VW Polo 3-door revealed ahead of Frankfurt Show

The VW Polo 3-door will be debuted at this Frankfurt Motor Show. Before that, Volkswagen has officially revealed some details. Positioned to compete against the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, the VW Polo 3-door is based on the standard 5-door hatchback, but with a much sportier style.

Just as the 5-door Polo, the VW Polo 3-door has the same body dimensions, a length of 3,970 mm, width of 1,682 mm and height of 1,485 mm. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacities (280 to 952 liters).

At launch, the 3-door Polo will be available with three level trim variants - Trendline, Comfortline, Highline. Base Trendline models offer standard ESP, daytime running lights, electric front windows, central locking, and tinted windows. Moving up to the Comfortline adds body-colored exterior accents, chrome trim, air conditioning, faux aluminum interior details, and a split folding rear seat. At the top of the range, the Highline model features additional chrome trim, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, a multi-function display, and height-adjustable sport seats.

A range of engines will be offered, including three diesel and three petrol engines. The petrol engines have outputs of 44 kW (60HP), 51 kW (70 HP), and 63 kW (85 HP), VW said that it is also readying a turbocharged direct-injection TSI unit with 105HP. The diesels will be rated at 55 kW (75 HP), 66 kW (90 HP) and 77 kW (105 HP).

Furthermore, there will also be a 75HP 1.2-liter TDI of the Polo BlueMotion which will be introduced in Frankfurt with sales set to begin at the beginning of 2010. According to VW, the Bluemotion model will be the world's most fuel-efficient car in its class with a fuel consumption of 3.3 lt / 100km or 71.3mpg US equivalent to 87 g/km CO2.

The Polo three-door is built at Volkswagen's Pamplona production facility in Spain. European sales are expected to begin in October (UK in early 2010), with prices starting at €12,150 (in Germany).

Official: VW to buy 42% stake in Porsche, Merger Agreement Finalized

VW has announced that Volkswagen and Porsche has reached an agreement that VW will buy a shareholding of 42% in Porsche AG for about €3.3 billion by the end of 2009. Then the two German automakers will get a merger and the Auto Union name could be revived to brand it. "A new era" for both companies begins. Volkswagen’s current CEO, Martin Winterkorn, will act as the new head of Porsche and will likely oversee the combined company.

Earlier this year, Porsche had hoped to take over the VW Group by buying up its voting shares, but due to a mountain of debt totaling $12 billion, the takeover failed and Porsche fired CEO Wendelin Wiedekin. Ultimately VW Group took the purchase of Porsche stock.

However, it’s not Volkswagen running the whole show. According to a statement released by the VW Group, "The integrated automotive group will be formed from the progressive participation of Volkswagen in Porsche AG and the subsequent merger of Porsche Automobil Holding SE and Volkswagen AG. Porsche will remain an independent company headquartered in Stuttgart."

VW board chairman Martin Winterkorn described the company's plans in July, saying, "Volkswagen and Porsche have excellent know-how at their disposal and can use their resources even more efficiently by combining them. For this reason, we expect additional growth opportunities, safeguarding existing jobs and creating new ones.

"At the same time, we can call on our considerable experience in the integration of proud and successful brands rich in tradition. Like Audi today, Porsche can also continue its independent development under the aegis of Volkswagen and preserve its own identity. We have great respect for the achievements of the Porsche workforce and are convinced that Porsche can enrich the Volkswagen Group – just as Volkswagen can vice versa enrich Porsche.”

Of course, we customers concern more about the changes of the lineup. The combined company will have 10 brands, adding the Porsche marque to a stable that already includes Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Skoda, Seat and Lamborghini.

Spy shots: Next-gen Volkswagen Touareg prototype caught in U.S.

Lately, the next-gen Volkswagen Touareg has been caught undergoing testing in the United States. Unlike previous mules, this is the first time the 2011 Touareg has been caught wearing a production body. Set to be launched in late 2010 as a 2011 model, the new Touareg will be slightly smaller than the current one but will feature a range of more fuel efficient engines and be able to seat up to seven passengers.

As with the current model, the new platform will be shared with the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 and will feature increased use of aluminum to keep weight down. It will also be slightly sportier and adopt styling influences from the more recent Tiguan SUV.

The new engine lineup for the 2011 Touareg is expected to start with a 280hp (208kW) 3.2L V6 petrol engine and top out with a 345hp (257kW) 4.2L petrol V8. A pair of diesel engines will also be on offer including 2.7L and 3.0L turbodiesels. All the engines will be matted with a six-speed automatic gearbox, though VW’s new seven-speed DSG may also be made available.

Up front, the next generation Touareg appears to adopt VW's new grille design which has appeared on the Golf VI, Golf Plus and Polo. Other changes appear to include more pronounced character lines, a wider rear bumper and misaligned fuel filler cap. The front of the car also featured a different intake system, positioned lower than on the current model. Shots of the interior also revealed several major changes, including an all-new instrument cluster and a similar steering wheel to the unit found in the Mk VI Golf.

