2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5
"I never was a New Beetle kind of guy. But then I am a guy. Unless a cute car handles like a Miata, I’m not interested. For 2012 Volkswagen has redesigned the New Beetle, dropping the “New” and the bud vase (every review must mention this) in the process of attempting to broaden the car’s appeal. And?
The new (not New) Beetle’s body is less far-out styling exercise, more faithful yet also better resolved and altogether more attractive update of the form-follows-function original." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen Returns to the Super Bowl
"Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today it will advertise during the Super Bowl® for the third consecutive year. Following the success of last year's two 30- second spots, Volkswagen will premiere one 60-second spot at the beginning of the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.
The spot will feature the all-new Beetle, which arrived in dealerships in September. The 2012 Beetle was teased as a silhouette in last year's advertisement, but the iconic redesign is now ready for its Super Bowl close-up." [Continue reading...]
The spot will feature the all-new Beetle, which arrived in dealerships in September. The 2012 Beetle was teased as a silhouette in last year's advertisement, but the iconic redesign is now ready for its Super Bowl close-up." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen sales were up 15.3 percent in November, full-year record in sight
"Volkswagen AG says its worldwide sales were up 15.3 percent in November compared with a year earlier and the company is on track to sell more than 8 million vehicles this year for the first time.
The German automaker said Friday that the Volkswagen group — which also includes brands such as Skoda and Seat — delivered 711,400 vehicles last month, compared with 617,200 a year earlier.
It says sales for the year’s first 11 months rose 13.9 percent. They climbed to 7.51 million from 6.59 million." [Continue reading...]
The German automaker said Friday that the Volkswagen group — which also includes brands such as Skoda and Seat — delivered 711,400 vehicles last month, compared with 617,200 a year earlier.
It says sales for the year’s first 11 months rose 13.9 percent. They climbed to 7.51 million from 6.59 million." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, Electric Concept At Detroit Auto Show
"Volkswagen is on a roll in the States these days, with sales of its redesigned Jetta sedan and its all-new mid-size 2012 Passat surging.
The only mass-market German automaker intends to keep the momentum going at next month's Detroit Auto Show. It will unveil a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid and show an all-electric concept vehicle that's never been seen before.
The Jetta Hybrid will arrive two years after the launch of the 2011 Jetta compact sedan. That car's lower base price has drawn in more buyers than the previous model, despite some press criticism of Volkswagen for deleting some features and cheapening the car's interior materials." [Continue reading...]
2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5L Highline Review
"Despite Volkswagen's catchy marketing motto, “Autobahn for All,” it isn't all about speed when it comes to all the latest Vee-Dubs. With the likes of the GTI and new turbocharged 2012 Beetle, most VWs are more about German engineering, amenities and owner satisfaction. Over the years, I've come to appreciate the Volkswagen marque and its lineup of vehicles – and the brand-new 2012 VW Passat 2.5L is no exception.
There's something refreshingly simple about VWs that always keeps me coming back for more. I'm always faced with an “Oh, it's so boring and simple” reaction when I first lay eyes on a Volkswagen, and that usually carries over when I sit inside. Then, after a day of driving and living with the car I realize just how amazing all those “simple” and “boring” bits are as a whole. And that's what Volks is really all about." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen Planning Sub-Tiguan Crossover
"Automotive News Europe is reporting that Volkswagen design head Walter de Silva is reportedly planning a compact crossover to slot in beneath the Tiguan in Europe.
According to ANE, the compact SUV and crossover segment in Europe is up 81 percent, with the Dacia Duster leading the way. VW, which has grand plans to be the world’s largest automaker in the near future, would be foolish not to have an entry in this segment.
'Crossover demand is expanding from mature markets to emerging markets,' de Silva told ANE, 'We have to cover this growing appetite with a multilateral expansion in the offer[ings] of our brands.'
While Volkswagen showed off a seemingly production-ready concept dubbed the Cross Coupe at the Tokyo Motor Show, de Silva said that it won’t be the baby Tiguan, or even the next Tiguan for that matter. 'The Cross Coupe is not a preview of the next Tiguan – a vehicle which will keep more traditional proportions,' said de Silva, 'But [it is] a first look at how we could lure different customers in the crossover segment.'" [Continue reading...]
