Volkswagen
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 17, 2013 Back at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Audi unveiled the quattro concept. The concept marked the 30th anniversary of the original quattro being introduced. Talk of a production model came and gone, leaving us wondering if there was the chance of a quattro rebirth ever happening. A new report from Autoweek says it could happen. Sources tell the magazine that Audi is preparing a new quattro concept that could be shown as soon as the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The new concept will pay homage to the Sport quattro, introduced back in 1984. Details on this vehicle are somewhat scarce, but sources say t…
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VW has announced the eight-generation of the Golf model with the most powerful Golf ever built for the North American market. The 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R offer a compelling blend of performance, technology and driver engagement and will be offered in the following trims per model: 2025 Golf GTI S trim SE trim Autobahn trim 2025 Golf R Black edition The Golf GTI has a fresh look with enhanced technology. The exterior has new headlights, front bumper, illuminated logo and a standard lightbar. The interior gets significant upgrades with a new freestanding 12…
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Drove through the VW dealer lot today by the mall. Was there literally two days ago, I swore I did not see the new 011 Jettas! After seeing an ad in the paper saying as much, and checking online inventory, indeed they had 2011 Jettas! A slew of them. I drove right by them the other day and did not notice, but went there again today, and yes they do exist!. HMMMMMM.....how's that for a first impression. ANYWAYS this is like one of those unboxing a cell phone videos. There is not much meat other than just a first sort of thought on the presentation. So I did not get to sit inside one. But here goes.... exterior. BLAND, however......tidy. Balanced, inoffensive, …
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After an emergency meeting held today, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn announced his resignation amid allegations that the automaker manipulated their diesel vehicles to meet emissions regulations around the world. "As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part," said Winterkorn in a statement. "Volkswagen needs a fresh start - also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start …
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Since 2014, there have been numerous rumors about Apple's self-driving project known as Titan. At one time, the project had a 1,000 workers with the goal of designing and building a self-driving electric vehicle. But numerous issues and changes in vision has caused the project to be majorly behind scheduled. A new report from the New York Times shines a light at the current circumstances. According to sources with knowledge of the project, Apple signed a deal with Volkswagen late last year that would see the automaker provide less than two dozen of T6 Transporter vans to the technology company. Apple will equip the vans with their self-driving tech and be used as shu…
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In light of new allegations put forth by the EPA on Monday, the American branches of Audi, Porsche, and Volkswagen have issued a stop-sale on vehicles equipped with the 3.0L TDI V6. According to Automotive News, this move grounds the sales of not only new TDI models from the Volkswagen group, but also a number of used models equipped with the 3.0L TDI V6. The EPA announced on Monday that it had found a second 'defeat device' on a number of models using the 3.0L TDI V6. Volkswagen has denied the charges of an another defeat device, but will be cooperating during the investigation. So what is this second defeat device? Audi of America spokesman Brad Stertz tells AN …
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After a meeting of Volkswagen's Supervisory Board today, Porsche CEO Matthias Müller has been named as the CEO of Volkswagen. Rumors of Müller's appointment have been swirling around for the past week. "My most urgent task is to win back trust for the Volkswagen Group – by leaving no stone unturned and with maximum transparency, as well as drawing the right conclusions from the current situation," said Müller in statement. Müller has a difficult task ahead of him as he'll need to right the ship at Volkswagen due to the ongoing crisis. He will also oversee a massive reorganization of the company. This begins with newly formed North American region structure which c…
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Kenneth Feinberg is still hard at work on developing a compensation plan for TDI owners in the U.S. affected by the diesel emission scandal. But in an interview with German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Feinberg says "there will be a generous solution." Now what that solution will end up being is unknown at this time. Part of the problem is Feinberg has his hands tied as Volkswagen and the EPA/CARB are still working on trying to figure out a fix for the 2.0L TDI engine. "..my hands are tied, while VW and the authorities do not resolve their differences. The original time frame could be delayed, therefore." The other problem is trying to fig…
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Check out this very cool Video. So what do you think, the future of Auto's?
