The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it closed the investigations surrounding possible fires on the Volkswagen Passat and cracked cooling fans on various GM trucks without issuing a recall or fines to either automaker.

Originally the 2002-03 model year Passats were under investigation for possible ignition coil fires in July 2010 but things didn’t stop there. In January 2011, the investigation was upgraded to include 2001-07 VW Passat models with the four-cylinder, turbocharged engine. There were 135 unique fire engine reports attributed to the coil-on plugs, but after a thorough investigation there was no safety-related defect identified, so the investigation closed.

Unfortunately the investigation closure alone doesn’t ensure the absence of a defect. NHTSA will continue to monitor the issue to see if further action needs to be taken. None of the fires reached beyond the engine bay and no reports of crashes or injury were related to the 135 incidents.

GM on the other hand, got a thumbs-up after NHTSA looked into the cracked cooling fans on GMT-560 series of trucks. Those trucks span models from Chevrolet, GMC and Isuzu including the 4500 and 5000 medium-duty trucks. Even though NHTSA said that it “remains concerned about the potential for injury,” at the current time it can’t find the cause for the issue and that the complaints are “small and diminishing.”

Not exactly comforting, but we also know NHTSA would issue a recall if the organization saw fit to do so.

German giant Volkswagen already sent the first eGolf electric car to California, but as we reported in late February, it wasn’t a production car.

That will change late next year as the company plans to start releasing the EV as a 2014 model. Jonathan Browning, VW of America’s president told Automotive News it will be a fully-electric version of the already-existent Golf.

It seems the company will start by targeting specific small markets in the U.S. before moving into Europe. California seems like an obvious choice for the initial trial though the official announcement isn’t out yet. Aside from the subsidies and lifestyle benefits like HOV lane exemptions, the first eGolf arrived there, so it seems like a natural choice for the company.

As previously reported, the eGolf has a 93-mile range and 87-mph top speed and a 11.6-second 0-60 mph acceleration time.

The number of eGolfs headed to the U.S. market still isn’t clear, but don’t expect to see droves of them late next year.

“It’s a fundamental part of our powertrain strategy, but sometimes it’s good to be a little more steady in terms to the approach to the market,” Browning said.

[Source: Automotive News]

Easily one of the top chick cars of all time, the Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet is back.

Not offered in the VW lineup for several generations, the latest cabrio has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Keeping much of the GTI spirit but with significantly less testosterone, find out more about the car in AutoGuide’s first look video below.

GALLERY: 2013 VW GTI Cabriolet

Continue Reading…

Despite some of the lineup having off-road capability, Volkswagens in North America rarely sport off-road tires.

The same isn’t true in Europe where the German automaker sells its Amarok pickup truck which has serious off-road prowess. VW chose the 2012 Geneva Auto Show to debut its Amarok Canyon concept, which is a beefed up version of the pickup.

It sits on Mickey Thompson all-terrain tires and a 1.6-inch lifted suspension that give the truck a total 3.4 inches of extra ground clearance over the standard model. Tough-looking 18-inch wheels painted “Adamantium Dark” add further to the truck’s muscular appearance.

Other accenting features add more to that theme, like the tubular roll bar that runs along the bed and over the cab.

Unlike American pickups, the Amarok drivetrain is influenced by European sensibility with a 180-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel instead of the large engines most North American trucks of similar size have.

The bed is small but functional, with lots of tie-down handles available for securing goods. Realistically, the Amarok Canyon isn’t meant for the same construction site work horse life of an F-150 or the like. It’s crew cab setup and shorter-than-average short box are more designed for ferrying passengers between kayaking trips, which is probably why the concept shown above had that equipment in the bed.

In keeping with the European mentality, the Amarok is available with a six speed manual. That might throw most American truck buyers a curve ball, but it doesn’t matter because this truck isn’t meant for the U.S. market. The Amarok Canyon is still a concept but a more practically oriented version may be available as early as this summer to Europeans.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Amarok Canyon concept

The world’s most fuel efficient SUV, the Volkswagen Cross Coupe TDI, just debuted at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show.

For the first time, an automaker combined an electric hybrid drivetrain with a diesel engine, opening the door to two of the most effective and mass-produced fuel technologies working as one.

As a result, Volkswagen claims the Cross Coupe TDI can get up to 130 mpg. The powertrain takes advantage of two electric motors that work simultaneously with a turbo direct-injected diesel engine. Despite being so efficient, even with all-wheel drive, the truck has 302 hp and a top speed of almost 137 mph, which is impressive for such a high compression-ratio engine.

