Monthly Archives: June 2013

A Lot To Look Forward To In The Next Volkswagen Golf GTI

. This is the seventh generation of the Golf and it just keeps getting better with each one. It’s stronger, bigger and more refined and this is just a start as to what make the new Golf GTI so amazing.

The entry level Golf GTI produces 210 hp and Volkswagen will do something it has never done before. It will also offer a performance package that bumps this up to 220 hp. Both will have 258 lb-ft of torque which peaks at only 1,400 rpm and remains there until 4,400 rpm for the entry level model and 4,600 rpm for the performance package model. This is what Volkswagen claims the car offers, but those who have tested it said it feels like a great deal more.

Another change to this car involves the 2.0-litre EA888 turbo-four. Not only is it lighter, it’s more efficient too thanks to a number of modifications Volkswagen made to the car. The new engine uses both port and direct injection. Port injection kicks in when RPMs are low while direct injection uses less fuel as the power increases. Experts believe that this may help with intake valve carbon buildup which is frequently seen with direct injection engines. The intake valves are controlled by two cams which make use of variable timing. The cam on the exhaust side comes with variable lift to help reduce turbo lag.

The exhaust runners now collect in the head before directly dumping into the turbo. Reducing the runner length allows for fast spool times and helps with fuel economy. To keep exhaust gas temperature down, runners are now surrounded by coolant. In the past, engines were forced to run richer than preferred to protect the catalytic converter and O2 sensor. Now they don’t have to and fuel economy increases.

Volkswagen opted to stay with the iron block, yet optimized the mass to reduce the weight. The majority of fasteners are now made using aluminum and a plastic oil pan is used. A new turbo unit is also being used to reduce the weight while improving efficiency. Although both power and torque have been increased, the expected ratings for this vehicle come in at 24 mpg in urban conditions and 34 mpg on the motorways for both versions of the Golf GTI.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

This GTI is the first model to receive a limited-slip differential and Volkswagen chose to use an open differential. The differential has been paired with a hydraulically operated, computer-controlled wet-clutch coupling designed to lock the axles. Doing so lets the differential operate fully open when this will be of benefit and lock when needed. Stability control and differential control are linked while the old electronic differential system is used for brake vectoring in difficult conditions. Drivers continue to have two choices when it comes to the transmission. The DSG six-speed twin-clutch automatic may be chosen or the six-speed manual.

The Golf GTI makes use of the Mk7 which is approximately 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor. They accomplished this by using 16 percent more ultra high-strength, hot-formed steel in the new chassis and yet the car will be safer thanks to modifications made. Many components of the suspension remain the same though. A MacPherson strut is still used in the front, but the subframe and suspension arms are now made using the high-strength steel. The components are larger and stronger, but weigh four pounds less.

A hollow anti-roll bar is used and the roll center is now closer to the center of gravity. This improves body roll while spring rates remain the same. Suspension bushings have been modified and made stronger to keep the tire pointed in the correct direction.

The rear suspension weighs less while still using the multi-link design and functionality has been improved. Transverse rigidity has increased with the introduction of new bushings which also helps with improved rear tyre tracking. The reaction of the car during turn in is quickened. The rear suspension also has a hollow anti-roll bar and Volkswagen opted to change the location of both the shock-mounting points and the anti-roll bar drop-links. The car feels more connected from bumper to bumper. These are just a few examples of how Volkswagen has worked to make the Golf GTI their best Golf ever.

When you get behind the wheel of this car, you’ll love what the new technology has to offer without even realizing it’s doing it because it is so unobtrusive. It takes a few minutes to get the feel of the variable rate steering rack, but once you do, you’ll fall in love. This car offers a quiet ride, one that is smoother than in previous models. Drivers appreciate the major differences seen in the handling and ride when using the various modes offered through the Dynamic Chassis Control and the car tracks as a consistent unit. This is most noticeable when going from a corner to a straight track.

Front and back now work together and the limited slip differential is a dream come true. The Performance Package only improves on this. What makes this car amazing though and a definite winner when compared to the Ford Focus is the refinement. This doesn’t even take into account the incredible seats, steering wheel and golf ball shift knob. With so much to love about this car, reading a review will never be enough. You have to go test drive the car for yourself just to see how incredible it is.

