Volkswagen

Remember the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid? Most likely not as it made up a sliver of overall Jetta sales - about one percent according to Volkswagen spokesman. For the 2017 model year, the Jetta Hybrid will dropped from the lineup. Some of reason as to why the Jetta Hybrid wasn't a big seller was the high price. According to Automotive News, the Jetta Hybrid only came in the top SEL Premium trim that starts at $31,940. This is slightly hard to ask when the base starts at $18,500. Also, hybrid and electric vehicles have been taking tumble due to low gas prices and consumers drifting towards SUVs and crossovers. But the big reason we believe is that like most other hybri…

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the German automaker's most important vehicles - currently is the best-selling vehicle in Europe. To keep this title, the automaker is planning a refresh for 2017. According to Autocar, Volkswagen isn't making any major changes to the exterior. There will be reshaped bumpers and revised head and taillights. The big changes are inside as Volkswagen is planning to implement its own version of Audi's virtual cockpit - 12.5-inch to display gauges along with the ability to display a map. Higher-end Golfs will be available with a large 9.5-inch touchscreen with the ability to use gesture controls. Engines are expected to include a turboch…

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Tomorrow, we find out the details of the settlement between Volkswagen and the U.S. Government over the diesel emission scandal. As we reported last week, sources told various news outlets that part of the settlement would include compensation payments from $1,000 to $7,000 to owners. A European Union commissioner believes that should be extended to those in Europe. EU Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska tells German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that Volkswagen should set up a similar compensation program for Europe. "Volkswagen should voluntarily pay European car owners compensation that is comparable with that which they will pay U.S. consumers," said Bienkow…

The V-10 sure looks different with the body colored blades. http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080624.009/au...tted-at-quattro

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 19, 2012 The Lamborghini SUV that we been hearing for the longest time will make its debut shortly at next week's Beijing Auto Show will have a name. Chinese Media is reporting the name of the SUV will be the Urus. We'll save you the trip to Google: a "urus" is an extinct European ox, Bos primigenius, a forebearer of domestic cattle whose last example roamed the Polish forests until 1627. So, the name somehow keeps up with Lamborghini's tradition with naming their cars after oxen. The Urus is rumored to have a a reworked ten-cylinder powerplant from the Gallardo producing 584 HP, and a $200,000 price tag. Expe…

After ten months when news came to light that Volkswagen used illegal software to cheat emission tests in the U.S. the German automaker has agreed to a $14.7 billion settlement. This morning, the U.S. Justice Department filed details of the settlement in U.S. District Court in San Fransisco. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen will offer owners of affected models the choice of either having their vehicle bought back or repaired if and when a repair is approved by the EPA and CARB. If you decide to have your vehicle bought back by Volkswagen, will be determined based on the 'Clean Trade-In Value' by the National Automobile Dealers Association, along…

Linkitypoo Well looky here – it's the latest in a long line of oddly named trucks from Volkswagen. This time, the Amarok refers to a cryptozoological Inuit giant wolf-creature that eats those who dares to hunt alone. No really. Regardless, the Amarok is VW's first pickup truck since the Caddy, aka the Rabbitamino first released in 1980. Aside from being thirty-years more new, the Amarok looks to be a bit, well, more stout. Spartan, too – especially the no frills interior. And here's the really good part for you truck dudes – it's a real-deal, honest-to-goodness body-on-frame worker bee. Meaning it can haul 2,300 pounds and tow nearly three tons (5,600 pounds) when equ…

Last night at an event in Berlin, Porsche unveiled the second-generation Panamera. The good news is the next-generation model fixes one of the biggest problems of the current model, the ugliness. As we saw in spy photos a few weeks ago, designers cleaned up the look with better proportions, making the body much sleeker, and lowering the roofline. Overall dimensions are up by an inch. Wheels range from 19 to 21 inches. The interior retains the same design as the outgoing model, but with more tech. The driver faces an instrument cluster with two seven-inch screens flanking the tachometer. The center stack features a 12.3-inch touchscreen and capacitive touch buttons on …

