Rumormill: Volkswagen greenlights Bulli for production

What did you think of Volkswagen's Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it's going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don't know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Volkswagen greenlights Bulli for production

What did you think of Volkswagen's Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it's going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don't know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Volkswagen greenlights Bulli for production

What did you think of Volkswagen's Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it's going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don't know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Volkswagen greenlights Bulli for production

What did you think of Volkswagen's Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it's going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don't know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

[Source: Autocar]

Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat says hello in person

Volkswagen was so eager to unveil its new Passat that it revealed the car a day before the Paris Motor Show actually begins. It's received the Jetta treatment to some degree, but the softer looks may actually work better on the Passat than for its smaller brother.

The all-new Passat is intended for an older demographic and the styling seems to reflect that. We look forward to seeing it on our shores. Speaking of which, the 2011 goes on sale in the United Kingdom this October and then will roll out to other European and global markets, not including North America. Us Yanks will wave bye-bye to the Passat next year and welcome the New Midsize Sedan, or NMS, that Volkswagen's developing just for us.

Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat says hello in person

Volkswagen was so eager to unveil its new Passat that it revealed the car a day before the Paris Motor Show actually begins. It's received the Jetta treatment to some degree, but the softer looks may actually work better on the Passat than for its smaller brother.

The all-new Passat is intended for an older demographic and the styling seems to reflect that. We look forward to seeing it on our shores. Speaking of which, the 2011 goes on sale in the United Kingdom this October and then will roll out to other European and global markets, not including North America. Us Yanks will wave bye-bye to the Passat next year and welcome the New Midsize Sedan, or NMS, that Volkswagen's developing just for us.

Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat says hello in person

Volkswagen was so eager to unveil its new Passat that it revealed the car a day before the Paris Motor Show actually begins. It's received the Jetta treatment to some degree, but the softer looks may actually work better on the Passat than for its smaller brother.

The all-new Passat is intended for an older demographic and the styling seems to reflect that. We look forward to seeing it on our shores. Speaking of which, the 2011 goes on sale in the United Kingdom this October and then will roll out to other European and global markets, not including North America. Us Yanks will wave bye-bye to the Passat next year and welcome the New Midsize Sedan, or NMS, that Volkswagen's developing just for us.

Paris 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Passat says hello in person

Volkswagen was so eager to unveil its new Passat that it revealed the car a day before the Paris Motor Show actually begins. It's received the Jetta treatment to some degree, but the softer looks may actually work better on the Passat than for its smaller brother.

The all-new Passat is intended for an older demographic and the styling seems to reflect that. We look forward to seeing it on our shores. Speaking of which, the 2011 goes on sale in the United Kingdom this October and then will roll out to other European and global markets, not including North America. Us Yanks will wave bye-bye to the Passat next year and welcome the New Midsize Sedan, or NMS, that Volkswagen's developing just for us.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Models Announced

In the market for a mid-size SUV / Crossover vehicle? Can you hold out just a little while longer? If you can, then you may want to give VW’s second generation Touareg SUV a drive when it hits dealer showrooms later this fall. For diesel fans, this is very good news since the Touareg will be back with a TDI clean diesel variant. Unfortunately, the V10 turbodiesel and it’s stump pulling 553 ft lb of torque won’t be used in second generation, but there’s still enough grunt in the new oil burner to keep torque fans happy.

The 2011 Touareg will be offered with three motor options, beginning with a 3.6 liter V6 (280 horsepower, 265 ft lb of torque) that gets 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. A new hybrid version, available next spring, gives you a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 coupled with an electric motor that yields a combined 380 horsepower and 428 ft lb of torque, while returning an estimated 25 mpg highway. Finally, the aforementioned 3.0 liter turbodiesel will get you 225 horsepower and an impressive 406 ft lb of torque, while netting you 28 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. All motor choices shift through a new eight speed automatic transmission, and all Touareg models come with VW’s 4MOTION all wheel drive system. Finally, all engine options are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds when equipped with the factory installed tow package.

