We've heard rumors that Volkswagen would be going against the concept up!'s rear-engine and rear-wheel drive architecture, and it now appears that those earlier rumblings are indeed true. That's a big knock against the retro-theme that attracted many to the concept in the first place. After all, countless numbers of individuals were first introduced to the VW brand via the iconic Beetle, which, of course, had it's engine hanging off the rear and driving those wheels. VW CEO Martin Winterkorn says, "Our engineers favored a rear engine and fought until the end for that solution." Those dang accountants ruined the fun again.

A front-wheel drive architecture will undoubtedly lower the cost of the vehicle's development as it will allow for a much larger use of already-designed parts and will surely let VW use architecture from its Lupo small car. Still, that platform-sharing doesn't seem to be speeding up the development too much as it is now five full months behind schedule.

Hatchback, minivan and sedan versions of the platform are expected to begin sales in Europe in 2011, a full two years after rivals such as the Fiat Topolino and Toyota's iQ model are to go on sale. We have hopes that the up! will make it stateside, though the new FWD format surely makes them considerably less compelling to many eyes, ours included.


[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

While Volkswagen may be offering their first electric car as early as 2010 and are already imagining their 2028 electric offerings, the company's chief research officer, Juergen Leohold, doesn't see an explosion in the numbers of electro-mobiles on the road any time soon. In fact, by the time 2028 rolls around, he only expects them to make up only 10 per cent of that future fleet. What does he see as the big hold up? Batteries. According to the German boffin, lithium ion batteries may have already come a long way but they still lack in energy density and production capacity. Their current cost is also seen as prohibitively high. To top all that, he doesn't think it will ever top the internal combustion engine when it comes applications like long-haul trucks. Way to buzzkill, dude.

All that is not to say he is not a fan of the technology. Au contraire, mes frères. He expects VW to start off with small city cars, not unlike the Up! pictured above, but then use the electric drivetrain in larger, family size models. He says, "We have an ambition to electrify more than just the really small cars, but also our main model series, the Golf," Ah, that's more like it!

[Source: Deutsche Welle]

Volkswagen dealerships are reporting strong demand for the brand-new 2009 Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Some dealers have even sold out before their first TDI even showed up on the lot, despite the fact that customers won't actually be getting their cars for at least another month or so. The two-thousand dollar premium buyers are asked to pay along with diesel prices, which are hovering in the $4.70 to $5.00 range, have not hampered buyers' hankering for a new fifty-state diesel passenger car. It probably doesn't hurt that VeeDub oil-burners have a reputation for über-reliability, with a number of sales coming from past TDI owners.

In contrast to strong Jetta TDI sales, VW's other recent model, the Tiguan, is not doing as well as hoped. How about adding a diesel engine option to the little crossover? Apparently, dealers are asking and they may get what they want. After all, the Tiguan's engine bay readily accepts the TDI engine from the Jetta since the two vehicles share a similar Golf-based platform. Our affection for the oddly-named mini-ute would surely increase exponentially if it were granted the turbo-diesel.



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

Click the above image for a high-res gallery of the KTM X-BOW

KTM, the Austrian maker of some of the world's finest dirtbikes, is currently on a new product blitz which covers nearly every niche in both the automotive and motorcycle markets. While the company is currently rolling out new streetbikes, like the awe-inspiring RC8 superbike, the firm's first-ever four-wheeler, the X-Bow, has been generating tons of buzz amongst automotive gear-heads which would likely otherwise be uninterested in the orange and black brand. That newfound audience will soon be greeted by "the world's first frugal and eco-friendly off-roader" and a small city car, which could even see electric-only power at some point.

The new off-road model will attack the rally scene that KTM often dominates on two wheels. Somehow, the rally-bred vehicle is expected to be extremely light and perform admirably on both the tarmac and the dirt. The cycle-making firm's recent dealings with Bajaj will soon bear fruit in the form of three new city vehicles, one of which could be a modern take on the classic rickshaw platform. So far, Audi (which is owned by VW) has supplied engines to KTM for its on-road offerings, and the word is that both gasoline and diesel engines are expected for the newest models. It sounds like KTM is setting itself up to become a major player in both the auto and cycle realms, and rumors indicate that KTM may be the brand VeeDub hinted interest in a few months back.


[Source: CAR]

Click above on the Ego concept for more images of VW's 2028 concepts

Apparently, Volkswagen thinks its time for another weird and wacky look into the future. This time, the German automaker is gazing just twenty years ahead. The results of its future look are three virtual concept cars. Yes, all three are capable of driving themselves, as you would likely imagine. As would be expected of any self-respecting gaze into the future, petroleum is not part of the picture. In its place are biofuels for those who simply must have liquid fuels and, of course, electricity. We feel pretty confident that these projections are possible, but that's right about where any semblance to reality ends.