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 16, 2012 The Volkswagen/Suzuki partnership had so much going for it back in 2009. Two years later, the two are fighting and lobbing cheap shots. Suzuki wants out of it, while Volkswagen wants to work it out. Last November, Suzuki asked for arbitration in London to make Volkswagen return the 19.89% interest it had taken and to pay an unspecified amount of damages. Suzuki in their filing claims that Volkswagen didn’t keep its promise of providing Suzuki with access to technology and that Volkswagen refused several times to settle the matter out of court. Volkswagen however is refuting Suzuki’s claims in the suit. …

Autoweek has reported that the '06 TT models --both the 1.8L and 3.2L engines--have been pulled from sales in NY, CA, MA, ME and VT for failing to meet those states stricter emissions standards. Audi will attempt to meet those standards with it's '07 models.

It came as a shock to many when Volkswagen admitted that it used illegal software to cheat emission tests with their diesel. But there was one group that wasn't surprised, automakers. Kent Falck, a future product specialist at Volvo said a recent event that many automakers were very suspicious of Volkswagen's emission results with their TDI engines. Falck explained that many were puzzled as to how Volkswagen was able to achieve lower emissions despite using the same suppliers as other automakers. “We have the same suppliers, we have Bosch, we have Denso, we are working with the same partners, so we know this technology doesn’t exist,” said Falck. “I have known tha…

Volkswagen's diesel emission scandal went deeper this week as the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (known as the KBA) announced on Tuesday that the software Volkswagen uses on their diesel vehicles was deemed illegal. This decision opens up the possibility of lawsuits and penalties against the company, but the extent of this is unknown at this time. As the New York Times states 'it was a turbulent day for the company.' Aside from the KBA announcing the software Volkswagen used was deemed illegal, the company announced monthly sales in the U.S. dropped 25 percent. Volkswagen also announced that 50 employees have stepped forward and provided information about th…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 20, 2012 Yesterday, we brought forth the name of the Lamborghini SUV, the Urus. Today, we bring you the pictures of the Urus. Leaked out before its official debut at the Beijing Motor Show, the Urus matches the renderings we've seen in the past, albeit with sleeker headlamps and a low-slung appearance. The Urus is expected to use the platform that will be used on next-generation Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7 and upcoming Bentley SUV, but come in 200 lbs lighter. Power will come from a V10, most likely from the Gallardo. Source: Autoblog.nl View full article

Porsche has revealed an updated 2017 911 before its official debut at Frankfurt. The update introduces new turbocharged engines for the Carrera and Carrera S models. The 3.0L flat-six engine comes equipped with a set of twin turbos which adds an extra 20 horsepower. Here are the power ratings for both models, 911 Carrera: 370 horsepower, 331 pound-feet of torque 911 Carrera S: 420 horsepower, 368 pound-feet of torque Both engines will also see a 12 percent increase in efficiency, meaning a slight increase in fuel economy. As for transmissions, both models come with a seven-speed manual as standard. Porsche's PDK dual-clutch is available as an option. Porsc…

Porsche seems to have wagons on the mind with the Panamera Sport Turismo concept shown at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and recent spy shots showing off a prototype version undergoing testing. Could it be that Porsche is working on a Panamera wagon? They are and it is coming to the U.S. Automotive News recently sat down with Porsche's U.S. chief, Klaus Zellmer who revealed that Porsche is working on a wagon for the second-generation Panamera and that it would be sold in the U.S. "We have to have some patience for [the wagon] to arrive in the U.S. But we are confident that this car will be well received here, despite the fact that this country doesn't really like hatch…

Almost five months after Volkswagen and the U.S. Government announced they had reached a settlement totaling $14.7 billion over the 2.0L TDI engine scandal, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer has given the final approval today in San Francisco . The approval marks a pivotal moment for the German automaker as they begin to move away from a scandal that has done a lot of harm not only to them, but also diesel fuel. The majority of the settlement will be used by Volkswagen to give owners of vehicles equipped with the 2.0L TDI four-cylinder two options, Have Volkswagen buy back the vehicle at NADA trade-in value before the scandal broke along with a one-time cash pa…

