Category: Volkswagen

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Auto China: 2010 Volkswagen Phaeton

Volkswagen Phaeton

Volkswagen have just released images of their newly revised Phaeton luxury saloon ahead of its official debut at Auto China in Beijing. With its restyled exterior, most notably the front end, this updated Phaeton couldn’t possibly offend buyers. But, does it have the excitement to lure customers away from the more established brands?

Well, whatever the answer to that question is it cannot take away from some of the trick technology inside the car. For example, an optional front facing camera can be used to read road signs which can then be repeated to the driver through an in-dash screen between the rev counter and speedometer. Internet-based Google functionality is available with the Phaeton’s in-car navigation system, offering users easy access to route planning and points of interest.

More conventional electronic aids include Dynamic Light Assist, ACC (automatic distance regulation), Front Assist and Side Assist (lane change assistance). The standard bi-xenon headlights also feature adaptive cornering capability.

The solid VW badge on the front grille not only has a new 3D like look, it also houses the sensors for the automatic distance regulation. LED technology features in the main headlight cluster, as well as M shaped rear taillights.

The revised Phaeton goes on sale in European markets in the latter half of this year and will feature four engine choices. Entry level spec is a petrol powered V6 offering 206kW. A V6 TDI can also be had, with 176kW. While those looking for more power can opt between a 246kW V8 or a 331kW W12.

Seating can be optioned in either four or five seat configurations and a long wheel base offering an extra 120mm of legroom will also be available.

More pics and detail can be viewed after the jump.

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Green Machines Motorsports Volkswagen

Volkswagen Scirocco Cup 2010

Volkswagen Scirocco Cup

The Volkswagen Scirocco R, one of AUSmotive’s favourite cars, is set to feature in a new one make series to support the DTM category in Germany. To help kick things off for the first round at Hockenheim this weekend five motorsport legends will participate in the racing action. Names such as Derek Bell, Frank Biela, Martin Brundle, Jacques Lafitte and Carlos Sainz will take to the track in the 275bhp race-prepped Sciroccos.

The horsepower legends will be a series within a series during the full nine race Scirocco Cup and Volkswagen will invite five new legends for each race. It’s a similar approach to the Uber-Star Car concept used in the Australian MINI Challenge.

In all 25 cars will take to the track for the Scirocco Cup with 20 regular drivers competing for either the Junior Cup or Pro Cup, depending on their previous motorsport experience. As the Hockenheim round Frank Biela will be competing against his own daughter, Isabella, who is one of the Junior Cup entrants for 2010. A father and daughter competing against each other in the same race, can’t say that happens every day!

The other headline feature of the Scirocco Cup category is its use of bio natural gas fuel which reduces the CO2 emissions of the field by around 80%. Clean, green motor racing, then. This new series is a further development on the two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Sciroccos that took part in the 2009 Nürburgring 24 hour race.

Based on the Scirocco R road car the race car uses a push-to-pass system that offers drivers shorts bursts of extra power. In standard trim the Scriocco Cup car produces 165kW (down from the road car’s 195kW), but the push-to-pass system boosts power up to 202kW. The system can be used strategically to initiate or defend overtaking moves.

Until we see a Scirocco on Australian shores—and there is at least one on its way—the Scirocco Cup provides great exposure for one of Volkswagen’s best looking models in their current line up. More pics and press releases follow below.

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BMW Volkswagen

Would you buy a GTI over an M3?

Edmunds, Golf GTI v BMW M3

Michael Jordan would. Not that Michael Jordan, no, the Michael Jordan from Edmunds Inside Line. In fact, MJ not only reckons the current Golf GTI is better than the BMW M3, he says it is twice as good!

It’s true, this is what he said, “This is some great car. It’s not that it’s less than half the price as an M3; it’s that it’s more than twice as good as an M3.”

There is some method to his madness, though, “I’m tired of driving 4,000-pound sedans masquerading as coupes. Most of my disappointment in the BMW 1 Series has to do with its unwillingness to embrace a new personality as a light car rather than simply perpetuate the old 3 Series template.”

