Touareg R Hybrid Rumour

According to a recent report, Volkswagen is developing a Touareg R Hybrid.

While details are limited, the model is rumored to use a 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS) turbocharged V8 and a 47 hp (35 kW / 48 PS) electric motor. This would give the sport-ute a combined 547 hp (408 kW / 555 PS) which would put it on par with the BMW X5 M / X6 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and Mercedes ML63 AMG.

Besides the new powertrain, the R Hybrid would boast an aerodynamic body kit, a sportier suspension, and beefier brakes.

The SUV could be unveiled at 2011 North American International Auto Show with sales starting in the spring.
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Hybrid Beetle

Autocar reports that VW is planning a "radical design" for the next-generation bug, set to debut at next year's Detroit auto show. The redesign will include a hybrid Beetle with a drivetrain resembling what was seen on the New Compact Coupe concept at this year's Detroit show--a lithium-ion battery pack, 20 kilowatt electric motor with a li-ion battery pack, 177 horsepower, 110 pound-feet of torque, and an average of 45 miles per gallon. The hybrid Beetle may not match those numbers exactly, but chances are it will come close.

The Beetle isn't the only upcoming electric option from VW. Aside from the already-unveiled hybrid Touareg, VW plans to release a hybrid Jetta in 2012 as well as an all-electric Golf in 2013.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion named Green Car of the Year

Now officially the Green Car of the Year, the Golf BlueMotion has been built to be a desirable car that's big on performance but low on running costs, according to the publication's editor-in-chief Steve Fowler.

"The Golf BlueMotion does an enviable 74.3mpg and emits just 99g/km of CO2, which means it is exempt from road tax . it's a package that's hard to beat. VW dealers are going to be busy," he added.

In the individual categories, the Fiat 500 retained its greenest supermini title, while the family car award went to the Volkswagen Passat.

At the top end of the market, green awards were bestowed on the BMW 320d in the executive class, while the most environmentally-friendly sports car was named as the Honda CR-Z.

Honda recently made a small piece of history in the world of eco-motoring when it launched production of the Auris Hybrid at the Burnaston plant - the first hybrid vehicle ever to be mass-produced on European soil.
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Volkswagen to Revive Lupo

Volkswagen is set to revive the Lupo name which went out of production in 2005. The company will revive it as the entry level model in the lineup.

Volkswagen is expected to expand across four different brands as part of its efforts to become a global leader by 2018. With the codename, UP, the Lupo will be added to the Audi, Seat and Skoda lineups. It will replace even the compact car Polo to become the entry level car from Volkswagen.

The Lupo will be produced in Slovakia and will be the first model in the New Small Family (NSF) from the company. Volkswagen has launched various ‘Up’ Models in the last few years displaying its capabilities in interior space, electric vehicle engineering, hybrid technology and light weight technologies.

The Lupo will 2-inches narrower, 20-inches shorter than the Polo and it while it will be 1.3-inches taller. The company is expected to launch the car with a 65-hp 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine and a 75-hp 1.2-liter diesel. Initially the car will be launched with a 3-door and later a 5-door model will launched with an 85-hp 1.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

Volkswagen will also introduce the electric version of the car in limited markets in the United States.
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VW Amarok Pictures and Video

Showcasing the cool VW Amarok pickup truck! The Amarok is scheduled to make it’s world debut on the 15th of December 2009 as looking at these pictures and video, it going to be a beauty.

 

 

 

Initially there will be a 2 liter 4 cylinder common rail diesel producing about 120kw and 400nm which will be the strongest unit available. Fuel consumption will be awesome as the predicted range on a 80 Liter tank will be almost 1000km! A second, less powerful diesel and a direct inject petrol engine will also be offered later.

 

 

 

 

Double cab versions as well as single cab versions will be offered, but no extended cab versions are on the cards. At least not for the launch. Three levels of specification will be offered – basic, trendline and highline but no word on pricing yet.

VW Amarok Video

VW Scirocco SC 350 Tuned by Sportec

Cool Swiss car tuning specialist Sportec has turned its attention on the Volkswagen Scirocco with the release of a new performance package. Among other things, Sportec’s program consists of engine upgrades, a sports suspension, alloy wheels rims and other components.

For the Scirocco 2.0 TFSI 200HP, Sportec offers various performance optimizations that boost the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine’s output from 240HP to 350HP. In the most powerful version, the maximum torque takes a massive leap from 280 to 480Nm (354 lbs/ft).

To achieve these figures, the Swiss tuner’s engineers modified the 2.0 TFSI’s supercharger, updated the ECU and replaced the stock exhaust system with a new free flowing one. A carbon-fiber engine cover completes the package.

To improve the Scirocco’s handling, Sportec developed a new sports suspension that brings the coupe 35 mm closer to the ground while the coupe now sits on 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 245/30 high-performance sport tires. Finally, for the interior, the Swiss tuner offers a 4-part floor mat set made of soft velour and a multi-part carbon interior with the Sportec logo.

RTTS Cool Cars and Van Pictures

A collection of cool cars and van pictures from 'Run to the Sun' (RTTS) festival, Newquay, Cornwall, England. Every year on the May Bank Holiday, motoring and in particular VW enthusiasts and live entertainment fans make the annual pilgrimage to Newquay for a long weekend of sun, sea, music and motors.

For more cool vans visit Van-Cars.com