Tesla isn't going to be the only automaker with an electric-only crossover. Audi announced this week they are planning to do an EV "sports activity vehicle" for early 2018. The announcement was made by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi’s research and development boss during the brand's annual press conference. Hackenberg didn't go in much detail about the model, but did talk about certain items with Autocar. He revealed the model will use the MLB platform like the new Audi Q7 and feature design cues from the recent Audi Prologue concept car. Source: Audi, Autocar Image Source: Autocar Press Release is on Page 2 Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Ma…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 3, 2013 Porsche's new small crossover, the Macan has a possible reveal location. According to Auto Express, Porsche will unveil the Macan at the 2013 LA Auto Show. A source tells the magazine that the new Macan will use the MLB platform that underpins the Audi Q5, albeit with more aluminum. Also, the source says the new Macan will exclusively come with four-wheel drive from launch. The new Macan is expected to start arriving at dealers sometime next spring. Source: Auto Express William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on tw…

Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, head of Audi's r&d has stepped down today. Hackenberg has been a key presence at Audi and the Volkswagen group since he joined in 1985. He has played a major role in a number of projects including the first-generation Audi TT, Volkswagen XL1, and the MQB modular platform. In 2013, he was named the head of Audi's r&d division. Hackenberg made headlines back in September as he and two other r&d heads at Volkswagen - Porsche's Wolfgang Hatz and Volkswagen's Heinz-Jakob Neusser - were suspended for possible involvement in the diesel scandal. “In the 30 years that he was active in the Volkswagen Group, Ulrich Hackenberg was involv…

Ladies and Gentlemen... May we present the 2015 Audi TT. If you're scratching your head and wondering, wow it looks like the current model except for a new front end, you're not the only one. It appears the new TT is an evolution of the current model with some elements of Audi's quattro and Sport quattro concepts. Meanwhile inside, Audi designers made some radical decisions. The most obvious decision is no center display in the center stack. Those duties are handled by a new multifunction LCD screen in the gauge cluster. Another interesting decision is the climate controls placed on the center of the air vents. Power will come from three different engines: 2.0L TDI fou…

Touareg Troubles Porsche, VW clash over product plans By HENNING KROGH | Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek | Updated: 06/19/07, 9:57 am et WOLFSBURG, Germany -- After taking its major stake in Volkswagen AG, sports car manufacturer Porsche AG is pushing to speed up the companies' joint projects. That confirms many VW shareholders' fears that Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking wants to increase Porsche's influence over VW product planning. He has been a member of the VW supervisory board since 2006. A dispute is looming over the introduction of the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg. The two companies again are developing the large SUVs in close cooperatio…

As stricter fuel economy and emission regulations come into play, automakers are scrambling to figure out solutions that meet the regulations while retaining power. Porsche believes the solution is a plug-in hybrid system for the iconic 911. Car and Driver spoke with Erhard Mössle, engineering boss for the 911 Turbo, Carrera 4, and Targa revealed that Porsche is working on a plug-in hybrid system for the next-generation 911. “We are working on different solutions. We are developing a pure-electric car like the Mission E, and of course we are discussing plug-in solutions as well for the 911,” said Mössle. But trying to fit a hybrid system in the 911 is a diffic…

