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(from H&R Springs Press Release) H&R Springs 2012 Passat Project

The all new 2012 Volkswagen Passat is the new benchmark for the midsize sedan segment. Designed in Germany and built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Passat is the only German engineered midsize sedan in the segment. With its clean exterior design, premium standard features and a $19,995 base price, the 2012 Passat is a sophisticated choice at an accessible price.

Featuring Volkswagen’s proven 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Passat is a perfect candidate for the H&R SEMA concept.

It’s a concept that’s all too familiar to the crew at H&R Special Springs of Bellingham, Washington. With corporate headquarters located in Lennestadt Germany, the company knows European performance sedans.

H&R added its famous Street Performance Coil Over suspension for a lower ride height, then bolted on H&R Sway Bars–28 mm front, 24 mm rear for flatter cornering and better steering response. These sway bars are crafted from a special cold formed and heat-treated 50CrV4 steel alloy, and feature forged, seamless bar ends. Each bar is paired with industry-exclusive sway bar bushings made from a unique urethane/Teflon composite that prevents squeaks, yet requires no grease or other maintenance.

Of course, image is as important as performance, so the Passat was fitted with H&R TRAK+ wheel spacers for wider stance, OZ Ultraleggera HLT 20 x 8 -inch wheels and Michelin 245/35ZR20 Pilot Super Sport tires. Added to the exterior was a Volkswagen Accessory body kit and rear spoiler. Sticky Jewel Graphics add a custom touch without breaking the bank. Inside, a set of Volkswagen accessory floor mats compliment the Passat’s high quality interior.

The H&R VW Passat clearly demonstrates that budget and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive–and that a midsize sedan can indeed be striking.

Specifications.

Base Vehicle:
2012 Volkswagen Passat 2.5 liter
6-speed transmission

Powertrain:
Motul Lubricants

Chassis:
H&R Street Performance Coil Over
H&R Sport Sway Bar — Front 28mm
H&R Sport Sway Bar — Rear 24mm
H&R TRAK+® Wheel Spacers

Wheels & Tires:
Supplied by The Tire Rack
Ultraleggera HLT 20×8” wheels in Silver Finish
Michelin 245/35ZR20 Pilot Super Sport tires

Exterior:
Volkswagen Accessory Body Kit
Volkswagen Accessory Rear Spoiler
Sticky Jewel Graphics

Interior:
Volkswagen Accessory Floor Mats

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(from JE Design Press Release) Widebody kit available for the new VW Touareg: JE DESIGN Widebody now available for the R-Line

• Aggressive tuning package for all Touareg models
• Guaranteed performance boost to 410 hp
• Alloy wheels “SUV-Select” available in 22-inch
• Exquisite Alcantara interior
• All components provided with TÜV certificate

The new Touareg measures four centimetres longer than its predecessor. However, only JE DESIGN makes the big VW wider. A combination of alloy wheels and a lowered stance bestows the new JE DESIGN Widebody kit conversion of Wolfsburg’s new SUV with a more striking appearance and a “king-of-the-road” like presence. The performance enhancement lives up to the visual appearance one expects from the widebody in an impressive way, and the superb interior is nothing but luxurious.

The JE DESIGN Widebody kit is now also available for the new Touareg R-Line. Coming off the assembly line of VW, the SUV already has a sporty design; but now it is fitted with a new sports grille, front spoiler, front and rear wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, and a tailgate panel that make it look much more aggressive. All of this is available for 4641 Euro (manufacturer suggested retail price) including applicable taxes. All components are precisely fitted and manufactured in polyurethane (PU) or a fibre-reinforced composite and are supplied ready-primed. This customisation comes to a perfect full circle by adding the dual exhaust system with oval stainless steel tailpipes on either side (120 x 85 mm) at a price of 595 Euro.

With this, the tuning specialist proves again how fast and efficient the JE DESIGN engineers work; because the body kit for the R-Line model completes the offer: JE DESIGN has now an exhaustive tuning program for all models of the VW Touareg II.

