North America-bound Scirocco not as dead as we thought

While parts of Europe are enjoying the Scirocco revival, North America has been left in the dark by Volkswagen. Fearing the Scirocco would cannibalize sales of the GTI, not to mention a strong euro, they decided to leave the low-slung hatch out of this market. Or have they?

Speaking with Automotive News, Volkswagen of America spokesperson Steve Keyes said that enthusiasts have made their wishes clear that they want the Scirocco in the North American market. This coupled with the success of the Scirocco in Europe have Volkswagen higher-ups rethinking their position on the topic. Volkswagen seems more willing to make the Scirocco work here. Keyes revealed that a final decision has yet to be made on the Scirocco's availability here and added that if they do decide positively, it would have to be marketed "a little bit differently". Whatever it takes is what I say.

This could be the breakthrough we've all been looking for. We hope Volkswagen makes the right decision.

Source: Autoblog

Porsche increases holding to 42.6%

On Sunday, Porsche made a move to increase its stake in Volkswagen to 42.6%. Porsche hopes to increase this to 75% and full control of Volkswagen by 2009, with an interim goal of 50% by November.

Just last month, Porsche increased it's stake to 35.14%, thus gaining control of Volkswagen. This puts the many brands under the Volkswagen umbrella in jeopardy, with Porsche wanting access to Audi.

Source: Autoblog.

Volkswagen releases (vague) details on US-built NMS

Volkswagen has presented their plans for their forthcoming plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee to a delegation 50-strong from the state in a meeting last week in Berlin. Among the attendees were the Governor of Tennessee Phil Bredesen, the Mayor of Chattanooga, Ron Littlefield, as well as media from the city.

Volkswagen is eager to keep their plans a secret for as long as possible, offering up only vague details on a planned model that will be built at the plant. A list of market requirements were outlined for the Jetta/Passat replacement in North America codenamed "NMS" (for New Midsize Sedan) during the meeting. Some of the elements that must be met according to Volkswagen are legroom, cupholders, trunk space, premium audio, among other things. From the sound of it, this car is going to be massive, just how Americans like it, I guess? Anyway, Volkswagen also outlined some of the NMS's attributes which include a variety of FSI and TDI engines, DSG, and driving dynamics.

The plant is due to start churning out cars in 2011 with the NMS debuting at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Volkswagen hopes to build over 150,000 each year.

A more detailed plan after the jump.

Source: Carscoop

Market Requirements to Be Met:

* Spacious legroom
* Large trunk volume
* Number and size of cupholders
* ABS with front and rear disc brakes
* Airbags front/rear
* Child seat anchors
* High performance radio
* Interface for mobile devices

Volkswagen NMS Attributes:

* Superior driving dynamics
* Dynamic powetrain / acceleration
* Double clutch transmission (DSG)
* FSI engines
* TDI Engines
* Superior design transporting sustainable values

Volkswagen unveils SP2 rendering; piques interest

Nameplate revivals are alive and well at Volkswagen. First the Scirocco and now the SP2, a car little known outside of South America that was built in Brazil for that local market. It came during the 1970s when imports were blocked and the Karmann Ghias were the only sports cars in the market. When the Ghia started becoming long in the tooth in the South American market, Volkswagen decided to take the Type III Karmann Ghia's underpinnings and slap a more modern body on top. Thus, the SP2 was born.

Back in the day, it was powered by a rear-mounted 4-cylinder boxer that produced 65 hp. The lack of power didn't help sell the SP2 to people and, after a little over 10,000 units, production stopped in 1976. Some did find their way into Europe.

So, that brings us to some renderings that Volkswagen has released of what a present day SP2 could look like. It's really a love-it-or-hate-it design. But whatever you feel about it, Volkswagen has definitely piqued the world's interest. Build it, or at the very least bring it to concept car stage and we'll see what we've got.

Photos after the jump.

Source: Carscoop

Paris 2008: Mk. VI GTI

As the Mk. VI GTI photos were released few weeks ago, we now know that we will be getting a sportier, tighter looking GTI. What we didn't know then was the engine of choice for the hothatch. Volkswagen will be putting a 2.0L TFSI making 210 hp and 207 lb. ft. or torque. That should get the GTI to 60 in 7.2 seconds. The GTI will also come with driver aids such as an electronically controlled limited-slip XSD differential to send torque to the wheel with the most grip, keeping torque steer at bay.

Exepect the GTI in your driveway by the spring, if you live in Europe. You'll have to wait a little longer for the GTI as it arrives by the Summer, coming in before the Mk. VI Rabbit. However long we have to wait, it looks like the new GTI will be very much worth it.

Press release and photos after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen














Sharp and sovereign – The new Golf GTI
The bestseller with the best values: 240 km/h, 210 bhp, 7.5 litres
Wolfsburg, 25 September 2008 - Since the debut of the first and the discontinuation of the fifth generation, more than 1.7 million buyers made the GTI to the world's bestseller. Now the new GTI is at the ready: at the Paris Motor Show (4th to 19th October 2008) Volkswagen will be demonstrating the design study of the new Golf GTI at its world premiere.

The GTI suspension with a new electronic limited-slip diff (XDS) defines curves and traction in a completely new way. A GTI with a top speed of 240 km/h that with its 155 kW / 210 bhp strong turbocharged engine is even more fun and, on average, only uses 7.5 litres.

The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 – as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine. The engine develops already at 1,800 rpm a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The sprint from 0 to 60mph is achieved in 6.9 seconds. A stand-off between wind resistance and output occurs only just at 240 km/h.

Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. Furthermore, the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

"We wanted a purposefully clear GTI design. A car that has power but also style," summarises the Volkswagen AG's chief designer Walter de'Silva. The design study of the sixth generation presented in Paris blends in both style elements of the GTI icons. Details like the typical honeycombed radiator grill and the V-shaped bonnet, stretching over the head lights, contribute to the GTI V. The clean and horizontal structure clearly originates from the GTI I. Because of the styling as well as the underlining horizontal graphic of the front section the Golf GTI design study appears visually wider (1.78 meter), lower (1.47 meter) and more dynamic than any other car in its class.

DOWN: Volkswagen reports September results

HERNDON, Va.— Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced September 2008 sales of 17,109 units, a 9.4 percent decrease over the September 2007 sales of 18,891 vehicles. On a year-to-date basis, 2008 Volkswagen sales are 0.2 percent ahead of 2007 sales through September.

“This is the toughest economy we’ve seen in a long time” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re extremely pleased that we are still ahead of last years sales. With the arrival of our all-new luxurious CC and our seven passenger minivan, Routan, which are arriving in dealerships now, combined with our other new products launched earlier this year, such as our 50-state compliant clean diesel Jetta TDI, we see opportunity to continue to grow our business.”

Demonstrating that customers are looking for better fuel economy choices, the all-new Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI continue to sell as fast as dealers get them in. 2008 has been a big year for Volkswagen new product launches, with five new vehicles launched, including the Jetta SportWagen, Jetta TDI, Tiguan, Routan and CC.

Source: Volkswagen