CrossFox gets a nip and tuck

El Diferencial has unearthed an image of a slightly modified CrossFox which means a facelift is coming shortly for the South America and Mexico only model. The changes remain consmetic, however, with changes only in the front end with a modified fascia and a few extra touches here and there. Interior and engine choice (actually, there's only one) will remain the same.

Source: El Diferencial via WorldCarFans

Golf GT + Golf Sport = Golf GT Sport

Volkswagen did some Spring cleaning in it's UK Golf lineup, consolidating two existing models into one, all-new model. They have scratched the Golf GT and the Golf Sport and has replaced it with a new model called the Golf GT Sport. The new Golf model is meant to establish a visual link with the Golf lineup's sportier vehicles such as the GTI and Golf R32. The Golf GT Sport gets a GTI-inspired front end with a black grille and blackened headlight housings, as well as "GT Sport" badging up front. The car looks sharp without looking too much like a GTI rip-off.

The Golf GT Sport, available in both 2-door and 4-door flavours, comes with either a 1.4L TSI or a 2.0L TDI diesel both capable of 140 and 170 hp and mated to either a manual or DSG. Standard features abound, including leather-trimmed surfaces, sport front seats, light sensing headlights, rain sensing wipers, and an alphabet soup of electronic aids, among other things. The Golf GT Sport starts at £17,422 and is available this summer.

Press release and photos available after the jump.

Source: Carscoop



VOLKSWAGEN INTRODUCES NEW GOLF GT SPORT TRIM

Volkswagen is set to replace the existing Golf Sport and GT trim levels with a single all-new model – the Golf GT Sport.

The Golf GT Sport debuts a purposeful new look as well as additional equipment over the models it replaces to deliver greater value. An all-new darkened grille section is intersected by a set of horizontal fins to forge a visual link with the other sporting models in the range – the potent GTI and R32 variants. Inset into the grille is a new 'GT Sport' badge. Framing the new nose are a pair of darkened headlights which visually separate the lenses into four, individual units. They sit above a set of fog lights mounted in the front air dams.

In profile the new GT Sport is distinguished by subtle tints to the rear windows and a set of 17-inch multi-spoke 'ClassiXs' alloy wheels fitted with 225/45 R17 tyres.

At the rear twin chrome exhausts on the 170 PS models are joined by discreet 'GT Sport' badges.

The subtle, sporting look continues inside. A leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake are fitted along with front sports seats, automatic light sensing headlights and rain sensing windscreen wipers. This is in addition to Climatic air conditioning, a CD stereo system with eight speakers and electric windows. Six airbags, ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) round off the high levels of standard equipment.

The purposeful exterior is backed up by dynamic underpinnings. The innovative 1.4-litre TSI engine which utilises both a supercharger and a turbocharger to generate high power outputs from a modest engine capacity while retaining high levels of economy is available in 140 PS and 170 PS guises. A single 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is also available in 140 PS and 170 PS outputs. Both petrol and diesel engines are available mated to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG transmissions.

The new Golf GT Sport will be available in both three- and five-door bodystyles when deliveries start later in the summer. It joins the existing S and Match trim levels in the Golf model range. Prices are set to start at £17,422 for the entry-level three-door variant specified with a 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS engine, rising to £21,352 for the five-door model fitted with the 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS engine with DSG transmission.

GTI for the insane

Right now, there must be an insane bunch of people on Volkswagen's payroll. I mean, to even think of shoehorning a 6.0L W12 into the Golf GTI's little body. It's just mind boggling. But that is exactly what Volkswagen did when they showed off the Golf GTI W12 650 concept at the Wörthersee 2007 in Austria. The Golf GTI W12 650 concept is a one-off Volkswagen creation that pushes the limits of, well, the Golf.

As the name denotes, the Golf GTI W12 650 concept has, in fact, Volkswagen's biturbo W12 engine, mounted behind the front seats, in fact. It is the same one used in the Bentley Continental GT. What's more, the engine produces a massive 650 hp and 530 ft. lbs. of torque, more than the Bentley! Those figures help move this concept from 0-60 mph in a fast 3.7 seconds.

