Used Luxury Cars | The Benefits of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI

First Impression
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI competes with BMW 3 series, Infiniti G convertible or Audi A4 because it brings a good feel and enough sensations at the seat of the driver's pants to create a great bond with the vehicle. It can be called another sport car on the road but it's more elaborate than that. It still has the old roof panel like the old designs

2010 Volkswagen is considered to be one of the best cars out there because of its refinements. The new, angular front-end forgoes the 2009's curvilinear front design for something stronger and more masculine. Neatly bent creases replace softer lines along the body. 2010 Volkswagen now has larger taillights, angular headlights and tighter profile. The dual exhaust bookend the lower bumper - this is a sublime design addition that adds strength. Sit a 2010 Volkswagen GTI next to a 2009 and the changes are more apparent.

Interior Features
The interior design of the 2010 Volkswagen is unique:

* Touch the interior materials, for they are solid
* Luxuriate in the driver seat, for it is one of the most comfortable in this bracket
* Grip the steering wheel and marvel at its sporty feel and racing-car design

Not only is the steering wheel the best in this bracket, it is one of the best feeling steering wheels on the market.

Pricing, Trims and Options
I list the starting value of a 2-door and 4-door Volkswagen GTI.

The Volkswagen GTI 2-door with the standard 6-speed manual is priced at starting cost of $23,489. But for a 4-door, 6-speed manual 2010 Volkswagen GTI its base price is $24,089.

Some of its options are as follows:

·Sunroof goes for $1,000.
·Rear side airbags on the 4-door only cost $350.
·Bi-Xenon headlights is valued at $700.
·Dynaudio 300W sound system is priced at $476.
·DVD satellite navigation cost $1,750.

Safety, Quality and Reliability
It's standard safety equipment includes:

* stability control
* antilock disc brakes with brake assist
* front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags


Engine and Transmission

* It has a turbocharged 200 horsepower, 2.0 liter 4-cylinder that puts out 207 pound feet of torque engine.
* It has A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard with a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual

Vehix View of the Volkswagen GTI
Vehix called Volkswagen GTI a top notch European car. It is an exquisite example of how to build a proper hot-hatch. Visit http://www.thefreshlistings.com to see how Vehix solved my problem of finding a new car from the comfort of my home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Holly_Murray

Used Sports Cars | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Review

The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta experiences slight modification and gains new exterior and interior appearance as well as technology styling. This is a small car from the house of Volkswagen and turns out to be a top contender in the automotive markets of United States.

It is a 4-door wagon or a 4-door sedan known as the Sport Wagon. It comes in sport and wagon body styles as well as in SE, SL, and S trim levels. The body style Sedan comes as the trim SEL too, while the model in body style wagon has been stopped by the manufacturers.

Coming to the performance of all the trim levels, the 5-liter 5-cylinder engine gives 170-hp of power. As the above mentioned engine, one more diesel TDI engines are also using by all trims. The foresaid 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine develops 140 hp of power and certified as emissions legal in each of all fifty states. The petrol as well as diesel engines is pairing to a 5-speed manual transmission. The other versions called Wolfsburg and TDI is working with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with the safety features like ABS, antiskid system, all side airbags, and traction control. The other version called Wolfsburg has a particular trim and sport suspension. Where, adaptors for iPod, sunroof, and a navigation system are the available choices. But, exclusively available on the wagon body styled model is a panoramic sunroof. On the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta's special edition called Cup Street, particular exterior styling, sport seats, and 18-inch wheels are also available.

You may also want to know more about the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta and check out the latest Volkswagen Jetta Reviews, pictures as well as specs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geof_Ryan

Personal Luxury Cars | Volkswagen goes soft-roading with new CrossPolo

Smaller cars may be taking over from larger SUVs around the world, but that hardly means that the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble image of the sport-ute has disappeared from buyers' minds. That's where softroaders come in. Vehicles like the Volkswagen CrossPolo blend off-road styling with a small form factor.

