New Jersey Volkswagen

VW's recent marketing campaign for the Volkswagen GTI has struck gold, again.

Real Racing GTI is a free app for the Apple iPhone that has been downloaded over 4.3 million times since it's been released. The game also includes specs and features for the new Volkswagen GTI, and using the phone's GPS capability one could easily find a local dealer and check out the car.

Compared to the 2009 model, VW claims an increase in sales leads and test drives of over 80%.

A video summary of the Real Racing GTI campaign has been released by AKQA, a marketing agency that develops mobile phone applications.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI was named the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) last week at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI beat nine other "best new" category winners to win top honours.

John White, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada, said, "We are very proud to win this very prestigious award. ... The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the heart and soul of Volkswagen. To have the Golf GTI named Canadian Car of the Year today by Canada's automotive media is a very proud moment for us, indeed, and represents the culmination of the hard work on the part of everyone in the Volkswagen Brand around the world."

The charm and passion of Volkswagen's iconic New Beetle, which was unveiled at the 1998 North American International Auto Show, continues with the 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Red Rock Edition. Only 750 of the custom coupes will be available, each with a unique, two-toned exterior comprised of Red Rock metallic paint and a painted black roof. An all black interior complements the overall color scheme, while select 17-inch wheels and a full sport suspension improve driving excitement out on the open road. The 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Red Rock Edition, starting at $20,390, is available now at your local Volkswagen dealer.

Born from the popularity of Volkswagen's groundbreaking Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup race series - now entering its 3rd season - and enthusiast demand for a race-inspired version of the popular Volkswagen Jetta TDI, comes the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition. Various modifications inside and out ensure the Street Edition is instantly connected to the TDI Cup cars racing on tracks throughout North America. The Street Edition offers the same full body kit found on the TDI Cup race cars with an aerodynamic front bumper, side skirts, and rear valance. Also included are 18-inch "Charleston" wheels with high-performance tires, larger GLI brakes with red painted calipers, and the European-tuned sport suspension from the GLI. Sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, and brushed aluminum door sills mark the interior. Volkswagen's proven 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engine makes 140 horsepower and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque, sent through either a six-speed manual, or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) transmission. The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, starting at $24,990, is now available at your local Volkswagen dealer.

Volkswagen's CC is one of the most stylish and sporty coupe sedans currently available in the market today. For drivers who want a more aggressive look to match, the new Volkswagen CC R-Line comes outfitted with a number of visual enhancements for a decidedly sporty look. A body kit with side skirts and a new front bumper, including an integrated chin spoiler, give a more aggressive appearance. Special 18-inch "Mallory" wheels, R-Line badges on the front fenders, and smoked tail lamps complete the exterior upgrades. Brushed aluminum door sills are added to the interior. The Volkswagen CC R-Line is powered by the highly acclaimed, performance-bred 2.0T engine, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) equipped with paddle shifters. The 2010 Volkswagen CC R-Line, starting at $29,590, is now available at your local Volkswagen dealer.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is proud to announce the names of the 25 drivers who will compete in the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. The Volkswagen-operated spec racing series, now entering its third season, will take the green flag on its SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned events beginning April 23 at Virginia International Raceway.

The drivers selected to compete in the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup include:

• Rafael Navarro IV – Temecula, CA
• Arie Ouimet – Plymouth, MA
• Chris Wehrheim – Norcross, GA
• JJ Tomlinson – Park City, UT
• Justine Jackson – Kingston, Jamaica
• Jarvis Gennari – Boca Raton, FL
• Mike Mineo-Nardacci – East Hills, NY
• Jenna Wagner – Bristol, VA
• Nate Norenberg – Plymouth, MN
• JD Mobley - Castle Rock, CO
• Andrew Cordeiro - Woodbridge, ON
• Jake Thompson – Calgary, AB
• Colin Thompson – Perkasie, PA
• Michael Hogg – Vancouver, BC
• Kevin Gleason – Johnstown, PA
• Taylor Tzouanakis – Wauconda, IL
• Wyatt Gooden – Gates Mills, OH
• Brian Whitmire – Baton Rouge, LA
• AJ Severino – Hamilton, NJ
• Andrew Novich – Novato, CA
• Taylor Broekemeier - Fort Collins, CO
• AJ Nealey - Edgewater, MD
• Ryan Ellis - Ashburn, VA
• Juan Pablo Delgado – Orizaba, Mexico
• Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle - Puebla, Mexico