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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 11, 2012 According to a report from German weekly WirtschaftsWoche, Porsche is expecting production of its new Macan crossover to reach 75,000 vehicles. That number comes from Porsche's procurement chief Uwe-Karsten Staedter who told suppliers that the company is planning to raise its production forecast from 45,000 to 75,000 Macans. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 1, 2012 Last month, we talked about what Porsche has got in store for their lineup through 2016. One of the vehicles that Porsche has got in store is the Pajun, aka the Junior Panamera. Automobile Magazine has uncovered some new information about the Pajun. The Pajun will not only target Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also at the Audi A7, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Porsche will not only offer the Pajun in the five-door model like the Panamera, but will also offer it as a shooting brake. As for power, the Pajun will solely rely on V6s. The lineup will include a 3.…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 16, 2012 The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf that was originally due out in the U.S. next fall has been pushed back to 2014. Rainer Michel, Volkswagen of America’s vice president of product marketing and strategy told Car & Driver about the delay. The reason is due to Volkswagen wanting to avoid unnecessary manufacturing complications at launch since the Golf is the key vehicle in Europe. Volkswagen officials are saying that North America market planning is ongoing.That includes where the Golf and GTI will be assembled. Currently, the Golf and GTI are built at the Wolfsburg plant. Speculation also has som…

The Volkswagen diesel scandal has prompted the German transport minister to meet with the counterpart in the U.S. According to Reuters, Alexander Dobrindt will be holding talks today with Anthony Foxx, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation about the scandal. The report goes on to say that Dobrindt hopes to meet with officials from the EPA. That's not all that is taking place in the U.S. for Volkswagen. Another report from Reuters says the company has put plans of overhauling the management and overall strategy for the U.S. on hold till they deal with the litany of lawsuits and penalties. "What matters more than anything else right now is to sort out this disaster,"…

When we drove the Volkswagen Atlas back in the summer, we liked the base turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder for the most part. Aside from noticeable turbo-lag, the engine provided decent oomph. But for 2019, Volkswagen is quietly reducing the number of models you can order with the turbo 2.0L. CarsDirect recently obtained the order guide for the 2019 Atlas and reports that the base S trim will be the only model available with the 2.0T. Previously, the SE and SEL could be ordered with the 2.0T. Volkswagen has also decided to drop V6 FWD configuration for the S. This means the mid-level SE is now the cheapest way to get the V6 FWD configuration - $36,490 vs. $35,090 for t…

Volkswagen is turning towards plug-in hybrid technology for the majority of its models till longer range batteries become a reality. This was announced at Volkswagen's annual media conference yesterday by Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn. Why plug-in hybrid tech? Winterkorn explained that plug-in hybrids are the best stop-gap technology with reducing emissions without sacrificing range. Now that doesn't mean Volkswagen isn't stopping work on electric vehicles. The automaker is currently working on electric systems that will have a range of more than 300 miles. One other note; the Volkswagen Golf GTE plug-in hybrid will be coming to the U.S. next year. This news wa…

To shoulder the massive costs that will come from the diesel emission scandal, Volkswagen has agreed to terms to take out a 20 billion euro (about $21 billion) bridging loan with a number of banks. Sources tell Reuters the decision to go with a number of banks allows Volkswagen to spread the debt out and that the company hopes to start paying back the loans next year by issuing bonds in the company. A few weeks ago, we heard rumors that Volkswagen was planning to take out 20 billion Euros in short-term loans to act as a buffer for upcoming fines. But since that report, the news has only gotten worse. Volkswagen has admitted that 430,000 vehicles in Europe have "implau…

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The diesel emission scandal has caused Audi to change up their development cycle. A source tells Car and Driver that Audi has sped up the development cycle for e-tron quattro and h-tron quattro models. The board has allegedly diverted engineering and financial resources toward these models and put all non-essential projects on the back burner. “Everybody is of course concerned about the aftereffects of the diesel crisis, and the thinking is that Audi has to show people we are serious about these kinds of cars,” said the source. “Every kind of thinking has changed since the diesel problems. We are pushing to bring zero-emission cars to market as fast as we can now—…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 19, 2012 Automotive News is reporting that Porsche will be introducing a Plug-In version the Panamera. A source says the Panamera Plug-In will likely come out by 2014. The source goes onto say the vehicle will be sold in the U.S., but didn't say when. According to a separate report from Motor Trend, the Panamera Plug-In will be based on the Panamera Hybrid. Both will use the 3.0L supercharged V6 producing 333 HP. However, the plug-in will not use the Panamera hybrid's nickel-metal hydride battery and instead use a lithium-ion battery. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Motor Trend View full a…