In terms of appearance, this car will not be known for it. But this concept is not about that. This car is encroaching on supercar territory (its numbers sure does) and like a supercar, every detail on the sheetmetal all have a purpose. This concept is just staggering.

All the numbers, all the features this car has, one must be insane to even think that the Golf GTI W12 650 even has a chance to go into production. But hey, I'll give kudos to whoever is able to modify their own GTI to have a big, honkin' W12 engine in the backseat.

Press release, more pictures, and a Youtube vid of the reveal after the jump.

[Update]: New engine shots now available after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen




Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650
Showtime at the Wörthersee

Leave conventions behind and let ypur passion awake - since the beginning these were the roots of the GTI idea. Until today they got more than 1.67 million drivers into their spell. Long has the Golf GTI been an icon. A mark for itself.

Since 1982 Golf GTI celebrate it annually in the Austrian Land at the Wörthersee. Thousands come.Volkswagen placed a Golf before them: the Golf GTI W12-650 showcar. This sports car is a inclination before the GTI friends at the Wörthersee, people for whom the GTI is a myth.
Stronger, broader, faster
A Golf was never stronger, broader or faster. It seems that the Golf GTI W12-650 comes directly from the racing course. A Golf that runs like the Pace Car of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Its name means: W12-Zylinder, 650 HP (477 KW with 6.000 rpm). A Showcar, not more, not less. Nevertheless it shows what enormous potential the Golf has to offer.

3.7 seconds, 325 km/h, 750 Newtonmeters
Its 6,0 Liter Biturbo engine is longitudinal and placed directly behind the driver and the front seat passenger. The Golf GTI W12-650 differentiate itself in this way from the classical central engine car. A 6-speed automatic transmission transfers 750 Newtonmeters (at 4.500 rpm) to the rear axle. It catapults the Golf GTI W12-650 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. With a maximum speed of 325 km/h the Golf GTI W12-650 leaves behind nearly all of the world's supercars.

Width 1.88 m, 235er tire in front, 295er tire in the back
Automotive engineers and designers united under Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650
its 1.88 meters (series: 1.76 meters) spread and 1.42 meters (series: 1.50 meters) flatten body. The chassis components of the Golf GTI W12-650 were adapted directly from supersports cars. The wheels are of course made from a light alloy and because of the gigantic wheel dimensions a specialy engineered tire had to be made.

70 millimeters lower, 160 millimeters broader
The goal was clearly defined - despite the partially dramatic technical changes the study should
remain completely clear that this is a Golf GTI. Therefore as much parts as possible were taken from tha classical GTI like: the headlights, the doors, the front hood and the tail lamps. The axles were pushed 70 millimeters into the body.

The largest problem was to supply the 6-litre central engine with sufficient air and to produce sufficient drift at the rear axle without watering the silhouette of the Golf GTI W12-650. Therefore the C-columns were re-designed in such a way that they lead air to the engine. The rear side windows run inward, so that two channels develop between the disks and the C-columns on the left and on the right to drive air to the engine.

The Carbon fiber roof is a diffuser
Innovative building of the body also prevented that the lines of the Golf GTI W12-650 to get ruined by a putting on a roof wing. The study carries the wing inward. The roof is part of an enormous diffuser, which provides sufficient drift to the rear axle. It's made from carbon fiber and leads air under the normal tail spoiler.

Interior with racing ambitions
The leather is Alcantara. On the middle range of the armatures are Three rows of auxiliary instruments. Transparent "Flip UP" switch guards for central functions like the disconnectible ESP look like taken derectly from the race track.

Fire extinguishers are integrated in the place of the glove compartment to also remind us of the race. Because of weight reasons "stripped" the door linings are complete; only lattices are used, which grant a complete view of the interior mechanics of the door.

Volkswagen now plans to hybridize every model

It seems Martin Winterkorn is now taking back his initial statements regarding the place of hybrid technology in Volkswagen's future and is now confirming that Volkswagen is planning on offering a hybrid version for every model, a project that should begin in two years' time.