Earlier this week in Las Vegas, Volkswagen welcomed driver candidates from throughout North America for three days of in-depth testing and analysis. All drivers were evaluated through a variety of on- and off-track scenarios to establish skill level, potential, and overall ability. Following a collection of driving activities, physical fitness tests, media training, and an in-depth sponsorship workshop from Townsend Bell, who finished 4th in the 2009 Indianapolis 500, the final 25 drivers were chosen.

"Our third year for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup is already shaping up to be the best one yet," said Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "We were given the extremely difficult task of selecting only 25 drivers from a such diverse group of individuals who, honestly, all deserve the chance to compete. With 18 new drivers and 7 more returning from last season, the field is undoubtedly set for top-notch competition and racing excitement."

Drivers will race in ten Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup events spanning seven road courses in the United States and Mexico in identical, factory-prepared and maintained Volkswagen Jetta TDIs running on clean diesel fuel. The series Champion will win $100,000 toward career development support from Volkswagen, while every driver who competes in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the finish of the season.

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup racecar is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, Direct Shift Gearbox® (DSG®) dual-clutch automatic transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock through the addition of race tires, suspension, brakes, and safety equipment.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Schedule
-----------------------------------------------------
-Round 1 & 2 April 23 – 25 Virginia International Raceway (Alton, VA)
-Round 3 May 9 New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville, NJ)
-Round 4 June 5 – 6 Miller Motorsports Park (Tooele, UT)
-Round 5 July 18 – 20 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, OH)
-Round 6 July 30 – Aug. 1 Autobahn Country Club (Joliet, IL)
-Round 7 & 8 Aug. 20 – 22 Road America (Elkhart Lake, WI)
-Round 9 & 10 Sept. 24 – 26 Autodromo AMOZOC (Puebla, Mexico)

-- Source:  Volkswagen of America, Inc.

If you remember the brilliant but unsuccessful Volkswagen Corrado, you'll probably want to check out these renderings by Patrick Moczarsky.

Created to show what a modern Corrado would look like, the renderings blend elements of the old model with Volkswagen's current design philosophy. Key features include a retractable rear spoiler, light alloy wheels, and a Scirocco-like front end.

According to Moczarsky, "We realize, of course, that Volkswagen will not present such a car right now, but the flight of imagination is so fascinating that it won't give us a moment's rest."

As you may recall, the original Corrado was built by Karmann between 1988 and 1995. It used a mix of Volkswagen platforms (B3 in the rear, A2 up front) and offered exceptional handling for its time. Despite being a hit with critics, only 97,521 Corrados were made.

-- Source:  World Car Fans

One of the advantages of buying a VW is the litany of tuning possibilities to be had with one.

Here, German tuner MTM does a number on the Volkswagen Golf VI GTI and GTD models. Namely, dialing their respective horsepower figures up more than can readily be had with other brands.

Let's start with the Volkswagen GTI. The Wettstetten-based tuner offers to take the grandaddy of all Volkswagen GTI models up to 310 hp (228 kW) with some ECU tinkering and its own MTM turbocharger. Of course, one can opt for one of the other 3 ECU-tuning packages available, which start with an upgrade to only 270 hp. The 310 hp GTI by MTM comes with 410 Nm of torque, a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph) and a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds.

The Volkswagen Golf GTD also gets a serious treatment, with a power boost up to 205 hp (151 kW) and 380 Nm of torque. That brings its 0 to 100 km/h time down to 7.1 seconds as opposed to the standard model's 7.8.

