- Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen
Porsche is continuing to wag the dog by upping its stake in VW to over 50%. The move, which cost Porsche $8.49 billion, adds another 8% to the German automaker's ownership stake. The move to 50% was supposed happen late in 2008, but a short squeeze temporarily skyrocketed VW stock from 210 Euros to over 1,000, delaying the move. Porsche's increase in VW stake also gave the iconic automaker indirect control of Swedish truckmaker Scania. Swedish law requires a mandatory takeover offer, but since Porsche has no interest in truck tech, it will only offer the minimum amount required.
The much smaller Porsche has been deliberate in its bid to own the much larger VW, and its plans don't end at 50%. A Porsche spokesman told Automotive News that, pending market conditions, the company intends to own a 75% stake by the end of 2009. And to think Porsche was once worried that its small size made it vulnerable to be taken over by other companies.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Porsche raises stake in VW to 50% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen
When building a new factory, especially one as large and complex as an auto manufacturing plant, there are plenty of elements that can throw things off schedule. Scheduling itself, however, is rarely the problem, especially for a German company. But that's the reason why Volkswagen has delayed the groundbreaking ceremony for its new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to VW spokespersons, the ceremony is being delayed until March due to several members of the company's management board in Wolfsburg wanting to be present, but can't make it any earlier. (And it's not even Oktoberfest yet!)
However, Volkswagen insists that construction of the $1 billion plant is progressing as planned. This also includes the city's preparations for hosting the factory, refurbishing office buildings downtown, the opening of a new school for the German-speaking children of VW employees, stores and restaurants to cater to the workforce, as well as space for the vendors and suppliers who are expected to come to town to support the factory. In the words of the director of the local development organization, "We're so fortunate that, given the economy and that kind of thing, we have robust employers in downtown." Indeed.
[Source: msnbc.com]Germans? Delay? VW postpones Chattanooga groundbreaking ceremony originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hatchbacks, Volkswagen, Rumormill
Click above to view the current Volkswagen Polo GTI in our hi-res image gallery
The interwebs were all alight like Times Square last night with reports of a new Polo GTI on the way. According to Auto Express, the mini-GTI will upgrade on the upcoming replacement for the current Polo with all manner of GTI-trademarked upgrades, from sport seats to the black grille with red stripe, with power provided by the same 1.4-liter twin-charged TSI four as the upcoming SEAT Ibiza Cupra and driving 178hp through a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG to reach sixty in about seven seconds.
Sounds good, though we're not likely to get the Polo in the American market, in regular or sport versions, for the foreseeable future. What the reports apparently neglect to mention, however, in their enthusiasm for a revived Polo GTI, is that Volkswagen already makes one. The current Polo GTI revived the model in late 2005 with a 1.8-liter turbo four offering up 148hp. Because that didn't measure up against the competition, VW came out with the Cup Edition that boosted output up to 178hp, the same output which Auto Express pegs for the new version. If the new Polo GTI does indeed bow this year in Frankfurt, we'll be on hand to bring it to you live, but one thing's for sure: Wolfsburg will hardly be reinventing the wheel if and when it does.
[Source: Auto Express]More of the Same: Volkswagen Polo GTI rumormill swirls originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen
Click above to watch video after the jump
DDB London, the ad firm that gave VW the singing dog commercial - and took home an award for its work - is back in the ring with a spot for the new Golf. Taking a little bit of Matrix, a little bit of Bourne, and even a spin kick move from Transporter 3, a VW designer has to battle his way to the very end to prove a point. As usual, it's pretty nifty and worth a watch. And after that, if you're looking for something completely different, you should check out this VW ad that presents an entirely new take on Toy Story. Check 'em both out after the jump.
[Source: Guardian]Continue reading VIDEO: New VW Golf commercial goes Matrix
VIDEO: New VW Golf commercial goes Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Volkswagen, Rumormill
UPDATE: Thanks to commenters Mike, ebm14, and dosahut, all of whom explain that the verbiage in the post at VWvortex simply indicates the point at which the standard Passat sedan switches from an '08 to an '09, and the end of production for the model. So basically, the lineup stays as is with the two Passats and the CC. Or, put more plainly, never mind.
UPDATE 2: VW confirms that the Passat's back for '09. Nothing to see here. Move along...
When VW unveiled the Passat CC at Detroit last January, a lot of us wondered whether it ought to simply be theVWvortex forums has posted what's reportedly a list of product changes for the upcoming year. Most of them are completely mundane, but for the Passat sedan, the change listed says, "Updated End of Production Date - wk 51/08." We read that as being the 51st week of 2008, which is this coming week. Assuming it's all on the level (we've got an email in to VW for confirmation), come 2009, the Passat Wagon's counterpart in U.S. showrooms will be the CC. Makes sense to us. Thanks for the tip, Jay!