The article in Germany's Auto Bild newspaper, which conducted the interview with the Volkswagen chief, stated that although no decision has been made on what electric components will be used for which model, the plan is to have both a micro-hybrid system that uses brake regeneration to charge the batteries and a full hybrid solution. According to Winterkorn, Volkswagen is currently working on a small hybrid that can be launched into the market "fairly quickly".

What caused Winterkorn's sudden change of heart? Only five months ago, Winterkorn had dismissed hybrid technology to be too costly for the consumer and, therefore, not worth the investment. Five months later, he's making official statements that every Volkswagen model will have a hybrid version. It may have something to do with Porsche. Porsche executive Bernd Harling has recently said in an interview that "Volkswagen is the key" in making hybrid technology possible for Porsche. Porsche's new-found interest in hybrid technology combined with a controlling stake in Volkswagen means that Volkswagen will be in the hybrid game, whether they like it or not. This may also be another plan of Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking to help Volkswagen attack Toyota efficiency.

Source: Monster and Critics

Volkswagen unveils limited edition Golf Plus

If you think Volkswagen is out of ideas for the ever-expanding Golf lineup, think again. They have just announced a limited edition variant of the Golf Plus, called the Golf Plus Dune, the nomenclature coming from the other Dune models, the Polo Dune and the culturally popular Dune Buggy.

Volkswagen has not released pictures of the Golf Plus Dune (and the ones floating out in the Internets that claim to be the Golf Plus Dune are actually CrossGolf pictures. Don't be fooled.) but we can just imagine what it would look like: flared, plastic-clad wheel arches, raised ride height, and an overall more rugged exterior. Indeed, we expect it to look very similar to the CrossGolf, just with additional features and the exclusivity (Volkswagen will only be making 400 samples). Under the hood is a 1.9L TDI that puts out 105 hp and 184 lbs. ft. of torque.

The Golf Plus Dune starts at £18,495 and will be out in the Summer. Volkswagen UK dealers are now taking orders, though. Availability in the rest of Europe is unsure. North America, don't even think about it.

Source: New Car Net

Volkswagen reveals the Golf GTI Pirelli at Wörthersee 2007

Still reeling from the awesomeness of the Golf GTI W12 650? Well then, you can feel giddy about this other Wörthersee 2007 debut. The Golf GTI Pirelli presented at the Wörthersee is an homage to the original 1983 Pirelli GTI that the esteemed tire company Pirelli and Volkswagen developed together. This new one, built by Volkswagen Individual, uses the Golf GTI Edition 30 as it's base but special touches, such as the "Pirelli" badging, the paint job, and interior adornments, have been added for extra appeal.

One interesting aspect of the GTI Pirelli are the wheels which, aside from being robed in Pirelli's own P-Zero 18-inch tires, are also patterned to the Pirelli P logo at each of the five spokes. From afar, these five-spokes are probably the better ones out there. But the Pirelli P detailing just adds to the whole package.

Unlike the GTI W12 650, this one can actually be had. See it on European streets in the Fall. North American availability is unlikely.

Press release and photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen via Autoblog











The New Golf GTI Pirelli - Key Aspects
World premiere at Wörthersee: Comeback of the GTI Pirelli
Traction control: New Pirelli 18-inch wheels and size 225 P-Zero tires
Unique character: Seat and seatback surfaces of sports seats with tire tread design
Sports car engine: Golf GTI Pirelli has 230-PS engine from GTI Edition 30

Wolfsburg, 17 May 2007 - The Golf GTI Pirelli is back; a powerful, fast and very exclusive GTI. Volkswagen is continuing the history of one of the best known limited edition models in Europe. In May 1983, the "Original Pirelli" arrived on the market. It was based on the first generation, second series Golf GTI. A distinctive identifying feature: Specially designed alloy wheels with the "Pirelli P" on their outer edges. A remarkable 10,500 cars of the special model were built and sold within half a year. Then it was over – a limited edition! If there were an Automobile Hall of Fame for young-timers, the "Pirelli GTI", as it was called by its fans, would have long held a place there.