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Porsche is extending their idea of offer many models like on the 911 to the Panamera sedan. Currently, the Panamera is offered as, Panamera Panamera 4 Panamera S Panamera 4S Panamera S Hybrid Panamera Turbo Panamera Turbo S Now, Porsche is adding an eighth Panamera model called the Panamera GTS. The Panamera GTS uses the 4S as a base and builds from there. The 4.8L V8 is modified to produce 430 HP (30 horsepower bump over the standard 4S model) and 384 lb-ft of torque. Porsche's seven-speed PDK sends the power to all four wheels. That means the GTS can reach 60 MPH in in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 178 MPH. Mechanically, Porsche lowered the…
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We know that Volkswagen is planning a high-performance GLI variant of the new Jetta that is expected in the near future. Thanks to Autoblog, we have gotten some interesting information about what we should expect. Speaking to a Volkswagen representative, Autoblog learned that the new GLI will feature a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. It is expected to be the same engine found in the GTI which produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. There will be a choice of either a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch. The representative also said the GLI would swap the torsion-beam rear suspension found on the standard Jetta for a multi-link independent set…
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The end of the Volkswagen Beetle is coming. Volkswagen announced last week that production of the iconic coupe and convertible will end next July at the company's Puebla, Mexico. Before the final curtain call, Volkswagen will be building a Final Edition version. Available as a either a coupe or convertible, the Final Edition will be available with two exclusive colors - Safari Uni and Stonewashed Blue. You can also get it in white, black, or grey if the exclusive colors don't interest you. Convertibles aside from those painted in Safari Uni will get a light brown top. A set of multi-spoke 17-inch wheels are standard on the SE, while 18-inch retro styled wheels come on…
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Blake Noble Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 7th, 2012 At the moment, Volkswagen builds only two different flavors of sports-utility vehicles. On one hand you have the small highway-oriented Golf-based Tiguan, and on the other you have the larger off-road capable Touraeg. However, that stage may be preparing to change as VW could be planning to expand their portfolio of SUVs in the near future. According to a recent report sourced from German business newspaper Handelsblatt, Volkswagen is planning to introduce two new car-based SUVs that will slot in below the compact Tiguan. In the report, Handelsblatt claims that VW is seeing a strong, growing demand for sm…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 4, 2013 Another day, another automaker revealing their showing at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The automaker in question happens to be Audi with the Sport quattro concept. The Sport quattro concept draws a lot of inspiration from the original Audi Sport quattro with large flat surfaces, blisters over the wheel fenders, bright yellow paint, and of course the iconic shape of the quattro coupe. Other items to take note are Audi's Matrix LED headlight technology in the front headlights and twenty-one inch center-lock alloy wheels. Power comes from a plu-in hybrid powertrain that features a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine…
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Ferdinand Porsche, a German engineer had an idea, an auto for everyone. His engineering design team conceived of this idea in the early 1930's. In 1938 Volkswagen officially brought to market the Volkswagen Type 1 car, a small family car designed for the masses with a distinct shape and officially sold as the Beetle. In production for over 65 years, it is the longest produced car by any auto company. Today, Volkswagen (VW) has presented the ID.EVERY1 Concept. An EV for the masses in the 21st Century. VW had a World premier for their new EV for the masses. The ID.EVERY1 concept is to be the true EV that will serve the global market as VW has stated they will deli…
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 8, 2013 Last year at the Paris Motor Show, Audi unveiled a high performance Q5 model called the SQ5 that used a 3.0L twin-turbo diesel V6 producing 313 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque that could reach 60 MPH in five seconds and get 32.67 MPG. For the Detroit Auto Show, Audi will unveil the North American version of the SQ5. Before you ask, it will not be the diesel version. Instead, Audi is dropping in the 3.0L supercharged V6 producing 354 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque going through a eight-speed automatic down to all four wheels via the Quattro AWD system. This combination can propel the S…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 21, 2011 Volkswagen's plan for world domination is now entering it's next stage. Starting with the next Audi A3, Volkswagen will begin to standardize components and technologies across forty different models. Volkswagen says the plan will help it lower production costs by 20%, cut assembly times by 30%, and save the company up to $6.5 billion per year. The plan will also let Volkswagen to build cars from different brands at the same plant. However, not everyone likes the idea of standardization. “If something goes wrong, then one may get hit by an epidemic plague. The more connected the structures, the hig…
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The Audi A2 concept INGOLSTADT, Germany, Sep 12, 2011 - With the A2 concept technology study, Audi is offering a peek at electric driving in the megacities of the future. The purely electric powered A2 concept is a classic space concept: a premium vehicle for metropolitan areas featuring generous amounts of space and composed road manners. The technology study is packed full with attractive, intelligent technologies. An innovative body technology – a further development of Audi’s ultra-lightweight construction – limits its weight to just 1,150 kilograms (2,535.32 lb). Audi connect technologies provide an Internet connection; the steering and brakes are purely …
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When Volkswagen admitted that it used illegal software in their diesel vehicles to cheat emission tests, questions arose as to whether or not any other automakers did something similar. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KPA) decided to investigate this and put 60 vehicles from various manufacturers, including Volkswagen, to the test. Their results revealed that Volkswagen was the only one automaker to cheat. These results will be published in a report later this month, but German business paper Handelsblatt learned about the investigation and results from various sources and spilled the beans on it. The KPA investigation started a few days after Volksw…
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Take this story with a fair amount of salt as the outlet who broke this story doesn't say where it got this information. According to a report from German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, U.S. authorities have uncovered three more pieces of illegal software in the 3.0L TDI V6 used on the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne. The various pieces of software can turn off the emissions control systems after 22 minutes of driving. This would allow a vehicle to pass an emissions test (which lasts about 20 minutes). The use of this type of software is common in vehicles sold in Europe thanks to a loophole in European Union laws. This came to light back in May as th…
