Category: Volkswagen

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo R speculation heats up

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

As we predicted, the announcement of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC has led to increased hope that a road-going Polo R would be back on the cards.

In a brief interview with Autocar, Volkswagen board member Ulrich Hackenberg said, “You can see how the World Rally Championship programme would increase the probability of an R version of the base model [Polo].”

However, buyers hopeful of buying the feisty pocket rocket may have to wait until 2013 or beyond to see the Polo R. Hackenberg explains, “It is with the rally programme, not before it. I can’t give a precise date, but it’s along those lines.”

Autocar currently suggest the Polo R would be front-wheel drive only. We’d like to live in hope that the baby R model could utilise the Audi S1 all-wheel drive system. However, a front-wheel drive precedent has been set with the Scirocco R.

The final question remaining is will Volkswagen try and find more power from the 1.4l twincharged unit found in the Polo GTI, or will they shoehorn a 2 litre engine in there from a Golf GTI? Either way expect power to be 150kW or beyond.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Audi Porsche Volkswagen

Is the Audi R4 over B4 it begins?

Detroit showcar Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron, which wowed Detroit back in January last year, was thought to be a preview of a mid-engined R4 model. It was expected to be part of a platform sharing program with stablemates Volkswagen and Porsche. However, according to Auto Motor und Sport any such plans have been shelved by Audi.

One of the reasons given are fears the cheaper R4 would cannibalise sales of Ingolstadt’s own TT model line, as well as eating into sales of the Porsche Boxster.

Also caught in the cross fire is the potential MX-5 rival from Volkswagen, the Concept BlueSport, meaning the planned Volkswagen Group MiMo platform is unlikely to become a production reality.

There’s also some speculation that this news may end the future of the Audi quattro concept. However, given an A5-based prototype has already been in circulation there’s still some hope.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTI “Edition 35”

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35

Volkswagen has released new images of this Golf GTI “Edition 35”. As its name suggests, it’s been created to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original Mk1 GTI.

Official press text is thin on the ground at the moment, but we can tell you the Edition 35 has an 18kW increase on the regular GTI. That means peak power is up from 155kW to 173kW.

Outside, there’s model specific 18″ “Watkins Glen” alloy wheels, as well as model specific “35” badging. The front spoiler has also been given a slight tweak. Inside, the “35” theme continues with badging on the door sills and honeycomb trimmed seats. Also included is a dimpled gearknob, a feature honouring the Mk1 once more and previously seen on other special edition GTIs.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 will make its public debut at the annual Wörthersee show in early June. We expect more technical details will be revealed then. We don’t expect this model will find its way down under, but we will ask the question to Volkswagen Australia.

UPDATE 11 May: A brief press release from Volkswagen AG has been added below.

Continue reading “Volkswagen Golf GTI “Edition 35””
Categories
Volkswagen WRC

VIDEO: Introducing the Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Following the written confirmation, here is video confirmation of Volkswagen’s plan to enter the WRC with a new Polo R WRC. The only shame of today’s announcement is we have to wait until 2013 for it to be realised.

Categories
Volkswagen WRC

Volkswagen to enter WRC from 2013

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Overnight Volkswagen confirmed two rumours, one directly, the other indirectly. First, Volkswagen confirmed its plans to enter a factory-backed team in the World Rally Championship from 2013. By nominating a new Polo R WRC as the car of choice we think VW has also indirectly confirmed plans to manufacture the on-again, off-again Polo R road car.

Speaking about the company’s decision to move into WRC Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division said, “The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles.

“Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.”

Volkswagen reckon their strong success in Dakar not only gives them a solid grounding for a WRC effort, but also the desire to reach new heights. Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director explains, “We can draw on an experienced and proven squad which has done an outstanding job in top-calibre sport in the past few years. Even though the WRC is new territory for us and involves learning in many areas the team already meets some important prerequisites now as it brings an unwavering professional attitude and resolve to deliver absolute perfection to this commitment.”

One thing is certain, the Polo R WRC concept car you see in these pictures looks fantastic! A full gallery and press release can be viewed below.

Continue reading “Volkswagen to enter WRC from 2013”
Categories
Volkswagen

Pleasure before business?

Volkswagen dealers across the country are just starting to fill their showrooms with the new Passat. Judging by reader comments on AUSmotive the car hasn’t made a great first impression. We wonder if this quirky TV commercial will help?

