It was only released overnight, but already the speculation of a high-powered R version of The Beetle is doing the rounds. So much so, that Car and Driver in the US is reporting that The Beetle R has already been confirmed for the US market.
Apparently, The Beetle R will remain front-wheel drive only. That means, in basic terms, then, we can expect R GmbH to grab a 195kW Scirocco R and reskin it with Beetle clothing. That should go alright.
[Source: Car and Driver]
Volkswagen has released photos and details of its new New Beetle. Except, it’s not called the New Beetle anymore; simply, The Beetle.
It’s a more masculine design, according to the marketing blurb, and we’re not entirely sure it hits the right notes. Although, The Beetle certainly does look much sportier than the New Beetle. And that’s a good thing.
While first impressions are pretty good, closer inspection of the pics has us asking if the proportions are right. We may need to wait until we see this car for real until we can pass final judgement. That means early 2012 for our Australian eyes.
The Beetle has been totally redesigned, with no carry over parts from the old model. Early reports from those attending launch events in New York and Shanghai seem positive for the most part.
Take a look at the small gallery of pics after the break and let us know what you think. There’s plenty of detail from Volkswagen AG for you to read as well.
Autosport brings word that Volkswagen are set to announce their intention to enter the World Rally Championship in 2012. It is understood Volkswagen had hoped to launch their new program ahead of Rally Portugal, however, final sign off was not achieved in time. It is now expected VW will confirm their WRC entry prior to Rally d’Italia on Thursday 5 May.
Following the path set by MINI and Prodrive, Volkswagen will run a reduced program in 2012 before tackling the full WRC calender in 2013. Indeed, earlier this year, it was Prodrive chairman Davie Richards who gave us the biggest hint yet that VW were serious about WRC.
It is believed Volkswagen will use the Polo as the basis for its WRC car. Petter Solberg, 2003 WRC champion, and Nasser Al-Attiyah, reigning Dakar title holder, are two names being considered for a place behind the wheel.
[Source: Autosport]
The simmering saga of Volkswagen chasing Alfa Romeo skirt continues with the German giant dangling a big Porsche carrot in front of Alfa Romeo. That carrot takes the form of a rumoured plan for future Volkswagen-owned Alfa Romeos to use Porsche engines.
Although, Alfa’s current owners, Fiat, are still playing hard to get and are clearly not amused with Volkswagen’s latest flirting, telling Autocar, “We shut the door in their faces and now they’re trying to get in the window.”
In reply, VW boss Ferdinand Piech says, “Volkswagen has time.”
[Source: Autocar]
Word from Geneva says Volkswagen is getting ready to send the Bulli concept into production. The small six-seater would be based on what’s now being called the MDS (modular design system) platform.
Previously, the MDS was known as the MQB platform and this will first see production form with the new Audi A3. With adaptable track and wheelbase measurements the MDS will then be used across a number of brands and models. This also means the Bulli mini-Micorbus could be upsized to cater for different markets.
It’s expected the Bulli would be built alongside the new New Beetle at the company’s Puebla plant in Mexico.
[Source: Autocar]
Steve Sutcliffe from Autocar presents the top five cars from a database of 5000 road tests (video available after the break). On the list they have included an original 1959 Mini, a 1961 Jaguar E Type, a 1981 Golf GTI, a 1994 McLaren F1 and a 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
In the first recap, featuring the Mini, it’s interesting when Sutcliffe includes a couple of lines from the 1959 test; a shame, really, he didn’t do that for the other four cars.
Overall, it seems like a reasonable enough list, if a bit skewed towards British engineering. But, Autocar is a British mag after all. So, what would cars would you put in your top five?
Volkswagen’s R GmbH division has revealed four special Golf R models at the Geneva Motor Show. The cars feature a variety of cosmetic enhancements from the full production version, including carbon fibre accents, two-tone interiors and unique alloy wheels. The models have been displayed in four colours, Oryx White, Carbon Steel Grey, Space Grey and Aplomb Blue.
Full details from Volkswagen after the break.
Italdesign Giugiaro has a long history with Volkswagen. It stems right back to the early 1970s and one of the better examples of their work is the original Mk1 Golf. So it is no surprise that the salacious appetite of the Volkswagen Group has gobbled up the famous design studio and made it part of its inhouse design talent.
The first concepts to come out of this new arrangement are the Tex and Go! The Tex represents future sporty models and features a twin-hybrid drivetrain. While the Go! is a mini-MPV, which just happens to be about the same size as the Volkswagen Bulli concept, also revealed at Geneva. The Go!, like the Bulli, is an all electric concept.
