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IN THE NEWS: 2015 Volkswagen GTI named Best of the Best by Autoweek

2015 Golf GTI 2-door 4

Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. is proud to announce today that the 2015 Golf GTI has won Autoweek’s annual “Best of the Best”/Car award. The all-new Golf GTI was evaluated against every new or significantly updated model throughout the year, prior to competing against three other finalists for the overall honor. In winning, judges praised the “hot-hatch” for its thoughtful design, superb handling, quality and value.

“Featuring Volkswagen’s improved 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and a choice of two great gearboxes, the Golf GTI is an approachable, practical performance car,” said Dutch Mandel, Publisher, Autoweek. “The car satisfies on every level and the new chassis makes it a blast to drive on the track or the street. It’s a car any driver can have fun with.”

“Our team is very excited to be named the Autoweek “Best of the Best”/Car for 2015,” said Michael Horn, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It’s an honor to receive this award from a publication whose readership has the same kind of passion about driving and performance as we have at Volkswagen.”

Autoweek selects its annual “Best of the Best” based on performance, economy, fit and finish, design, value, and personal taste as well as statistical data and consumer conversation. Alongside the Golf GTI, finalists for the 2015 Car award included the Alfa Romeo 4C, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Ford Mustang.

Equipped with a sophisticated EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, the 2015 Golf GTI delivers 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque—an increase of 10 hp and 51 lb-ft from the previous generation. The optional Performance Package ups the ante with 220 horsepower, a torque-sensing electronically-controlled limited-slip differential and larger brakes.

Despite increased horsepower and torque, the new Golf GTI is also more fuel efficient than its predecessor. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Golf GTI records an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway—a 4 mpg city and 3 mpg highway improvement from the previous-generation GTI.

Thanks to Volkswagen’s versatile modular transverse matrix (MQB) vehicle platform, the 2015 Golf GTI retains the classic design cues of the Mk1 and Mk4 models, while gaining a more upscale appearance and added utility, including increased cabin and trunk space. Pricing for the all-new Golf GTI starts at $24,395 for the entry-level S trim in two-door form with the six-speed manual transmission.

Full coverage of Autoweek’s 2015 “Best of the Best” awards can be found at http://www.autoweek.com/best, the December 22 issue of the magazine or #autoweekbest.

ON THE RUNWAY: Volkswagen Golf R 400 Concept Makes North American Debut in LA

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Los Angeles, CA — After making its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, Volkswagen of America is presenting the exciting Golf R 400 concept car for the first time in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Developed by R GmbH, the Golf R 400 concept shows just how far the Golf R can be taken using the experience gained from VW’s involvement in World Rallycross (WRC). The “400” in the name refers to the vehicle’s 400 PS (394 horsepower) 2.0-liter TSI® engine, which propels the car from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 173 mph.

The Golf R 400, including its all-wheel drive system, weighs just 1,420 kilograms (3,130 pounds) thanks in part to its compact high-performance engine and lightweight dual-clutch gearbox. Its weight-to-power ratio is a stellar 7.72 pounds per horsepower (3.55 kg per PS). The 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system is one of the most fuel-efficient systems of its kind and the Golf is also exceptionally aerodynamic, even in R 400 form. The car is painted in “Silver Flake” and features a glossy black roof, carbon-look front splitter, and genuine carbon mirror caps. Inside, additional carbon accents further reiterate the Golf R 400’s sporty nature.

R 400 Drivetrain
The Golf R 400 is powered by a 2.0 TSI four-cylinder engine with the technical genes of VW’s WRC racing engine. Compared to the 292-hp engine in the production Golf R, the Golf R 400 develops more than 100 additional horsepower—394 hp, delivered at 7,200 rpm. The specific power output of around 200 hp per liter is on the same level as a supercar’s. The engine’s maximum torque was increased to 332 pound feet, up from 280 lbft, available between 2,400 and 6,000 rpm.

