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Rumormill: Volkswagen head (kinda) confirms new entry-level Porsche 356Filed under: Performance, Europe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Rumormill 
Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The head of the Volkswagen Group, Martin Winterkorn, spoke with Autocar about the possibility of a new entry level Porsche model. Perhaps fancifully dubbed the 356, the new model would slot into Porsche's lineup below the Boxster and Cayman. In England, the new baby Porsche would cost about £33,000, which means nothing to us here in the U.S. and is about what a base Boxster costs. That said, the article mentions the possibility that the next generation Boxster and Cayman might go way up scale.
Big question: what would this new 356 be? Autocar speculates that the 356 will be based heavily on the mid-engine architecture of the upcoming Audi R4 and the conceptual Volkswagen Bluesport. We don't know if the 356 will be strictly a coupe or also be available as a roadster. In fact, we don't even know if the R4 will be coupe-only. We'd image the two cars will have similar, if not identical, body configurations. Though not the engine. In order to keep some brand DNA in the Porsche, the 356 will ship with a new forced-induction flat-four.
Those that remember the 944 Turbo S and the 968 know this is in no way a bad thing - except the 924 Turbo's engine was the EA831 inline-four originally intended for the Volkswagen Bus and Audi 100. It was never really any good, even in turbo form. The reborn 356's mill (most likely a turbo as opposed to supercharged) should be good for around 250 horsepower - very close to where the base Boxster/Cayman currently sits. Expect the 356 to get much better fuel economy, however.
The new 356 will share a transmission with the R4. Again, the 924, 944 and 968 shipped with a modified Audi 100 transmission acting as a transaxle, so there is precedence. As to what that transmission will be, we don't know but we'd guess a DSG of some sort. Audi's R4 should arrive sometime in 2011, with the Porsche 356 bowing in 2012. Is any of this going to actually, you know, happen? Magic 8-Ball says, "Ask again later."
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Volkswagen head (kinda) confirms new entry-level Porsche 356 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: VW to announce formation of R performance division in GenevaFiled under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen 
Volkswagen Golf R and Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery
BMW has M. Mercedes has AMG. Audi has Quattro. Now Volkswagen is slated to launch the R brand as its own separate performance division. This according to a report from Inside Line, quoting an unnamed VW exec during the launch of the new Golf R.
The official announcement is expected at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. After that, it'd be reasonable to expect additional performance models to come out of the new R GmbH. So far we've got the new Golf R (which is expected to arrive in North America early next year), the Scirocco R (which, to our eternal chagrin, remains grounded overseas), and there are reports of an upcoming Jetta R (previewed by the New Compact Coupe concept unveiled in Detroit), to say nothing of appearance-only packages like the CC R-Line.
Push comes to considerable shove, the reported formation of R GmbH only stands to bring some exciting new offerings to the street.
[Source: Inside Line]Report: VW to announce formation of R performance division in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg revealed in diecast form?Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen 
Between patent offices, surreptitious shipping company videos, and Marussias being left uncovered on the back of a truck in a traffic jam, lately we've been coming across all manner of ways for new cars to be accidentally revealed ahead-of-schedule. Here's another: a German model car company has let slip images of what looks like the next Volkswagen Touareg, which is actually meant to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
The box is labeled "VW Touareg 2010," but the supplementary text mentions the fourth quarter of this year, and a quick look at the front of the SUV makes it plain that this isn't the current off-roader. In fact, it looks just like the naked spy shots of the 2011 model taken not too long ago.
The model makes the front end look dramatically reduced in a way we hadn't picked up from Touareg spy shots, but saw clearly in the spy shots of its sister, the Porsche Cayenne. We're hoping for plenty of weight loss there to compensate for the loss of those diesel V10 and W12 engines. We'll see the final thing and take its measure from Geneva in about six weeks.
