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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/" rel="tag">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/" rel="tag">Porsche</a></p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-13/porsche-faces-1-8-billion-suit-over-volkswagen-options-t.html"><img alt="Volkswagen and Porsche emblems overlayed"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vw-porsche-crests.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 414px;" /></a><br />
<br />
The sequence of events from 2007 that began with Porsche's secret attempt to take over <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a>, and instead lead to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/">Porsche</a> being taken over by VW, continues to instigate lawsuits against the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. A group of hedge funds that suffered over $1 billion in losses <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/28/report-investment-funds-suing-porsche-in-u-s-for-short-squeez/">sued the car company in New York</a>. Porsche had publicly stated it wasn't trying to buy VW, the hedge funds in question were shorting VW stock, and when Porsche's actual intentions were revealed, the stock shot up and the hedge funds took a beating.<br />
<br />
The case was thrown out over the <a href="http://www.worldcarfans.com/112122852109/porsche-hedge-fund-lawsuit-over-vw-takeover-dismissed">issue of jurisdiction</a>, then appealed, only to see <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/16/porsche-hedgefund-lawsuit-idUSLDE72F18R20110316">another suit</a> filed <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/16/report-u-s-hedge-funds-file-lawsuit-against-porsche-traders-u/">on top of that</a>. After that, most of the hedge funds <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-04-30/porsche-is-optimistic-of-prospects-in-german-investor-lawsuits">withdrew their claims</a> in New York and Porsche offered a 90-day window to refile in Germany where it is already fighting a number of other suits over the same issue. The hedge funds accepted the offer, refiling in Stuttgart for $1.8 billion in damages. According to <em>Bloomberg</em>, Porsche hasn't commented on the refiling, but as the same plaintiffs are involved, it's safe to assume that the carmaker still feels the case is "unsubstantiated and without merit." It has fared alright so far even in German courts, with two lesser cases against it thrown out last year.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/">Porsche again staring down another $1.8B in hedge fund lawsuits</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20569429/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/porsche-again-staring-down-another-1-8b-in-hedge-fund-lawsuits/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>derivatives</category><category>germany</category><category>hedge funds</category><category>lawsuit</category><category>porsche</category><category>porsche lawsuit</category><category>porsche volkswagen</category><category>porsche vw</category><category>stock market</category><category>stuttgart</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/china/" rel="tag">China</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/misc-auto-shows/" rel="tag">Misc. Auto Shows</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filing-images/"><img alt="Volkswagen Taigun patent filings - front three-quarter view" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/volkswagen-taigun-patent-filings-628.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px; " /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> brought an angular, bulldog-like <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/vw-shows-taigun-small-cuv-at-sao-paulo-motor-show/">small crossover concept called Taigun</a> to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/sao%20paulo%20motorshow/">S&atilde;o Paulo motor show</a> last year, claiming that it wanted to gauge interest in the design before making a decision about production. If a new report with alleged leaked patent images is to be believed, then, interest must have been pretty high.<br />
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China's <em><a href="http://auto.sohu.com/20130424/n373833230.shtml">Auto.Sohu.com</a></em> has published this group of Taigun images, claiming that they have been sourced from the Chinese patent office and that the subcompact VW utility based on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/volkswagen+up/">Up!</a> has been cleared for production.<br />
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If all of that is true, and if these images are representative of the final product, you'll see that designers haven't done much to alter the concept car's appearance. Comparing, shot for shot, with the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-volkswagen-taigun-concept-at-the-s-o-paulo-motor-show/">images we have from Brazil</a>, we see that even small details like roof rack-mounted lights and exhaust tips integrated in the rear fascia have been carried over. Take a closer look for yourself in the attached galleries.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/">Production Volkswagen Taigun crossover caught in patent filing?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20554593/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/01/production-volkswagen-taigun-crossover-caught-in-patent-filing/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>sao paulo motor show</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen taigun</category><category>vw</category><category>vw taigun</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Seyth Miersma]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/" rel="tag">Porsche</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/#continued"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/martin-winterkorn-628.jpg" style="width: 628px; height: 430px; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px;" /></a><br />
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Each year, the Vienna International Motor Symposium showcases some of the up-and-coming technologies automakers are engineering for the use in passenger cars, and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> AG CEO <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/martin+winterkorn/">Martin Winterkorn</a> revealed some big developments VW is working on for its future products. Winterkorn discussed a multi-faceted approach that VW is looking to reduce its fleet fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.<br />
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Some of the bigger news he discussed included a "high-performance" diesel engine that will produce 134 horsepower per liter and a 10-speed DSG automatic transmission. While no specific applications were mentioned, we can only hope this is for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/audi-supercar-not-yet-approved-r4-not-quite-dead-still-room-fo/">Audi R4</a> we keep hearing about.<br />
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Another topic he touched on that caused us to perk up our ears was had to do with VW's plug-in hybrid technology. While we know the PHEV versions of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/audi-a3-e-tron-geneva-2013/">Audi A3</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/2014-porsche-panamera-arrives-with-new-e-hybrid-long-wheelbase/">Porsche Panamera</a> are on the way, Winterkorn also said that these two models will be followed up by <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf/">Golf</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/passat/">Passat</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/a6/">Audi A6</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/cayenne/">Porsche Cayenne</a> plug-in models. <a href="/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/#continued">Scroll down</a> for a press release highlighting the automaker's future fuel-saving initiatives.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/">VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20549903/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/volkswagen-confirms-development-of-10-speed-dual-clutch-134-hp/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>10-speed transmission</category><category>audi</category><category>audi 16</category><category>audi a6</category><category>audi a6 plug-in hybrid</category><category>diesel</category><category>dsg</category><category>martin winterkorn</category><category>porsche</category><category>porsche cayenne</category><category>porsche cayenne plug-in hybrid</category><category>vienna international motor symposium</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen ag</category><category>volkswagen passat</category><category>volkswagen passat plug-in hybrid</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:43:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/" rel="tag">First Drives</a></p><em><big>The 911 Of Hot Hatches Takes The Compact Game To New Levels</big></em><br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive/"><img alt="2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI - front three-quarter view, in motion" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2015-vw-gti-fd.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px;" /></a><br />