However, JE Design has not stopped at the visual transformation of the Touareg. Thanks to its optimised engine management system, the performance of the 4.2 l TDI engine has been increased from 340 hp (250 kW) to 410 hp (302 kW) and the maximum torque leaps from 800 to 930 Newton metres. With that, the 0 -100 kph acceleration of the vehicle that weighs in at over two tonnes, only takes 5.4 seconds instead of 5.8 seconds, and the top speed rises from 242 to 269 kph. The price of 2999 Euro already includes a one year warranty for the engine, turbo charger, transmission, and power train, and can be extended to two years for an additional 199 Euro. The 3.0 l TDI as well is put through a hefty power enhancement program, increasing its output from 240 hp (177 kW) to 285 hp (210 kW).
To help ensure the new-found power is utilised to its fullest extent, the electronic suspension module lowers the vehicle and brings it 35 millimetres closer to the tarmac – all for a price of 1428 Euro.

This makes the new alloy wheels look even more impressive. JE DESIGN equips the Wolfsburg vehicle with its SUV-Select design, 10×22 inch aluminium wheels and adding ultra high-performance tyres of the size 295/30. In addition, a wheel spacer kit (30 millimetres in front, 40 millimetres in the rear), available at 409 Euro, ensures that the wheels fill the extended arches to achieve an optimum effect. In order to individualize the wheels, they are available in three different surface finishes: shadow silver with a polished front, matt black with a matt silver front, and matt graphite silver with polished edges. Custom-painted wheels are also available so that every Touareg owner can customize his vehicle to his own taste. JE DESIGN offers the complete wheel/tyre package for 5190 Euro. Rims are available from 690 Euro each.

The aggressive appearance of the customised JE DESIGN Touareg stands in contrast to its luxurious interior. Here, the tuning specialist finished the entire dashboard, door panels, and the extensive roof liner with the finest Alcantara money can buy.

Of course, JE DESIGN provides the respective TÜV Certificate for each customised component. Additionally, despite the performance increase, the Touareg is still in compliance with emission regulations.

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• Even more driving fun: Power increased to 235 PS
• Advance sales begin: Special model starts at 30,425 euros

Wolfsburg, 10 May 2011 – The 35th anniversary of the Golf GTI was an impetus for Volkswagen to create a very special type of anniversary model. In Germany, from May 12th orders are taken for the anniversary model offered under the “Edition 35” label.

Since the debut of the first Golf GTI in 1976, this sporty Volkswagen has enjoyed an uninterrupted history of success spanning 35 years. The GTI has long become a car with cult appeal as well as an independent brand. Milestone GTI anniversaries have always been celebrated with exclusive special models. Volkswagen now continues in this tradition with the Golf GTI Edition 35: its coherent design approach combines classic GTI elements with features specially created for the Edition 35. Not only does the front bumper glisten in a new design; the car’s exterior and interior showcase the special model’s exclusivity as well. The “35″ signature appears on the wing panels, door sill plates, head restraints and centre seat panel. The highly equipped concept, with its love for details, is also crowned by a high-end metal key ring in action styling. Along with customised features, the special model also promises more driving fun with power increased from 210 to 235 PS compared to the production model.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 celebrates its world debut at the legendary GTI Meet at Wörthersee to be held from June 1st to 4th. Volkswagen will also be showing other well-known GTI anniversary models at this event, such as the Edition 20 and Edition 30. The anniversary model is available at a base price of 30,425 euros; it is a car that will appeal to both established GTI customers and interested prospective buyers. Its market launch in Germany begins in mid-June.

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12►

The debut of the new 2012 Volkswagen Bettle was held in Shanghai, Berlin, and New York. As an icon and one of the most recognizable cars to date, we expect Volkswagen to continue this trend into 2012 with their newly designed VW Bug. Check below for pictures and Volkswagen’s press release for more details.

(from Volkswagen Press Release) Initial Facts: The Beetle

An icon debuts in Shanghai, Berlin and New York
World debut of the Beetle for a new era. The Beetle!

Volkswagen presents new generation Beetle on three continents simultaneously

Wolfsburg / Shanghai / Berlin / New York, 18 April 2011 – A look back to the start: at the beginning Volkswagen built one of the most successful cars of all time and did not even give it a name. Why should it? After all, it was the Volkswagen! People loved it, and on all of the world’s continents the small car was nicknamed according to precisely what it looked like: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or 甲壳虫! It embodied the automotive concept itself and symbolised the democratisation of mobility. 21.5 million cars were sold. Then the New Beetle arrived in 1998. It introduced a new automotive feeling to the world and brought with it Beetle Mania. In 2010, the Final Edition completed the New Beetle series that had sold more than one million cars. And now? A look forward. The future of the most famous car in the world begins now. In a completely new generation. It’s The Beetle! And because Volkswagen and the Beetle call the globe their home, the new car is celebrating a transcontinental world debut – simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York .