Expect the new Touareg to be unveiled in late 2010, with sales beginning in early 2011.

JE Design tunes the VW Scirocco 2.0 TDI

The tuners from JE DESIGN have tuned the diesel Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI and the 2.0 TDI GT trim, which are now developing high-performance.

The JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI now boosts output from 140hp (103kW) to 180hp (133kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm), enough to push top speed on from the stock 128mph (207km/h) to 132mph (213km/h). Not a huge improvement, but the gain in torque and power makes performance more accessible at every-day speeds. Zero-62mph (100km/h) times are cut by almost a full second to 8.4 seconds.

The JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI GT trim, which in standard form outputs 170 hp and 350 Nm of torque, develops 205 hp (171 kW) and 410 Nm of torque. With a top speed of 229 km/h, the JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI CR can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds.

Tuning the slightly more potent 2.0 TDI GT trim offers an even bigger power jump: up to a maximum of 205hp (171kW) and 302lb-ft (410Nm) of torque. With a top speed of 229 km/h, the JE DESIGN Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDI GT trim can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds - matching the Audi A3 2.0T S-line, a legitimately hot little hatch in its own right, and a petrol burner.

In addition to the performance aids, JE Design also throws in a complete body kit made of ABS plastic and CNC milled to ensure a good fit. Gullwing doors can also be had if the rest of the kit just isn't enough, starting from €1,549.

For those Europeans in the market for a diesel sportser, the price may be a bit of a sticking point once it's all added up, but it's availble piecemeal too, starting off at €1,249 for the 180hp kit, €1,449 for th 205hp kit, and another €919 for the body kit.

Throw in the €899 exhaust and €299 lowering springs, however, and the grand total coems up to about €6,300 ($8,800). That's a steep premium, and the €2,810 ($4,000) 19x8in wheels aren't even added in yet, much less the 235/35 19in tires that wrap them.

For more details, read the JE DESIGN Press Release:

The times of shaky oil burners are over. But the diesel engine still has a rather stale image. Now JE DESIGN is taking on this prejudice.

The refiner located in Leingarten, Germany enhances the performance of the already agile turbo diesel in the VW Scirocco with an additional control unit by more than twenty-five percent from 140 hp (103 kW) to 180 hp (133 kW). Also the maximum torque increases from 320 to 400 Newton meters at 1,750 to 2,500 rpm respectively. The maximum speed thereby rises from 207 km/h to 213 km/h, and the acceleration from zero to hundred is reduced by 0.9 seconds to 8.4 seconds.

Also for the new 2.0 TDI CR, JE DESIGN offers a performance enhancement of 170 hp (125 kW) to 205 hp (171 kW). With that, the Scirocco then renders a top speed of 229 km/h (serial model: 222 km/h) and accelerates from zero to hundred in 7.1 seconds (serial model: 7.8 seconds). The torque rises to 410 Newton meters (serial model: 350 Nm).

JE DESIGN offers the entire performance pack with assembly for 1,249 Euros (180 hp) and 1,449 Euros (205 hp) including VAT and adds a 12-month warranty.

In order to adjust the appearance to the newly gained power, JE DESIGN has created an entire body kit. The refiner produces these parts in the usual OEM-quality made of high-quality ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). The CNC-milled material ensures a low weight, perfect fitting accuracy and at the same time, the highest material stability.

The kit for 919 Euros including VAT includes a front spoiler with a center sword in carbon look which already renders a racy glance when the car is still parked. The side skirts with air inlets and a rear skirt attachment which is perfectly adjusted to the other component parts and which is also available in carbon-look renders a powerful profile. A refining kit for gull-wing doors (1,549 Euros) completes the body modification.

The muffler made of stainless steel with two central oval end pipes (899 Euros) renders an earthy sound and an impressive appearance. The muffler comes with an EU-operating license. The lowering springs (299 Euros) which were especially designed for the VW Scirocco, lower the car by 30 millimeters and are combined with serial shock absorbers. In order to fill the wheelhouses adequately, JE DESIGN offers the elegant wheel design Multispoke as a complete wheel set. The wheels are available in the size 8x19 inches in shadow silver (2,810 Euros), or graphite matt / with polished edges (2,930 Euros), both with 235/35 R 19 tires.

The sport program for the VW Scirocco can be immediately obtained directly from JE DESIGN, from car component dealers or from Volkswagen partners.

VW Scirocco “Remis” by HS Motorsport

The Volkswagen Scirocco coupe is one of the eye-catching with tuners, which has already been tuned by ABT Sportsline, MTM and Oettinger. Apparently, German performance shop HS Motorsport also doesn’t want to left behind. The company is releasing the tuned Volkswagen Scirocco couple they call Remis.

