All New Tiguan: First Official Pictures

Here is VW's new baby SUV and first thoughts are wheres the chrome grill ?

Other than that I will wait for a day or say before I can say if I like the front, rest is Teutonic Beautiful.

PRESS RELEASE follows jump.



First pictures: Powerful appearance – this is the new Tiguan

- Statement: new Volkswagen SUV with powerful design

- Borderliner: predestined for the street, in top form for off-road

Wolfsburg, 28 June 2007 - With the first pictures of the new Tiguan Volkswagen is starting the countdown for the debut of it’s 14th model series. The Sports Utility Vehicle – SUV for short – will be presented to the public for the first time in September as part of the International Motor Show (IAA in Frankfurt). A combination of power and elegance characterizes the design of the new Tiguan.

It was conceived as a borderliner between the urban world and endless landscapes, between business and leisure time. The Tiguan is a multitalent with driving characteristics that are just as agile as they are comfortable, high utility value and groundbreaking technologies.

Like the Touareg, the second Volkswagen SUV also presents a self-confident design. Shaping the front of the new Tiguan are the sexy proportions that Volkswagen first introduced with the Concept A Study that garnered worldwide attention – a crossover of a coupe and SUV. On the sides an elongated and powerfully modulated silhouette spans between the extended wheel arches with a – typical Volkswagen – unmistakable C-pillar. A very short overhang characterizes the steep rear end. Also significant are the front headlights and rear lights with matching shapes.

First facts on Tiguan engines: Volkswagen will offer the SUV – and this for the first time worldwide – exclusively with turbocharged direct injection engines. This “high-performance turbocharging” significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, yet immensely increases dynamics and driving fun.

Overall there are three TSI and two TDI engines. Of these the completely new developments are the extremely quiet TDIs with common rail fuel injection. They achieve 103 kW / 140 hp and 125 kW / 170 hp and at 1,750 rpm already output 320 Nm or 350 Nm in four-wheel drive.

Both TDIs already meet the limits of the Euro-5 standard first coming into effect in 2009.
Also getting to the point powerfully, economically and cleanly are the turbocharged direct injection gasoline engines in the performance levels 110 kW / 150 hp, 125 kW / 170 hp and 147 kW / 200 hp. New to the Volkswagen program are the 150 hp and 170 hp versions. A glance at the torque values makes one sense that the TSIs are very high torque. The 150-hp TSI already develops a self-assured 240 Nm (from 1,750 rpm). In the 170 hp and 200 hp performance range it is 280 Nm (from 1,800 rpm each).

“Tiguan Base” on the internet shows just how big the interest is in the new Tiguan. Visitors to www.tiguan-base.com can log in to the virtual world of the Tiguan. The development stages of the new SUV are presented in photos, films and facts. Within just 15 weeks – and this is sensational – more than one million people have made use of it worldwide. It looks as though the Tiguan is developing into an exciting chapter in the history of the automobile.









Source: http://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/

Volkswagen wants to show people what the Touareg can do

The Touareg is actaully a very capable SUV both on pavement and off the beaten path. But that fact may be less apparent to people who know nothing about the Touareg. When they see an interior swathed in leather and woodgrain, they don't associate those features with an SUV that can ford water or take on inclines up to 45 degrees. So to help remedy this gap in knowledge in the public, Volkswagen wants you to go on vacation.

Volkswagen is currently taking reservations for the TouaregAdventure program, which is held in Moab, Utah. The three-day adventure is designed around the capabilities of the Touareg, such as an exercise in traversing rocks and all that fun offroading stuff. All that traversing done with the beautiful Moab landscape in the backdrop.

Now, of course, in keeping with the Touareg's luxury SUV image, this program costs a pretty penny. $2,000 per person, and that doesn't include airfare. But what you do get is pretty much worth it. Lodging is at the acclaimed Sorrel River Ranch and food is provided. The TouaregAdventure runs from July 1 through to the end of October 2007.

Press release and photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen of America.






AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Join Volkswagen in Moab, Utah and experience first hand the unique capabilities of the Volkswagen Touareg sport utility vehicle in a professionally guided, off-road adventure through some of America’s most ruggedly beautiful landscapes.