[Source: AutoWeek.nl (translated)]Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg revealed in diecast form? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Investment funds suing Porsche in U.S. for "short squeeze" fraud over VWFiled under: Government/Legal, Porsche, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials 
The Porsche-as-hedge-fund escapade isn't fully resolved yet. Of course, the biggest denouement will be when Volkswagen finishes integrating the company early next year, but in the meantime, Porsche is still dealing with investor wrath after its stock market foray. A group of U.S.-based hedge funds is suing the Stuttgart carmaker for losses in excess of a billion dollars, claiming those losses came because Porsche misled them about its intent.
Porsche was coy about its stake in VW, and only disclosed its stock holdings in the company as required by German law. German law doesn't require a company to publicly declare cash-settled stock options as a share in the company. That means Porsche was sitting on shares it controlled that investors didn't know about, and investors read Porsche's statements on its intent as not having any interest in taking over VW. This, even though the company was knocking down doors all over Europe trying to get the VW law repealed...
When the extent of Porsche's holdings were found out, investors expecting VW's stock to drop had to cover their short positions buy buying a much smaller supply of stocks than expected, which drove VW's share price to intergalactic levels. And that's where the massive financial bloodletting happened. Porsche was already investigated and cleared by German authorities, who found that the company didn't break any disclosure laws. Redress in an American court, where the lawsuit was filed, could be just as difficult to come by.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Image: Basheertome - C.C. License 2.0]Report: Investment funds suing Porsche in U.S. for "short squeeze" fraud over VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Next-gen Volkswagen Jetta could get R variantFiled under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen, Rumormill 
Volkswagen New Compact Coupe concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to an unnamed source from Volkswagen, Inside Line is reporting that the German automaker is currently considering whether it should offer a high-performance R version of its next-gen Jetta in America. Says the source,"We don't want to leave the affordable performance sedan market in the U.S. to our rivals, but importing sporting models from Europe is proving prohibitively expensive at the moment."
Fortunately for VW, the next Jetta will be built solely in Mexico, meaning that it won't be nearly as costly to build and sell in the States as models assembled overseas. Further, it seems that the R version could either be offered in both coupe (as previewed by the New Compact Coupe concept from Detroit) and sedan forms with simple front-wheel or with all-wheel drive as VW plans to offer AWD on the Jetta Wagon at a later date.
Power for the Jetta R would likely come from the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged and direct injected powerplant that's used in the Scirocco R and Golf R, where it delivers 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The final noteworthy fact reported by IL is that the next Jetta will be offered with two separate rear suspension designs, one with a simple (and cheap) torsion beam and a second, much more sophisticated multilink setup on sportier models. Intriguing, no?
[Source: Inside Line]Report: Next-gen Volkswagen Jetta could get R variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsQuick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to comeFiled under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Quick Spin 
2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 - Click above for high-res image gallery
At last year's Geneva Motor Show, we got our first in-person look at the all-new fifth-generation Volkswagen Polo, the brand's popular B-segment model that slots in below the ever-expanding Golf and Jetta range. While subcompact vehicles like the Polo have been a staple in Europe for decades where fuel prices hover around $8/gallon, in the last few years, Americans have finally started to take a serious look at cars of this size. With the Honda Fit and Mini Cooper well established, the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 twins on the way and an all-new Chevrolet Aveo coming late in 2010, the market for subcompact runabouts is picking up steam in the States - and VW is taking a long, hard look at adding the Polo to its North American lineup in the next few years.
With that in mind, VW trotted out a fleet of Polos for us to sample on its home turf near Wolfsburg, Germany recently - and while the automaker has yet to make a firm decision about importing the Polo to the U.S., they clearly wanted our feedback. Here's what we told VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby and his staff.
Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come Quick Spin: 2010 Volkswagen Polo TSI 1.2 could preview what's to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGeneva Preview: Autocar samples the new Porsche Cayenne HybridFiled under: Hybrid, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Volkswagen 
The second-generation Porsche Cayenne is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March along with its cousin, the Volkswagen Touareg. Both SUVs will mark the debut of a new hybrid drive system co-developed by the two brands, and both the revised Cayenne and Touareg will enter production some time this spring.