Both models are based on the MQB patform, which will house a range of Golf-sized models within the Volkswagen Group. The first production example is likely to be the new Audi A3.
Speaking about the new arrangement with Italdesign, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn Chairman of Volkswagen Group explained, “Italdesign is a figurehead of Italian design and engineering creativity. We have been working together closely in a spirit of partnership for many decades. As a full member of the global Volkswagen Group, Italdesign, now more than ever, is a creative center for fresh ideas and new concepts for our brands.
“The integration of Italdesign is a building block in our effort to take Volkswagen to the top of the automotive industry by 2018. That is why the outstanding know-how and capacity of Italdesign in design and engineering are so important for our Group.”
More detail on these two concepts can be read in this press release (264kb PDF) and you can see more pics after the break.
How cool is this! The Volkswagen Bulli is an all-new Kombi concept that builds not only the model’s 60 year history, but also reignites the flame lit by the too-costly-to-make-but-also-very-cool 2001 Microbus concept.
The Bulli is an electric powered six-seater that has a plug in iPad to drive its infotainment systems. Powered by an 85kW/270Nm zero-emission electric motor the Bulli has a maximum range of 300km on a single charge. The concept can reach 100km/h in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 140km/h.
Impressively, recharging the lithium-ion battery can take as little as one hour if a special “electric refuelling station” is used.
Perhaps indicating at a possible hybrid production future the Bulli has also been designed to suit Vollkswagen’s 1.0 litre and 1.4 litre petrol powered engines.
This new concept is reasonably compact in size at only 3.99m long, 1.75m wide and 1.7m tall. Thanks to reconfigurable seating as much as 1600 litres of storage/sleeping space can be achieved as well.
Take the jump to discover more…
The 4motion versions of the new dual-cab Volkswagen Amarok have been awarded a 5 star safety rating by local authority ANCAP. Scoring 32.99 points from a maximum total of 37 the Amarok is the first ute in its class to earn a 5 star rating.
You can read the short press statement from Volkswagen Australia after the break. Or, for more detail, read the full report which is available on the ANCAP website.
Volkswagen has released images of its new four-seat Golf Cabriolet model. It’s been over 10 years since we’ve seen a soft-top Golf, and the first true Golf-based convertible to be introduced since the Mk3 platform.
An electro-hydraulic drive system can open the Cabriolet’s roof in less than 10 seconds. The roof can be open or closed in motion, as well, so long as the speed is kept below 30km/h.
Styling for the Golf Cabriolet stems directly from the three-door Mk6 Golf hardtop, with the usual bloated backside that afflicts most hatch–cabrio conversions.
When optioned with bi-xenon headlights one also gets LED rear lights. Unless we’re mistaken, this is also the first Golf to feature LED daytime-running lights in the main headlight cluster, as is fast become the norm at Wolfsburg.
After presenting the car to local audiences at AIMS last October,Volkswagen has now lifted the lid on its new Amarok dual-cab ute. At launch there are five different model specs available, starting with the entry-level 2WD ($33,990) and topping out with the Ultimate 4motion ($58,490). In between sit the Trendline 4motion ($47,990) and the Highline 4motion ($52,990).
All models are powered by a 120kW 2.0 litre bi-turbo four cylinder diesel engine. It’s badged as a TDI400, which references the peak torque figure of 400Nm, on offer from a low 1500rpm. The combined fuel consumption figure on the 2WD model is 7.7l/100km, while the 4motion models use an extra 0.2l/100km.
The 4motion system utilises a Torsen differential and, depending on the model, can be specced in switchable 4WD mode or permanent 4WD. Oh, it’s easy to tell them apart, too; the tiny “4” on the badge found on the tailgate is red for switchable 4motion and black for permanent. They could have made it a little bit clearer, don’t you think. It’s also worth noting the full-time system, with a default torque split of 40:60, is only available on the Amarok Ultimate.
Volkswagen boast the Amarok dual cab has both the largest interior and widest load capacity in its class. Those wanting to do away with the rear seats in favour of a more lengthy payload will be interested to learn a single cab Amarok will be introduced at a later date.
Volkswagen hopes to take a few sales away from the volume selling Toyota Hilux. While it will be tough for the Amarok to break into the brand loyalty given by Toyota customers the product itself should compare well against its established rival.
More detail is available after the break thanks to the Volkswagen Australia press release. There’s more pics than you can poke a stick at and a detailed spec sheet available for download as well.