The E-Up! is a front-drive, city car featuring a 60 kW electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Volkswagen gives the vehicle’s range at about 80 miles and says it can accelerate from 0 to 31 mph in 3.5 seconds. The car has a reported top speed of 84 mph. The car will be a small, two door hatchback, similar to Volkswagen’s Golf/Rabbit.

When the E-Up! arrives in the U.S. in three-to-four years, it will hope to find buyers in large cities and urban areas of the country. Starting prices for the E-Up! will be at around $10,000 to $11,000 USD.

Volkswagen will jump into the competition with one of the lowest prices electric cars to date. Japanese auto makers are producing EV’s around the $15,000 to 22,000 price range.

According to Automobilemag, the German automaker’s current plans still include the electric variant of the Up! compact car coming to North American shores in 2013.

The e-Golf is propelled by an 85-kilowatt electric motor integrated with a single speed transmission and differential. The motor produces 199 pound-feet of torque from zero rpm which is sufficient to accelerate the Golf to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds. An air cooled 26.5 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack is mounted under the rear seat and cargo floor and center tunnel. VW claims the Golf can go about 93 miles on a charge.

The consumer fleet test will allow Volkswagen to gather real world data before it launches three production EVs in 2013. The first production model with be the Up blue-e-motion city car followed by the next generation Golf blue-e-motion and finally the Jetta blue-e-motion.

Source: AutoBlog

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR VAN!

Production of the Volkswagen Transporter van officially started in March 1950 and during the 60 years since then it has become one of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ best-selling models globally, the number one imported van in the UK as well as one of the most iconic and popular vans in the world.

With over 10 million produced, the Volkswagen Transporter has evolved through five generations of functional and practical bodystyles, each representing the ultimate multi-purpose vehicle of its time and loved by business and private users alike for transporting goods or people for work or leisure. This unique heritage is the focus of the current ‘Evolution of Van’ advertising campaign for the new Transporter which was launched in the UK in January.

The first T1 ‘split-screen’ model was powered by a four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine mounted at the back of the vehicle. It produced 25 PS of power and had a top speed of about 60 mph. By comparison, the new Transporter enjoys the refinement of Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre, common rail, turbocharged diesel engine, available with power outputs ranging from 84 PS to 180 PS and a top speed of up to 119 mph, plus the latest stability control systems and braking technology that would have sounded like something from a science fiction novel 60 years ago.

The first Transporter was imported into the UK in 1955, and the latest version of the van as well as today’s people-carrying and campervan versions, the Caravelle and California, arrived in the UK this January, 55 years later.

Source: Volkswagen PR

They also want to “take the hybrid out of its niche with volume models,” and be “the first automaker to launch a mass-produced electric car for everyone.”

VW already has their 2011 Touareg hybrid ready for launch (pictured above), and plans for future models including an electrified Jetta, Q5 hybrid by 2012 along with the electric Golf in 2013. VW will also follow with production of the E-Up! in early 2013.

Now here comes the really ambition part of Volkswagen’s Geneva talks – jumping forward to 2018; Volkswagen wants to become THE Number 1 leader in “e-mobility.” But Nissan too wants to take a shot at all electric rides. We think the contests are going to get cutthroat.

Source: Car & Driver

Well, you can’t actually sit in the car, but this serial killer’s ride is now on display at the museum in our nation’s capital.

Ted Bundy, no relation to Al, was convinced to the murder of 30 people from 1973 to 1978 and executed in Florida, 1989. His Volkswagen as acquired from a private collector in New York, who is probably as weird as Bundy was. According to Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer of the Museum, “this is the first time that the car has been shown publicly since it was sold to a Utah police officer and subsequently auctioned to its current owner…” After receiving harsh criticism for displaying the piece, Ms. Vaccarello replied, “We’re simply reporting history. Bundy was probably the most notorious serial killer in history, and we are a museum on crime and punishment. “

Via NY Times

One would think a sculpture of this mass would take years to create – right? Actually, according to artist Neil, the creature was built on-site in a matter of three months. After the ape was stable, and engine/trans axle were removed from rusty VW Bug, it was hoisted up by crane to site atop this majestic stone beast. Notice the chains coming from Ape’s wrists – Neil admits part of the piece’s inspiration came from the motion picture classic, King Kong.

But why a Volkswagen? “…they would have put an army tank up there if they were selling army tanks. A rusty gold Volkswagen appeared at the time, so up it went,” said TJ. Good thing Pioneer wasn’t selling jetliners.

VW Polo Cup made a huge splash at the New Delhi International Auto Show – and why not, look at these stats: 15″ alloy wheels, petrol and diesel variant (with respective 1.2 liter engine with an output of 75HP @ 5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @ 3750 rpm / 1.2 liter engine with an output of 75HP @ 4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm, 5-speed manual gear box & a ton of interior storage spaces. A little racer with lots of torque and hidden compartments – not bad for the 2010 – 2011 model. Check out full details in the press release below.