The Cross Coupe TDI pictured above also accelerates from 0-60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. Despite that power, it can still run in all-electric mode to offer zero-emissions driving for almost 28 miles.

That isn’t very far, but bear in mind that the idea behind the Cross Coup isn’t to be a range-extended EV, but a super-efficient all-wheel drive, which it achieves brilliantly.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Cross Coupe TDI

Earlier this year, news broke that Volkswagen had plans to to do a full takeover of Porsche, which VW owned 49.9-percent of. But now the former CFO of Porsche, Holger Haerter, is one of three people being charged with fraud in Germany over Porsche’s intent to supposedly acquire VW.

According to investors, Porsche had denied throughout much of 2008 that it intended to purchase rival German automaker, Volkswagen. But in October, Porsche said that it controlled most of VW’s common stock, causing its shares to surge as short-sellers rushed to cover their positions. Porsche, of course, has denied the allegations.

The three are being charged with fraud over statements made when Porsche refinanced a $13.2-billion loan, understanding Porsche’s liquidity needs by over $1.8-billion if all purchase options Porsche held on Volkswagen had been exercised. In addition, it is reported that the managers withheld information about options tied to VW shares that Porsche had sold.

The portion of the probe that involves Wendelin Wiedeking and Holger Haerter manipulating the price of VW shares is still ongoing, and may not be resolved until the middle of this year. Last year, Stuttgart prosecutors stated that their probe against Wiedking and Harter had “solidified” suspicions that Porsche didn’t properly inform the market of their intentions to acquire VW between 2007-2009.

Porsche has been sued in the U.S. and Germany by short sellers of VW stock and other investors, claiming that Porsche secretly gathered up VW shares and ultimately caused the shareholders’ losses. There is a total of four suits pending out in Germany and the plaintiffs are seeking over $2.6-billion.

[Source: Automotive News]

Volkswagen debuted its GTI Cabriolet today at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, giving the world its first look at the transformed car.

Little is really different with the convertible GTI, aside from the market appeal it will garner with the topless shenanigans.

It’s still powered by the same 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder that makes 210 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, though with a 0.4-second slower 0-60 at 7.3 seconds.

During the presentation the company highlighted the honeycomb grille and other changes made to the most recent GTI, giving it more of an aggressive look.

A sharply-defined side line runs from the hood all the way to the tail lights, complimenting the car’s shape where the top folds away.

The car comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, though 18-inch wheels as shown above are an option.

Really, the only difference between the popular hot-hatch and the new cabrio is just that — the open-air cruising capability. If nothing else it will serve to broaden appeal for the GTI and help Volkswagen move closer to its growth goals.

GALLERY: 2013 Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet

GALLERY: 2013 Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Volkswagen will be releasing a new generation of diesel engines for their upcoming MLB- and MQB-platform vehicles. The new turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine range will be called “EA288″ and will have a displacement range of 1.6L to 2.0L.

America however will only get the 2.0L TDI that will have around 190-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the current generation’s 2.0L TDI, that is a 36-percent increase in horsepower and a 19-percent increase in torque. We should expect to see the new 2.0L TDI in the next-generation Golf, Jetta, and Passat. It’s also safe to assume that fuel efficiency will improve in addition to its performance increase.

The EA288 engines are receiving other tweaks as well, including the integration of the exhaust manifold into the engine head in order to help dissipate heat. It will pack a selective catalytic reduction system to help reduce total emissions by as much as 45-percent compared to its predecessor. We should be seeing the debut of the new EA288 with the MK VII Golf that debuts in Europe this summer.

[Source: Car and Driver]

German automaker Volkswagen looks to put an end of the debate of hybrid vs. diesel, by combining both technologies into one Cross Coupe Concept. First unveiled in gasoline-electric form at the Tokyo Motor Show, this new version is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The TDI powerplant from VW is setup to work alongside a pair of electric motors, giving it a possible 130-mpg. Even better though is that Volkswagen claims this concept makes 302-hp and can hit a top speed of 137-mph. Such a concept is interesting, considering that diesels are extremely popular in Europe, while hybrids are not. In America however, it’s the complete opposite with hybrid and electric vehicles roaming around and diesels being less popular.

Combining the two in order to maximize fuel efficiency and power could be an interesting solution and a glimpse into the future.

The United States is a huge market for Honda, hosting roughly one in two sales for the Japanese automaker, a fact that Volkswagen wants to change sooner rather than later.

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn admits openly that Honda was a “…role model for us for many years once,” but now that VW has come into its own, the German automaker is actively seeking to steal some sales from Honda in the US.

