Tag: Volkswagen

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VW Golf R – Australian pricing leak

Golf R in Tasmania

Unconfirmed Australian pricing for the Volkswagen Golf R has been published on the VWWatercooled forum. And, if you’re in the queue for the latest and hottest performance Golf the news is good. Very good. This is the alleged list pricing:

3 Door Manual – $48,490
3 Door DSG – $50,990
5 Door Manual – $49,990
5 Door DSG – $52,490

Given the previous list pricing of the old R32 (3dr manual $54,990) and the current Audi S3 (3dr manual $66,403 $68,000) – the S3 is the car the new Golf R is largely based on – that’s some very sharp pencils being used by Volkswagen Australia. Although it is worth noting that those Golf R figures do not include any on road or delivery costs.

Basic specification and options pricing for the Golf R emerged on AUSmotive back in March shortly after a three door model was spotted in Fremantle. It now appears the full pricing for the Golf R range is available prior to official launch (summarised below).

The photo above was taken in Tasmania earlier today and forms part of a Golf R and Golf GTD fleet which will be used for the national media launch over the next few days.

[Thanks to Mick & Ben for the tips]

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Volkswagen Golf GTD image gallery

VW Golf GTD

Like the all-paw Golf R the Golf GTD is about to be set free in Australian showrooms (they’ve been here since early May). To help those who are waiting on the “diesel GTI” here’s some pics sourced from the Volkswagen UK press archives. Some details seen in these pics might differ from GTDs sold locally. There are currently no plans to sell a three door version of the GTD in Australia. Apart from that, this is pretty much what we’ll be getting in Australia.

Remember, with the GTD being such a new kid on the block, it is not covered by Volkswagen’s current free on roads promotion which expires at the end of this month. (Thanks to Ben for this tip.)

As for tips, here’s one for our Tasmanian readers. Expect to see a few Golf Rs and GTDs roaming the roads of your state in the next day or two.

UPDATE 9 June: Unconfirmed Australian list pricing for the GTD has surfaced this morning:

6spd manual – $39,290
6spd DSG – $41,790
(5 door only, plus delivery fees and on road costs)

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The wolf is mightier than the elephant

VW Amarock TVC

We know that Amarok is the Inuit word for wolf. But we didn’t know the wolf is mightier than the elephant. At least, that’s what this latest television commercial from Brazil is trying to convince us.

The Amarok is now on sale in South America, but Australians will have to wait until the end of the year before they can get first hand look at the vehicle Volkswagen hopes can break the Toyota Hilux.

After the jump you can see the elephant commercial. There’s also another Amarok ad that reminds you never to give the keys to a an old Spanish looking geezer.

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Volkswagen Golf R ready to make a splash

Volkswagen Golf R

The eagerly awaited Volkswagen Golf R is not far from its official Australian launch. AUSmotive understands it will take place in about two weeks from now.

Further evidence of the Golf R’s imminent release came via email announcing a new Golf R dashboard—it’s fancy RSS reader basically. When you customise yours, make sure you add AUSmotive to your list.

Other news confirming the Golf R is not far away is given in the small print of Volkswagen’s current end of financial year sale. For the Golf and Tigian range VW are currently picking up the tab for all on road costs. Obviously the sale ends on 30 June and the fine print reads, in part, “Promotion excludes Golf Wagon, Golf R & Golf GTD”. So, we’ll definitely be seeing the R and GTD before the end of the month.

Back in March AUSmotive brought you the first pics of a Golf R in Australia after it had docked in Fremantle. Expected specs for the 188kW hot hatch surfaced at the same time. It seems the only thing we don’t know is the price. Although, we’ve been told they will come in under MkV R32 pricing.

For those buyers in waiting, and fans of the R alike, here are 15 new images from the Volkswagen UK press archives. Click on the pics to launch wallpaper-friendly 2000px super images.