VW gave us a sneak peek at the new CrossPolo back in Geneva, but is only officially revealing the full range now. Based on the new Polo hatchback, the CrossPolo gets a boost in ride height and some tasteful body cladding to give it that backcountry appeal. A new front end – treated in dark gray and blending into the wheel arches, quarter panels and rear bumper – plus 17-inch alloys and roof rails complete the package, which can be ordered by non-U.S. types with six engine options – three gasoline and three diesels – in any of six exterior shades, including two colors unique to the CrossPolo.

Is VW looking to buy Malaysia's Proton?

It looks like Volkswagen may be continuing to raid the global buffet of lesser automakers. According to reports, Malaysian carbuilder Proton has been in talks with ze People's automaker in an attempt to establish some sort of alliance, thought for now details are sketchy at best. Proton has made it clear that it's more interested in upping its exports than anything else. Given that fact, it wouldn't surprise us to see Proton-built machines wearing VW badges in some far-flung corners of the globe.

On the other hand, reports have surfaced that claim that VW has already admitted to looking into sharing platforms and engines with Proton as part of some sort of agreement, and that both companies have already explored badging the current Jetta as a new-and-improved Proton Perdana. Either way, we're told to expect a more solid announcement to come from the two companies by early next month. We'll keep our ears to the ground until then

[Source: Canadian Business]

Beijing 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

Along with a refreshed Phaeton, Volkswagen also pulled the satin off a refreshed Tiguan here in Beijing. Like the flagship, the Tiguan has adopted the new corporate horizontal bar grille that we've seen on other recent VWs, including the Mk VI Golf. As near as we can tell, not much else has changed. The new look serves the Tiguan well, giving its face a lower, wider appearance. We're guessing the refresh will hit U.S. shores this fall when the 2011 models arrive.

Beijing 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton ups the luxe

As impressive of a vehicle as the seminal Volkswagen Phaeton may have been, the uber-luxe German sedan was an unqualified flop of an experiment here in the United States. In some other parts of the world, though, VW's BMW and Mercedes-Benz (not to mention VW-owned Audi) competitor is still going strong.

Hence, VW has seen fit to give the Phaeton a mild update for the 2011 model year, and it tellingly used the Beijing Motor Show as the platform to reveal its top-shelf sedan. In case you missed the exterior changes, take a closer look at the front and rear fascias, where you'll find tighter lines and new LED lighting.

It's inside the cabin where the Phaeton gets the bulk of its improvements. Included in the refresh is VW's latest navigation technology, along with a helpful seeing-eye camera that can monitor speed limit and no passing signs and inform lazy drivers of the data. There is also a lane-departure system that keeps the car between the proper lines and Dynamic Light Assist that adjusts the headlights to keep from blinding oncoming traffic.

Powertrain options remain the same as before, with a 450-horsepower 6.0-liter W12 engine taking top billing over a 335-hp 4.2-liter V8 and a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 280 ponies. Finally, those looking to save a few bucks at the pump can opt for a 3.0-liter diesel V6.

Why It's Not Coming Here: VW Amarok priced at $35k in Europe

One of the last details concerning the Volkswagen Amarok, its price in euros, has been filled in: €26,203, or $35,260 U.S. in the ever misleading straight-up conversion from euros to dollars. Subtracting the 19 percent duty folded into that price in Germany, you're still left spending €21,224, or $28,555 U.S. That's what you call "Holy smokes!"

If we want to make the admittedly difficult attempt to put some context around that without diving into European taxes and price structures, let's take the Golf. The most basic two-door version is €16,650, or $22,399 U.S. Subtract that 19 percent duty and you're at €13,487, which is $18,144. That matches up quite nicely with the U.S. price for the base two-door model: $17,620.