[Source: VWvortex]Rumormill: VW kills Passat sedan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Time Warp, Coupes, Economy, Volkswagen, Rendered Speculation
Click above for high-res renderings of a possible New Beetle
When designing a retro-style automobile like the revived MINI, Mustang or VW Beetle, the first generation is the easy one. The second go-round, on the other hand, is a tougher nut to crack, and the easy thing to do is to maintain the status quo. Volkswagen did just that when it revised its New Beetle back in 2006, but the third-generation of today's Bug is expected to ratchet things up a bit design-wise. We're expecting something more mature, perhaps along the lines of the Ragster concept from 2005, which emphasized its low-slung bodywork with a chopped top reminiscent of the Porsche Speedster. Flashier lights and more angular sheetmetal are also distinct possibilities.
Whatever the case, it won't be an easy redesign. VeeDub could stay the course by keeping the cute and charming nature of the current New Beetle intact or it could spice things up with something much more sporty. Could the German automaker do both? That's an option for the future, and current rumors indicate that VW has considered at least two separate Beetle models, one based on the Golf and another using the underpinnings from the yet-to-be-released Up! microcar. The current state of the economy, though, makes a plan like that much less likely to bear fruit.
[Source: Car Magazine]New details emerge about 2010 VW Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Time Warp, Etc., Volkswagen
There's always lots of junk on Craigslist, especially cars. There are also often screaming deals, but seven VW Vanagons for a buck still strikes us as an upside-down transaction. While they're quirky, delightful, and generally well made, Vanagons can also be appallingly unreliable, especially mit der Wasserboxer engine. Still, when you've spent a good part of your formative years rousting around in a beloved Vanagon named Big Blue, it's hard to not quickly consider rescuing the lot before they turn into a pile of fine German oxide.
The cruel reality of this gaggle of vehicles is that their value is mostly scrap. Seven Vanagons - some Westys, some standard, possibly an air-cooled engine or three in among the water-pumpers (that undoubtedly have their quirky head gaskets blowing bubbles into their water jackets) will require more funding than the Detroit Bailout to put right.
[Source: Craigslist]Dollar Daze - Volkswagen Vanagons for a buck originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen
Click either image for a high-res gallery of the NACOTY and TOTY nominees
Now that the motoring world has announced the International COTY and TOTY contenders, the finalists for North American Car and Truck of the Year have been revealed. The six chosen chariots consist of some of the same nameplates, but whereas the international body tapped the Dodge Challenger, Ford Flex and Nissan GT-R for the car honors, the 50 N.A. automotive journalists have elected the Ford Flex, Hyundai Genesis and Volkswagen Jetta TDI as finalists for the 2009 NACOTY. So the Challenger makes the International list but not the North American one? Baffling. The Nissan GT-R didn't make the N.A. cut, but it could be argued that the Flex and Genesis are more important to their respective companies, and the Jetta, well, it's green and all. The Jetta TDI did appear on the separate Earth, Wind & Power list from the international committee.
On the Truck side we have the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram making both lists, but the N.A. group selected another Earth, Wind & Power nominee, the Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC, instead of the internationally-nominated Subaru Forester. All of the contendors seem worthy of recognition, but we're sure you'll have your own suggestions, as do we. Both sets of winners will be announced January 11th at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The full press release with all of the eligible nominees is after the jump and we've assembled a gallery of the finalists below.
[Source: North American Car & Truck of the Year]Continue reading N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced
N.A. Car and Truck of the Year Finalists Announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen
Anyone paying attention to the world economy shouldn't be surprised to hear that Volkswagen is the latest company to feel some financial discomfort. Automotive News cites Automobilwoche, which says about 2,000 VW managers will meet Thursday in Dresden with CEO Martin Winterkorn to discuss the company's future plans.
A source tells the German magazine that several things are on the agenda. Production cuts are almost a given and plans for future models are not safe. Automobilwoche specifically mentions the plant currently being built in Chattanooga as one that will be under review.
Hopefully this is not the end of the on again/off again U.S.-bound Scirocco or the Mk VI GTI we were looking forward to. But don't get your hopes up for that mid-engined roadster debuting in Detroit.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. via Automobilwoche]VW could cut production, new models to weather downturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, SUVs, Videos, Volkswagen
Click above for high-res image gallery of shots from the 2008 Baja 1000
Autoblog got its feet muddy - and did its best to avoid the cow pies - at the Baja 1000 a few weeks ago with Volkswagen. While things could have gone better for the 550-hp diesel Race Touareg2, finishing in 13th position with a relatively untested truck is a fine result. Finishing the Baja 1000 at all is a fine result, in fact. Check out the full story and video after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below.