Another 'Up'rising of Volkswagen
"Launched in three-door form, the Up is almost true to the original concept launched in 2007. Like most Volkswagens, the styling is unremarkable and the simple two-box shape, though pleasing on the eye, won’t turn heads. The upright stance, long wheelbase and short nose (it’s taller than the Polo) point to its practical character and promise of interior space.
The tailgate has an outer glass cover and the vertical taillights looks integrated with the hatch. This makes the Up look less heavy." [Continue reading...]
2012 Volkswagen Golf R review
"I make my living coming up with colorful descriptors -- shifters that engage like bolt-action rifles or tires that grip the road like a kitten scrambling up a drape. (I didn't come up with either of those, by the way.) But as I pushed the new Golf R through the snake-like curves of the About.com Top Secret Curvy Test Road, all I could come up with was, 'What a neat friggin' car!'
A quick history review: The Golf R is a descendant of the R32, first imported to the US in 2004. It had a 240 horsepower 3.2 liter narrow-angle V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission (rare at the time), and all-wheel-drive, and it was a great car -- very fast and a lot of fun. The R32 returned in 2008, this time with a 250 hp V6, and -- for US models -- a 6-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission (DSG in Volkswagen parlance) as well as a $33k price tag. Despite a limited run of 5000 cars, the '08 R32 didn't strike the same chord as the original. I blamed the automatic transmission and the high price." [Continue reading...]
November Auto Sales: Volkswagen
"Volkswagen of America Inc. said Thursday that vehicle sales increased nearly 40.7 percent in November on stronger sales of the Jetta and the Passat sedan.
BY THE NUMBERS: The German automaker reported total sales of 28,412 in November compared with 20,189 for the same month last year." [Continue reading...]
BY THE NUMBERS: The German automaker reported total sales of 28,412 in November compared with 20,189 for the same month last year." [Continue reading...]
Tokyo 2011: Volkswagen Unveils Cross Coupe Concept
"We knew Volkswagen would probably have something up its sleeve at the Tokyo show, but this one surprised us all. The Cross Coupé concept takes the wacky proportions from cars like the BMW X6 and Acura ZDX, grafts on VW’s newest design language, and applies it to a compact, Tiguan-sized package.
Volkswagen claims this is the first vehicle based on its new modular transverse matrix (MQB) plantform. And rather than TDI power, which VW has become synonymous for over the past decade, the Cross Coupé is powered by gas-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain. The specific displacement of the engine wasn’t divulged in the release, but based on the power output of 148 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, we’re lead to believe it’s the company’s 1.4-liter TSI gasoline turbo engine." [Continue reading...]
VW is working on new 7-seat SUV for the U.S.
"The German based automaker Volkswagen is planning to introduce a new seven-seat SUV for the United States auto market, which will rival models like the Honda Pilot or the Ford Explorer.
According to blog.caranddriver.com, the three-row SUV will most likely be built at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant or a company facility in Mexico, and rumors say that the automaker will use the new Passat’s platform as a starting point, which should ensure that the upcoming SUV will be big enough to satisfy its future American owners’ tastes and make them choose the “European” model over the Ford Explorer or the Honda Pilot, but the company might have some problems with its Asian competitor because the Japanese automaker is moving ahead with its Pilot." [Continue reading...]2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack World Premiere for 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
"Now, Volkswagen is extending the Passat model series with the new ‘Passat Alltrack’. Passat Alltrack has higher ground clearance and new off-road design. Basically, the new Passat Alltrack unites passenger car and SUV world altogether. The Alltrack will debut in a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (3 to 11 December, 2011) and market launch for the new versatile Alltrack begins in early 2012." [Continue reading...]
Cooking a Perfect Turkey
"Preparing and serving a centerpiece turkey can create anxiety for even the most seasoned cook. Each year, turkey hotlines receive thousands of calls from desperate cooks looking for answers on everything from cooking to carving. We’ve put together the following cooking tips and recipes to help guide your once-a-year turkey preparations and assure success.
