There have been a number of speculative renderings of the next-generation VW Scirocco, but none of them was really convincing enough.
It’s a different case with this latest attempt from Theophilus Chin, who used as a basis the silhouette of the Audi Sport Quattro Concept, then garnished it with design elements seen on the VW Sport Coupe GTE study.
The result is quite interesting, to say the least. There have been reports that the next-generation VW Scirocco will ditch the shooting brake shape for a proper coupe body style, and Chin’s renderings do take that into account.
I for one wouldn’t mind at all if the Scirocco replacement looked like this. Even if it changes its name to Corrado, as Chin suggests.
It’s no secret VW wants to build the Golf R400, but new details have now surfaced about the upcoming extra-hot Golf. VW group powertrain chief Heinz-Jakob Neusser has given the first official confirmation that the Golf R400 will be produced and that it will have more than 400 hp. “We have the Golf more sporty than ever before, since we soon will have the Golf R400 - we will do this car. We are in fact in development of it right now,” Neusser told CAR.
The VW Golf R400 will be the first production model to debut the high-output 2.0-liter turbo engine seen in theAudi TT Quattro Sport Concept.
In the study, the engine produced 420PS (414hp), and the Golf R400 may get it as such or slightly detuned. Add the four-wheel drive system in the equation and the Golf R400 (or R420) should become the world’s fastest production hot-hatch.
In terms of design, the Golf R400 will adopt the understated look of the GTI and R, but will feature a revised aerodynamic package with splitters and a new spoiler. It will also feature upgraded brakes to cope with the extra power, but the track will stay the same, allowing it to be assembled on a regular VW production line.
That’s because the Golf R400 will not be a limited edition model but rather a regular fixture in the Golf lineup. The car is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, with first deliveries scheduled for late 2015 or early 2016. As for pricing, the R400 will reportedly cost under €50,000 (about $54,400) in Germany.
When VW presented the facelifted Scirocco last year, it didn't introduce a replacement for the GTS model, something it will do at next week's Shanghai Auto Show.
Technically and cosmetically, the original Scirocco GTS from the 1980s was related to the Golf GTI of its time, but since the current-gen Scirocco already offers VW's latest 2.0-liter turbocharged four with the same output as theGolf GTI at 220PS or 217hp, the new GTS is essentially a visual package only.
When combined with the standard 6sp manual, the four-pot pushes the Scirocco GTS to 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 246km/h (153mph), or 244km/h (152mph) with the optional 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.
VW's newest addition to the Scirocco range comes with the R-Line aerodynamics kit that includes bespoke bumpers on both ends, gloss black grille and mirror caps, roof spoiler, side skirts, standard 18- or optional 19-inch wheels and red brake calipers.
Aside from China where stripes are standard, in other markets, VW's optional list includes racing stripes in two color flavors, red for cars painted in "Deep Black", "Indium Grey", "Urano Grey", "Pure White", "Oryx White" and black when finished in "Flash Red".
Borrowing a page or two from the Golf GTI, the GTS gets a black interior with red accents. According to VW, the customization includes:
• Black headliner • Decorative inlays in "Piano Black Lacquer " in the centre console and the applications on the dashboard • GTS badges on the sill panel mouldings • Customised sports steering wheel with red seams and the lower spoke finished in "Black Piano Lacquer" (with the GTS logo) • Pedals in stainless steel • Seat covers with centre panels made of a new material (with the GTS logo at the top of the backrest) and red decorative stitching • GTS package also includes the legendary golf ball gear knob • Chrome trim package (for the wing mirror and electric window switches) • Air vents and inside door handles in "Black Piano Lacquer" • Contrasting red seams for the safety belts, the handbrake lever, the gear lever gaiter, the central armrest and the floor mats
Finally, the GTS debuts VW's second-generation Modular infotainment matrix (MIB II) infotainment system that will be offered on all Scirocco models this year.
Well this is awkward. We're usually used to seeing supercars go at each other, not diesel SUVs and hatchbacks. Still, none of these two cars could be called "slow" in any way. As you know, the Golf R isn't just a family hatchback. Well, it is, but it's no entry-level petrol-burner. It's got a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, sending 300 HP to all four of its wheels, which is a recipe of fun regardless of where you live.
The Golf R can reach 62 mph (100km/h) in 4.9 seconds, which no too long ago was supercar territory. The first gen 4.2 FSI Audi R8 hit 62 mph in 4.8 seconds if you remember. So we have ourselves quite a capable hot hatch over here.
In the other "corner" we've got size and we've got torque. Precisely 340 HP and no fewer than 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. There is of course a massive weight disadvantage but also a disparity in mid-range pulling power.
If the two cars met from a rolling start, we'd actually expect the heavier yet torque-happy Touareg to jump out in front, at least for a bit. But seen as though this was a standing start, it just couldn't get off the line as quick as the much lighter Golf R.
Even so, it was an interesting match-up, and they measured the time/speed all the way up to 160km/h (99 mph). So in the end, we have a pretty clear picture of what the difference is between these two cars.