After taking a leisurely stroll through the über clean park, a father and his son are reminded that it is time to leave by a hologram. What car to have delivered? The VW One wouldn't do, as it only seats a single occupant. The VW Room is overkill, as it is intended for an entire family. So, the son chooses to summon an Ego, a two-seater sportscar concept complete with user-defined green flames.

[Source: Volkswagen 2028]

Click above for more shots of the VW One-Liter concept

It has been so long since anything has been heard about Volkswagen's so-called one-liter car that we nearly forgot the concept had existed. It turns out that VeeDub has been quietly working away somewhere deep in Germany perfecting the design. Originally intended for a launch around 2012, rumors now indicate that the vehicle may indeed be ready by 2010. To refresh your memory, the vehicle gets its moniker due to its goal of achieving one liter of fuel consumption per 100 kilometers. The concept vehicle, with its single cylinder engine, was apparently capable of doing a bit better than that, as it was rated at a mind blowing 282 miles per gallon, or about .83 liters per 100 kilometers.

The production version of the carbon fiber vehicle may get a twin cylinder diesel engine along with a possible hybrid drive of some sort. For maximum compactness, the vehicle features the driver in the center of the car with one passenger sitting behind in a cockpit-like arrangement. No word as of yet on price, but it seems that VW is hoping that the government can step in to reduce the cost for purchasers.

[Source: Car Magazine Online]

It has been said numerous times that German automakers are upset with European proposals which would limit CO₂ output to around 120 grams per kilometer. Perhaps we shouldn't be lumping Volkswagen or its subsidiaries into that category. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of VW, has admitted that the VW brands, including luxury carmaker Audi, can achieve those low carbon standards. In fact, Winterkorn believes that the standards are achievable today, not by 2015 as proposals would require. Technologies which would allow the low carbon output are already being used. Direct injection and turbocharging are quickly becoming a staple of automakers like Volkswagen and Audi since those technologies allow the production of more power and the reduction of fuel consumption.

Another interesting tidbit from Winterkorn is that he believes that plug-in electric vehicles will become the fuel-saving technology of choice in the coming years. As you may be aware, Germany gets the vast majority of its power from coal, which is an extremely dirty process. For this reason, the VeeDub leader suggests that the country take a look at nuclear for its power needs.

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

The issues that Porsche has had with legislation which would require it to meet the same strict fuel efficiency and emissions goals as economy car makers has been well documented. While Lamborghini has apparently decided that it should get a free pass considering how few vehicles it sells, Porsche would have a tough time with that argument now that it competes in so many market segments and makes so much profit. So, what options could the German purveyor of fine automobiles have to meet the demands of the governments? How about Porsche-fying smaller, more efficient vehicles from other manufacturers under the same umbrella? According to German mag Autobild, that may be exactly what Porsche is considering. Based on a Volkswagen Golf, the new Porsche hatchback would reportedly be ready for the 2012 model year. Perhaps a Porsche-tuned version of the Scirocco would be a better option. Remember, though, that VW and Porsche have worked together on other models in the past. We have no idea if this rumor is even remotely accurate, but we can hear the cries coming from Porsche-lovers already.

[Source: Motive Forums via German Car Blog]

Since winning the "Best New Engine of 2006" award from the International Engine of the Year committee, Volkswagen's Twincharger TSI engine has taken the 1.0 to 1.4 liter category by storm, taking the class victory last year and again for 2008. Cited reasons for the win include the engine's high power output and low gasoline consumption. Other awards have been given to the engine, including two in Japan, an Auto Environment Certificate from the ÖKO-TREND Institute for Environmental Research and the "TechnoBest" award from the 15-nation AutoBest jury in Istanbul. Not too shabby, if you ask us. These awards make us want to see this engine make its way from Europe to the states even more. Although the U.S. gets a turbocharged engine labeled TSI, it is unfortunately not the same as the turbo and supercharged engine that these awards have been given to. Volkswagen, if you're listening out there, we'll gladly take the 1.4 Twincharger TSI in the new CC. Thanks!

At the International Vienna Motor Symposium, which starts today, Volkswagen is announcing that its next-generation turbo diesel engine, BlueTDI - developed especially for the North American market - will initially be available in the U.S. version of the Jetta. The Jetta BlueTDI will come to North America sometime in the middle of this year, followed at some point by the Touareg BlueTDI.

BlueTDI is the cleaner version of the already pretty clean TDI engine that VW uses in its European diesels (starting with the Tiguan last year). TDI meets the Euro-5 standard and BlueTDI is ready for the stricter Bin 5, Level 2 standards that are in force in five U.S. states, including California. Not only does the BlueTDI engine have the low emissions, but VW's director of powertrain development, Dr. Ing. Jens Hadler, said in a statement that the Jetta BlueTDI can get up to 60 mpg in highway driving. Perhaps that'll ease the pain of the Golf TDI hybrid's failure to launch. The BlueTDI displaces 2.0 liters and generates 103 kW/140 PS with 320 Nm of torque. More details after the break.