Categories
Volkswagen

Sneak peek inside the new Golf VII

Volkswagen Golf VII

You’re looking at the dash layout of the 2013 Volkswagen Golf. Okay, it’s not really that exciting we admit, but it does indicate the Mk7 Golf will make a move away from the current four dial layout of the current Mk6 Golf range—which has been in place since the Mk4 model.

By incorporating the temp gauge and fuel gauge into the rev counter and speedometer respectively Volkswagen can fit a relatively large display screen in between the two major dials. The lack of needles for the smaller gauges indicates LEDs could be used to highlight the required levels.

[Source: Auto Express]

Categories
Ford Volkswagen

VIDEO: Volkswagen Scirocco R v Ford Focus RS

Here is an old review from Autocar comparing the Scirocco R and Ford Focus RS. It first appeared on AUSmotive back in November 2009.

At the time neither car was available in Australia. However, the Focus RS has been on sale down under since late last year—don’t believe the hype, either, there’s still plenty for sale. Of course, we now know the Scirocco R will be in Australia early next year.

So, then, with renewed relevance, let’s take a look at what seasoned reviewer Steve Sutcliffe thought when he drove the two cars back to back.

Categories
Audi BMW Mercedes-Benz News Porsche Volkswagen

Money for nothing

AU v US car pricing

Last week the Australian dollar hit a new high against the US dollar. That high was $1.07 for the record. The news prompted Drive.com.au to publish an article comparing the prices Australian buyers pay for luxury cars compared to other countries, chiefly the United States.

The Drive article states, “Inflated luxury-car prices are not a recent revelation but a rampant Australian dollar—continuing to break post-float records as it stretches beyond parity with the US ‘greenback’—has many car buyers again asking questions.”

Continue reading “Money for nothing”
Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen Passat

The new Volkswagen Passat has just been released in Australia. There’s three models on offer, all available in sedan and wagon configuration. Pre on-road pricing for the sedan models start at $38,990 for the 118TSI, $43,990 for the 125TDI and $57,990 for the V6 FSI featuring 4motion. Add an extra $2000 if you want the added cargo space offered in the wagon.

There’s some impressive technology featured with the new Passat. It’s all stuff we’ve seen before in more expensive marques, but seeing such things as Fatigue Detection, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and City Emergency Braking filter down to more affordable models is welcomed.

Full details from Volkswagen Australia can be read after the break.

Continue reading “Volkswagen Passat – Australian pricing & specs”
Categories
Volkswagen

CONFIRMED: Scirocco R coming to Australia

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Great news for fans of the Volkswagen Scirocco with confirmation today that the range-topping R version will launch in Australia early next year. Ahead of its local launch, the Scirocco R will be on display at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne (1-10 July).

Proving that you have to give a little to get a little, Volkswagen will make space in its Australian product range by removing the three-door Golf R from its line up. While pricing details are yet to be confirmed, we can probably expect the front-wheel drive only Scirocco R to slot in under the $50K bracket. Currently the Golf R 3dr is priced from $48,490.

The Scirocco R uses the same 2.0 litre turbocharged motor found in the Golf R. It’s worth noting that the Scirocco R is more than 100kg lighter than the Golf R and its handling is said to offer a few more thrills as a result. In Euro markets the Scirocco R is rated at 195kW, however, we anticipate our warm climate will see that spec reduced to 188kW, as is the case with the Golf R and Audi S3.

Availability of the all-wheel drive Golf R 5dr will remain unaffected by the introduction of the curvaceous Scirocco.

We’re massive fans of the Scirocco here at AUSmotive and while we welcome this news with great anticipation we do wonder, three years after the Scirocco first launched overseas, if it’s all a bit too late? We’d love to hear what you think.

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Al for the tip]

UPDATE: Volkswagen has set up a web portal allowing people to register their interest in the Scirocco R.

Continue reading “CONFIRMED: Scirocco R coming to Australia”
Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat ready to launch in Australia

Volkswagen Passat

Last September, at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen gave the world a new Passat. Today, it’s Australia’s turn. Thanks to AUSmotive reader James for sending in these pics, taken near the media launch in Melbourne earlier today.

In basic terms the new Passat represents a steady improvement over its predecessor. The new model is a little bit nicer to look at, too. We’ll have full pricing and specification details as they come to hand.

[Thanks to James for the pics]

Continue reading “Volkswagen Passat ready to launch in Australia”