Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI

In what may be the least shocking news you will read today, Volkswagen will indeed be launching a revised GTI model shortly after its recently revealed sixth-generation Golf (or, Rabbit, as it's known in the U.S.) hits the market. According to Autocar, the next GTI will steer even closer to its original hot hatch mission, with VW reportedly giving the new model a "harder edge" than the current GTI. Underhood, at least in Europe, will be the same 2.0L TFSI engine that powers the base Audi A5, featuring Audi's valvelift technology that helps it offer up 208 hp at 4300 RPM and 258 lb-ft at 1500 RPM. That ought to make for a very spirited, though still relatively frugal ride.

What may be even more interesting news, though, is the replacement for the R32 model. Volkswagen won't be keeping its narrow-angle V6 underhood any longer, instead opting for a high-boost 2.0L with 265 horses and an 'R' moniker. All-wheel drive is also on the menu. Sounds like a bargain Audi TT-S to us, to which we simply say, "yes, please."


[Source: Autocar]

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI

Following the internet's unofficial, unscheduled and probably unwanted (at least by Volkswagen) reveal of the sixth-generation Golf this week, VW has thrown its cards on the table and revealed its hand. Along with high-res images, VW has revealed that the new Golf will launch this October in Europe and then find its way to markets in Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. Unfortunately, the company did not specify the U.S. (could just be Canada, for instance), but we're going on VW of North America's word that it will eventually go on sale in the States. Europeans, however, get first dibs and the base price will be 16,500 Euros at launch.

The car's new design carries forward trademark Golf cues but adds a bit of crispness. VW says it's more "three-dimensional" than the current car, which is strange since they're both technically objects in space. Regardless, VW does fess up to the Scirocco's influence, particularly the broad shoulder section on which the roof sits. The interior also was inspired and borrows bits and pieces from the more expensive Passat CC.

Power for the new Golf, in Europe at least, will be provided four gas engines and two diesels. All of the gassers will be TSI, i.e. they incorporate both a supercharger and turbo. The diesels meanwhile get common rail injection across the board with two balancer shafts to quell vibrations. Finally, DSG is essentially replacing the automatic in all Golfs except base models. Either a 6- or 7-speed DSG will be used depending on which engine it's paired to. Electronic doo-dads include "automatic distance control" (ACC), "adaptive chassis control" (DCC), a "park steering assistant" and updated ESP system.

Check out VW's official press release after the jump for more details and peruse the new high-res images in the gallery below.

[Source: VW]

Click above for gallery of the new VW Golf VI

Volkswagen was planning to unveil the sixth generation of its popular Golf model this week, but the internet strikes again with a preview of the new people's hatch ahead of its official reveal. Information is limited so far and comes primarily from bloggers who don't speak the Queen's English, but from what we can tell the next-generation Golf will be larger than the current model. Indeed, it does appear to be a bit wider and maybe even lower than the current model. Might we even see some hints of the Scirocco in its design, as well? Our source indicates that the range of engines available with the Golf VI will include a 1.4L TSI, 1.8L TFSI and maybe even the 2.0L TFSI, while diesels will include the company's 1.9L and 2.0L TDI motors. A manual, automatic and DSG transmission will also be on the spec sheet. Contrary to some reports, VW of America has said that the new Golf will be sold in the U.S., though not until late next year. That's all we know for now, and it's admittedly basic stuff, so stay tuned this week for the official word from Volkswagen. Until then, scope out the new Golf VI in our gallery below.

UPDATE: High-res images added to gallery.


[Source: Autoblog.nl (no relation)]

It seems Volkswagen has breathed a collective "Oops!", and is now working to turn its design ship around. VW was known for neat, differentiated designs with great interior details. While this stayed true in some parts of the world, in the U.S., Volkswagen design turned into chrome shield grilles fronting identical bodies in various sizes.

When Martin Winterkorn was lured back from academia, "he looked at Volkswagen's upcoming designs and binned the lot." Audi's design chief was brought in. VW started over on the Golf, which will be coming out later this year. The Polo redesign was taken up again from scratch. The Up! "was not fully thought through as a concept," and is getting a workover.

VW's new language is said to be about "simplicity," "a confident identity," "crisply-detailed functionality," and cars that aren't "over-designed." The chrome shield is gone (thank goodness) and headlights that wrap around to the front wheel arches have also been sent packing, "because that's not what a headlight is for." Stay tuned for more horizontals, as seen on the Scirocco -- and here (so much for no more chrome) -- and hopefully a slew of compelling shapes.

[Source: Evo]

While the European press reports that VW honcho Martin Winterkorn has iced plans to sell the Golf Mk VI in the United States, a rep for the automaker's American division has responded to the contrary. Volkswagen of America spokesman Steve Keyes told Inside Line that plans to introduce the 6th-generation Golf and GTI in the U.S. continue apace, with a Stateside introduction scheduled for next fall. Keyes also told IL that the new Golf's sales volumes have been factored into VWoA's '09 financials. The world should get its first official look at the Golf VI at this year's Paris Motor Show in October.

