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  • Report: Karmann survives on electric car lifeline from VW

    Report: Karmann survives on electric car lifeline from VW July 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, July 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Report: Karmann survives on electric car lifeline from VW German independent vehicle manufacturer Karmann shut its doors for the last time late last month as the company heads into bankruptcy but the move may not be final according to latest reports. Karmann has reportedly inked a $14 million deal with Volkswagen to help with the development and supply of the automaker’s future electric vehicles.

    The information was first reported by Germany’s Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung, which claims that Karmann will use the funds to form a restructured company with 1,600 employees.

    Neither Karmann nor VW has confirmed the reports but given Karmann’s recent work with German utility Oldenburg... German independent vehicle manufacturer Karmann shut its doors for the last time late last month as the company heads into bankruptcy but the move may not be final according to latest reports. Karmann has reportedly inked a $14 million deal with Volkswagen to help with the development and supply of the automaker’s future electric vehicles. The information was first reported by Germany’s Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung, which claims that Karmann will use the funds to form a restructured company with 1,600 employees. Neither Karmann nor VW has confirmed the reports but given Karmann’s recent work with German utility Oldenburg Energy Group (EWE) as well as Volkswagen’s own TwinDrive vehicle concepts, there’s a strong chance the two companies may join forces. Furthermore, before going under, Karmann showed off an electric vehicle concept called the E3, which had a claimed range of 90 miles and a top speed of 85mph, and before that it was contracted to build the DuraCar electric van for a company in Europe.Volkswagen Golf Mark VI TwinDrive Read More

  • VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market

    VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market June 8th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 8th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 6 Comments

    VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market Late last year, reports emerged claiming Volkswagen was working on three separate sports-oriented versions of the popular Golf hatchback. The first of these we've already seen in the form of the recently launched GTI, and this spring the second star of the trio, the GTD oil-burner, was revealed ahead of its debut at the Leipzig Motor Show. Today, the car is officially on sale in Germany, accompanied by a sheaf of new photos.

    The GTD features a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 170hp (127kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. This engine will fully comply with tough Euro 5 emissions standards, yet still accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 8.1... Late last year, reports emerged claiming Volkswagen was working on three separate sports-oriented versions of the popular Golf hatchback. The first of these we've already seen in the form of the recently launched GTI, and this spring the second star of the trio, the GTD oil-burner, was revealed ahead of its debut at the Leipzig Motor Show. Today, the car is officially on sale in Germany, accompanied by a sheaf of new photos. The GTD features a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 170hp (127kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. This engine will fully comply with tough Euro 5 emissions standards, yet still accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds when equipped with VW’s six-speed DSG (a six-speed manual is also available). At full-throttle, the GTD will be able to reach a top speed of around 222km/h. While the acceleration figures don’t seem that impressive for the GTD, the torquey nature of the engine and low-end pulling power should ensure performance fans won’t be too disappointed - the peak torque of 258lb-ft (350Nm) comes on at just 1,750rpm. However, fuel consumption is where the GTD really shines, with a claimed fuel-economy of 44.4mpg (5.3L/100km) for the European cycle – a marked improvement over the GTI's more thirsty figures of 31mpg (7.4L/100km). Combine this with the car’s 55L fuel tank and theoretically it will be able to drive over 1,000km on a single fill. Other features of the car include a unique rear diffuser, dual exhaust pipes, a chrome grille, 17in alloys and a sports chassis. Production for the GTD will start next month, with sales following soon after that. Luckily for Golf fans, the GTD is not the last of the hot Golfs - VW has one more card up its sleeve in the form of the upcoming 'R' variant of the Golf, set to replace the current VW Golf R32. Details are scarce, however early reports are claiming the car will be fitted with a 270hp (201kW) engine churning out power to all four wheels - 22hp (16kW) more than the outgoing R32. The engine is expected to be a four-cylinder turbo model, unlike the R32 which used a naturally aspirated V6. There's no definitive word yet on whether VW will bring the GTD to the U.S., though rumors are circulating that hint it's under consideration. Check out the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD gallery below to see the new photos of the car.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK VI2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD Read More

  • VW and BYD sign deal to work together on electric cars

    VW and BYD sign deal to work together on electric cars May 25th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 25th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    VW and BYD sign deal to work together on electric cars During an informational visit by the Chinese carmaker BYD (Build Your Dreams), company chairman Wang Chuanfu and the CEO of Volkswagen Martin Winterkorn signed a memorandum of understanding in the area of electric mobility. The objective of signing a memorandum of understanding between the two companies is to explore the options for partnership in the area of hybrids and electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries.