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North American car buyers get a bit of a slap in the face when it comes to delivery schedules for new the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf/">Volkswagen Golf</a> and pumped-up <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/gti/">GTI models</a>. We'll just repeat the old chestnut: It's worth the wait... even though it still stinks. This time around, Western Europe is taking deliveries of the new Golf as we speak, and GTI deliveries start between May and July. North America doesn't get the Mk7 Golf or GTI until about July of 2014.<br />
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So we approached our first drive of the new GTI with this chip on our shoulder: "You're making us wait? Well, then at least give us the exact car we'll be able to buy. No compromises, <em>mein freund</em>." And so it was that we extracted nearly all of our drive impressions from behind the wheel of what, for the United States, will technically be a model year 2015 two-door Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance with the standard six-speed manual.<br />
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This time around, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> in Wolfsburg and in Herndon, VA, explain the wait in very practical terms. Whereas before it was just a long wait while Volkswagen slowly realized it needed to properly invest in North America, the wait this time is because VW needs to get its Puebla, Mexico, factory completely on-line to build all of North America's Golfs and GTIs. The deadline for this happening is... July 2014. We're still gonna whine about it though, because that's how we roll.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/">2015 Volkswagen GTI [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20549296/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/26/2015-volkswagen-gti-first-drive-review-video/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2015 volkswagen gti</category><category>featured</category><category>first drive</category><category>FirstDrive</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen gti</category><category>vw</category><category>vw golf</category><category>vw gti</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Davis]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495*]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><img alt="Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg Edition logo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/wolfsburgeditionlogo.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 410px; " /><br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> has just announced a new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/passat">Passat</a> Wolfsburg Edition, which slots between the base S and mid-grade SE trims in terms of content and price. The automaker has not released any official photos of the car as of this writing (aside from the badge shot you see here, of course), but the Wolfsburg Passat will be visually set apart from the rest by a unique set of 16-inch alloy wheels.<br />
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The big host of upgrades for the Wolfsburg Edition are found inside, where buyers will enjoy standard amenities like leatherette seats (with bun-warmers on the front chairs), a power driver's seat, satellite radio and a media interface with iPod connectivity. Of course, this comes on top of the already standard Passat features like Bluetooth and auto on/off headlamps. The Wolfsburg Passat will only be available with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.<br />
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Look for the 2013 Wolfsburg Edition Passat to hit dealerships in the very near future, priced from $23,495, *not including $795 for destination. Speaking of dealers, Volkswagen is currently sitting on an average 97-day supply of Passat models, and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/">recently laid off 500 workers</a> at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant to accommodate for the production reduction.<br />
<br />
Have a look <a href="/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/#continued">below</a> for Volkswagen's official press blast.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495*</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/">Volkswagen Passat gets Wolfsburg Edition, priced from $23,495*</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20547600/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/volkswagen-passat-gets-wolfsburg-edition-priced-from-23-495/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 volkswagen passat wolfsburg edition</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen passat</category><category>volkswagen passat wolfsburg edition</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Steven J. Ewing]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/timewarp/" rel="tag">Classics</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/minivans/" rel="tag">Minivan/Van</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/china/" rel="tag">China</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><em><big>Meet Brad, Sheena and Nacho</big></em><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/brad-and-sheena-van-orden-drive-around-the-world/"><img alt="Drive Nacho Drive" height="419" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/01.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px;" width="628" /></a><br />
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<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-right">
	<p>
		Driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering $19,514 just to cover the fees.</p>
</blockquote>
Brad and Sheena Van Orden are in the midst of a life-defining campaign to travel around the world, and they're doing it in a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/volkswagen+vanagon/">1984 Volkswagen Vanagon</a> custom built for the occasion. The past 15 months have seen the couple quit their jobs with Gore-Tex and drive from Arizona to the very southern tip of Argentina after spending a full two years saving and preparing for the trek. Now they're in southern Asia gearing up for the next leg of their journey.<br />
<br />
Currently, Brad and Sheena face two options when it comes to making their way west toward Greece. Right now, the couple plans to point their faithful van, Nacho, toward Cambodia and drive through Laos before entering <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/china/">China</a>. No one said the Van Ordens were taking the direct route.<br />
<br />
The only problem is that driving through China is a pricey proposition. The couple will need to pony up a staggering $19,514 just to cover the fees associated with obtaining a Chinese driver's license, registering Nacho in the People's Republic and paying for an official, government-required guide's food and lodging during their time in the country. Considering Brad and Sheena have budgeted $2,000 a month for their entire adventure, the price tag is a bit out of reach. Or at least it is without <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2035797765/drive-nacho-drive-china-and-the-silk-road-by-volks">our help</a>.<br />
<br />