The SUVs will reportedly be using a version of the supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 found in the Audi S4, with 325 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. The crew at Autocar had a chance to ride along in a near-production Cayenne S hybrid recently and determined that the new machine could be a serious challenger to the new Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid as well as the class-leading Lexus RX450h. According to the Brit pub, the Porsche hybrid felt nearly as quick as the V8-powered Cayenne S, although the vehicle wasn't instrumented. The Porsche was a later stage prototype than a Touareg Hybrid that VW has been showing for some time and it appears the engineers have refined the engine's on-off transition, making the hybrid experience almost seamless. Expect all the details in two month's time.
[Source: Autocar]Geneva Preview: Autocar samples the new Porsche Cayenne Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsPics Aplenty: 265-hp 2011 Volkswagen Golf R plays in the snowFiled under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen 
2011 Volkswagen Golf R - Click above for high-res image gallery
Yes, we're still bitter about the Scirocco not making it to the States, but some manner of consolation may be on the way in the form of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf R.
Although VW has yet to confirm that the fastest ever Golf is headed to the U.S., the word on the street is that the 265-hp, all-wheel drive hatch is on its way to the Colonies later this year, with a choice of either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder's performance stats are almost enough to make us forget about the Scirocco, if just for a moment, with a 155 mph top speed and a 5.5-second run to 60 mph (5.7 seconds with the manual gearbox). While it's hardly a lightweight hatch (coming in at around 3,400 pounds with the DSG), the massive brakes, bi-xenon headlamps, 18- or 19-inch wheels and beautifully bolstered thrones have us champing at the bit for some seat time. Here's hoping VW sees fit to send over a few examples after the R20's launch in Ellmau, Austria.
Pics Aplenty: 265-hp 2011 Volkswagen Golf R plays in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsParty of Five: Volkswagen adds three-seat rear bench to Europe's Passat CCFiled under: Sedan, Volkswagen 
 Volkswagen had a particular thing in mind when designing the Passat CC: a stylish four-seater. That is why the rear seats are recessed and separated by a cubby with a sliding plastic top.
Enough European buyers, however, asked for another seat in the back, so VW decided to give them one. Well, kind of. The company left leather in place of the cubby and added a headrest and a seat belt. And a €100 ($142 U.S.) charge. While it looks good, we can't imagine it feels good. So to all you fifth wheels out there who'll end up in the back of a CC, we wish you good luck.
It is not yet clear whether VWAG will offer American CC customers the bench, but we're looking into it. In the meantime, read VW's press release on the new option after the jump.
[Source: Volkswagen]Continue reading Party of Five: Volkswagen adds three-seat rear bench to Europe's Passat CC Party of Five: Volkswagen adds three-seat rear bench to Europe's Passat CC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsThe Autoblog Weekender: Mobs in Detroit, motorsport in Monte Carlo, and the Führer has words for Ken BlockFiled under: Chicago Auto Show, Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Mini, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Skoda 
The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed
Welcome to another edition of the Weekender. The Friday goods this week come from all over the world: Formula 1 drifting on ice in Montreal, an underwater Dodge Ram in Argentina, Skodas in Monte Carlo, a Hot Tub Edition Mini in New York, and free tickets to the Chicago Auto Show.
The domestic front also brings us a Fast Company profile of Volkswagen Group of America's head honcho Stefan Jacoby, which includes him admitting, "It was clear we were not understanding of our customers. We needed to change our style in the U.S., as we are a very stubborn bureaucratic German company - and German management - to some extent. I am here to listen."
And then there was all that singing and dancing at the Detroit Auto Show, but Beyoncé provided the lyrics this time, not the Chevy Volt marketing team. Follow the jump to get your weekend fill.Continue reading The Autoblog Weekender: Mobs in Detroit, motorsport in Monte Carlo, and the Führer has words for Ken Block The Autoblog Weekender: Mobs in Detroit, motorsport in Monte Carlo, and the Führer has words for Ken Block originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Suzuki not interested in selling larger stake to VolkswagenFiled under: Suzuki, Volkswagen 
Volkswagen currently holds a 19.9-percent stake in Suzuki, making the German automaker the largest shareholder in the much smaller Japanese automaker. Will VW try to increase its stake in Suzuki in the future? Not if it's up to Suzuki CEO Osamu Suzuki.