    The visit, which took place first at the Elektrotraktion Technology Centre in Isenbüttel, Germany, featured technical discussions and test drives with a variety of vehicles such as the Golf TwinDrive hybrid and a new prototype... During an informational visit by the Chinese carmaker BYD (Build Your Dreams), company chairman Wang Chuanfu and the CEO of Volkswagen Martin Winterkorn signed a memorandum of understanding in the area of electric mobility. The objective of signing a memorandum of understanding between the two companies is to explore the options for partnership in the area of hybrids and electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries. The visit, which took place first at the Elektrotraktion Technology Centre in Isenbüttel, Germany, featured technical discussions and test drives with a variety of vehicles such as the Golf TwinDrive hybrid and a new prototype for an all-electric vehicle. Both companies see hybrids and electric vehicles playing an increasingly important role, especially in China. By partnering, the two companies will be able to quickly expand their activities. VW recently partnered with Sanyo to help develop new lithium-ion battery technologies and in the past 12 months has unveiled several electric and hybrid concepts. However, VW does not intend to mass market such vehicles until around 2015. In the meantime, the company will continue to focus on improving the efficiency of its petrol and diesel engines. There will be some mild hybrid models in the interim, however, as VW sees these as a stepping stone to an all-electric future for the auto industry.space up! blueVolkswagen Golf Mark VI TwinDrive Read More

  • VW apprentices build 301hp Golf GTI Street

    VW apprentices build 301hp Golf GTI Street May 21st, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 21st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    VW apprentices build 301hp Golf GTI Street Custom-tuned turbocharged four-cylinder hatches are pretty common fare anywhere in the world. But it's not every day that a handful of young apprentices at one of the world's biggest carmakers turn out a car that turns heads like the Golf GTI Street

    Built around a heavily modified 2.0L TFSI engine, the apprentices also packaged some other sophisticated gear into the street-mod GTI. A coilover suspension kit is a must-have for the category, but it also features a hydraulic ride height adjustment - a first for the GTI.

    Beyond the performance and suspension mods, the team - four young men aged 19-22 - also fit 19in wheels with 225-width tires... Custom-tuned turbocharged four-cylinder hatches are pretty common fare anywhere in the world. But it's not every day that a handful of young apprentices at one of the world's biggest carmakers turn out a car that turns heads like the Golf GTI Street Built around a heavily modified 2.0L TFSI engine, the apprentices also packaged some other sophisticated gear into the street-mod GTI. A coilover suspension kit is a must-have for the category, but it also features a hydraulic ride height adjustment - a first for the GTI. Beyond the performance and suspension mods, the team - four young men aged 19-22 - also fit 19in wheels with 225-width tires and brakes adapted from the famed R32. A completely black-and-white treatment inside and out plus some custom badge work wrap up the GTI Street's unique design. The car was built for exhibition at the 2009 Wörthersee Tour, and will be on display alongside the Polo GTI Concept revealed yesterday. For more on the standard Mark VI GTI, check out our coverage here. Read More

  • Volkswagen adds new Estate to Golf lineup

    Volkswagen adds new Estate to Golf lineup May 21st, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 21st, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 2 Comments

    Volkswagen adds new Estate to Golf lineup This week has been a relatively busy one for Volkswagen, which in the past couple of days has unveiled the all new Scirocco R sports coupe, a pair of GTI concepts based on the Golf and Polo, and now the Golf Estate wagon. Three different versions of the new Estate will be offered: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, with the latter replacing the previous Sportline model as the range topper.

    The engine lineup is adopted directly from the regular Golf hatchback, which means four different petrol engines will be available with outputs of 80hp (60kW), 100hp (75kW), 122hp (90kW) and 160hp (118kW), respectively. The most potent unit utilizes... This week has been a relatively busy one for Volkswagen, which in the past couple of days has unveiled the all new Scirocco R sports coupe, a pair of GTI concepts based on the Golf and Polo, and now the Golf Estate wagon. Three different versions of the new Estate will be offered: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, with the latter replacing the previous Sportline model as the range topper. The engine lineup is adopted directly from the regular Golf hatchback, which means four different petrol engines will be available with outputs of 80hp (60kW), 100hp (75kW), 122hp (90kW) and 160hp (118kW), respectively. The most potent unit utilizes VW’s TSI design with both a turbo and supercharger present. Fuel economy for the base engine is rated at 36.75mpg (6.4L/100km), while the more powerful 1.4L TSI unit with 160hp is rated at a more economical 37.33mpg (6.3L/100km). Diesel fans will be treated with several engine options, including two 2.0L units at launch developing 110hp (81kW) and 140hp (103kW) respectively. Fuel economy for the 110hp entry-level diesel is rated at 52mpg (4.5L/100km), while the more powerful 140hp unit is rated at 48mpg (4.9L/100km). In front, the new Golf Estate can be recognized by its unique bumper, radiator grille and engine hood styling, plus its modified fenders and headlights. The rear, on the other hand, has a new hatch as well as unique tail-lamps and exhaust assembly. First sales will kick off in Europe at the end of this week with pricing starting at €18,500. This base price sees the new model come relatively well equipped, with electronic stability control, six airbags, daytime running lights, roof rails, power windows all around, gearshift indicator, power and heated outside mirrors, and climate control air-conditioning all fitted as standard. Split fold seating means the Estate can accommodate up to 1,495L of storage. No word yet on any U.S. launch.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2010 Volkswagen Golf Estate Read More

  • Volkswagen will preview electric future with new Frankfurt Motor Show concept

    Volkswagen will preview electric future with new Frankfurt Motor Show concept May 20th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 20th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Volkswagen will preview electric future with new Frankfurt Motor Show concept Following in the footsteps of last year’s Golf TwinDrive and Space up! Blue concept vehicles, Volkswagen will reinforce its electric car image with the unveiling of a brand new concept car at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The latest concept is described as a rival to General Motors’ Volt plug-in hybrid, though VW in the past has revealed that it doesn’t expect to have mass produced electric cars on sale until the middle of the next decade.

    The information was confirmed by VW’s communications chief Peter Thul, who revealed to AutoExpress that the carmaker will have a “host of concept cars”... Following in the footsteps of last year’s Golf TwinDrive and Space up! Blue concept vehicles, Volkswagen will reinforce its electric car image with the unveiling of a brand new concept car at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The latest concept is described as a rival to General Motors’ Volt plug-in hybrid, though VW in the past has revealed that it doesn’t expect to have mass produced electric cars on sale until the middle of the next decade. The information was confirmed by VW’s communications chief Peter Thul, who revealed to AutoExpress that the carmaker will have a “host of concept cars” on show in Frankfurt. Thul wasn’t willing to reveal any details but explained that it won’t be based on a sports car platform as speculated by some recent reports. “We will not launch a niche market car just to show our electric technology,” he continued. “We would only launch a car that people could actually buy at a reasonable price. It would need to have a range of 200km, be safe, reliable and able to be used every day,” he explained. VW recently partnered with Sanyo to help develop new lithium-ion battery technologies and in the past 12 months has unveiled several electric and hybrid concepts. However, as previously mentioned, VW does not intend to mass market such vehicles until around 2015. In the meantime, the company will continue to focus on improving the efficiency of its petrol and diesel engines. There will be some mild hybrid models in the interim, however, as VW sees these as a stepping stone to an all-electric future for the auto industry.space up! blueVolkswagen Golf Mark VI TwinDrive Read More

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