We caught up with the Van Ordens while they were stopped at a campground in Thailand for a <a href="/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/#continued">quick chat</a>.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/">Help a couple drive their 1984 Vanagon around the world</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20547009/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/help-a-couple-drive-their-1984-vanagon-around-the-world/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>around the world</category><category>autoblog vanagon</category><category>autoblogvanagon</category><category>drive around the world</category><category>drive nacho drive</category><category>vanagon</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen vanagon</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:58:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen lays off 500 Chattanooga workers]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hirings-firings/" rel="tag">Hirings/Firings/Layoffs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><img height="418"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/004-vw-chattanooga.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /><br />
<br />
The redesigned <a href="http://autoblog.com/volkwagen/passat/">Volkswagen Passat</a> has been a decent seller since its debut in 2011, but sales have apparently dropped off enough that the automaker is trimming some of the employees from its Chattanooga, TN assembly plant. According to <em>Automotive News</em>, <a href="http://autoblog.com/volkwagen/">Volkswagen</a> will be cutting shifts and laying off 500 contracted workers in response to slowing sales.<br />
<br />
Currently, the plant has three teams running 10-hour shifts Monday through Saturday, but starting May 13, this will be reduced down to two teams running 10-hour shifts Monday through Thursday. This will be done to reduce dealer inventory (the article says that VW dealers, on average, have a 97-day supply of Passats) and production capacity (currently running at an annual pace of 170,000 units, which is more than the 150,000 annual units the plant was planned to produce).<br />
<br />
This, of course, isn't saying that the Passat has been a failure since <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/passat-popularity-has-vw-hiring-an-extra-200-in-chattanooga/">VW added 200 full-time employees</a> to the plant in February 2012 to keep up with increased demand. The AN article says that automakers frequently overstaff plants during the launch of a new product - or in this case, a new product <em>and</em> a new plant - but eventually reduce the workers as things run smoother and more efficiently.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/">Volkswagen lays off 500 Chattanooga workers</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:46:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20545930/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-lays-off-500-chattanooga-workers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>chattanooga</category><category>layoffs</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen chattanooga</category><category>volkswagen passat</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:46:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE]]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/china/" rel="tag">China</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/shanghai-motor-show/" rel="tag">Shanghai Motor Show</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-ibeetle-shanghai-2013/"><img height="418" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-ibeetle-628.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-ibeetle-shanghai-2013/#photo-5831156"><img class="right border" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-ibeetle-250.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 250px; height: 166px; float: right; " /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/apple/">Apple</a> fans have been itching to see the tech giant flex the full muscle of its iOS operating system in an automotive infotainment system for years, which is why we turned all sorts of excited when we caught wind of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/beetle/">Volkswagen iBeetle</a>. The machine is headed to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/shanghai motor show/">Shanghai Motor Show</a> for a debut, and VW promised it would be one of the "first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple." Listen closely, and you can hear the contented sigh of a million wallets opening.<br />
<br />
Go ahead and close those up, kids.<br />
<br />
In reality, the iBeetle offers little more than a dash-mounted dock and a special app that shows a few vehicle functions, which is about as far from an infotainment revolution as you're likely to find. In fact, the setup is little more than a factory rehash of aftermarket items, and hardly worth a whole model debut at an international motor show. And that's to say nothing of the fact that Apple relishes in changing the shape and form of its darling handheld at every generation. Volkswagen better be prepared to keep pace with appropriate docking mechanisms for the upcoming iPhone 5S, 6, 6S, et al.<br />
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This is the kind of kit we expect to see as a bullet point on an option sheet, but instead, VW has made this dock+app an entire model by including special "Disc" wheels and iPhone-matching color schemes. The iBeetle will land on dealer lots in the US in 2014, but you can probably make something similar yourself today with an aftermarket dock and an iTunes gift card's worth of third-party apps. <a href="/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/#continued">Scroll down</a> for the full press blast.<br />
<br />
<strong>Update</strong>: Now with live images from the show floor in Shanghai. Enjoy.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/">Volkswagen iBeetle gets integrated iPhone dock, little else [UPDATE]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20544590/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-ibeetle-gets-integrated-iphone-dock-little-else/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 shanghai motor show</category><category>apple</category><category>iphone</category><category>shanghai</category><category>shanghai motor show</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen ibeetle</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe is a green fun-machine we want to drive]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/shanghai-motor-show/" rel="tag">Shanghai Motor Show</a></p><img height="419" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-628.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /><br />
<br />
<img class="right border" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-250.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 250px; height: 166px; float: right; " />Think back to January's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/detroit%20auto%20show/">Detroit Auto Show</a>. Those of you that are fans of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> brand, impressed with green technology or simply fall into the "diesel geek" category, will almost certainly remember <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/volkswagen-crossblue-detroit-2013/">VW's CrossBlue concept</a> with its diesel/electric hybrid powertrain, seating for seven, and somewhat awkward crossover styling. It was an impressive piece of future tech, to be sure, though it left something to be desired in the, well, desirability department.<br />
<br />
Here in <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/shanghai-motor-show/">Shanghai</a>, VW has brought along a CrossBlue Coupe concept that would seem to include most of the goodness of the original, but flavored with more sport and style this time around.<br />
<br />
The CrossBlue Coupe makes use of the same electric drive components as the larger three-row concept: two electric motors (front and rear) powered by a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. However, where the original concept made use of a TDI four-cylinder, the Coupe substitutes a 295-horsepower, direct-injection, gasoline-burning V6.<br />
<br />
In terms of performance, this combination of powertrains is impressive. Total system output is rated at 415 hp. With power flowing through a six-speed DSG transmission, the CrossBlue Coupe will scoot from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 5.9 seconds, and will continue on to a top speed of 147 mph.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote-left">