Volkswagen unveils the new Polo at the tenth Auto Expo in New Delhi

New Delhi, January 5, 2010: Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker unveiled its much awaited premium hatchback the new Polo at the New Delhi Auto Expo today. The company also showcased the Race Polo for the Volkswagen Polo Cup which will commence in India with the inaugural race event on June, 2010.

Speaking about the showcasing of the new Polo, Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen A.G, with responsibility for Group Production said, “The Volkswagen brand plays an important role in our success story. The new Polo is a key player in our ongoing strategy. It is an outstanding model in the exceptional range of the Volkswagen Group.”

He further added “The Polo stands for German engineering and top technology. It is a lively young and cosmopolitan car. This particular model has been designed with the expectations and wants of our customers in mind, making the Polo a new benchmark in the compact segment and even creating its own class -the Polo class” he concluded.

Commenting on the new Polo, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd said “The new generation Polo offers our brand’s core values of innovation, value and responsibility. It is designed to offer the very best in comfort and drivability. It features all new interiors and its pure and powerful design makes the new Polo a bold styling statement.

The good news is that this hatchback from Volkswagen will be ready for sale at all our dealerships from March this year.”

The new Polo:

The new Volkswagen Polo will be available with a petrol and diesel variant. The petrol variant is equipped with a 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @ 3750 rpm.

The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm.

It will be available in three trim levels including Trendline, Comfortline and Highline and is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box.

The interior is equipped with storage compartment in front doors for 1 litre Bottles, sunglass storage inside glove box, single folding rear seat backrest and the dashboard are proof of the sure instinct of high design quality which interprets the classic elements of the Polo in a contemporary way.

In exteriors too, the new Polo offers body coloured bumpers with green tinted heat absorbing glass, halogen headlights and galvanized Body with 6 years Anti Corrosion Warranty.

The Polo highline has large 15″ alloy wheels, ensconced in their flared arches; give it a higher and more commanding stance.

In safety it is equipped with Advanced occupant safety with Dual airbags, driver and passenger side, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and electronic Anti theft immobilizer.

On comfort the car has a number of unique, thoughtful touches. It is equipped with CD MP3 Player changer with 4 speakers, power steering for better drivability, central locking with unique boot opener in company logo, height adjustable driving seats with a steering wheel tilt which improves the drivability of the passenger.

The new Polo will establish a leadership position in its class with category defining attributes of space, style, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. It will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s Chakan plant with an annual capacity of 110,000 cars and will be available through Volkswagen’s 40 dealerships across the country.

The Source: WorldCarFans

2010 VW Golf VI Press Release: Front end of Golf Estate now follows new Volkswagen “Design DNA” (whatever that means)

Wolfsburg, 21 May 2009 – Volkswagen will begin accepting advance orders for the new Golf Estate this Friday. In the sixth generation of the world bestseller, after the 2-door and 4-door Golfs and the latest Golf Plus, this is the fourth body version to be launched. The estate is one of the most successful models on the market, particularly in the company car market. The extensive redesign of this Estate should ensure that the all-around talent further extends its position as a business estate car and as a first car for families as well. The base price of the new Golf Estate in Germany, including ESP, six airbags, daytime running lights, roof railing, power windows all around, upshift indicator, power and heated outside mirrors, 1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear bench seat and seatback, central locking with RF remote control, climate control and 1,495 litres of cargo capacity is € 18,500.

The front end of the Golf Estate was completely redesigned. Its visual appearance follows today’s Volkswagen “Design DNA”. From now its appearance is defined by clear horizontal lines and bold headlight styling. The car’s engine lineup was adopted directly from the Golf 2-door and 4-door models. In the interior, the high-end instruments of the current Golf set the tone. In Europe, first units of the new Golf will be delivered in September.

Features and engines

At its market launch – in parallel to advance sales that are now starting – the successful Estate (more than 95,000 new vehicle registrations in 2008) will be offered in the three equipment versions Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The latter replaces the previous Sportline version as the top equipment line. Engines available for selection when advance sales begin are a TSI (boosted gasoline direct-injection engine) with 90 kW / 122 PS and two very quiet common rail turbo-diesels (77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS). Other engines will follow in stages: two Multipoint engines (59 kW / 80 PS and 75 kW / 102 PS) and another TSI gasoline engine (118 kW / 160 PS). All six engines fulfil the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

Exterior details of the new Golf Estate

In front, the new Golf Estate can be recognized by its new bumper, radiator grille and engine hood styling and its modified fenders and headlights, which were all adapted 1:1 from the estate’s 2-door and 4-door counterparts. In contrast to the previous model, the front-end design is no longer defined by a chrome radiator grille, rather by a black, horizontally layout of the grille and front bumper painted in car colour. In the lower area, the Estate has an additional large air inlet too. Starting with the mid-level equipment version (Comfortline), chrome inserts are integrated in the radiator grille and the lower air inlet. In the top Highline version, this also applies to the frames for the front fog lights with new static turning light function that are a standard feature here.

At the rear, the independent design of the previous model has been upgraded in the new generation by modified, more elegant taillights and bumpers fully painted in car colour in the lower area. From now on, TDI and TSI versions can also be recognized by their tailpipes, which are no longer covered by the bumper. In addition, Volkswagen developed a new wheel lineup for the new Golf Estate.

