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.

VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum Role Playing Game

It has been a while since we last played an online game but since we had nothing better to do this morning we decided to give VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum RPG (Role Playing Game) a shot. We only got up to the point where you are asked to insert a code in order to continue, so if any of you guys or gals manage to finish it, do the right thing by sharing the answer(s) with us. Mind you, the game is on VW’s German site, but it’s rather straight forward so you probably won’t find any difficulties getting around.

Link: VW GT Sport

$20k Buyers: Dodge Challenger SE V6 or VW Golf GTI?

At the New York Auto Show, Dodge announced that the entry-level version of the 2009 Challenger coupe, the SE that’s powered by Chrysler’s 250 Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit matted to a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be priced in the low $20,000s. Now, let’s say you’re in the market searching for a brand-new sports car in that price range.

Would you prefer an underpowered but attention grabbing rear-wheel-drive coupe like the base Challenger SE from an undiluted sport hatch like the 200Hp VW Golf GTI (priced from around $22k)? We’d also like to hear what our European friends have to say if these two cars where available for the same price in their home turf. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)

Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!

Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued

When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.

Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle.

Volkswagen Golf Variant by ABT

Capable and practical it may be, but the standard VW Golf Variant is no head turner. VW Group tuning specialist ABT, wants to change that by offering a full bodykit for the Golf Station-Wagon that includes a low front spoiler, side skirts, rear-wing and a 2-pipe rear muffler combined with new alloy wheels in sizes up to 19 inches and a lower sport suspension.

For those in need of more power, ABT also offers a series of upgrades for all engines. The 1.4 TFSI delivers 210hp instead of 170hp. Depending on the serial performance, the 1.9 TDI now delivers either 115hp or 130hp. In both versions, the diesel engine delivers additional 25hp. The performance of the two-liter diesel engine is increased from 170hp to 190hp. –More images after the jump

Geneva Preview: 2009 Volkswagen Golf Estate 4Motion

Volkswagen is enhancing its Golf Estate range with the introduction of a permanent four-wheel drive version that allows as much as 100 per cent of the vehicle’s tractive force to be transmitted to the rear wheels if required. The 4Motion system is coupled with turbo-diesel (TDI) engine that generates 105 Hp.

The Golf Estate TDI 4Motion accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12.9 seconds, has a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph) and consumes just 6.0 litres of diesel per 100 km or 38.6 MPG (US). More importantly, the Golf Estate TDI 4Motion is permitted to tow as much as 1,500 kilograms or 3,307 lbs on gradients of up to twelve per cent – that’s 100 kilograms or 220 lbs more than its front-wheel-drive diesel counterpart. –More pics after the jump

Insider: VW Future Model Arrival Dates

We’ve obtained an internal Volkswagen document addressed to VW dealers in Europe that informs them on the market launch of three important new models: the Scirocco Coupe, the Golf VI and the next generation Polo. The first model to arrive in European dealerships will be the Golf based Scirocco. The production version of the IROC Concept (see here) that made its premier at the 2006 Paris Show, will be available across Europe during the fourth quarter of 2008. If VW decides to import the Scirroco in the U.S., it shouldn’t be expected earlier than mid-2009. -Continued after the jump

According to the internal document, the sixth generation of VW’s compact class Golf will go on sale in Europe during the first quarter of 2009. Originally, VW planned to launch the Golf VI at next year’s Geneva Show in March but VW’s new boss, Martin Winterkorn, postponed the presentation for the Paris Show in September of 2008 as he was not pleased with the vehicle’s appearance. The US spec Golf should make its appearance in early 2010.

Finally, the next-generation Polo supermini based on the same platform as the recently introduced Skoda Fabia, will begin its European career during the second half of 2009. An the U.S.? Well, unless gas prices hike over $4 a gallon, we doubt it that the Polo will make it on the other side of the Atlantic.

Clarkson Pawns The 650Hp VW Golf GTi W12 Concept - Full Episode

In Top Gear’s latest episode that aired this Sunday, Jeremy Clarkson had the “dreadful” task of driving the VW Golf GTi W12 Concept (click here). Though it may look like nothing more than a… bloated Golf GTi, in fact we’re talking about a total different vehicle as this concept features a mid-mounted, 650Hp 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine that powers the rear-wheels. According to VW, the GTi W12 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 sec and it achieves a top speed of 325km/h (202 mph). Did we mention that it’s a one-off concept? Yeah, right, wait until you see what Clarkson put the Golf GTi W12 through in the test track!

Via: Youtube

VW Golf BlueMotion: Frankfurt Premier Of The Most Economical Golf

The German car maker will enhance its eco-friendly BlueMotion line-up at the forthcoming Frankfurt Show with the introduction of six-new models, including the Golf BlueMotion. Powered by a 105Hp strong 1.9-litre turbo diesel engine, the Golf BlueMotion is dubbed as being the most economical Golf ever produced. Compared to the standard Golf 105Hp 1.9 TDI, the BlueMotion version features among others, new engine management software and longer gear ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears –they alone reduce consumption by about 0.2 litre per 100 km. Furthermore, VW lowered the Golf BlueMotion’s aerodynamics from the standard Golf’s cW value of 0.32 to 0.30 while the car is also equipped with light-running tyres (size 195/65 R15), optimized for rolling resistance.