Other options on offer by MTM for the Volkswagen Golf GTI include 19-inch BIMOTO 9-spoke wheels, MTM brake system (380 mm discs), MTM's quad-exhaust system, and the tuner's in-house suspension kit that can lower the front of the GTI 30 mm.

The GTD is also offered with an MTM (quad) sport exhaust system, MTM suspensions, brake system and sport rims.

-- Source:  World Car Fans

Two photos showing a scale replica of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg have leaked out six-to-ten weeks ahead of its unveiling. The photos, which surfaced on Dutch website Autoweek.nl, show a vehicle that replaces the boxy front fascia with a rounder look and chrome accents.

The front-end changes bring the car more inline with the new design paradigm seen on some of the company's most recent vehicles. It looks to have a windshield installed at a greater incline, leading towards an available dual-pane sunroof. The angle of the photo suggests a shorter vehicle than the previous model, but a with a lengthier rear end.

Hopefully, these photos will prompt Volkswagen to release official pictures and details. The lighter-weight Volkswagen Touareg will likely get TSI and TDI engines, as well as a 240-horsepower 3.0-liter diesel, and 290-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6.

Built on the Cayenne platform, the next-generation 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will likely be introduced at either the Geneva Motor Show in March, or the New York Auto Show in April. A market launch will take place before in the fall or winter.

-- Source:  World Car Fans

The new Volkswagen Golf R will be released with a 2.0-liter direct-injection TSI petrol engine producing more horsepower than its predecessor. Not only is it more powerful, but the new engine is also more efficient.

As a replacement to the Volkswagen Golf R32 and its 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine, the new Volkswagen Golf R exceeds performance expectations. Its 266-horsepower engine is 8% stronger than the previous model, and has a 4.5% torque increase to 350 ft-lb. 0-100 km/h time improves to 5.7 seconds with a manual transmission, down from 6.5 seconds on the R32. With the DSG gearbox the time drops to 5.5 seconds. Top speed is set at an electronically-limited 250 km/h.

CO2 emissions drop by 22% to 199 g/km. Like the R32, the Volkswagen Golf R is also an all-wheel drive model. However, the new all-wheel differential does not require "a difference between the front and rear axle speeds" anymore.

The Volkswagen Golf R also includes a bunch of equipment, like LED daytime running lights, LED rear lighting clusters, and Bi-Xenon headlights. Twin chrome tailpipes can be found under the diffuser. The adaptive chassis now has three settings, including "Normal," "Comfort," and "Sport," with ride-height dropped by 25 millimeters. Ventilated disc brakes and glossy black tuned callipers are covered by the new 18-inch Talladega style alloy wheels. 19-inch wheels in silver and black are also available.

Pricing has not yet been announced on the 2011 Volkswagen Golf R. Despite reports of the Volkswagen Golf R approved for the North American market, no official confirmation has been made, yet.

Volkswagen announced it is starting work on a supplier park in Chattanooga, Tenn. where six suppliers will produce parts to be sent to VW's adjacent assembly plant due to go into production early next year.

The new Tennessee site is part of a drive to triple the number of Volkswagen brand vehicles sold in the United States to 800,000 by 2018. Frank Fischer, president of the plant, said work will start on the supplier park soon and it should be ready by June. He said it will feature two buildings that are each over 220,000 square feet. The new $1 billion plant will open in 2011, employing 2,000 workers producing a VW model developed specifically for the North American market.

The plant is designed for an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles and will source $307 million in components from local Tennessee firms. One of those suppliers is SL America which recently won a contract to make automatic shifter assemblies for the VW plant at Chattanooga and to supply VW production in Mexico. SL's Clinton, Tenn. plant will add 300 jobs in a $35 million expansion.

-- Source:  Purchasing.com

During February, Volkswagen is the only European car manufacturer offering 0% interest car loans. The 2010 Volkswagen Passat and VW Routan both come with o interest loans for up to 60 months during February. The Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen CC are all available with 1.9% financing for up to 60 months.

