Golf Plus to get nip, tuck

The Golf Plus, a Golf variant available in Europe that is taller than a Golf, looks like its going under the knife to get a facelift done. The latest spyshots reveal that the Golf Plus is due to get a new front end in the near future. To what extent this change will go is unknown however what the spyshot reveals are two bars down the centre of the front VW badge and the lower chin looks like that of any other Volkswagen with the shield grille. Whether this is indeed what lies under those covers is yet to be seen. What also isn't known is if this will also be the front end for the Mk. VI Golf (probably not but who knows?).

Source: German Car Blog, Motor Authority

Robust pickup starts to take its final form

The forthcoming Robust pickup from Volkswagen is really very enigmatic. First making its appearance as Toyota Hilux test mule, now is finally taking shape as a Volkswagen. The latest spyshots reveal a glimpse of the Robust's grille. Can't comment much on it, though, seeing as how it's currently covered up. One thing's for sure, though, this isn's the Hilux any longer.

Source: German Car Blog, KGP Photograpy

CleanTDI Tiguan purported to be delayed in the US

With crude hitting an all-time high of $135 per barrel, it is no surprise that the BlueTDI Tiguan is becoming fast a highly anticipated model for those who need the space but want their gas dollars to go further. So to anyone who fits those criteria, this bit of news won't make you happy. Apparently, the BlueTDI Tiguan launch is delayed in the US, making it not available for the MY2009.

Sadder still is the fact that the delay may be due to the Tiguan's success in Europe and the fact that the weak US dollar cuts into Volkswagen's profits. This coupled with the fact that a diesel option adds to the price of a Tiguan, things really start to look bleak.

Source: Autoblog

Speed Racer's secret weapon is...a Mk. III GTI?!

Apparently, and I have the video to prove it. In time for the highly anticipated Speed Racer movie that comes out tomorrow (hands up if you're going to see it!), I found this while digging through the thousands of old Volkswagen commercials on YouTube. The Mach 5 was sabotaged so Speed uses a Mark III GTI to finish the race and win! Speed Racer driving a Mk. III? That's nostalgia at its best.

See the video after the jump and don't forget to see Speed Racer, out in theatres tomorrow.

Source: YouTube

Buy a Routan, get into college

Ok, so maybe it isn't that simple. To launch the Routan in the US, Volkswagen has partnered with Upromise, the largest private source of college funding contributions in the US. The partnership will work this way: anybody who preorders a Routan by August 31 and takes delivery by November 30 can be eligible to receive $1,500 towards a college fund for Junior.

Talk about incentives. This is a great way to promote the Routan as a real family's minivan.

Press release is after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen

PURCHASE VOLKSWAGEN'S ALL-NEW ROUTAN AND HELP FUND YOUR CHILD'S COLLEGE TUITION

HERNDON, VA.-Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today a partnership with Upromise, the country's largest private source of college funding contributions, to provide $1,500 to customers who purchase or lease a new 2009 Routan for their child's future education savings.

"We know parents are concerned about saving for their kid's future. To help families tackle this challenge of saving for college, we're excited that we are able to partner with Upromise," said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We're aware that the cost of college continues to rise exponentially, far outpacing inflation, and our hope is to help our customer's off-set that cost, while getting a great new vehicle."
Upromise members can get $1,500 in college savings when they pre-order a Routan by August 31, 2008 and take delivery by November 30, 2008. To do so, members should log on to www.upromise.com/vw, print their unique Upromise VW Savings Code, and present it to their preferred Volkswagen dealer at the time the pre-order deposit is made. Anyone can join Upromise at no charge simply by visiting www.upromise.com. Signing up is fast, simple and completely free.

The Routan, Volkswagen's all-new seven-passenger minivan, delivers families the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines German 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 Routan's interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function. The Routan comes with a host of functional features, including: conversation mirror, rear seat entertainment system with two nine inch screens for second and third row, touch screen navigation with 30 GB JoyBox™ Multi-Media Entertainment system, dual power sliding doors with power windows, power fold third row seating for extra storage room, and no less than thirteen cup holders.

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 also 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 will have starting prices of $24,700 for the S Model, $29,600 for the SE Model, $33,200 for the SEL Model and $38,400 for the SEL Model equipped with a Premium Package. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners. The Routan is expected to be available at dealers in September 2008. For more information about the Routan, please visit www.vw.com/routan.

About Upromise
Launched in April 2001, today Upromise is the largest private source of college funding contributions in America, with more than 8.5 million members and $425 million in member rewards. Membership is free and can help families save money for college while making everyday purchases of products and services at more than 21,000 grocery and drug stores, 14,000 gas stations, 8,000 restaurants, as well as thousands of retail stores, and more than 575 online shopping sites. Upromise partners include Citi®, ExxonMobil Corporation, Bed Bath & Beyond®, McDonald's®, JCPenney.com, LandsEnd.com, Sears.com, and hundreds of others. Upromise also makes it easy for families to start their own college savings strategy through tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans offered through Upromise Investments, Inc. or by using Upromise contributions to help pay down eligible student loans. Upromise is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLM Corporation (NYSE: SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, the nation's leading provider of saving-and-paying-for-college programs. Upromise is headquartered in Newton, Mass., and has more than 350 employees. For additional information, visit www.Upromise.com.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. recently announced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard equipment on all its 2009 vehicles. As a result, Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to offer an electronic stability control system on their entire product line – ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. Volkswagen's ESP technology works in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and helps reduce loss of control and rollovers to avoid crashes. NHTSA predicts nearly 10,000 lives could be saved each year if automakers included stability systems as standard equipment.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. 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, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

Scirocco Racer on the 'ring

As we reported last month, Volkswagen is outfitting one Scirocco to be able to race at the 24-hour endurace race at the Nurburgring. As we all know, not just anything can go on the Nurburgring and be expected to return great numbers. So Volkswagen has started testing their Scirocco weeks before the race.

These pictures were snapped as the Scirocco performed these tests. It looks very smart and at home on the Nordschleife.

Another pic after the jump.

Source: Autoblog

UP: Volkswagen posts April Sales Results

PRESS RELEASE
HERNDON, VA.— Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced April 2008 sales of 19,415 units, a 1.7 percent increase over the April 2007 sales of 19,086 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 0.8 percent ahead of 2007 sales through April.

A sign that spring is definitely in the air is Volkswagen’s innovative coupe-convertible-sunroof Eos posted its best sales month ever with sales of 1,663 units, representing a 45.6 percent increase over April 2007.

The Passat also recorded a strong sales month with sales of 3,045 units, representing an increase of 10.2 percent over April 2007.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. 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