Volkswagen: Golf News
#521
The sizzle in the Steak
Next-gen Golf to arrive as 2010 Rabbit in U.S. in Sep ‘09
when the redesigned volkswagen golf debuted in august, the question on the mind of most american vw fans was, “when will we get it?” the answer —september 2009. Both the standard issue rabbit and the high-performance gti model will arrive then, volkswagen has confirmed.
volkswagen will begin producing the new u.s.-spec models in late june, according to edmunds. European customers can already purchase the new golf, but the gti won’t arrive at dealerships until some time in the summer. That means americans are a year behind in getting the base model, but will be pretty much in line with the rest of the world when it comes to the hotter gti.
That makes perfect sense, considering americans have an appetite for gtis. According to vw, 15,000 of the 42,000 rabbits sold in north america in 2007 were gti models. U.s. Pricing is expected to go up slightly, but probably not more than $250.
The entry-level rabbit will continue to ship with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder mill, while the gti will get a 2.0-liter tfsi. A new 2.0-liter tdi diesel will join the lineup, and a 1.8 liter tfsi could be added if market conditions warrant it. North american gtis are expected to come standard with adaptive cruise control, adaptive suspension, and 19-inch wheels.
Other models expected to join the rabbit lineup include a rabbit 4motion, a gti-r, a twindrive hybrid model, and an lpg natural gas version.
volkswagen will begin producing the new u.s.-spec models in late june, according to edmunds. European customers can already purchase the new golf, but the gti won’t arrive at dealerships until some time in the summer. That means americans are a year behind in getting the base model, but will be pretty much in line with the rest of the world when it comes to the hotter gti.
That makes perfect sense, considering americans have an appetite for gtis. According to vw, 15,000 of the 42,000 rabbits sold in north america in 2007 were gti models. U.s. Pricing is expected to go up slightly, but probably not more than $250.
The entry-level rabbit will continue to ship with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder mill, while the gti will get a 2.0-liter tfsi. A new 2.0-liter tdi diesel will join the lineup, and a 1.8 liter tfsi could be added if market conditions warrant it. North american gtis are expected to come standard with adaptive cruise control, adaptive suspension, and 19-inch wheels.
Other models expected to join the rabbit lineup include a rabbit 4motion, a gti-r, a twindrive hybrid model, and an lpg natural gas version.
#523
Senior Moderator
VW reveals Golf VI TwinDrive plug-in hybrid prototype
From WCF...
The Golf TwinDrive project first introduced in July 2008 using the previous Golf V generation has been fitted to the new sixth generation Golf. Sponsored by the German government with double-digit millions, the research project aims to test the efficient use of renewable energy sources (wind, water and solar power) in transportation with 20 test vehicles using VW's next generation plug-in hybrid TwinDrive technology.
Capable of producing 176 hp (130 kW), the Golf TwinDrive uses an intelligent operating system which always chooses the optimal operating mode - individually tailored to the specific route and situation, so it always offers the most efficient combination of electric motor and combustion engine. Unlike typical hybrid drive systems which have an electric motor supplementing a combustion engine, "the exact opposite is true on the TwinDrive: here the diesel or gasoline engine supplements the E-motor," according to Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. The TwinDrive places emphasis on a long range E-motor capable of 50 kilometers for city driving, while the combustion engine is for long range use.
No specific fuel efficiency figures have been provided yet, but VW gave an example of driving from Potsdam to the "Automobile Forum" in downtown Berlin and back - averaged over 100 kilometers - the Golf TwinDrive consumed just eight kilowatt-hours of electricity and 2.5 liters of fuel.
With Berlin test trials set to begin in 2009, VW expects to present initial vehicles as early as 2010.
Capable of producing 176 hp (130 kW), the Golf TwinDrive uses an intelligent operating system which always chooses the optimal operating mode - individually tailored to the specific route and situation, so it always offers the most efficient combination of electric motor and combustion engine. Unlike typical hybrid drive systems which have an electric motor supplementing a combustion engine, "the exact opposite is true on the TwinDrive: here the diesel or gasoline engine supplements the E-motor," according to Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn. The TwinDrive places emphasis on a long range E-motor capable of 50 kilometers for city driving, while the combustion engine is for long range use.