	<p>
		The CrossBlue Coupe will scoot from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds, and will continue on to a top speed of 147 mph.</p>
</blockquote>
Even with that go-fast ability, however, the Coupe doesn't belie its "blue" origins. As in the original concept, the CrossBlue coupe offers all-EV operation with a maximum range of 21 miles, and a top speed of 75 mph (though likely not both of those at the same time). VW quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 79 miles per gallon on the European cycle - 34.1 mpg when running on the V6 alone - and a total theoretical range of close to 720 miles.<br />
<br />
The CrossBlue coupe is shorter and lower than its three-row progenitor, but just as wide. The result, as you can see, is a far sleeker and more aggressive looking crossover that looks quite planted on its 22-inch alloy wheels.<br />
<br />
Inside, we find an interior that is quite high-tech though not unrecognizable from the VW interiors on the current line. A muted black and gray pallet is accented with brightwork and a thick yellow trim line that surrounds the cabin. There's a dominating 10.1-inch touchscreen up front, complete with proximity sensors, which is used to control all of the vehicle systems and entertainment options. In the back seats, passengers find twin iPad Mini units on the headrests (seen above), which they can use to, "enjoy audio, video and online programs." Sounds like just the thing for the family's summer road trip to the N&uuml;rburgring.<br />
<br />
<a href="/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/#continued">Scroll down</a> to read the full VW press release about the CrossBlue Coupe concept, and look for live images of the car from Shanghai, as we bring you live coverage on Friday and Saturday.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe is a green fun-machine we want to drive</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/">Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe is a green fun-machine we want to drive</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20544255/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-is-a-green-fun-machine-we-want-to-dri/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 shanghai motor show</category><category>hybrid</category><category>plug-in hybrid</category><category>shanghai</category><category>shanghai motor show</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen crossblue coupe concept</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Seyth Miersma]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[GM outsold VW globally in first quarter, Toyota reports numbers next week]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/" rel="tag">Car Buying</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5irD1Xm8_o8cQNOtTVqrAaCwFscng?docId=3b41dde228964841a4004c83f63f02ba"><img alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gyi0061332043.jpg" style="width: 628px; height: 381px; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 4px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/page/1/">General Motors</a> released its first quarter sales figures this week, reporting that it sold 2.36 million cars and trucks worldwide. That figure represents an increase of 3.6 percent when compared to the same period last year. GM's growth was attributed to many factors, including global <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/cadillac/">Cadillac </a>sales that were up 26 percent and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/">Chevrolet</a> posting a one percent increase over last year (this marked Chevy's tenth straight year of record global sales).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> came in just behind GM, as the German automaker reported global sales from January through March at 2.27 million vehicles, an increase of five percent when compared to last year. While that number was strong, VW is cautioning that markets outside China and the US, such as those in Europe, are becoming a challenge as economies falter.<br />
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Yet to report sales is <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a>, current holder of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/toyota-reclaims-global-sales-crown-gm-and-vw-not-far-behind/">global world sales crown</a> (the Japanese company sold 9.75 million cars last year, against 9.29 million sold by GM and 9.1 million vehicles sold by VW). Even though GM and Toyota both say they don't care who sells the most units, it is unquestionably a strong bragging point and sales equate to revenue. That said, Toyota will report its first quarter numbers next week.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/">GM outsold VW globally in first quarter, Toyota reports numbers next week</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:03:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20544355/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/gm-outsold-vw-globaly-in-first-quarter-toyota-reports-numbers-n/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>general motors</category><category>global sales</category><category>gm</category><category>sales</category><category>toyota</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:03:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Next-gen Volkswagen Golf R spied while running the 'Ring]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-golf-r-spy-shots-0/"><img height="410" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-golf-r-spy-shots.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br />
<br />
The launch of a new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf/">Volkswagen Golf</a> is never a small thing, and things are already looking up for the subcompact hatchback after it was named <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/">2013 World Car of the Year</a>. While we've already seen the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/">base and GTI versions of the next-generation Golf</a>, now we're getting our first look at the sportier <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf+r/">Golf R</a>.<br />
<br />
Although this prototype wears GTI lettering on the front fenders, it's more than just the roll cage and Sparco racing seat hinting that this is something a little more serious. Unlike the Golf and GTI, this car shows that the Golf R will continue to flaunt massive air intakes on each side of the fascia, and the rear of the car (though it's hard to see) has quadruple exhaust outlets. We still don't have an official word on power, but rumors indicate that the next Golf R could be pushing <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/next-volkswagen-golf-r-to-get-286-horsepower/">close to 300 horsepower</a>, making it the most powerful production Golf ever. As much fun as we had during our <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/2013-volkswagen-golf-r-cabriolet/">first drive of the Golf R Cabriolet</a> in the cold, snowy French Riviera last month, more power is a warming idea.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/">Next-gen Volkswagen Golf R spied while running the 'Ring</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20542437/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/next-gen-volkswagen-golf-r-spied-while-running-the-ring/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>spy photos</category><category>spy shots</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>volkswagen golf r</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Wife of VW paterfamilias Piëch up for Audi supervisory board]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hirings-firings/" rel="tag">Hirings/Firings/Layoffs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/" rel="tag">Porsche</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCABRE9370OZ20130408"><img alt="Ferdinand and Ursula Piech" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/piech-family.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px;" /></a><br />