Volkswagen is presently taking reservations for TouaregAdventure™, a three-day, off-roading excursion through picturesque canyons and challenging terrains. The weekend packages run July, 2007 through the end of October, 2007. Participants do not need to be experienced off-road drivers as experienced guides will coach guests through the challenging Moab terrain.

TouaregAdventure™ is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to learn how to safely navigate the wilds of Moab, in the luxury of the award winning Volkswagen Touareg. Where you never thought a vehicle could go, the Touareg deftly takes you, tantalizing the senses with dramatic views of the Colorado River and its famous red rock cliffs.

This experience matches the distinctive dual nature of Volkswagen’s premium SUV: mountain goat prowess in the backcountry, with the refined manners of a sports sedan on pavement.

“It’s our goal to introduce our special guests to one of the country’s most gorgeous natural environments, in the comfortable confines of our new Touareg,” said Steve Keyes, general manager public relations, Volkswagen of America. “At the conclusion of our program, we’re confident that our guests will have had a wonderful time, with a new confidence in their off-road driving skills and the capabilities of our SUV.”

The TouaregAdventure™ is led by two professional Moab guides, Program Director J.B. Reynolds and TouaregAdventure Head Guide Dan Mick. These two off-roading experts will lead the session group through some of Moab’s most popular trails, demonstrating the safest way to navigate confidently in each Touareg. After participants leave, they will have been taught how to navigate the many off-road challenges they will face.

During the trip, guests will stay at Touareg Headquarters, in the critically-acclaimed Sorrel River Ranch and Spa. The resort has been named one of Southwest America’s top destinations, offering guests the finest in gourmet dinners and assorted wines.

Vacation packages for the TouaregAdventure™ are $2,000 per participant, not including airfare to either Grand Junction, Colorado or Canyonlands Field, Utah airports.

For each reservation, the package includes: an advance welcome kit, single occupancy resort lodging and meals at Sorrel River Ranch, wine with dinner and drinks from the bar, airport shuttles to and from Grand Junction, Colo., or Canyonlands Field, Moab, Utah, and up to three days of guided, off-road adventure. Special pricing and accommodations may be available if sharing a room or for a companion to join us at mealtimes only.

To book your trip or obtain more event information, visit www.touaregadventure.com or call (877) 420-2007.

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.

Multivan LWB Now Available in Germany

VWCV's Special Business Unit has developed and is now offering.......

A Long Wheelbase Multivan with 40cm extra in length and a 5sq Metres gain in volume.
The Multivan already a fullsize van now is the biggest for interior space in the VW People Mover Range.

Its Unknown whether this will be released outside of Mainland Europe.

Engines available:
1.9 TDI 4 cylinder engine produces 75 kW (102 HP) @ 250Nm
2.5 TDI 5 cylinder engine produces 96 kW (130 HP) @ 340Nm
2.5 TDI 5 cylinder engine produces 125 kW (174 HP) @ 400Nm
1.9 TDI 4 cylinder engine with 4Motion produces 96 kW (130 HP) @ 340Nm




Source: www.vw-nutzfahrzeuge.de

The VW Constellation Firetruck

Here is something that I have been waiting for the VW Truck & Bus Operation to release for a long time..........



The Constellation Firetruck based on the 24.250 Electronic, in other words a Constellation with 250hp and its also the 1st Double cab Constellation I've seen.

The Constellation Firetruck was delivered to the São Paulo, Are Caetano of Sul Fire Station in Brazil on the 31st of May 2007.

The truck as best as I can translate through google translation system uses a pump system from USA that can launch 2,900 litres of water per minute (through the hose I'd presume) and can transport in its reservoir tank 7000 Litres of Water.

As well as the normal tools for firefighting it can carry a boat for flooded conditions that Sao Paolo may have in the future.

All I can say is I wish my local Fire Station (Department) had a VW Constellation Firetruck.







source: www.vwtbpress.com.br

Volkswagen and SUVs

One could say that Volkswagen is not necessarily known for their SUVs. But one could also say that Volkswagen is known for their participation in the Dakar Rally, where in 2003, the Tarek was so successful that it became the forerunner for the Touareg. Now, two generations in, the Touareg is still doing well (more or less) and will receive a stablemate next year called the Tiguan. Though smaller and less capable off the beaten path, it should be more than capable in conquering the urban jungle.