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Weeks before the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal came to light, several executives were reportedly warned about the possible costs during a meeting. German tabloid Bild am Sonntag reports that Oliver Schmidt, a Volkswagen executive that was arrested earlier this year in U.S., said the costs of diesel emission cheating could cost the company up to $18.5 billion during a presentation held on August 25, 2015. Those that attended the presentation included former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, VW's development chief at the time Heinz-Jakob Neusser, and Volkswagen brand chief Herbert Diess. This information comes from U.S. investigation documents obtained by the pape…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 15, 2012 Porsche has just completed the initial prototypes of the new 918 Spyder, complete with a black-and-white livery that pays homage to the 917 race cars. Production is set to begin next September with the pricetag starting at a whopping $845,000 per model. But with that price, you do get a 570 HP, 4.6L V8 and two electric motors delivering a peak output of 770 HP. That powertrain should be good a 0-60 run of 3.1 seconds, a top speed of 199 MPH, run on electricity alone up 94 MPH, and return around 78 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. Press Release is on Page 2 918 Spyder prototypes commence trials Stut…
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This has not been a good week for Audi in terms of leaks. Earlier this week, we reported on a video that showed Audi introducing the RS3 sedan to employees. Now a product roadmap has come to light showing what's in store for next two years. Dutch site Autobahn.eu got their hands on a picture showing the timeline for Audi products in 2017 and 2018. Let's start with 2017. The roadmap shows the RS3 sedan, the Q7 e-tron (a plug-in hybrid that will either come with a gas or diesel engine), and the SQ7 (performance version much like the SQ5 that could offer a tweaked supercharged V6 or a V8). We also spy the A5 and S5 coming in 2017 - makes sense as the new A4 has been laun…
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It has been almost a year since Volkswagen introduced the U.S. to the seventh-generation GTI at last year's New York Auto Show. While we have to wait just till June for the GTI to arrive at dealers, the company has revealed the pricing for the hot hatch. The 2015 GTI will start a price of $25,515 (includes a $820 destination charge) for the S model which gets you a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a six-speed manual transmission. That will also get you a drive-mode selector, touchscreen radio, LED foglights, and heated front seats. Step to SE model which starts at $27,395 and comes equipped with a sunroof, keyless ent…
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When the Volkswagen ID.3 debuted this week at the Frankfurt Auto Show we reported that the ID.3 would not be coming to the U.S.. That is still true, however we got a tease of the ID.4, which will be the next iteration of the ID family from Volkswagen during the ID.3 intro. The ID.4 is based on the ID Crozz concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show and it is this model that will be VW's first ID model in the US. While no details have been released, expect the ID.4 to follow the ID.3 mechanical specs pretty closely with 3 different battery options available and a rear axle mounted electric motor. There is the possibility of a dual motor variant coming as well as the …
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2012 The Porsche "Baby Boxster", the long rumored roadster that would become the entry-level model for Porsche appears to be canned. We had previously reported on the "Baby Boxter" troubled fate back in January when the Volkswagen Bluesport project also looked to be faltering. In a interview with German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller said the company has dropped plans to build a sub-Boxster, a move that could likewise seal the fate of the Volkswagen sister car. "We would do no good to the brand if we were to lose traditional Porsche customers" by pursuing a smaller Boxster model, …
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Ever since Martin Winterkorn resigned from his post as Volkswagen Group CEO due to diesel emission scandal sixteen months ago, he has been out of the spotlight. However, Winterkorn made his first public appearance today at a parliamentary committee in Berlin investigating the emission irregularities of automobiles. At the hearing, Winterkorn maintained his innocence, saying he had no part in the cheating, nor knew anything about it. “It’s incomprehensible why I wasn’t informed early and clearly. I would have prevented any type of deception or misleading of authorities,” said Winterkorn. Winterkorn declined to answer questions dealing with when he was informed ab…
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The settlement between the U.S. Government and Volkswagen still has to be approved by a federal court judge, but we're already getting some indications of what owners are planning to do when it is approved. Car and Driver got their hands on a memorandum filed at U.S. Federal Court in San Francisco by Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein - the firm representing owners in the case. The memorandum argued for the deal to get final approval - ahead of an October 18th hearing. But this memorandum also revealed some staggering numbers. At the time Car and Driver wrote their story, more than 311,000 owners - about 65 percent of the total 475,000 vehicles eligible - have re…
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Volkswagen and U.S. Government were going to have a hearing at U.S. Federal Court in San Francisco today for an update on the 3.0L TDI talks. But yesterday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer has pushed it back to next month. Reuters got their hands on a court order in which Breyer says "negotiations are continuing between the German automaker, regulators, and lawyers representing owners," and a delay "may produce a resolution of the outstanding issues." As we reported earlier this month, Volkswagen and regulators have possibly reached a deal for the 3.0L TDI with 60,000 of the affected vehicles being fixed, and the other 20,000 being bought back. There are stil…
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In light of a scandal, the one item a company needs is stability. Unfortunately for Volkswagen, the diesel emission scandal has seemed to bring growing levels of instability. Case in point is the announcement of Dr. Winfried Vahland stepping down. Vahland was picked to become the head of Volkswagen's North American unit only a few weeks back. In a statement released by the automaker, the two had "differing views" on the company's new structure and his departure is "expressly not related" to the emissions scandal. Meanwhile, a report from German publication Spiegel says that at least 30 managers at Volkswagen were involved in cheating emission tests citing informat…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 4, 2012 A new report from British automotive magazine, Car says that Audi has killed off a program to bring a production model of the quattro concept shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Instead, sources tell the magazine that company is taking the idea of the quattro concept and implementing it into a crossover. This crossover will be following in the footsteps of the Range Rover Evoque or Audi's Stepenwolf concept, having a rakish and sporting look. There is also talk of the vehicle having the same short wheelbase and wide wheel fenders as the eighties' quattro S1 Rally car. Power will likely come from a hotted…