A new wrinkle has appeared in the Volkswagen diesel scandal. Last week, Daniel Donovan filed suit against Volkswagen of America for wrongful termination and breaking the Michigan Whistleblowers' Protection Act after reporting that the company continuing deleting data after the EPA said to stop. On September 18, the EPA filed a violation notice against Volkswagen's diesel vehicles. Part of that notice required Volkswagen to not delete any more data. Donovan alleges in the suit that workers at Volkswagen Group of America's data processing center in Auburn Hills, MI did not stop till September 21st. Donovan told his supervisor about this and tried to stop the deletions. …

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 15, 2012 The current Audi TT has been around with us since 2006 and it’s hiding its age very well. That doesn’t mean Audi is hard at work with the next generation TT. Autocar has learned some interesting information dealing with the next generation model. Audi officials say the goal of the next TT is to be “more driver orientated” than the current model. Audi’s plan to reach this goal factors on many things. One of those factors is a slight weight reduction from the current base car’s mass of 3,150 pounds. The new TT will be built around a inner structure that uses more of aluminium in the bulkheads and floo…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com June 3, 2012 Audi of America president Johan De Nysschen stepped down from his post this past Friday. Audi spokesman Brad Stertz told Autoweek that the move is immediate. Stertz also said De Nysschen is leaving for another job. In an e-mail to workers, de Nysschen explained why he is stepping down, "I do want to make it very clear--this development is unrelated to the present discussion and expectations of reorganization of senior roles inside the VW Group. Rather, it comes from a realization of the future leadership needs of Audi, in order to attain our goal of becoming the most aspirational premium brand in the U.S…

It seems every year or so, a rumor comes out that Volkswagen is bringing back the Microbus. The past couple of years have seen rumors talking about the Microbus returning as an electric vehicle. This is the case with the latest Microbus rumor. Autocar has learned from sources at Volkswagen that the van is part of a possible five electric vehicle lineup that German automaker wants to launch by 2020. The model is said to carry some of the design cues of the original model with a flat front end and curbside sliding door. Max seating is said to be for seven people. In terms of platform, the van will use Volkswagen's upcoming MEB platform that debuted on the iD conce…

Previous Page Next Page Volkswagen has never understood the U.S. marketplace since the first Beetle. Their vehicles were either too expensive or didn't fit the needs of a buyer. But the company hopes with their new 2018 Atlas crossover, they can make end roads into the U.S. market and begin fixing their tattered image. The Atlas is basically the production version of the CrossBlue concept that debuted at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Details such as the long grille, flat-topped wheel fenders, a crease along the side, and sloping rear window are here. If you didn't know this was Volkswagen, you would swear it was a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Using…

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For 2019, Volkswagen is swapping engines on certain Golf models to help boost fuel economy. The Car Connection reports that the Golf and Golf SportWagen will swap the turbocharged 1.8L four for the Jetta's turbo 1.4. The smaller engine produces 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen is also adding more gears to the transmissions - six-speeds for the manual and eight for the automatic. EPA fuel economy estimates are not available at the moment. All-wheel drive variants (Golf SportWagen S AWD and Alltrack) will keep the turbo 1.8. Its unclear from TCC's story whether it will get the updated transmissions - Alltrack already gets the six-speed manua…

The emission cheating that went back to 2006 and would land Volkswagen in deep trouble last September was an open secret in the automaker's engine development department. German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung along with regional broadcasters NDR and WDR reported on Friday some of the results of Volkswagen's internal investigation into the diesel cheating scandal. The cheating goes back to 2006 at Volkswagen's engine development department. With strict U.S. emissions standards looming, the department was given an impossible task; find a cost effective solution to develop clean diesel engines. Pressure from the board and fear of telling their bosses that it could no…

