Volkswagen continues to bleed official Scirocco pics

After yesterday's breach of Volkswagen's Scirocco embargo, it wasn't a matter of if but when more official images would leak out. So, like clockwork, Volkswagen continues to bleed Scirocco pics profusely. Volkswagen, better get some gauze around that wound before you bleed the whole press release before Monday.

In any case, further examining these newly leaked photos, I can say with 100% certainty that the Scirocco will be Volkswagen's smashing hit of the year. The looks have grown on me, with the help of closer and better angled photos. The front end, though no Iroc, is aggressive in its own right. Very menacing, especially with those headlights. The rear has a bit of BMW 6 Series in it. Not necessarily bad (you be the judge), just an observation.

The show stopper must be the interior, however. True, the dash is copy-and-pasted straight out of the Eos and the dials seem to be from the GTI. But the door panel design is original and very striking. Plus, those seats look very nice, finely stitched and the rear seats look like they belong more in a 911 than a Scirocco.

So far, I like what I'm seeing. At this point, the only thing I don't like is the fact that it won't even be available here in North America. Volkswagen fears that it would cannibalize sales of the GTI and R32. They're right, I'd have this instead in a heartbeat.

At this point, a debut at Geneva is a formality but do expect it there next week nonetheless. In the meantime, more images after the jump.

Source: Autoblog

Geneva 2008: Official Scirocco pics leaked

As they say, embargoes are made to be broken. Some trigger-happy websites broke Volkswagen's embargo on two official Scirocco photos which has now made its way around the net.

So I'm sure the question on everyone's mind is "how faithful is it to the Iroc Concept?" Well, we can say pretty damn faithful but it does lose some points around the front end, where the bold, gaping grille of the Concept is replaced by one that's less in-your-face. Some will be disappointed by that (I sure am), others will probably rejoice. Rest assured, the silhouette of the front end does remain faithful to the Iroc. Actually, the whole car is pretty much the Iroc from the headlights back. Overall, it is of sound design.

Of course, please reserve judgment until we see some real life, unaltered photos from next week's Geneva Motor Show. As is often the case, official photos never really capture the car at its best.

The rear shot of the Scirocco is after the jump.

Source: Autoblog

Volkswagen to unveil diesel-electric Golf at Geneva

I'll come right out and say it. I'm not a fan of hybrid cars. I just think that it's all hype. When you look at the bigger picture, hybrids are very inefficient. First, you have to mine the minerals for the batteries (most common of which are lithium or nickel), which does a considerable amount of damage on the environment. Then, disposing of that very battery when it can't hold a charge becomes a problem because of all the toxic chemicals it contains. In addition, a hybrid system adds extra weight to a car which, if you think about it, probably defeats the efficiency that a hybrid provides in the first place. Hybrids are typically more expensive than non-hybrid models and that it rarely ever pays for itself. Hybrids also only really work in city traffic. Go on the highway and you will still be burning gasoline.

No, hybrid technology is a triumph in marketing, not technology. And it really is unfortunate that hybrid technology is seen as the be-all and end-all for when it comes to being both fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, because there are so many other technologies out there that does a better job, such as Volkswagen's BlueMotion or BMW's Efficient Dynamics. And to prove just how much better these technologies are, the Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient car in the US but in Europe, the Prius is second only to the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion and tied with the MINI Cooper D which uses Efficient Dynamics.

But the sad reality is that hybrids are here to stay, especially in the US where driving a Pruis is seen as a status symbol. If Volkswagen wants to increase sales, they need to play on American terms. That means bringing a hybrid to the market.

Volkswagen is due to unveil a hybrid Golf at the Geneva Motor Show, but with a twist. Instead of pairing the hybrid system with a gasoline engine, Volkswagen will opt for a diesel, thus increasing the efficiency of the hybrid Golf. This actually has many advantages over a conventional hybrid like the Prius. First, you get the added efficiency of a diesel, which as we know, is already pretty efficient on its own. Second, a torquey diesel will better move a heavier hybrid car. Lastly, diesels shine on the highway where it gets even more efficient.