In this car, the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. The all-wheel drive system, which features a Haldex-5 coupling, is activated even before slip occurs. Under low load conditions, or during coastdown, the front wheels handle most of the propulsive power, while the rear axle is decoupled, saving on fuel. If necessary, the rear axle of the Golf R can be variably engaged in fractions of a second. This is done by means of the Haldex coupling that is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

Along with the Haldex coupling—which acts as a center differential—the electronic differential locks (EDS) integrated in the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. In addition, the Golf R 400 is equipped with the XDS+ system on both the front and rear axles, which brakes the inside wheels and optimizes steering response. The Golf R 400 also has an “ESC Sport” function like that of the production car, activated via a two-stage switch on the center console. When the driver presses the button briefly, the “ESC Sport” mode is selected. When engaged in spirited driving in this mode, the ESC does not intervene as frequently. If the ESC button is held down more than three seconds, “race mode” is engaged, designed for high-speed track driving.

The production Golf R’s sport suspension, which is lowered by 0.8 inches compared with a regular Golf, did not have to be changed for the Golf R 400. In front, the two Golf Rs each have a strut-type layout with lower control arms, with a multi-link suspension at the rear. The aluminum-alloy wheels of the Golf R 400 are based on the 19-inch “Cadiz” production wheels, but they were highly modified and equipped with high-gloss black inserts which are designed as air vanes to help to cool the brake system. Like the production Golf R, the tires are sized 235/35 R19.

Exterior design
Volkswagen Design made wide-ranging changes to the Golf R 400. The body was widened by 0.8 inches on each side to accommodate the 19-inch wheels that are further outboard due to their larger wheel offset. In front, the designers developed an entirely new front bumper, which—harking back to the Rallye Golf G60 of 1988—is significantly flared. Similarly, the rear fenders were also flared over the wider rear wheels. In addition, the lower sides of the car are characterized by a wrap-around splitter made of carbonfiber that doubles as a motorsport-style aerodynamic element.

Beneath the high-gloss black radiator grille with “Lemon Yellow” accents, there’s a slot that serves as an air intake to address the Golf R 400’s elevated cooling requirements. On the bumper, the central air inlets are surrounded by C-shaped wing-like elements with high-gloss black inserts. Nestled between these design elements is a protective screen whose honeycomb structure—like so many details of the Golf R 400—is reminiscent of motorsport vehicles. There is also a motorsport-style splitter at the front, with a cabonfiber look.

At the rear, the wrap-around motorsport splitters transition into a diffuser that protrudes slightly from the body. Two exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the diffuser, recalling the Golf R32—the original R-series model that debuted in 2002. However, in the R 400, the inside of the tailpipes has a honeycomb-look that ties in to the design on the front of the car. The rear bumper has been redesigned with C-shaped carbon inlays at each end, with a reflector in the lower horizontal part of each inlay and the vertical part protruding slightly. The designers have also worked in wheelarch exhaust vents. On top, the black roof transitions into a roof spoiler with an integrated LED light bar.

Interior
Inside the Golf R 400, the driver and front passenger have motorsport-style bucket seats with integrated head restraints, openings for seatbelts, and “R” badges embroidered on the back. The cross-quilted middle seat panels are finished in Anthracite colored Alcantara; the seat bolsters, headrests, and lower lateral supports are covered in ex clusive “carbon leather”. The divided rear seats also have carbon leather outer areas, with Alcantara seating surfaces in the center.

Carbon is used as the dominant material for accents in the doors and on the passenger’s side of the dashboard—in contrast to the exterior, however, it is glossy rather than matte clearcoat. The center console accents, cockpit surround and trim around the air nozzles are designed with a glossy “Piano Black” piano. Contrasting stitching in the car’s signature yellow accent color is used also throughout the interior. There is white ambience lighting around the door accents and the stainless steel door sill plates.

PICK OF THE DAY: Restored One Owner Oval Window Volkswagen Beetle

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In 1957, a man walked into a Volkswagen showroom in Fort Wayne, Indiana and drove home with a brand new Black on Red Beetle. 57 years later, after enjoying the car over the course of more than 125,000 miles, that same Beetle has been restored and is available for sale for only the second time. Some personal touches were added at the time of delivery; otherwise it is all factory correct after a bare-metal repaint, fresh interior, new rubber and trim, the list goes on. A dealer-prepped undercoating in 1957 assured a solid rust-free undercarriage and the rest has been brought back to what appears to be a very high standard. Appreciation for Oval Windows is climbing, with over a 10% jump in the last year. The stories that this little Bug could tell are beyond any asking price, but it is being offered at no reserve with zero bids at the time of this writing. Find it here on eBay in Elgin NE with an opening bid of $10,000.

