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Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen

volkswagen polo r wrc

Volkswagen Polo R WRC – Click above for high-res image gallery

Everyone wants to go rallying these days. Mini put the world on notice when it announced it was heading back into the WRC fray, and now Volkswagen wants to join that party. No longer content to watch its Touaregs blast across the vicious routes of the Dakar Rally, VW is bringing the Polo R WRC hot hatch to the World Rally Championship.

The all-wheel-drive Polo R WRC will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which Volkswagen expects will produce around 300 horsepower. Volkswagen Motorsport has high hopes for its WRC Polo, and hopefully the team can draw on the success that VW experienced with rallying in the 1980s. In 1986, a Volkswagen GTI was the winning car in the newly formed Group A. Look for the Volkwagen Polo R WRC to try and capture some of that former glory starting with the 2013 WRC season. Hit the jump for VW’s official press release, as well as a teaser video. Hat tip to Chris!

Continue reading Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video]

Volkswagen to contest WRC with Polo R in 2013 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen gets cute with the Piñata in latest Tiguan spot

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Volkswagen, Humor

volkswagen tiguan pinata commercial

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan commercial – Click above to watch the video after the jump

The guys and gals in Volkswagen advertising have proven to be a clever bunch, as commercials like the Darth Vader Super Bowl spot have garnered as many copycats as any spot in recent memory. The Das Auto team appears to have pulled off more cleverness with a spanking new spot for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan, and we can see the spoofs in our heads already.

Hit the jump to watch as a young man with some serious anger management issues takes out his angst on an SUV-shaped Piñata. The little guy hammering away is funny enough (we wonder how many times the bat ricocheted off the Piñata and onto his head), but then the candy-packing vault turns to reveal… you’ll have to hit the jump to see for yourself. Very clever, VW ad team.

Continue reading Volkswagen gets cute with the Piñata in latest Tiguan spot

Volkswagen gets cute with the Piñata in latest Tiguan spot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabrio gets flirty with its top

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet – Click above for high-res image gallery

Have you been dying to pour through images of the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet? Good news, ~~everyone~~ Volkswagen fans! The automaker has just released this mega-gallery of its all-new drop-top.

It’s certainly a handsome little convertible, this Golf, but right now there’s only enough room in the United States for one redesigned Volkswagen with a disappearing roof. The U.S. has been designated an Eos-only country for the time being, meaning our high-res image gallery is the closest you’ll get to ever seeing one of these cuties in person.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabrio gets flirty with its top

Pics Aplenty: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabrio gets flirty with its top originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 21:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S.

Filed under: Etc., Crossover, Volkswagen

jonathan browning, vw Volkswagen is working hard to make sure it accomplishes its North American assimilation plan. In order to fully realize its ambitious 800,000-unit volume target, the automaker will be required to introduce an even greater variety of vehicles into its existing lineup. Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen North America, says that he and his team understand this, and a few new VW family members could wind up in U.S. dealer showrooms.

According to Car and Driver, Volkswagen believes that an additional crossover is needed to help round-out the lineup. This vehicle would need three-rows of passenger seating, and its crosshairs would target the likes of Ford’s Explorer and the Honda Pilot. For whatever it’s worth, the scuttlebutt we’ve heard is that VW is considering a stretched Tiguan to fill this duty, as a three-row Touareg would be too costly for the family-oriented segment.

Volkswagen could also be looking to go small. Though its current European-market Polo seems like an easy solution, VW believes that’s not the case. The car is not ready for U.S. consumption, and it would require a bit of “Americanizing” before VW will sell you one.

We love the Polo and are looking forward to whatever form in which it arrives, but we’d love to see us some Scirocco and Amarok, too.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: Volkswagen wants to bring three-row CUV, subcompact to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #226: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, New York and Shanghai

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Shanghai Motor Show

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Autoblog Podcast #226 features Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Dan Roth and AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley. We start with the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and then talk about the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Staying with the auto show theme, we talk about the Buick Envision that has shown up in Shanghai. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we’ve embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #226: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, New York and Shanghai Auto Shows

2012 Volkswagen Beetle
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
Buick Envision Concept

In the Autoblog Garage:
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco
2011 Dodge Avenger Heat

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
Guest: David Kiley

Runtime: 01:23:12

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Autoblog Podcast #226: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, New York and Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen gives price points for 2012 Beetle, targets Mini

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Beetle reveal in NYC

2012 Volkswagen Beetle reveal in NYC – Click above for high-res image gallery

Elaborating on our previous details from the New York unveiling of the 2012 much-altered Beetle, Volkswagen North America CEO Jonathan Browning has told Autoblog, “We’re aiming to essentially go after the Mini so far as market positioning and price offerings.”

That means a price range from $20,000 to $24,000 when the coupe launches worldwide in late September, and between $25,000 and $29,000 for the 2013 convertible. These price ranges take into account the three engines on offer at the start of deliveries: the 2.5-liter five-cylinder, 2.0-liter TDI diesel, and 200-hp 2.0-liter TFSI. There’s no telling what the price will be on the hot Beetle R foreseen for mid-2013 with the newest 261-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four from the Scirocco R, much less the rumored 337-hp Beetle RS with turbo inline five “W28” engine for 2014.

Wheels available at launch will range from a standard 17-inch set to optional 18-inch and 19-inch, the latter set being the size shown on all of the Beetles that you’ll see in our photos from the 2011 New York Auto Show.