A Thorough Look At The Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet

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The R department of Volkswagen has taken on a new challenge, incorporating a soft-top into an R model. The Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet is the result and it’s an amazing car, yet the price may turn some buyers off. Those who do choose to try it out find this car is very refined and offers the speed people want when cruising down the road with the top down. It’s the fastest VW Golf Cabriolet available in the country and has the features most want and need.

The major drawback to the Golf R Cabriolet is how much you will pay to own one. Not only is it more expensive than the Audi TTS Roadster, it costs more than the entry level Porsche Boxster release this model year, but only two will fit into those models. The Golf R Cabriolet easily accommodates four. This is just one of the many reasons drivers are sure to test the car out to see if it is right for them. There are many other reasons they will wish to take this car for a spin.

Performance is one reason why people are lining up to get behind the wheel of this car. It’s faster than the Golf GTI Cabriolet and you barely have to tap the throttle to have it taking off. This is due in large part to the 261bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine and 256 Nm of torque in the 2,500 to 5,000 rpm range. This car has the sounds to accompany the power also which drivers appreciate. Standard models can go from 0-62mph in only 6.4 seconds with the top speed electronically limited at 155mph. Traction control does tend to kick in on wet roads as it can be hard to control the power to the front wheels and this happens even when you are accelerating hard.

Experts do like the standard DSG automatic gearbox found in this car as it offers timely and smooth gear changes. Enthusiasts will enjoy having the paddles mounted on the steering wheel and you get plenty of grip when on dry surfaces. The steering is heavier than many would prefer and drivers must keep their hands firmly on the steering wheel under heavy acceleration, but it is quick. The one drawback to this car is the dampers and springs. They result in a jittery and firm ride in the city although it’s not as noticeable when out on the open road. The body tends to flex when driving on urban roads also. When test driving this model, be sure to take on a number of road conditions to get a full picture of what this car is and isn’t capable of doing.

Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet

The looks of the car are a major attraction also. Each Golf R Cabriolet comes with a unique body kit, black grille, rear diffuser and black door mirrors along with 19-inch alloys, available in either high-gloss black or sterling silver. Other features include bi-xenon headlights with black housings, LED daytime running lamps and black-painted brake callipers sporting the R logo. The finishing touch is the chrome dual exhaust tailpipes and the ride height has been reduced by 25 mm.

When designing the interior of this car, Volkswagen chose to use the mk6 Golf platform while adding R embellishments. Leather wrapped sports seats offer plenty of support while the contrast grey stitching and aluminum detailing dress up the interior. Other changes include door sill logos, chrome and aluminum highlights throughout the cabin and blue needles on the instruments along with brushed aluminum caps on the pedals. The cabin is definitely classy in every respect.

The Golf R Cabriolet easily seats two in the back and adults find there is plenty of head and leg room. The fully electric soft top roof takes 9.5 seconds to take down and 11 seconds to put back up and can even be operated at speeds of up to 18 mph. With the top up or down, the boot carries 250 litres and the rear seats can be folded flat for longer items. This makes the vehicle appropriate for short and long trips.

Volkswagen has equipped this model with a number of safety features drivers are sure to appreciate. Convertible specific airbags, stability control and a pop-up rollover protection system are standard and this car receives a five-star Euro NCAP rating.The brakes are bigger on this model to accommodate the added performance, but VW didn’t incorporate some of the latest technology. One notable feature which is missing is automatic city braking.

Efficiency on this model is expected. This model gets approximately 34.4mpg while producing CO2 emissions of 190g/km. As this model comes in at 1,640 kerbweight, those figures aren’t bad at all. If the DSG transmission is left to operate on its own, you may find yourself wanting to drive this car everyday as it is so good on fuel.

Volkswagen has really outdone itself with this model. It comes fully loaded with everything you would expect in a VW and a great deal more.The only thing lacking is sat-nav. There are some drawbacks to this vehicle, including the fact that the car is only front wheel drive. The car comes with a steep price tag also. Experts say this won’t affect sales though. Drivers who fall in love with this car will be more than willing to pay the high price tag for the luxury of getting behind the wheel. Luxury is exactly what VW was going for in this model and they definitely succeeded.

A Look at the New Passat R-Line

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Volkswagen understands the popularity of their Passat line and wants to make it possible for every driver to have the car of their dreams. For this reason, they have chosen to expand and offer the Volkswagen Passat R-line along with a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine which increases efficiency. What makes this car different from others in the line up?