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You would think the last thing anyone Volkswagen wants to admit is they still believe there is a place for their diesel vehicles in the U.S. Alas, Volkswagen's brand chief thinks differently. Herbert Diess told reporters at the Consumer Electronics Show that Diesels will still have a place in Volkswagen's U.S. lineup, despite the mess the company finds itself in. “I wouldn’t give up diesel, even in the U.S.,” said Diess. Diess pointed that with the latest emission technologies, diesels can be clean. He was also quick to point to the long range and high torque figures. At the moment, Volkswagen is trying to get approval from U.S. regulators to fix the nearl…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 19, 2012 Volkswagen currently sells four diesel models in the U.S.; the Golf, Jetta, Passat, and Touareg. Now, there’s word that a fifth diesel is joining the lineup. Autoblog has been told by Volkswagen that a diesel Beetle will premiere at next month’s Chicago Auto Show. No details about the diesel engine in the Beetle have been release, but bet on the 2.0L engine in the Golf, Jetta, and Passat ending up in the car also. More interesting is Volkswagen could offer the diesel engine in the upcoming Beetle convertible. We won’t know if this will actually happen or not until the drop-top Beetle is shown. Sourc…
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Finally, some good news in terms of the Volkswagen diesel scandal. According to German newspaper Die Welt, Volkswagen has reached a deal with U.S. authorities over its cheating of EPA emission tests. Not much is known about the deal, but sources tell Die Welt that key part of the deal will see Volkswagen paying owners in the U.S. $5,000 in compensation. This deal will be presented tomorrow to U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer at a hearing. We'll likely learn more about the agreement and what else it entails. UPDATE: Reuters has learned from their sources that Volkswagen has agreed to buy back up to 500,000 2.0L diesel vehicles in the U.S. Volkswagen may also offe…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
Next Tuesday was the deadline that Volkswagen and the U.S. Government would have to finish their discussions on finalizing an agreement over the 2.0L TDI scandal. But last night, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer has given the two parties an extension to June 28th. Reuters reports that Breyers gave the extension after a request was made by the court appointment mediator, former FBI director Robert S. Mueller. In a written order, Bryer said "given the highly technical nature of the proposed settlements in these complex proceedings," an extension would be given. Volkswagen spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan confirmed to Reuters that the extension was asked by Muller. …
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Volkswagen is looking to add a seven-seat crossover to their lineup within the next few years. Car & Driver reports the crossover will be priced around the Honsa Pilot and the Ford Explorer, meaning somewhere in the low $30k range. Engines will most likely be Volkswagen’s 3.6L V-6; a 3.0L diesel V-6 could be optional. The crossover will most likely be built at VW’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, though Mexico remains another possibility. The crossover will come out within a few years. Source: Car & Driver View full article
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It seemed like it would never happen. But today in a federal courtroom in Calfornia, Volkswagen and the U.S. Justice Department announced they have reached an agreement over the 570,000 2.0L diesel vehicles equipped with illegal software that cheated EPA emission tests. The preliminary "agreement in principle" states the Volkswagen will give owners the option of selling their affected TDI vehicles back to VW or have the vehicle modified to meet U.S. emission standards. Those who are leasing a TDI model can cancel their lease agreement. The agreement also includes two different compensation funds. The first will be for owners that will give them a substantial amoun…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is already being investigated by German prosecutors over market manipulation because of the diesel emission scandal. But now, he finds himself under a new investigation by prosecutors on the suspicion of fraud. Reuters reports that prosecutors in Braunschweig believe Winterkorn knew about the cheat used on the 2.0L TDI well before the timeframe he has admittedly publicly. This suspicion comes as the result of numerous interviews with witnesses and suspects, along with raids on 28 houses and offices this week. "Sufficient indications have resulted from the investigation, particularly the questioning of witnesses and suspec…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
Just when you think the hole Volkswagen has found itself in can't get any deeper, it has. Earlier this week, The Associated Press reported that Volkswagen disclosed to the EPA that 2016 model year TDI models have a different piece of software that would allow them to pass the emissions test. This software makes a pollution-control catalyst heat up faster to improve the performance of a device which cleans up the nitrogen oxide into harmless hydrogen and oxygen. Now fitting a device like this isn't illegal unless you don't disclose it during the emission certification process. Janet McCabe, acting assistant EPA administrator for air quality wouldn't say if Volkswagen's…
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Audi had one more surprise up their sleeve this week. Today, the German automaker announced the SQ7. Positioned as the high-performance model, the SQ7 uses a 4.0L turbodiesel V8 with 435 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. This bests much of the competition when equipped with a diesel engine. But that high torque figure isn't the big story, it is how the SQ7 produces all of that power. The 4.0L V8 uses two conventional, sequential turbochargers and an electric compressor - a first in a production model. The electric compressor sits in the air path downstream of the intercooler, near the engine. Since it uses electric power to generate boost pressure (not exhaust …
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When the Volkswagen Eos ends production in a few months time, that will leave Volkswagen with only one convertible in their lineup - the Beetle Cabriolet. But Car and Driver says a replacement is on the way. According to a source at Volkswagen, the company is planning on sending the next-generation Golf Cabriolet. No timeframe was given as to when we'll see it, but expect it not to look that much different from the current model sold elsewhere. Now it should be noted that the Golf Cabriolet wasn't the only option on the table for the U.S. The source said there was a cabriolet using the Passat platform as an option, but that idea was canned. Source: Car and Dr…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
American criminal lawyers are in demand at Volkswagen. Bloomberg has learned from sources that various executives at the company are hiring lawyers as the Department of Justice begins sending out officials to Germany for meetings to gather evidence for possible criminal charges. Volkswagen has already agreed to a $16 billion settlement over the diesel emission scandal. But the Department of Justice is continuing their investigation into whether various Volkswagen executives knew about the cheating software installed on over 10 million diesel vehicles around the world. As we reported back in September, a Volkswagen engineer has pled guilty for being involved in the sc…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