Choosing the Turkey
Working with the highest quality ingredients makes it easier for any cook to produce a great meal. When ordering your whole turkey, allow at least 1 pound per person, plus 1/2 pound per person for leftovers. (Remember to take into account the size of your fridge and oven!) For turkey breast, plan on 3/4 pound per person. If it is a boneless breast, allow 1/2 pound per person." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen eT! Concept delivered
"The new Volkswagen eT! Concept van has nothing to do with a cute alien from an early-1980s Steven Spielberg movie but everything to do with the German car maker’s vision of a fully electric van designed for use in logistics and commercial transport.
The eT! Concept features a layout that could be very appealing to those in the transport industry, such as postal services and couriers. With the electric motors mounted within the wheel hubs, there are fewer major mechanical components to interfere with the height and length of interior cargo space." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen Considering New SUV Model for U.S. Market, FTD Says
"Volkswagen AG (VOW) is considering building a new sport utility vehicle for the U.S. market which would be built at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Financial Times Deutschland reports in a preview of an article to be published tomorrow, citing unnamed industry people." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen’s New Super Bug: The Beetle R Concept
"Known as a love bug, not a fighter, the original Volkswagen Beetle was never pitched as an all-out performance vehicle. Though the highly produced German people’s car gripped many owners with the Beetle’s unique abilities, the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine never clicked as a go-to sports vehicle. Even the 1997 introduction of the new Beetle did not immediately step out of their normal commuter car footprint until 2001. Developing the 221-horsepower Beetle RSI, the limited edition Volkswagen stunned the marketplace unaccustomed to seeing such a modded version of the vehicle. Ten years later, Volkswagen has proceeded to pay an indirect homage to the Beetle RSI with a performance-tailored show car. Debuting at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Volkswagen Beetle R joins the extensive list of cars on display at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen and Achtung! Build The Most Social Car Ever
"If Volkswagen and Facebook had a love child, what would it look like? Dutch agency Achtung! puts an end to the mystery with its new digital-meets-the-real-world campaign for VW. The Fanwagen campaign invites fans to vote on Facebook for their favorite cla
ssic VW model -- the T1 Camper or the Beetle -- for a chance to score the car that wins. But the car itself will be tricked out with some very special social media amenities: a corkboard Wall that shows off your friends, the ability to display -- and change -- your relationship status via your license plate, privacy settings in the form of adjustable curtains on the windows and a built-in printer that will spit out the latest status updates off your Feed. The sheet metal too will also feature some familiar stylings, painted in a bright white and blue.
The brief was to increase social media engagement for Volkswagen in the Netherlands. Until this campaign came along, the brand had mostly been posting spots and pictures of its cars. Achtung! got the assignment to come with a campaign that would increase the number of fans on its Facebook page." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen offers new features in the Vento Diesel highline
"Somber, yet stylish the Volkswagen Vento has in its short two year stint in India gained a fan following as solid as its build quality. Since joining India’s then blooming compact sedan arena, the Vento very quickly made a mark, and its sales since being introduced to the Indian masses have pretty much held the Volkswagen India fort together, well along with the amicable support of the Polo hatch of course!
But, that being said, it’s the cosmetic characteristics of this car, unlike its competition crushing performance attributes that have kept many of its potential customers at bay, at least till now.
In a move to silence countless cries about its staid and unexciting interior gadgetry, Volkswagen has just introduced a number of driver comfort and convenience upgrades to its Vento Diesel highline (top) variant." [Continue reading...]