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Volkswagen buys major stake in Italdesign Giugiaro

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1

Any opportunity to post an image of the iconic Mk1 Golf GTI is one AUSmotive will grab with both hands. And news of Volkswagen purchasing a major stake in design house Italdesign Giugiaro has provided that chance.

Of course, Giugiaro penned the very first Golf back in the 1970s. The relationship with the Volkswagen Group continued with models such as the original Passat, Scirocco, Audi 80 and more recently the Volkswagen W12 also being designed by Giugiaro. It goes without saying the Italian styling house has also been responsible for numerous Alfa Romeos, Fiats, Lancias and many more.

After taking control of 90.1% of the Turin-based company Volkswagen Chairman Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn said, “A new era in the strategic partnership between our companies begins today. Italdesign becomes a permanent member of the global Volkswagen family. The company will therefore be making an important contribution to our 2018 global growth strategy.”

More after the break.

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First Volkswagen Scirocco R arrives in Australia

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Back in March AUSmotive exclusively revealed news that the Volkswagen Scirocco could be imported to Australia under Federal Government’s Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme. Under the conditions of the limited approval only two models of Scirocco are eligible, the top of the range Scirocco R and the Scirocco 2.0T.

As the image above shows the first Scirocco R to be imported to Australia under this scheme has now arrived in Sydney. The car was shown at an invitation only preview this morning at Scuderia Imports in conjunction with City Performance Centre.

AUSmotive could not be there but thanks to readers Eddie and Nathan we can bring you these pics. The Scirocco is a fantastic looking car and one has to question why Volkswagen Australia continues to sit on its hands in regards to official imports of this model.

As to the future of this first Australian Scirocco R, AUSmotive understands the owner has big plans for the car. Once it’s ready to go, expect to hear about it—it should be very special and definitely unique.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Wörthersee: Volkswagen Golf GTI Excessive

Golf GTI Excessive

In addition to the adidas limited edition, Volkswagen has also presented this Golf GTI “Excessive” to the fans at the Wörthersee show in Austria. It looks like Volkswagen has dusted off last year’s Wörthersee 09 Concept and bolted on a few shiny plastic bits.

There’s an increased track, set off nicely by BBS alloy wheels and a big brake kit. The aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser look the part, but those wheel arches and side skirts are pushing a few unwelcome boundaries.

Volkswagen are leaving the door open to these parts being made available over the counter of your local dealership. They say if the fans show enough support at Wörthersee then they could put the kit into production.

More after the break.

UPDATE: Volkswagen UK press release added below. This tells us the Excessive has modest increases in power and torque, among other things.

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Seven news

Volkswagen Golg VII

This animated GIF gives you a look at the latest Volkswagen Golf VII rendering. Produced by Auto Express there is a likely to be a reasonable amount of guesswork taken, but it’s probably in the ballpark of what the next Golf will look like.

Styling cues, for the exterior lighting in particular, are heavily influenced by the New Compact Coupé shown at Detroit early this year. Indeed the entire front end of this rendering is greatly inspired by that concept model.

While the reign of the current Golf VI is likely to be one of the shortest in Golf history, we’re still probably around two years away from seeing the Mk7, and its all new platform, in European dealerships. Introduction of the Golf VII could even stretch into 2013, we’ll have to wait and see.

Once the new Golf is released we’ll be able to listen to Volkswagen thump their chests about their newest range of efficient small capacity turbocharged engines and plenty of other new technologies, too. The Golf is clearly Volkswagen’s most important mode line. They won’t get it wrong.

[Source: Auto Express]

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Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen Polo GTI

UPDATE 14 May: A new pic from Wörthersee has been added below. It shows the new Polo GTI wearing 18″ Detroit alloy wheels.

Volkswagen have published a new press release ahead of the European sales launch of its new Polo GTI. There’s nothing really new in there from the info released prior to the Geneva Motor Show. There is some extra eye candy, though, in the form of new photos in Volkswagen’s familiar Tornado Red colour. These complement the Candy White images from the Geneva info quite nicely.