The legendary tire tracks of the young-timer are now being extended by the new Golf GTI Pirelli. And indeed with completely new Pirelli high-performance tires too. They are wrapped around powerful 18-inch Pirelli wheels in Titanium look. The car's interior has been upgraded with a partial-leather sports seat system that has an embedded tire tread pattern. Instead of the previous 112 PS the new car converts 230 PS into forward propulsion. If needed, a 245 km/h top speed is within the car's capabilities. In 6.8 seconds the Turbo-FSI propels the GTI Pirelli to 100 km/h from a standstill.

The Golf GTI Pirelli, conceptualized by Volkswagen Individual, will be presented in a worldwide debut between May 16 and 20. The occasion and site of this premiere are a perfect fit: The international GTI Meeting at Wörthersee, Austria. Production will begin in September.

Driving performance of the Golf GTI Pirelli.

A look at the numbers gives it away: 169 kW / 230 PS – those are the same performance values as the engine in the Golf GTI Edition 30 that arrived on the market in 2006 on the occasion of the GTI's monumental birthday. The 200 PS of the "normal" GTI were boosted by one PS for each year since 1976. Now this "jubilee engine" is also powering the Golf GTI Pirelli. The sports car races to the 100 km/h mark in just 6.8 seconds. But it can go even faster: When the GTI Pirelli is ordered with the optional DSG dual clutch transmission, the most powerful GTI of all times breaks through the magic "sound barrier" in 6.6 seconds. The GTI philosophy of agility is accompanied by the efficiency with which this Turbo-FSI goes to work: 8.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, or 7.9 liters with DSG, are evidence of the virtuosity with which Volks­wagen masters the keyboard of engine building.

Tires and wheels of the Golf GTI Pirelli.

"Power is nothing without control", says Pirelli. Volkswagen sees it this way too. Chassis, brakes and ESP combine for a well-balanced safety package that can even perform masterfully on the North Loop of the Nuremburg Ring track. But things do not really get rounded out until the tires come into play. That is why Pirelli is contributing a new high-performance tire to the project: The latest generation of P-Zero tires. The material mixture and tread pattern of the 225/40 P-Zero were designed to benefit handling, braking, ride comfort and aquaplaning properties.

As in 1983, the tires are wrapped around Pirelli alloy wheels. They are coated with a Titanium-colored paint. The manufacturer interprets the visual effect of the five spokes as an homage to the wheels of the first Pirelli GTI. They had openings in the form of a P for Pirelli on their outer edges. This P is also found in the new wheel design – but in this case it is reflected: In the rim flange. However, there are worlds of difference between the dimensions of the two types of alloy wheels: They are 7.5x18 inch today, but were 6x14 inch back then.

Body of the Golf GTI Pirelli

Bumpers and side skirts painted entirely in car color visually set the Golf GTI Pirelli apart from the 200-PS GTI. Recall that on this classic GTI, introduced at the end of 2004, the spoiler in front, the lower bumper section in the rear, and the skirt between the wheel housings on the sides were in black.

Similar to the GTI Edition 30, a plate with the Pirelli signature on the right side of the tailgate is a reference to this exclusive Golf GTI. In its side profile, the new car has standard tinted rear windows and another Pirelli signature can be seen here on the C-pillar of each side. Designers coordinated the color of the signature to the body paint color. Four of these are offered on the Golf GTI Pirelli. If "Blue graphite" or "Black magic pearl" is selected, the Pirelli signature is in silver. If the GTI – available as a two-door or four-door – is ordered in "Sunflower" or "Reflex silver", there is a black signature. "Sunflower" – a bright yellow – was created especially for this GTI. So if you look in your rearview mirror this coming fall and see something yellow with a black radiator grille growing larger very quickly, it can only be one thing: The Golf GTI Pirelli.

Interior of the Golf GTI Pirelli.