Honda has long been known as that old faithful brand, not flashy or stylish but reliable and safe with a fun-to-drive element. Volkswagen is trying to prey on these ideals, and despite more mainstream models like the 2012 Jetta, its looking to add a sporty edge to keep its young customer base happy as well as providing smart, safe, reliable cars for its consumers. According to a survey conducted by consumer research group Strategic Vision, Honda was the brand that gave up the most sales to VW last year because, ”A lot of new VW buyers were Honda owners who no longer wanted to see 10 other exact same cars every time they came to a stop at the traffic light,” said Vice President of Strategic Vision Chris Chaney.

The trend that Volkswagen hopes to build on started in 2011, with Honda’s market share tumbling down two percent and Volkswagen’s Passat and Golf gaining 83 percent and 44 percent in sales numbers respectively. To continue its upswing, VW will need to focus on the US market and other emerging markets, as sales in Europe are predicted to keep on plummeting.

Volkswagen has made some steps in its American invasion which show the company’s commitment to the market, like opening a new sales office in Dallas, and an assembly plant in Tennessee. Volkswagen also recently acquired Tim Mahoney, the main marketing man at Subaru of America, to build VW advertising campaigns that will sell cars. ”In a world of instant entertainment, companies can overestimate what a person can absorb in a 30 second spot that flashes over a TV screen,” said Mahoney.

Volkswagen is fighting an uphill battle, but they have made some head way in 2011, and hope to continue championing German engineered cars over Japanese autos in 2012.

[Source: Automotive News]

Offering a more performance tuned alternative to the Eos, Volkswagen has just released the very first photos and details on a drop-top version of its popular GTI hot hatch.

Powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder as found in the hatchback, the GTI Cabriolet makes 210 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds slower than the hatchback. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox. Helping put that power to the ground is VW’s XDS electronic limited slip differential.

Equipped with a fabric roof, the electronically powered unit folds away in just 9.5 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 18 mph. To help maximize safety, the GTI Cabriolet comes equipped with automatically deploying rollover bars.

Like the hatch, the Cabriolet model gets a unique honeycomb grille, aero kit and fog lights, plus dual chrome tailpipes, smoked LED taillights and 17-inch Monza wheels.

The return of the convertible GTI marks the first time since the third generation model that this configuration has been offered. It’s not clear if VW will offer the GTI Cabriolet in North America.

Look for more on the GTI Cabriolet with AutoGuide’s Geneva Auto Show coverage starting March 6th, and see the complete show preview here.

GALLERY: 2013 VW GTI Cabriolet

Could the Volkswagen GTI hot hatch also make for a good cabriolet? The German automaker seems to think so as we learned earlier this month of a production GTI cabriolet to bow at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

In production form, we expect the visual elements to be toned down from the Worthersee concept but the general recipe should remain the same. Power will come from the familiar 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo producing 208-hp and will be mated to either a six-speed manual or the DSG transmission. The GTI cabriolet will also receive a GTI-spec suspension and electronic limited slip differential.

But that’s not all. Volkswagen had something else up its sleeve as reports confirm a second vehicle to be unveiled in Geneva. Joining the GTI Cabrio is an all-new Volkswagen Polo GT Blue. The Polo GT Blue will be the first Volkswagen to be fitted with a trick 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine with ACT cylinder deactivation system technology.

This technology recognizes when the engine is operating at lower loads, usually between 1,250 to 4,000 rpm, and will shut off two cylinders accordingly to reduce fuel consumption. In the future, we expect to see this 1.4-liter powerplant make its way across the Volkswagen global line-up.

Details on these two new models are limited for now but stay tuned as we draw closer to the upcoming show at Geneva.

GALLERY: Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet 

[Source: Carscoop]

While we’re on the theme of  VW décor, we’d like to introduce you to a piece that will have your kids begging to go to sleep — it’s the Volkswagen Bus-inspired bed.

The creation of Instructables user Uptonb, this bunk bed was made as a housewarming gift for his very lucky three-year-old nephew. The top of the bunk serves as a bed, while the bottom doubles as a playhouse. It cost about $500 in materials to make – not a bad price at all if you imagine what a retailer would charge for something similar. If you’re inspired to make one of your own, head to Instructables for pictures and a SketchUp file.

[Source: Autoblog]

Volkswagen redesigned their CC for the 2013 model year and with it comes a slight price increase.

The new base price for the 2.0L TSI Sport model will be $30,250 (excluding destination and handling) with a manual transmission, an automatic costs $1,100 more.