The most powerful Scirocco model, the 2.0L turbo unit, only produces 200hp (147kW), so HS Motorsport has boosted power up to 320hp (235kW) in its top-of-the-line Remis package. The end result sees the modified coupe accelerate from 0-100km/km in 6.6 seconds – about 0.6 seconds faster than the production version. Top speed is a claimed 242km/h.

The large power gains are achieved through a number of methods, including sports exhaust systems, ECU tweaking and uprated turbocharger system. Additionally, HS Motorsport also offers 20in wheels, lowered springs, and a stainless steel muffler. Braking power comes from Brembo via special narrow one-piece discs and calipers.

To set the tuned version apart from the standard Scirocco, HS Motorsport has also developed a complete bodykit, which includes a front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear spoiler extension – all made from carbon-fiber. Inside, the firm has added Recaro Sportster CS seats with black Remis-special leather upholstery and white Remis embroidery. The car runs on 245/30 ZR20 matt black rims with 9x20 with Vredestein tyres.

Spy shots: Volkswagen Phaeton receives second facelift

Volkswagen Phaeton was first launched in 2002, which was widely considered as a really great car. However, VW had no business making such a big expensive vehicle. With the first facelifted model in 2007, sales of the Phaeton actually rose. Now the company is probably counting on the second facelifted one to do the same.

The facelifted Phaeton will be getting several minor styling changes as evidenced by these latest spy shots. The changes to the car will be mainly cosmetic, with a redesigned front grille and new bumpers, plus a more pedestrian-friendly reshaped bonnet. The styling will be influenced by VW’s new edgier corporate look that was first seen on the Mark VI Golf.

The powertrain lineup will also likely be revitalized, with a range of more fuel-efficient engines introduced in line with more stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations. There is talk of the new Audi V12 TDI and a hybrid making the lineup too to make the car attractive for a possible American debut.

The second facelifted Volkswagen Phaeton may be appear in late next year as a 2011 model.

Volkswagen develops 30% lighter Golf

To vehicle, we know that the lighter weight makes it easier to maintain performance and therefore more efficient engines. Earlier this year Audi's plan for a lighter pair of next-generation S4 and S5 performance variants were revealed. Now Volkswagen is working on a new lightweight platform for its Golf that will reduce the weight by up to 30%.

The project to build a new lightweight Golf is actually a part of a larger project founded by the European Commission and dubbed the SuperlightCar project. The project involves 32 suppliers and several other carmakers, including Renault, Volvo, Opel and Daimler.

The project focuses on using lightening techniques include the use of steel where appropriate, but also lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium where cost-effective. Its overall goal is cutting body-in-white structure weight in the mid-size segment by up to 30% while maintaining commercially reasonable prices.

VW is going to build three concept Golfs: the first was made entirely of steel, the second with mixed materials built with low-cost techniques and the third was built from more expensive mixed materials. The first two cars were 20% lighter, while the concept with the expensive materials was 41% lighter.

The German firm eventually settled for a compromise using a combination of the three concepts to achieve the best balance of weight and cost.

The SuperlightCar project ends in July 31, 2009 and it is highly likely other manufacturers will be releasing details of more lightweight designs very soon. Volkswagen's lightweight Golf is expected to hit the market in 2012.

2009 Volkswagen CC gets IIHS Top Safety Pick award

Volkswagen of America announced today that the 2009 Volkswagen CC received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2009. To get the Top Safety Pick rating, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute’s front, side, and rear tests and be equipped with electronic stability control. The CC fits into all these measurement.

In terms of restraint systems, the CC comes fitted with standard driver and front passenger advanced multistage front airbags; driver and front passenger side-thorax airbags; head curtain airbags (front and rear); three-point safety belts front and rear; emergency locking retractors for all seating positions; optimized front head restraints; safety belt power pretensioners at the driver and front passenger positions; safety belt load limiters for driver, front passenger and rear outboard seating positions; tire pressure monitoring system; and rear seat LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) anchorage and top tether child seat attachments. A rear passenger side-thorax airbag system with safety belt pretensioners is optional.

In addition to the wealth of airbags available on the CC, the 2009 CC features standard electronic stability control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Brake Assist and Electronic Differential Locking (EDL). Additionally, potential customers can choose the optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive on the CC VR6 for even more safety.

"The TOP SAFETY PICK award from the IIHS is a tremendous honor for our CC," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We are thrilled when organizations like the IIHS recognize the hard work of our engineers who are dedicated to the safety of our customers. This award further validates Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System approach to vehicle safety."

2009 Volkswagen CC carries a base price-tag of $27,100 and has a fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

2009 Volkswagen Touran Freestyle revealed

Few days ago, Volkswagen revealed its latest Touran Freestyle, which is claimed to be the most economical and sportiest Touran of all times. The German manufacturer has announced that this model particularly focused on fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Indeed, the new Touran Freestyle brings a fuel efficiency increase of around 0.6 points over the standard model, with CO2 emissions standing around 144 g/km.