Basic specs of the Polo GTI are listed below, with more detail given after the jump in the official release.

New Polo GTI

  • Engine: 1.4 litre TSI (twincharged)
  • Power/torque: 132kW/250Nm*
  • Transmission: 7-speed DSG
  • Kerb weight: 1194kg*
  • 0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds
  • Top speed: 229km/h
  • Fuel consumption: 5.9l/100km
  • CO2 emissions: 139g/km
  • Wheels: 7×17” Denver alloys, fitted with 215/40 tyres
  • Optional equipment includes: bi-xenon headlights with cornering feature, LED daytime running lights, panoramic sunroof

*The torque figure is not listed in the information below, but is available in this Technical Data PDF (64kb). Kerb weight has also increased by 10kg over previously released information.

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VIDEO: Volkswagen Golf R – Manual v DSG

VW Golf R

Word on the street is the new Volkswagen Golf R will be launched in mid-June. While Australian specs have emerged, there’s still nothing concrete on pricing, other than a hint at an entry level list price of mid-50s.

Should you get the manual or DSG transmission to go with your 188kW/330Nm and trick Haldex all-wheel drive system? I guess it all depends on just how important traffic light grands prix are to you, as opposed to the feeling of having control at all times.

If you’re undecided as to which way to go, below you can see a pretty rudimentary comparison below thanks to Autocar. It’s a bit crude, but the results on the 0-100km/h test are conclusive.

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New Volkswagen Polo – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen Polo

The new Volkswagen Polo—current European and World Car of the Year—has just been released to the Australian market. List pricing starts at $16,690 for the entry level Trendline, fitted with a 63kW 1.4 litre engine. Sitting in the middle of the range is the 77TSI Comfortline featuring a 1.2 litre turbocharged engine producing 77kW. Its list pricing begins at $19,850. Topping the current Australian range is the 66TDI Comfortline model, which starts at $22,350. The Comfortline models are available with a five-door body only, while the Trendline is a three-door only.

Larger and and safer than the previous model the new Polo can be bought with either manual or 7-speed DSG transmissions. The manual is a 6-speed on the 77TSI, while the Trendline and 66TDI come with a 5-speed manual. Those wishing to go for the excellent DSG box will need to add a further $2500 to the list pricing given above.

All models are fitted with ESP technology and the Polo has been awarded a five-star crash rating under the new tougher EuroNCAP testing regime. This rating has been honoured by the Australian authority, ANCAP, as well.

Overall the new Polo represents a forward step over the model it replaces. This is immediately noticeable with the Polo’s interior, which now has a quality feel more comparable with its larger Golf sibling.

I suspect a lot of readers will have their eye on the new Polo GTI and its 132kW twin-charged 1.4-litre engine. With a confirmed kerb weight below 1200kg this should be one feisty pocket rocket indeed. Volkswagen Australia have confirmed the Polo GTI will be on sale before the end of 2010.

A full list of specifications and pricing for the current Polo range is available below, along with a few extra goodies.

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Golf GTI adidas coming to Wörthersee

Golf GTI adidas

Volkswagen will be showing two new special Golf GTI models at the annual Wörthersee Tour in Austria. The first will be known as the Golf GTI adidas and will feature a number of cosmetic tweaks, including unique alloy wheels and adidas styled interior trim.

Also included in its list of standard equipment will be bi-xenon headlights and LED rear tail lights. It’s unlikely that any right hand drive models will be made and a limited run of 4410 will go on sale in Europe later this year. At this stage that’s pretty much all we can tell you. There’s only the one image you see above. Expect more from Wörthersee soon, then.

The next model, the Golf GTI Excessive, has even less info available. There’s no pictures at all. And apart from telling you the car is likely to have a number of modifications, including an extreme body kit I can’t really say much else, except keep an eye out for details. Also expected on the Excessive is uprated suspension, brakes and exhaust.

[via World Car Fans]

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