Jordan continues, “For me, the Volkswagen GTI is the kind of M3 that I prefer, less like a V8-powered truck and more like the Whispering Bomb.”

I can see where he is coming from, and the price gap is exacerbated to greater extremes here in Australia, but if presented with the choice of a GTI and an M3, budget aside, the M3 would get my vote. Read the full article and let us know what you think.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line | Thanks to Adam for the tip]

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VII rendering

VW Golf VII rendering

The current Golf VI is not even two years old yet, but renderings and speculation for the new Golf VII are already building. Dutch website Autointernationaal is the latest to throw their hat in the ring, and here’s a round up of what they’re saying.

Continuing the evolution theme so well mastered by the Golf it is understood Volkswagen design chief Walter de’Silva has said the next generation Golf will draw heavily on the original Mk1 from the 1970s, as well as the Mk4 which originally debuted in the late 1990s.

The new engine range will feature a mix of turbo-diesel, petrol, hybrid and electric options. It is expected the new Golf will grow in width and length, but overall height will be reduced. We should start seeing official appearances from the next-gen Golf in 2012 prior to the MkVII entering the market in 2013.

[Source: Eurocar Blog | via Autointernationaal]

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Volkswagen

Good vibrations

Volkswagen Touareg - lane assist TVC

Volkswagen is responsible for some of the best car advertising of all time, this one, though, is a little bit esoteric. The ad is promoting Volkswagen’s Lane Assist technology and does so by using a man dressed a bear while using a jack hammer.

Lane Assist will be seen in VW models such as the new Touareg, which means Australian readers won’t have too long to see just how well it works. If you’re already falling asleep at the thought, then take the jump, watch the ad and let us know what you think.

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Volkswagen

Blue is the new green

VW BlueMotion range - World Green Car 2010

The good news keeps coming for Volkswagen with the announcement that its BlueMotion range has been granted the World Green Car title for 2010. The BlueMotion line up consists of Polo, Golf and Passat models and employs various fuel saving methods, aligned with diesel power to offer class-leading economy.

Volkswagen’s BlueMotion range was honoured ahead of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. WCOTY jurors spoke glowingly of VW’s TDI technology, stating, “It is not necessary to add an electric motor and a heavy battery pack to achieve class-leading efficiency. Based on Volkswagen’s common-rail diesel engines, the BlueMotion models are among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In fact, the Passat BlueMotion can travel just about 1,000 miles on one tank of fuel in the European cycle. As far as internal combustion engines go today, these models are the ultimate you can get.”

As far as local availability of BlueMotion range goes, Volkswagen Australia has this to say, “BlueMotion models are currently not available in Australia but are under consideration for introduction in the future.”

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Polo – World Car of the Year 2010

The new Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen’s latest Polo has added to its European Car of the Year gong by adding the title of World Car of the Year for 2010. This means the Polo has followed the same path as its larger sibling, the Golf, which won the WCOTY in 2009.

Using the criteria of merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal the Polo topped a field of 30 cars after it was shortlisted to the final three, along with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Toyota Prius.

The 59-member jury for the WCOTY praised the Polo, saying, “Holding its own in the most competitive market segment, the all-new Polo MkV is one of VW’s star performers. Boasting best-in-segment packaging and handling, this supermini’s blend of classy looks, reliability and quality has meant it’s consistently been one the market’s best-sellers.

“It’s also safe; generating a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Behind the wheel, the Polo demonstrates mature manners and boasts a superb driving position that’s adjustable and, in common with the latest Golf, all the controls are well weighted and precise. The Polo is just one brilliant supermini.”

High praise indeed. Praise that Volkswagen Chairman Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn was happy to accept, “We’re honored that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors as the 2010 World Car of The Year. After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. These automobiles have reaped numerous awards, winning well-nigh every prize the automotive industry has to award. This shows Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history.”