There are two available powerplant choices for the VW Touran Freestyle, the 75kW (102hp) and the 103kW (140hp) and two diesel units, consisting of a 77kW (105hp) unit and a 103kW (140hp) unit and also an EcoFuel powerplant which comes with 110kW (150PS).

Besides the eco-technologies, the car also boosts driving dynamics, sporty look and graceful movement. On the outside the special model comes with outstanding sporty appearance caused by its Sedona 16 inch light alloy wheels and Chrome grille. Black headlights, smoke-gray tail and darkened rear and side windows are also included in the package.

Interiors have been customized as well, with the gearshift knob and the handbrake lever covered in leather. The multifunction steering wheel boasts leather trim as well plus aluminum decorations. A RNS 310 radio-navigation system, heated front seats, automatically heated windshield washer nozzles and a multi-function display are also included in the package.

The model seems to be quite affordable, as it is sold for 25,925 euros. However, the car is currently available in Germany, but it might be released in other markets as well.

Volkswagen Eos White Night released

The Volkswagen Eos range is expanded with the latest version of the Eos White Night, which is currently available for orders with price tags beginning at 33,140 Euros.

Specifically, the new Eos White Night comes in a strikingly contrast of black and white. The White Night boasts the exterior painted in "Candy White", a roof colored in "Deep Back Pearlescent" and cherry-red LED taillights. Additionally, the mirror covers, the radiator grille and the trim strips are covered in black as well. 18-inch “Budapest” wheels partially painted black with a polished finish complete the elegant appearance of the Eos White Night.

The white-dark contrast continues inside the car too, with the black nappa leather seats, door and side trim and black steering wheel keeping the same exterior styling cues. Furthermore, the trim strips and radio trim in "Candy White" plus the sill panel strips lettered with "White Night" are also a part of the range.

As with the features offered by the Volkswagen Eos White Night, it comes with a fairly decent equipment lineup, including "Climatronic" climate control system, sports chassis lowered 15 mm and heated front seats, all of them offered as standard.

Incidentally, the Eos White Night can be combined with all engine versions included in the Eos range, excepting the V6.

Volkswagen launches new 28mpg Touareg TDI BlueMotion SUV

We know that Volkswagen has been introducing low CO2-emitting variants of several of its mainstream car models under the BlueMotion banner. The latest addition to that lineup is new Touareg TDI BlueMotion SUV, which is just released in Europe and comes with a 225hp (168kW) V6 TDI turbodiesel engine.

This is the same engine found in the regular Touareg TDI clean diesel model that was launched recently in the U.S., but thanks to a number of fuel saving modifications the BlueMotion model is up to 10% more fuel-efficient than the already frugal standard model.

According to its maker, the new Touareg TDI BlueMotion has a fuel economy of just 28mpg (8.3L/100km). What’s more impressive is that this is more fuel-efficient than even the hybrid version due next year, which in prototype form is averaging around 26mpg (9L/100km).

To enhance fuel economy, engineers have installed low rolling resistance tires, installed new engine components to reduce friction, and lowered the vehicle by 25mm to reduce drag.

The Touareg TDI BlueMotion is now available for order. Pricing starts at €50,450 (approximately $70,500) in Europe and no word on a U.S. launch has been given.

Spy shots :next-gen 2012 Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen's next-generation 2012 Passat is expected to up the stakes against Germany’s luxury carmakers, with the car’s designers hoping it will be mentioned in the same breath as the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C-Class and Audi A4. Photographers have caught it undergoing testing on Germany's famous Nürburgring.


While the test-mule wears the current Passat body, we can see slight modifications in the form of wider wheel wells and lengthened B-pillars. This clearly indicates that the next generation Passat will be longer and wider than today's model. Clear giveaways on this test-mule are the extended wheel arches and a stretched B-pillar.

Under the hood, a replacement for the VR6 engine will be in place, putting out close to 300hp (224kW) from a displacement of 3.0L. To improve mileage and maintain power, the new engine will also be using direct injection, while the rest of the powertrain lineup is expected to benefit from some form of forced induction as well. Other models will include a new hybrid as well as a high-performance diesel with AWD.

To give the Passat some much needed panache, VW will be pulling out all the stops to make the next-generation a technological showcase, with features that should have the traditional German manufacturers feeling a little worried.

Expected to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the next-generation Passat is tipped to feature a host of new technologies, including airless tires, a wiperless window cleaning system, and an advanced user interface. There may also be an electronic stability system with a feature that automatically offers counter-steering assistance in adverse driving conditions.

One year after the launch of the Passat sedan will be the station wagon. This will be followed closely by a new high-performance model to replace the current R36.