Automotive News reports that Suzuki (the CEO) told members of the Foreign Correspondents' Club that the company his wife's grandfather founded isn't interested in VW taking a piece of the pie "when Suzuki becomes a bigger and more successful company." Suzuki told reporters that his response to VW's request for a larger stake in the company will likely be "let's continue as we are."
Suzuki has reason for thinking about a good answer to VW's potential approach for more shares due to the fact that the German automaker is growing like a boiling wienerschnitzel. The People's Carmaker already possesses 11 brands ranging from Škoda to Lamborghini, and Suzuki says his company has no interest in becoming number 12. Good thing Suzuki said as much, since VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech has reportedly said that he was interested in growing VW's stable of brands to an even dozen.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req. | Image: Lennart Preiss/AFP/Getty]Report: Suzuki not interested in selling larger stake to Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsNew Beetle pickup conversion can haul more flowersFiled under: Coupe, Truck, Etc., Volkswagen, Specialty 
Volkswagen New Beetle Pickup Conversion - Click above for image gallery
Still bummed that Volkswagen isn't planning to bring the new Amarok pickup to the States? Perhaps there's another way to get your hands on a VW made for hauling: a New Beetle pickup conversion. Proving the old adage, "When there's a will, there's a way," Japanese body shop Hayashi has grafted the rear half of a pickup with the front half of a New Beetle. The results, um... speak for themselves, no?
We know that the new version of the ol' Bug is sometimes seen as a feminine vehicle, but we're not so sure converting one into a pickup truck is the right way to rectify that situation. At least there's plenty of room for more than just the lonely single flower in the dash-mounted plastic holder. See for yourself in the gallery below.
[Source: Carscoop]New Beetle pickup conversion can haul more flowers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsCarlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at DakarFiled under: Motorsports, Volkswagen, South America 
Carlos Sainz wins the 2010 Dakar Rally for VW - Click above for high-res image gallery
When we joined Volkswagen on its first run in the Baja 500 back in 2008, the diesel-powered Race Touareg 2 suffered two lengthy breakdowns before the first hundred miles had passed. Just a few months, later VW's diesel runner was taking the top two spots in the Dakar Rally. Not content with having to share the podium with Robby Gordon, VW went ahead and took the top three spots in this year's Dakar.
Two-time World Rally Championship winner Carlos Sainz can now add a Dakar trophy to his cabinet. Avoiding the kind of mistakes that took him out of the race last year on the 12th stage, Sainz held on to win by just two minutes and 12 seconds over VW driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, even though Al-Attiyah won twice as many stages. Giniel de Villiers, last year's winner, was in the third VW, 32 minutes behind Al-Attiyah.
You can read the presser on VW's win-win-win after the jump, and check out the action in the gallery of high-res photos below. On a side note, VW Group diesels have now won Le Mans (Audi, Bentley), the Dakar Rally, and the World Touring Car Championship (Seat). Maybe now's a good time to reconsider whether we really want them in NASCAR or F1...
[Source: Volkswagen]Continue reading Carlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at Dakar Carlos Sainz victorious as Volkswagen fills the podium at Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Suzuki breaks off alt-power partnership with GMFiled under: Europe, Japan, GM, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials, Renault, Peugeot, Electric, Diesel  According to Reuters, Suzuki plans on ending joint development programs with General Motors next month - the two had been partnering on innovative hybrid and fuel-cell technologies. The news follows on the heels of last month's announcement that that Suzuki and Volkswagen had tied the knot (as part of that agreement, VW bought 19.9 percent of Suzuki and effectively became the automakers biggest shareholder - a position formerly held by GM). As the theory goes, it soon become clear that working with GM was no longer necessary. According to the report,
"Suzuki is in a comprehensive alliance with Volkswagen. In every field including hybrid, diesel and electric cars, we will carry out joint development with them, or we will learn from them," Osamu Suzuki, chairman and chief executive, said at the briefing in Hamamatsu, central Japan.