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In a move seen as yet another way for the controlling Piech-Porsche family to leverage its muscle over the continent's biggest automaker, Ursula Piech - wife of chairman <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ferdinand+piech/">Ferdinand </a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ferdinand+piech/">Pi&euml;c</a>h - is set to join the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/">Audi</a> supervisory board at the annual shareholder's meeting on May 16. Putting Pi&euml;ch's wife, a 56-year-old kindergarten teacher, on the board is seen as just a formality as the Pi&euml;ch and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/">Porsche</a> families already control more than 90 percent of the Porsche SE holding company (owner of a majority of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> common stock).<br />
<br />
Although formally trained to educate young children, this isn't Ursula Pi&euml;ch's first corporate role. In 2010, Pi&euml;ch chose his wife to be deputy head of two Austria-based foundations that control owned stakes in Porsche and VW. She took a seat on the board of Wolfsburg-based VW almost a year ago.<br />
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Chairman Pi&euml;ch will turn 76 next week, and his wife is set to take over her husband's interests when he dies.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/">Wife of VW paterfamilias Piëch up for Audi supervisory board</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20536710/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/wife-of-vw-paterfamilias-piech-up-for-audi-supervisory-board/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>ferdinand piëch</category><category>ferdinand piech</category><category>piëch</category><category>piech</category><category>piech porsche volkswagen</category><category>supervisory board</category><category>ursula piech</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>vw</category><category>vwag</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:58:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/reviews/" rel="tag">New Car Reviews</a></p><em><big>Less Flower, More Power</big></em><br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/"><img height="417" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-vw-beetle-turbo-conv-review-opt.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br />
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Pardon our political incorrectness for a moment, but the Volkswagen New Beetle was, undeniably, a "chick car." There was almost nothing that the New Beetle offered to enthusiasts (of either gender), and by the end of its run, VW had even stripped all of the exciting engines from the car's lineup. Looking to resurrect some of the excitement behind the Beetle, the third generation of the iconic car ditched the cuteness when the coupe debuted for 2012, and now the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/beetle/">2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible</a> aims to show how much fun drivers can have without a top.<br />
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Celebrating almost six and a half decades of the Beetle convertible, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> is offering a trio of distinct special editions that celebrate three of the car's most popular decades (the '50s, '60s and '70s), but as one of the unofficial cars of the 1960s, it would almost be a crime not to test this version, right? Besides, this is also the only special edition to get the turbocharged engine. While our <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/03/2013-volkswagen-beetle-tdi-convertible-first-drive-review/">first drive</a> of the 2013 Beetle Convertible was in the fuel-miser TDI variation, our two-week romp in the 2013 Beetle Convertible '60s Edition came just as peak convertible weather was kicking off down in Florida.<br />
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The retro styling craze caught like a wildfire in the early 2000s, but quickly fizzled out as automakers realized that redesigning these cars for a subsequent second generation became a challenge in itself. This is likely the very reason why the New Beetle remained relatively the same for almost its entire 12-year run, but in creating the third-generation Beetle, Volkswagen tried to distance itself from adjectives like "cute" and "bubbly" by using more mainstream-friendly cues, which carry over nicely to the convertible form.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/">2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20535701/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 volkswagen beetle convertible</category><category>60s edition</category><category>featured</category><category>review</category><category>reviews</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen beetle</category><category>volkswagen beetle 60s edition</category><category>volkswagen beetle convertible</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen to add 50k jobs by 2018]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hirings-firings/" rel="tag">Hirings/Firings/Layoffs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/earnings-financials/" rel="tag">Earnings/Financials</a></p><a href="http://europe.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130401/ANE/130409998/volkswagen-to-boost-headcount-by-20-report-says#axzz2PDVZo4mn"><img alt="VW emblem" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/vw-logo.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 410px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> still has its eyes set on becoming the top global automaker by 2018, and to get there, it's apparently going to need more boots on the ground. <em>Automotive News Europe</em> is reporting that VW is looking to increase its staff by 50,000 over the next five years - an increase of nine percent - which does not include an <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/22/ambitious-sales-goals-may-push-vw-to-consider-more-dealers/">increase in its US dealer network</a>.<br />
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According to the report, a majority of the growth will come from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/china/">China</a> where the automaker is also looking to double its production capacity in the same time frame. The Volkswagen Group is already expected to rival <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/general+motors/">General Motors</a> for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/30/gm-volkswagen-face-off-for-china-sales-title-in-2013/">top sales spot in China this year</a>, and such a rapid expansion in the region could make a good springboard for sales increases in other countries.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/">Volkswagen to add 50k jobs by 2018</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20528164/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/volkswagen-to-add-50k-jobs-by-2018/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen 2018</category><category>volkswagen group</category><category>vw</category><category>vw 2018</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #327]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/new-york-auto-show/" rel="tag">New York Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/podcasts/" rel="tag">Podcasts</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jaguar/" rel="tag">Jaguar</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lincoln/" rel="tag">Lincoln</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><em><big>New York Auto Show, Jim Farley interview, 2014 Chevrolet Silverado fuel economy, Ford fuel economy app challenge</big></em><br />
<a href="/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/#continued"><img alt="autoblog podcast logo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px; width: 628px; height: 305px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Episode #327 of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/podcasts/"><em>Autoblog</em> Podcast</a> 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 <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/autoblog-podcast">UStream channel</a>, thanks for taking the time. <a href="/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/#continued">Keep reading</a> for our Q&amp;A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!<br />
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<br />
<b><strong>Autoblog Podcast #327:</strong></b><br />
<br />
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<strong>Topics:</strong><br />
<ul>
	<li class="p1">