The R-line features a bespoke body kit which gives the car a sleek, sporty look. A unique bumper is incorporated into the front, complete with fog lights offering a cornering function. The sports suspension has been lowered by 15 mm and new side skirts leave the car looking like it is hugging the ground. The distinctive bumper on the rear of the car and the 18-inch ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels and low-profile 235/40 tyres add to this impression. The boot lid spoiler is another addition which drivers are sure to love. Dark-tinted rear windows are nicely offset by the chrome window surrounds and the bumpers have been trimmed in chrome also for a unified look. Volkswagen has chosen to install standard bi-xenon headlights on this car along with LED daytime running lights and tail lights to make this car really stand out in a crowd.

When it comes to equipment in the Passat R-line, drivers will be pleased to learn each model comes with the kit seen in the Passat S. Highlights of this equipment include USB and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, a leather trimmed multifunction steering wheel and DAB digital radio. Drivers who choose a DSG model will get gear-shift paddles on the steering wheel.

New Volkswagen Passat R Line

Engine and transmission combinations offered in the Passat R-line include a 1.5-litre PS TDI engine with six speed manual gearbox, a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI engine with a DSG or six-speed manual gearbox and a 1.4-litre 160 PS TSI engine which can either be paired with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox. This engine is turbocharged and supercharged. All come with Bluemotion Technology modifications as well as battery regeneration systems and Stop/Start.

Passat Highline models will also offer a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS engine which replaces the 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS unit. Benefits of choosing this engine include better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Drivers may begin ordering these vehicles now with deliveries beginning in June. For those who can’t wait, current Passat models remain a great choice.

The current Passat lineup is popular for a number of reasons, including the safety features found in each model. Each car is tested and retested, from the brakes to the airbags, before being delivered to dealers. Safety features of these models include six airbags in the Passat Saloon, designed to cushion impact during a collision while reducing injuries. Every car made by Volkswagen comes with the Anti-lock braking system and Passat Saloons are fitted with ESP. This system detects potentially critical situations before they reach the critical stage and maneuvers to bring the car under control again. The Passat Saloon also comes with an advanced anti-theft system.

Driver assistance systems are another reason drivers flock to the Passat. Auto hold function making getting started on a hill easy while lane assist helps drivers stay in the appropriate lane which reduces accidents and makes long journeys safer. The driver alert system provides you with early warning when your driving patterns change to let you know it is time to take a break so you are safer on long trips while the rear-view parking camera is of great assistance when you arrive at your destination and need to find your way into a tight parking space.

Passats come equipped with a number of systems to improve the overall driving experience. Automatic start/stop saves on fuel while cutting emissions by turning the engine off when the car comes to a stop. This feature greatly benefits those who spend most of their time driving in traffic. Brake energy recuperation also offers the same benefits and recovers and uses the energy produced when braking while the four-link rear suspension provides a stable, smooth ride without reducing the agility of the car.

Technology is another reason drivers fall in love with the Passat. Front and rear parking sensors make it easy to park your Passat Saloon in a variety of conditions while park assist is available for those who want to leave the parking completely in the car’s control. The driver operates the pedals and the car does the rest. LED lights last longer, are brighter and clearer and make it easier for other drivers to see you even in bad conditions while remote central locking ensures your car is kept safe without nothing more than the touch of a button. Rain sensors and automatic dimming mirrors are added features that make the driving experience incredible in every way.

Volkswagen doesn’t overlook a single part of the car during the engineering process and this shows in the Passat. From the aerodynamics of the car to the galvanized body and laser-welded body shell, customers know they are driving a car that is well built in every way. Crumple zones and exceptional body rigidity are two more reasons why the Passat remains a big seller and the R-line continues this tradition.

Drivers willing to wait a little longer for their new car may wish to look into the R-line which begins delivery in June. Those in need of a car right now will find a Passat that meets their needs with ease. Volkswagen remains committed to providing customers with cars they love and want to drive. The Passat is no exception.

2013 Limited Edition Volkswagen Beetle GSR

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Drivers wishing to purchase a Volkswagen Beetle GSR must act quickly as only 100 models will be offered in the United Kingdom with worldwide production being limited to 3,500. Volkswagen, realizing that these cars are going to be in hot demand, are allowing customers to place orders for the first time in the Beetle’s 40 year history. As Beetles are very popular cars, you need to act right away so you don’t miss out. What makes this car so desired by drivers everywhere?