Back to that bog-standard Amarok – at $28,555, you're just a grand short of a Ford F-150 XL Super Cab, which decimates the 122-horsepower Amarok in everything but gas mileage. By the time you get to the Amarok in Highline trim, you're up to 163 hp and you've added four-wheel-drive, but you've also got a €37,169 ($50,022 U.S.) bill before taxes and fees. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why there will be zero VW Amaroks sold in these fifty states. For the rest of you, start saving.


[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

.Alfa Romeo Giulietta hits the European market

Ladies and Gents, say hello to the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Then say goodbye. Because although Alfa Romeo says this car is slated to reach "all major markets," apparently that doesn't include North America.

Following its public unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show last month, Alfa has finally released full details and a whole slew of photos of the new five-door sport-hatch. And whether it makes it Stateside or not, this stands to be a pivotal, make-it or break-it product for the stoic Italian marque that celebrates its centenary this year.

Aside from this being a new Alfa – which is reason enough for many to sit up and pay attention – what you're looking at here is Italy's chief contender for the coveted Ford Focus/Volkswagen Golf segment. And quite a contender it is, from the looks of things.


The Giulietta is the second new vehicle Alfa has introduced to replace the long-serving 147 hatchback, joining the three-door MiTo in anchoring the brand's range while reviving a classic nameplate for the marque. Stylistically, it's also the third model to follow the company's newest design direction, following the lead set by the flagship 8C Competizione and the aforementioned MiTo. And while the styling may have lost some fans in its transition from supercar to supermini, it appears to translate better to the Giulietta's longer frame better.

The interior likewise draws its inspiration from the 8C Competizione, particularly around the dashboard. Despite the relatively high belt-line – especially in the back – the cabin has a much airier look and feel than the more cocooning MiTo, thanks in part to the expansive optional sunroof. It's also packed with all the features you'd expect of a new product from a major automaker, topped by an options list that includes Bose sound, TomTom nav and the Blue&Me connectivity system developed with Microsoft.

The tech isn't limited to the cabin, however. At launch, Alfa is offering the Giulietta with four engine options: gasoline-burning 1.4-liter turbo fours with 120 or 170 horsepower (the latter assisted by Fiat's MultiAir variable valve technology) and a pair of turbo-diesel, displacing 1.6 and 2 liters and producing 105 and 170 hp, respectively. The Quadrifoglio Verde – bearing Alfa's legendary cloverleaf badge – will follow, packing a 1.8-liter, direct-injection turbo four with 235 horsepower on tap, as will a new dual-clutch transmission. In the meantime a six-speed manual serves all four engine options.

Market-wise, the Giulietta presents a compelling case. Although its upscale stature, coveted badge and equipment list puts it squarely in league with premium hatchbacks like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, its pricing comes closer to a Golf or Focus, giving Alfa a serious contender against models in both segments.

You can read more details about the Giulietta in the press release below, and view all the high-resolution photos in the gallery. But as important a product as the new Giulietta is for Alfa Romeo and its parent company Fiat, it's also the harbinger of things to come for the brand and the rapidly expanding auto giant. The new Giulia is slated to be based on a modified version of the same platform, replacing the stylistically brilliant but dynamically flawed 159 sedan and sportwagon, to say nothing of the successor to the Brera and Spider models. Sources also expect a slew of new Chrysler models to borrow the same architecture. So whether or not the Giulietta as we see it here makes it to American shores, its platform, engines and other features almost certainly will.

Volkswagen-Porsche merger in jeopardy over hedge fund suits and tax issues?

It seems the merger between Volkswagen and Porsche has been complicated since the very beginning, and a report from Reuters shows that the dynamic may not change any time soon.

First Porsche was buying the much larger VW, then Porsche got stuck in a cash crunch and needed money from Volkswagen to stave off bankruptcy. Now VW owns 49.9 percent of Porsche, and The People's Automaker expects to own the luxury sports car maker outright by 2011. Straightforward enough, right? Well, a prospectus filed by VW in late March reportedly shows that the merger between the two German automakers may be delayed until 2011 and beyond. The reason for the delay could stem from Porsche's tax liabilities and hedge fund lawsuits alleging that former executives at the German sports car maker manipulated the market in an attempt to takeover Volkswagen.

