http://www.vwforum.com/forums This section contains VW News, Announcements and VW Forum related News and Announcements. The topics posted in this section appear on the front page. Only Administrators may start new threads/polls in this section. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:08:36 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.vwforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.vwforum.com/forums http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/2010-volkswagen-golf-tdi-first-drive-39079/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:00:38 GMT Image: http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/110274-4/2010-volkswagen-golf-tdi-07.jpg TDI. Three letters that, if spoken to the right person, will elicit grandiose claims of “miles per gallon,” “liters per 100 kilometers,” and, “I knew a guy who got (insert unbelievable number) miles to a tank with one of those.” I’m here to tell you that, unlike most urban legends: It’s all true. Yes, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI will do at least 41 mpg on the highway, and 1 mpg better with the fitment of the DSG dual-clutch transmission. That gives this German frügalwagen a range of about 700 miles (1100 km)…more on that “range” later. More: *2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI: First Drive (http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/volkswagen/2010-volkswagen-golf-tdi-first-drive-1220.html)* on AutoGuide.com

TDI. Three letters that, if spoken to the right person, will elicit grandiose claims of “miles per gallon,” “liters per 100 kilometers,” and, “I knew a guy who got (insert unbelievable number) miles to a tank with one of those.” I’m here to tell you that, unlike most urban legends: It’s all true.

Yes, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI will do at least 41 mpg on the highway, and 1 mpg better with the fitment of the DSG dual-clutch transmission. That gives this German frügalwagen a range of about 700 miles (1100 km)…more on that “range” later.

More: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI: First Drive on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/2010-volkswagen-golf-tdi-first-drive-39079/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-2011-volkswagen-toureg-debut-detroit-39075/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:29:04 GMT

With a facelift back in 2008, the all-new “third-generation” Volkswagen Touareg is set to debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new SUV is expected to go on sale mid way through 2010, with a variety of powerplants being offered – including a hybrid.

This will be the first gas-electric hybrid from Volkswagen has launched. There’s no official word on the makeup of the hybrid setup, but it is expected to use the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 from the Audi S4/A6 3.0T – just like the one found in the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. It should get an average fuel economy rating of 26 mpg.

More: [http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...t.html]Report: 2011 Volkswagen Toureg to Debut in Detroit[/url] on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-2011-volkswagen-toureg-debut-detroit-39075/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-now-worlds-largest-automaker-39004/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:25:35 GMT

Toyota's reign at the top was a short one. Year-to-date sales by manufacturer now list Volkswagen as the world's largest automaker. So far for 2009, Volkswagen has a combined sales tally of 4.4 million units – 400,000 ahead of Toyota.

Volkswagen's tremendous rise from as far back as fourth place just a year ago, was driven on by the worldwide recession, which saw automakers like General Motors and Toyota lose ground. Toyota suffered significantly in the U.S., much more so than Volkswagen, due in part to VW's small exposure in the North American marketplace. A generous cash-for-clunkers stimulus package that was put into place in Germany early on, also helped, as did a new line of vehicles for the Chinese marketplace.

But that's not the only reason for Volkswagen's success in 2009. Having recently purchased (or merged with, if you prefer) Porsche, Germany's largest automaker now gets to include all the sales figures of Germany's most renowned sports car maker.

It remains to be seen if Volkswagen will hold on to the title once all the vehicles are tallied-up at the end of the year. Volkswagen has not released a projected total, but Toyota has forecasted a final number of 7 million units.

More: Report: Volkswagen Now World's Largest Automaker on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-now-worlds-largest-automaker-39004/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-announces-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-2010-a-38980/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:36:42 GMT

With Volkswagen's Jetta TDI posting strong sales, the German automaker has decided to expand it's Jetta TDI lineup by offering something for the more performance-based diesel fans. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition takes its name from VW's Jetta TDI Cup racing series, which has been visiting major racing venues around the United States and Canada since 2008.

Sold as a "TDI Cup Edition Kit" the package includes a full four-piece aero kit as well as sway bars, a sport suspension (the same found on the Jetta GLI) and larger brakes with red painted calipers. (Sadly, these are not the R8 calipers the race cars get). Additional features include 18-inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires, sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifters (with the DSG).

Under the hood there's a familiar 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 140-hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque. The package will be available on cars with either the six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

"Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle," said VW of America CEO Mark Barnes. "We're thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at."

The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available starting in January with an estimated price of $25,000. The car also qualifies for a $1,300 Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

More: Report: Volkswagen Announces Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition for 2010 on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-announces-jetta-tdi-cup-street-edition-2010-a-38980/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/sema-2009-h-r-springs-golf-tdi-makes-diesel-look-cool-38929/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:01:32 GMT

With all the Camaros at the 2009 SEMA Show, the number of Japanese cars were few and the number of European cars almost non-existent. H&R Springs was one of the few booths with a strong Euro presence with this 2010 Golf TDI being one of our favorites. With a Volkswagen Accessories complete aero kit, it just looks too cool to be a diesel. And yet thats exactly what it is.

The car sits low on a set of H&R Ultra Performance Coilovers, while a set of sway bars help keep it planted in the corners. Also helping in the handling department are some wheel spacers, which make room for the big 20-inch OZ Superleggera HLT wheels.