		<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/editors-choice-top-five-2013-new-york-auto-show-debuts/">New York Auto Show highlights</a></li>
	<li class="p1">
		<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/jim+farley/">Interview with Jim Farley, Ford's global marketing boss</a></li>
	<li class="p1">
		<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/2014-chevy-silverado-priced-from-24-585-v8-gets-better-econom/">Chevrolet fires latest salvo in pickup fuel economy war</a></li>
	<li class="p1">
		<a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-offering-app-developers-50k-reward-better-fuel-economy/">Ford offering reward for fuel economy improvements</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><big><strong>In the Autoblog Garage</strong></big></i>:<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/jetta+hybrid/">2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid</a><br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jaguar/xfr/">2013 Jaguar XFR</a><br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/traverse/">2013 Chevrolet Traverse</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><strong>Hosts: </strong></b><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/dan-roth/">Dan Roth</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/zach-bowman/">Zach Bowman</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/jeffrey-n-ross/">Jeff Ross</a><br />
<br />
<div bullet-circle.gif="" media="" style="margin: 0.5em 0px; list-style-type: none;" www.autoblog.com="">
	<strong>Runtime:</strong> <span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: normal; font-size: 10pt;">01:36:11</span></div>
<hr style="width: 628px;" />
<br />
<b><strong>Get the podcast</strong></b><br />
[<a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/autoblog-podcast">UStream</a>] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream<br />
[<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/autoblog/id73331469">iTunes</a>] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes<br />
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[<a href="http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/autoblog/podcasts/04-02-13-autoblog-E327.mp3">MP3</a>] Download the MP3 directly<br />
<br />
<strong>Feedback</strong><br />
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com<br />
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/autoblog/id73331469"><br />
Review the show in iTunes</a><br />
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</div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Autoblog Podcast #327</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/">Autoblog Podcast #327</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:55:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20527444/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/autoblog-podcast-327/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 chevrolet traverse</category><category>2013 jaguar xfr</category><category>2013 volkswagen jetta hybrid</category><category>2014 chevrolet silverado</category><category>autoblog podcast 327</category><category>chevrolet</category><category>chevrolet silverado</category><category>chevrolet silverado fuel economy</category><category>chevrolet traverse</category><category>featured</category><category>ford</category><category>jaguar</category><category>jaguar xfr</category><category>jim farley</category><category>lincoln</category><category>traverse</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen jetta</category><category>volkswagen jetta hybrid</category><enclosure url="http://www.autoblog.com/podcasts/04-02-13-autoblog-E327.mp3" length="45088" type="audio/mpeg"/><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:55:00 EST</pubDate><itunes:subtitle>Autoblog Podcast #327</itunes:subtitle><itunes:author>Autoblog</itunes:author><itunes:duration>01:36:11</itunes:duration><itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen's De Silva says next Scirocco will be 'completely different']]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/volkswagens-de-silva-says-next-scirocco-will-be-completely-dif/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/volkswagens-de-silva-says-next-scirocco-will-be-completely-dif/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/volkswagens-de-silva-says-next-scirocco-will-be-completely-dif/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/volkswagen-scirocco-gts/"><img alt="Volkswagen Scirocco GTS - front three-quarter view, lights on" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-volkswagen-scirocco-gts-628.jpg" style="width: 628px; height: 419px; " /></a><br />
<br />
From our perspective, the reborn <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/scirocco/">Volkswagen Scirocco</a> is a handsome (if squat) little thing. Yet design-wise, it's always struck us as uncomfortably close to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf/">Golf</a> three-door hatchback with which it shares its basic underpinnings. That aesthetic kinship may be part of the reason why Volkswagen has steadfastly refused to import the Scirocco to North America, seeing as how the Golf doesn't regularly set the company's sales charts alight, and it's less expensive.<br />
<br />
But that visual similarity might be about to change, says <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/de+silva/">Walter De Silva</a>, who recently told Australia's <em>Car Advice</em> that, "It must be completely different... we don't want to repeat the bodystyle of the Scirocco, we want to change that." Further, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf/">Volkswagen</a> Group's design boss says that the next-generation car isn't terribly far along in development yet - "at the moment, it's only a studio [project]... it's not defined." It's probably just as well, as the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/">new seventh-generation Golf</a> arguably borrows some of its design from the current Scirocco anyway.<br />
<br />
So we should expect a much bolder, more differentiated design, right? Well, yes, no and maybe. Back in September, De Silva himself was quoted as saying that the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/vw-design-boss-desilva-says-clean-and-simple-design-is-the-new/">era of flamboyant styling has passed</a>, and that future VW designs will be simpler to better reflect the times and preserve resale value. So... how different could it be?<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/volkswagens-de-silva-says-next-scirocco-will-be-completely-dif/">Volkswagen's De Silva says next Scirocco will be 'completely different'</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:14:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/volkswagens-de-silva-says-next-scirocco-will-be-completely-dif/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20526779/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/volkswagens-de-silva-says-next-scirocco-will-be-completely-dif/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2016 volkswagen scirocco</category><category>design</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen scirocco</category><category>vw</category><category>walter de silva</category><category>walter desilva</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Paukert]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:14:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/earnings-financials/" rel="tag">Earnings/Financials</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/alfa-romeo/" rel="tag">Alfa Romeo</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/fiat/" rel="tag">Fiat</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-alfa-romeo-4c-geneva-2013/"><img alt="2014 Alfa Romeo 4C live at Geneva Motor Show reveal " src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alfa-romeo-4c-628.jpg" style="width: 628px; height: 417px; margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px;" /></a><br />
<br />