No official figures have been released but the Golf diesel-hybrid may return 69 mpg(US) and 89g/km of CO2. That means a whopping 23 mpg more for the Golf than the Prius' combined mileage estimate of 46 mpg and 15g/km less CO2 emissions over the Prius' 104g/km. Granted, these two are in different categories but you can see how big a difference a diesel makes. The hybrid system could also make its way into the Jetta and the A3.

I may still not have love for hybrids and would prefer if Volkswagen brought over the BlueMotion lineup from Europe to the US. But a diesel-hybrid is a good compromise and should appease image-conscious Americans. This is Volkswagen showing the world how it should be done.

Watch out for the diesel-electric golf at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Oh, and I apologize for my anti-hybrid tirade earlier.

Source: 4Car

Scirocco microsite hints at a Geneva debut

Volkswagen has put up a Scirocco microsite, just several weeks before the Geneva Motor Show begins in March, thus fueling the speculation that the car may actually debut at Geneva. Of course, the last time Volkswagen put up a microsite was for the Passat CC, which then debuted the next month. So a Scirocco at Geneva looks much more plausible now, doesn't it?

The microsite takes after the Passat CC's, that is to say nothing much is revealed. Like the Passat CC's microsite, the Scirocco's pans across images of the Scirocco in varying angles. We are shown what the wheels look like (they look sweet!) and a glimpse of the taillights are revealed (looks nothing like that of the Iroc Concept's) along with "2.0 TSI" badging giving clue to the Scirocco's engine.

Again, Volkswagen has piqued our interest about a forthcoming model with a microsite. But really, based on past spyshots, our interest has been piqued for a long time. Here's to hoping for a Geneva intro. Now if only they could change their North American position regarding the Scirocco.

Source: Volkswagen

More US Phaeton details emerge

It's no secret that Volkswagen wants to see the Phaeton succeed in all markets. And that's exactly what Volkswagen had in mind when they first launched the Phaeton in the US. They probably thought "Hey, we have a car that sharply undercuts the bigger players in the market so we should do well". They should have if only people saw past the badge. What Volkswagen didn't consider was that, at least for the North American market, people were not willing to spend big money for a Volkswagen, even if that Volkswagen was cheaper than its rivals.

So when word comes that Volkswagen will once again give us a Phaeton, things start getting weird. It's like being in your high school reunion and someone reminds you of an embarassing memory and everything gets awkward and silent. And, as it goes, it is you who breaks that silence.

Volkswagen is breaking that awkward silence by continually revealing more details of the US bound Phaeton. And this time, Stefan Jacoby has revealed some key details about the forthcoming US-spec Phaeton.

First and foremost, Jacoby revealed the next Phaeton's pricepoint in the US market at around $55,000. This is an unprecedented move by any manufacturer to announce a price even before a concept has graced the floor of a major auto show. Next, Jacoby reveals that the Phaeton will sit on a shorter wheelbase. We've already reported that insiders believe that the next Phaeton will ride on the current Audi A6's platform, which is of course, shorter than that of the Phaeton's. The last detail which we have heard of a lot surrounding the US-bound Phaeton is the main engine being a diesel. Giving the Phaeton an oil burner is a risky move as it could alienate even more people not used to diesel engines. However it could also be what makes the Phaeton a success the second time around if they market it right. According to Jacoby, giving the Phaeton a diesel engine will make it a technological and environmental flagship for the whole lineup.

No timeline was revealed but we'd hazard a guess of around 2010/2011.

Source: Autoblog

Volkswagen issues recall for New Beetle Triple White

Hang on to those spoilers! Volkswagen has issued a recall for the New Beetle, specifically the Triple White special edition. The spoilers for potentially some 510 vehicles were attached using the wrong adhesive. That could cause the spoiler to become loose or fall off completely, becoming a potentially dangerous projectile on the highway.