Volkswagen is already the only place to get an affordable wagon in this country, and the 2017 Golf SportWagen Alltrack answers the prayers of many with all-wheel drive. Last month, Automotive News ran a story about a Connecticut VW dealer, one of the oldest in the U.S., that was shutting down. Slumping sales and a lack of cash were the cause, but definitely brought on by the fact VW was competing in an area demanding crossovers and all-wheel drive.
It's why Subarus do so well in the Northeast. Forget debating whether it's sensible to have AWD when you only really need it a few days out of the year. In the northeast states, it's what drives many car purchases.
The Alltrack won't sell in Outback (or probably even Impreza) numbers, but it stands to put VW back on the shopping list for a lot of people. The Golf wagon itself is such an immensely practical vehicle, too, and it feels like a truly quality product. It has a prestige image that Subaru lacks, which is likely going to make it really popular in certain towns. And yet it shouldn't be nearly as pricey as a Volvo XC70, V60 Cross Country or Audi Allroad.
And I kind of like the way it looks. I'm not usually a fan of jacked-up wagons, but the Alltrack wears its added height and car-version of hiking boots well.
So if you live in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine, prepare to get in line.
Faced with diminishing interest in its core Jetta and Passat models in the States, Volkswagen will push a less conservative design theme when for the US-built 2016 Passat this year, and the upcoming crossovers it has in the pipeline. Automotive News got a look inside VW's Valhalla design studio and an interview with Chief Designer Klaus Bischoff. Key products include the revised Passat due this year, and the 2017 Tiguan built in Mexico and three-row crossover built alongside the Passat in Tennessee.
The current Passat NMS, introduced in 2011, is in the midst of a pretty steep sales slide – off 12 percent in 2014. But visible changes are coming, according to AN:
The freshened Passat is also a substantial change from the model on sale now, with all-new sheet metal from the A-pillar forward, including a new hood, fenders, grille design and headlights. Taillights are also new.
More important, however, will be the crossovers. The still-nameless three-row is said to borrow heavily from theCross Coupe GTE concept shown in January at the Detroit Auto Show.
Detail work such as intricate headlights that integrate structural elements that begin from the grille, and metal side vents below the A-pillars, are almost Audi-like in their execution. "This has to be bold. It has to be a statement," Bischoff said.
As for the Tiguan, expect to like it if you were a fan of the current car 2014's T-Roc Concept.
The redesigned Tiguan on display at Valhalla retains the overall proportions of its predecessor but with updated lines, plus shorter front and longer rear overhangs. Wheel arches are rounded compared with the hard angles seen on the midsize crossover, but some themes are shared, including wraparound taillight designs and grille execution.
I've been a fan of VW's clean-cut lines when they were sharp. Lately, though, their cars are blending in a bit too much and not looking that different from their predecessors (looking at you, Golf Mk 7). But if the sharp and classy concepts are anything to go by, the company is taking the right steps to get noticed.
If you're in the market for a brand new car and you live in Europe, odds are, you're just going to make traffic even worse by the end of the year. But that's a good thing, mostly. It's good for the car manufacturers and it's good for those who are obviously doing better financially, allowing them to afford buying new instead of used.
Compared to the same month last year, new car sales in February 2015 were up 7.8% according to JATO Dynamics and their analysis on new car sales. If we add this up to the rise we've seen in January, it would mean that the market is already ahead by 7.1% compared to 2014.
As of right now, Europe's best selling brands are Volkswagen, Renault and Ford (for the month of February). TheGolf holds a strong lead with sales up 5.8% last month, while the Polo holds down second place ahead of the Renault Clio.
Speaking of Renault, they took 2nd place away from Ford thanks to the Clio being a massive hit - mostly because of its looks. Otherwise there would be no reason why Renault should be outselling Ford in any capacity.
The all-new Passat is also looking strong, quite strong when you think about the fact that it's selling at a pace which basically matches what cars from the supermini segment are doing. It's 63.8% rise compared to its predecessor last year makes it the most improved performer among the top 10 models.
As it turns out, 2014 has been a huge year for Skoda, as they managed to sell more than 1 million cars for the first time over the course of a year. Specifically, they sold no fewer than 1,037,200 vehicles (up by 12.7% compared to 2013), while also achieving record financial results, with sales revenue increasing by 13.8% to 11.8 billion euros and operating profit increasing by a massive 56.5% to 817 million euros.
Skoda's CEO, Prof.Dr Winfried Vahland said that "By delivering more than one million vehicles for the first time in a single year, we have sustainably established ourselves as a volume manufacturer on the international markets with our modern model range. It is on this basis that our brand will be perusing our growth strategy."
It's also great news for those who were hoping to see more from Skoda than just a lower-budget alternative to owning a VW.
As for this year, Skoda sales had already risen by 7.9% by the end of last month (when compared to Jan-Feb 2014). And at 163,000 sold over the first two months of the year, its also a new record for the Czech manufacturer.
Even though 2015 will definitely be marked by the arrival of the all-new Superb, Skoda will also be releasing a few other versions of their current model lineup such as the Skoda Octavia RS 230, the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo and other 'Edition' models for Fabia, Rapid, Octavia and Yeti.
Skoda also plans to increase their sales to at least 1.5 million cars within the next few years - which isn't at all far fetched considering the fact that they've already crossed the million mark and they're expanding their production plants both in the Czech Republic as well as across the world.
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