The TSI Sport model with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) starts at $30,610. The 2.0L TSI Sport Plus will begin at $32,850; 2.0L TSI Lux will start at $35,355; while the more powerful 3.6L VR6 Lux will cost $37,730. The top-of-the-line model is the VR6 4Motion Executive, and will begin at $41,420.

The CC will also get a 2.0T R-Line model, but the company didn’t release details. It will arrive in early 2013 however.

The 2.0T CC comes with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 200-hp and 207 lb-ft of torque with either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 3.6L VR6 engine has 280-hp and 265 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic.

GALLERY: 2013 Volkswagen CC

German automaker Volkswagen is joining the electric vehicle party, and the first eGolf has been shipped to their Electronic Research Laboratory in Belmont, California.

20 electric VW Golfs will make their way to America for testing, and Volkswagen will build a total of 500 to test its new electric powertrain. There is nothing evolutionary or revolutionary with Volkswagen’s first eGolf, which will be front-wheel drive and packs a lithium-ion battery for energy storage. As with most electric vehicles, it can be plugged to an outlet to be charged in addition to recharging through regenerative braking.

Currently the battery pack in the eGolf stores 26.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity giving the vehicle a range of 93 miles and has a 0-60 mph time of 11.8 seconds. Top speed is currently rated at 87-mph.

As for the rest of the vehicle, the eGolf shares much of it parts with its conventional gasoline counterpart inside and out. By utilizing the already existing Golf platform, VW was able to not only save time and money, but make it more efficient to manufacture.

The German automaker hasn’t confirmed when the electric Golf will make its way into production. But given that the company anticipates 500 vehicles on the road for testing, it shouldn’t be too far off.

The Volkswagen eGolf joins other electric vehicles that have made their way to California including the first Ford Focus Electric that went to Google, and the first Honda Fit EV that was delivered to the city of Torrance.

[Source: CNet]

There isn’t much a parent wouldn’t do to ensure their child is in the safest scenario possible. So much so that if it’s something that they can control, they’ll find a way to control it.

This commercial from Volkswagen is a testament to that, as a mother opts to take her daughter’s boyfriend’s riced out Honda Del Sol out to pick up groceries rather than letting her daughter go out in it. Instead, the kids get to safely drive around town in her mom’s Tiguan, one of the nine Volkswagen IIHS Top Safety Picks.

The ad is worth a good laugh, especially since it reminds us of just how ridiculous Hondas were customized back in the mid to late 90s. This Del Sol simply screams out Fast and the Furious. We can’t believe that style of body kits and graphics were once the cool thing to do.

Watch the commercial after the break.

Continue Reading…

10. Mini Cooper S Clubman

Cars can be bad for your health, and we’re not just talking about tailpipe emissions. The Ecology Center has published a list of the least and worst toxic vehicles from 2011-2012 after testing 205 different models with the aid of an x-ray fluorescence analyzer.

The tests consisted of scanning interior components such as the seats, dashboard, carpets, headliner, and door trim, and identifying the elements in each material. Based on the size of the item and the amount of contact a person would have with it, the numbers were crunched and the car given a score from a scale of 1-5, with a low score showing the chemicals being tested for weren’t detected, while a 5 would indicate high levels of the chemicals were detected.

Items commonly found in car components include elements like bromine, chlorine, antimony, mercury and lead.

Coming in as the 10th worst pick is the MINI Cooper S Clubman with an overall score of 2.84. The Cooper S Clubman is the MINI for those that wish to have a little more room than the standard Coopers. The Clubman is 9.4 inches longer overall than the standard MINI with a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase.

Ducati, the famous Italian motorcycle brand could be up for sale. There seems to be significant interest in the motorcycle maker from both American and European buyers.

Investindustrial SpA, the Milan-based private-equity firm that owns Ducati, seems to be looking for an IPO (initial public offering), or to sell it entirely. The sale could fetch about $1.3 billion.

Deutsche Bank AG and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. would manage Ducati’s IPO, and could file as soon as June.

Although no one has publicly stated their interest in buying Ducati, there are some beliefs that Volkswagen, or BMW would be a perfect fit to make the purchase.

Mercedes-Benz/Daimler’s performance group AMG has had partnerships with Ducati before, so it’ll be interesting to see if that will play a part in the sale. A year ago Daimler was rumored to take over Ducati.

Additionally, Bloomberg speculates that American company Harley Davidson could potentially fit the bill.

At this point all we can do is speculate, check back for more information as the situation develops.

[Source: Bloomberg]

The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf is destined to hit the marketplace later this year and it’s now believed that the new GTI model will make 260 horsepower.