According to VW, these changes result to an avg. fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 km (62.8 mpg Uk), reduced by a 0.6 litres compared to the standard Golf 1.9 TDI model. Likewise, CO2 emissions have been reduced from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. Even more impressive is the fact the VW supports that the Golf BlueMotion can travel a distances of more than 1,200 km (745 miles) on just one tank of fuel (55 litres). The base price of the Golf BlueMotion Trendline when it fgoes on sale in Germany later thgis year will be 20,615 euro ($28,000), just 315 euro ($430) more than the base price of the standard Golf 1.9 TDI Trendline. -Full press release after the jump

First Facts on the Golf BlueMotion:

• World premiere of the most economical Golf at the IAA in Frankfurt
• 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100 km) fuel consumption and 119 g/km CO2: New Golf BlueMotion sets environmentally-friendly benchmarks in the compact class
• BlueMotion fireworks: Volkswagen will be presenting a total of six BlueMotion models at the IAA in Frankfurt

Wolfsburg, August 13, 2007

Volkswagen will be firing off the next salvo of its BlueMotion offensive at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. In total, six new models with technology that is as economical as it is environmentally-friendly, will debut at the world’s largest car show. One of the highlights there: The new Golf BlueMotion. At just 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 km (62.8 mpg), its fuel consumption has been reduced by a full 0.6 litres compared to the original model. Similarly, CO2 emissions have been reduced from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. Actions taken on the BlueMotion make it so efficient that now distances of more than 1,200 km (745 miles) are possible on just one Golf tank of fuel (55 litres). Market introduction of the Golf BlueMotion is scheduled for the end of this year in Germany.

After the Polo, Passat and Passat Estate, the Golf is the fourth Volkswagen to wear the new BlueMotion environmental badge on its radiator grille and rear hatch, identifying it as the most economical model in the range. The Golf BlueMotion is driven by a TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS and a hefty 250 Nm (184 lbs ft) of torque that has already achieved recognition as an efficient engine.

A software intervention in engine management reduces the idling speed of this diesel combined with a particulate filter and simultaneously improves its emission performance. With longer gear ratios in third, fourth and fifth gears, engine speed levels are also lower while driving. These actions alone reduce consumption by about 0.2 litre.

Less apparent but no less necessary for a gain in economy are the thoroughly trimmed and thereby flow-optimized underbody as well as the nearly enclosed radiator grille. To ensure that the TDI engine still gets enough cooling air, the Golf BlueMotion has an effective dual fan. Thanks to aerodynamic design measures, including lowering of the chassis, the Golf’s cW value of 0.32, which in itself is a good value, was further improved to 0.30.

In the hunt for every gram of CO2 Volkswagen is also relying on light-running tyres, size 195/65 R15, optimized for rolling resistance; they are driven at higher air pressure, elevated by 0.3 bar. When all of the modifications come together in the end product, the top speed of the Golf rises from 187 km/h to an electronically limited 190 km/h (118 mph).

When it comes to equipment options, the Golf BlueMotion customer can choose between the Trendline and Comfortline. The base price of the Golf BlueMotion Trendline is 20,615 euro and this makes it just 315 euro more than the base price of a Golf 1.9 TDI Trendline. When adjustments are made for equipment options, the BlueMotion is even more economical than previous TDI versions with 105 PS and diesel particulate filter. Besides the aerodynamic modifications already mentioned, standard equipment includes the Multifunctional Display Plus (MFA Plus) with gear recommendation arrow and sports suspension. Thanks to its attractive price positioning, the purchase of a Golf BlueMotion already pays off from the first kilometre – and not just for the environment, but also for customers’ budgets.

VW Golf GTI W12: Autocar Takes The Monster Golf For A Brief Spin

Sometimes it really kicks ass to be working for a renowned mag as this video proves. Autocar’s Mike Duff had the chance to take VW’s intriguing Golf GTI W12 Concept for a spin –ok, apparently it was a pretty brief spin but wtf… Equipped with a mid-mounted 6.0-litre W12 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Bentley Continental GT, the 650Hp Golf GTI is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 3.7 sec while it reaches a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). Wouldn’t it be great if VW actually did go ahead and put this one of a kind GTI in a limited series production? Obviously, most of us wouldn’t be able to buy it, but pipe-dreaming never hurt anyone.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source Autocar

2009 VW Golf VI Spotted In Nevada

The next generation of VW’s best seller, the Golf VI -dubbed Rabbit in the USA, has been scooped by Swedish magazine “Teknikensvarld” performing test runs in Death Valley, Nevada. Our sources have told us that the Golf VI’s debut was originally planned to take place at next year’s Geneva Show in March but VW’s new boss, Martin Winterkorn, postponed the presentation for the end of 2008 as he was not pleased with the vehicle’s appearance. It is unclear whether the car featured in these spy pictures represents the initial or the revised prototype. Either way, it looks awfully similar to the current version –someone could even support that it’s simply a facelifted version of the fifth generation. -Continued after the jump

The new Golf will be offered in Europe with VW Group’s turbocharged engines that include 1.4 TSI, 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TSI petrol units developing from 122 up to more than 200 Hp (for the GTI), and 2.0 TDI diesel units producing 140 and 170 Hp. The Golf will be available with manual, DSG and semi-automatic gearboxes. In the US, the Rabbit is expected to be introduced in late 2009 or 2010, but it remains unknown if VW will finally decide to offer the chance to American consumers to get a taste of its ultra-modern turbocharged petrol units.

Via: Teknikensvarld