Volkswagen will repair the spoilers of affected vehicles starting on or about February 29. If you think your vehicle is affected, contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or your local dealership.

Read the NHTSA's recall report after the jump.

Source: NHTSA

VOLKSWAGEN / NEW BEETLE
Recall Number: 08V036000

Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPECIAL EDITION TRIPLE WHITE SEDAN VEHICLES, AN INCORRECT ADHESIVE MAY HAVE BEEN USED TO ATTACH THE ROOF SPOILER TO THE REAR GLASS OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE INCORRECT ADHESIVE WAS USED, THE SPOILER COULD BECOME LOOSE OR FALL FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY THE SPOILER MAY FEEL SECURE.

Consequence:
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE SPOILER COULD CAUSE INJURY BY STRIKING PERSONS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE OR COULD BECOME AN OBSTACLE TO OTHER DRIVERS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ROOF SPOILER ON THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 29, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.

Notes:
VWOA RECALL NO. 66D1 (Q9). CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Passat CC to start below $27,000 in the US

In an interview with Automotive News, Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby revealed that the newly unveiled Passat CC will start below $27,000 in the US. It's a reasonable price for a car that looks much more expensive than the Passat. What more, that undercuts the Mercedes Benz CLS by, well, a lot.

The Passat CC is supposed to close the gap between the Passat and the Phaeton when it returns to the US smaller, cheaper, and with a diesel in the hood. Eventually, another model to be slotted between the Passat CC and the Phaeton will even things out even more.

Source: EGM Cartech

Volkswagen makes new Jetta Wolfsburg Edition available

For every iteration of the Jetta, we have always come to look forward to a Wolfsburg Edition. For those who don't know, Wolfsburg Editions commemorate the city on which Volkswagen was founded, Wolfsburg, Germany.

The current Jetta already has a Wolfsburg Edition but Volkswagen is upping the ante by replacing the old Jetta's 2.5L engine with the 2.0L turbo found in the GTI, mated to either a 6-speed manual or DSG. In addition, 17-inch wheels, leatherette, and special badging comes standard. Volkswagen will be making on 12,500 samples in Reflex Silver, Black, Platinum Gray, or Salsa Red. The manual version can be had for $20,875 and the DSG version for $21,950. No availability date was given in the press release, which is after the jump for your own perusal, but we'd bet they will be available soon.

Source: Volkswagen

Value priced special model now on sale

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T. Volkswagen will produce approximately 12,500 of these special edition models. This new version Jetta 2.0T follows last year's highly successful Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.5 L.

Staying true to the Wolfsburg Edition heritage, the Wolfsburg Jetta 2.0T will offer customers a value priced version of the sporty and spacious Jetta sedan, equipped with the highly acclaimed four-cylinder turbo-charged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs. of torque. Each special edition Jetta 2.0T includes unique "Wolfsburg Edition" badging on both front quarter panels. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T features 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, and is available in the following color schemes; Reflex Silver, Black, Salsa Red, and Platinum Gray.

Like the rest of the Jetta model line, the Wolfsburg Edition comes standard with many safety features. Content that includes: six standard airbags, a crash optimized front end, and anti-intrusion side door beams. For additional safety, two rear side airbags are also available as an option. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T also comes with an array of vehicle control safety features. These features include a four-wheel ABS anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Electronic Stabilization Program, and Anti-Slip Regulation. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T also comes standard with an electro-mechanical power steering system for added control.

The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T is value priced at $20,875 with a six-speed manual transmission, and $21,950 with an optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

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, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Jacoby acknowledges need for a small car in the US

For years, we've been clamoring for Volkswagen to throw us a bone over here and give us a sub-Rabbit vehicle. Now, of course, Canada has the City Golf/Jetta which means Canada is pretty much covered when they decide to replace those models. It is the US that has nothing south of the Rabbit. That may change soon, however.

Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby has acknowledged the need for a sub-Rabbit model in the US, citing Americans' budding love affair with smaller, more fuel efficient cars. Jacoby says that a Polo could work, as well as a "lifestyle" model akin to a smart or MINI. Jacoby also mentions something about a model that is a "little bit SUV-looking and a little van." A space up! maybe?

Indeed, the up! is going to play a big role in supplying the US with a small car. Target price is about $13,000 to $14,000.

Source: Autoblog

Clean TDI Jetta should be in your garage by the Fall

We know that many of you are just itching to sign that check for a deposit on a Jetta TDI. And it can seem frustrating when you hardly ever hear anything concerning the oil burner Jetta. Don't worry though, for if a post on the VWvortex forums is to be believed, they should be on your driveways by the fall of this year.

In June, Volkswagen will be distributing 1,000 Jetta TDIs to it's North American dealer network for test drive purposes. Then, by late August, early September, Volkswagen should be starting to send out vehicles for sale.

And since we are on the subject of TDI engines, according to the article, the Clean TDI Touareg should be out by November.

Source: VWvortex via German Car Blog

Military spec Touareg does nothing to help your road rage

It happens to all of us. There's a guy going 50 in a 70 mph road and we have the unfortunate luck of having to be behind them. Or a guy cuts in front of you and hasn't the courtesy of at least speeding up. Usually, all we can do is utter our favourite expletive, maybe even flipping the bird once in a while. Now, however, Volkswagen is offering a military spec Touareg so that you can shoot the offending drivers off the road.

Ok, maybe not, but the concept of a military edition Touareg is pretty interesting. We don't know why it was made or who is using it but it definitely exists, complete with aerials, automatic turret gun, and even the matte green paint (which Volkswagen should offer as a paint option). We don't know how the Touareg is equipped as far as blastproofing or bulletproofing is concerned. Regardless, this is definitely something you won't be seeing in your local dealership.

A military spec Touareg? That would put your neighbour's dinky Hummer H3 to shame.

More images after the jump.

Source: Carscoop

Cars.com compares the Routan and the Chrysler Town & Country

The Routan has finally been unveiled last week and Cars.com has compiled a short but very informative video on the differences of the Routan and Chrysler's Town & Country. They first talk about the obvious such as the different styling and same engine choices. However, they have cleared up a point of confusion regarding the Routan. The third row seating is Stow 'n Go and can be operated electronically but second row seating is not. Volkswagen apparently opted to have more comfortable captains chairs in the second row as opposed to less comfortable Stow 'n Go seating.

Regarding interior quality, as we've predicted, Volkswagen has opted for higher quality materials and, compared to the Town & Country, the Routan is more refined. Still, with what Volkswagen has to work with, that isn't saying much. Definitely not up to Volkswagen standards.

Regarding price, the Routan will be in the market at around $25,000 which is apparently about $3,000 less than a comparatively equipped Town & Country.

Source: Cars.com via German Car Blog

DSG: 1 million served and counting

There was a time when driving was defined by two distinct groups: automatics and manual. For decades, these two groups learned to live as two separate yet equally important species. Then, five years ago, Volkswagen comes out with a transmission that totally blurred the line between these two groups. It presented the smoothness and convenience of an automatic combined with the ability for the driver to actually choose when to shift to what gear, like a manual. What more, this new transmission was able to shift faster than any human could with a manual, let alone an automatic. It's called a Direct Shift Gearbox, DSG for short.

Five year's on, manufacturers such as BMW, Fiat, Renault, and Volvo have begun to copy the DSG recipe, putting out dual-clutch gearboxes of their own. But the original is always the best, of course, and the DSG is just that good that it has made its 1 millionth gearbox in just five years. Volkswagen's DSG factory in Kessel, Germany put 400,000 DSG gearboxes in cars last year. They are now increasing output in that factory to 1750 each day. The popularity of DSG is just getting bigger. And Volkswagen is not done yet. They have developed a 7-speed DSG for better fuel economy.