Just as distinctively as on the GTI Edition 30, the GTI Pirelli stands out from the rest of the model series with its refined interior. Take the example of the sports seating system: The standard GTI seats developed by Volkswagen Individual were upgraded to perfectly customize them for the GTI Pirelli: The anthracite colored lateral supports, seatbacks, head restraints and center armrests are upholstered in leather ("Vienna" type); yellow decorative seams provide a fine visual contrast. But the real highlight is the center seat panels. They are not made of the usual GTI "Interlagos" diamond pattern, rather of a breathable and very luxurious microfiber from the Italian producer Miko ("Dinamica" type): The tire tread pattern is embedded in the microfibers, which also sport the anthracite color. There is yet another accent in the front head restraints. Where the "GTI" letters are usually found, in this car the lettering is "Pirelli" throughout.

"Pirelli" equipment features also include heated seats, electrically adjustable lumbar supports in front, and all-leather center armrest in the rear. Under its counterpart in front, there is a storage bin that may be used optionally to house a CD-changer or MP3 player.

The leather sports steering wheel and parking brake grip have been retooled to match the top sports seats: They also have decorative yellow seams. In addition, the steering wheel with ergonomic hand recesses and perforated leather here support a sporty driving style. The vertical spoke of the steering wheel has a metallic Pirelli emblem as an accent.

Engine of the Golf GTI Pirelli.

It was 25 years ago when Volkswagen first introduced the era of downsizing on its first turbo-diesel. Of course, the Turbo-FSI on the GTI is technically unrelated to a turbo-diesel, but they have the principle of downsizing in common – in both cases engine displacement is replaced by engine charging. Approximately one decade after the first turbo-diesel, the direct-injection TDI followed. This engine extended the principle of downsizing to include the aspect of direct injection. This mix of technologies yielded lower fuel consumption and emissions, and more torque and power. On the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has transferred its 2004 downsizing concept to a powerful gasoline engine for the first time; its use of a turbocharger with intercooler plus direct injection brings fuel economy and sportiness in greater harmony than ever. The proof of this is measurable: The 147 kW / 200 PS and 280 Newton-meter strong Turbo-FSI of the "normal" GTI attains a top speed of 235 km/h and takes 7.2 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h. Average fuel consumption: Exceptionally low for a sports car at 8.0 liters per 100 kilometers. If the GTI is shifted by DSG, fuel consumption is reduced to 7.9 liters.

The Golf GTI Pirelli is proof today of the potential in combining gasoline direct injection and charging. Its turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine is currently the most powerful four cylinder engine from Volkswagen. This front-mounted transverse engine is shifted by a standard manual six-speed gearbox. The 16-valve four cylinder with 1,984 cm3 displacement outputs its maximum power of 169 kW / 230 PS at 5,500 rpm. Its maximum torque of 300 Newton-meters is available over a large speed window – from 2,200 to 5,200 rpm. Nothing is more befitting a sports car than this sort of torque characteristic.

And the efficiency of the charged VW direct injection gasoline engine is measurable here too. In spite of an extra 30 PS, 20 Newton-meters and 10 km/h top speed, compared to the 200-PS version the manually shifted Golf GTI Pirelli consumes just 0.2 liters more fuel per 100 kilometers. When shifted by a DSG dual clutch transmission, its fuel consumption is even identical at 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers!

NHTSA investigates Passat for fires

It seems the previous generation B5/B5.5 Passat will be facing a recall in the near future. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating 2000-2003 Passats for fires that start under the hood, in the instrument panel, or under the vehicle. The culprit seem to be faulty ignition coils. So far 19 fires have been reported and in the event of a recall, 346,000 vehicle would potentially be affected. Now, if you bought the low-selling W8 or the fuel-sipping TDI, then just ignore this news. Only the four and six cylinder models are affected.

We shall let you know what becomes of this.

Source: Winding Road

Volkswagen says no to Porsche bid

As expected, Volkswagen shareholders unanimously rejected Porsche's takeover bid. Porsche launched a takeover bid after they crossed the 30% threshold that required them to launch such a bid, as required by a German law. Of course, since Porsche has already stated that they have no intention of taking over Volkswagen just yet, they proposed a low ball offer of €100.92 per stock compared to the market value of €112. Porsche knew that Volkswagen would never accept such a bid. In a way, this bid is only a formality because now, if Porsche seeks to increase it's stake in Volkswagen further, then they no longer need to put forward another takeover bid.

