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  • Volkswagen Releases Official Sketch Of New Midsize Sedan

    Volkswagen Releases Official Sketch Of New Midsize Sedan October 28th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 28th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 11 Comments

    Volkswagen Releases Official Sketch Of New Midsize Sedan

    Earlier this month while at the official drive event for the new Golf, High Gear Media managed to get an exclusive take on VW's plans for the still unnamed New Midsize Sedan (NMS), and how it will effectively replace the Passat for North America. Today, VW released a second sketch of the NMS that shows the first sketch's design theme carried forward, but reveals little of what we can expect of the production sedan outside of general themes.

    The new sketch shows a fairly short hood, a more sedan-like profile than the previous sketch, and the same basic corporate front end that's become familiar with the new Mark VI Golf. The roofline is...

    Earlier this month while at the official drive event for the new Golf, High Gear Media managed to get an exclusive take on VW's plans for the still unnamed New Midsize Sedan (NMS), and how it will effectively replace the Passat for North America. Today, VW released a second sketch of the NMS that shows the first sketch's design theme carried forward, but reveals little of what we can expect of the production sedan outside of general themes. The new sketch shows a fairly short hood, a more sedan-like profile than the previous sketch, and the same basic corporate front end that's become familiar with the new Mark VI Golf. The roofline is somewhat reminiscent of the Passat, but not enough to be confused for one. Which is a good thing, considering the Passat is going away with the arrival of the NMS. The problem, says VW's U.S. president Stephan Jacoby, is that the Passat simply isn't suited to the distances Americans drive or the size of vehicle we prefer. That's why the NMS, a four-door built at the Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, will offer a wider cabin and more rear seat legroom. It is also expected to start around $20,000. The car has been previewed in sketches before (pictured), but a trio of new sketches were previewed in Germany today, revealing that the car will resemble the VW Quantum, meaning a lower rear roofline, tightly integrated front end and angular headlamps like those seen on the Mark VI Golf. The Phaeton large sedan will also return to the U.S. soon, as we confirmed in Germany earlier this month. The Phaeton has been under consideration for a U.S. return for some time, with Jacoby thinking the market is once again primed, provided the maker learns from its past mistakes. Read our previous story for more on the return of the Phaeton and what VW plans to do differently this time. Read More

  • Across The Pond: 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Promises 54 MPG

    Across The Pond: 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Promises 54 MPG September 3rd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 3rd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 8 Comments

    Across The Pond: 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Promises 54 MPG

    Volkswagen is set to expand its BlueMotion range of fuel misers with the launch of several new models based on the latest Passat sedan and Golf and Polo hatchbacks. The new cars will appear in production trim at this month’s Frankfurt auto show and sadly, the chances of any of these ultra-frugal hitting U.S. showrooms are next to nil.

    The highlight of the stand will be the Passat BlueMotion, which for 2010 adopts a 1.6-liter common rail diesel engine developing 104 horsepower. The new engine, replacing the existing 2.0-litre TDI unit currently fitted to the Passat BlueMotion, allows the new car to return 54 mpg on the combined...

    Volkswagen is set to expand its BlueMotion range of fuel misers with the launch of several new models based on the latest Passat sedan and Golf and Polo hatchbacks. The new cars will appear in production trim at this month’s Frankfurt auto show and sadly, the chances of any of these ultra-frugal hitting U.S. showrooms are next to nil. The highlight of the stand will be the Passat BlueMotion, which for 2010 adopts a 1.6-liter common rail diesel engine developing 104 horsepower. The new engine, replacing the existing 2.0-litre TDI unit currently fitted to the Passat BlueMotion, allows the new car to return 54 mpg on the combined cycle--up from the 48 mpg achieved by the outgoing car. This means that the total range for the 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion is 840 miles from the one tank. The engine, however, is only part of the story. The car’s fuel economy also benefits from the results of aerodynamic changes with a new front bumper, sill extensions, a lower ride height and relocated air ducts behind the grille elements. The result is less aerodynamic drag leading to less loading on the engine and greater economy. The most efficient model remains the Polo BlueMotion, which gets by with a fuel economy rating of 71 mpg, while the Golf BlueMotion rates in at 62 mpg. All three models are due to go on sale in Europe early next year with prices and specifications due to be announced nearer the time. Read More

  • J.D. Power APEAL: Porsche tops rankings for 5th year straight

    J.D. Power APEAL: Porsche tops rankings for 5th year straight July 16th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 16th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 1 Comment

    J.D. Power APEAL: Porsche tops rankings for 5th year straight Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout - APEAL - is how J.D. Power measures the 'gratification' a car owner experiences with each new model on the market. For the fifth year running Porsche took top honors, but several trends in the market show a wide range of improvements.