But of course, it all comes down to that feeling you get just as you flick that paddle shifter. That satisfying jolt you get when that second clutch engages in just 8 milliseconds. That's what's made DSG arguably the best transmission out there.

Source: Volkswagen

1 million DSG – Volkswagen celebrates the bestselling gearbox
Kassel has produced the dual-clutch gearbox for the Group since 2003
Latest 7-speed DSG now available

Wolfsburg/Kassel, 05 February 2008 - DSG – three letters that stand for supreme shift comfort, economy and sportiness. Together with staff from the Kassel factory and Prof. Werner Neubauer, member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for the Components division, the management of the Volkswagen factory in Kassel today celebrated the one-millionth dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).

The idea for the dual-clutch gearbox was born in motor-racing. It was picked up by Volkswagen in the 1980s and has since been developed further. When the first Volkswagen DSG went into series production in 2003, it sent shockwaves through professional circles. This innovation provided a previously unknown level of shift comfort. The once clear line between automatic and manual gearboxes had been bridged, and an extraordinary level of driving dynamics achieved.

Even the customers were soon enthusing, despite all the reservation compared to conventional gearboxes. Just five years later, the DSG has, for example, a 25 percent installation rate on the Touran. This is also a major success for the staff at the Kassel factory, the only Volkswagen factory to produce the DSG.

In 2007 alone, more than 400,000 six-speed DSG gearboxes were installed across the Group – and there is no sign of an end to this success story. "Because of the great demand, we shall shortly be boosting our daily capacity to 1,750 units," explained General Factory Manager Dr. Hans-Helmut Becker.

Prof. Werner Neubauer added: "All around the world, our DSG gearboxes from Kassel are synonymous with sporty driving pleasure and economical fuel consumption. They successfully combine the best of two gearbox worlds. We are already on the way to the two-millionth DSG, and on the way, this modern technology will sharpen Volkswagen's global competitive edge in the field of transmission technology even further."

Jürgen Stumpf, Chairman of the Works Council at the VW factory in Kassel is also convinced by the DSG: "The competence and expertise of our staff make this cutting edge technology 'made by Kassel' possible. The DSG has now become a guarantee for job security at the factory."

Volkswagen has now shifted up a gear with the new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the second generation of the successful bestseller. This gearbox combines two world firsts. Firstly, it is the first 7-speed DSG for front-traverse installation. Secondly, it is the first with clutches that are not immersed in oil, but which run "dry". This enables the latest Volkswagen DSG, available in the Golf, Golf Plus, Cross Golf, Golf Variant, Polo, Cross Polo and other models to achieve even greater efficiency.

R32 makes MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Awards

The R32 has snagged another from MotorWeek as it was named Best Performance Car in their Driver's Choice Awards. Can't say I disagree. Last year, the Eos also won a spot in the Driver's Choice Awards as the Best Convertible.

Volkswagen's press release is after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that its motorsports-inspired R32 has won the 2008 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Performance Car. MotorWeek looks at vehicles from a buyer’s point-of-view, and uses trends and innovations to help award their Drivers’ Choice Awards. MotorWeek’s aim is to produce a list of winners that can be used by potential customers as a practical buyers guide.

Born from the original pocket rocket, the R32’s power comes from a 3.2 L narrow angle V6. Offering 250 horsepower and 236 ft.lbs. of torque, the R32 is all muscle. Known for being the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance, the R32’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system ensures dynamic handling, and refined road manners. Volkswagen’s highly acclaimed DSG® transmission, which allows seamless gear changes, helps rocket the R32 from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds.

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, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Chicago 2008: Routan revealed

The Chicago Auto Show is just around the corner (actually, media days begin tomorrow) and those folks over at Autobild just couldn't hold it much longer. They have released the official images and information on Volkswagen's new people carrier for the US, the Routan.