[Source: Inside Line]

We expect to see a the sixth-generation of Volkswagen's now iconic Golf model break cover soon enough, and now we are hearing rumors of some new powertrain options for the MkVI as well. According to German news site Automobilwoche, we should expect to see at least one engine of smaller displacement than the current 1.4-liter gasoline unit that powers the current Golf model in Europe. Interestingly, VW is said to be considering a possible three-cylinder engine for the base-model Golf, which could displace as little as one liter. Another possibility is a 1.2-liter version of the engine with four cylinders. To make the rumored 75 horsepower, we'd expect to see the German automaker continue its use of turbocharging, supercharging or both, as it does with some versions of the 1.4-liter engine already in use. As is usually the case, we're not holding our breath for these engines to make it stateside.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Click the image above for a gallery of live shots of the Volkswagen Tiguan

In a rather odd yet intriguing move, Volkswagen in Germany is handing out a new fifth-generation Golf to anyone who orders a Tiguan. The customer will keep the Golf until their new Tiguan utility vehicle is available, which, at current rates, will not be until next January at the earliest. In an effort to cover the cost of giving away a new car and getting it back used, VW will be providing its dealers with a one-time payment of €1,000 for each Tiguan sold. Unfortunately for the affected dealers, that won't be enough to recoup the lost value of the Golf, but it shows how eager VW is to sell its new small-ute in the face of similar new models coming from its key competition, namely the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

We've previously reported that the Tiguan will start at $22,490, which equals $23,840 after the expensive shipping cost is tacked on. After AWD is added, though, the price climbs to $29,515. Considering that seemingly lofty price point, Volkswagen isn't expecting to face such sales shortages in the U.S. where it is marketing its lil' ute as the GTI of CUV's.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

To emphasize just how quick its new Golf R32 hot-hatch really is, Volkswagen has mailed out a CD to potential customers and dealers containing some very short road-trip songs. The album, simply titled 'Short Car Songs,' contains three short classics, such as 'One Green Bottle,' 'It's a long way to Tip,' and 'She'll be coming around the mountain,' and is aimed at grabbing attention for the new car and getting people into showrooms to check it out.

Don't write this concept off as a waste perfectly good plastic just yet. Results on previous launches using this promotion have shown test drives going up 75% and sales up 25% on initial forecasts. All from simply mailing out a CD? Perhaps next time the songs should be distributed digitally via the iTunes Music Store.

[Source: Ads of the World via German Car Blog]

It's ba-ack. The VW Golf that drew 8.5 million hits the first time it appeared on eBay is back on the block. That was almost two years ago in May of 2005, believe it or not. In case you don't remember, this 1999 Volkswagen Golf was the personal conveyance of then-Cardinal Josef Ratzinger, until shortly before his ascendance to Popehood. The Cardinal sold the car and it ended up in the hands of one Benjamin Halbe, who had no idea who the former owner was, but hit the jackpot when Ratzinger became Pope. The 6-year-old grey car sold for almost €190,000 when press-hungry GoldenPalace.com decided they had to have it. Well, apparently the novelty has worn off and it's time to shed the vehicle from their collection of oddities.

GoldenPalace.com has put the VeeDub up for sale and promises that the proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity Great Britain. They also say that the car has not been driven since it was bought in 2005, so mileage should still be around 75,000 KM. In case the lucky bidder decides to drive the car, they should know that it has been started and features a 5-speed manual transmission, AC, PW, PL, tilt steering, cassette stereo, alloys, ABS, dual front airbags, side airbags, safety belt pretensioners, and presumably, God as your co-pilot. With more than eight days left, the bidding is already over $55,000.

[Source: eBay via German Car Scene]

In 1996 Volkswagen took four Harlequin Golf models on the auto show circuit. A similar Polo model sold in Europe inspired these cars that feature body panels painted in Pistachio Green, Ginster Yellow, Tornado Red, and Chagall Blue. Building four single-color cars and then exchanging their body panels was how these Harlequins were produced, and Volkswagen did this for approximately 275 cars that were sold in the U.S. as 1996 models. A Harlequin model's rocker panels, rear quarter panels and roof reveal its original color.

Volkswagen has officially kicked off sales of the renamed Rabbit (Golf MKV) in the U.S., and sharp-eyed viewers have caught a 2006 Harlequin Rabbit zooming around in one of the car's new commercials.

Is this VW just having some fun or is the Harlequin set to make a comeback?

Hats off to RossVW.com for all the info about the rarest VW model ever produced.


Check out the Volkswagen commercial in question here via YouTube.

Thanks to Michael for the tip!