Several Trim levels are planned, including Sport, Lux, Hybrid and Executive. All include an 8” touchscreen nav and infotainment system, Sirius Satellite Radio, HID headlights, rearview camera, power adjustable and heated front seats and dual zone climate controls. All Touareg models include six airbags, an improved head restraint system, ABS, traction control and electronic stability control. Expect pricing to start at around $41,000 for a 3.6 liter V6 Sport.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Models Announced

In the market for a mid-size SUV / Crossover vehicle? Can you hold out just a little while longer? If you can, then you may want to give VW’s second generation Touareg SUV a drive when it hits dealer showrooms later this fall. For diesel fans, this is very good news since the Touareg will be back with a TDI clean diesel variant. Unfortunately, the V10 turbodiesel and it’s stump pulling 553 ft lb of torque won’t be used in second generation, but there’s still enough grunt in the new oil burner to keep torque fans happy.

The 2011 Touareg will be offered with three motor options, beginning with a 3.6 liter V6 (280 horsepower, 265 ft lb of torque) that gets 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. A new hybrid version, available next spring, gives you a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 coupled with an electric motor that yields a combined 380 horsepower and 428 ft lb of torque, while returning an estimated 25 mpg highway. Finally, the aforementioned 3.0 liter turbodiesel will get you 225 horsepower and an impressive 406 ft lb of torque, while netting you 28 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. All motor choices shift through a new eight speed automatic transmission, and all Touareg models come with VW’s 4MOTION all wheel drive system. Finally, all engine options are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds when equipped with the factory installed tow package.

Several Trim levels are planned, including Sport, Lux, Hybrid and Executive. All include an 8” touchscreen nav and infotainment system, Sirius Satellite Radio, HID headlights, rearview camera, power adjustable and heated front seats and dual zone climate controls. All Touareg models include six airbags, an improved head restraint system, ABS, traction control and electronic stability control. Expect pricing to start at around $41,000 for a 3.6 liter V6 Sport.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Models Announced

In the market for a mid-size SUV / Crossover vehicle? Can you hold out just a little while longer? If you can, then you may want to give VW’s second generation Touareg SUV a drive when it hits dealer showrooms later this fall. For diesel fans, this is very good news since the Touareg will be back with a TDI clean diesel variant. Unfortunately, the V10 turbodiesel and it’s stump pulling 553 ft lb of torque won’t be used in second generation, but there’s still enough grunt in the new oil burner to keep torque fans happy.

The 2011 Touareg will be offered with three motor options, beginning with a 3.6 liter V6 (280 horsepower, 265 ft lb of torque) that gets 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. A new hybrid version, available next spring, gives you a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 coupled with an electric motor that yields a combined 380 horsepower and 428 ft lb of torque, while returning an estimated 25 mpg highway. Finally, the aforementioned 3.0 liter turbodiesel will get you 225 horsepower and an impressive 406 ft lb of torque, while netting you 28 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. All motor choices shift through a new eight speed automatic transmission, and all Touareg models come with VW’s 4MOTION all wheel drive system. Finally, all engine options are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds when equipped with the factory installed tow package.

Several Trim levels are planned, including Sport, Lux, Hybrid and Executive. All include an 8” touchscreen nav and infotainment system, Sirius Satellite Radio, HID headlights, rearview camera, power adjustable and heated front seats and dual zone climate controls. All Touareg models include six airbags, an improved head restraint system, ABS, traction control and electronic stability control. Expect pricing to start at around $41,000 for a 3.6 liter V6 Sport.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Models Announced

In the market for a mid-size SUV / Crossover vehicle? Can you hold out just a little while longer? If you can, then you may want to give VW’s second generation Touareg SUV a drive when it hits dealer showrooms later this fall. For diesel fans, this is very good news since the Touareg will be back with a TDI clean diesel variant. Unfortunately, the V10 turbodiesel and it’s stump pulling 553 ft lb of torque won’t be used in second generation, but there’s still enough grunt in the new oil burner to keep torque fans happy.

The 2011 Touareg will be offered with three motor options, beginning with a 3.6 liter V6 (280 horsepower, 265 ft lb of torque) that gets 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. A new hybrid version, available next spring, gives you a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 coupled with an electric motor that yields a combined 380 horsepower and 428 ft lb of torque, while returning an estimated 25 mpg highway. Finally, the aforementioned 3.0 liter turbodiesel will get you 225 horsepower and an impressive 406 ft lb of torque, while netting you 28 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. All motor choices shift through a new eight speed automatic transmission, and all Touareg models come with VW’s 4MOTION all wheel drive system. Finally, all engine options are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds when equipped with the factory installed tow package.