Diesel engines have been widely accepted in Europe for decades, mainly because the oil-burners are much more efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Here in the U.S., however, the loud and smelly performance of diesels in the '70s and '80s has left a bad taste that obviously hasn't gone away. Oklahoma City NBC affiliate KFOR quotes a study by a "well respected" market research firm that says car buyers here in the states still aren't ready for diesel engines.

When given the choice of hybrids, diesels, hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels, only six percent of those surveyed thought diesel was a viable fuel source for the future. Furthermore, the same people in the study were under the impression that gasoline-powered cars achieved better fuel economy than diesels. Almost half also thought that diesels were still loud and odorous.

The good news is that the American public has yet to see the diesel marketing campaigns from VW, Honda, Mercedes, and others. If that bearded guy can sell 50 million tubs of Oxy Clean, we're pretty sure our nation's auto consumers will give diesel another chance, especially if it comes with the promise of 50 mpg.

[Source: KFOR]

Click image for a gallery of the Golf TDI Hybrid

German buff mag Auto Bild has spilled the beans on the Geneva-bound Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid concept. As we reported earlier, the car will average 69 US mpg in the European cycle and emit just 90 g/km of carbon dioxide, but we now know more details on the powertrain itself.

According to the Google Translation, the diesel engine is a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI, presumably the 1.4L unit used in the Polo BlueMotion (thanks to commenter Eddy for that reminder). It's augmented by a 27-horsepower electric motor what's powered by a trunk-mounted NiMH battery back. As previously reported, a 7-speed DSG is used in lieu of the CVTs commonly employed by other hybrids, which should make for a more engaging experience behind the wheel. The Golf TDI Hybrid is a full hybrid, so it can run on diesel, electric, or a combination of the two. It also employs regenerative braking ad a stop/start system. The driver can keep an eye on the powertrain's goings-on via an Energy Monitor screen on the instrument panel. Visually, the car wears a new paint color called Vivid Blue and sports a lowered suspension, a narrower grille opening, and low-rolling-resistance tires, all in the interests of improved aerodynamics and fuel economy. We'll bring you more on the Golf TDI Hybrid when it makes its formal debut next week.


[Source: Auto Bild via German Car Blog]

Among the videos at the NBC News website, mostly of CEOs and political leaders, there is one video about a company that converts gas cars to run on electricity. This "tiny shop in the middle of Kansas," the NBC News reporter says, "turns out more purely electric cars than any other place in the U.S." The segment includes a 40-year-old black and white video from the Today Show, where the host says electric cars are nothing new, are not golf carts but real cars that operate on the streets. Lots of people are still trying to get that message out today.

I think conversion shops will soon be a thing of the past as the large auto makers become aware of the advantages of electric vehicles. The video includes a converted VW, but VW has said they plan to make every car with an optional hybrid drivetrain. VW has also said if all cars were a hybrid the auto industry would go bankrupt. So, while they might not have a great future, for now, converters do enjoy their moment in the spot light as literally the only source for a normal, affordable, electric car.

[Source: NBC News]

Who says car factories have to be dirty? Volkswagen built a car factory in the middle of the city of Dresden called the Transparent Factory. The factory actually replaced a convention center and attracts tourists and people wanting to buy a car. The factory workers wear white, there is no pollution and the car production process is visible with glass everywhere.

As you can see in the video above, the car plant uses the city's street car networks to deliver the car parts. McLaren has another very clean building that you would be surprised actually made cars. There is a video of that plant below the fold.

Can you imagine a future where American's rust belt is a clean, modern, tourist attraction?

Related:

• Cool videos: air propelled train, personal street car

[Source: YouTube, Google Video]

If you have one of Volkswagen's new DSG transmissions in your Golf, Golf Estate, Golf Plus or Jetta, then you also have the 2008 "Yellow Angel" award from ADAC under the hood. ADAC, the German automobile club, awarded the "Gelber Engel" prize to VW's Dual clutch transmission this week and VW Group CEO Prof. Martin Winterkorn accepted the award by saying that:

We have already sold more than one million cars with 6-speed DSG technology and in so doing have triggered a boom for automatic gearboxes. Thanks to DSG, a growing number of customers is choosing this intelligent automatic transmission even in compact-class cars. We have been running extra shifts at our components plant in Kassel to satisfy the demand. No wonder, given that this comfortable DSG technology is faster, more fuel efficient and sportier than any other gearbox technology. The highly efficient combination of TDI and TSI with super automatic DSG transmission is indisputably the only system of its kind anywhere in the world. We are now taking this success story to the next level with our new 7-speed DSG. And we are very honoured by the fact that the ADAC jury has clearly recognised the potential of this technology and awarded it the prize based on its sincere conviction.

Related:

• VIDEO: How dual clutch gearboxes work
• Volkswagen adds new 7-speed DSG to Euro Golf plus

[Source: VW]