Mk. VI Golf caught in the wild

The Mk. VI Golf is arguably one of the most anticipated model to come from Volkswagen. After the success of the Mk. IV and the comparative failure of the Mk. V, Volkswagen is now concentrating all its efforts on making things right with the Mk. VI by improving on key areas like design, reliability, and production cost.

So while we wait and see if Volkswagen will improve on those key areas, we can at least take a look at what Volkswagen has so far. KGP Photogrpahy's ace spy photogs have captured the Mk. VI doing some hot weather testing in Death Valley. While the spyshots reveal nothing about the highly contentious front and rear, the side of the car, which remains mostly uncovered, reveals a sharper character line spanning the flank. You can also see where Volkswagen has reduced costs with the use of black door door handles. Regardless, Volkswagen probably didn't want spyshots out just yet, judging from the guy who flipped the bird at the photographers.

Expect to see the Golf in European showrooms in 2008. The big question, however, is if Volkswagen will take as long to bring the MK. VI to North America as it did the Mk. V. Some say that the Mk. VI should be here 2009-2010. Let's hope it doesn't actually take that long.

More pictures after the jump.

Source: Winding Road, KGP Photography

VWCV to Celebrate 60 Years of the Bulli aka Transporter with Transporter Owners

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrates “60 years of the Bulli”, affectionate term for the VW Camper, from 5 - 7 October in Hanover International VW Camper event with old timers and cult band.

3-day programme covering approx. 120,000 qm

At Hanover on 25 July 2007 Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrates the VW “Bulli” – it was precisely 60 years ago that Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon discovered a neat vehicle at the Wolfsburg factory which Volkswagen staff had built themselves to transport heavy panels around the site. This it was that provided the catalyst soon afterwards for the first sketch and concept of the “Bulli”, later to become the driving force of the economy, vehicle of choice for the flower power generation, holiday camper and people carrier. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has used the unparalleled history of this vehicle as an opportunity to organise an international VW Camper event from 5 to 7 October at the exhibition centre in Hanover.

This is the first time that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has organised its own event. Hundreds of unusual, historical VW Campers are expected to make the journey to the three-day event in Hanover. Seven years after EXPO 2000, Hermesplatz, just in front of Hall 27 at the exhibition centre, will once again have the feel of an international exhibition with guests arriving from a number of countries around the world as well as a show and entertainment programme and open air film screenings.

“Scarcely any other vehicle invokes as many emotions as the VW Bulli. Back then it stood for new departures, economic success, independence as well as fun and travel. It is pleasant, reliable and a real cult vehicle. We want to establish the unrivalled legacy of our brand with the international VW Camper event and hope to revive the Bulli brand in the future” explains Stephan Schaller, spokesman for Brand Management, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

From 5 – 7 October Camper drivers will be able to display their vehicles on some 108,000 m2 of park area. Wandering through the rows of vehicles visitors will be able to take a look at the lovingly restored, historic models such as the T1, T2 , T3 and T4 as well as the latest products and talk to their current owners if they wish.

Historic VW Bullis will be driven in convoy to the exhibition centre

In another 18,000 m2 area on Hermesplatz an exhibition is planned where guests will be able to take a trip 60 years back in time with the VW Camper and see which model was on the road in which decade. Families with VW Campers will be able to camp in specially designated areas and there will be Bulli Club stands as well as an autojumble.

The action starts on Friday, 5 October when a convoy of historic Bullis will begin their journey from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant to the exhibition centre.

In the evenings open air cinema nights are planned featuring films where the VW Camper has played a starring role. “Little Miss Sunshine”, a heartwarming American family road movie will be the main feature. This is because as well as stars from the world of music and showbiz a number of international film-makers are fans of the cult Camper.

On Sunday, 6 October there will be prizes awarded during the day for historical models in the “Oldest T1, T2, T3”, “Most attractive T1 to T5”, “Most original T1, T2, T3”, “Furthest journey” and “Pimp my Bulli” categories. Guests will have the opportunity to see the most attractive and unusual VW Campers in the world and learn from their owners why it’s this vehicle in particular that they love so much. Winners are promised extraordinary prizes which money can’t buy, including tours of the plant and Bulli-themed trips.

One of the highlights of the international VW Camper meet will be the show on Sunday evening. Since the VW Camper is inextricably linked to music from the era and given that today, as in the past, well-known stars use them when on tour, music will form an important part of the event.