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PICK OF THE DAY: Fortified Volkswagen Transporter Syncro DoKa

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Decades before the crew-cab pickup was a staple of suburban cul-de-sacs, there was the Volkswagen Doppelkabine, or DoKa, based on the Type 2 Bus (Transporter, Kombi, Microbus, etc.). Just as the Microbus variant can be credited as being the first minivan, the DoKa was among the first four-door pickups. Designed for work, they had a passenger cabin—or more accurately, two cabins put together—that could seat up to six people, as well as a bed with folding sides that allowed them to haul a variety of materials. It was frugal, practical, reliable, and its rear-engine/rear-drive layout pushed it through terrain where others bogged down. Nevertheless, VW engineers were also toying around with various four-wheel-drive systems to add greater utility to what was already a capable package. With the help of Steyr-Daimler-Puch, who also helped develop the Mercedes G-Wagen, the first production four-wheel-drive Type 2s rolled off near the end of 1985. Branded Syncro (though not to be confused with the earlier Audi Quattro-based Quantum/Passat Syncro), they transformed the Transporter (and soon after, the MK 2 Golf) into a rugged adventure vehicle. A Syncro today is quite sought after and commands significantly higher prices over its two-wheel-drive counterpart. This is a 1986 Transporter Doppelkabine Syncro with solid underpinnings that has undergone some perfectly acceptable modifications, including a recent Bostig Zetec conversion that increases the stock 2.1 litre motor’s horsepower and torques by over 40% without compromising balance. It also has a GoWesty lift kit with elegant Carat wheels shod with new All-Terrain TAs. With mechanics complete and a solid body, the interior, while perfectly acceptable, is a canvas that can be tailored to the next owner’s own tastes (GTI seats, custom AV, that sort of thing) and still be well under what an unmolested low-mileage example goes for. Find it here on Craigslist in La Mesa CA for a very reasonable $22,000.

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STILL FORBIDDEN FRUIT: Volkswagen Premiers New Scirocco in Geneva

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Wolfsburg / Geneva, March 2014. In 1974, precisely 40 years ago, the first generation Scirocco made its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show. The coupé has since enriched the lives of all those motorists who love dynamic performance in an agile, confidently stylish and affordable sports car. Volkswagen now presents for the first time – once more in Geneva – the latest generation of the icon which has sold more than one million units. It has been developed further technically and visually. For example, the engines: the six turbo direct injection engines belong to the latest generation of Volkswagen’s four-cylinder engine family and consistently fulfil the EU 6 emissions standard; moreover they are up to 19 per cent more economical. Also as standard, all Scirocco with up to 162 kW / 220 PS have a Stop/Start system as well as a battery regeneration mode. The performance of the four TSIs (petrol engines) and two TDIs (diesel engines) ranges from 92 kW / 125 PS to 206 kW / 280 PS in Europe. Despite the reduced fuel consumption, all the engines demonstrate improved power. The largest leap is taken by the new Scirocco 2.0 TSI with 132 kW / 180 PS (previously 1.4 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS) and the 280 PS Scirocco R (previously 195 kW / 265 PS).

Exterior sharper, interior loaded. The external characteristics of the Scirocco “2014” include its newly designed front and rear sections with redesigned H7 or bi-xenon headlights and LED rear lights. The rear and now swivelling VW logo was designed as a handle for opening the boot lid. The interior is equipped with sport seats and a leather sport steering wheel as standard, while the sports car also features new materials and colours. New technical features include the Dynaudio Excite sound system developed specifically for the Scirocco and the park steering assistant (ParkAssist). Also new on board as standard are auxiliary instruments (charge pressure, chronometer, engine oil temperature) which pay tribute to the original Scirocco.

Scirocco to be launched on the market in summer. Volkswagen produces the latest Scirocco at its Portuguese works close to Lisbon. The sports car will be launched initially in Europe from the middle of August. Shortly afterwards, the other high-volume markets such as China, Argentina, Turkey, Australia, Russia and South Korea will follow.

The exterior of the Scirocco

Design dynamics. The design forms the visual basis for the overall sporty package of the Scirocco: with its unmistakable silhouette, the characteristic rear, the impressive front end and its appealing proportions the coupé also demonstrates visually that this car offers a high degree of agility and therefore provides driving fun. Like the first generation Scirocco, the third series of the sports car is also viewed as a stylistic icon. Reason enough to sharpen the design of the Scirocco carefully – although it can be recognised as “new” at an initial glance – in order to develop its character further.

