Volkswagon Unveils Golf Twin Drive Concept

Volkswagen yesterday unveiled its new hybrid concept called the Golf Twin Drive. The uniqueness of this Twin Drive concept is the combination of a fuel-efficient diesel engine with plug-in electric hybrid technology. The electric motor stored in Golf's cargo hatch runs on an array of easily chargable lithium-ion batteries generating a respectable 82hp (61kW) of power. You won't need to worry once the electric-only range of 31 miles (50 KM) is crossed and the batteries get drained as the 122 horsepower 2.0L turbodiesel engine would take over from there.

It won't be right to compare the 2010 Golf Twin Drive with the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, as unlike the Volt, there would be no charging of the batteries by the engine. But the good thing is that you can still hook-up the car to a regular household power outlet and enjoy your beer while the baby gets all charged-up.

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Photo Gallery: New 2010 Volkswagon Golf Twin-Drive Electric Hybrid Concept High-Res Pictures.

New 2011 VW Beetle Gets SUV Version

According to the Channel4, VW is planning to launch the successor of new Beetle by 2011. Unlike the current Beetle which is available in only two body styles, the coupe and cabrio, the next generation Beetle will be a multi-variant version. By this we mean that future holds a two-seat Beetle roadster just like the 2005 Ragster concept, an SUV-type Beetle similar to the 2000 Beetle Dune concept and of course, a standard version.

The new 2011 Beetle model is expected to be based on the current fifth gen Golf/Rabbit platform, with technical development happening in Germany, styling in California and final construction at Mexico.

We may not be a potential customer for Beetle SUV but definately would love to see one. With BMW MINI steadily churning out new variants, its good that the competition is finally waking up.


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Volkswagen Release 2009 Jetta TDI Prices For US

Volkswagen of America today announced pricing for their eagerly anticipated Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen starting at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. Such an aggressive pricing and some highly appreciable fuel efficiency numbers brings Jetta TDI in direct competition with the Toyota Prius. According to VW, their 50-state compliant Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDI, meets the most stringent emissions standards and both models will be available this August.

While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show the true fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, has tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.
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2008 Australian Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen's First Compact SUV: The New 2008 Model Tiguan
VW has entered the thriving Compact SUV segment in Australia for the first time with the all new Tiguan - offering the versatility and spaciousness of an SUV and the quality, style and technology of a VW.The Petrol and diesel engines are combined with 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions, and Volkswagen's latest generation 4MOTION all wheel drive system.

The recent awarding of the prized five star EuroNCAP safety rating highlights the safety credentials of the Tiguan, which includes 6 airbags and Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) as standard. Safety is complemented by a number of the most desired styling and convenience features such as alloy wheels, roof rails, cruise control and multi-function steering wheel, also standard across the entire model range.

The Tiguan also introduces a number of innovative new options such as Park Assist technology, an electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof and Volkswagen's new RNS510 satellite navigation system with Rear View Camera (RVCPlus). With recommended retail pricing from $33,990, the Tiguan offers a very competitive European alternative to a familiar field of Japanese and Korean branded vehicles.

Three engine specifications are available, two petrol with TSI technology (125kW & 147kW) and one TDI (103kW). All are charged without exception, delivering thrust just above the engines idling speed. Today, the new and remarkably quiet common rail TDI combined with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) already satisfies the Euro-5 standards that do not go into effect in Europe until 2009.

The rear bench seat is split with a 60:40 ratio, it can be adjusted 16 centimetres in the longitudinal direction, and the rear seatback has multiple tilt adjustment settings. This provides either more legroom in the rear or additional space in the cargo area. Even with five persons on board the cargo area can stows 395 litres. Up to 1,510 litres and 650 kilograms payload can be stowed in the Tiguan when the rear seats are folded down. This moves it right next to genuine mid-class station wagons.

The 103kW 2.0TDI and 125kW TSI are delivered with six-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. As an option, the Tiguan may be ordered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic, which is standard in the 147kW TSI model. The manual transmission can be driven at an engine speed of 1,000 rpm or vehicle speed of just 6.69 km/h, for example; this practically equals the crawler gear of a reduction gearbox. The automatic transmission has gear level pre-select; in off-road use, it prevents shifting to the next higher gear.

Source: TheyReviewed

Photos: 2008 Australian Volkswagen Tiguan Pictures

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 Debuts At Wörther Lake

World premiere of the Scirocco GT24 with 325 PS.
Wolfsburg, 22 May 2008 - Volkswagen will present the world premiere of a 239 kW (325 PS) version of the new Scirocco today at the legendary GTI Meet at Wörther Lake. For two days later, a team of legendary drivers will start the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in the sports version of the Scirocco. Thus, the new Scirocco will be in the spotlight at two cult events for car enthusiasts at the same time.

Volkswagen is presenting the racing version of the Scirocco GT24 at Wörther Lake in a world premiere. "This car doesn't need to be driven to look fast. The Scirocco GT24 with the blue-white finish sits so low on its extended wheel wells that a hand will not fit between the wheel arch and the tyre. Yet the race car remains unmistakeably a Scirocco from every angle. Just even wider, even longer and even lower," says Volkswagen Chairman for Development Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, who will not be passing up the opportunity to sit behind the wheel in the race in the Eiffel.

The 325 PS Scirocco will also be driven during the race by legendary drivers like rally world champion Carlos Sainz and Hans-Joachim Stuck, three-time winner of the 24-hour Nürburgring race. Incidentally, "Striezel" Stuck won the very first 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 1970. Now, thirty-eight years later, the Scirocco GT24 is competing. It draws its power from only two litres displacement: the 16-valve direct injection engine with a turbocharger and intercooler delivers its maximum torque of 340 Newton metres beginning from only 2,100 rpm. Gear changes are executed by a dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which is also available for the production model.

The idea of an affordable dream car was born in the 70s with the first Scirocco. The success of this two-seat sport coupe continued for nearly 20 years, during which time more than 360,000 Sciroccos were built. The enthusiasm for this car has been uninterrupted since Volkswagen presented the new version of the Scirocco at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

Source: TheyReviewed

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 Photos & Pictures