Auto Show we experienced the 400-watt, nine-speaker Fender premium audio system in the Volkswagen Passat, Jetta GLI and Beetle, the three models in which it will be offered. When VW announced the partnership last December, the company said "Volkswagen and Fender put the concert in the car." That wasn't just a reference to getting good sounds in your ride, it was also a clue to how you'd get that sound. But before we even sat down in the Passat for a listen, our first question was: why Fender?

Continue reading New York 2011: We check out VW's new Fender audio systems...

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

Continue reading We check out VW's new Fender audio systems

We check out VW's new Fender audio systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video]

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Safety, Videos, Acura, Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen

2011 Consumer Reports best cars for teens - Click above for high-res image gallery of the picks

Letting a 16-year-old loose on the world behind the wheel of a couple of tons of metal is a terrifying thought. Statistically, teens are more likely to die in a car accident than by any other means, and, most of the time, those accidents are avoidable.

To make picking a car for your teen easier, Consumer Reports has come up with a list of relatively new, relatively cheap options to keep your kids safe while they ~~bomb around with five of their friends~~ make the commute between school, work and home.

As you may imagine, CR recommends a family sedan that packs in as many modern safety features as you can afford, including stability control, ABS, traction control and side curtain air bags. They eschew trucks and SUVs due to their comparatively poor handling, high centers of gravity and bad gas mileage. Don't even go there with sports cars.

Consumer Reports prime choices are as follows: the Acura TSX, the 2009 and up Ford Focus, the 2007 and up Hyundai Sonata or Hyundai Elantra, 2007 and up Mazda3, 2008 and on Scion xB, and both the 2007 and up Volkswagen Jetta and Rabbit/Golf. Click past the jump for a video of CR's choices.

Gallery: 2011 Consumer Reports best cars for teens

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video]

Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: European Volkswagen Jetta could come to the U.S. in 2014

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Rumormill

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta that we get in the United States is a different animal than the one enjoyed throughout Europe. European Jettas are fitted with a multi-link rear suspension setup, upgraded wiring harness to handle more complex optional features and more upscale interior materials. Why don't we get these things? The main answer is cost.

A base Jetta in Germany would cost about $24,000 in the United States, and that is before any taxes are added. That base Jetta also features a less powerful 105-horsepower engine. That is a hefty leap over the North American Jetta's base of $15,995. However, if the new VW Jetta sells well in the States, there is a chance we could start to see some features that the European customers enjoy.

Strong sales would show that the Jetta is in high demand, meaning Volkswagen could realistically introduce the upgraded European features by way of a mid-model change, perhaps by 2014. Will it happen? Somehow, we tend to doubt it... but a lot can happen in three years.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: European Volkswagen Jetta could come to the U.S. in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fender teams up with Panasonic for Volkswagen audio systems

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Volkswagen

Ask a car guy what a fender is and he'll point to the front corners of a car. A musician, meanwhile, will show you his guitar. (A sailor will toss a rubber bumper over the side, but that's neither here nor there.) But now the two are coming together as reports indicate that the iconic guitar company is getting into the auto industry.

Well, almost. That'd be one bridge too far, but they are closing the divide by developing car stereos. The project is reportedly being undertaken with Panasonic, and developed specifically for Volkswagen.

The Fender-Panasonic systems will reportedly be deployed first on the Jetta, then the New Beetle and finally the new Tennessee-built Passat. Whether the VWs carrying the new audio systems will be special editions with unique "fender badges" remains to be seen.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Fender teams up with Panasonic for Volkswagen audio systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

KBB.com names its 20 Most-Researched vehicles for 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kelly Blue Book has compiled a list of the most researched new vehicles for 2010, as well as brands that hold the greatest market share of interest. The Honda Accord, Civic and Toyota Camry claim the top three spots -- not a surprise if you've been reading this list the last few years. Since 2004, the same three vehicles have garnered the most attention at KBB.com.

While it's not a surprise to see those three, it's a nice change of pace for a few newcomers to the list. The Hyundai Sonata was 29th overall last year, but has risen 24 spots to claim the title of fifth most-researched vehicle for 2010. Not everyone rose this year, of course. Two notable vehicles, the Toyota Prius and Corolla, dropped a few spots compared to 2009.