As fuel economy and emissions gain an even greater awareness among today's new car shoppers, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is honored to have its 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel engine selected by Ward's Automotive Group as one of the "10 Best Engines" for 2010. Presented at a special ceremony during last month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 16th-annual list represents the only awards program in North America to recognize engine excellence.

"This year's list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance," said Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief, Drew Winter. "Auto makers, like Volkswagen, are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency."

"For over 30 years, Volkswagen has been developing and refining diesel engine technology to help bring an ever-improving host of benefits to drivers now and into the future," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Our 2.0L TDI unites an exceptional balance of fun-to-drive performance and efficiency, and we are proud to have it recognized in the prestigious Ward's list."

The 2.0L TDI is compliant with the stringent Tier 2, Bin 5/ULEV II emissions standards that apply in California and all 50 U.S. states, and is available now in the all-new sixth generation Volkswagen Golf, the award-winning Volkswagen Jetta, and the versatile Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen models. The engine delivers 140 horsepower and a potent 236 lbs.-ft. of torque for truly efficient but thrilling performance, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission, or the six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission. Power comes on quick and even throughout the RPM range, for strong off-the-line performance, and an instant boost when needed at speed.

With either transmission, the 2.0L TDI promises up to 30% better fuel economy over a comparable gasoline engine, netting EPA-estimated fuel mileage in the low 30 mpg range with city driving, and the low 40 mpg range during highway conditions. Greenhouse gas emissions are cut 25% over a comparable gasoline engine, along with a 95% reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions since 1990, making for a cleaner ride with every mile. The 2.0L TDI runs quieter and smoother than diesel engines of the past, making its operation virtually indistinguishable from that of a gasoline engine.

--Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

While GM and Ford are trying to lure a few U.S. customers away from Toyota in the midst of Toyota's safety fiasco, Volkswagen is setting more long-term goals. VW is targeting sales increases to over 10 million units by 2018.

That would make VW the largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in the world. 2009 VW sales were up 1.1% to 6.29 million, while Toyota sales dropped to 7.81 million, a 13% drop.

Those numbers, and the future target, is a combined total for VW and many of their brands. Volkswagen owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Seat, and Skoda. The figures do not include Porsche, which will be integrated into Volkswagen in 2011. Karmann is likely not included as well, as the small manufacturer will not be merged in until 2012.

"With the implementation of 'Strategy 2018,' the Volkswagen group is seeking global economic and environmental leadership in the automotive industry by 2018," a VW statement reportedly said. The strategy includes extensive cost cutting in effort to create a pretax profit higher than 8% of sales, but it will not elminate research and development funding for electric and hybrid vehicles.

--Source:  World Car Fans

It's the coolest Volkswagen Golf, a four wheel drive powerhouse that takes over where the Volkswagen GTI leaves off. Successor to the R32, it ditches the V6 in favour of a turbo four and gives you the option of adaptive chassis control and a DSG gearbox.

One of the highlights of the car is the engine. It's not the EA888 unit used by the MkVI GTI, but instead is the older EA113 powerplant from the MkV hot hatch. This engine is more easily tuned.

In the past, when a Volkswagen Golf was switched from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, it sacrificed fun for security. Yet the R's latest 4MOTION system seems to achieve the opposite. The latest Volkswagen Golf GTI is more convincing. The steering response seems cleaner and it has a general enthusiasm for corners that's absent from the two-wheel drive model. The brakes are both powerful and progressive. It'll be the best Volkswagen Golf in a long time.

The Volkswagen Golf R's closest rival probably comes from the same stable, the Audi S3. However, the Volkswagen is livelier, more feelsome, and a bit faster.

Volkswagen is readying the next-generation New Beetle for a 2012 debut. This picture illustrates what the car could look like in its final form. Although the New Beetle used this name in many markets around the world, there's a good chance that it will lose the "New" prefix and return to being just a Beetle.