Source: Autoblog

Rear-engined Volkswagen to make a comeback?

It looks like Volkswagen is on course to release a model that hearkens back to the original Beetle and, unlike the current one first released in 1998, may feature the original's rear-mounted engine. A source inside Volkswagen has revealed to Automobile Magazine that an entry level car with a rear-mounted engine is being considered to replace the Fox as Volkswagen's entry level car.

The source also revealed that the new model will come in three different wheelbases and two body styles: one that echoes the original Beetle and a sedan version. And to keep costs down, things like power steering are not available. Ironically, satellite navigation, ABS, and a sunroof are options. All the cost cutting will bring this new model down to a reasonable price in the range of US$10,000 to US$14,000.

If this model ever comes our way, Volkswagen may only bring over two versions: a 130-inch long Beetle-esque model aimed at the Smart ForTwo and a four-door notchback that will be positioned below the Jetta. The US model engine will likely be a turbocharged three-cylinder FSI.

I'm unsure about this. If we remember, Volkswagen's last rear-engined concept, the Concept R, went nowhere. The only thing going for this is that it will appeal to a much broader audience. We shall see where this goes.

Source: Automobile via Motor Authority

Is this the new face of Volkswagen?

It is no secret that Volkswagen's infamous chrome grille will not make production after Martin Winterkorn handed Volkswagen Design over to Walter de'Silva, who then said that "Volkswagen needs it's own face" since it is too similar to Audi's grille. So, the question remained: What would Volkswagen's new face look like?

We may have an answer. This past week, I posted a photo rendering of Volkswagen's upcoming four-door coupé. One thing that I noticed was the curious absence of the Volkswagen chrome grille. Instead, it featured a more conventional grille. Then, just a few days ago, German mag Auto Bild featured two renderings of the upcoming Touran and Sharan vans, featuring similar front end treatment as the four-door coupé rendering. A similar grille concept from two different publications? It looks like we may just have found Volkswagen's new face.

It's not as bold as Volkswagen's current grille. Frankly, I find it boring. Pictures of the Sharan and Touran rendering after the jump.

Source: Auto Bild via German Car Blog

Sharan


Touran

Volkswagen Scirocco in action

The Scirocco has definitely taken the spotlight these couple of weeks after conflicting statements from Michigan and Wolfsburg were reported. In any case, it now seems the fate of the Scirocco, though still unofficial, is safe in the US. So, to celebrate, here's a video of the Scirocco in action, doing some random stuff on the skid pad at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track. It's nothing we've seen before and don't worry, it has none of that bad music either, which means we hear that TSI engine and exhaust in all of it's glory.

Source: Youtube

Will they or won't they? Volkswagen flipflops on Scirocco issue

Last week, shocking news straight from Volkswagen of America veep Adrian Hallmark revealed that Volkswagen of America will not be bringing the Scirocco to the US market due to fear that they would cannibalize GTI sales. We thought the reasoning behind it was pretty weak. Martin Winterkorn may be thinking the same thing.

According to Volkswagen AG spokesperson Hans-Gerd Bode, the Scirocco remains to be a US-bound model in their plans and that the final word on these matters comes from Winterkorn alone. It is expected that Volkswagen will use the 2008 Geneva Motor Show to launch a huge product offensive. Some believe Volkswagen will officially announce a US-bound Scirocco by then, others feel such an announcement can only happen on US soil, which could mean an announcement in Detroit early next year. We'll see who's correct.

So, as of right now, a US spec Scirocco is unconfirmed. However, if the Scirocco does reach the US, then a late-2008 launch should still be on track.

Source: Autoblog

Volkswagen of America reports April sales results

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced April 2007 sales of 19,086 units. This represents a decrease of 7 percent from April 2006 sales of 20,528 vehicles.

With spring in the air, Volkswagen’s new hard-top convertible Eos posted its best month ever with April sales of 1,142 units. The Eos is the world’s first four-seat, hard-top convertible with an integrated glass sunroof.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Detailed numbers after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen of America