Several Trim levels are planned, including Sport, Lux, Hybrid and Executive. All include an 8” touchscreen nav and infotainment system, Sirius Satellite Radio, HID headlights, rearview camera, power adjustable and heated front seats and dual zone climate controls. All Touareg models include six airbags, an improved head restraint system, ABS, traction control and electronic stability control. Expect pricing to start at around $41,000 for a 3.6 liter V6 Sport.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Details Released

There’s good news for fans of VW’s perennial favorite sedan: the 2011 Jetta gives you more style for less money. The 2011 model boasts distinctive new exterior styling and has grown nearly four inches in length compared to the 2010 model. The interior hasn’t changed much since 2010, but that’s not a bad thing since VW routinely receives praise for interior comfort and quality. The best news? The starting price for a base 2.0 liter Jetta will be a miserly $15,995.00.

Buyers in the U.S. will have a choice of four motors, starting with the base 2.0 liter four, which produces 113 horsepower and yields a zero to sixty time of 10.3 seconds with a manual transmission (11.3 seconds with the automatic). Fuel economy for the 2.0 liter motor is rated at 34 mpg for the manual and 32 mpg for the automatic. Top speed, which most Jettas equipped with this motor will never see, is 120 miles per hour.

Next up is the 2.5 liter five cylinder, derived from the V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo: it makes 168 horsepower and will hit sixty in 8.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.5 seconds with the automatic. Fuel economy is still reasonable at 33 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 31 mpg highway (automatic). Top speed for the five cylinder is listed as 125 mph.

The motor favored by those who like driving will be the 2.0 liter, four cylinder turbo. Rated at 197 horsepower, the forced induction four will see sixty in 6.7 seconds with the manual transmission or 6.8 seconds with VW’s outstanding DSG gearbox. Fuel economy is surprisingly good (assuming you don’t hit max boost on every shift), and comes in at 33 mpg with the manual and 32 mpg with the DSG transmission. Top speed is rated at 130 mph.

Finally, there’s the TDI motor that diesel fans know and love. The 2.0 liter turbodiesel makes 138 horsepower, good enough to get your Jetta to sixty in just under nine seconds with the manual tranny, or just over nine seconds with the DSG. Fuel economy , as you’d expect from a TDI, is impressive: the DSG version gets 42 mpg highway and the manual gearbox TDI sees 41 mpg. Top speed is 125 miles per hour.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Details Released

There’s good news for fans of VW’s perennial favorite sedan: the 2011 Jetta gives you more style for less money. The 2011 model boasts distinctive new exterior styling and has grown nearly four inches in length compared to the 2010 model. The interior hasn’t changed much since 2010, but that’s not a bad thing since VW routinely receives praise for interior comfort and quality. The best news? The starting price for a base 2.0 liter Jetta will be a miserly $15,995.00.

Buyers in the U.S. will have a choice of four motors, starting with the base 2.0 liter four, which produces 113 horsepower and yields a zero to sixty time of 10.3 seconds with a manual transmission (11.3 seconds with the automatic). Fuel economy for the 2.0 liter motor is rated at 34 mpg for the manual and 32 mpg for the automatic. Top speed, which most Jettas equipped with this motor will never see, is 120 miles per hour.

Next up is the 2.5 liter five cylinder, derived from the V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo: it makes 168 horsepower and will hit sixty in 8.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.5 seconds with the automatic. Fuel economy is still reasonable at 33 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 31 mpg highway (automatic). Top speed for the five cylinder is listed as 125 mph.

The motor favored by those who like driving will be the 2.0 liter, four cylinder turbo. Rated at 197 horsepower, the forced induction four will see sixty in 6.7 seconds with the manual transmission or 6.8 seconds with VW’s outstanding DSG gearbox. Fuel economy is surprisingly good (assuming you don’t hit max boost on every shift), and comes in at 33 mpg with the manual and 32 mpg with the DSG transmission. Top speed is rated at 130 mph.