Volkswagen has come out with two videos in the Tiguan Base website that highlights Volkswagen's development in the SUV segment and one video specifically features the Tiguan's development. The videos are in German, though I'm told English subtitles can be found at the Tiguan Base. Nevertheless, they're really great videos and they bring a new appreciation to Volkswagen's SUV offerings.

The two videos after the jump.

Thanks, Patrick, for the tip.

2008 change points for US models

Volkswagen today has released the change points for all of their US models. Some are not surprises (like the bump in hp for the 2.5L engine) but there are a lot of curious changes, like the new trim level naming scheme for all models except the Touareg.

Jump for a complete list.

Source: Volkswagen of America

RABBIT
· New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard on 2 & 4dr
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
· New trim level naming. Rabbit S 2dr and Rabbit S 4dr

GTI
· 15mm ride height reduction on all 2 & 4dr
· Sirius® Satellite radio now standard
· Reflex Silver is now special order only
· Climatronic deleted from all trims
· New trim level naming, GTI and GTI Autobahn

NEW BEETLE/ NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
· New trim level naming, S and SE
· Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
· Temporary use spare tire
· Fog lights deleted from all trims
· New 16” alloy wheel S
· New 17” alloy wheel on SE
· Delete Shadow Blue on sedan and convertible
· Delete Platinum Gray on convertible
· Delete reflex silver on convertible
· Laser blue no longer available with gray interior
· Black not available with crème top
· Delete front floor mats
· Delete Leather seating surfaces from all trims
· Delete rain sensing wipers on all trims
· Leatherette now named V-Tex
· Cold weather package available on S as stand alone option

GLI
· Reflex Silver is now special order only
· Climatronic deleted from all trims
· New trim level naming, GLI and GLI Autobahn


JETTA
· New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard
· Delete 2.0T engine (only available on GLI)
· Automatic only available with SEL
· Temporary use spare tire
· Laser Blue replaces Shadow Blue
· Delete Wheat Beige
· Front and rear lower valance in black textured color on S and SE
· Body color front and rear valance on SEL
· 2.5 badge included on S
· 16” steel wheels with full covers standard on S
· Delete Climatronic from all trims
· Delete leather seating surfaces from all trims
· Power recline standard on all trim levels
· 17” wheel standard on SEL
· Delete Homelink from all trims
· Cold weather package now optional on S
· 16” alloy wheel now optional on S
· Sunroof now optional on S
· Premium sound package (includes amplifier and 250W) now optional on SE
· New trim level naming, S, SE, and SEL
· Leatherette now named V-Tex

PASSAT Sedan and Wagon
· New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
· Leatherette now named V-Tex
· Temporary use spare tire
· Chrome window trim now standard on Turbo
· New 16” alloy wheel on Turbo
· New 17” alloy wheel on Komfort
· Delete Shadow Blue
· Delete Wheat Beige on wagon
· Heated washer nozzles only available on VR6
· Bi-Xenon headlamps w/ AFS now standard on VR6
· Manual side and rear sunshade now standard on sedans
· Manual side sunshades now standard on wagon
· Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
· Heated front seats optional on Turbo and Komfort
· Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
· Leather shift knob now standard equipment
· Delete Pure Beige leather comfort seats
· Delete gray leather and V-Tex
· New interior trim on Turbo
· 3 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel included with Lux
· Dynaudio now optional on Lux
· Adaptive Cruise Control optional on VR6
· 4Motion is only configuration available with VR6 wagon
· Manual transmission only available on Turbo

EOS
· New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
· Leatherette now named V-Tex
· Lux only available with automatic transmission
· Winter starting assist mode standard on VR6
· New 17” alloy wheel on Lux
· New 18” alloy wheel on VR6
· Delete Wheat Beige
· Rear Park Distance Control included in Lux and VR6
· Chrome front grille louvers included on VR6
· Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
· Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
· Leather shift knob now standard equipment
· Leather parking brake handle now standard equipment
· Windblocker now standard equipment
· Ambient lighting deleted on Turbo
· Micritech interior trim now included in Turbo
· Center sliding armrest now standard equipment
· Heated front seats now optional on Turbo
· 17” alloy wheel optional on Komfort