A Volkswagen spokesperson reportedly told Reuters that the companies are still moving towards a 2011 merger as planned, while a Porsche spokesperson said the warnings in VW's perspective list every possible risk and that the chances of a major problem is limited. Still, some analysts sound skeptical. The report goes on to state that Bernstein Research analyst Max Warburton said the risks associated with purchasing Porsche could force VW to pay cash for a remaining 50.1 percent stake. That would mean VW would have to raise capital and assume unwanted debt – a lot of capital and a mountain of debt.



[Source: Reuters]

New York 2010: Volkswagen Polo wins 2010 World Car of the Year award

Awards season is finally winding down with the 2010 World Car of the Year and World Performance Car of the Year being handed out this morning at the 2010 New York Auto Show. After whittling the fields down to three finalists in each category, the panel of 59 international journalists voted one last time to crown the World Car of the Year.

While the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and Mercedes-Benz E-Class were nominated, it was the Polo that took home the gold for 2010 World Car of the Year.

On the performance vehicle front, the nominees were the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California, with the Audi winning top honors.

They also handed out a Design award for a group of finalists including the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro. That honor went to the Camaro. (U-S-A! U-S-A!)

The Green category saw Volkswagen's line of diesel-powered BlueMotion vehicles beat out the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids

Volkswagen Golf 2010 Wallpapers

Volkswagen Golf 2010

Volkswagen Golf 2010 Cars

Volkswagen Golf 2010

Volkswagen Golf 2010 Wallpapers

Geneva 2010: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg sports

We could say Volkswagen was tired of making an SUV that ended up being rather expensive – for a VW – after you stuck a few options on it. So in addition to the lost weight, the new Touareg has lost some of the four-wheel drive equipment that made the last one so spendy. This one comes standard with a Torsen limited-slip differential, and then you can order a Terrain Tech Pack that adds the differentials and serious off-road capability that once came standard. That takes fuel economy upward, an boost also helped by the increased curve and lower Cd. VW sold 500,000 units of the previous-gen Touareg and it should do even better with this one.

Show Premiere I:
New Touareg Guides SUV Idea into the Future

Touareg debuts with hybrid drive and high-tech TDI engines
Volkswagen SUV is 208 kilograms lighter and 20 percent more fuel efficient

Wolfsburg/Geneva, March 2010. In a show premiere at the Geneva Motor Show Volkswagen is unveiling the completely redeveloped Touareg − and with it the most technically innovative Volkswagen since the brand has been in existence. This Touareg is reinterpreting the fasci nating idea of a multipurpose SUV in a contemporary way – thanks to its up to 25 percent more fuel efficient engines and a large variety of new assistance and safety systems. The Touareg will be the first Volkswagen to be offered in a hybrid version (V6 TSI plus E-motor).

When the V6 TSI and E-motor operate simultaneously (boosting), this produces a combined power of up to 279 kW /380 PS as measured on a dynamometer, and a torque of maximum 580 Newton-metres. The Touareg Hybrid sets standards among fully off-road capable SUVs with petrol engines with its fuel consumption value of just 8.2 litres fuel per 100 kilometres. It can be driven at speeds of up to 50 km/h in purely electric mode − emissions-free.

Fuel economy and emissions values of the conventionally powered Touareg versions were significantly improved. Consider the V6 FSI, a direct-injection petrol engine with 206 kW /280 PS: With a fuel econo my of 9.9 l/100 km, the powerful 360 Newton-metre 3.6-litre engine consumes a substantial 2.5 litres less than the previous model. This combined fuel consumption corresponds to CO2 emissions of 236 g/km. And that is exactly 60 g/km less than before.