Technological goal: high-tech in harmony with the environment

Beetle is an icon. This car tells a story. Only someone who knows its history could make a new generation of this Volkswagen a reality. The task ahead for the engineers was very clear. They had to develop a high-tech car that was still affordable, did not leave any stone unturned, integrated the communication technologies of our times and of course achieved the lowest environmental impact. It also had to be a car that places driving fun at the forefront. The new generation Beetle would have to be a very agile, dynamic performer, and the people who developed the Golf GTI would also be able to achieve this.

No previous Beetle was this fuel efficient. High performance no longer suffices by itself: At 4.3* l/100 km (European 1.6 TDI) and 33* mpg (American 2.0 TDI), the new Beetle is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.

Design target: “Design a new original!”

The most recognizable automotive design in the world. Coke bottle, iPhone, Ray Ban Aviator, Beetle – how does one reinvent a design that is so recognizable and independent? There is a clear answer to this: It is necessary to understand the product and the brand; then it works! Volkswagen Design Chief Walter de Silva (Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand) “understand” both and therefore they set this as the objective for the Beetle: “Design a new original!”

Challenge as a thrill. The team began its task under Bischoff’s guidance. The challenge of designing a new Beetle was inspiring. The designers knew that they wanted to develop the original Beetle profile more than on the 1998 New Beetle. They also made very dynamic proportions a high priority. An interesting aspect was that more than a few team members actually own their own air-cooled Beetles. It has also become a cult car among younger designers at Volkswagen. And that is how the final design of the 2011 Beetle came to be in Wolfsburg – a car of today as well as a design tribute to the automotive seed of an entire corporate group. And unmistakable indeed: If one were to take the first Beetle and the new Beetle and place them in a room together – shining light just over the roofs and viewing them from the side – one would see that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical.

No standing still: “We remade every part.”

Bolder, more dynamic, more masculine. A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows this: nothing remained as it was on the old car: “The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism,” explains Klaus Bischoff. While the New Beetle was defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it), the new model has broken free of this geometry. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a continuation of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 – a type of hot rod based on the New Beetle. The new Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, more masculine.

The figures confirm this: The new car is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). This has resulted in entirely new proportions. The gain in length meant that the roof could be extended further, the front windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. In parallel, the development team increased the car’s track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.

Typical Volkswagen, typical Beetle: a new DNA

2011 styling. Despite all of its individuality, the styling follows the Volkswagen design DNA created by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff. It clearly expresses itself in the horizontal image of the front bumper, front air inlet, straight lines of the bonnet edges, the precisely drawn line between the A-pillar and C-pillar and the styling of the rear lights.

Beetle, Microbus, original Golf. And yet it was possible to preserve all of the Beetle’s typical styling characteristics. This should come as no surprise; after all, it was vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and original Golf that had a decisive influence on Volkswagen’s “design DNA.” Of course, some of the Beetle’s longstanding characteristics remain: these include its round headlights (optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available for the first time in this model series), the flared wings, the shapes of the bonnets, sides and door sills and – more than ever – the large wheels (up to 19 inch) that can be integrated. A new feature is the rear spoiler that is homogeneously integrated in the design (standard for TSI engines with 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS); it aggressively maintains contact with the road on this Volkswagen, which has a top speed of up to 225* km/h, depending on the engine, and is available in the three equipment lines “Beetle”, “Design” and “Sport”. Incidentally, the top surface of the rear spoiler is always black, while its underside is painted in body color. These colors – 12 different hues – will make everyday car driving more vibrant with names such as “Saturnyellow” and “Denim Blue”.

An original interior like no other

The cockpit makes a visual impression. Is it possible for a cockpit to make an impression? Are you kidding? By its very nature! Car drivers sit in the cockpit. Sometimes for hours at a time. And yet, there are cars whose cockpits do not leave any lasting impression. They have a “look alike” appearance, as the marketing people say – one easily mistaken for another, lacking charisma. The Beetle’s cockpit, on the other hand, is unique, unmistakable, cool, classic and designed with a passion for detail. This cockpit is perceived as something special.