International band and local musicians at open air concert

A band with its roots in the ‘60s will give a open air concert and take visitors on a musical journey back to the days of flower power, love and peace and, of course, rock’n’roll to recreate the spirit of this decade.
These top stars will be supported by other musicians including local band “Sweety Glitter and the Sweethearts”. The band from Braunschweig is not only known for its lavish and atmospheric stage shows with songs from the ‘70s, but also for its loud, colourful and extravagant glam rock costumes.

To round off the experience test drives using the latest products from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are planned at the neighbouring ADAC (German Automobile Club) site with a shuttle service to take participants there. After breakfast on Sunday the Bullis and guests will then depart again at various stages throughout the day.

In order to prepare for the international VW Camper event Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has set up an advisory body made up of Bulli specialists, including founders of the largest Bulli club in Germany.

VW Camper drivers who would like to take part can register from 1 August 2007 on the website www.vwn.de where they will find full information on the exhibition centre, parking facilities and provisions.







Source: http://www.vw-nutzfahrzeuge.de/

Lotus and Volkswagen working on Phaeton coupé

Just a few days ago, spyshots of a blue Audi A8 surfaced on the Internet and was rumoured to be a test mule for a Phaeton coupé that would go against the Mercedes Benz SL. It now looks like that rumour just got a boost in credibility as Autocar is reporting today that Volkswagen is working with Lotus on a "large coupé" and said that they have spotted Wolfsburg-registered vehicles at Lotus' Hethel headquarters as evidence to the fact.

It's also being suggested that this Phaeton coupé, and therefore, the second generation Phaeton will be based upon the current generaion A8, which utilizes Audi's Aluminum Spaceframe chassis. This however is not confirmed (but then again, nothing in this report really is). If this was to happen, that would mean a much needed weight reduction for the Phaeton. The logic here is that Volkswagen would be on a level playing field with Mercedes Benz, who would also be using an aluminum chassis for the next SL.

An A8 based Phaeton 2 is rather curious, however, as previous reports indicated an A6 based Phaeton that would be cheaper and smaller than the current car.

Source: Autocar

Scirocco caught testing in California, brings new hope to North America

Volkswagen may still be on the fence with the Scirocco US availability issue but thahttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gift didn't stop them from doing some hot weather testing in the California desserts. Autoblog has obtained very detailed spyshots of the Scirocco doing its rounds in California, donning the obligatory camouflage fore and aft. Keep in mind, this is not merely a test mule for the Scirocco but rather a prototype of the production vehicle.

Based on the spyshots, it's comforting (or distressing, depending on how you feel about the concept) to know that Volkswagen is sticking with the overall shape of the Iroc concept. The low roof, cab forward design, and short, blunt hood all make it onto the production version, as does the hunkered down look.

Volkswagen, want to return to profitability in the US? Sell this thing here.

Go to Autoblog for more photos.

[Update] There are also more spyshots at Leftlane News

Source: Autoblog

China to North America VW's New Sedan

Shanghai Volkswagen Passat Lingyu

Reuters is reporting that Shanghai Volkswagen are to develop a new family sized car orientated to the Chinese and North American Markets.

The car will replace the Chinese only Passat Lingyu which is currently based on the last generation Passat albeit with 100mm longer wheelbase and comes with 1.8T and 2.8 V6 engines.

This will be Shanghai Volkswagen's First attempt at Developing a car for the Global market.

With VW and SAIC two of the biggest corporations in their own home markets, Germany and China respectively, finance $1.2 Billion will not be an issue and as such quality should be on par with the rest of the Volkswagen line-up Worldwide.

Official Shanghai VW Press Release.

July 18, 2007 - Volkswagen AG and Shanghai Volkswagen (SVW) sign a joint declaration of cooperative development for a new car model. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg and Hubertus Lemke from VW sign the declaration with Chen Zhixin and Oeljeklaus from SVW. Also present at the signing ceremony are: SAIC Chairman Hu Maoyuan, SAIC Motor President Chen Hong, and Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, Dr. Heizman, De Silva and Dr. Vahland from VW.

As the declaration expresses, the two parties plan to cooperate in developing a new car for the North American and Chinese markets. The car will be based on a new B-platform and served as a successor to the PASSAT LINGYU model. SVW research and development shall be integrated step-by-step in the worldwide development network of Volkswagen.