The diesel engines were made more fuel efficient as well. With regard to power, an advanced version of the successful V6 TDI that continues to have 176 kW/240 PS (European version) right at market launch, marks the entry level into the world of the Touareg; the 550 Newton-metre strong turbo-diesel consumes a pioneeringly low 7.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 195 g/km CO2), which is 1.9 litres less than before. CO2 emissions were reduced by 49 g/km compared to the previous Touareg V6 TDI and a respectable 24 g/km compared to the already very good previous model with BlueMotion Technology. Completely new to the Touareg programme is a V8 TDI with 4.2 litres displacement and 250 kW /340 PS.

The combined fuel consumption here – extremely good considering its power and amazing maximum torque of 800 Newton-metres – is 9.1 l/100 km (equivalent to 239 g/km CO2). Engines offered, both diesel and petrol, will vary depending on the specific country.

New era SUV – lighter, more aerodynamic and fuel efficient
As has already been accomplished on the globally successful, smaller SUV, the Tiguan, Volkswagen is systematically striving for sustain ability on the new Touareg too. The first precondition has been met: The weight of the base model Touareg has been reduced by 208 kilograms.

A quantum leap. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. The second precondition has also been achieved: Designers attained a significantly improved Cd value. It was reduced from 0.38 to 0.35. Along with aerodynamic refinement measures, another factor at work here is that this Touareg sits lower to the ground than the previous model. This, to gether with a front end in the style of the new Volkswagen Design DNA, results in a smaller frontal area. The third precondition: All engines, now offered with a standard 8-speed automatic transmission – a first in this market segment – demonstrate significant fuel economy advantages over the previous model; in some cases the advantage is far greater than two litres per 100 kilometres.

SUV for all trails – all-wheel drive in two versions
Another element which has been modified in the quest for reduced fuel consumption is the Touareg's standard all-wheel drive. In the base version (4MOTION), all new generation Touaregs have all-wheel drive with Torsen limited-slip differential (4MOTION; 31 degree climbing gradient). Like the Tiguan Track & Field, the Touareg also has an "Offroad driving programme", which − at the press of a button − tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the automatic gearshift points.

Instead of a Torsen differential, the V6 TDI can be ordered with an optional "Terrain Tech Packet" that has an even more rugged transfer case designed for off-road driving. It includes reduction gearing and centre and rear differentials, each with up to 100 percent locking (4XMOTION; 45 degree climbing gradient). Similar to the system on the first Touareg generation, this "4XMotion" also has a rotary switch the driver now uses to adapt the car to specific conditions over five levels:

1. "On-Road";
2. "Off-Road" (like "Off-road driving programme" plus automatic control of the mechanical locks);
3. Low (like "Off-road" plus activation of reduced gearing, higher shift points, no automatic upshift in manual mode);
4. Addition of centre differential lock;
5. Addition of rear differential lock. Equipped like this, the Touareg can conquer a wide range of the Earth's terrains.

SUV for everyday life – more space, more innovations
Volkswagen has not only made the new Touareg lighter, more fuel efficient and an agile performer; it has also made it into an even more versatile, all-round vehicle. The new interior was made more functional, the seats more comfortable and leg room in the rear is increased thanks to a 41 millimetre extension of the wheelbase to 2,893 milli metres. Now the rear bench seat has 160 millimetres in longitudinal adjustment, and the backrest angle can be altered.
Electrically unlatched at the press of a button as an option, it folds down in seconds and frees up 1,642 litres of cargo space. Already standard equipment in the base version is a radio-CD and info system, which is intuitively controlled via a 6.5-inch touch-screen. The radio-navigation system in the top version offers a 60 Gigabyte hard drive and 3D building representation.

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The engine (V6 versions) automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). The V6 versions gather valuable kinetic energy during braking and coasting and store it.

The oil dipstick has now been retired: The engine oil level is displayed electronically in this Touareg. As an option, the tailgate can be opened and closed automatically. The Touareg can also be specified with a large panoramic sunroof – the largest ever used on an SUV − to provide maximum light in the cabin even on overcast days.