Everything within reach and sight. The shape and use of color in the painted or carbon-look front fascia panel of the dashboard hark back to the design of the first Beetle, yet the new car does not have a retro look. In Europe, for example, this facia is styled in “Schwarz uni” (Black) on the base model (“Beetle”); in the “Design” equipment line, it is always painted in the specific exterior color. Customers choosing the “Sport” level get the carbon look (“Carbon Fiber”). Regardless of which colors are used, Volkswagen drivers will be able to locate every interior feature with their eyes closed.

And yet everything has been redesigned. Three round instruments arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provide all key information; integrated in the speedometer (middle position) is a multifunction display. From the “Design” equipment level, the adjustable air vents and the instruments have chrome bezels. This also applies to the audio/navigation systems optimally located in the driver’s visual field on the dashboard, framed by two air vents. This also includes the controls for the climate control system. Everything is within grasp and sight.

Comeback of the glovebox. Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated in the front facia whose lid folds upward (the standard glovebox that is also integrated opens downward). Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge. Also new: the steering wheels specially designed for the Beetle with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. Details like these clearly indicate that the occupants are in a Beetle – there’s no mistaking it.

Air-cooled Beetle. New Beetle. The Beetle. A distinguishing feature of The Beetle – the third generation if you will – is that its interior ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle felt as if they were chauffeured because the bonnet was so far forward, the latest Beetle now offers an agile, driver-oriented coupé experience. Every feature is within easy reach. In addition, Volkswagen has once again succeeded in implementing a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car’s styling, ergonomics, operability and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature.

The New Beetle was a cathedral inside. In front, the Beetle is now somewhat lower in profile, since the domed roof of its predecessor has been eliminated. It now offers 1,044 mm interior height instead of the previous 1,082 mm. However, the 38 mm will hardly be missed, even by very tall drivers, since the New Beetle’s interior was a “cathedral” among compact cars. Meanwhile, in the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in a distinctly larger feeling of space. The bootspace is significantly larger; it now holds 310 instead of 209 litres. As usual, the car has a split, folding rear seatback, and a wide opening bootlid making it is easy to load and unload.

More optional features: individualising the Beetle

“Beetle”, “Design” and “Sport”. The new Volkswagen will be available worldwide in the three equipment lines “Beetle”, “Design” and “Sport”. Each of these versions has a very unique character. In addition, individual markets themselves will emphasise certain aspects. Volkswagen will announce individual parameters of these customisation levels at an international driving presentation for journalists. In addition to the three equipment lines, the Beetle can be customised with a wide choice of optional features. An overview of certain key features:

Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Volkswagen is offering the Beetle with bi-xenon headlights for the first time. 15 LEDs frame the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights; they implement the daytime running lights and parking lights.

Panoramic roof. It is transparent, and it can be tilted or opened. Therefore, the exact name is: panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof. Much more important: It is 80 percent larger (glass surface area) than on the previous model. Incidentally, the insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.

Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. The New Beetle was exclusively available with radio-CD systems specially designed for this model. No navigation systems were offered. Now, Volkswagen is taking a completely different approach and is offering all of the systems available in other model series such as the Golf, Jetta or Passat on new Beetle as well. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 with 8 loudspeakers, which is a very good audio system (includes dual tuner). The top audio system is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. An attractively priced entry-level radio-navigation system is the RNS 315 with 5-inch touchscreen (400 x 240 pixel), CD player, SD card slot and dual tuner. The top radio-navigation system model is the RNS 510. It offers refinements such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DVD player, voice control, SD card slot and 30 Gigabyte hard drive.

Premium sound system by Fender. Anyone knowledgeable about the world of rock music is familiar with such greats as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The first played Fender guitars, while the latter still does. Now, the legendary producer of US musical instruments and amplifiers – in a joint venture with Panasonic – is exclusively sharing its know-how with the Volkswagen brand. The result is an optional Fender sound system that is being offered in the Beetle with an additional woofer and 400 Watts of output power. Those choosing this sound system also get adjustable interior ambiance lighting. Besides providing indirect illumination, it also includes two light rings around the loudspeaker boxes in the doors. In Europe, the Beetle is the first car to offer a Fender sound system.

Keyless Access. The Keyless Access locking and engine starting system is appearing for the first time in the Beetle; it operates without a door or ignition key. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects access authorisation from a transmitter carried in the person’s jacket, trousers or hand bag; it then unlocks the Beetle and enables an engine start via the engine start button. Locking of the Volkswagen is from the outside, also activated by touching one of the two door handles; in this case, however, a specially marked surface is used.

