60 MPG / Highway VW Jetta BlueTDI Coming to the US this Summer

The production version of VW's clean BlueTDI engine was unveiled today at the International Vienna Motor Symposium (24-25 April). Developed especially for the North American market, the Jetta BlueTDI features an advanced 2.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine that produces 140 Hp and 320 Nm or 236-lb/ft of torque.

Based on the high-tech TDI, which was first introduced in Europe in 2007 with the Tiguan, this four-cylinder diesel engine was redeveloped with internal engine modifications and a NOx trap in order to meet specific operating conditions in the U.S. But apart from being clean, VW supports that the new diesel engine helps the Jetta achieve a fuel economy of up to 60 mpg on the highway. The Jetta BlueTDI will go on sale in the States this summer. -Continued

“High fuel prices and a dramatic change in environmental consciousness means that diesel is becoming more and more attractive for American drivers every day.” said Dr. Ing. Jens Hadler, Director of Volkswagen Powertrain Development.

“This is why many customers, especially in California, have been waiting for a super-clean diesel like our BlueTDI. I think this motor will help the diesel get its big break in America because it consumes so little and yet can go such long distances on a single fill-up. And in a country as big as the United States, this is a priceless advantage.”

VW USA Announces Free-Service on its Entire 2009 Line-Up For Up To 3-Years

Following the example of other car manufacturers in the U.S., VW of America announced today a no-charge “Carefree Maintenance Program” on its entire 2009 model line-up. What this means -in theory at least- is that there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in each vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty which is three years or 36,000 miles after purchase, whichever comes first.

VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program will be launched in the U.S. with the introduction of the Tiguan compact SUV. This program also covers the forthcoming Routan, VW’s Chrysler based 7-passenger minivan, which arrives in dealer showrooms later this year. -Continued

“Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program is a great way to improve our owner loyalty for our brand, as well as increase consumer consideration” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This program also differentiates us from our competition by allowing us to be the only automaker among our key competitors to offer a no-charge maintenance program” added Barnes.

VW Beetle Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Edition

Like the Honda Racer car that we showed you earlier today (click here), VW’s special edition Beetle was created in order to celebrate Hot Wheels’ 40th anniversary. However, this time we’re talking about a life-size vehicle and not a die-cast, scale model. Available initially for the Mexican market where it is built, the VW Beetle Hot Wheels model will be produced in an ultra limited run of just 240 units.

Offered in a choice of two colors, red or blue, the special edition Beetle is distinguished on the outside by Hot Wheels-styled alloy rims, special decals, a rear spoiler and red mirrors. Inside, the Beetle features two-tone leather seats with red stitching, matching floor mats, aluminum sport pedals, and front headrests with an engraved Hot Wheels logo along with a special numbered plate. –Full image gallery after the jump

Via: Motorpasion

Video: VW's Designer Talks About The 2009 Scirocco

In this two-part video released by Volkswagen, the 2009 Scirocco’s head designer March Lichte attempts to fascinate us with his detailed description of the sporty hatchback that was unveiled at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. The Scirocco will arrive in European dealerships this summer where it will be available with three different turbocharged gasoline engines delivering from 122hp to 200hp plus a 140hp turbo diesel. –Videos after the jump

PART 2

2009 Volkswagen Bora Premieres at Beijing Show

Volkswagen’s second joint-venture in China with local car manufacturer FAW, introduced the VW Shanghai Lavida’s alter-ego, the new Bora sedan at the Beijing Show. Compared to the Lavida that we showed you earlier today (click here), the VW FAW Bora retains the same wheelbase (2,610 mm), but it’s a tad shorter at 4,540 mm. Visual differences between the two compact sedans include the Bora’s restyled front and rear end along with the different shape of the rear doors.

Like its VW Shanghai counterpart, the 2009 Bora will be offered with a choice of two 4-cylinder gasoline engines that can be paired to either a manual or a six-speed. The new Bora will be available in China in two equipment lines "Trendline" and "Comfortline".