    First up: American carmakers have closed the gap on their import counterparts. In 2007, domestics fell 27 points short of imports, while in 2008 that shrunk to 15 points. This year there's just 5 points between domestics and imports, reflecting the huge improvement in design and build quality of American vehicles.

    “Consumers have a great array of appealing... Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout - APEAL - is how J.D. Power measures the 'gratification' a car owner experiences with each new model on the market. For the fifth year running Porsche took top honors, but several trends in the market show a wide range of improvements. First up: American carmakers have closed the gap on their import counterparts. In 2007, domestics fell 27 points short of imports, while in 2008 that shrunk to 15 points. This year there's just 5 points between domestics and imports, reflecting the huge improvement in design and build quality of American vehicles. “Consumers have a great array of appealing vehicles to choose from by both domestic and import brands,” said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. Underscoring the improvement of the American brands is the overall industry improvement. The average score across all models in 2009 is up 9 points from 2008 to 779. A large part of that increase is attributed to a boost in owner satisfaction with fuel economy, according to Sargent. “Although lower fuel prices and the switch to smaller vehicles have undoubtedly helped, there are also many individual vehicles that have made strong improvements in fuel economy ratings,” said Sargent. “For example, the Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade, Volkswagen Jetta and redesigned Dodge Ram have all made major strides in owner satisfaction with fuel economy through the introduction of more efficient powertrains.” The Germans also did well - as usual - in the APEAL rankings for 2009. Beyond Porsche's first-place finish, Volkswagen took home four category awards for the CC, GTI, Passat and Tiguan. Mercedes-Benz nabbed two of its own for the S-Class and SLK-Class. The APEAL results are built on owner evaluations of more than 90 vehicle attributes, with responses gathered between February and May 2009 from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership. Read More

  • Volkswagen Passat CC picks up Red Dot Design award

    Volkswagen Passat CC picks up Red Dot Design award July 1st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 1st, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    Volkswagen Passat CC picks up Red Dot Design award The 2009 red dot design award winners were announced back in March, but last night the 'Best of the Best' award was handed out at a presentation in Essen, Germany, to Volkswagen for the Passat CC four-door coupe.

    Essen's Aalto Theater hosted the ceremony, where VW designer Martin Kropp accepted the award on behalf of Exterior Design Studio 1. The Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, one of Europe's oldest and most highly reputed design centers, has awarded its red dot 'Best of the Best' award since 2000.

    The red dot award is just the latest award the CC has collected for its exterior design. Other awards already nabbed include the IF... The 2009 red dot design award winners were announced back in March, but last night the 'Best of the Best' award was handed out at a presentation in Essen, Germany, to Volkswagen for the Passat CC four-door coupe. Essen's Aalto Theater hosted the ceremony, where VW designer Martin Kropp accepted the award on behalf of Exterior Design Studio 1. The Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, one of Europe's oldest and most highly reputed design centers, has awarded its red dot 'Best of the Best' award since 2000. The red dot award is just the latest award the CC has collected for its exterior design. Other awards already nabbed include the IF Product Design Award 2009 and the Australian International Design Award. The process behind choosing the winners for the red dot awards is exhaustive, with design experts from all over the world collaborating to evaluate each entry in the competition's numerous categories. The design experts are changed each year to keep the selection process as impartial as possible and ensure that the awards remain an effective indicator of good design.2009 Volkswagen CC Read More

  • Spy shots: Next-gen VW Passat test-mule hits the ‘Ring

    Spy shots: Next-gen VW Passat test-mule hits the ‘Ring May 29th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 29th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 5 Comments

    Spy shots: Next-gen VW Passat test-mule hits the ‘Ring Volkswagen's next-generation 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.

