Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Audi version of Volkswagen Bluesport in the works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/audi-version-of-volkswagen-bluesport-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/audi-version-of-volkswagen-bluesport-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/audi-version-of-volkswagen-bluesport-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Above - Our lame attempt at photoshopping the Bluesport and Audi Clubsport Quattro Concept together

It should come as no surprise that Audi is working on its own version of the Volkswagen Concept Bluesport, and according to Automotive News, the design has already been completed.

In the lead-up to the Bluesport's unveiling, rumors (and simple logic) said that in order for Volkswagen to make the mid-engine roadster financial viable, the platform and all its associated underpinnings would have to be distributed across several models. A senior VW group exec told AN, "To make a strong business case for the new roadster, we need to share the investment with at least three brands." In addition to VW, one of those brands is Audi and the other is almost assuredly Porsche.

While Skoda and Seat's budget-oriented image couldn't include a variant of the roadster - estimated to cost around €30,000 - Porsche might be interested in an entry-level model to slot in below the Boxster and help to reduce the automaker's overall CO2 emissions.

Volkswagen is expected to announce a production decision on the Concept Bluesport in the next two months, and we're hoping that the completed version will bow in Geneva.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept


Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Audi version of Volkswagen Bluesport in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi roadsterAudiRoadsterbluesportmid-enginemidengineroadstervolkswagen bluesportVolkswagenBluesportvolkwagenMon, 19 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[On Again, Off Again: Winterkorn suggests Bentley diesel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/on-again-off-again-winterkorn-suggests-bentley-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/on-again-off-again-winterkorn-suggests-bentley-diesel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/on-again-off-again-winterkorn-suggests-bentley-diesel/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bentleys are known, among other things, for their train-like torque delivery. But while Bentley has toyed with the idea of an oil-burning engine for its big saloons, the idea was ultimately rejected by the luxury automaker due to low market interest. However, Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Bentley's parent Volkswagen Group, has now suggested that diesel engines could make it under the Flying B bonnet after all.

Although previous reports placed one of the group's big V10 or V12 turbodiesels in a potential Bentley model, Winterkorn suggests something decidedly more compact. Namely, a twin-turbo version of the company's 3.0-liter TDI V6, currently under development for sister-company Audi's range-topping new A8. That may be a far cry from the Jurassic-era 6.75-liter V8 pictured above and currently found in the Arnage/Azure/Brooklands or the twin-turbo W12 in the Continental range, but Winterkorn appears more eager to lead the market than follow it.

[Source: AutoCar via AutoblogGreen]

On Again, Off Again: Winterkorn suggests Bentley diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi dieselaudi tdiAudiDieselAudiTdibentleybentley dieselbentley tdiBentleyDieselBentleyTditurbo diesel bentleyTurboDieselBentleyvolkswagen dieselvolkswagen tdiVolkswagenDieselVolkswagenTdivolkwagenMon, 24 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Porsche developing Baby Boxster, a return of the 356]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/rumormill-porsche-developing-baby-boxster-a-return-of-the-356/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/rumormill-porsche-developing-baby-boxster-a-return-of-the-356/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/rumormill-porsche-developing-baby-boxster-a-return-of-the-356/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Volkswagen is set to debut a mid-engine concept at this year's LA Auto Show, and an Audi R3 derivative that could replace the TT is reportedly also being considered. With Porsche's increased stake in VAG, it was just a matter of time before rumors of sharing this mid-engine platform between VW, Audi and Porsche began to surface, and a new model destined to slot in below the Boxster is the obvious conclusion.

Once again, CAR is leading the speculative charge, with sources suggesting that Porsche will use the mid-engine architecture to revive the 356 marque - not the 914 moniker - to create a baby Boxster priced around £20,000-35,000 and produced in very small numbers.

Unlike the stillborn Audi R4, the R3 and its Porsche sibling wouldn't encroach on Boxster sales due to their limited availability. Fixed roof and convertible versions of both models are planned, but engine choices would be limited to turbocharged four-cylinders displacing between 1.2- and 2.0-liters and ranging in output from 105 hp to 280 hp. Diesel variants could also be offered in the Audi, but Quattro all-wheel-drive wouldn't be part of package due to weight and friction penalties.

It's a very compelling proposition, particularly since the new architecture is reportedly being developed to accept everything from electric drivetrains to hybrids, and with a curb weight around 2,200 pounds. But don't expect anything to come to market until 2012 or 2013 at the earliest, assuming that Porsche doesn't get cold feet and kills off the project before it leaves the drawing board.