The new relationship with VW will also affect Suzuki's association with PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Renault SA, automakers currently supplying diesel engines to Suzuki. After all, VW brings extensive diesel engine technology to the table - making those relationships equally as moot.
[Source: Reuters]Report: Suzuki breaks off alt-power partnership with GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recapFiled under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Toyota, Volkswagen 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
It's a North American International Auto Show recap for Episode #161 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam and Dan mull the top five of the show before speaking more in depth about some unveilings. The new Chevrolet Aveo gets us started before we move on to another sharply styled General Motors concept, the GMC Granite. We touch briefly on the Honda CR-Z, and then Toyota's FT-CH comes up next before we call it a night with the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept.
We'll be back again next week with more Autoblog Podcast goodness. Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: VW's Jacoby says brand will double U.S. sales in 2-3 yearsFiled under: Car Buying, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials 
Volkswagen of America's President and CEO Stefan Jacoby is bullish on the future of the people's car company - so much so that he feels sales of his brand in the U.S. will double within the next few years. Automotive News reports that the German exec has estimated that sales will reach "400,000 to 450,000 vehicles." Even without the sour state of the economy, those are massively ambitious figures: VW sold just 213,454 cars and crossovers in America in 2009, down four percent versus the company's 2008 numbers.
Jacoby didn't give specific reasons for the increase in sales projections, but his numbers would appear to fall in line with VW's goal to sell 800,000 vehicles in the U.S. market by 2018. Wolfsburg is also optimistic that industry-wide U.S. sales will settle somewhere around 15 million units per year in the next few years; still about two million units shy of peak sales figures a few years back, but still 40 percent better than 2009 levels. VW is projecting U.S. auto sales to hit up to 11.5 million units this year.
At present, VW's U.S. operations are not profitable, but Jacoby believes that the region may become profitable in 2013.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]Report: VW's Jacoby says brand will double U.S. sales in 2-3 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: Next Volkswagen Beetle to use Jetta platformFiled under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen 
Time keeps on slippin' into the future, and cars keep on gettin' bigger. The Volkswagen New Beetle was shown at the LA Auto Show in various Final Edition guises, and the second word on the next edition is that it will be built on the Jetta platform. The first word was that Volkswagen wants the bubbleback's next design to be more masculine, which probably means - and this is just a guess - you can kiss that flower vase goodbye.
All of this rumormongering comes out of the UK's Autocar magazine, who opine that an increase in size would also help up the masculinity factor and make for more room in that Leprechaun-sized back seat. The current Jetta's wheelbase is 101.5 inches, whereas the New Beetle measures up at 98.80 inches. Those 2.7 inches don't sound like a lot of extra room to play with - especially when considering the New Beetle's rainbow canopy - but with some imaginative design and innovative packaging, a noticeable improvement doesn't seem out of reach.
[Source: Autocar]Report: Next Volkswagen Beetle to use Jetta platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsDetroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen 
Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're wondering what the likelihood of Audi building a production version of its new e-tron Detroit Concept Car (yes, that's really its official designation), our sources at Audi indicate that a version of the coupe is likely to go into serial production as the oft-rumored R4.
The German automaker is apparently looking to design a smaller modular platform leveraging the expertise it used to develop the front-engine sedan platform that underpins the new A8 and forthcoming A7, among others. The new mid-engine architecture will likely find homes in a number of Volkswagen Group properties, including a production version of the Concept BlueSport, and perhaps even the next-generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.
While the e-tron show car is a battery-powered electric vehicle, the production model is likely to be available with either an electric motor or conventional internal-combustion four-cylinder variants.
Given the fact that VW intimated last year that a production BlueSport could be produced at around $25,000, we're anticipating that the Audi R4 will slot in under the TT in the low-$30,000 range, as the 2010 TT presently starts at $37,800.
Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept presages production R4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDetroit 2010: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe concept [w/video]Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Volkswagen
Volkswagen New Compact Coupe concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
It might be cold consolation to those of us desperate for a Scirocco in the States, but the Volkswagen Compact Coupe Concept has the potential to fill that particular hatch-shaped hole in our hearts - with a bit of green cred to boot.
With a sharper, more sculpted front fascia than its Golf and Jetta siblings, a deep swage line running the length of the sides and a rather anonymous (exhaust-less) rump, the Compact Coupe - as we mentioned earlier - comes across as the poor man's Audi A5. And the interior is something to behold.
Not only does it put the segment stalwarts to shame in both style and space, VW took pains to make the rear seats actually habitable. There's ample leg room and a trick center console with independent climate controls for both passengers, a quad-zone setup we hope makes the transition to production.
Although there's sure to be countless variants of the Coupe when it arrives in production guise (were sure a few versions of the 2.0T will find their way underhood), in the "concept" motivation is provided by a 1.4-liter TSI inline-four, putting out 150 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque. However, when partnered with its hybrid system (a 20-kilowatt electric motor drawing pour from a lithium ion battery), output is boosted by 27 ponies to 177 hp and an equal amount of torque. VW estimates that U.S. mileage should average around 45 mpg and with its hybrid setup, the Concept Coupe can be driven in full electric mode for an unspecified range. With it's seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, VW pegs the Coupe's 0-60 time at 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 141 mph.
Although VW claims the Coupe is only a concept at this stage, the level of detail and V-Dub's lack of a credible coupe offering indicates that a production version should be on the way. And if VW's smart, they'll ditch the slow-selling Eos and offer a retractable soft-top version a few years after the Coupe hits the market. Check out all the details in our previous post.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Detroit 2010: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe concept [w/video] Detroit 2010: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsVolkswagen Compact Coupe "concept" blends sport and hybridFiled under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Volkswagen 
New Compact Coupe concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Volkswagen Touareg hybrid is now just a few months away from production, but the crew in Wolfsburg are staying busy by cranking out small concept vehicles with hybrid powertrains. The latest that debuts here at the Detroit Auto Show this morning is called the New Compact Coupe (NCC), a handsome hybrid coupe that looks remarkably production-ready. Designed to slot globally between the not-for-North-America Scirocco and the rakish CC, we could see a serial version of the NCC competing well here in the States with coupes like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
In showcar guise, the NCC features Volkswagen's 1.4-liter TSI inline-four with 148 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system uses the same basic architecture (if not dimensions) as the recent L1 and Up-Lite concepts from Frankfurt and Los Angeles. In this case, a 20-kilowatt electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the seven-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox. A 1.1 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery in the back of the car provides electrical energy storage for electric drive, electric boost and regenerative braking. The system also allows for the complete decoupling of the transmission for enhanced coasting even at highway speeds, although it isn't immediately clear from the press release if the electric motor will push the NCC along for extended periods as it does with Volkswagen Audi Group's Porsche Cayenne Hybrid system. Either way, VW is estimating the NCC's mileage at 45 miles per gallon based on EPA test procedures with the EU numbers coming in at 56 mpg (U.S.) and 98 g/km of CO2. Acceleration to 60 mph is ballparked at 8.1 seconds and top speed is pegged at 141 mph.
The car itself is virtually the same size as the current Jetta except for wheelbase length and overall height (the concept has three more inches between the axles and the roof is two inches lower), and it may well be a preview of what to expect from the next-generation Jetta. Recently there have been rumors circulating that VW plans to revive the Jetta coupe, a model that hasn't been in the lineup since the late '80s. A production version of this poor-man's Audi A5 could well be that car, although VW officials aren't talking. Similarly, the forthcoming Tennessee-built New Medium Sedan is expected with both diesel and hybrid powertrains and the same could be the case for the next Jetta. While you wait, you can check out our high-res gallery below and VW's official press verbiage available after the jump.
[Source: Volkswagen via World Car Fans]Continue reading Volkswagen Compact Coupe "concept" blends sport and hybrid Volkswagen Compact Coupe "concept" blends sport and hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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