New front section. Precisely drawn lines, a fully new light signature by the headlights as well as aerodynamic “blades” (narrow aerodynamic elements in the style of the Golf GTI) in the side of the bumper join together to form a new front section look. The new Scirocco also appears to be more clearly contoured and wider, due to the bumper surfaces painted in body colour as opposed to being kept black. The narrow “blades” and a black, open-topped frame in the bumper form a striking contrast for light paint. The large cooling air inlet in the lower area of the front section and the upper air inlet are kept black. Together with the XL1 and the Beetle, the Scirocco is also the only Volkswagen where the VW logo is on the bonnet. In order to protect the front section better against damages when parking, the ParkPilot is now also provided for the front bumper.

New headlights. Striking light design is typical for all Volkswagen models. This illuminated fingerprint is particularly interesting for the new Scirocco when the new bi-xenon headlights are fitted: the engineers and designers have integrated a narrow, convex LED contour underneath the xenon module which looks like an eyelid and functions as daytime running lights. The indicators are placed separately in the outer regions of the bumper, with fog lights as well as the daytime running lights in the standard version. They are visually separated by the “blades”. Together with the body-coloured trim for the lower cooling air inlet, the result accentuates the width of the car. The new design also makes the Scirocco appear to sit even lower on the road.

New rear section. The brand’s design DNA defines that the width of the vehicle in the front and rear areas is accentuated by using horizontal design features. The new Scirocco further reinforces this effect using completely newly designed LED rear lights and also a new boot lid. The trapezoidal contoured rear lights towards the centre of the vehicle with their C-shaped light contour now extend further into the boot lid which, in turn, is equipped with a horizontal light-refracting edge underneath the window. A new black diffuser matches this powerful and precise design, making the bumper appear to sit lower and the car as a whole flatter in its proportions. Practical: as stated above, the VW badge swings upwards when pressure is placed on the central axis in order to thus serve as a handle for opening the boot lid (which is protected against dirt). The number plate lighting also uses LED technology as standard.

New wheels and colours The newly designed 17-inch (“Shanghai”) and 18-inch (“Lisbon” and “Salvador”) alloy wheels attract attention. As standard, the Scirocco is equipped with 17-inch “Long Beach” alloy wheel rims and 205mm tyres (from 110 kW 225mm tyres). Optionally the coupé – and this is new too – can also be ordered with the legendary “Talladega” design 18 or 19 inch alloy wheel which was previously reserved for the Scirocco R. Moreover, five of the 13 available colours are new to the line-up: these are the three standard paints “Pure White“, “Flash Red” and “Urano Grey“ as well as the metallic colours “Ultra Violet” and “Pyramid Gold”.

The exterior of the Scirocco R. Traditionally independent design and upholstery elements characterise the top model in the series: the Scirocco R. This is equally true for the design of the front and rear aprons in motor sport look and for the wheels. In particular the three large, glossy black air inlets, the standard bi-xenon headlights, the LED daytime running lights and the LED indicators attract attention at the front. At the side, this includes the door mirror housings in “matt chrome”, the side sill extensions with “R” styling and the brake callipers painted black with “R” logo. At the rear, the chrome tailpipes (respectively on the left and right) and the larger roof edge spoiler still belong to the insignia of the “R”; whereas the large air outlets in the bumper must be mentioned as new in the rear section. The standard 18-inch wheel trim for the Scirocco R was also redesigned. It is named “Cadiz”; optionally this alloy wheel can also be ordered as a 19-inch version.

The interior of the Scirocco

Auxiliary instruments pay tribute to the original Scirocco. The new Scirocco has also been developed further in several areas inside. Thus, the optimised instrument panel trim on the passenger side which visually streamlines the dashboard with a striking horizontal edge is eye-catching. The air nozzle panels and the central panel around the navigation system with an aluminium-look are now flush-mounted in the instrument panel and thus accentuate the high-end quality of the interior. Like models such as the Golf GTI, the Scirocco is now also equipped with a new tubular-look instrument cluster; the instruments features new graphics and are smartly framed with an aluminium-look. The steering wheel design was also derived from the Golf GTI. Additionally, the three auxiliary instruments integrated above the centre console are included as a standard: charge pressure, chronometer and engine oil temperature. They serve as a tribute to the first Scirocco in which, dependent on the equipment version, two auxiliary instruments were installed lower down in the centre console. It goes without saying that the new Scirocco is also still equipped with standard features such as air conditioning, Hill Hold, electric windows and sport seats.