2012 Volkswagen Beetle mans-up with new design, available at dealerships now
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, which starts at $19,800, comes with your choice of 2.5L 170-hp engine or 2.0L TSI 200-hp turbo-charged engine for the sportier model, and features like DSG performance transmission, Bi-Xenon lights, keyless access and push-button start, multi-function sport steering wheels, a touchscreen Fender sound system with navigation, Bluetooth capability, iPod/iPhone connectivity, customizable interior ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and LED daytime running lights." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen Up review
"Before we become stupefied with excitement over the up!, Volkswagen’s new motoring minnow, we’ll drag in a few suspects to check VW’s claim that this is its first-ever A-segment car. The Up (sorry, we can’t sustain pointless lower-case letters and exclamation marks dressed up as marketing gimmicks any more), is just 11ft 7in long.
So what about the 1998 VW Lupo, an 11ft 6in, cut-down Polo? Or the original Polo of 1975, an 11ft 6in rebadged Audi 50? Or maybe the 2005 Fox, a rebodied Brazilian Gol, measuring 12ft 6in?
But if its dimensions are nothing new, then VW says the Up’s safety, accommodation and driving qualities make it so – as do its costings, with a new floor pan and driveline, which is built in Bratislava, Slovakia.
When we first saw the Up at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, it was an innovative, rear-engined, rear-driven hatchback, a configuration that maximised cabin space and economy. It looked pretty good; too, inspired by industrial design classics such as the original VW Variant models." [Continue reading...]
Driving on Snow and Ice: 10 Safety Tips
"The best tip for winter driving: Sometimes it's best to stay home, or at least remain where you are until snow plows and sanding crews have done their work. If you crash on a snowy or icy road, you'll certainly be late — or worse. But since you can't always call in to work claiming a "snow day," it's better to learn how to correctly deal with driving in the snow.
I've battled snow- and ice-covered highways in two-dozen states behind the wheel of both passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers. I've performed hundreds of tire tests on snow-covered roads, attended snow-driving schools and done precision (translation: "barely in control") driving in the snow for videos and still photos. From this experience, here are some snow driving tips the average driver can follow to reduce the chances of a crash." [Continue reading...]
I've battled snow- and ice-covered highways in two-dozen states behind the wheel of both passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers. I've performed hundreds of tire tests on snow-covered roads, attended snow-driving schools and done precision (translation: "barely in control") driving in the snow for videos and still photos. From this experience, here are some snow driving tips the average driver can follow to reduce the chances of a crash." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen of America Sales Increase 39.6 Percent in October
"HERNDON, Va., Nov. 1, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 28,028 units sold in October 2011, a 39.6 percent increase over prior year sales. Year-to-date sales are up 23.8 percent."
'"As the all-new Passat and Beetle start to enter the market place, demand for Volkswagen vehicles has already exceeded last year's annual volume in the first 10 months of the year, " said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "With the right products in the heart of key segments, and now the most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICKS in the industry, our momentum continues as customers are increasingly recognizing and embracing the quality and value of our vehicles."'
"The Routan is the latest Volkswagen to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK rating for 2011, the highest possible from the non-profit safety research organization. This means that Volkswagen now has no fewer than nine TOP SAFETY PICKS, giving the brand leadership in the U.S. industry. The other 2011 Volkswagen models to receive the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating are: the Chattanooga-built Passat, CC 2.0L TSI®, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan, Touareg, and four-door Golf and GTI models."
'"As the all-new Passat and Beetle start to enter the market place, demand for Volkswagen vehicles has already exceeded last year's annual volume in the first 10 months of the year, " said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "With the right products in the heart of key segments, and now the most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICKS in the industry, our momentum continues as customers are increasingly recognizing and embracing the quality and value of our vehicles."'
"The Routan is the latest Volkswagen to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK rating for 2011, the highest possible from the non-profit safety research organization. This means that Volkswagen now has no fewer than nine TOP SAFETY PICKS, giving the brand leadership in the U.S. industry. The other 2011 Volkswagen models to receive the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating are: the Chattanooga-built Passat, CC 2.0L TSI®, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan, Touareg, and four-door Golf and GTI models."
Happy Halloween!
We would like to wish everyone a very Happy Halloween! Be safe and try not to eat too much candy!
VW Likely to Overtake Toyota as Top Carmaker in 2011
"Volkswagen AG will probably become the world’s biggest carmaker this year, vaulting past Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Co. on gains in emerging markets.