All round safety. Let’s get to the point. In The Beetle, Volkswagen is building an automobile that is one of the safest in terms of both active and passive safety. Naturally, the ESP electronic stabilisation programme is standard, as is an effective network of six airbags that protects in the passenger compartment. Naturally, the car body – much of it laser-welded and galvanised – exhibits one of the best torsional rigidity values in the segment at 26,000 Nm/º. Naturally, because safety is a fundamental quality in a Volkswagen.

Engines: top fuel economy of 40* mpg and 4.3* l/100km

US diesel with 140 PS. When it comes to engines, all signs point toward sustainability. In the USA, the Beetle will be offered as a turbodiesel for the first time. The Beetle 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 PS) meets all USA emission limits and attains 40* mpg fuel economy in the Highway cycle, 29* mpg in City driving, and 33* mpg combined. As a result, the Beetle is a good choice as one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. Incidentally, the Volkswagen not only has excellent fuel economy values in the version with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but also – and this is a technical debut in the Beetle as well – with the optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

US petrol engines with 170 PS and 200 PS. Fuel economy values were also improved in the 2.5-litre five cylinder petrol engine, which was already a success in the previous model. The manually shifted Beetle attains 22* mpg (City), 31* mpg (Highway) and 25* mpg (combined). Its counterpart with a 6-speed automatic comes in at 22* mpg (City), 29* mpg (Highway) and 25* mpg (combined) – this represents an increase of up to 10* percent in fuel economy. Pioneering: even the Beetle 2.0 TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS of power attains a combined fuel economy of 25* mpg. The large TSI is also available with an optional 6-speed DSG.

World engines with 105 PS, 140 PS, 160 PS and 200 PS. In markets such as Asia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand, the new Beetle will be offered exclusively with charged engines. All engine versions – all of them with four cylinders – are being used for the first time in this model series. The car exhibits significantly reduced fuel consumption and emission values compared to the previous model thanks to the switch to turbo-petrol (TSI) and common rail turbodiesel direct injection engines (TDI). The three charged petrol engines of the Beetle output 77 kW / 105 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. The two diesel engines develop 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI engines are not offered in China). All five engines may be combined with a dual clutch transmission as an option.

Engines with 160 PS and 200 PS in detail. Even the fast moving 225* km/h Beetle 2.0 TSI with 200 PS of power consumes just 7.4* l/100 km (equivalent to 173* g/km CO2) with a manual transmission. Also extremely economical is the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS shifted by a 7-speed DSG; in the Beetle it consumes just 5.9* l/100 km (139* g/km CO2). Fuel economy data like this makes the Beetle 1.4 TSI DSG (top speed: 207* km/h) a pleasant surprise in the engine programme. By comparison, the previous model with 110 kW / 150 PS attained a value of 8.9 l/100 km in the automatic version. Despite 10 PS more power, fuel consumption was reduced by 3.0* l/100 km or 34* percent.

Differential lock for top petrol engine. To ensure that the power of the two strongest Beetle versions is applied properly to the road in quickly approached curves as well, the models with 160 PS (European version) and 200 PS (worldwide) come with a factory-installed XDS electronic differential lock. This system extends the familiar EDS functionality. XDS improves handling in fast curve driving and calibrates the car toward more “neutral” steering; it does this by using active brake intervention to prevent wheelspin of the unloaded wheel on the inside of the curve, and this improves traction.

Engines with 105 PS and 140 PS in detail. The most fuel-efficient petrol engined model is the Beetle 1.2 TSI with BlueMotion Technology (including Stop/Start system and battery regeneration) and 105 PS with a top speed of 180* km/h. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.5* l/100 km (129* g/km CO2). The comparable previous model (75 kW / 102 PS) consumed 7.5 l/100 km. Savings: 2.0* l/100 km or 27* percent. An extremely sustainable performer is the Beetle 1.6 TDI with 105 PS. At 4.3* l/100 km (equivalent to 112* g/km CO2), this diesel version is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever built with BlueMotion Technology. Its fuel consumption is 20* percent lower than even the existing TDI engines which have always been very fuel efficient. Incidentally, on the Autobahn, the new Beetle 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology can reach a top speed of 180 km/h – in this case, fuel economy is not gained at the cost of performance. This is especially true of the even higher performance TDI with 2.0 litre displacement and 103 kW / 140 PS. This torque-strong turbodiesel (320 Nm from 1,750 rpm) takes the Beetle to a top speed of 198* km/h and combined fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (equivalent to 129* g/km CO2). This means that the Beetle for a new era will once again show how it can “go, and go and go …”