Volkswagen and their U.S. dealers have had a tense relationship since the diesel emission scandal broke. From the departure of Michael Horn to dealer meetings where tough questions were being asked to Volkswagen executives. But it seems some progress is being made on repairing it. In a statement released today, Volkswagen announced they have reached an “agreement in principle” with its dealers over compensation for losses due to the diesel emission scandal. According to Automotive News, the preliminary agreement will see dealers get a cash payout within 18 months from a settlement fund. The payout for each dealer will be determined by a formula that is current…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 13, 2012 The Lamborghini Gallardo has been an important car for the Italian automaker - more than 12,000 Gallardos have been sold; the next bestseller is the discontinued Murciélago, at 4099 vehicles. So the next one has a lot to live up for. Car & Driver spoke with Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann to find out what to expect with the Gallardo’s Replacement. Winkelmann said the car will make “a clear cut” from the Gallardo, especially in the looks. “We always say that design is not an evolution but a revolution, and this will be the philosophy of the follow-up to the Gallardo.” Expect the replacement to …
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
As we reported yesterday, Volkswagen has decided against revealing the preliminary results of their internal investigation as it would bring “unacceptable risks” to the company. It might have been a good idea as a new wrinkle has appeared in the diesel emission scandal. The New York Times has learned from two sources that a top technology executive prepared a PowerPoint presentation showing the automaker could fool the EPA's emission testing. The presentation was only a few pages long and explained the process of how the EPA did it. The presentation also talked about how the test could be fooled by a piece of code in the engine management software, turning on equipmen…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
It was expected that Volkswagen would begin repairing diesel vehicles with the illegal software in the first few months of 2016. But after the California Air Resources Board rejected Volkswagen's fix this week, the timeframe for when vehicles will be fixed is unknown. On Tuesday, CARB said Volkswagen plan were "incomplete, substantially deficient and fall far short of meeting the legal requirements to return these vehicles” to compliance. Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress, Chris Grundler, director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality said his team agreed with CARB's decision. “Both CARB and EPA continue to insist on an expeditious…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
Volkswagen is making progress with moving on from the diesel emission scandal as they have announced a proposed agreement for the 3.0L TDI V6. Filed in federal court last night, the agreement totals $1.2 billion and hopes to resolve civil claims for 78,000 vehicles. The settlement includes, Buy back or terminate the lease of approximately 20,000 eligible 2009-2012 Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7 TDI models (dubbed the Generation 1 models). There is also the possibility of Volkswagen offering owners of these models a fix if approved by the U.S. Government. Repair the approximately 58,000 Generation 2 models (2013-2016 Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, and Audi…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 11, 2012 Bentley and Lamborghini plans to build their own SUVs could becoming to a standstill. Reuters is reporting that parent company Volkswagen could put a hold on these projects due to the current European economic crisis. Sources inside Volkswagen say the reasoning behind the hold is that it would allow VW to limit spending and keep cash reserves. The decision will come on November 23rd, the day when Volkswagen's board will review spending. At the moment, Lamborghini's Urus SUV is currently waiting on a green light to move on. Bentley's EXP 9 F is waiting to go on with their revised design. Source: Reuters…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
The big stumbling block for Volkswagen and the EPA/California Air Resources Board (CARB) has been trying to figure out a fix for diesel vehicles with illegal software. Ever since CARB rejected Volkswagen's first proposal back in January, the three have been in negotiations. But now, an official from CARB says some vehicles may only get a partial fix. Speaking at a legislative hearing in California yesterday, chief of the California Air Resources Board enforcement division Todd Sax said it might not be possible for Volkswagen to provide a compliant fix for all of the affected models. "Our goal has been to fix the vehicles and return them to their certified configur…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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
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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.…
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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…
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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 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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 17, 2013 What do the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Malibu, and upcoming Audi Q7 have in common? All of them have undergone an emergency redesign. Motor Trend reports that Audi has ordered a emergency redesign on the next Q7. The original design was described as being "Too Brutal and Ostentatious"and was negatively received. This is possibly one of the reasons that former head of product development at Audi, Wolfgang Dürheimer was pushed out. The cost of this emergency redesign? $260 million and being pushed back a year. Source: Motor Trend William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at wi…
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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?
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Porsche is already at work on more variants for the Panamera. Motor Trend has learned from a source that work has begun on a model that will sit above the high-performance Turbo model. Using the Biturbo V8 from the Panamera Turbo, the source explained that Porsche would use various components from the 918 hybrid to produce somewhere in the range of 700 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. There will also be the standard Panamera Hybrid, most likely using a supercharged V6. No word on when we could see either model. Source: Motor Trend View full article
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Audi seems to be impressed with the BMW X6 that they are working on their own competitor. Volkswagen Group design chief Walter de’ Silva told Automotive News Europe that the company has signed off on Audi’s X6 rival, dubbed the Q6 by the media. “We will definitely launch a sportier crossover in between the Q7 and Q5,” de’ Silva said. De' Silva also said that Audi is still deciding whether to add a smaller SUV, likely named the Q4, to fit between the Q5 and Q3. The Q4 would compete with the upcoming BMW X4, which was confirmed by BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer, to come out in 2014. Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required) View full article