It's not all bad news for Toyota, however, because KBB.com also takes a look at each brand's market share of interest among new car buyers. Toyota leads the way at 13.4 percent, with Honda, Ford, Chevrolet and Nissan rounding out the top five in that order.

Here's how the Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010 breaks down:

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda CR-V
5. Hyundai Sonata
6. Nissan Altima
7. Honda Pilot
8. Ford Mustang
9. Toyota Highlander
10. Toyota RAV4
11. Toyota Sienna
12. Honda Odyssey
13. Chevrolet Equinox
14. Toyota Corolla
15. Ford Fusion
16. Ford Escape
17. Toyota Prius
18. BMW 3 Series
19. Chevrolet Camaro
20. Volkswagen Jetta

Be sure to click past the jump to read the full release from Kelley Blue Book.

Gallery: Kelley Blue Book's Top 20 Most-Researched Vehicles for 2010

[Source: KBB.com]

Continue reading KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010

KBB reveals 20 most researched cars of 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen planning hotter Jetta R

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, Volkswagen will be offering a performance-oriented R version of its sixth-generation Jetta. The automaker has already launched its Golf R and Scirocco R overseas, and VW has long said that it plans to expand its performance offerings around the world.

Volkswagen reportedly showed European media a version of the Jetta equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 during the car's official launch last week. No power numbers were divulged, but Autocar states that a six-speed dual-clutch transmission was fitted to this Jetta, as was 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Ulrich Hackenberg, VW's head of research and development, says that the Jetta R is being heavily considered and that if customer demand is there, it will be produced (sounds familiar, doesn't it?). If the Jetta R does see the light of day, we're willing to bet that it will come to North American soil, especially since the United States is the new Jetta's key market. Here's hoping.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Volkswagen planning hotter Jetta R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Volkswagen Jetta headed to Europe

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has announced that the 2011 Jetta will make the 'trip' to its homeland next year and will start at €20,900 ($28,941 U.S.) in Germany. Promising to inject "a new dimension of quality to the saloons of the compact class," that opening gambit price will get you the 103-horsepower, 1.2 TSI model in Trendline trim. Big spenders can get in at the top of the pile by choosing the Highline trim with the 2.0 TDI DSG for €29,950 ($41,473 U.S.).

Trendline is the lowest of three trims on offer, yet while it sits on 16-inch steel wheels the rest of the car isn't totally spartan: climate control, heated outside mirrors, Hill Climb Assist and trailer stabilization. Next up is Comfortline, starting at €22,600 ($31,296 U.S.) with the same 1.2-liter engine, and adding chrome accents up front and 16-inch, five-spoke Mambo alloys, plus 8-way seats, an upgraded stereo, leather trimming on the steering wheel, gearshift knob and parking brake, and Park Pilot. The top tier is called Highline, and that starts at €24,575 ($34,031 U.S.) with a 120-hp, 1.4-liter TSI. It gets 17-inch, ten-spoke Porto wheels, more chrome, fog lights and a headlight cleaning system.

Five engines are available throughout, three gas and two diesels, all of which can be paired with either a manual or DSG dual clutch transmission except for the 103-hp 1.2-liter gas. VW is also touting its BlueMotion Technology (BMT) tech available on one of the gas and two of the diesel lumps, such as the 1.6 TDI BMT that sips 4.2 l/100 km, or 56 miles per gallon in U.S. parlance. You'll find all the info on the Euro-spec Jettas in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading New Volkswagen Jetta headed to Europe

New Volkswagen Jetta headed to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alternative Aspirations: 2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Street Cup Edition

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Honda, Volkswagen, New Car Reviews, Diesel, Long-Term Garage, Comparisons

Two Ways To Go Green And Enjoy It

2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Street Cup Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

What do the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS, Lotus Evora 414E and Porsche 918 Spyder have in common? They're all fuel efficient sports cars with technology that's finally fitted to something worth driving. Also, we can't buy them... yet. What's worse, when they do go on sale, mere mortals who don't log on to an off-shore account to check their net worth won't be able to partake.