Volkswagen's electric car offensive has already started in Europe with the ID.3. The next step is taking on the U.S. with the next electric vehicle, the ID.4 introduced today. The ID.4 looks very close to the concept that was first shown back in 2017 with such details as the VW logo smack dab in the middle with a light bar running across; wide air dam for the front, flowing lines, and a full-length lightbar at the rear. In terms of size, the ID.4 is about 4.6 inches shorter, 1.9 inches lower, and 0.5 inches wider than the Tiguan sold in the U.S. No word on weight. For the interior, Volkswagen went minimalist. The driver faces 5.3-inch digital display and is able …

2008 VW Scirocco:

Automakers have been downsizing their engines and adding turbochargers to improve fuel economy while retaining power from larger displacement engines. But is there a point where this trend doesn't make sense anymore? Volkswagen believes that time is coming very soon. "The trend of downsizing is over," said Herbert Diess, Volkswagen's chairman. "Emissions tend to go up as engines get smaller." This is due to smaller engines needing to work much harder to produce the power figures of higher displacement engines, which in turns causes more fuel to be used. Currently, small displacement engines do very well in the European fuel economy and emission tests. But t…

Volkswagen's dealers find themselves wondering what's next and if the diesel scandal would end. Dealers seemed hopeful when the initial fallout came as Volkswagen seemed to understand what could happen. The German automaker offered emergency aid to its dealers which earned Volkswagen of America's CEO Michael Horn a standing ovation at Volkswagen's national meeting. But three months on and a scandal that seems to go in a new direction every day, dealers are becoming worried and frustrated. "This thing isn't getting better with time. We don't have a fix. We don't have a timeline," said Alan Brown, chairman of VW's dealer council. The unknown, he added, is "what …

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 23, 2012 Automakers are always in a overhauling cycle with their model lineup in varying stages. Porsche happens to be in the middle of its cycle. So far, the company has introduced the new Panamera and refreshed versions of the Cayenne, 911, and the Boxster. Automobile magazine has uncovered what the company has got planned up to 2016. First up are the vehicles we know about; coming in 2013 are the new Cayman, the smaller Macan, and the 918 Spyder. The 918 Spyder will come with equipped with a 4.6L aluminum V8 producing 550 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque, and will be paired with two electric motors for a combined t…

Porsche developing its own Golf-based entry model? Small, fun to drive, possibly inexpensive ... what's not to love? Link to original Article @ Autoblog Porsche-Golf? Small, inexpensive Porsche model to debut in 2012? Link to original Article @ Motive Mag Forums You know, I believe this car has been a long-time coming from Porsche. I remember reading rumors back in 2003 in an issue of Road & Track that described this very car and the article in that magazine had a very similar rendering to the last one pictured, especially the DLO. Interesting ...

G. Noble Editor/Reporter CheersandGears.com Thursday, 16th February, 2012 This is it — the new upcoming small SUV from Porsche. No, it isn’t going to be named “Cajun” as previously thought. Instead, Porsche went with something a little less spicy for the name and decided to choose an Indonesian word meaning “tiger” — Macan. The sketch you see above was released this morning directly from Porsche, along with a and a press release mostly full of non-information regarding the new Audi Q5-based soft-roader. That means there isn’t any official word about what engines will wind up powering the Macan, but it’s probably safe to assume they’ll be Porsche-specific. The sa…

If there is one thing we have learned during the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal, it is this: Just when you think you have everything figured out, there is always a surprise waiting around the corner to add a new twist. Bloomberg reports that Bosch allegedly asked Volkswagen for legal protection over damages from the defeat device it helped developed. This allegation comes from a revised lawsuit filed by Volkswagen owners in the U.S. against the two companies. The filing says this request was in a letter sent to Volkswagen June 2, 2008. “Plaintiffs do not have a full record of what unfolded in response to Bosch’s June 2, 2008, letter. However, it is indisput…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 16, 2012 The new small Porsche SUV that will go on sale in 2013 has got a name. No, its not Cajun as we have been calling since first hearing about the small SUV. What it will be called is the Porsche Macan (mah•khahn). Porsche says the name "Macan is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger and combines suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics – core characteristics of this new all-terrain car." Okay.. The Macan will use the Audi Q5's platform and will be built at the Porsche plant in Leipzig, Germany, where the Cayenne is built. Press Release is on Page 2 NEW PORSCHE MODEL TO BE NAMED MACA…