Interior details of the new Golf Estate

At the time of its presentation last fall, the sixth generation Golf received excellent marks, especially for its high-end quality. In the interior, it was especially in the styling of the gauges that the Golf crossed boundaries to the next higher class and still does. The same gauges and instruments, including a standard multifunctional display and upshift indicator, are now being used in the new Golf Estate too. Also adopted from the Golf was the new generation of three-spoke steering wheels, which celebrated their debut in the Passat CC in 2008.

In this context, controls for the new Golf climate control system were integrated in the Golf Estate as well. Volkswagen also adapted its line of different seat covers (Trendline: “Roxy”; Comfortline: “Scout”; Highline: Alcantara/fabric “Merlin”) to the entire model series. The same applies to features ranging from the radio and navigation systems up to the interfaces for MP3 players and Bluetooth mobile telephones. Two driver assistance systems are also available as options for the first time in the Golf Estate: “ParkAssist” (automatic parking assistant) and “Rear Assist” (rearview camera). Another feature being offered is the panorama sunroof that is popular among many Golf Estate buyers.

Euro-5 engines of the new Golf Estate in detail

Volkswagen is launching the new Golf Estate on the market with four gasoline and two diesel engine options; they all meet the limits of the new Euro-5 standard. The entry level continues to be marked by an 80-PS gasoline engine, followed by a 102-PS version. The two most powerful gasoline engines (TSI with 122 PS and 160 PS) and the two turbo-diesels (TDI with 105 PS and 140 PS) may be ordered with an optional automatic DSG dual clutch transmission.

Entirely new to the Golf Estate’s engine lineup is the 105 PS common rail TDI. Like the larger 2.0-liter TDI, the 1.6-liter four cylinder is also characterized by noticeably comfortable noise levels, low emissions (119 g/km CO2) and an extremely low average fuel consumption (4.5 litres per hundred kilometres). Compared to the previous model of the same power, fuel consumption was reduced by 0.7 litre.

The 2.0 TDI was adopted from the previous generation of the Golf Estate; it also has a highly advanced common rail direct injection system. The 140 PS strong and 210 km/h fast Golf Estate 2.0 TDI consumes 5.0 litre (132 g/km CO2), which is impressively low considering its power. The TDI engines may be ordered together with any of the three equipment versions.

As already noted, the gasoline engines of the Golf Estate have power levels of 80 PS (MPI), 102 PS (MPI), 122 PS (TSI) and 160 PS (TSI). The base engine with 80 PS is available with the Trendline equipment line; the 102-PS version may be ordered as a Golf Estate Trendline or Golf Estate Comfortline. The TSI engines can each be ordered together with the Comfortline or Highline equipment versions.

Just how efficiently the current gasoline engines from Volkswagen perform is well-illustrated by the TSI. Its 6.3 litre (122 PS) and 6.4 litre (160 PS) fuel consumption values place their average fuel consumption on par with the already economical base engine with 80 PS. When shifted by a DSG transmission, fuel consumption is even reduced to 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres (139 g/km CO2) on the 122-PS TSI and 6.1 litres (143 g/km CO2) on the 160-PS version. With this engine lineup, the new Golf Estate is one of the most economical and cleanest estate cars in Europe.

The Porsche and Piech families, which still control Porsche, set their signatures to a merger contract Friday, November 20, 2009. The VW board is said to also be signing off on a series of contracts, thousands of pages long, detailing a multi-stage process for the merger. VW said in a press release it wants the process to go as smoothly as possible and will propose a resolution to issue new preferred shares at its Extraordinary General Meeting on December 3, 2009. The new shares will allow VW to maintain its “medium term financial flexibility,” the company said.

via WCF

2010’s Volkswagen Polo is a diesel powered hatchback that may rival other VW brands and even make a diesel-impression on North America, which is not an easy task to accomplish south of Canada’s Border. But for now Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is only going to be sold in Europe – and what a perfect testing ground for a 2400-lb 1.2 liter three-ply turbo diesel “city car” by VW. A Polo TDI will also be available with a full 4-cylinders.

Sure, it doesn’t have much of a motor, but BlueMotion is a “frugal” and green (forgive the color name-play) direction for the German auto maker. I mean come on, if you don’t get with green today you’re not going to sell many cars (ahem, Chrysler, cough).

Polo-Blue (as I like to call it) kicks up with only 75 horse power available at 4000 rpm. It’s no race car, though with a top speed is an ungoverned 107 mph, and VW claims a 0-to-62-mph run of 13.6 seconds. Now get ready for this – VW Polo has a combined MGP of around 71 mpg. Yes, 71 miles to the gallon – we’re not making that number up.

There are rumors circulating America will get the Polo at one point – either in a 4-door conversion or the three-door hatchback. The Euro-price converts to around $22,000 USD – keeping it in line with smaller European-type American/Japanese models like Chevy’s Aveo and Nissan Versa. Stay tuned to see if the United States will be blessed by another VW vehicle on its roads.

via Car & Driver