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This morning at Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, executives admitted there were parts of the company "tolerated breaches of rules" and would be 'relentless' in finding those involved in the diesel emission scandal. Volkswagen Chairman Hans Dieter Pötsch told reporters at the press conference that investigations into the affair were going well, but it would take time for the investigation to figure out which individuals were the key players. Poestch also reiterated that a small group of individuals were involved in the cheating. The key question is how did the cheating happen in the first place? Poetsch explained there were three key reasons, “Min…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com March 23, 2012 Is there such a thing as too many crossovers? Not to Audi. They currently sell the Q3, Q5, and Q7, and there is a forth coming along. A spy photographer caught a Q5 mule undergoing some winter testing and many believe what lies underneath the body is the new Q6. You might be wondering how they reached that conclusion and its simple. The pictures show this Q5 a little longer and wider than the production Q5. The Q6 will be Audi’s competitor to the BMW X6 (don’t even ask why). Expect a coupe like shape and lowered stance. The engine range will include four-cylinder and V6 turbocharged engines in both di…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 22, 2012 Porsche's new Macan crossover will be using the platform from the Audi Q5 and Porsche is saying the Macan will not be a Q5 in Porsche clothing. “Everything has been modified. Engines, transmissions, suspension — it’s all new. Audi can’t believe what we’ve done,” said Porsche’s R&D chief, Wolfgang Hatz. Hatz went onto say that the Macan will be the first Porsche in a long time to have a four-cylinder. “Not from the beginning, but in the medium to longterm, for sure,” he said. Source: Autocar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]…
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If you're wondering when Volkswagen will resume sales of diesel vehicles in the U.S., you're going to have to wait a bit longer. Automotive News has learned that the German automaker hasn't applied for the necessary EPA approvals to start selling diesel vehicles in the U.S. "They need to address our concerns" before sales can resume, an EPA official said. Those concerns most likely relate to Volkswagen coming up with a fix that meets the standards of the EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB). As we have reported previously, Volkswagen might not be able to fully fix some of the TDI vehicles. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full…
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Blake Noble Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 28th, 2012 Lamborghini has certainly been trademarking any sort of interesting name it can get its hands on lately. Earlier this month, we reported that the Italian supercar builder laid claim to the “Deimos” name. It wasn’t much longer after that rumors quickly began to circulate that Lamborghini also trademarked “Urus” — rumors that proved to be true when the super-SUV concept car debuted at the Beijing Auto Show. Now, according to Car and Driver, Lamborghini has snapped up another trademark and you can add “Huracán” to the list of names the marque has acquired. If you haven’t figured out the meaning of the nam…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 22, 2013 Volkswagen has officially pulled back the curtain on the next-generation Golf R, making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The new Golf R packs the same 2.0L turbo-four found under the new Audi S3 with 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Impressive numbers when compared to the outgoing Golf R which packed 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Power is channeled to all four wheels via Haldex system and the choice of either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission. Other changes to the Golf R include a 0.78 inch drop to the suspension, aggressive body kit, dual exhaust …
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Bugatti to introduce open-top Veyron Link to Original Article @ LeftLane News Bugatti has long been rumored to be mulling over the idea of producing an open-top version of its outrageous Veyron closed-roof supercar, but now the Volkswagen-owned manufacturer has confirmed plans for a Veyron sans top. The Veyron-without-a-roof will feature a targa-style removable roof over the two passengers in order to maintain structural rigidity. The detachable roof is expected to be glass, so it can't be stored inside the Veyron. But Bugatti engineers think of everything and they're planning to include a soft cloth roof for emergencies. Autogespot reports that the topless Veyron wi…
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Full article @ Seattle Times ALMS CEO Comments @ americanlemans.com It will be sad to lose one of the racing series best competitors. Just as Acura is planning to join LMP1 too.
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 29, 2012 For the past six months, we've been following rumors about what will replace Volkswagen's 2.5L five-cylinder engine that is used in the Jetta, Golf, Beetle, and Passat. Last November, a report from Car & Driver stated the 2.5L will be replaced by a 1.8T. Then in January, Volkswagen executives hinted the Jetta, Beetle, and Golf could get the 1.4T that will be under the hood of the upcoming Jetta Hybrid. Now, Car & Driver reports the 1.8T for the Jetta, Beetle, and Golf is back on the table according to a source. Car & Driver speculates with Volkswagen's ambitious sales goal by 2018, it will …
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German authorities will put Volkswagen's fixes for diesel emissions to the test. German newspaper Die Welt reports that the German Transportation Authority will take Volkswagen vehicles affected by the diesel cheating scandal and perform emission and fuel usage testing once the company begins doing the fixes. Die Welt goes on to say that the test results and raw data will be published in full to guarantee transparency. No word as to when the re-tests would be carried out. Volkswagen says vehicles in Europe only need a software upgrade and a new mesh filter to be placed in front of the vehicle's air mass sensor. Source: Reuters View full article
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Volkswagen and U.S. regulators have finally agreed to a plan on the diesel emission scandal and possible dates have been set up for fixing the various the vehicles involved. Despite this, some of the diesel vehicles will not be fully compliant with clean air laws. According to Bloomberg, the oldest 2.0L TDI engines found in the last-generation Jetta and Golf, and 2009 Beetle will emit more emissions even with a possible fix. According to the California Air Resources Board, the possible fix will cut the emissions down by 80 to 90 percent. But even with the cut, the vehicles could emit as much as 40 times the permitted amount of NOx. This has some environmental advocate…
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 21, 2012 Within the next few years, Porsche will unveil a refreshed Cayenne featuring updates to the styling, features, and technical. According to Motor Trend, one of those updates could be a new plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in hybrid, named e-Hybrid is an evolution of the current hybrid system used in the current Cayenne and Panamera Hybrid models. The system uses an upgraded electric motor producing around 95 to 100 horsepower and replacing the nickel-metal hydride battery for a lithium-ion battery. The 333-hp supercharged V-6 gas engine will stick around. These changes gives Cayenne e-Hybrid specs of 95…