It's a handsome looking minivan. Not offensive at all, much unlike the offerings of others in the market (I'm looking at you, Nissan and Toyota). The front end, is distinct enough from the Routan's Chrysler/Dodge bretheren. Enough so that those who didn't know better wouldn't have a clue of the shared DNA. Acutally, the front end very well integrates into the Volkswagen norm. It even uses the new iteration of Volkswagen's grille. A- to D-pillar, however, is as Town & Country/Caravan as you can get. The taillights are Volkswagen's own.

The same theme continues inside. The whole dashboard looks different enough but when you look at it, you know that you've seen it before. It's definitely not Volkswagen quality (or ergonomics) but it does look to be above that of Chrysler's and Dodge's. Also unlike the Chrysler/Dodge specimens, the Routan breaks the center stack just below the navigation sysytem, which creates a more horizontal feeling in the cabin as opposed to the Town & Country/Caravan, which is vertically themed.

Engine are both Chrysler's with the base being a 3.8L V6 at 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. torque and an optional 4.0L V6 at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft of torque. Both come mated to a 6-speed auto. Features such as a two-screen entertainment system, power sliding doors, power liftgate, and touchscreen navigation with 20 GB hard drive were mentioned, Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go were not which means these features will be MIA in the Routan.

The question remains, will Volkswagen be able to entice buyers from the Odysseys and Siennas of the world with a minivan that it mechanically the same as the Town & Country and Caravan? If the Routan is successful here, maybe that will convince Volkswagen to give this market more thought next time it gives us a minivan. How about a Microbus revival, or even a Touran/Sharan? The Routan should be out later this year for below $25,000.

Press release and photos after the jump.

Update: Autoblog has a YouTube video of the Routan at the Chicago Auto Show which is after the jump and they also have some photos from the show, as well. Based on the video, the Routan will have an electronically folding third row. The second row looks like they might also fold down (as in Stow 'n Go).

Source: Volkswagen, Autoblog





VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS ROUTAN AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
European inspired design and driving dynamics highlight new minivan

CHICAGO – Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Routan, an all new seven-passenger minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.

The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and contemporary, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function.

Second row captain's chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan.

The Routan comes with a host of unique features, including:

• Conversation Mirror
• Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control
• Dual power sliding doors with power windows
• Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive
• Power lift gate with flood lamp
• Thirteen cup holders

Volkswagen delivers a competitively priced entry into this high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000. The Routan will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario.

With Routan, Volkswagen dealers add a vehicle that will provide additional, incremental growth in the market. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners.

Volkswagen reports January sales results

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced January 2008 sales of 14,411 units, a 13.2 percent decrease from the January 2007 total of 16,610 vehicles.

Reflecting its all-season capabilities, the hardtop convertible Eos posted a 25 percent increase over January 2007. Similarly, the entry-level Rabbit and value priced New Beetle coupe each posted 10.8 percent increases over January 2007 levels.

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

Routan minivan spied

Spyshots of Volkswagen's new Routan minivan for the US market were taken as it was doing some testing. Of course, the obligatory camouflage covered the important bits but, with what we can see, nothing much has changed on the sheetmetal, with only the taillights, rear side window, and front end (presumably) expected to be different from the Routan's Chrysler/Dodge bretheren. Not much surprise there, however, as all three models will be built side-by-side-by-side in Chrysler's assembly line in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

We are still expecting a truly Volkswagen interior but features like Swivel 'n Go or Stow 'n Go are most likely not going to make it on the Volkswagen version as Chrysler/Dodge deems them as selling points. Powertrain options, according to Leftlane News, are going to be Volkswagen's own but I've heard otherwise from other sources. We shall see when the Routan debuts in Chicago next week.

Another angle after the jump.

Source: LLN, Brenda Priddy & Co.