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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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(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

Looks like the announcement earlier this week that VW was the world’s top-selling automakers was premature.  Turns out Toyota still holds the crown.  The VW numbers included sales from partner companies, including those which the German giant holds only a small stake in.  By using the same standard, Toyota’s overall sales would run at a rate of just under five million vehicles–or a half-million more than VW.  Anyone else think this is over-complicating a very simple question: Who’s selling the most cars?

Due to CEO Wendelin Wiedeking’s failed effort to acquire VW, Porsche’s total 2009 loss came to an astounding €4,400,000,000, or $6,500,000,000.  The number is incredible given that Porsche was the most prosperous car company a year earlier, and that Porsche is still an independent automobile manufacturer.  (Though that will change as VW reverses the situation and takes a large stake in Porsche.)  Looking at the Panamera, we’re not holding much hope for the once-proud German nameplate–but we are loving the new Boxster Spyder.

Porsche’s chief executive officer Wendelin Wiedeking has been fired from the German car company.  Wiedeking’s departure is met with that of the company’s chief financial officer, Holge Härter.  The two men were “immediately” retired from their posts after months of falling sales and deepening debt.

Wiedeking has been with Porsche for sixteen years and orchestrated the firm’s expansion into sport-utility vehicles and sedans.  But Wiedeking’s failed attempt to seize a majority stake in VW left Porsche €9,000,000,000 in debt.  Porsche now may become a subsidiary to Volskwagen after being rejected for a state loan.

Wiedeking will leave with a €50,000,000 severance package.  Härter will receive €12,000,000.  Michael Macht, production director, will take the position as company CEO.  Macht, age forty-eight, has been with Porsche since 1990 and has overseen engineering and logistics.

Audi will be pulling its A1 sub-compact and new A8 from a Frankfurt debut.  Both cars were scheduled for a flashy premiere, but word is Audi execs want to spread out the new product showings for other expos in the season.  The Frankfurt event will instead spotlight the A5 Sportback.

VW has reportedly contracted the Karmann group for the development of a large number of electric vehicles.  The €10,000,000 business agreement has provided enough capital for Karmann to remain in business after nearly approaching total liquidation.  The vehicle and the total quantity remain unclear.

VW may also acquire a controlling stake in the Porsche firm.  Porsche’s CEO, Wendelin Wiedeking, tried to grab a majority hold of the VW-Audi Group, but failed to generate enough funds.  Porsche has since gone in deep debt for the borrowed cash and lost sales.  Porsche lost a plea for state support earlier in the year.

VW Beetle For Sale

The Southeast Automotive Media Organization has handed out awards for the best concepts of 2009.  Award winning vehicles are held as positive examples of the future of the industry.  Concepts are to be more than design studies, but practical works that will be applied to the road.

The Fisker Sunset earned the Production Preview Vehicle Award.  The Fisker, which we briefly covered awhile ago, uses a special Q-Drive plug-in hybrid system.  Mileage is targeted to be as high as 100 mpg, with a 50 mile all-electric starting range.  The Sunset itself will be a four-passenger hardtop convertible, estimated to retail in the neighborhood of $100,000.

VW’s BlueSport won the award for best concept car overall.  The BlueSport is a diesel-powered roadster intended to bring excellent fuel economy to a nimble and sporty ride.  The BlueSport was rumored to have been canceled, but recent reports have since hit the Web stating development has resumed.

The Kia Soul’ster won Concept Truck of the Year.  The Soul’ster is an open-air, off-road variant of the recent Soul hatchback.  Akin to the Wrangler, the Soul’ster aims to bring outdoor roadgoing pleasure at a reasonable price.

The Cadillac Converj finished the run with the Specialty Concept Vehicle Award.  The award may sound like a consolation prize, but its purpose is to honor an example of outstanding technology for the future.  The Converj is a luxury coupe borrowing the GM Voltech extended-range hybrid system.  That will amount to a 40 mi. all-electric range (where then the gas/electric system steps in) and a 100 mph top speed.  The Converj’s beautiful shape and favorable impressions have allowed it to move into the early stages of development.