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A number of Volkswagen engineers have admitted that they manipulated CO2 emission data to meet ambitious goals to meet goals set by former Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn. German newspaper Bild am Sonntag (via Reuters) reports that engineers filled tires with more air and mixed diesel with their motor oil to make them use less fuel. This reportedly began after then-CEO Martin Winterkorn's announcement at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show that by 2015, the company would cut CO2 emission levels by 30 percent. Engineers at the time were afraid to tell the CEO that this goal was impossible and decided to cheat. "Employees have indicated in an internal investigation that th…
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Another day, another lawsuit for Volkswagen over the diesel emission scandal. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit today in U.S. District Court in San Francisco against Volkswagen of America for false advertising. The suit says Volkswagen claimed in ads their diesel vehicles were clean, when actually they were polluting more thanks to illegal software. "For years Volkswagen's ads touted the company's 'Clean Diesel' cars even though it now appears Volkswagen rigged the cars with devices designed to defeat emissions tests," FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez said in a statement. The FTC also says in the filing that consumers in the U.S. suffered "billions of …
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Volkswagen finds itself in legal trouble once again as three U.S. states - Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York - have filed separate lawsuits over the diesel emission scandal. The lawsuits allege that the automaker undertook a massive cover-up of the illegal software and was orchestrated by high-level executives - including the former CEO. “The idea that this level of fraud could take place and involve so many people at such high levels of a major international corporation is appalling,” said New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman at a press conference this week. The New York Times, Road & Track, and Car and Driver got their hands on the New York lawsui…
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After Volkswagen admitted that it used software to vary the amount of emissions being produced in their diesel vehicles, Volkswagen is using a legal loophole to provide a defense in Europe. In a letter sent last week to European regulators, Volkswagen Group Managing Director Paul Willis said that the company's cheat software might not be illegal under current European Union regulations. Crazy as might sound, there is a loophole that allows this. The New York Times reports that the European regulations have a massive loophole that could put Volkswagen in the clear. In fact, regulators knew about this loophole back in 2011. We'll let the New York Times explain t…
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 1, 2012 Volkswagen showed their most important new platform, named MQB (a German acronym for “Modular Transverse Matrix”) today at their Wolfsburg HQ. MQB will underpin as many as 60 different vehicles of all different shapes and sizes. MQB brings forth many advantages for the next generation of Volkswagen vehicles. First, MQB brings a uniform mounting position for all available engines. MQB also allows current alternative fuels to work as well. MQB also allows Volkswagen to tailor vehicles to specific markets in a more cost effective manner. The cost reduction will help grow Volkswagen market share in emerg…
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Blake Noble Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 8th, 2012 Earlier this year, it was rumored that Porsche decided to cancel its plans to introduce a long-rumored, mid-engined compact roadster for 2014. Essentially a “baby Boxster,” the small Porsche roadster was expected to ring up at a price less than the next-generation Boxster, which is expected to grow in size and price. It seems rumors of the little Porsche’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. According to Automobile magazine, the project — codenamed “551” or “Mimo” — was indeed up in the air at one point but is back on the table. The Porsche 551 was originally set to be a fraternal twin to the production…
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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has given Volkswagen a reprieve on the diesel emission scandal. According to Reuters, CARB has extended the deadline to approve or reject Volkswagen's fix for the nearly 500,000 vehicles with the cheating 2.0L TDI to January 14, 2016. The reason for the extension is Volkswagen continued to submit "significant information and data" about the repair effort for the affected models since submitting the proposed fix back on November 20th. VW spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan tells Reuters the German automaker continues "to fully cooperate with EPA and CARB as we work to develop an approved remedy as quickly as possible." Volkswagen …
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Today, Porsche unveiled the Cabriolet version of the 911. Porsche says the 911 Cabriolet is lighter than it's predecessor thanks to use of lightweight materials, including canvas, magnesium, and advanced high-strength steel. The Cabriolet is also wider and longer than it's predecessor. Porsche points out the 911 Cabriolet “preserves the typically sleek 911 coupe roof line.” due to a unique roof mechanism. Power for the 911 Cabriolet comes in the forms of a 3.4L direct-injection flat-six engine making 350 HP, 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph for the base Carrera and a 3.8L boxer six making 400 HP, 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph for …
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Rumors have been flying around for a couple of years of Audi doing an RS3 sedan for North America. But there hasn't been any concrete evidence for it, just hints and speculation. Continuing this trend, Quattro World has learned from sources that the RS3 sedan is a go. Audi of America executives told employees at a recent summit that the RS3 sedan has been given the green light. Sources say the model will look slightly different from the current RS3 Sportback sold in Europe with new front end and headlights. A new turbocharged 2.5L five-cylinder with over 400 horsepower will be paired with a seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive. The RS3 sedan is…
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Volkswagen has already missed one deadline set by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer on reaching a deal with the U.S. Government over the diesel emission scandal. Breyer has given them a second deadline of April 21st. Now the administrator of the EPA worries they could miss the second one. Speaking to reporters at a breakfast, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said she has concerns about the two groups being able to reach a deal before the deadline. "I wouldn't take any single signal as the direction of those negotiations or where any final agreement - if we reach one - will end up," said McCarthy. If an agreement isn't reached by April 21st, Breyer has said he …
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Volkswagen has announced they are increasing their goal to build fully electric vehicles from 15 million to 22 million over the next decade. The company is moving to electric vehicles after a disastrous diesel emissions cheating scandal hit sales and resulted in record breaking government fines, and European and Asian government impose new restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions. The core Volkswagen brand saw profits fall, while the overall company profits rose 6% to 12.2€ Billion. View full article