Additional highlights include the Volkswagen Accessories aluminum pedals and TDI floor mats, Custom Race Tuner exhaust tips, as well as the stylish German flag graphics provided by Sticky Jewel Graphics.

More: SEMA 2009: H&R Springs Golf TDI Makes Diesel Look Cool on AutoGuide.com

For more check out AutoGuide's live SEMA Show coverage here! ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/sema-2009-h-r-springs-golf-tdi-makes-diesel-look-cool-38929/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/2009-sema-show-coverage-38900/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:10:05 GMT

Held each year in Las Vegas, Nevada, the SEMA Show is an industry event for the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Tuners and parts suppliers from across the industry and even from the realm of motorsports come to show off their wares, usually displayed on some sort of eye-catching highly-modified vehicle - be it a muscle car, hot rod or sport compact car.

And let's not forget the increasing presence of mainstream manufacturers like Hyundai, Scion, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Chrysler and Dodge. Major areas of interest at SEMA include Racing and Performance, Wheels and Tires, as well as Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road vehicles.

For more check out AutoGuide's live SEMA Show coverage here! ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/2009-sema-show-coverage-38900/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/sema-show-preview-2009-a-38827/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:08:17 GMT

Held each year in Las Vegas, Nevada, the SEMA Show is an industry event for the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Tuners and parts suppliers from across the industry and even from the realm of motorsports come to show off their wares, usually displayed on some sort of eye-catching highly-modified vehicle - be it a muscle car, hot rod or sport compact car.

And let's not forget the increasing presence of mainstream manufacturers like Hyundai, Scion, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Chrysler and Dodge. Major areas of interest at SEMA include Racing and Performance, Wheels and Tires, as well as Trucks, SUVs and Off-Road vehicles.

More: SEMA Show Preview 2009 on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/sema-show-preview-2009-a-38827/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-releases-design-sketch-new-mid-sized-sedan-38798/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:37:16 GMT

Volkswagen is preparing a new mid-sized sedan to replace the Passat in North America and has just released a new design sketch of what the vehicle will look like. The decision to replace the Passat comes after VW's admission its current mid-sized sedan is just too small, too expensive and, quite frankly, too nice.

The quasi-premium Passat, with its smaller dimensions and interior space just never captured the attention of the American public. This new model, VW hopes, will change that. The car, called the NMS (New Mid Size), will be built in the U.S. at VW's Chattanooga, Tenn. plant. The lower production costs and lack of overseas shipping costs will cut a considerable amount of overhead from the project allowing VW to sell the car's much closer to the $20,000 mark.

There's no word on engines, but as the rest of the industry seems to offer a larger 4-cylinder and a V6, that seems like a good bet. Then again, VW doesn't often follow the rest of the industry and they do love to put that 2.0T engine in everything.

The NMS won't be around for a while, however, as VW does plan to put its new vehicle up for sale until 2011 as a 2012 model.

More: Report: Volkswagen Releases Design Sketch of New Mid-Sized Sedan on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-releases-design-sketch-new-mid-sized-sedan-38798/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-begins-takeover-process-49-9-percent-stake-porsche-38674/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:07:58 GMT

Volkswagen has announced that as the result of recent talks in its "step towards an integrated automotive group with Porsche" (aka, takeover) it will begin by taking a significant 49.9 percent share in the German sports car maker. The process will begin this year with a final merger occurring in 2011.

Volkswagen is expected to pay 3.9 billion Euros ($5.8 Billion) for the almost 50 percent stake. Pending shareholder approval, Volkswagen will offer preferred stock next year to raise the necessary capital.

In a statement VW said that it, "remains committed to the phased integration of the two companies and is preserving the independence and the interests of Porsche."

More: Report: Volkswagen Begins Takeover Process With 49.9 Percent Stake in Porsche on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/report-volkswagen-begins-takeover-process-49-9-percent-stake-porsche-38674/ http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/volkswagen-launches-free-gti-ipod-racing-app-chance-win-one-six-custom-gti-38666/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:48:18 GMT

Ever seen a Volkswagen with a little white Mac apple decal on the back? Of course you have. VWs and Macs go together like Beer and bratwurst. Volkswagen has decided to work with its fan base and launch the new 2010 GTI using Mac's App Store, where you can now download a free racing video game featuring the new 2010 GTI.

As though that wasn't already cooler than a Weezer t-shirt and some dark rimmed Emo glasses, Volkswagen will give away one special edition GTI each week for the next six weeks. Ever time you play the Real Racing GTI App you get the chance to win one of the custom cars, which feature black 18-inch wheels, a carbon-look interior trim, unique stitching on the headrests and a numbered plaque.

The Real Racing GTI App also lets competitors send message to other drivers via Twitter, as well as upload videos onto YouTube.

The game is offered for the iPhone and iPod touch and is free. Just visit the App Store on your phone of visit iTunes Store.

And be sure to read our review of the 2010 GTI here: 2010 Volkswagen GTI First Drive

More: Report: Volkswagen Launches Free GTI iPod Racing App With Chance to Win One of Six Custom GTIs on AutoGuide.com ]]> Administrator http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f2/volkswagen-launches-free-gti-ipod-racing-app-chance-win-one-six-custom-gti-38666/