SVW will develop the vehicle body, including major elements of the exterior and interior of the new car. The parties will make maximum use of SVW¡¯s test facilities, proving grounds, its prototype construction as well as parts and tools¡¯ trial manufacturing capabilities..For the first time with this project, SVW will be involved in the development of a new vehicle intended for both Chinese and global markets. The company invested about 3 Billion RMB to build up its development capabilities since starting business in 1984. The company has so far built up a technical development force composed of over 1,200 engineers and technical staff.

Shanghai Volkswagen has currently invested over $400 Million (1$ Billion Yuan) to enhance the VW current models sold in the Chinese market for Chinese tastes.


Shanghai Volkswagen designed 2006 Neeza Concept

Shanghai VW was established in 1984 building the Santana (Passat B2) which is still in production, SVW currently build the Gol, Polo, Santana, Santana 3000, Touran, Skoda Octavia and Passat Lingyu.

Source: Reuters

Is Volkswagen considering pulling out of the US?

It's no secret that Volkswagen is either near or at the bottom of many things as of late, from reliability surveys to profitability in the US. The launch of the new Rabbit/Jetta and Passat were not profound successes in the US, at least not as much as Volkswagen hoped they would be. So after all that, is Volkswagen thinking of pulling out in the US?

BusinessWeek is reporting that it may just come to that if Volkswagen executives are to get their way. A source close to the matter says that many sentences in Wolfsburg regarding the US market have lately begun with the preamble "If we are to stay in the US..."

But it looks like Volkswagen isn't going down without a fight. BusinessWeek says that there is a turn-around plan characterized as a "last ditch effort" to return the US market to profitability. Things like marketing and quality are likely to be tackled by the plan.

This report comes at the heels of news that Volkswagen is also considering to set up a factory right in the US. It may in fact be part of this plan, which would aim to lower model prices for the US and improve quality at the same time.

Source: Winding Road

New Volkswagen logo to coincide with release of Mk. VI Golf

Auto Motor und Sport is reporting that Volkswagen is about to change its logo and that the Mk. VI Golf will be the first to wear the new badge. Word purportedly came from Martin Winterkorn himself who wanted to change the logo in order to project a high sense of refinement from the Volkswagen brand. Does that translate to going upscale again? Don't know.

Don't fear, however, as it really isn't a logo change. Rather, an enhancement. The position of the logo on the grille will remain more or less the same but it will be larger. The letters V and W will now be prominently displayed and will stand out from the ring that surround them. The whole thing will probably look very three dimensional.

I hope Volkswagen doesn't change it too much as the Volkswagen logo is probably one of the most recognizable logos in the world. A drastic change would probably alienate people too much.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport via The German Car Blog

Blue Audi A8 spyshot said to Coupé/Cabriolet Phaeton

Speculation is a dark art I try to avoid as much as possible, even though deep down inside I get a rush just thinking of what could be (and I have no doubt you do to). So take what I'm about to say with a truck load of salt because it's not really likely (or at the very least, not something Volkswagen has announced).

New spyshots have surfaced on the Internet depicting a blue Audi A8 with some mild camouflaging and it is being hailed as a test mule for a purported Coupé/Cabriolet Phaeton that would in theory compete with the Mercedes Benz SL (think upscale Eos). Now, as to why Volkswagen would use an Audi A8 instead of a Phaeton is beyond me but mechanically, they are similar. Maybe it's to throw us off?

Now, I just personally don't see this happening. If Volkswagen already had a hard time justifying the Phaeton, one would think they would have an even harder time justifying something like this. No, an SL fighter is something Audi would do.

Others have said that this could be a test mule for the upcoming four-door coupé. Unlikely as the A8 (and the Phaeton for that matter) is built upon the D3 platform. The Passat, from which the four-door coupé will be based upon, is made on the smaller B6 platform.

The spyshots are after the jump.

Source: Winding Road via The German Car Blog, images by Christa Lehmann.

2008 Volkswagen Minivan image caught at a dealer preview

Here is the first shot of the 2008 Volkswagen Minivan due for release around October next year.

The picture was taken at a VW Dealer Preview on a Mobile Phone and as such we have no more images.

The VW Minivan known internally as 'Project M' is based on the 2008 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country (Voyager) and will share the same drivetrain but will have a unique exterior (& interior) designed by VW as seen pictured above.

My first impressions are it has alot of VW DNA in the rear and has taken cues from the current Sharan in the D-Pillar.

I look forward to seeing the front, as I'm sure you the readers are.