The German automaker is also claiming that the new GTI will deliver “more agile steering behavior” thanks to a new VAQ electronically-controlled front differential. Apparently a VAQ-equipped Golf has already done a lap at the famed Nürburgring eight seconds faster than prototypes with a standard differential.

If the horsepower rating is correct, GTI enthusiasts and virgins alike will have quite a time racing around in the new model. The current 2012 model only makes 200 horsepower, meaning the refreshed version will have 30 percent more power than its predecessor.

The GTI won’t be the only variant that the new Golf will come in, a plug-in hybrid with 246 horsepower capable of more than 50 mpg is also destined to hit the marketplace along with an electric model, and a natural gas model.

Those looking at the standard Golf models will have plenty of engine choices including a 1.8L and 2.0L standard gasoline engine, a 2.0L diesel with 181-hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, a twin-turbo GTD with 220-hp, and a 1.4L turbo gasoline engine with 138-hp.

GALLERY: 2013 VW Golf MK7 Spy Photos

[Source: Autocar]

German based tuner Abt Sportsline will be revealing four new tuned vehicles for the upcoming Geneva Auto Show.

For Audi, Abt will add some spice to the Audi Q3 crossover. Dubbed the QS3, the compact crossover will receive a power boost from its 2.0 liter engine to produce a total output of 266-hp. Abt has also provided an aggressive body kit to compliment the QS3′s performance.

Abt’s Audi AS6 Avant will also be presented at Geneva, decked out with front and rear spoilers, revised side skirts and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Sporting a tuned 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, Abt has massaged the powerplant to put out 355-hp, an extra 46-hp over stock.

For Volkswagen, Abt will feature a crowd stopping Beetle with a reduced ride height, headlight masks and 20-inch alloy wheels. In the power department, this mean Bug will deliver 237-hp.

Finally, Abt gets its hands on the new Volkswagen Up! Offering only aesthetic changes for now, the Up! receives mirror caps, headlight masks and revised side skirts.

GALLERY: Abt Sportsline Geneva Teaser

With the newest version of VW’s iconic Beetle already on sale, Volkswagen is expanding the car’s product range and appeal with a diesel powered model.

Unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show, the Beetle TDI makes use of a familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to make 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Along with that big torque number, fuel economy is high, with a 29 mpg city rating and a 39 mpg highway rating. Buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or VW’s DSG dual-clutch automatic.

Three trim levels will be offered: TDI, TDI with sunroof and TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation. That top-trim level gets a five-inch touch screen and a Premium audio system.

With both gas and diesel versions of the coupe now available, look for a convertible version to bow at the New York Auto Show in a few months time.

GALLERY: 2013 VW Beetle TDI

Volkswagen will transform one of its many concept cars into a reality at this year’s Geneva Motor Show with the reveal of a high-performance version of the Golf Cabriolet.

The Golf GTI Cabriolet, which was previewed at the Worthersee GTI meet last year (along with a Golf R Cabriolet), will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 208 hp. In addition, the drop-top GTI will get an upgraded suspension and interior, a choice of six-speed manual or DSG transmission, 17-inch wheels and VW’s impressive electronic limited slip differential.

While VW does offer the same engine in the Eos convertible, this is the first time a full GTI package has been offered with a convertible option since the original GTI.

With the big reveal announced, the only question remaining is whether the Golf R Cabriolet will also see production.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Did you think that every automaker’s secrets were revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit? Think again.

At least ten new models will debut at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, which kicks-off this Wednesday, February 8th. Here’s a quick round up of what to expect:

Acura

The ILX Sports Sedan will debut, and replace the TSX. The new ILX will be based on Honda’s Civic platform, and share the powertrain choices. Additionally, the ILX will show off three engines, including a Hybrid. The ILX will be targeted towards a younger crowd, and is being called a “gateway” to the luxury brand lineup.

Joining the ILX will be a new RDX. The popular SUV will be redesigned and will show off a wider track, a longer wheelbase and a new V6 engine. The RDX will be showing off some new technologies as well, including Pandora Internet Radio, and a Text-to-Speech SMS voice texting.

See the rest of our Chicago Auto Show preview below:

Continue Reading…

10. Hyundai Genesis Coupe 'Think Fast'

The Super Bowl only comes once and year, and it brings with it a heated advertising race between car companies to try and captivate the huge audience that watches the big game with eye catching commercials. These are AutoGuide’s picks for the 10 best commercials of this year’s Super Bowl in order from worst to best. And lucky you, there are so many this year we actually left the bad ones out.