The German company’s sales, third among carmakers in 2010, will probably rise 13 percent to 8.1 million vehicles this year, based on the average of three analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. GM sales will gain about 8 percent to 7.55 million, while Toyota will drop 9 percent to 7.27 million, according to the survey.
VW sales in China may rise almost 20 percent in 2011 and more than double in India, according to estimates at researcher J.D. Power & Associates. That’s a contrast to Toyota, which is suspending Southeast Asian plants because of floods in Thailand, months after an earthquake crippled production in Japan.
“Emerging markets are at a stage of car-adoption by consumers and there is still a large space for sales to grow. said Jenny Gu, Shanghai-based senior markets analyst for J.D. Power. ‘‘VW realized this and put a lot of effort on emerging markets.’’
Estimates at J.D. Powers, IHS Automotive and PwC Autofacts were used to calculate the average projections.
Volkswagen had fallen 3.3 percent this year in German trading before today, weighed by concerns about the European debt crisis. Still, that’s a smaller decline than the 34 percent drop at Detroit-based GM and 20 percent at Toyota.
NEXT YEAR’S LEAD
Toyota may regain the lead from VW next year as the recovery of the Japanese company’s facilities from the March earthquake will pave the way for the Toyota City-based automaker to sell 8.4 million cars, or half a million units more than VW, according to research firm IHS Automotive. J.D. Power projects VW will retain its lead in 2012, outselling Toyota by about 50,000 units.
‘‘Growth in China, Europe and the U.S. are major contributors to VW’s expansion but they obviously also benefit from Toyota’s own misfortunes,” said Daniel Schwarz, a Frankfurt-based analyst at Commerzbank AG who recommends buying VW stock. Schwarz forecast the Japanese passenger-car market to increase by a quarter next year after shrinking by about a fifth in 2011.
Wolfsburg, Germany-based VW, which also owns the Audi and Skoda brands, focused on boosting capacity and its network of dealerships as it built its brand in markets such as China and India, Gu said in a telephone interview.
CHINESE GROWTH
Automakers are turning to developing economies for growth as sales in mature markets slow. China, the world’s second- largest economy, will grow 9.5 percent this year, six times the pace of the U.S. and euro area, according to International Monetary Fund estimates last month. The country is already the biggest auto market globally, with sales exceeding 18 million in 2010.
VW sales in China will probably reach 2.3 million units and 116,000 in India this year, with the two markets accounting for about a third of the company’s sales, according to J.D. Power estimates.
VW, which operates more than 60 factories worldwide, plans to spend a record 62.4 billion euros ($87 billion) -- excluding its ventures in China -- over the next five years to raise annual production to 10 million by 2018. VW’s Chinese joint ventures, which are not consolidated, will invest another 14 billion euros through 2016. The German company may reach the target three years ahead of schedule, according to a person familiar with the matter." [Continue reading...]
VW Sponsors Stanford University and UC Berkeley Solar Vehicle Teams in the World Solar Challenge
"Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. today announced that it has donated $50,000 to both the Stanford Solar Car Project and the University of California, Berkeley’s CalSol teams in order to help fund the teams’ participation in the 2011 World Solar Challenge. The funds will help cover the costs of designing and building the solar vehicles, as well as the fees to enter the competition.
The 2011 World Solar Challenge began on Oct. 16, 2011 in Darwin, Australia, with more than 30 teams competing from all across the globe. The event is held on a 3000km (1,864mi) course that crosses through the center of Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. Once the teams leave Darwin, they will compete to be the first to cross the finish line in Adelaide in their solar vehicle.
“This has been an excellent opportunity to reiterate our commitment to sustainable mobility. It’s important to promote automotive programs at world-class universities like Stanford University and UC Berkeley and get the student community excited about automobiles. This is important for the continued success of our long term relationships and collaborations with such universities.” said Dr. Peter Oel, Director of the Volkswagen AG Electronics Research Lab (ERL). The ERL represents the entire Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Its mission is to develop innovations and technologies for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries into the automotive domain.