Ever since the Porsche Boxster was released back in 1996, the formula of a two-seat roadster powered by flat-six engine never changed. But the German sports car maker is making some big changes come 2017. First, the 2017 model will not be called Boxster. Instead, it will be named 718 Boxster. The 718 is in reference to the 1957 718 race car that used a four-cylinder engine. That takes us to other big change for the Boxster; the flat-six engines will be replaced by turbocharged flat-four engine. Here is what 718 Boxster engine lineup will look like: 718 Boxster: Turbocharged 2.0L Flat-Four - 300 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque 718 Boxster S: Turbocharged 2.…

There appears to be some movement on the 3.0L TDI settlement between Volkswagen and U.S. Government. A source briefed on the 3.0L TDI V6 settlement told Reuters that Volkswagen will pay $200 million into a pollution reduction fund. This is on top of the $2.7 billion Volkswagen will be paying for the 2.0L TDI pollution reduction fund. This seems to be the only thing the two groups have agreed on at the moment. Yesterday, a hearing at U.S. Federal Court in San Fransisco was pushed back few hours to give them more time to negotiate. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said at the hearing the parties have made "substantial progress and I am optimistic that there will be a…

Well, sorry guys. Looks like we aren't going to get the real Polo afterall, but an enlarged, fattened "American Market" sort of car instead. No Euro Polo for U.S.

Despite it being outed only a few days before its reveal, the debut of the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak concept was quite the surprise at New York. But many of us are wondering the same thing: Why? "We really showed this as a concept without a clear production plan behind it. Our intention [is] to demonstrate that we very seriously look into the American needs. ... Volkswagen wants to be part of this market much more seriously than in the past," said Volkswagen's North American CEO, Hinrich J. Woebcken during a media briefing. Volkswagen's North America office wants to take more control as how the brand is run over the home office. We already saw some inkling of this…

Another Porsche 911 variant is on the way according to a report from Autocar. This variant will be focused on 'simple driving pleasure'. Power will likely come from a naturally-aspirated 3.8L flat-six from the 911 GT3, which means 475 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Unlike the GT3, this variant will feature a manual transmission, most likely the seven-speed version. Its expected this variant will also keep the narrow body found on most 911s, not the wide body as seen on the GT models. No word on what this model will be called or when it will debut. Source: Autocar View full article

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Volkswagen is getting ready to start the $10 billion compensation program for owners of the 2.0L TDI engine in the U.S. But some folks want the German automaker to do something similar for TDI owners in Europe. "Volkswagen should voluntarily pay European car owners compensation that is comparable with that which they will pay U.S. consumers," said EU Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska last week. In a interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag over the weekend, Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller said that isn't going to happen. "But we have just a different situation," said Müller. "In the U.S. the (emission) limits are stricter, which makes the fi…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 24, 2012 Audi is extending their e-tron technology to a luxury sedan. At the Beijing Motor Show, Audi introduced the A6 L e-tron concept. Based on the A6 platform, the A6 L e-tron is on a longer wheelbase. Power comes from a 2.0L TFSI engine making 211 HP and is combined with a 95 HP electric motor that is powered by a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. The A6 L e-tron can operate in fully-electric, hybrid or gasoline mode as needed. Audi says the A6 L e-tron concept is technically an concept at the moment, but did admit that it could indicate what an A6 e-tron could look like. Press Release is on Page 2 A…