Continue reading Visions from the Baja 1000: VW puts its diesel in the dirt [w/VIDEO]
Visions from the Baja 1000: VW puts its diesel in the dirt [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Volkswagen
Click above for a high-res gallery of the JE Design Scirocco
Volkswagen's new Scirocco seems to be the hottest new platform for Euro tuners, with Abt and MTM already coming out with tuning packages. JE Design has developed their own line of parts and accessories, starting with a subtle three piece aero kit that includes a new front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear spoiler extension. A performance kit boosts the turbocharged 2.0L inline-four to 244 bhp and 258 lb-ft torque, while an upgraded exhaust system adds another 11 more horsepower. Also available are lowering springs and multispoke wheels in a variety of finishes. Now if we could only get Volkswagen to once again reconsider its decision to not bring the Scirocco stateside. Hit the jump to read the press release.
[Source: JE Design]
Continue reading JE Design throws its Scirocco into the mix
JE Design throws its Scirocco into the mix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for high-res image gallery of VW Golf Plus
The second generation of Volkswagen's Golf Plus has made its official debut (after an earlier blooper-style unveil) today at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Like the first edition that debuted back in 2004 and was based on the MK V Golf architecture, the new Plus is a raised-roof MPV version of the new sixth-gen Golf. We think it's quite fetching in a mini-minivanish sort of way, especially when equipped with the optional 18-inch alloys as seen above. Although the official powerplant options have yet to be revealed, the European market, which is where this new model will be sold, is sure to dictate that a range of diesel and petrol engines are on the menu.
VeeDub's cool ParkAssist system will also be optional on the new Golf Plus. The technology displays a real-time image of what's directly behind the car and can take control of the steering wheel to guide the car into a parking spot. Expect the official launch to take place next Spring in the UK.
[Source: Volkswagen]Continue reading VW Golf Plus officially debuts in Bologna
VW Golf Plus officially debuts in Bologna originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for high-res image gallery of the VW Scirocco Study R
Volkswagen's new Scirocco is rapidly becoming a popular canvas for customizing, and Wolfsburg itself is getting into the act. The Bologna Motor Show has been graced with the Scirocco Study R, which could be a preview of a production version called the Scirocco R20T. The Study R is a derivation of the ideas laid down by the GT24 race concept, with a sneery front end and a wing out back. The Study R is more understated in white with subdued striping, red mirrors and a nostriled hood. Power is provided by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine that twirls the cogs in a six-speed DSG gearbox. Suspension and braking systems have also been tweaked to deliver on the image's sporty promise, and a less restrictive exhaust offers some bark to underscore the bite. With the death of the R32, Volkswagen might bring the R20T to the North American market, and if it's anything like the Study R, we'll be saying R-thirty-who?
[Source: Motor Authority]VW shows off Scirocco Study R in Bologna originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen
Click above for a high-res gallery of the MTM Scirocco R
It was only a matter of time before the Audi and VW specialists over at MTM got their hands on a Scirocco. The results are what we would expect from the German tuner: up to 272 horsepower, a sporty suspension, better brakes, and handsome 19- or 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. The boost in power comes from a re-mapped ECU combined with a new exhaust system that runs out of a modified rear fascia. The upgraded suspension system includes lowering springs and sport-tuned shocks, and the brakes come with eight-piston calipers with up to 15-inch discs. Full details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: MTM]
Continue reading MTM pumps up the VW Scirocco
MTM pumps up the VW Scirocco originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Concept Cars, Trucks/Pickups, Euro, Videos, Volkswagen
Click above for a hi-res gallery. Follow the jump for the vid.
If automaker-produced kitesurfer-in-distress videos are your thing, VW's got your back. While you wait for the production version of the Concept Pickup the automaker unveiled back in September, how about checking out VW's promo film starring the truck, a pair of lifeguards, and yes, a kitesurfer in distress. Will the guys use the in-dash GPS? Yes! Will we see the pickup drive semi-urgently through sand? Yes! Will she make it? Duh! Will we have a demonstration of how well a collapsed kite fits in the bed? Yes again! Am I alone in thinking it's weird that the lifeguards dive into the water wearing helmets? Anyone? In all, a serviceable vanity film for the pickup. Needs more yellow, though. And Hoff. The video's embedded after the jump.
[Source: VW via GlobalMotors.net]Continue reading VIDEO: VW Pickup concept to the rescue!