For more than two years, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> has been making public statements about <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/23/report-vw-wants-to-buy-alfa-romeo-fiat-unwilling-to-part/">its willingness to buy Alfa Romeo</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/report-piech-says-alfa-romeo-sales-could-increase-fourfold-unde/">quadruple the Italian brand's sales</a>, and for just as long, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/fiat">Fiat</a> CEO <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/sergio+marchionne">Sergio Marchionne</a> has replied with some version of "<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/sergio-marchionne-calls-vw-execs-reprehensible-singles-out-pi/">Mr. </a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/sergio-marchionne-calls-vw-execs-reprehensible-singles-out-pi/">Pi&euml;ch</a>, drop it." According to a report in <em>Ward's Auto</em>, all that jousting might be over: it claims that sources close to both Marchionne and Audi CEO <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/rupert+stadler">Rupert Stadler</a> admit that the two are in talks for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi">Audi</a> to buy not just <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/alfa+romeo">Alfa Romeo</a>, but a production plant in Italy. In fact, a final deal could possibly include partsmaker Magnetti Marelli.<br />
<br />
Against that backdrop, a report by German news weekly <em>Stern</em> quotes a Fiat spokesmen as saying it doesn't comment on rumors and an Audi rep has said flatly that "There is no substance in the news." If a sale is being arranged, the timing would seem to point to how eager Fiat is to raise cash to complete its major initiatives. Even though Alfa Romeo continues to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/09/alfa-romeos-u-s-rebirth-delayed-again/">delay its return to the US</a>, it <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/2013-alfa-romeo-4c-geneva-2013/">just showed off</a> the production version of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/4c">4C</a> at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/geneva-motor-show">Geneva Motor Show</a> (shown above) and said that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/21/alfa-romeo-4c-will-hit-top-selling-fiat-dealerships-first/">preferred Fiat dealerships here would get them</a>. Then there's Alfa's recently concluded deal with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mazda">Mazda</a> to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/mazda-and-fiat-finalize-deal-for-alfa-roadster-next-gen-mx-5-mi/">develop a roadster based on</a> the next generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mazda/mx-5+miata">MX-5 Miata</a> - a deal that would seem to help both the Italian and Japanese brands.<br />
<br />
The monetary issues are troublesome, though. Fiat is taking a beating in the European market and its weak-kneed balance sheet is <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/23/jeep-cherokee-faces-on-sale-delay/">delaying gotta-have-it products</a> like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jeep/cherokee">Jeep Cherokee</a>. Fiat has <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/fiat-talking-with-banks-about-buying-rest-of-chrysler/">been talking to banks</a> about getting money to buy the rest of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chrysler">Chrysler</a> and those financial institutions have also raised issues about debt and cash reserves, and the nasty game of chess Fiat is playing with the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/united+auto+workers/">United Auto Workers</a> (and now the court system about the portion of Chrysler it doesn't own) could end up blowing another hole in Marchionne's plans. It is possible that this could finally have convinced Fiat to at least see how serious Audi's parent company, Volkswagen, is about buying Alfa Romeo. Or it could be just another rumor.<br />
<br />
Beyond Alfa Romeo, the report says the deal being discussed would include the rather modern Pomigliano d'Arco plant built just for the production of Alfa Romeos. Audi's interest in Magnetti Marelli is claimed to be because the German brand wants a components maker and it would also like to establish an R&amp;D center in Italy, where its holdings already include <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini">Lamborghini</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ducati">Ducati</a> and the styling house <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/italdesign/">Italdesign-Guigiaro</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/">Audi rumored to buy Alfa Romeo, officials deny it</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20522341/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/audi-rumored-to-buy-alfa-romeo-officials-deny-it/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>alfa romeo</category><category>alfa romeo audi</category><category>audi</category><category>audi alfa romeo</category><category>fiat</category><category>italy</category><category>magnetti marelli</category><category>rupert stadler</category><category>sergio marchionne</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Golf named 2013 World Car of the Year]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/new-york-auto-show/" rel="tag">New York Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a></p><img alt="Volkswagen Golf wins 2013 World Car of the Year" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/vw-golf-world-coty.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 423px;" /><br />
<br />
The second day of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/new-york-auto-show/">New York Auto Show</a> festivities have just kicked with the annual World Car of the Year awards, and we've just learned that the top honors for 2013 go to the seventh-generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf/">Volkswagen Golf</a>. The win marks the second in a row for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a>, which also collected the hardware in 2012 for its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/up/">Up! supermini</a>.<br />
<br />
The World Car awards are handed out by a panelist of 66 auto journalists from around the world, including <em>Autoblog</em> European Editor, Matt Davis. Runners-up for the big award included the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/a3/">Audi A3</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/land+rover/range+rover/">Land Rover Range Rover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mazda/mazda6/">Mazda6</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mazda/cx-5/">Mazda CX-5</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/a-class/">Mercedes-Benz A-Class</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/208/">Peugeot 208</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/boxster/">Porsche Boxster</a>/<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/cayman/">Cayman</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/scion/fr-s/">Scion FR-S</a>/<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/subaru/brz/">Subaru BRZ</a>/<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gt86/">Toyota GT86</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/v40/">Volvo V40</a>.<br />
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Also announced this morning is the winner of the 2013 World Performance Car award. In this category, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/boxster/">Porsche Boxster</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/porsche/cayman/">Cayman</a> has been picked by the jury over a number of other contenders, including the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/aston+martin/vanquish/">Aston Martin Vanquish</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/rs5/">Audi RS5</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/m6/">BMW M6</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/m135i">BMW M135i</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/f12+berlinetta">Ferrari F12 Berlinetta</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/sl63+amg">Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/sls+amg/">Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/clio/">Renault Clio Sport</a> and the Toyobaru triplets.<br />
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Moving to more eco-friendly matters, the World Green Car award has been handed to the - surprise, surprise - <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tesla/model+s/">Tesla Model S</a>. The all-electric sedan topped the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/zoe/">Renault Zoe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/smart/fortwo/">Smart ForTwo Electric Drive</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/jetta/">Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/v60/">Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid Diesel</a>.<br />