[Source: CAR]

Rumormill: Porsche developing Baby Boxster, a return of the 356 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 porsche 3562012Porsche3562013 porsche 3562013Porsche356audibaby boxsterBabyBoxsterlala auto showLaAutoShowmid-enginemidengineporschevolkwagenFri, 26 Sep 2008 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Next VW GTI puts out 210 hp, R version gets AWD and 270 hp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/next-vw-gti-puts-out-210-hp-r-version-gets-awd-and-270-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/next-vw-gti-puts-out-210-hp-r-version-gets-awd-and-270-hp/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/next-vw-gti-puts-out-210-hp-r-version-gets-awd-and-270-hp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen's high-performance plans for the new Golf will spawn three new models, beginning with the new 210 hp GTI set to debut in Paris and go on sale in the middle of 2009. According to Automotive News, the Mk. VI GTI will sprint to 60 in a tick above seven seconds and hit a top speed of around 150 mph.

A performance-oriented diesel Golf, dubbed the GTD, will hit the market in April, putting out around 170 hp from its common-rail diesel, while a range-topping R model, available through Volkswagen Individual, will be churn out 270 hp, send power to all four wheels and will be equipped with an aero package that includes a "black gleaming diffuser." Sales of the R version will begin in November of 2009.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Next VW GTI puts out 210 hp, R version gets AWD and 270 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 golf gti2009 golf r2009 volkswagen gti2009 volkwagen golf gti2009GolfGti2009GolfR2009VolkswagenGti2009VolkwagenGolfGtigolfgtdgtirvolkwagenMon, 22 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mid-engine Audi R3 to replace TT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-mid-engine-audi-r3-to-replace-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-mid-engine-audi-r3-to-replace-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-mid-engine-audi-r3-to-replace-tt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Over the past week, CAR has donned its prognostication cap and tapped it's "internal sources" in an attempt to foretell Audi's future product plans. A few of stories have ranged from inane to insane, but one post seems entirely plausible and has blinded us with excitement.

Audi's mid-engine R4 was pronounced stillborn this past year, but with Volkswagen bringing its own midship concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, Audi might revive plans its own version to market in the next five years. The new R3 would effectively replace the TT, providing a better business case for VAG to produce a mid-engine platform and silencing critics that have constantly complained that the TT is merely a tarted up Golf.

If the Volkswagen version is well received and given the green light, expect it to debut in 2013, with Audi's variant following shortly thereafter. In an attempt to keep from directly competing with the Porsche Boxster, Audi will exclusively offer the R3 with four-cylinder engines, including a 180 hp, 1.8-liter TFSI, 220 hp, 2.0-liter and a 280 hp, 2.0-liter on the S-line model. Diesels are also being considered, ranging from a 125 hp, 1.6.-liter to a 204 hp, 2.0-liter.

[Source: CAR]

Rumormill: Mid-engine Audi R3 to replace TT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r3AudiR3r3volkwagenvwFri, 29 Aug 2008 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[More creative incentives: Buy a VW Routan and get $1,500 for college]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/more-creative-incentives-buy-a-vw-routan-get-1-500-for-colleg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/more-creative-incentives-buy-a-vw-routan-get-1-500-for-colleg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/more-creative-incentives-buy-a-vw-routan-get-1-500-for-colleg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Routan

The new Volkswagen Routan minivan hasn't even gone on sale yet and there is already an incentive on its hood. This one, however, is not your typical cash back deal. Instead, Volkswagen is working under the assumption that the people likely to actually purchase a Routan are those with kids to haul. As such, VW of America is teaming up with Upromise to provide buyers with $1,500 towards a higher education savings plan. Upromise is a company that works with retailers to provide cash back bonuses when one of their registered credit card is used for purchases. Those rebates can then be transferred to a 529 education savings plan. To be eligible for the college bonus, you have to pre-order the Chrysler-built Routan by the end of August and take delivery by the end of November.

Gallery: Volkswagen Routan


[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading More creative incentives: Buy a VW Routan and get $1,500 for college

More creative incentives: Buy a VW Routan and get $1,500 for college originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>upromisevolkswagenvolkswagen routanvolkswagen sciroccoVolkswagenRoutanVolkswagenSciroccovolkwagenvw routanvw-routanVwRoutanThu, 08 May 2008 11:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Babygate: Porsche CEO's hotel room bugged with baby monitor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/babygate-porsche-ceos-hotel-room-bugged-with-baby-monitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/babygate-porsche-ceos-hotel-room-bugged-with-baby-monitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/babygate-porsche-ceos-hotel-room-bugged-with-baby-monitor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's far too early to come up with suitable jokes to make, so we'll just give you the facts. According to Germany's Der Spiegel magazine, Police are investigating a case of corporate eavesdropping in the form of a baby monitor that was found in the hotel room of Porsche CEO, Wendelin Wiedeking. Wiedeking was in Wolfsburg, Germany visiting Volkswagen headquarters for a board meeting when a security firm found the monitor behind a sofa in the CEO's room. An investigation is underway, however, it deserves noting that the alleged spying took place in November of last year and that Der Spiegel isn't citing any specific sources for their story.

[Source: Forbes]

Babygate: Porsche CEO's hotel room bugged with baby monitor originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby monitorBabyMonitorceoporschespyspyingvolkwagenvwwedelin wiedekingWedelinWiedekingMon, 28 Apr 2008 07:56:00 EST