There are new features in the vehicle's assistance systems too. The innovative "Area View" utilises four cameras situated around the car to transmit an accurate view of the Touareg's surroundings to enhance safety. Also offering protection are up to nine airbags. Lane Assist ensures that the vehicle does not stray from the right path; meanwhile, Side Assist warns of vehicles approaching from the rear when changing lanes. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) plus Front Assist can brake the car to a stop in an emergency. ProActive occupant protection, also completely new, networks the assistance systems and ensures that in case of an accident not only are the belts tensioned, but the windows and panoramic sunroof are closed as a function of the vehicle's transverse dynamics.

An absolute world's first: Bi-xenon headlights with Dynamic Light Assist.
This camera-based high beam headlight actually "sees" oncoming traffic and automatically adjusts – via the curve lighting module and individually for each headlight − the high beam to eliminate unwanted glare. The enhanced safety and convenience offered by Dynamic Light Assist is as significant as the introduction of Xenon technology itself once was. In the sum of its properties, the new Touareg is not only one of the most sustainable SUVs in the world, but definitively also one of the safest passenger vehicles of all times.

Touareg – the best of two worlds
About 500,000 car drivers chose to buy the first generation of the Touareg. It is a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avant-garde styling, excellent quality and unlimited expedition capabilities – essentially the best of the passenger car and off-road worlds unified in one concept. This legacy is now being continued in the new Touareg – a high-end and versatile all-round vehicle that brings these two worlds together even more perfec tly. The Touareg will be available at dealers as soon as in April of this year.

Volkswagen reveals the 178hp Polo GTi!

Volkswagen has finally unwrapped the all new Polo GTi. This high-performance Polo has a supercharged 1.4 liter TSI engine under its hood which is able to crank out 178hp at 6,200 revs and 249Nm of torque from as low as 2,000 revs.

This enables the mini GTi to hit 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and it will continue till it reaches 225 km/h. That’s actually pretty decent as anything below 8 seconds starts getting fun. Fuel consumption is figured at 47 mpg on a combined cycle.

The engine in paired with the company’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, fondly known as DSG. The hot super mini also has an XDS electronic differential system which is part of the standard ESP system. The Polo GTi is treated to new springs and dampers which bring the hatch lower by 15 mm.

Exterior wise it has a honeycomb grille with red strips, a subtle bodykit, new headlights with the option to add LED daytime running lights and a pair of chrome-tipped exhaust pipes at the back. It sits on 17-inch alloy wheels which are also found on the Golf GTi.

Inside you will find a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminium pedals, front sports seats finished in tartan trim, gloss black trim on the centre console as well as a black headliner.

Continue reading to view an image gallery.

Second-generation Volkswagen Touareg premieres with Hybrid model

This is the second generation VW Touareg, which is lighter, more fuel efficient and cleaner than the original SUV to bear the name launched in 2003. The big news is that the Touareg range includes a hybrid model, Volkswagen’s first production hybrid.

The Touareg Hybrid combines a 3.3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 328 bhp and 360 Nm of torque and an electric motor generating 46 bhp, resulting in a total output of 374 bhp and 580 Nm. The electric motor can operate independently of the combustion engine, making the Touareg a full hybrid. On electric power alone the new Touareg is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h, but most of the time it supplements the V6 to provide more grunt -the Touareg Hybrid does 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240 km/h. On the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 12 km/l.

The entry-level engine and the likely volume seller is a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine generating 237 bhp and 550 Nm while returning 13.5 km/l and emitting 195 g/km of CO2. A new 4.2-litre TDI V8 engine producing 335 bhp and a massive 800 Nm of torque sits at the top of the range.

VW says that the new models are up to 20 per cent more fuel efficient than the cars they replace, also thanks to a weight reduction of 200 kg, a new eight-speed automatic and Start/Stop technology. The new body also has a lower drag coefficient. Overall length and wheelbase of the Touareg have each grown by 40 mm to measure 4,758 mm and 2,900 mm respectively. Width remains at 1,928 mm while overall height drops by 20 mm to 1,724 mm.