VIDEO: VW Pickup concept to the rescue! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Archive for the 'VOLKSWAGEN, VW' Category
Sunday, October 7th, 2007
Filed under: Tuners, Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Volkswagen
To celebrate the 60th birthday of the VW Bus, Abt Sportsline has worked some of its black magic on the T5 Multivan’s TDI powerplants. The Abt-enhanced 1.9 TDI produces either 110 or 130 horses, while the tuned 2.5 TDI offers up either 160 or 195 HP. Torque increases by an unspecified amount in all applications as well. To complete the package, Abt recommends you add its upgraded springs, new wheel/tire combo, full body kit, and sport muffler. Euro buyers who want to blow out the candles and salute the 60 years of the Bus in style can begin doing so on December 31.
[Source: Abt Sportsline via Carscoop]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, VOLKSWAGEN, VW | No Comments »
Thursday, October 4th, 2007
Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Etc., Volkswagen
the VW GX3
Most of you probably remember the Volkswagen GX3, the German automaker’s sensational three-wheeled sports concept that stunned LA Auto Show attendees in January of 2006. After a roller-coaster ride of will-they-or-won’t-they speculation, including spy shots of a mule undergoing testing, VW canned the project because in today’s litigious society, the risks to the company were deemed too great.
Enter Defiant Motors, an entity that has apparently been set up to gauge public interest in seeing a production version of the GX3 come to fruition. In the email we received from Aaron Mady, the owner of the DefiantMotors.com domain, he states that if there is enough interest, the ultimate goal would be to partner with Volkswagen to market a production GX3 as a Defiant-badged vehicle “so that they will not be liable for consumer education that the GX3 is a motorcycle.” We have no idea what kind of resources Mady and/or Defiant Motors has at its disposal, so the viability of making step 2 happen is completely speculative.
We’re not legal experts, so we’ll have to defer to others more versed in matters such as this to determine whether such a situation would or could work. If you do have experience in this arena, we’d like to hear from you in the comments. And Defiant would like to hear from you if you’re interested in parking a GX3 in your garage. It may be pie-in-the-sky, but it sure is an interesting idea, and it’s just another great example of the kind of grassroots effort you can mount via the Internet. To Mady’s and Defiant Motors’ credit: they’re trying.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, VOLKSWAGEN, VW, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Tuners, Convertibles, Volkswagen
“What’s black and white and red all over?” Why, it’s the Polo GTI Cabrio from Karmann of course. Actually that punchline is more often “a sunburned zebra,” but this fits too. The one-off white Polo wears black rims and trim, accented with a red top and highlights at both ends. Probably most famous for a much older VW special edition, Karmann is actually “a full-service-vehicle-supplier.” They have managed to come up with a very nice sporty runabout this time, as well. We’re not really sure whether or not it will reach production, and it’s probably safe to say it wouldn’t look exactly like this one if it did. There’s a press release after the jump highlighting some of the technical details of this little wonderbot and a gallery of live shots to check out, as well.
Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Polo GTI Cabrio - the sunburned zebra punchline on wheels
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, VOLKSWAGEN, VW, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Friday, January 5th, 2007
Learn more. Here minute description and features
Type : sedan
Amount of the Doors : 4
The Place Seatings : 5
The Place Seatings ??
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4376 x 1735 x 1440 : Wheel base, mm : 2512
Type of the engine :
Preparation to air gas :
Design of the engine : order right
???
Amount cylinder : 4
Amount valve on cylinder : 5
Volume of the engine, sm3 : 1781
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : / 180
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines : 5500
Maximum turning moment, Nm : 173
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines : 1950
Class bad material :
Drive : front
Gearbox : mechanical
Amount of the issues : 5
Front springs : spring
Back springs : ???r>Front brake : disc
Back brake : disc
Buses : 195/65R15
Buses back travell about : 195/65R15
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. :
Maximum velocity, km/ch :
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km : 9.8
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km : 7.6
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km :
Volume of the tank, l. :
Type fuel :
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, VOLKSWAGEN, VW | No Comments »
Friday, January 5th, 2007
Learn more. Here minute description and features
Type : coupe
Amount of the Doors : 2
The Place Seatings : 4
The Place Seatings ??
Sizes and mass : Length x width x height, mm : 4992 x 1725 x 1499 : Wheel base, mm : 2507
Type of the engine :
Preparation to air gas :
Design of the engine :
???
Amount cylinder :
Amount valve on cylinder :
Volume of the engine, sm3 :
Maximum engine size, sq / ls : /
Frequency of the rotation under maximum power about/mines :
Maximum turning moment, Nm :
Frequency of the rotation under maximum turning moment about/mines :
Class bad material :
Drive :
Gearbox :
Amount of the issues :
Front springs :
Back springs :
Front brake :
Back brake :
Buses :
Buses back travell about :
Runaway before 100 km/ch, sec. :
Maximum velocity, km/ch :
Consuption fuel in town cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel in country cycle, l/100 km :
Consuption fuel average, l/100 km :
Volume of the tank, l. :
Type fuel :
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, VOLKSWAGEN, VW | No Comments »