Key facts summary

Name: The Beetle

World debut: 18 April 2011

Market launch, North America: September / October 2011

Market launch, Europe: October / November 2011

Market launch, Asia: February 2012

Market launch, South America: late 2012 / early 2013

Character: iconic automobile

Equipment lines: “Beetle”, “Design”, “Sport”

Engine power range: 77 kW / 105 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS

Lowest fuel consumption (combined), Europe: 4.3* l/100 km (1.6 TDI)

Fuel economy (combined) USA: 33 mpg* (2.0 TDI)

Engine specifications: all petrol engines are charged TSI engines (except 2.5-litre engine for USA); all diesels are new common rail TDI engines; all engines meet Euro-5 emissions standard; all US engines fulfil BIN5 / ULEV PZEV

Debut of original Beetle: 1938

Debut of New Beetle: 1998

Total units built to date: more than 22.5 million

Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader), Cris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. Colour and trim: Oona Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken

Exterior dimensions: 4,278 mm length, 1,808 mm
width, 1,486 mm height, 2,537 mm wheelbase

Cargo capacity: 310 litres

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(from Volkswagen Press Release) Key aspects: Volkswagen presents world exclusive Touareg in Qatar

Touareg Gold Edition: 24-carat gold makes this SUV one-of-a-kind

Wolfsburg / Doha, 26 January 2011 – At the first Qatar Motor Show (26 – 29 January), Volkswagen is presenting two exclusive SUV concept cars for the first time. The common denominator of these all-wheel drive vehicles: No compromises! Show car number 1 is a slightly tamer version of the Touareg 3 that started in the Dakar Rally at the beginning of January; this 228 kW / 310 PS Volkswagen could very well be the world’s most talented street-legal SUV. Show car number 2 is the Touareg Gold Edition – many of its parts have been upgraded with 24-carat gold; this 265 kW Volkswagen (360 PS) is debuting as one of the highest quality SUVs ever. The cost of these concept cars? Priceless. Yet…

Touareg Gold Edition

The Touareg Gold Edition would certainly be able to handle a journey around the world – but bear in mind, this car should only be parked where there is good surveillance. That is because – living up its name – certain areas of this SUV are upgraded with 24-carat gold. On the outside, they include the custom designed 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and parts of the air intake frame, “Touareg V8″ signature and boot sill trim. Like the Race Touareg 3 Qatar, this SUV is also painted in “Magic Morning” body colour.

Inside, 24-carat gold also adorns many of the car’s accents and switches, making the entire car unique. The interior design itself has a pleasant, bright appearance in the “Luna” trim colour. The Alcantara roofliner shows this colour as does the Nappa leather of the seats, which is decorated with ornamental stitch detailing.

On the other hand, the dashboard is trimmed in a natural brown leather; contrasting seams in “Magnolia” colour perfect the colour scheme. Natural brown with leather inserts in “Luna” adorn the floor mats. Automotive craftsmanship at its finest is reflected in the Walnut Burr accents with genuine gold marquetry – also crafted into an ornamental pattern. This is in keeping with the general image of the Touareg, which – in the “normal” production version – is one of the most sophisticated SUVs in the world.

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(from Volkswagen Press Release) 2012 VOLKSWAGEN EOS DEBUTS AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

Premium Four-Season Convertible is Significantly Enhanced Delivering
Optimum Style, Sophistication & Versatility

HERNDON, Va., November 16, 2010 – For the first time, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will unveil its all-new 2012 Eos hardtop convertible, at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with market introduction in early spring of 2011. Featuring an updated design with numerous new features, the 2012 Eos is the perfect complement of style and performance. A convertible that boasts the versatility of a sophisticated four-season vehicle the Eos is a fun-to-drive, fully featured, premium convertible. The German engineered Eos is the only hardtop convertible with a built-in sunroof.