When it was unveiled at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, visitors immediately were drawn to the unusual design and 210 PS turbocharged engine. Those who remember the GSR model of the 1970s will see some similarities, but there are many differences also. The new version is yellow while the bonnet and bootlid are matt black, just like in the original. In this year’s GSR, the exterior mirror trims and roof are done in black while the 1973 model featured black and yellow side stripes above the door sills and black trim strips located under the side windows. The 2013 vehicle has black and yellow stripes above the side sills with ‘GSR’ lettering added. Rather than equipping the car with black bumpers, the designers choose to use yellow this time along with a black and yellow rear spoiler. For those who want to attract less attention, this vehicle can now be ordered in black or platinum grey, although most enjoy the attention garnered when driving the yellow version. What else does this car have to offer?

Volkswagen Beetle GSR

In 1973, Volkswagen chose to use 15-inch steel wheels on the car complete with 175 size tyres. This year’s model comes with 19-inch “Tornado’ alloy wheels and 235/40 tyres. The former version has a black and yellow interior featuring sports seats and a leather sports steering wheel. Volkswagen understands current customers want more from their vehicle and installed R-Line racing seats, an R-Line dash pad, leather hand brake lever gaiter and a high-grip leather sports steering wheel in the 2013. This is in addition to a badge with the vehicle’s special edition number, a GSR gear stick and black floor mats.

When the Beetle GSR was first introduced, it offered just 50 PS, yet drivers were clamoring to own one as this was a great deal of power for compact cars of that time. Today, the Beetle GSR has a 2.0 litre turbocharged 210 PS engine and can go from 0-62 mph in only 7.3 seconds. The top speed of this model is 142 mph thanks to the 280 Nm of torque in the range of 1,700 rpm to 5,200 rpm. Drivers can expect to get an average of 38.7 mpg with CO2 emissions coming in at 169 g/km. Drivers have a choice between a DSG gearbox or a six-speed manual although the DSG does come with a premium.

Orders are being taken now, but deliveries won’t begin taking place until September. Any 2.0-litre TSI Beetle ordered from the factory comes with an upgraded engine. The upgraded engine offers 210 PS rather than the 200 PS available in the previous model. This allows all drivers to have certain features of the GSR even if they sell out rapidly.

If you miss out on the 2013 Limited Edition Beetle GSR, you aren’t out of luck though. You may be able to pick up a Beetle Fender Limited Edition. This model is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS engine which can be paired with either a DSG gearbox or a six-speed manual. This model is only available in Deep Pearl Black and comes equipped with Fender badges on the front wiring, 18-inch ‘Discus’ alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Music lovers will be even more impressed with what is found in the cabin of the Fender Limited Edition.

When you climb behind the wheel of this car, you’ll see what makes it really stand out. The dash is made using “Sunburst’ wood, the same wood found in a classic Fender guitar. In addition, you get a 400-Watt Fender sound system featuring illuminated mountings for the front speakers and a subwoofer mounted in the boot. Volkswagen has taken this a step further and equipped the Fender Limited Edition with a RCD 510 audio unit. With this unit, you get an MDI multi-device interface, a full-colour touchscreen, parking sensors in both the front and rear, bi-xenon headlights, two zone climate control and bespoke cloth seats complete with leather-look side bolsters.

Other 2013 limited edition models will also be offered. The 50s Limited Edition version comes in black with a tan interior and features a rag top for a great retro look. You may also choose between a toffee brown 70s Limited Edition version and a denim blue 60s model. Of all though, very few will be in as much demand as the Beetle GSR.

All models come with air conditioning, Bluetooth technology, heated front seats and cruise control. Limited Edition versions come with additional features such as leather seating and chrome exterior mirror caps. It all depends on which model you choose.

No matter which Volkswagen Beetle you ultimately decide to go with, one thing is guaranteed. You will be driving a classic car that just keeps getting better. If a limited edition model isn’t in your future, you can still opt to purchase the entry level model, the design edition or the sport model. There is a Beetle for every individual and one for every budget. Once you take this car for a drive, you’ll see why it has been a favorite of drivers the world over for so long.