Touareg
· New exterior colors (White Gold, Galapagos, Alaska Gray, Cranberry)
· Chrome grille with logo and chrome eyebrows standard on VR6 FSI
· Chrome matte grille with logo and chrome eyebrows, chrome air intakes, chrome grille slats standard on V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
· Darkened Taillights
· New, central headlights design
· Sporty, more aerodynamic rear spoiler
· Electronic Parking Assistance now standard equipment
· Power Liftgate now standard equipment
· 19" Wheels with all-season tires optional on VR6 FSI but included in V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
· Larger screen for Multi-function Indicator included with optional
· Technologie Package
· New Option Packages
· Dynaudio now available in package for all trims
· Sirius® Satellite Radio now standard equipment
· Next generation TPMS - now standard equipment
· ABSPlus standard
· ESP Innovations standard
· New front seat design, more comfortable front seat side bolsters, new seat stitching design now standard equipment
· Gray seat trim in leather and leatherette deleted
· Silver Metallic Plastic interior trim standard on VR6 FSI with leatherette
· Servotronic steering no longer available on 3.6L VR6 FSI
· Comfort Suspension replaces Sport Suspension on VR6 FSI

Touran EcoFuel Taxi Now Available

VWs Touran EcoFuel (BiFuel) is now available for Taxi operators in Germany.

Press Release follows

Economic natural gas Touran helps keep costs down

The Touran EcoFuel stands for safety, economy and low emissions. The natural gas version of the popular compact MPV is now also available as a taxi.

The taxi package for the Touran EcoFuel comes with the familiar features from other Volkswagen taxi models like seat covers and door panels made from imitation leather, front seats with scuff protection, lumbar support, remote control for taxi alarm and numerous preparations for taxi meter, radio etc. Further options like a mirror taxi meter, roof aerial or additional car keys can be ordered at an extra cost.

The Touran EcoFuel Taxi can offer numerous advantages for taxi companies thanks to its economic and, at the same time, environmentally friendly power plant not to mention its unlimited space concept. A reduced mineral oil tax rating(in Germany) that legally applies until 2018 and subsidies from councils and energy suppliers for natural gas vehicles are further arguments in favour of the multi-talented taxi from Volkswagen.

The Touran EcoFuel is driven by a 80 kW / 109 hp four-cylinder engine that is configured as a "quasi-monovalent" natural gas power plant so it can also be driven with petrol. During exclusive gas operation, the range is approx. 310 kilometres. After that, you can drive on with petrol or stop at one of the around 700 natural gas garages in Germany. On average, the multi-talent consumes 5.8 kg of natural gas every 100 kilometres — a "natural gas kilometre" is about half the cost of a "petrol kilometre".

The Touran EcoFuel has already impressed the first specialist journalists: For example, Germany‘s AUTOFLOTTE magazine presented the Touran EcoFuel with the 2007 Fleet Award in the category "Alternative Drives". The entry-level price for the Touran EcoFuel Taxi is €16,879.32 plus VAT.
Source: http://www.volkswagen-media-services.com/

2008MY update for VW Brazil's Gol, Saveiro, Fox & CrossFox

Volkswagen Brazil have updated their Gol, Saveiro, Fox & CrossFox lines for the 2008 Model Year.


Fox
-Facelift, same front as the European Fox and SpaceFox
-enhanced headlight design-simplier modifications to the boot hatch to ease opening & closing
-new updated Tachometer-antenna on roof
-Fox Plus gets a slidng rear seats to improve either luggage or rear passenger space
-Limited Edition Fox Route has a new sound system, MP3 Compatibility, 512MB pen drive and rear spoiler

CrossFox
-new grill taken from the SpaceFox Crossover Study from 2006
-enhanced headlight design
-15 inch steel wheels
-antenna on roof

Gol / Saveiro
-Refreshed Tachometer
-Gol Power has darkened Tail & Headlights & a Black "V" Grill
-Gol Trend has dakened Headlights

Source: www.volkspage.net

The Golf W12 650 on the move

Last month, Volkswagen showed what they can do with a regular GTI and a W12 engine. The result of those two things was the Golf GTI W12 650, which was presented at last month's Wörthersee show.