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Lastly, the annual World Car Design laurels have been awarded to the impossibly pretty <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/f-type/">Jaguar F-Type</a>, besting other attractive finalists including the Aston Martin Vanquish, Renault Clio, Land Rover Range Rover, Mazda6 and Volkswagen Golf.<br />
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Have a look at all the World Car winners in our galleries below.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Volkswagen Golf named 2013 World Car of the Year</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/">Volkswagen Golf named 2013 World Car of the Year</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20521603/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-golf-named-2013-world-car-of-the-year/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 new york auto show</category><category>2014 volkswagen golf</category><category>new york</category><category>new york auto show</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen golf</category><category>vw</category><category>world car of the year</category><category>world green car of the year</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Steven J. Ewing]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:57:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Routan dead, pour out a sippy cup for your little homies]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/minivans/" rel="tag">Minivan/Van</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-routan/"><img alt="2010 Volkswagen Routan - front three-quarter dynamic view" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2010-volkswagen-routan-628.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 412px;" /></a><br />
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America's minivan <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgTssbfJu3Y">wolfpack has just gotten</a> smaller by one. According to <em>Automotive News</em>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> officials have confirmed what we've suspected for some time - the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/routan/">Routan</a> is dead. Essentially a lightly reworked version of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/dodge/grand+caravan/">Dodge Grand Caravan</a>, the Routan actually hasn't been rolling off of Chrysler's Windsor, Ontario production line <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/chrysler-slows-minivan-production-hasnt-built-vw-routan-this-y/">at all this year</a>, but VW had yet to confirm its discontinuation. However, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/jonathan+browning/">Jonathan Browning</a>, CEO of VW America, has reportedly admitted that the Routan is being axed, with remaining units expected to be funneled into corporate functions for "internal purposes."<br />
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The move isn't unexpected - the Routan has never been a big seller, with just 57,650 examples moved since sales began in 2008 - peak yearly sales totaled under 16,000 units, and that was back in 2010. And while many have talked of the minivan segment shrinking, <em>Automotive News</em> points out that the segment actually grew 14 percent last year to 597,118 units, though it should be noted that most segments have been on sales upticks as the US economy chugs out of its recession.<br />
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So, is volume-crazy Volkswagen prepared to pass on large family vehicle sales? Probably not - the German automaker has signaled that it plans to build a three-row crossover in North America soon, and we wouldn't be surprised if it looks an awful lot like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/crossblue/">Crossblue Concept </a>from January's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a> - minus the fancy plug-in diesel powertrain.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/">Volkswagen Routan dead, pour out a sippy cup for your little homies</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20520780/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/volkswagen-routan-dead-pour-out-a-sippy-cup-for-your-little-hom/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2012 volkswagen routan</category><category>crossblue</category><category>minivan</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>volkswagen crossblue</category><category>vw</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Paukert]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:58:00 EST</pubDate>
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</item><item><title><![CDATA[2015 VW Golf brings storied hatchback's seventh generation to US]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/new-york-auto-show/" rel="tag">New York Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/" rel="tag">Diesel</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-volkswagen-gti-new-york-2013/"><img alt="2015 Volkswagen GTI and Golf"  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2015-vw-gti-ny.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px;" /></a><br />
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The seventh-generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/golf/">Volkswagen Golf</a> in US-specification officially debuts at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/new york auto show/">2013 New York Auto Show</a>. The new model is the first VW in the States to ride on the company's MQB architecture, and as such, it makes use of plenty of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel to keep weight down. All told, the new shell is 51 pounds lighter than the outgoing generation, despite the fact that the finished car is a full 2.2 inches longer and .5 inches wider than the 2013 model.<br />
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Buyers can expect to find a base model powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (blue car above) with 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. That means the powerplant delivers the same horsepower as the old naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder while weighing less and producing seven extra pound-feet of torque. TDI (silver car above) buyers, meanwhile, will enjoy a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder mill. VW says the engine yields 10 more horsepower than the old lump, which means the Golf TDI now boasts 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.<br />
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<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/gti/">GTI</a> (red car above) buyers will now get their hands on a revised 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with approximately 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque - Volkswagen hasn't finalized power numbers for that machine. We're happy to see that the GTI still features its trademark plaid seats. Volkswagen says the new Golf and GTI will go on sale as a 2015 model, but doesn't say when the car will actually hit dealerships.<br />
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Check out the <a href="/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/#continued">press release below</a> for more information.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>2015 VW Golf brings storied hatchback's seventh generation to US</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/">2015 VW Golf brings storied hatchback's seventh generation to US</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20518477/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-vw-golf-brings-storied-hatchbacks-seventh-generation-to-us/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 new york auto show</category><category>2015 vw golf</category><category>2015 vw golf tdi</category><category>2015 vw gti</category><category>new york</category><category>new york auto show</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>vw</category><category>vw golf</category><category>vw golf tdi</category><category>vw gti</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zach Bowman]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST</pubDate>
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