Australian customers will be able to get their hands on the all new Polo early next month after its local launch. In other good news for Polo fans AUSmotive has learned that the new Polo GTI should be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, in addition to a 7-speed DSG.

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Volkswagen

3dr Golf R gets the nod

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen Australia ensured Easter was a happy one for fans of the upcoming Golf R by confirming the 3 door model will join the already confirmed 5 door option. The news was released via Volkswagen Australia’s facebook page.

Local hopes of the 3 door Golf R being available were given a considerable boost recently when two models were seen on the docks at Fremantle and Port Kembla.

A comment by AUSmotive reader Tony posted last Thursday suggests that 3 door Golf R sales may be limited and examples will be hard to come by in the first instance. Best get on down to your local VW dealer and get the low down yourself if you are keen on one of these cars.

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Volkswagen

Another Golf R spotted on Australian shores

VW Golf R

Following Wednesday’s spotting of a 3dr Volkswagen Golf R in Fremantle comes these new pics of another 3dr Golf R from Port Kembla, south of Sydney. The model shown appears to have leather seats and I’ve been informed it has a DSG transmission.

The very interesting thing here is that, despite photo evidence of two three door models no on local shores, it seems almost certain that Volkswagen Group Australia will not be offering a three door option on a permanent basis.

Quite why these cars are remains uncertain. A mixed up order, promotional purposes? There’s any number of theories and we may never know the true story. The AUSmotive tip of the day would be, if you are sweating on the arrival of a Golf R and want it with three doors, instead of five, then get on down to your Volkswagen dealer and start asking some questions.

For the moment Volkswagen Australia press officers are remaining tight-lipped on these cars and are maintaining a mid-year launch date for the R. If any new information comes to hand you will read it on AUSmotive.

More pics after the break.

[Source: Recode]

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R docks down under

VW Golf R

Thanks to AUSmotive reader Ed who has sent in these two images of the Volkswagen Golf R. The pictures were snapped at Fremantle wharf this morning. The great news here is that, firstly, the Golf R is closer to its local launch, but, also that the car in the picture is a three-door model.

Recently, there has been growing speculation that the Golf R would only be available in Australia in a five-door format. These pics would tend to indicate otherwise. Don’t be surprised, though, if Volkswagen Australia limits supply of three-door models. This is just a hunch I have, and is not based on any firm information.

More on the Golf R, including expected specification levels, can be read below.

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Formula 1 Volkswagen

Williams wants Volkswagen

Williams F1

A news report from German publication Bild claims Sir Frank Williams wants his team to be chosen to partner the Volkswagen Group should it make its expected entry into Formula One. Rumours of Volkswagen’s entry in Formula One have been around for some time now, with brand ambassador Hans Joachim-Stuck saying it is natural that VW is thinking of Formula One.

Speaking to Bild, Williams said, “We are stronger with a manufacturer than as a private team. No question.”

It’s approaching six year since Williams F1 last won a race, and that was when they were supported by the BMW factory. Subsequent terms with Toyota and Cosworth customer engines have not brought success. Williams enjoyed periods of domination F1 during the 1980s and 90s thanks to strong support from Honda and Renault.

Volkswagen motorsport bosses are understood to be very interested in Formula One, although they would like to see costs reduced further before making that very big step.

[Source: Autocar]

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Volkswagen

Official: Volkswagen R GmbH announced

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Volkswagen have announced the formation of a new performance division; titled Volkswagen R GmbH. The company will be based in Warmenau, a few kilometres from VW’s Wolfsburg headquarters. Today’s news confirms speculation which first came to light in late January.

With over 350 staff assigned to the program Volkswagen R will assume responsibility for existing models such as the Golf R and Scirocco R as well as the R Line and Volkswagen Exclusive range of cosmetic enhancements (generally not available in Australia).

The scope of Volkswagen R appears to closely mirror quattro GmbH’s role for stablemate Audi. So let’s hope we see a few more cars adorned with R badging and the associated performance upgrades. Australian customers should get their first look at the 188kW Golf R in a few months when it goes on local sale.

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