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One of the big questions coming out of the Volkswagen Diesel scandal was whether or not other automakers also manipulated emission tests. The German transport office at the moment doesn't have any evidence that says so. "At this point we have no indication of other manufacturers being involved," a spokesman for the office said at a government news conference today. Not the news Volkswagen wanted to hear as the company is beginning to feel the heat from European countries. France's prosecutors have opened a preliminary inquiry into suspected "aggravated deception" by the German automaker Separately, French consumer protection and fraud control authorities have o…
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Ahead of a November 20th deadline where Volkswagen must submit a plan to EPA about how they are planning to fix the nearly 500,000 vehicles with illegal emission software, Reuters has learned about a meeting between the EPA and officials from Volkswagen. According to sources, Volkswagen's powertrain development chief Friedrich Eichler will meet officials from the EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) to talk about the efforts being put forth by Volkswagen to fix the illegal vehicles. Sources go to say that officials from Audi will meet with the EPA and CARB in a separate meeting. Volkswagen and the EPA declined to comment about the meetings. Source: R…
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Volkswagen will be cutting another big check. Today, the company announced that it had reached a settlement with Department of Justice over the criminal case on the diesel emission scandal. Volkswagen will plead guilty to three criminal felony charges and will pay $4.3 billion - $2.8 billion for the fine and $1.5 billion to settle civil cases. The settlement also requires an independent monitor to watch over the company for the next years. Volkswagen's board still needs to approve this settlement, but the company says the approval could happen today or tomorrow. If they waited, the parties would have to do it all over again with new people coming as part of President…
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Today at U.S. District Court in Detroit, Volkswagen pleaded guilty on three felony charges relating to the diesel emission scandal as part of a plea agreement. The three felonies are conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and introducing imported merchandise into the United States by means of false statements. "Your honor, VW AG is pleading guilty to all three counts because it is guilty on all three counts," said Volkswagen general counsel Manfred Doess at the hearing. As part of the plea deal, Volkswagen will pay $4.3 billion in penalties and have an independent monitor to oversee U.S. operations over the next three years. The deal also requires Volkswagen to con…
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The U.S. Security and Exchange Commission has filed suit in San Francisco on Thursday alleging that from April 2014 through May 2015, Volkswagen fraudulently issued more than $13 Billion in bonds and securities in the U.S. market. During that time, the SEC alleges that Winterkorn and other senior management knew about the problem with over 500,000 diesel vehicles that exceeded legal emissions limits. The suit says: Winterkorn resigned within days of the scandal braking in 2015. Volkswagen said in a statement that the lawsuit is "legally and facturally flawed" and "the company will contest it vigorously". Volkswagen has already agreed to pay more …
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfXqt0PuHQk
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 13, 2013 Volkswagen is using the term 'concept' very lightly with the introduction of the Passat Performance Concept before the Detroit Auto Show this week. The concept uses a modified version of Volkswagen's 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 250 horspower and send its power to a six-speed automatic. Other performance modifications on the Passat Performance Concept include a lowered sport suspension and electro-mechanical steering system. Style-wise, the Passat Performance Concept has a dual exhaust system, 19-inch “Luxor” alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, and carbon applications on t…
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G. David Felt - Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.cheersandgears.com Study Suggests VW Emissions will lead to 1200 premature deaths in Europe alone! This study covers the effects around the Globe that VW diesel emissions scandal will cause. The US is equally affected but on a lower number of 60 expected deaths. This is based on the number of autos old sold, 482,000 TDI in the US versusus 2.6 millions. Plenty of interesting information but end result is an increase in the emissions from VW TDi directly affects health and the length of life world wide. Pretty amazing read at MIT News. Study Here
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Volkswagen was planning to publish the final report on the external investigation done by U.S. law firm Jones Day. But in a move that surprised no one, Volkswagen has decided not to publish it. "I’m aware that some of you wish for greater transparency. Often the publishing of a full report is demanded. To be clear: there is no written final report from Jones Day, nor will there be. I ask for your understanding that for legal reasons Volkswagen is prevented from publishing any such report," said VW Chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch at the company's annual general meeting. Poetsch said Volkswagen would risk “massive fines" if the report was published. While Volkswagen …
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With automakers building/bringing over subcompact cars to the US, one automaker is missing in the action. That automaker is Volkswagen which built it’s empire on small vehicles (Beetle and Golf). When asked if the company would bring over any subcompact vehicles, like the Polo or new UP!, Volkswagen said no. Volkswagen cites the traditional argument of small cars having a small profit margin, especially when they have to be imported like the Polo and UP! Futhermore, Volkswagen recently re-established a production facility in the US and plans to expand capacity in an effort to become a true volume player over here. Because of their plans, Volkswagen will be expanding the…
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Porsche is putting big expectations on their next vehicle, the Macan crossover. According to Bloomberg, Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller said that new the Macan will help the brand exceed 200,000 sales globally. That's three full years ahead of the brand's original goal. “We’re transferring the genes of the Porsche brand into a new market segment. Porsche will remain a manufacturer of very exclusive premium cars,” said Muller at the start of Macan production. Since the Macan's debut at the LA Auto Show last year, demand from customers was very high. Reportedly in some European countries, the model has sold out. Porsche says if demand outstrips the supply, they will increas…
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G. Noble Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 9th, 2012 Ann Arbor, Michigan’s monthly automotive publication, Car and Driver, recently broke news that Lamborghini has filed a few documents to secure the rights to the name “Deimos”. Lamborghini has had a track record of not wasting the names it trademarks, so this has led to speculation over what will wear the name. The god Deimos, in ancient Greek mythology, was the personification of terror and dread. Given Lamborghini’s infatuation with, well, rather evil-looking styling these days, I think the name of an ancient god known to scare the living hell out of people is rather fitting. However, it is rather interest…
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