Now, we have a video of said car being driven, though at low speeds only. Enjoy.

Source: Youtube

VWCV's Limited Editon Luxury Camper

Here is VW Commercial Vehicles new top of the line California, the limited edition California NoLimit based on the study with the same name from last years 2006 Caravansalon in Düsseldorf.

Only 222 will be built by the Special Business Unit of VWCV and the lucky owners will receive a Certificate of Build.

The NoLimit comes with these special features:
-only in Campanella White
-18 inch Aluminium wheels
-Chrome Inserts around the body
-Bi-Xenon Headlights with Cleaning System
-Darkened Taillights.
-Two Tone Brown Alcantara Leather Seats are standard.
-The driver gets a Multi Function Steering Wheel and Parking Sensors.
-Climatic Air Conditioning comes standard
-DVD Player and a ipod with 30GB will keep you entertained.
-The 2.5 TDI 96kW with 4Motion (with a differential) starts @ $69,996 Euros.

Source: http://www.vwn-presse.de/

Speculation du jour: Mk. VI Golf may look like this

Italy's Automobilismo spoke with Volkswagen's newly appointed Head of Creative Design Flavio Manzoni. His first project is the Mk. VI and the rendering shown is based on his description of the car.

Suffice it to say, it's not looking very good for the Mk. VI, with this being the most ridiculous looking one of all the renderings out there.

Manzoni says that the next gen Golf will continue a style trend from previous models and the current car's proportions will remain. That said, the front and rear will receive a treatment that will be adopted by all future Volkswagen vehicles.

We already saw, from a spyshot we showed a few weeks ago, what the rear may look like. But missing was a shot of the front. So could this be the new Mk. VI?

Speaking as an enthusiast, I hope not.

Source: Motor Authority via The German Car Blog

Volkswagen and Porsche clash over SUV release details

Are Volkswagen and Porsche really clashing about the release of the next generation Cayenne and Touareg? Motor Trend is reporting that Volkswagen is not taking Porsche's proposed plan all too well. Porsche is proposing that the next generation Touareg be released in the second half of 2010, six months after the new Cayenne is expected to be released. Volkswagen, understandably so, feels that they are getting the short end of the stick by giving the Cayenne a six months head start in the market.

As with the current Touareg and Cayenne, Volkswagen and Porsche will be reprising their roles as co-developers for the next iterations of these vehicles.

Porsche says that the final decision will have to be determined by both CEOs for each company if nothing can be agreed upon at a lower level.

This is the first dispute between Porsche and Volkswagen since the former took a majority stake in Volkswagen. Is this how it will be from now on between both companies?

Source: Motor Trend

Volkswagen's new People's Car ?

For my First article for The VW Gazette I decided to write about the new unreleased Gol NF (New Family) range that will debut in Early 2008 in Brazil.

(pictured is the current Gol)

Now what is a Gol I hear you ask ? Well the Gol has been Brazil's Number 1 seller for the past 20 Consecutive Years and is an important part of VW Brazil's lineup, with 4.5 Million sales since 1st released it is definitely an important VW in terms of market share.

The entry level Gol which sits below the Fox and Polo was released in 1980 with a aircooled engine later a North-South (Longitudinal) placed watercooled 4-cylinder engine, other bodystyle variants were released shortly after a Sedan (Voyage), a Wagon (Parati) and a Pickup (Saveiro).

Now one of the biggest well known Export deals would have been the exports to the US when the Wagon and Sedan were sold as the Fox.
With high retail price (in early 1990s) due to Brazil's inflated market the deal was cancelled by 1994.

Other deals since then include selling the Gol in Russia as the Pointer and producing the Gol in one of Volkswagen's two Chinese Joint Ventures Shanghai Volkswagen sales were not great as the Gol platform was seriously ageing.

Which brings me to the all new Gol NF family which is infact using current Fox & Polo chassis/components due to VWs cost saving intiatives but is all new in Gol terms.

The NF family will be made up of 3dr/5dr hatchback, sedan, utility, panel van (below the Caddy) and a SUV/Crossover variants.

