We like this new ad from Volkswagen Australia. It’s been on high rotation of late, so we’re sure you’ve seen it. If not, check it out now and let us know what you think.
VW train spotters will notice the Amarok features in the ad and although it is yet to be launched down under you’ve only got a few weeks to wait until you can pick one up at your local dealer.
Just in case we had forgotten Chris Harris spent a bit of time piloting a factory Porsche GT3 around the Nürburgring last year he is back wearing a team jacket to tell us how the Citroën DS3 Racing compares against its hot hatch rivals; namely the MINI John Cooper Works, Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup, Vaxhaull Corsa VXR and Volkswagen Polo GTI.
The clip gives quite a good introduction to each of the cars, even if the script pretty much follows expectations. Check it out after the break.
Volkswagen has released a brief teaser clip for their Golf24 endurance racer. At just 30 seconds long this clip is too short. With any luck we will see much more of this car at the Nürburgring 24 hour race in late June.
Volkswagen is set to introduce a revised two-staged ESP system to its MY2012 Golf GTI, Golf R and Scirocco models. The changes mean it will be possible to first switch off the traction control (TCS) and then, by holding the ESP button down for more than 3 seconds, the ESP system can also be deactivated. Until now it has only been possible to turn off TCS on Mk6 Golfs and Sciroccos fitted with ESP.
There is still a small catch, though. While it will be possible to turn off the ESP system altogether it will automatically reactivate itself when the driver applies the brakes. According to Autocar this only applies during an “emergency” braking situation. However, we have included a copy of the relevant page from an MY10 Audi S3 which employs a two-stage ESP system and we suspect Volkswagen will simply adopt the same set up.
It is understood that Volkswagen has moved in reaction to criticism from consumers and media alike that their more sporty models have been too conservative when pushed to the limit.
The question becomes, when is it a good time to leave ESP on and when is a good time to switch it off. We would recommend leaving ESP activated on public roads and only deactivating the system in a trackday scenario where there is usually plenty of run off and, crucially, no oncoming traffic.
A view shared by Autocar tester Steve Sutcliffe who states, “Most of the time, in fact, you’re simply not aware that it’s there, not unless you get very close indeed to the point of no return, which is when you could use a helping hand, after all.”
[Source: Autocar | Thanks to James for the tip]
Back in 1976 a handful of Volkswagen engineers dared to dream. That dream became the Golf GTI; the hot hatch was born. To celebrate its 35th birthday Volkswagen Motorsport has raided the parts bin and created this awesome weapon ready to take on the world’s toughest endurance race, the Nürburgring 24 hour.
Fitted with an enhanced version of the Audi TT RS engine the 2.5 litre turbo pumps out 440hp and 540Nm. There’s also an all-wheel drive system in place to make sure the flared pocket rocket can maintain dignity.
More pics and detail can be read over at AUSringers.
Volkswagen has added to its Star Wars-themed Super Bowl ad by creating a YouTube microsite to promote the new New Beetle. Click on the image above to watch the ad in full.
Volkswagen has released these new pics of their updated Tiguan following the “leaked” image published on the official VW website on Friday.
Almost 600,000 Tiguans have been sold around the world and we reckon the tweaked styling we see here will only increase demand. Full details of the “technically and visually refined” Tiguan will be released at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.
More pics after the break, all available as 2000px super images, and press releases from Volkswagen UK and Volkswagen AG can be seen below.
Volkswagen is expected to launch a restyled Tiguan at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Thanks to the above image being given an early release on Volkswagen’s German website we can get a sneak peek at what the new model will look like.
Of course, Volkswagen will claim the images being published on their site, which has since been removed, was an honest mistake made by an eager web developer, or the like. But there’s so many leaks in the automotive world that we expect such a strategy is a deliberate move to create discussion. As you can see, it usually works too.
Anyway, back to the Tiguan’s new look. It’s a far better design execution that the current model and draws heavily on the latest Touareg styling. Looking at the blue model in the background, too, it appears as though Volkswagen might have a more worthy off-road version in the works. Or it could be little more than an alternate styling pack.
[Source: Autoblog]
Volkswagen US is advertising its version of the new Passat by showing the darker side of the car’s Remote Start functionality. What do you think, will this ad have the Passat (imperially) marching out of Volkswagen showrooms?
According to German publication Automobilwoche Volkswagen chief Dr Martin Winterkorn has confirmed the diesel-electric hybrid XL1, revealed at the Qatar Motor Show earlier this week, will be built. It’s due in a couple of years and just 100 are likely to be made utlising the production facilities at Wolfsburg or Dresden.
At a mere 795kg and with a combined fuel consumption figure of just 0.9l/100km the XL1 shapes as being one of the best eco-conscious cars money can buy. But is it likely to be any good, or will it be little more than a meek marketing gimmick? With such limited production plans it looks like Volkswagen is hedging its bets.
However, Autocar journo Hilton Holloway was in Qatar during the week and he had the opportunity to drive the two-seat city car concept. If his thoughts are anything to go by, Volkswagen should feel optimistic. Here are a few of his comments:
“I’ve just been scurrying around Doha in the sole Volkswagen XL1. And although it’s a very early prototype, the concept is clearly right on the money.”
“What was so surprising was that the XL1 felt so safe and secure, despite me having to mix it with wayward Toyota Landcruisers.”
“One other thing struck me. With a bigger motor, the XL1 would probably make the most amazing eco-supercar.”
[Source: Automobilwoche (translated) via engadget]
First we were told Volkswagen’s new New Beetle was going to be radical. Then Oprah showed off its silhouette, after VW helped her promise a car to eleventy billion of her closest friends (okay, it’s only 275). Now, KGP Photography and Autoblog bring us photos of a completely unclothed new New Beetle (click source link below for more pics).
The new New Beetle uses the current Mk6 Golf platform and will be built in Mexico alongside the Jetta. While it can sometimes be folly to judge a car based solely on photographs, we think this new New Beetle looks okay, but perhaps the wheel arches are too over the top. It looks like it’s driving on kiddy wheels that are out of proportion with the rest of the car.
While we’re discussing proportions, what about the back arch and C-pillar? The chiselled edge around the window detail is very nice, we admit, but we think there might be a bit too much Quasimodo in this new New Beetle for us to declare it a loveable evolution/revolution, like the the old New Beetle was a decade ago.
[Source: Autoblog]
The oil-rich nation of Qatar; the perfect location for Volkswagen to launch the XL1 concept—a diesel-electric hybrid with a combined fuel consumption figure of just 0.9l/100km and a CO2 rating of only 24g/km.
The XL1 is the latest iteration of the “1 litre” car first premiered by Ferdinand Piech back in 2002. In 2009 we also saw the Volkswagen L1. Where the XL1 differs from those two is in its seating arrangement. The earlier concepts featured inline seating for two, whereas the XL1 uses a more traditional layout to seat two abreast.
Powering the XL1 is a mighty 35kW 800cc two cylinder TDI and a fearsome 20kW E-motor. The total range of the XL1 is around 550km, that’s pretty good from a 10 litre tank. In electric only mode the XL1 has a more modest range of 35km.
The use of carbon fibre and other advanced construction methods helps keep the kerb weight of the XL1 to 795kg. Performance is not blistering, but it’s not too shabby, either, with 100km/h able to be reached in 11.9 seconds. Top speed is limited at 160km/h.
More after the break, including pics and a basic press release. A more detailed release is available for download as well.