Exterior

Clearly structured and horizontally contoured, the freshened appearance of the new Eos, available in new exterior color options, follows the code of the Volkswagen design DNA. Extending now between the new headlights is a grille consisting of three shiny black louvers, each trimmed with a narrow chrome strip. With sporty handling and independent suspension, from behind, the Eos stands out through its reworked, two-part LED rear lights with a fiber optic technology system and redesigned rear bumper with diffuser.
Interior

The refined interior, available in several color options, showcases new trim on the instrument panel and doors with standard “Matte Chrome” detailing, as well as chrome-framed window buttons and light switches. On higher trim lines, genuine walnut wood adds elegance to the instrument and door panels, and is accompanied by supple “Vienna” leather seating. All Eos are equipped with leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob.

Engine and Transmission

Providing a dynamic driving experience, the 2012 Eos features the powerful and efficient German engineering that drivers have come to expect from Volkswagen. The Eos utilizes the acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine. The direct injected power plant produces 200 horsepower and develops 207 lbs-ft. of torque while delivering a top highway fuel economy of 31 mpg highway.

For 2012, the Eos features the automatic Direct-Shift Gearbox® transmission as standard. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear needed while the clutch from the previous gear is released. The results are crisp, quick shifts without the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox.

High-Tech Features

In technical terms, numerous contemporary details set the 2012 Eos apart. With a robust five-part roof unit, the fully opening hardtop converts the Eos from coupe to convertible (and vice versa) in just 25 seconds with the touch of a button. Unlike any other convertible, the Eos features a fully-functional sunroof with shade, allowing an open-air experience when the convertible top is up. A wind deflector has been cleverly integrated into the roof bow above the sun visors that effectively reduces wind noise when the top is stowed. And as temperatures rise and fall, the Eos is ready to respond with its dual-mode automatic climate control system that adjusts temperature based on the position of the convertible top. All of these make Eos a great alternative for all-season fun.

Also new on the Eos is the Keyless Entry and Start System, which allows the owner to get in and start up their Eos without getting out their key. Music lovers will enjoy the addition of HD Radio reception alongside SIRIUS satellite radio programming and MP3/WMA music file playback through the color touch-screen radio.

Safety

The 2012 Eos includes several features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety, including roll bars that are integrated into the seats and sensor-deployed in the event of a roll-over. Standard fog lamps now feature integrated cornering lights to heighten safety on all models.

Roadside Assistance and Warranty

The 2012 Eos comes standard with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first), through a third party provider. The vehicle’s standard limited warranties are:

Five-year / 60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
Three-year / 36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty
12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation

The Eos is covered by the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program, all of the scheduled maintenance, as described in the maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty – three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the Eos uses synthetic oil, which when combined with the state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change. This allows Volkswagen owners to drive farther between scheduled oil changes.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at media.vw.com or www.volkwagengroupamerica.com to learn more.

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(from JE Design Press Release) Already refined: New JE DESIGN Touareg with 410 hp

•Sophisticated Widebody-Kit for a powerful presentation
•Performance increase to 410 hp with guarantee
•Aluminium wheels SUV-Select, 22 inches
•All components inclusive TÜV-assessment

The new Touareg grew four centimetres in length in comparison to its predecessor. But only JE DESIGN enhances the width of this large VW as well. The new JE DESIGN Widebody-Kit in combination with the aluminium wheels and lower suspension setting bestows the SUV from Wolfsburg with significantly higher road dominance and an increased overtake prestige. The increased performance honours the wide construction’s promise in an impressive manner.

The JE DESIGN Widebody-Kit provides a completely new style for the Touareg, with a new sports radiator grill, front spoiler, front and back wheel arch kit, rear apron insert, roof spoiler and rear hatch blend for 4998 Euro including VAT (non-committal price recommendation). All of the components are fitted precisely, manufactured from Polyurethane (PU) and will be delivered already primed. The new additional headlights also provide the large Volkswagen with an even more unique front view.

Not only the components’ perfect alignment, but also the ability to combine the components with all models of this series speaks for the engineering of the customizer from Leingarten, Germany. The widebody kit is developed to accommodate the Touareg standard version, but is also precisely fitted to accommodate designer packages „Chrome & Style“ as well as „Terrain-Style“. The pivot-trailer hitch can also be used as well as the different Volkswagen-muffler tips – regardless whether round or trapezium shaped – the JE DESIGN Widebody-Kit is designed to support it.

Alternatively, the JE DESIGN offers dual exhaust pipes for 595 Euro, which channels the exhaust fumes left and right through round bevelled stainless steel pipes in a diameter of 90 millimetres.