CalSol, the UC Berkeley Solar Vehicle Team, is a non-profit organization composed of more than 50 students from the highest ranked public university in the nation. CalSol’s purpose is to build, design, test, and race fully solar powered vehicles. Through participation in races and events, the team aims to raise awareness of renewable energy and solar vehicle technology. " [Continue reading...]
The 2011 World Solar Challenge began on Oct. 16, 2011 in Darwin, Australia, with more than 30 teams competing from all across the globe. The event is held on a 3000km (1,864mi) course that crosses through the center of Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. Once the teams leave Darwin, they will compete to be the first to cross the finish line in Adelaide in their solar vehicle.
“This has been an excellent opportunity to reiterate our commitment to sustainable mobility. It’s important to promote automotive programs at world-class universities like Stanford University and UC Berkeley and get the student community excited about automobiles. This is important for the continued success of our long term relationships and collaborations with such universities.” said Dr. Peter Oel, Director of the Volkswagen AG Electronics Research Lab (ERL). The ERL represents the entire Volkswagen Group in applied research and development. Its mission is to develop innovations and technologies for future generations of cars, and to transfer technologies from many industries into the automotive domain.
CalSol, the UC Berkeley Solar Vehicle Team, is a non-profit organization composed of more than 50 students from the highest ranked public university in the nation. CalSol’s purpose is to build, design, test, and race fully solar powered vehicles. Through participation in races and events, the team aims to raise awareness of renewable energy and solar vehicle technology. " [Continue reading...]
VW Announces Pricing for the New Golf R
"Intelligent downsizing. That’s what the new Golf R represents. The heir to the 2004 and 2008 Golf R32 models, the new R manages to have more power, more performance, and consume less gasoline than its illustrious iconic performance forebears. And it offers all this for just $33,990, plus destination, for the two-door Golf R model.
Whereas the R32 models used 3.2-liter VR6 engines, the new Golf R is fitted with a high-output version of the award-winning turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI® engine. This engine makes 256 horsepower, six more than the VR6 fitted into the 2008 R32. As well as offering more power and performance, the Golf R is also more economical, with manufacturer estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared with EPA estimated mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for the prior model.
Like the previous R32 models, the Golf R is equipped with Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system: the latest generation of this system can divert up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, if needed. All Golf R models sold in the U.S will be equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. For the first time, the Golf R will be available in two- and four-door guises as well as in two trim levels: well-equipped Golf R and luxurious Golf R with Sunroof and Navigation." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen EcoFuel Engine Runs on Gasoline and Natural Gas
"Supporters of natural gas make a strong case for its use in our cars and trucks, but the reality of burning natural gas as motor vehicle fuel is challenging. That's because there is a relative shortage of natural gas fueling stations. More importantly, there's a short driving range of most natural gas vehicles.
However, at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, Volkswagen introduced its new subcompact model, the Up! (we'll refrain from further use of the exclamation point), as well as six concept versions of the Up. One of those concept cars is the "eco Up" with a dual-fuel EcoFuel System engine that uses both Compressed Natural Gas and gasoline.
The idea behind Volkswagen's subcompact is that the car runs on natural gas in regular use, but it also holds a 2.5-gallon reserve tank of gasoline to give owners a cushion of extra driving range" [Continue reading...]
First Oprah-Awarded 2012 VW Beetles To Be Delivered Thursday
"Last November, 275 people present at a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show got a very nice door prize: in cooperation with Volkswagen, Oprah gave each audience member a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Not only were those present getting the cars, but all taxes and fees associated with winning the prize were taken care of as well.
This Thursday, Volkswagen of America president and CEO Jonathan Browning will be at a VW dealership in Orland Park, IL, where he'll personally hand over the keys to the first 25 lucky winners. Since delivering 275 cars at the same time would be a logistical nightmare, the remainder of the awarded 2012 VW Beetles will be delivered in the coming weeks, probably by multiple dealerships.The cars were given away as part of an “Ultimate Favorite Things” show, where Oprah Winfrey and Volkswagen teased the newly redesigned Beetle in silhouette before announcing the giveaway. This wasn’t the first time that the queen of daytime-talk-show-TV gave out cars to her audience; in 2004, Oprah handed out 276 Pontiac G6 sedans to those in attendance." [Continue reading...]