Porsche has been tasked with developing a new V8 engine for the Volkswagen group and the first fruits of the program have been announced at the Vienna Motor Symposium this week. Car and Driver reports Porsche unveiled a new twin-turbo V8 engine that will be used in the next-generation Panamera and Cayenne. Loosely based on Audi's new turbocharged 3.0L V6, the V8 engine produces 550 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the current 4.8L V8, the new V8 can consume 30 percent less fuel thanks to a cylinder-deactivation system. Porsche says the V8 engine has been designed to accept stop-start systems and hybrid systems. The V8 is expected to be used in …

The Volkswagen Passat isn't the most exciting sedan to look at. But the German automaker injected some style and sport with the Passat GT Concept at last year's LA Auto Show. It took some design ideas from the Golf GTI - black grille with red accent lines and a more aggressive body kit - along with new wheels. Volkswagen also lowered the suspension and added a sport exhaust system. Volkswagen didn't go crazy with the engine - it is the same 3.6L VR6 found in the standard Passat. According to a new report from Digital Trends, Volkswagen is bringing the Passat GT into production. A spokesperson tells the outlet the production GT will closely resemble the 2016 concept.…

Automakers have been bailing out of various auto shows for the past few years. Case in point, a number of German automakers pulling out of the Detroit show for 2019. Volkswagen is the latest one to announce that it will not be showing up to a major auto show. Reuters reports that the German automaker will be skipping this year's Paris Motor Show. “The Volkswagen brand is continually reviewing its participation in international motor shows,” the company said in a statement. Instead, Volkswagen could host “various communications activities” in the city, including test drives. Volkswagen joins other automakers including Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Opel, and Volvo th…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 24, 2012 With the Lamborghini Urus making its debut at this week's Beijing Motor Show, a question has popped upped about another one of Lamborghini's concepts; what ever happened to the Estoque concept? The Estoque sedan concept was shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show as a way to preview a new model line for the brand. Since then, nothing much has happened. Autoweek had the chance to sit down with CEO Stefan Winkelmann and asked him about the Estoque. "It [the Estoque] was placed on hold because of a number of reasons, including the lack of a suitable platform. We haven't given up on the idea of a sedan entirel…

The Volkswagen Jetta is an important model for the North American market and a new model is just over the horizon. Volkswagen North America CEO Hinrich Woebcken recently spoke with journalists at the Redbull Global Rallycross Championship in Los Angeles and dropped some interesting details about the next-generation Jetta. The new Jetta will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Design-wise, Woebcken said it would have coupe-like form and promises to be "great-looking". Dealers were shown the vehicle back in April and were “extremely excited” about it. Woebcken also said the new Jetta will be given the "North American touch, not always in terms of lower …

Volkswagen is looking to limit the damage that has been caused by the diesel emission scandal. According to Automotive News, part of this comes from buying some used TDI model on U.S. dealer lots at pre-crisis prices. Speaking with dealers briefed on the plan, Volkswagen will guarantee the value of used models equipped with 2.0 TDI containing the illegal software sitting on dealer lots. If the vehicles aren't sold within 60 days, Volkswagen will buy them back. In a memo from Volkswagen of America COO Mark McNabb, the program will take three phases. The first phase will have Volkswagen making an inventory of the TDI models to help the company figure out which ones …

Does anyone else find it ironic that VW will be announcing the supposed TDI repair on November 11th, the same date in 1918 that the Germans surrendered and ended WW 1?

It's a good read... RUMBLE SEAT/DAN NEIL Requiem for a heavyweight Volkswagen pulls its fine-tuned Phaeton from the U.S., where performance is important but badge image is everything. Really, it never had a chance. DAN NEIL April 26, 2006 THE sun-scrubbed desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas scrolls by with an empty whisper, a high-def silent movie panning past double-thick acoustic windows. East of Barstow, the Volkswagen Phaeton W12 is running at speeds best reserved for those with diplomatic immunity, and yet the big dreadnaught — with a 12-cylinder, 444-hp butter churn under the hood — is eerily unstrained, purring along in top gear, levitated on the four-co…