However, JE DESIGN is not limited to the visual transformation of the Touareg. Thanks to optimised engine management, the performance of the 4.2-liter TDI-engine has increased to 410 hp (302 kW) vs. the previous 340 hp (250 kW) and the maximum torque takes a leap from 800 to 930 Newton metres. Therefore the acceleration of this more than two ton vehicle from 0-100 kph only takes 5.4 instead of 5.8 seconds and the top speed now no longer ends at 242 but at 269 kph instead. The price of 2999 Euro already includes a one year warranty for the engine, the turbo charger, the transmission and the power train and can be extended to two years for an additional 199 Euro.

To ensure the newfound power is utilised to its full capacity on the road, the pneumatic electronic suspension lowering module will bring the vehicles 35 millimetres lower to the ground for a price of 1428 Euro.

As a result, the new aluminium wheels appear especially impressive. JE DESIGN equips the Wolfsburg-vehicle with the SUV-Select design, 10×12 inch aluminium wheels, back and front. For a total of 409 Euro the 30 millimetre wheel spacers on the front axel and 40 millimetres wheel spacers on the back axle additionally ensure that the wheel housing is optimally completed. For individual coordination, the wheels are available in four different finishes: shadow silver with a polished front surface, matte black with a matte silver front surface, graphite shiny silver with polished rim and matte graphite silver with polished rim. However, custom painted wheels are also available without problem so that each Touareg can become a customized vehicle. JE DESIGN offers the complete wheel package for 5190 Euro; single wheels are available for 690 Euro each.

The complete JE DESIGN upgrade, including assembly, paint and TÜV- registration is available for 19,750 Euro.

Of course, JE DESIGN will provide the respective TÜV-assessments for each component, so the specified assessments can be added to the vehicle registration without problem. Additionally, despite the performance increase, the Touareg is still in compliance with emission regulations and therefore eliminates problems during the emission control inspection.

Additional information regarding JE DESIGN’s extensive tuning program is available per telephone at +49(0)7131/203 84-0 and on the internet at www.je-design.de/en

Sporty entries into the hybrid class prove green doesn’t have to be lame – no offense to those of our readers driving a Prius or Insight.  (Remember, you too can have a stylish ride)  Honda and VW have everyone talking 0-60 times with their sporty hybrid entries, the CR-Z and NCC.

Volkswagen claims some pretty impressive performance specs for the NCC.  Even with an estimated 45 mpg combined fuel economy rating, VW predicts the NCC will reach 60 from zero in just over 8 seconds, with a top speed of 141 mph.  It’s got to be one of the coolest looking hybrid concepts to date too.

Honda’s CR-Z is expected to have some soul too, at least, compared to “other” hybrids.  Although it’s specs aren’t quite as impressive they are more likely the real deal.  The CR-Z is being shown in production form at Detroit, and is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. later this year. Honda says the CR-Z will make the trip from 0-60 in 8.5 seconds, and carry on some of the heritage of the beloved CRX.  The CR-Z’s fuel economy is rated at an unimpressive 37 mpg combined (with the CVT).  Motor Trend notes that even the old CRX-HF did much better.

If anyone expects to expand the market for hybrids, they’re going to need to build them like this.  They’ve got to convince people you can still achieve the unmistakeable thrill of driving a sports car, even if it’s got that “H” word in the name. VW beetle for sale

Source: Motor Trend

From Leftlane News:

Well ahead of VW’s initial projection of becoming the world’s largest automaker by 2018, it has now officially surpassed Toyota Motor Corp. worldwide in unit production this year.

Over the weekend, German reports put VW Group at 4.4 million units for the first nine months of 2009, where Toyota has manufactured only 4.0 million units. This change is believed to be largely due to the success of government scrappage schemes that boded well with VW models.

VW Group’s sales for 2009 are up by 34 percent in the first nine months, totaling 622,853 units. VW’s Skoda brand in particular enjoyed the greatest growth in Germany with Fabia sales up by 92.4 percent, as well as Octavia sales up by 20.4 percent.

Although the scrappage schemes are believed to have played a role in VW’s early success, VW continues to do well along with the rest of the automotive industry in the German market in particular. The German market saw a 26.1 percent growth in registrations in October, despite the end of scrappage schemes in September.

Another major shift in world production was noted with Ford surpassing GM as the world’s third largest automaker. Ford reported 3.7 million units produced in the first nine months of 2009, with GM trailing only slightly with 3.6 million units produced.