Dean Karnazes Talks Touareg, Marathons and Eating on the Go
"Volkswagens have been known to run forever, so it makes perfect sense that Dean Karnazes drives one. Dean runs marathons as often as most people do laundry (and more often than some—you know who you are). In fact, he once completed 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 consecutive days. As if that weren’t enough, he also ran 135 miles across Death Valley in 120-degree temperatures and has run 350 miles without stopping. We recently caught up with him (Editor’s note: this was no easy task; now we’re exhausted) and asked him a few questions about getting from point A to point B, both on foot and in his2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel. We also talked about the upcoming Bank of America Chicago Marathon, where he’ll join Volkswagen at the Health and Fitness Expo to sign autographs and offer a little pre-race inspiration.
All-new Facebook, all-new Beetle
"If you’re like most people, you’ve probably already logged into Facebook 47 times today and noticed the updated user profile layout. And if you’ve seen the all-new Beetle—which is a distinct possibility, considering that you’re reading the Beetle Blog—then you know that it has an updated profile of its own. We figured that the best way to celebrate both updates would be to bring the all-new Beetle right into the new Facebook profiles.
Beetle fans belong on the big screen: Submit your photo to appear on a Times Square Billboard
We know you like the all-new Volkswagen Beetle, and frankly, we’re flattered. But does everyone know you like it? We can’t think of a better way to get the word out than broadcasting your lovely mug on a large screen in a high-traffic area—say, a billboard in Times Square in New York City.
You might ask, “How can I broadcast my Beetle love to the world?” It’s easier than you think. Just “Like” the VW USA Facebook Page and submit your photo. It’s the easiest way to let your friends (and your friends’ friends, and also a lot of strangers) know how you feel about the Beetle. Your photo will be displayed on the Beetle Billboard in Times Square*, and because “pics or it didn’t happen” is the first law of social networking, we’ll post a snapshot of the experience to your Facebook wall. We’ll also notify you before your photo appears on the billboard so that you’ll have a chance to see it live in Times Square starting September 29th. [Continue reading...]
Seattle to SF on a Single Tank: A Pair of 2012 Passat TDI Clean Diesels Make the Trip in Style
"Fact: everyone hates refueling. That’s why racecar drivers refer to it as “the pits.” [Editor’s note: citation needed.] Matt Welch, owner and general manager of Auburn Volkswagen near Seattle, couldn’t agree more.
Operating under the indisputable logic that two Passats are better than one, Matt invited his buddy Chris Meier to drive up from his dealership, Herzog-Meier in Beaverton, OR, to make the trip with him. With their new Passat TDI SEL Premiums topped off with clean diesel fuel, they hit the road and drove 484 miles before stopping in the Northern California town of Yreka—not to fuel up, but to sleep for the night. On the second day, they drove another 315 miles to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Even at 800 miles into the trip, neither car’s fuel light had come on. In fact, Matt drove north out of San Francisco and spent 90 minutes stuck in stop-and-go rush hour traffic before he decided to fuel up. When he did, he had driven 829 miles—and he still had two and a half gallons left in the tank. The Passat TDI boasts 43 mpg on the highway, but Matt was able to get an incredible 55 mpg on his trip. He estimates that, had he avoided the rush hour snarl, he could’ve made it 950 to 1,000 miles on a single tank." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen Teams up with Berghaus on Special Edition California Camper Van
"Volkswagen has a rich heritage when it comes to camper vans. But while the German automaker may only offer the Chrysler-built Routan in North America, overseas, it tends to that heritage quite closely, and for its latest model, Wolfsburg has partnered with outdoor outfitter Berghaus for the special edition you see here.