Source: forums.vwvortex.com

The Eos brings sexy back

Here's one you don't hear often, especially with Volkswagen cars of late. Road & Travel magazine has named the Eos one of the top ten sexiest cars in 2007. Road & Travel says that the Eos is "the best of all worlds", citing elegant lines, engine choices, DSG, and the fantastic Coupe-Sunroof-Convertible feature as reasons.

Volkswagen's press release is after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen of America

New Hard Top Convertible Named to ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine’s Top Ten Sexy Cars List

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced that ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine has named the Eos convertible one of the top 10 sexiest cars for 2007.

In the 11th annual Sexy Car Buyer’s Guide, ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine (RTM) cites the Eos, with its coupe-sunroof-convertible (CSC)TM and price under $30,000, as “the best of all worlds. A road runner with simple, elegant lines [and] just enough trim in the right places.” Open top motoring, combined with the powerful 2.0T, 200 horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 3.6 L 250 hp V6 engine mated to the dual-clutch, DSG® six-speed transmission makes the Eos an exciting vehicle and fun to drive.

“We’re very proud of the Eos and the recent accolades it has received from the automotive industry, including a strong showing in the J.D. Power APEAL study and now from ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine,” said Susan Kelke, North American launch and model manager. “It has become a strong halo vehicle for Volkswagen, representing the best of German engineering and styling and a fun-to-drive quotient for consumers.”

“The July ‘Romance Issue’ (www.roadandtravel.com) provides a full review of the top ten vehicles and what makes each specific automobile sizzle and satisfy,” said Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief, ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine. “Test driven by RTM editors, these revved-up roadsters are sure to leave drivers (and readers) reeling and writhing for more.”

ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine, established in 1989, is a comprehensive online, in-market lifestyle magazine specializing in a wide variety of automotive and travel topics. Primarily geared towards women, RTM was the first publication to specifically address women’s automotive needs and concerns, providing a resource from which they could make informed decisions regarding purchases and personal safety. For more information please visit http://www.roadandtravel.com.

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.

2008MY Mexican spec Jetta (new City Jetta ???)

VW Mexico have released their facelifted version of the 4th Gen Jetta for South America and possibly Canada where its known as City Jetta.

In Mexico.......... its avaliable in 3 grades the Europa, Trendline and TDI.
All come with a AM/FM Radio with MP3 capablity and USB port, Central locking and many other standard features.

Below is a brief analysis of each variant grade and its standard features.

Europa
-man/auto 2.0L
-15 inch steel wheels
-(double front airbag optional)

Trendline
-man 5spd/auto 2.0L
-15 inch alloy wheels
-air conditioning
-electric mirrors
-electric windows

TDI
-man 1.9L 5pd
-16 inch alloy wheels
-air conditioning
-electric mirrors
-electric windows

Two engines are available first is the entry engine a 2.0L petrol producing 115hp (85kW) with 122lb (165Nm) of torque @ 2800rpm.

The 1.9L Turbo Diesel being the most powerful version produces 100hp (74 kW) with 177lb (240Nm) of torque @ 1800rpm

For those of you who are thinking they have seen this before, you have but from China.

FAW-Volkswagen and VW Mexico co-developed the facelift together.
FAW-VWs version was released last year in mainland China as the Bora.












source: VW Mexico &

Volkswagen considers a US plant following weak US Dollar

The last time Volkswagen had a production plant in the US was in 1978, when Volkswagen bought a partially completed factory from Chrysler. Volkswagen was actually one of the first foreign car makers to have a factory in the US. Ironically, they were also the first to pull out. Volkswagen managed to churn out 1.5 million vehicles in the plant's short lifespan. It closed down in the late 80s, and with it the chance of another Volkswagen plant this side of the Atlantic or Mexican border.

But it looks like that all about to change. Martin Winterkorn, Volkswagen CEO, revealed in an interview with the German weekly Focus that "If the dollar exchange rate stays at its present level, [Volkswagen] will have to begin thinking about a factory in North America."

And in an attempt to "get closer to customers", Volkswagen is also setting up a second administrative hub near Detroit. With this move, Volkswagen hopes to improve sales and remain competitve in the US market. It will also mean cheaper models.

This announcement comes just a few days after Stephan Jacoby was announced as Volkswagen of America's president and CEO.

Winterkorn did not offer a timeline as to when the plant may be operational.

Source: Forbes

Jetta SportWagen delayed till next year

This is not good. The highly anticipated Jetta SportWagen has been delayed from the expected August launch to March next year. It began as a rumor on the Vortex forums but Autoblog was able to confirm it through Keith Price, Volkswagen's public relations manager.