Not mentioned is the Wagon because from what I've read from various media sites the SpaceFox(produced in Argentina for Sth. American market) replaces the Parati, that could change though, as other media sites report Gol NF may replace current Gol line and Fox lines and combine them keeping costs down, which does make sense and is what I think will happen.

Gol NF family engines will be borrowed from the current Fox and Polo ranges so 1.0 to 1.6 petrol and 1.4 diesel possibly bigger capacities in the future.

The Gol NF Family is the big one for VW as they will build it (or a version off the NF platform) in Developing Countries such as Argentina, Brazil, China, India and Russia.

With the Gol NF products being built in Developing Countries, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and quite possibly some of the variants may find their way into North America will benefit from the cheaper export prices.

The plan is that Gol NF based vehicles will be able to be built easily to the destined markets desires, an example is that for Europe and say North America the car would be packed full of features like Airbags, ABS Brakes, ESP and other Luxuries that would be optional on other markets like India & China for example.

Now if VW get this platform packaged correctly and target the Toyota Yaris or below, it will be a sales phenomenon much like the beloved Beetle and will be an important step in growing market share for Volkswagen worldwide.

With Enthusiast and Buyers craving for a new lovable Entry Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn and his team must be as excited as I am to finally see VW get it right.

Junior successfully completes first DARPA test

An autonomously driven Volkswagen Passat named Junior (Junior because its smaller than last year's 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge winner, Stanley) successfully completed the first DARPA test at a parking lot in the Googleplex. This thing drives itself and it did so without any major problems. There was that one issue during one of the exercises when Junior had a problem passing a car. That was quickly resolved, though and Junior was cruising past the car in no time. It did manage a top speed of 15 mph, excruciatingly slow by our standards.

This is just one of many races before the actual DARPA Urban Challenge in November, where other teams will have their own driverless vehicles duke it out for a cash prize of $2 million.

Stanley won in 2005, maybe Junior can follow in daddy's footsteps?

Source: CNET via Engadget

New addition to the VW Gazette team

I would just like to take the time to introduce a new member on our team, Ben Stacey. For those of you who frequent the VW forums, you will know him under the handle "phaeton", and will be posting as such.

Ben will be reporting from Australia and will cover, among other things, the Volkswagen scene from that area (Asia, Australia, that area in general). His immense knowledge of Volkswagen in general will be a great addition to the VW Gazette.

And for all those out there reading, if you are interested in joining our team, email me. We're looking for people, especially in the Europe area (Germany would be even better), to write for us.

Study shows Eos has second best resale value in UK

According to a study done by EurotaxGlass, the Eos, or more specifically an Eos 2.0L TDI Sport, has the second best resale value in the UK, bested only by the Ferrari F430 Spider. This puts Volkswagen in some pretty good company at the top.

The study, conducted over a twelve month period, determined that a Ferrari F430 Spider maintained 97% of its value followed by the Eos, which kept 94% of its value. Of all the vehicles they tested, only these two managed to lose less that 10% of their value.

Not bad for the Eos' first year and it's yet another reason to get an Eos just as the Summer season begins.

Source: Autoblog via The German Car Blog

MT gets hold of first Mk. VI Golf spyshot

Just yesterday, we reported some new details about the upcoming Mk. VI Golf and included two renderings of what the new Golf could possibly look like. It now looks like those renderings are spot on, at least for the rear.

Motor Trend magazine has acquired a spyshot of what looks to be like the Mk. VI. Actually, there's no mistaking it for another car due to that unique C-pillar that is signature Golf. What really caches the eye though are the redesigned taillights, shaped exactly like the photo rendering from yesterday. Other than the taillights, nothing looks different. MT do not have photos of the front, though if they exist, I'm sure they should be surfacing in the web anytime now. MT does suggest that the front will, contrary to the photo rendering, have a narrow, four bar grille.

MT also gives some insight as to what becomes of the Mk. V Golf in North America. They say that we probably won't be getting the Mk. VI until 2012 but that the Mk. V should be getting a facelift shortly after the Mk. VI hits European streets. Given the fact that the Mk. V and Mk. VI are practically identical technically speaking, this isn't really much of a loss. Although the lower production costs and shorter times that the Mk. VI is suppose to bring to the table probably won't be realized in the facelifted Mk. V.

Source: Motor Trend