Finally, there’s the TDI motor that diesel fans know and love. The 2.0 liter turbodiesel makes 138 horsepower, good enough to get your Jetta to sixty in just under nine seconds with the manual tranny, or just over nine seconds with the DSG. Fuel economy , as you’d expect from a TDI, is impressive: the DSG version gets 42 mpg highway and the manual gearbox TDI sees 41 mpg. Top speed is 125 miles per hour.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Details Released

There’s good news for fans of VW’s perennial favorite sedan: the 2011 Jetta gives you more style for less money. The 2011 model boasts distinctive new exterior styling and has grown nearly four inches in length compared to the 2010 model. The interior hasn’t changed much since 2010, but that’s not a bad thing since VW routinely receives praise for interior comfort and quality. The best news? The starting price for a base 2.0 liter Jetta will be a miserly $15,995.00.

Buyers in the U.S. will have a choice of four motors, starting with the base 2.0 liter four, which produces 113 horsepower and yields a zero to sixty time of 10.3 seconds with a manual transmission (11.3 seconds with the automatic). Fuel economy for the 2.0 liter motor is rated at 34 mpg for the manual and 32 mpg for the automatic. Top speed, which most Jettas equipped with this motor will never see, is 120 miles per hour.

Next up is the 2.5 liter five cylinder, derived from the V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo: it makes 168 horsepower and will hit sixty in 8.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.5 seconds with the automatic. Fuel economy is still reasonable at 33 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 31 mpg highway (automatic). Top speed for the five cylinder is listed as 125 mph.

The motor favored by those who like driving will be the 2.0 liter, four cylinder turbo. Rated at 197 horsepower, the forced induction four will see sixty in 6.7 seconds with the manual transmission or 6.8 seconds with VW’s outstanding DSG gearbox. Fuel economy is surprisingly good (assuming you don’t hit max boost on every shift), and comes in at 33 mpg with the manual and 32 mpg with the DSG transmission. Top speed is rated at 130 mph.

Finally, there’s the TDI motor that diesel fans know and love. The 2.0 liter turbodiesel makes 138 horsepower, good enough to get your Jetta to sixty in just under nine seconds with the manual tranny, or just over nine seconds with the DSG. Fuel economy , as you’d expect from a TDI, is impressive: the DSG version gets 42 mpg highway and the manual gearbox TDI sees 41 mpg. Top speed is 125 miles per hour.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta Details Released

There’s good news for fans of VW’s perennial favorite sedan: the 2011 Jetta gives you more style for less money. The 2011 model boasts distinctive new exterior styling and has grown nearly four inches in length compared to the 2010 model. The interior hasn’t changed much since 2010, but that’s not a bad thing since VW routinely receives praise for interior comfort and quality. The best news? The starting price for a base 2.0 liter Jetta will be a miserly $15,995.00.

Buyers in the U.S. will have a choice of four motors, starting with the base 2.0 liter four, which produces 113 horsepower and yields a zero to sixty time of 10.3 seconds with a manual transmission (11.3 seconds with the automatic). Fuel economy for the 2.0 liter motor is rated at 34 mpg for the manual and 32 mpg for the automatic. Top speed, which most Jettas equipped with this motor will never see, is 120 miles per hour.

Next up is the 2.5 liter five cylinder, derived from the V10 used in the Lamborghini Gallardo: it makes 168 horsepower and will hit sixty in 8.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 8.5 seconds with the automatic. Fuel economy is still reasonable at 33 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 31 mpg highway (automatic). Top speed for the five cylinder is listed as 125 mph.

The motor favored by those who like driving will be the 2.0 liter, four cylinder turbo. Rated at 197 horsepower, the forced induction four will see sixty in 6.7 seconds with the manual transmission or 6.8 seconds with VW’s outstanding DSG gearbox. Fuel economy is surprisingly good (assuming you don’t hit max boost on every shift), and comes in at 33 mpg with the manual and 32 mpg with the DSG transmission. Top speed is rated at 130 mph.

Finally, there’s the TDI motor that diesel fans know and love. The 2.0 liter turbodiesel makes 138 horsepower, good enough to get your Jetta to sixty in just under nine seconds with the manual tranny, or just over nine seconds with the DSG. Fuel economy , as you’d expect from a TDI, is impressive: the DSG version gets 42 mpg highway and the manual gearbox TDI sees 41 mpg. Top speed is 125 miles per hour.

Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end – treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper – plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options – three gasoline and three diesels – in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.

Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end – treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper – plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options – three gasoline and three diesels – in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.

Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end – treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper – plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options – three gasoline and three diesels – in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.

Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end – treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper – plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options – three gasoline and three diesels – in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.