The new car is easily recognisable as a Touareg from the outside, even though it features VW’s new family face. The all-new cabin looks good too, and while it remains a five-seater, rear room is claimed to have grown significantly due to the new sliding rear bench and reclining backrests. More pictures after the jump.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg

We weren't expecting to see the new second generation Volkswagen Touareg until the beginning of March at the Geneva Motor Show, but VW rolled out its big SUV at an event in Munich earlier today. The basic shape and proportions of the exterior haven't changed much, but the body sides are now more sculpted than before, making it a bit more planted and – dare we say – sporty. At the front the Touareg has picked up the new horizontal VW family face that debuted on the latest Golf and Polo, finally discarding the more vertical and heavily chromed fascia of the original.

Fuel efficiency was of paramount importance in the redesign, and weight reduction plays an a key role. The original Touareg was always porky for its size, so VW put the 'ute on a diet and the new base Touareg is now nearly 460 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Of course, a weight loss program only gets you so far, so the powertrains needed an upgrade too.

The new Touareg brings with it Volkswagen's first ever mass produced hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid combines the VW Group's supercharged and direct injected 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Touareg hybrid gets a combined rating of 28.6 mpg (U.S.) on the EU cycle, a number that will probably be closer to 24-25 when it arrives Stateside. The diesel powered TDI does even better now with a rating of 31.8 mpg (U.S.). The Touareg is also available with a normally aspirated 3.6-liter gasoline V6 and for the first time the awesome 335 horsepower 4.2-liter TDI V8. Even the diesel V8 is rated at 25.8 mpg (U.S.). Unfortunately Americans won't be able to get that powerplant.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen Passat CC Test Drive Review

As motoring journalists, we’re very lucky to have the newest and shiniest cars in town parked in our porch. After awhile, the “immune system” gets build up to a level that only the very captivating will leave a mark.

The Volkswagen Passat CC is one such car because it’s such a beauty. I caught myself looking back everytime I walked away. I unrolled the curtains so I could occasionally look at it while reading the papers. Such was the effect.

Continue reading the report after the jump.

Top Luxury Cars - 7 Cars to Drive Before you die?

Here are the top 7 cars to drive before you die. This 7 remarkable cars are so great and very nice and elegant to drive.

1. Volkswagen Type 2
2. Buggati Veyron
3. 1968 For Mustang GT 390
4. 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
5. Chevrolet Volt
6. Tesla Roadster
7. Fisker Karma

Volkswagen Eos top pictures and wallpapers

Dakar: Volkswagen set for podium clean sweep

Volkswagen looks set to make a clean sweep of the top three positions in the 2010 Dakar, as the “World’s Toughest Race” enters its final stage from San Rafael to Buenos Aires, the finish point. In the overall lead after 13 stages is VW’s former WRC champion Carlos Sainz, but he’s only leading teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah by just two minutes and 48 seconds. American Mark Miller looks to have secured the final podium spot – he is over 31 minutes behind Sainz but almost two hours ahead of Stephane Peterhansel, the highest placed X-Raid BMW driver in fourth.

The penultimate stage was won by nine-time Dakar winner Peterhansel. With that, the Frenchman has won four stages in this year’s race, extending his record of stage victories to 55. The relatively smooth and fast wrap up stage will start today evening in South America.

Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept

This new hybrid from Volkswagen is designed to sit alongside the Up! Concept as a slightly bigger and much sportier take on alternative fuels. Oh, and it looks much better — in fact, it looks better than Audi's A5, with which it shares many a body line. Unlike the A5, however, the Compact Coupe gets 45 mpg, courtesy of a 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a powerful electric motor. Combined, they deliver a total power output of 177 horses. The car also gets a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and can be operated in fully electric mode. Volkswagen's positioning is clear enough: a fun-to-drive alternative to cars such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius.