AutoblogGreen

CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST

2007 Volkswagen Space up! Blue concept - click above for high res image gallery

Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn delivered a speech in Münich on Friday where he announced that the German giant would release its first electric car in 2013. Among the points that Winterkorn emphasized was the race to electrification would be a marathon not a sprint. He also acknowledged that electrics alone won't be enough to meet all needs so VW is following a number of different technology paths. Winterkorn also warns against "electro-hype" which could raise unreasonably high expectations among consumers. Even in Germany, where consumers are considered to be better informed than in the U.S., surveys indicate that one in eight buyers think EVs are already here.

Winterkorn says that current battery technology is inadequate for the task. Referring to the 150 lb, 1.7 kWh NiMH battery for the upcoming Touareg hybrid, it has the energy equivalent of just 1.86 fl.oz of gasoline. Even lithium batteries still need work to get the cost and weight to a production viable point.

The first VW EV that arrives in 2013 will be based on the "New Small Family" derived from the up! concepts of 2007. As the decade wears on, VW plans to have a range of affordable EVs in its lineup. In addition to the EVs, Volkswagen will be introducing hybrids with and without plugs and Winterkorn expects gas and diesel engines to continue to be developed for another 15-20 years. Read Winterkorn's Google-translated speech after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2007: Volkswagen space up! blue

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013

CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Skoda introduces new 1.2L three cylinder, coming to a VW soon

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:17:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Volkswagen

The low price Czech-based division of the Volkswagen group, Skoda, has started producing a revised version of its 1.2-liter three cylinder engine. The powerplant is debuting in the Fabia but will soon spread to its platform-mates within the group, the VW Polo, Seat Ibiza and possibly even the upcoming Audi A1.

Changes to the engine include refinements like a cogged belt to drive the camshafts in place of the old timing chain and a lighter crankshaft. The reduced weight will help the triple run smoother and reduce fuel consumption. The three cylinder is built at the Škoda plant in Mladá Boleslav in the Czech Republic. The factory produced over 270,000 of the engines in 2008. The revised engine will be applied to other VW Group models over the next year.

[Source: GermanCarScene]

Skoda introduces new 1.2L three cylinder, coming to a VW soon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesels grab 81% of Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:42:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen

General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and everyone else may not think there is much of a market for mainstream diesel vehicles in the United States, but Volkswagen would beg to differ. Since it launched its new generation diesels last fall in the Jetta and earlier this year in the Touareg, they have been selling like hotcakes with June being its best month yet. Last month was the best sales month to date for the Sportwagen with 1,982 sales, a whopping 81 percent of those were equipped with the 2.0-liter TDI four cylinder.

Among the 8,431 Jetta sedans sold in June, 40 percent were also diesel powered. And while the Touareg followed most other SUVs with a 41 percent overall decline to only 330 units in June, 29 percent of those had the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engine. Rabbit sales were down 69 percent in June, but a redesigned Golf is arriving in September including a TDI and, if fuel prices keep climbing through the summer, it could get a huge sales spike as well.

Gallery: In the AutoblogGreen Garage: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Diesels grab 81% of Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen sales in June

Diesels grab 81% of Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen sales in June originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:39:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Asia, Japan, China, India

Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hear about those reports last week of a potential tie-up between Suzuki and Volkswagen for microcar development? Osamu Suzuki, Chief Executive at the automaker that bear his name, heard those rumors, too, and they apparently came as news to him. Though Suzuki falls short of denying outright that any potential deal could be struck, he told the Chunichi Shimbun Daily (via Reuters):

So far there's been absolutely no contact (with Volkswagen). Lately, we've been the victim of a lot of rumors (of equity tie-ups and cooperation deals).

Given the fact that Suzuki sells more cars - albeit tiny 660cc Kei cars - in Japan than any other automaker not named Toyota but has a limited footprint in most other markets, it's not surprising that rumors of impending partnerships are common. In this case, though, it would seem that reports of a potential deal with VW were at least a little bit premature.

Gallery: Suzuki Alto Lapin

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Suzuki CEO denies talks with VW amidst tie-up rumors originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen considering stake in Suzuki for micro-car alliance

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Volkswagen, Asia, Japan, China, India

Suzuki Alto Lapin - Click above for high-res gallery

According to reports from Reuters and Manager Magazin in Germany, Volkswagen is keen to purchase a 10 percent stake in Suzuki in order to cooperate on future small cars for emerging markets. In its home market of Japan, Suzuki is the second-largest automaker (behind Toyota) and dominates the tiny Kei car market alongside Toyota-owned Daihatsu.

These miniature 660cc vehicles are extremely popular in Japan's dense urban settings and Volkswagen reportedly believes this class of automobile holds great promise for emerging markets. In India, for example, Tata Motors has seen a great deal of success with its diminutive Nano, which is billed as the cheapest car in the world.

Suzuki already enjoys a measure of success in Tata's home turf, where its Maruti Suzuki subsidiary offers the Alto, which has been the best-selling automobile in India since 2004. At this time, both Suzuki and Volkswagen are declining comment, but VW chairman Ferdinand Piech has praised the Japanese automaker numerous times in the past.

Gallery: Suzuki Alto Lapin

[Source: Retuers]

REPORT: Volkswagen considering stake in Suzuki for micro-car alliance originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Cadillac, Kia, Volkswagen, Green Daily, Fisker

Fisker Karma Sunset Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker's undeniably gorgeous Karma Sunset concept was named the 2009 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year at the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards last night at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit. Organized by the South East Automotive Media Organization, the jurors also lauded VW's Concept BlueSport Roadster as the 2009 Concept Car of the Year and named the Cadillac Converj

"The Fisker Karma Sunset is just drop dead gorgeous" - juror Michael Bettencourt

the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2009. The Kia Soul'ster won Concept Truck of the Year.

Aside from the Soul'ster, the winners combine an alternative fuel powerplant (plug-in hybrid, diesel or ER-EV) with lust-worthy design. We'll see if this does anything to dispense with the myth that green = fugly. The jury considered 23 concepts and 11 production preview vehicles that were introduced during the 2009 auto show season before selecting the top cars. See more pictures of the winners after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Fisker Karma S

[Source: Southeast Automotive Media Organization, Fisker]

Continue reading Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards

Fisker Karma Sunset, Converj, BlueSport Roadster win Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Demand for VW Jetta TDI remains strong in U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:07:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen, USA

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen seems to have a nice success story on its hands in the form of the latest Jetta TDI. In April, VW moved 2,253 Jetta TDIs. Last month, that number surged to 3,862, which accounts for about 36-percent of total Jetta sales. Similar sales figures are expected in June. Interestingly, dealerships across much of the United States are reporting particularly strong demand for the SportWagen version of the oil burner. Diesel-powered station wagons in Amerca? Sign us up!

One possible reason why Jetta TDI sales are on the rise may be the decline diesel fuel prices, which have remained slightly below the cost of regular-grade gasoline for the last few months and well below that of premium gasoline. That explanation would help explain why Mercedes-Benz has also seen an increasing percentage of M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class models sold with diesel engines. Whatever the reason, it's good to see diesels selling well (relatively) in the U.S. for a change.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Demand for VW Jetta TDI remains strong in U.S. originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European scrapping schemes driving small car sales

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:13:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Volkswagen, Legislation and Policy, Fiat, Europe/EU

2009 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a new study by Jato Dynamics, the European automotive market may be rebounding ever so slightly from its alarming lows of early 2009. Though new car purchases are down by just over 13 percent year-on-year, there was actually a mild 2.4 percent improvement in May over April. Says David Di Girolamo, Head of Jato Consult:

If Germany (up 39.7-percent from May 2008) provides a template for the other markets where scrappage schemes have been introduced, we may be at the very beginning of a period of recovery in Europe. It's far too early to know what the sustained effects of the incentives will be, but at a time when the industry needs to see some rays of hope, it's encouraging to witness some improvement.

Interestingly, small, fuel efficient hatchbacks are performing better than the rest of the market, which is thought to be due to the various scrapping schemes in Europe. The redesigned Ford Fiesta is up an impressive 56 percent and the VW Golf is up 32.1 percent over last May. The Fiat Punto and Panda and VW's Polo also posted better sales last month over May of 2008.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta

[Source: Channel 4]

European scrapping schemes driving small car sales originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW 1.4-liter Twincharger wins 2009 International Engine of the Year

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:40:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Volkswagen

What qualities are required for an engine to be considered the best-of-the-best in today's world? Naturally, any given engine needs to make enough power for its intended application, but fuel efficiency is just as important in modern society. This being the case, it's not terribly surprising that Volkswagen's innovative 1.4-liter Twincharger engine has taken home top honors as the 2009 International Engine of the Year, beating out BMW's powerful 3.0-liter direct-injected twin-turbo six-cylinder powerplant by just four points.

The Engine of the Year award is handed out based on the voting results of 65 motor scribes polled from all around the globe. Some 32 countries are represented in the jury, including the U.S., Germany, Japan, China, the UK, and Korea.

To go along with its Engine of the Year award, VW's supercharged and turbocharged mill also won the Green Engine of the Year trophy - beating out Honda's 1.3-liter IMA hybrid powertrain in the process - and also took the nod in its 1.0-1.4-liter size class. Here's a list of the rest of the award winners:

Best New Engine - Porsche's 3.8-liter 385bhp flat-six
Best Performance Engine - Mercedes-AMG 6.2-liter V8
Sub 1-liter - Toyota 1-liter three-cylinder
1.8-2.0L - Audi 2-liter TFSI
2.0L-2.5L - Mercedes-Benz Diesel 2.1-litre BlueEfficiency
2.5L-3.9L - BMW 3-liter DI Twin Turbo
3.0L-4.0L - BMW 4-liter V8
Above 4.0L - Mercedes-AMG 6.2-liter V8

[Source: International Engine of the Year Awards]

VW 1.4-liter Twincharger wins 2009 International Engine of the Year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen launches Golf Plus Bi-Fuel in Germany

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Natural Gas

VW Golf Plus - Click above image for high-res gallery

Volkswagen has added another LPG-fueled model to its lineup with the new Golf Plus BiFuel. Like most other vehicles capable of running on liquified petroleum gas, the Golf has a dual fuel setup that allows the driver to switch over to gasoline if LPG is not available. The use of LPG cuts emissions of carbon dioxide by 10% from 179 g/km with gasoline to 159 g/km and reduces operating costs because LPG gets a tax break in Germany until 2018.

VW has incorporated the LPG tank into the spare tire well of the Golf and its 44-liter capacity allows the car to run about 273 miles on LPG. The 55-liter gasoline tank bumps the total range to nearly 700 miles. Germany has over 4,700 LPG filling stations, making the fuel a more practical alternative than ethanol is in the United States.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf Plus

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches Golf Plus Bi-Fuel in Germany

Volkswagen launches Golf Plus Bi-Fuel in Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen SuperlightCar project reduces weight of Golf shell by 30-percent

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Lightweight

Volkswagen Up! - Click above for high-res image gallery

We just learned about a project from Audi that resulted in an experimental lightweight S5 that was capable of lapping the famed Nürburgring racetrack in Germany eight seconds quicker than the normal S5, despite having a 100 horsepower disadvantage. It seems that a number of other automakers are also in on the project, including Renault, Volvo, Opel, Daimler and Volkswagen, Audi's parent company.

VW reportedly assembled three separate five-door Golf bodyshells, one solely using steel, one using a mixture of low-cost materials and one using nothing but exotic, high-tech materials. According to Autocar in the UK, these concepts reduced the overall weight of the Golf's shell by between 20- and 41-percent, with the best combination of price and weight savings boasting a 30-percent weight reduction.

Besides the desirable weight loss program, these shells also needed to be at least as safe as a standard steel bodyshell and be viable for mass production. The first production vehicles using this innovative process are expected in 2012.

Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept

[Source: Autocar]

Volkswagen SuperlightCar project reduces weight of Golf shell by 30-percent originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen BlueSport ready for production, estimated cost: $30k. Will it happen?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

After getting an exclusive first drive of the Volkswagen BlueSport roadster, the lucky scribes from AutoWeek write of the machine as if it's likely headed for production. This is contrary to earlier reports coming from an unnamed VW insider that indicated the program had been placed on hold due to the dire state of the global economy.

We hope AW's right about the BlueSport's production possibilities, especially after reading about how close to production-ready the roadster appears to be. If the German automaker does find a way to build the BlueSport, it will reportedly show up in in the States in 2013 starting for somewhere around $30,000, depending on the powerplant that VW decides to place behind the two occupants.

The turbocharged and directed-injected diesel mill currently in the concept, which VW says delivers nearly 42 miles per gallon in everyday driving, could very well be joined by at least one of VW's gasoline-burning units - possibly the 265-horsepower 2.0-liter installed in the Audi S3 and Volkswagen's own Scirocco R and Golf R. As always, we'll keep our eyes and ears open for more.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Concept BlueSport live

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Concept BlueSport

[Source: Auto Week]

REPORT: Volkswagen BlueSport ready for production, estimated cost: $30k. Will it happen? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW clean diesels have best sales month since launch in June

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:18:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen

May was another dismal month for car sales pretty much everywhere, including Volkswagen. There was however one bright spot at VW: sales of its Jetta TDI. Overall, sales of the Jetta were up 27.6 percent in May and it appears that most of that gain was due to the new Sportwagen and TDI versions. The 2009 Jetta TDI was the first tier 2 bin 5 compliant clean diesel car to make it to market last year when the first examples went on sale in August. The diesel versions of the Jetta have always been popular when they have been available in the U.S. and this new one was no exception.

In May, TDI sales had their best month yet at 3,862 cars sold, accounting for over 36 percent of Jetta sales. The Jetta TDI remains the most affordable of the new diesels currently available in the U.S. The only other car is the BMW 335d which starts at $44,000 with the other options all being SUVs. This fall, the new Golf TDI will join the Jetta at VW dealers and Audi will start selling the A3 TDI.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW clean diesels have best sales month since launch in June

VW clean diesels have best sales month since launch in June originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW and BYD partner up for electric cars

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen, Green Daily, BYD

Last week, Volkswagen and Chinese automaker BYD signed a memorandum of understanding to work together "in the area of electric mobility" and vehicles that use li-ion batteries. BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu (yes, the guy who likes to drink battery fluid) and VW's Martin Winterkorn signed the MOU in Wolfsburg, Germany. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board for Technical Development at Volkswagen, said in a statement (available after the jump) that, "Hybrids and electric vehicles will play an increasingly important role [for VW], of course. Particularly for the Chinese market, potential partners such as BYD could support us in quickly expanding our activities."

Perhaps VW was kicked into action by another German automaker taking a look at another EV automaker?

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: VW]

Continue reading VW and BYD partner up for electric cars

VW and BYD partner up for electric cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 25 May 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen launches 28 mpg (U.S.) Touareg TDI BlueMotion in Europe

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:36:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen, Europe/EU

Over the past couple of years, Volkswagen has been introducing low CO₂-emitting variants of several of its mainstream car models under the BlueMotion banner. The latest addition to that lineup is the big Touareg SUV which is getting some tweaks to reduce its fuel consumption. Like its smaller siblings, the Touareg gets low rolling resistance tires and revised final drive ratio to lower engine revs. Aerodynamic drag is reduced by dropping the body one inch closer to the ground than regular models.

The 225 hp 3.0-liter V6 diesel earns a 28.3 mpg (U.S.) rating on the EU combined driving cycle. That's a 10 percent boost over the standard Touareg TDI with the same engine. That's also an improvement over the 26.1 mpg (U.S.) of the recently demonstrated Touareg hybrid. Europeans will be able to get the Touareg TDI BlueMotion for €50,450 effective immediately.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches 28 mpg (U.S.) Touareg TDI BlueMotion in Europe

Volkswagen launches 28 mpg (U.S.) Touareg TDI BlueMotion in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 24 May 2009 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW still betting on hydrogen, adds 16 cars to U.S. test fleet

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 22 May 2009 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Hydrogen, Volkswagen, USA

Although Volkswagen is known for its diesels, the German marque is glad to show that it's also a player on the fuel-cell battlefield. How? By shipping 16 fuel-cell Passat Lingyu sedans to the U.S. from China. The cars were brought to the California Fuel Cell Partnership facility in West Sacramento for long-term testing. Remarkably, VW shipped the somewhat "old" models, which are at least one year old. What's more, these cars had a few issues when they were tested by journalists, like shuddering acceleration. Well, at least VW can show that, like other automakers (Toyota, for instance), it can keep its stake in hydrogen vehicle development, despite those DOE cuts.

[Source: Edmunds]

VW still betting on hydrogen, adds 16 cars to U.S. test fleet originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 22 May 2009 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW struggling to make business case for BlueSport Roadster

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Bluesport concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Due to the distinct lack of people spending money on emotional purchases, Volkswagen is reportedly thinking that now might not be the best time to introduce a sport two-seat roadster. That's bad news for fans of the firm's BlueSport concept from this year's Detroit Auto Show. Despite the favorable fuel mileage (up to 62 miles per gallon in Eco Mode) earned by the car's mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbodiesel four cylinder engine, the German automaker isn't sure it could sell enough copies of the Roadster to turn a profit.

Channel 4 in the UK quotes an unnamed insider (aren't they all?) as saying, "It is a niche product, and especially in crisis times like this it will be a challenge to come up with a volume we could require to earn money with it." Sounds like the car's future is mostly dependent on the duration of the global economic downturn.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Concept BlueSport

[Source: Channel 4]

VW struggling to make business case for BlueSport Roadster originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 May 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen bringing new EV concept to Frankfurt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen, Frankfurt Motor Show

VW Up! concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

According to a report on Auto Express in the U.K., Volkswagen plans to debut a new eco-friendly car concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September that could potentially rival the Chevy Volt-based Opel Ampera in Europe. Unlike the automaker's previous green concepts like the hybrid Golf TwinDrive and diesel-powered BlueSport Roadster, the new and as-yet unnamed concept will be fully electric.

Beyond that, details are scarce. There's some speculation that the new EV may be based on the Volkswagen's New Small Family architecture that underpins the tiny Up! city car concept that was first seen way back in 2007, but that's not yet confirmed. In any case, the Frankfurt-bound electric vehicle is likely to use lithium ion batteries supplied by Toshiba.

Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept

[Source: Auto Express]

REPORT: Volkswagen bringing new EV concept to Frankfurt originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 May 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen announces new 1.2L TSI and 1.6L TDI engines

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:12:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Hybrid, MPG, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Golf - click above for a high res gallery

At the recent Vienna Engine Symposium in Austria, Volkswagen announced a pair of new engines that will join the Golf and Polo lineups and expand on existing technologies. The new 1.2-liter TSI takes the gasoline direct fuel injection and turbocharging approach to an even smaller displacement. The 1.2-liter is rated at 103 hp and a healthy 129 lb-ft starting at just 1,500 rpm. VW already offers 1.4-liter TSI engines that range up to 170 hp.

The second new engine is a 1.6-liter TDI diesel that adopts the common rail injection system already used on the 2.0-liter four cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 TDI engines. The 1.6-liter will be available at power levels ranging from 74 to 103 hp. The new diesel is a modular design that will form the basis of other new engines coming from VW. The VW press release is after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen announces new 1.2L TSI and 1.6L TDI engines

Volkswagen announces new 1.2L TSI and 1.6L TDI engines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 18 May 2009 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW's Stefan Jacoby doubts mainstream affordability of EVs in the next decade

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen

It sounds like executives from the Volkswagen Group are speaking with one voice on the subject of plug in vehicles. While both Volkswagen and its premium brand Audi are working on various combinations of hybrid, plug-in and even fuel cell technology, it doesn't necessarily follow that these technologies will be readily available anytime soon. VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby spoke to a group of media in Seattle last week where he told the gathering that its unlikely that plug-in vehicles will go mainstream within the next decade.

The issue as it is today is affordability. The problems remain mass, capacity and cost of batteries. Right now you can have any two. Jacoby expects plug-in vehicles to become more common, but until the costs come down while still meeting customer performance expectations, the masses won't be adopting.

In the near term, VW plans to focus on optimizing existing gas and diesel powertrains by expanding availability of direct injection, downsizing and turbocharging. Automatic start-stop capability will also help, along with weight reduction to achieve the goal of halving fuel consumption over the next ten years.

[Source: The Car Connection]

VW's Stefan Jacoby doubts mainstream affordability of EVs in the next decade originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 18 May 2009 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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