Spun off the Transporter's California line (which somewhat ironically isn't offered in its namesake or any other state in the union), the Berghaus edition packs all the regular features of the standard model and upgrades with some unique touches. That means four seats, an electrically-operated pop-up roof, onboard kitchen and folding dinette. What distinguishes the Berghaus edition, however, is its long list of extra equipment, including a bike rack, folding awning, 18-inch alloys and special badging both inside and out." [Continue reading...]
Volkswagen Passes on Showing Phaeton Concept in Frankfurt, New Car Expected for 2015
"The Volkswagen Group had a whole lot and then more to show off at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. There were about a dozen vehicles rolled out at the pre-show VW Group evening, and then more once the show opened the following morning. For the Volkswagen brand itself, the new production Up! was the main focus, sharing the stage with the Nils concept, the Beetle R showcar and the Polo rally car. But there was, according to the UK's CAR magazine, to be one more major debut.
That additional concept car would have been a preview of the next-generation Phaeton, but apparently VW's corporate strategists opted to hold it back so as not to detract from the Up! runabout. Instead, it will likely show off the concept second-generation luxury sedan at another show in the near future, but the production model isn't expected to come until 2015.
When it does, we'll find out what strategy the Phaeton will have switched to. Insiders suggest it will be downsized to slot in between the Audi A6 and A8 (rather than compete directly with the latter) and could include one or several less traditional (and more practical) bodystyles in addition to a traditional four-door sedan.
We're also likely to be looking at smaller engines than the eight, ten and twelve-cylinder mills currently on offer, all in an effort to sell the new Phaeton to more customers than the current model, one in two of which reportedly stay in Volkswagen's hands as VIP shuttles."
That additional concept car would have been a preview of the next-generation Phaeton, but apparently VW's corporate strategists opted to hold it back so as not to detract from the Up! runabout. Instead, it will likely show off the concept second-generation luxury sedan at another show in the near future, but the production model isn't expected to come until 2015.
When it does, we'll find out what strategy the Phaeton will have switched to. Insiders suggest it will be downsized to slot in between the Audi A6 and A8 (rather than compete directly with the latter) and could include one or several less traditional (and more practical) bodystyles in addition to a traditional four-door sedan.
We're also likely to be looking at smaller engines than the eight, ten and twelve-cylinder mills currently on offer, all in an effort to sell the new Phaeton to more customers than the current model, one in two of which reportedly stay in Volkswagen's hands as VIP shuttles."
Katy Sip 'n Stroll - Join Us at Katy's Premier Wine Event to Support Cinco Charities
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Go Sippin’ & Strollin’ with your Katy Neighbors to support Cinco Charities Thursday, September 22nd | |
Cinco Charities and Food & Vine Time Productions (producers of Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands) are thrilled to announce the return of Katy's biggest and best wine festival, the Cinco Charities Sip n Stroll presented by Kroger and StreetTalk Advisors coming September 22, 2011! Guests will be treated to wine samplings, food samplings, Blue Moon Craft Beer Saloon, live music, and featured area artists, vendors, charity silent auction and more all centered around the Tuscan courtyard and fountain at Villagio Town Center in Cinco Ranch! And it's all only $25 per person. | |
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Purchase Your Tickets | |
Mark your calendars and purchase your tickets now because this is an event not to be missed! An event for everyone from wine and food connoisseurs to beer, art and music lovers. |  |
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Grab your friends | |
So grab your friends and family (21 and up only please), and join us for a night of fun, food, drink and music! | |
Just the Facts: Thursday, September 22, 2011 6:00 - 9:00 pm Villagio Town Center 22762 Westheimer Pkwy Katy, TX 77450 Westheimer at Peek Road $25 per person  |  |
About Cinco Charities Cinco Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization created and run by Keller Williams Realty Katy @ Cinco Ranch associates. We believe in doing more than selling real estate. Leaving a legacy in our community is a passion we share, continuing our dream to provide temporary housing in our community with a warm, safe environment for individuals and their families who are hospitalized or receiving treatment for serious medical conditions. 22762 Westheimer Parkway, Suite 430 | Katy, Texas 77450 281.220.2188 Direct | 281.220.2101 Fax http://www.cincocharities.org | |
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