So how can a gearhead tread a little lighter and still get their kicks? Read our full story to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Street Cup Edition

Continue reading Alternative Aspirations: 2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Street Cup Edition

Alternative Aspirations: 2011 Honda CR-Z vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Street Cup Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Volkswagen confirms new engine plant in Silao, Mexico

Zach Bowman — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has officially announced plans to construct a new powerplant facility in Mexico. Designed to crank out a total of 330,000 engines a year, the Silao plant will cost the company $550 million to build and will bring around 700 jobs to the area. VW says that the new factory is key to its strategy for expansion, and it will help provide engine components for both the new Jetta, which is built in Puebla, Mexico and the company's New Midsize Sedan (NMS), which is slated to be built in the company's Chattanooga, Tennessee plant starting in 2011.

The new facility also underscores the VW decision to redouble its focus on the American market. The manufacturer says that the new plant is part of its plan to create vehicles that are more tailored to American tastes in a quest to go after a larger market share.

In addition to having an ample work force, the 60-hectacre piece of land already features transportation options and had been previously developed. The full press release can be found after the jump.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen confirms new engine plant in Silao, Mexico

Officially Official: Volkswagen confirms new engine plant in Silao, Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen NMS Sketch - Click above to enlarge

Reports streaming out of Mexico indicate that Volkswagen will announce a new plant about 250 miles northwest of the Mexico City in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. If true, this facility is expected to produce engines for both VW's new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, along with the already up-and-running plant in Puebla, Mexico.

Such an announcement has been expected, as executives from the German automaker have publicly stated that the company will spend $1 billion on additional production facilities in Mexico over the next three years.

The engines from this plant would be destined for North American-bound Volkswagen Jetta sedans and the upcoming New Midsize Sedan that we've all been waiting so patiently for over the last couple of years.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rally 'Round the Family: VW shows off 2011 CrossTouran

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Crossover, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has now started taking orders for the new "outback" version of its European-market Touran MPV starting at €27,700 in Germany (that's around $35,500 USD). The CrossTouran joins the joins the CrossPolo and CrossGolf in the high-riding flared wheelarch segment. Longer springs lift the CrossTouran about 0.8 inches further off the pavement, letting driver and children play rally driver that much more convincingly.

Like its lower-riding siblings, the CrossTouran has an array of gas and diesel TSI and TDI inline-fours to choose from along an optional bi-fuel natural gas version. If Ford finds success with its similarly sized Grand C-Max next year and the slow-selling Chrysler-in-drag Routan is canceled, perhaps VW will bring over the Touran instead to flesh out its lineup. If the seven-seat Touran could be produced in Mexico along with the Jetta to bring the price down, such a move could have potential.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran

[Source: Volkswagen]

Rally 'Round the Family: VW shows off 2011 CrossTouran originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST

Smyth Performance G3F concept - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle is the tri-directive that could help us become more sustainable as a society. Soon, a kit for the G3F from Smyth Performance - a new venture by Factory Five Racing co-founder Mark Smith - will follow those guidelines, enabling you to convert a previously-enjoyed Volkswagen Jetta into something you can really look forward to driving. The finished product will be lighter, faster and burn less biodiesel than the original vehicle, offering up to 60 miles per gallon and boasting a very naughty top speed of 140 miles per hour. All for about $10,000 and less than 100 hours of labor.

It's a simple recipe. You start by procuring a TDI diesel Jetta four door sedan. Cut away about 800 lbs of metal, reusing a large chunk of the chassis, including the entire safety structure. The engine gets chipped, modded and moved from in front of the driver to behind. Add the body, seats, wheels and all the other included bits from the kit and voila! You now own a recycled VW that increases your joy of driving while reducing the amount of petroleum product you'll need to pump.

Okay, maybe we're making it sound a little easier than it actually is, but Smith is confident there is enough interest to make a go of it with a line of depositors already being formed. Despite deliveries (optimistically) planned for September, the original prototype is still under construction. The operation doesn't have an official website either - that's coming this fall - but you can follow the progress of both car and company on both Facebook and the unofficial Factory Five forum. Hit the jump for video of Mr. Smith explaining his concept and tell us what you think.

[Source: Boston.com]

Continue reading Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video]

Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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