    These are the first spy shots of a test-mule for the new car, revealing a longer and wider platform. Clear giveaways on this test-mule, hidden beneath the sheet metal of the current model, are the extended wheel arches and a stretched B-pillar. Though the new car will be larger than the outgoing one, the use of lightweight materials in its construction should ensure a lighter kerb weight and improved... Volkswagen's next-generation 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. These are the first spy shots of a test-mule for the new car, revealing a longer and wider platform. Clear giveaways on this test-mule, hidden beneath the sheet metal of the current model, are the extended wheel arches and a stretched B-pillar. Though the new car will be larger than the outgoing one, the use of lightweight materials in its construction should ensure a lighter kerb weight and improved mileage. 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 luxury marques 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.Next generation VW Passat2012 Volkswagen Passat spy shots Read More

  • VW to price upcoming U.S.-market mid-size sedan "around $20,000"

    VW to price upcoming U.S.-market mid-size sedan "around $20,000" April 27th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 27th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 17 Comments

    VW to price upcoming U.S.-market mid-size sedan The Passat has been a relative success for Volkswagen in the U.S., but the company is already hard at work on a New Midsize (or mid-market) Sedan, not-so-cleverly codenamed NMS, to replace it. The final design has already been approved - prototypes were shown to dealers in Wolfsburg this week - and the new U.S.-targeted midize sedan will be bigger than the Passat but priced to start "around $20,000."

    The news comes from Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America in an interview with Automotive News. The car is designed with the American audience specifically in mind. "It will be bigger and sleeker, and it has items necessary for... The Passat has been a relative success for Volkswagen in the U.S., but the company is already hard at work on a New Midsize (or mid-market) Sedan, not-so-cleverly codenamed NMS, to replace it. The final design has already been approved - prototypes were shown to dealers in Wolfsburg this week - and the new U.S.-targeted midize sedan will be bigger than the Passat but priced to start "around $20,000." The news comes from Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America in an interview with Automotive News. The car is designed with the American audience specifically in mind. "It will be bigger and sleeker, and it has items necessary for Americans - space, seat comfort, cupholders, Bluetooth and other electronics. Very importantly, it remains a VW. It has been totally designed and engineered for the needs of American consumers," said Jacoby. Expected for a 2010 arrival, the car was previewed in February with an official sketch of the car's basic lines. With a front end that's decided Scirocco-esque and a more angular and squared-off rear notch and shoulder line than found in the company's current vehicles, the NMS will certainly stand apart as something different. It may even preview the design direction of VW's future vehicles in America. The car will be built at the company's plant in Chattanooga, TN. According to a VW presentation in Berlin late last year, VW's NMS has high design goals, including a wide range of standard safety and multimedia equipment, sporty performance, and fundamentally useful equipment like ample cupholders and roomy seating. In short, the car will be designed specifically for the tastes of North Americans. Powertrains will include FSI gasoline units and later possibly TDI diesel engines, mated to a dual-clutch gearbox in at least some trim levels. VW expects about 30% of the cars sold to be diesel-powered, a ratio very similar to the Jetta TDI launched earlier this year and for the upcoming re-badged U.S.-market Golf. Efficiency will also be part of the focus for the NMS, as it would be reckless to disregard such an important market factor, but it is not the headline of the NMS thus far. "It's not our philosophy to design a car for a market. This is wrong. A good tailor is a good tailor all over the world, so a good car is a good car," said VW Group head of design Walter de' Silva, reports Automotive News. "But the customization, the color, the tuning, the specialties, the accessories, the wheels — it's very, very important." In 2008, during discussions about VW's new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, some general details about the upcoming Passat replacement were disclosed, indicating that the NMS would be both larger and less expensive than the current car, the better to compete with its primary rivals, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, though the NMS will be built on an existing platform - possibly that of the new CC. Last January the Passat CC, which later came to market as simply the CC, was revealed to the world, and has since been targeted as a particularly North American take on the midsize sedan, with VW expecting 60% of global CC sales to occur in the U.S. alone.Volkswagen Passat CC Read More

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