VW global branding boss Luca De Meo tells us, “We want to avoid the almost total lack of rollout planning that the former New Beetle suffered. That car had a couple of pretty good years and then it fell dramatically. We want to keep offering new things that are significant this time around so as to keep the car fresh.”

Though Volkswagen could rely on its vast worldwide manufacturing network to build the Beetle for Western Europe, China, and North America, bosses in New York say that all Beetle manufacturing will remain exclusively at the Puebla, Mexico plant.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle: New York 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen gives price points for 2012 Beetle, targets Mini originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Budget, Videos, Volkswagen

A history of the Volkswagen Beetle

A history of the Volkswagen Beetle – Click above to watch video after the jump

Our cohorts over at AOL Autos have gone through the trouble of creating a video to take a look at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle. With the People’s Automaker pulling the covers off the 2012 Beetle at this year’s New York Auto Show, there couldn’t be a more fitting time to crack open the history books and dive into the car’s past. Editor-in-Chief David Kiley narrates the informative clip and covers everything from the vehicle’s unfortunate beginnings to its widespread popularity in Germany and around the world.

The video features plenty of classic footage of workers assembling the Bugs themselves as well as more than a few great vintage advertising spots. There’s even an airborne Beetle for your viewing enjoyment.

Kiley helps remind us that the “New” Beetle was largely responsible for helping to save Volkswagen in America back when the brand was struggling to get a grasp on our market. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle

Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Jetta ranked last among small sedans by Consumer Reports

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

2011 Volkswagen Jetta – Click above for high-res image gallery

The new for 2011 Volkswagen Jetta received a new, far lower base price tag of $15,995, but Consumer Reports evidently feels that the more affordable sticker has come at too high of a cost to the vehicle itself. The buyer-centric organization ranked the Jetta dead last among 11 small sedans tested for the April edition of its magazine.

David Champion, senior director of the group’s Auto Test Center says, “In an effort to bring the car’s starting price down, VW cheapened the previous Jetta’s interior and suspension, making it less sophisticated and compromising handling.”

CR isn’t pulling any punches while describing why the sedan fares so poorly, calling it “a shadow of the agile, well-finished car it once was.” Ouch. Specifically, the VW was dinged hard for sub-par handling and cornering grip, poor interior fit and finish and its coarse-sounding 2.5-liter, five-cylinder. In addition, CR came away disappointed with long brake distances and a six-speed automatic that is reluctant to downshifting.

We’re thinking VW may not like CR’s take on the Jetta, but at least the automaker can point to increased sales as the reason the automaker decided to remove so much of what made the Jetta so popular with enthusiasts.

Other vehicles tested were the Chevrolet Cruze in both LS and LT trims and the Hyundai Elantra. The Cruze models are now rated at the middle of CR’s small sedan pack, with a Very Good overall score. The Elantra came away with laurels for the being the best small sedan in its class, and the Hyundai was the only small sedan among the latest four tested to be given CR’s official Recommendation. Hit the jump to read over CR’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: First Drive

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Volkswagen Jetta ranked last among small sedans by Consumer Reports

Volkswagen Jetta ranked last among small sedans by Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Boxster + vintage Volkswagen Bug = Bugster

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Volkswagen, Specialty

1973 Volkswagen Bugster

1973 Volkswagen Bugster – Click above for high-res image gallery

This is a melding of two seemingly very different cars we can get behind. The melding of one car’s running gear and another’s body isn’t a new practice, but so often it turns out terribly. Need an example? Check out the dozens of F-Body Chevrolet Camaro coupes with 4×4 running gear that haunt the depths of the world’s internet forums.

This isn’t a hack job, this is is the sort of hybrid we can throw our enthusiastic support behind. The body started life atop a humble 1973 Volkswagen Beetle chassis, while the running gear saw duty under a 2000 Porsche Boxster convertible’s skin. The car was created by Siegfried Rudolf, who owns CarMaxx, an Austrian company that restores and customizes Porsche and Volkswagen cars.

Rudolf apparently got the idea after parking his restored Beetle next to his wife’s Boxster and noted a striking similarity in their wheelbases. After countless hours with a measuring tape, a Sawzall and a welder, Rudolf had the Bugster, a mid-engined 270-horsepower 1973 VW Beetle.

From off, the car looks like a nicely restored, slightly modified Bug. Up close, though, the enormous side vents, 18-inch wheels and Porsche dashboard start to hint at this thing’s dirty little secret. The car sports custom fenders to properly cover its wider track and wheels, and the whole set up rides on a fully-adjustable suspension. Delicious. Thanks for the tip, Rui!

Gallery: 1973 Volkswagen Bugster

1973 Volkswagen Bugster

[Source: Bugster via FirstSuperCars]

Porsche Boxster + vintage Volkswagen Bug = Bugster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Volkswagen Jetta recalled for wiring issue

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

2011 Volkswagen Jetta – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is recalling 71,043 of its 2011 model year Jetta sedans for a wiring problem with the horn and anti-theft alarm system. The automaker has long been chastised for problems with wiring and electronics in its vehicles, and though we’re told that VW is working to improve quality in this area, some gremlins continue to crop up. No accidents or injuries have occurred as a result of this defect.

Customers will be notified via mail about this issue. Volkswagen will include information about corrective measures and anticipated repair time – something that the automaker has not yet released. Affected cars were built between March 2010 and March 2011. Follow the jump for VW’s official release.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Review

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Jetta recalled for wiring issue

2011 Volkswagen Jetta recalled for wiring issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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