Standard features include ABS, front passenger airbags, power steering, power windows, climate control system and a CD-Radio (MP3-capable). The top version Comfortline adds 15-inch alloy wheels, sliding sunroof, chrome package, anti-theft warning system, and cruise control and parking sensors. -Continued

Beijing Show: 2009 Volkswagen Lavida Sedan

Developed in China by Volkswagen and its local joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Cooperation (SAIC), the Lavida is a four-door sedan roughly the size of a BMW 3-Series (4,608 mm long, 1,743 mm wide and 1,465 mm tall with a 2,610 mm wheelbase). The Lavida’s exterior styling does not follow any familiar VW pattern and if it weren’t for the company’s badges and front grille, you could probably pass it for any kind of make – in other words, its b-o-r-i-n-g.

The interior looks a bit better with its VW derived details and the wood inserts. According to VW, the cabin has been designed to satisfy the wishes of Chinese car drivers as has been found in numerous surveys. One of these wishes is a USB interface for an MP3 player like the one that has now been implemented in the Lavida.

When the Lavida goes on sale in China this summer it will be powered by two four-cylinder engines that can be combined with a manual or a six-speed automatic (Tiptronic). VW Shanghai’s ne sedan will be offered in three trims, "Trendline", "Comfortline" and "Highline". -Continued

The base vehicle will be equipped with standard ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, climate control, MP3-capable CD-Radio, power windows and anti-theft warning system. The more luxurious versions "Comfortline" and "Highline" also get 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome package, sliding sunroof, leather seats, side and head airbags, cruise control, parking sensors, automatic climate control system and CD changer.

VW Retro Bus Piggy Banks

We all know that every cent counts these days which is why these retro VW Bus moneyboxes are a perfect way to store all your spare change in one place. And who knows; maybe by the end of the year you’ll have enough change to fill up your tank… The Bus-themed “piggy-banks” are available from VW in two guises, with a “psychedelic” or a “freedom” design.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco Pursuit & 3D Video Clips

Just as it did with the Tiguan last year, Volkswagen has launched an online video campaign for the all-new Scirocco (click here for pics) that made its official debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March. The first video clips to break cover are called “3D” and “Pursuit”.

As their names suggests, the first film is a computer generated video that shows off VW’s sporty hatchback (about time we started calling it what it really is…) while the second one is a light-action film that includes a 180-degree turn on the highway. Hopefully, VW’s next series of promo videos will be a tad more entertaining… -Both videos after the jump

3D Film

Pursuit Video

Volkswagen Bus WRX: Yes it’s Subaru-Powered!

The owner of this modified Volkswagen Bus T3 –also known as the Vanagon in the U.S. and as the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe, decided to spice up his van by swapping the standard engine for a Subaru WRX sourced, turbocharged boxer unit.

According to the owner of the vehicle Erik, the Dyno showed 227.2 Hp @ 6500 rpm and 216.6 lbs-ft of toque @ 4,500 rpm at the van’s rear wheels. Apart from the Subie boxer engine, Erik has also been fitted the VW Bus with a set of 18-inch Porsche alloy wheels along with Porsche sourced 4-piston Brembo brakes up front. –Click through for more images and videos

Link: Cardomain

VW Golf GTI Pirelli Available in the UK

The special edition Golf GTI Pirelli is making its comeback in the British market this year as Volkswagen announced that it has begun receiving orders with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country this June. Inspired from the original Golf GTI Pirelli that was introduced in May 1983, the 2008 version of the car is based on the Golf GTI Edition 30.

At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre TFSI unit with its output raised from the standard 200 Hp to 230 Hp. Drive is channelled through a choice of 6-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. With this engine, the new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car’s 0-62 mph time of 7.2 sec to 6.8 while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152.

As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique wheels and in particular, a set of five-spoke 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Other exterior features include body-coloured front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. The Pirelli GTI will be available in a choice of three colours –silver, black and blue. -Continued

Inside, the Pirelli theme continues with the half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back. Yellow stitching contrasts against the black leather of the seats, sports steering wheel and handbrake.

Prices in the UK will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.