The delay is attributed to a plant fire that destroyed between 12,000 to 15,000 cylinder heads. Launch has now moved to March, where we can expect a "tiny trickle of 2.0FSI Turbo cars at intro, and an even split of 2.5L and Clean Diesel in dealers to follow".

This means that the only other launch left in the year has been scrapped. Can you wait that long?

Source: Autoblog

New Tiguan video shows the two versions

Here's a short little video about the Tiguan, this time, showing the two different front ends that will eventually grace the Tiguan's front end.

Source: Youtube

Four-door coupé could show up at Detroit (finally)

People say that good things come to those who wait. If that's the case, then Volkswagen's yet-unnamed (though internally codenamed CC) four-door coupé better be damn good (pictured is a very Lexus-like Photoshop). It has probably been in the radar since the beginning of time and yet we haven't even seen a glimpse of a concept, not even one blurry spyshot. Volkswagen has remained largely silent about it or any details surrounding the car. So silent, in fact, that people have either started to forget about it or think that car had been canned. No so. I am happy to say that there are finally some details to divulge.

Germany's AutomobilWoche is reporting that Volkswagen is scheduled to finally give us a gander at their very secret Passat-based four-door coupé at the North American International Auto Show in January next year.

The coupé is said to be priced in or around €30,000. For that, you get a 160 hp 1.8L TSI with a manual six. For two and a half grand more, you can get a 2.0L 140 hp TDI. A 300 hp V6 FSI comes in at a whopping €40,000 and comes equipped with all-wheel drive and DSG. Tick some options boxes and see those numbers go up. That said, however, Volkswagen is still staying well clear of Audi A5 territory, which starts at €44,000.

So, we finally hear some news of progress with this model. Let's cross our fingers for a Detroit launch.

Source: Automobilewoche via Motor Authority

The GX3 dies a second time

Rarely does it happen that a concept is able to evoke very strong emotions from the public. That's what happened when Volkswagen showed the world the fruits of the Moonraker group's research in the US: the GX3 concept. The GX3 trike was a concept that embodied what Volkswagen should be in the US. It struck a chord with the public and as a result, they begged Volkswagen to put it into production. So the research in a viable production version was launched. Volkswagen even did some testing of a prototype. But just as Volkswagen Engineering was hard at work making a true-to-concept road-going model, Volkswagen's legal department was also hard at work, looking at liabilities from every angle and what they saw was not good. Volkswagen decided to scrap the GX3 project, not because of engineering limitations (they had already partnered with Lotus for help) but because of the legal implications.

Enter Defiant Motors. Defiant Motors, set up by founder Aaron Mady, was established to help car companies produce niche vehicles. It was exactly the thing the GX3 needed to stay alive. So it was to no surprise that Defiant Motors contacted Volkswagen about the production of the GX3. Basically, Defiant proposed that Volkswagen continue development and production of the GX3 while Defiant will badge and sell them and will also assume all legal responsibility. It seemed like an offer Volkswagen couldn't resist. But, just today, they did.

It is a sad end to a hopeful beginning. Volkswagen had contacted Defiant Motors telling them that their proposal was carefully considered but that they ultimately decided to reject it, thus killing the GX3 concept for the second time.

The whole purpose of the Moonraker group was to conduct a study to see what will bring Volkswagen back to profitability here in the US. They sought to find out what it was the Americans looked for in a Volkswagen. To that end, the Moonraker did not fail to deliver. The did come up with a model that was exactly what Americans wanted from Volkswagen. Maybe Volkswagen will change their mind. We can only hope.

Source: Defiant Motors

Volkswagen of America reports June Sales Figures

- Best Overall Month since August 2006
- Best GTI and Rabbit Months since Relaunch
- Best Passat Sedan Month since November 2006
- Jetta Sedan up 14.0 percent over June 2006

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced June 2007 sales of 23,127 units, representing an increase of 15.0 percent over the June 2006 total of 20,121. This performance reflects the best overall sales month for the Volkswagen brand since August 2006.

This increase can be attributed to strong market acceptance of the entry level Rabbit model, and a 44.9% surge in deliveries of the sporty GTI. The retractable hardtop convertible Eos posted its second best month ever, as summer is now in full swing.

Volkswagen sales performance for June of 2007 underscores the brand’s “return to its roots” affordability showing significant increases in Jetta and Rabbit volume car lines, combined with gathering momentum in spirited niche models like GTI and Eos.

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.