Sporty decor, materials and colours. There is now a storage compartment close to the handbrake lever which can be closed using a “sliding blind”. It is no coincidence that the new decor – “checkered black” – in the central panel forms an optical bridge to the world of the Golf GTI. Last but not least, the seats have been redesigned with new materials. New are “Matthew” (a tartan design with titanium black seat surfaces), as well as “Greg” Alcantara which is available in the hues “Ceramique”, “Deep Mocca” and “Titanium Black”; as well as “Vienna” leather in the colour variants “Ceramique”, “Sioux“ and “black in carbon style”. Also new: the light upholstery trim “Ceramique” for the lower section of the dashboard, door trim panels and the centre console which is offered in addition to “black”.

The interior of the Scirocco R. Similar to the exterior, the interior of the Scirocco R is marked by the hand of Volkswagen R GmbH. The individualised features include the “Race“ seat covers with the “R” logo and decorative stitching in crystal grey, the black roofliner, decorative “Carbon Race” inlays, applications in glossy “Piano Black” (radio faceplate, multifunction leather sport steering wheel and door handles) and stainless steel pedals. The specific “R” instrument needles are traditionally blue and the aluminium door sill plates are complemented by an “R” logo.

The Scirocco engines

Up to 19 per cent more fuel efficient. The 2014 Scirocco will be supplied with state-of-the-art technology for Volkswagen’s four-cylinder engines. The perfected or new turbocharged direct injection engines all fulfil the stringent EU6 emissions standard; moreover they have been made up to 19 per cent more economical. Despite the reduced fuel consumption, all the engines demonstrate improved power. As standard, all new Scirocco up to a performance level of 162 kW / 220 PS also have a Stop/Start system as well as a battery regeneration mode. Except for the base engine (1.4 TSI, all Scirocco models can be combined with an optional dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).

Petrol engines have power outputs of between 125 PS and 280 PS. The performance range of the four TSI (turbo direct fuel injection engines) extends from 92 kW / 125 PS via 132 kW / 180 PS and 162 kW / 220 PS up to the new 206 kW / 280 PS powered exceptional engine of the Scirocco R. The 1.4 TSI with 125 PS is used for the first time by Volkswagen; the Scirocco base engine consumes 1.0 litres less per 100 km than its predecessor. Also, the 180 PS powered 2.0 TSI is new in the coupé line-up, following the 1.4 TSI with 118 kW / 160 PS in Europe. Although the new engine develops an additional 20 PS, it is some 0.6 litres per 100 km more economical than the 160 PS version. The adapted 2.0 TSI from the Golf GTI with 220 PS is also new in the coupé; a reduction in consumption of 1.4 litres per 100 km compared to its predecessor or 19 per cent.

Diesel engines develop 150 PS and 184 PS. The two Scirocco TDIs now achieve 110 kW / 150 PS and 135 kW / 184 PS. Both engines are extremely economical with 4.1 l/100 km (150 PS) or 4.3 l/100 km (184 PS). The reduction in consumption compared to the predecessor’s less powerful engines is 0.8 litres / 100 km for both TDIs.

Four TSIs and two TDIs. A summary of the engines with their performance data, performance increases and consumption values (6-speed manual gearbox) is shown below:

1.4 TSI: 92 kW / 125 PS (+ 3 PS); 5.4 l/100 km / 125 g/km CO2.

2.0 TSI: 132 kW / 180 PS (+ 20 PS); 6.0 l/100 km / 139 g/km CO2.

2.0 TSI: 162 kW / 220 PS (+ 10 PS); 6.0 l/100 km / 139 g/km CO2.

2.0 TSI: 206 kW / 280 PS (+ 15 PS); 8.0 l/100 km / 187 g/km CO2.

2.0 TDI: 110 kW / 150 PS (+ 10 PS); 4.1 l/100 km / 107 g/km CO2.

2.0 TDI: 135 kW / 184 PS (+ 7 PS); 4.3 l/100 km / 111 g/km CO2.

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