The car will gain a significant amount of interior space, especially at the rear. It will be bigger both inside and outside, and feature LED technology in the front and rear exterior light clusters. Muscular wheel arches will underscore its intentions of attracting a younger, feistier set. Moreover an eco-friendly BlueMotion and a hot R version could be added to the range for the first time. Although an R version leaves us skeptical, the recent announcement of a new VW performance orientated R division could make it reality.

We already knew that the Volkswagen Eos was going to be getting Volkswagen GTI power, but now it looks like the people's automaker could be upgrading the bubbly hard top convertible's looks along the lines of the Volkswagen CC.

When VW introduced the Volkswagen Eos, they were looking for a replacement for the Volkswagen Golf based drop top Cabrio. So when the new Volkswagen Eos first debuted as the Concept C it was given a friendly face filled with warm round features to continue what the former cabriolet had started. This rendering takes the unique retractable hard top Volkswagen in an all new aggressive direction inspired by the Compact Coupe and the sixth generation GTI.

When VW introduces a new convertible, it traditionally consists of a new front clip, from the front fenders forward, being grafted onto the existing model featuring updated lighting and a few new design cues. While this rendering follows the cost effective production convertible trend, it also adds a few touches from its luxury car cousins at Audi. So aside from the sleek LED headlamps framed by a pair of sharp points that continued the edges of the hood extending down on either side of the grill, larger openings in the front bumper and pronounced lip spoiler; this updated Eos incorporates the four ring automaker's tornado line running along the car's belt line as well as a set of slick triple spoke rollers.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today reported January 2010 sales of 18,019 total units, representing a 41.4% increase over January 2009. January marks Volkswagen's seventh consecutive sales month of growth.

Volkswagen Jetta, the top selling European nameplate in the U.S., continued to sell well and posted solid January sales results with sales of 8,893 total units. Proving that today's consumers continue to place greater emphasis on fuel efficiency and the environment, Volkswagen's clean diesel TDI models continue to gain market acceptance and accounted for 2,447 units.

Volkswagen's eye-catching Volkswagen CC, which blends sports car dynamics with the dimensions and comfort of a sedan, once again posted strong January results with sales of 1,891 units. Also posting strong January results is Volkswagen's latest generation Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen GTI with sales of 1,545 units. The VW Tiguan, the GTI of compact SUV's, also performed well with January sales results of 1,424 units. All four models exemplify what the brand is all about -- attainable, fun-to-drive, and stylish German engineering.

"We are pleased by the strong start to 2010," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "It's encouraging to see so many of Volkswagen's newest models continuing to gain momentum in the market place -- namely the CC, Tiguan, Golf and GTI."

--Source:  Volkswagen of America, Inc.

B&B has unveiled a new tuning program for the Volkswagen Golf R.

Available in three different configurations, the Volkswagen Golf R can be modified to produce 310, 324 and 362 PS. While details are limited, the range-topping model features a larger turbocharger, a sports exhaust system (with a larger downpipe and a racing catalyst), revised engine electrics, a new air intake, an optimized intercooler, and a Slim-Line oil cooler. Thanks to these tweaks, the 362 PS B&B Volkswagen Golf R can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top out at more than 280 km/h (174 mph).

To make the most of the added power, B&B installed an adjustable coilover suspension (with sport springs that reduce the ride height by 30mm) and a high performance braking system.

While the company normally outfits their cars with Caractere body kits, B&B stated the only styling change will be the addition of exclusive 19 and 20-inch wheels.

American car enthusiasts may get a crack at the Volkswagen Jetta R Sport. The German automaker is considering building a U.S.-spec version of the car in Pueblo, Mexico, according to Inside Line.

If built, it could utilize the same engine as the Volkswagen Golf R and Volkswagen Scirocco R. The 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder produces 265 horsepower and up to 258 ft-lb of torque. The car could be a four-wheel drive model, but front-wheel has not been ruled out.

An R Sport version of the Volkswagen Jetta could be introduced at SEMA in November. However, if the company is angling for a youth market, they may be better served by first showing off the car at the Los Angeles Show.