No specific fuel efficiency figures have been provided yet, but VW gave an example of driving from Potsdam to the "Automobile Forum" in downtown Berlin and back - averaged over 100 kilometers - the Golf TwinDrive consumed just eight kilowatt-hours of electricity and 2.5 liters of fuel.
With Berlin test trials set to begin in 2009, VW expects to present initial vehicles as early as 2010.
#524
Senior Moderator
#526
101 years of heartache...
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Not with these past generations. I know I've only driven my car for just over 12k, but it's been very reliable :knockonwood:. Another member here, stangg17, has owned 2 rabbits, and neither has had any really major issues. The only issue I've had was a recall (intake runner flap was stuck open). Most magazines doing long term tests have proven the long-term reliability as well. The last review I read (granted it was an A3 2.0T w/ DSG), but same drivetrain as mine, claimed that they had gone 55,000 miles plus without ANY issues.
#527
Race Director
^^individual experiences don't mean much. Look at the big numbers and VW reliability is still fairly low (tho getting better) compared to a Honda for example.
#528
Of all the cars I work on, VWs and BMWs tend to be the ones with the most Christmas lights on.
#529
The sizzle in the Steak
VW to offer 4MOTION AWD on diesel-powered Golf
volkswagen recently launched the sixth-generation of its popular golf hatchback, and now comes word from the german automaker that the new model will be available with the company’s 4motion all-wheel drive system.
Although vw mostly uses its 4motion system on performance-minded models – such as the r32 – the only ‘pedestrian’ golf slated to get the awd option will be the diesel-powered golf 2.0 tdi. Vw says there just isn’t sufficient demand to warrant offering 4motion on other golf models, but the combination of awd and diesel power should give buyers a highly-efficient all-weather car.
The awd oil burner will produce 140 horsepower, sending that power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The 0-60 sprint will be dealt with in 9.5 seconds, with the golf 4motion tdi reaching a terminal velocity of 128 mph.
Vw is keeping mum about north american availability, but, as there are no current plans to bring the diesel-powered golf to this side of the atlantic, we don’t foresee the north american golf losing its front-wheel drive roots anytime soon.
Although vw mostly uses its 4motion system on performance-minded models – such as the r32 – the only ‘pedestrian’ golf slated to get the awd option will be the diesel-powered golf 2.0 tdi. Vw says there just isn’t sufficient demand to warrant offering 4motion on other golf models, but the combination of awd and diesel power should give buyers a highly-efficient all-weather car.
The awd oil burner will produce 140 horsepower, sending that power to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The 0-60 sprint will be dealt with in 9.5 seconds, with the golf 4motion tdi reaching a terminal velocity of 128 mph.
Vw is keeping mum about north american availability, but, as there are no current plans to bring the diesel-powered golf to this side of the atlantic, we don’t foresee the north american golf losing its front-wheel drive roots anytime soon.
#530
The sizzle in the Steak
GTI R20 Details Emerge...(formerly R32)
Word broke last year that Volkswagen was planning a proper replacement for its now-extinct R32 hot hatch, and more details on the R32 replacement hit the web Monday. Internally dubbed the VW Golf R Series Turbo, VW’s newest hot hatch promises to take the concept of the R32 even further.
Although the R32 packed an impressive stat sheet – including a 3.2L V6 and all-wheel drive – the car’s modest 250 horsepower an added weight never made it the all-out performance machine fans were hoping for. In fact, the R32’s performance wasn’t all that much better than the GTI’s, making the added price hard to rationalize. However, VW will remedy that situation in the new Golf.
According to Car and Driver, VW is readying a Golf R Series Turbo, which will likely wear the R20 Turbo nameplate in production form. As the name implies, the R20 Turbo will be powered by a version of the GTI’s turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder.
However, the R20 will see a significant bump in power over the GTI, and even over the last-generation R32. Expect 270 horsepower to be on tap, with power being sent to all four wheels via either a six-speed manual or DSG semi-automatic gearbox. The run to 60 mph should be dealt with in the 5 to 5.5 second range, with a top end limited to 155 mph.
Visually, a more aggressive front end, a rear spoiler and center-mounted exhaust will set the R20 apart from lesser GTIs. The R20 is expected to be offered in three- and five-door body styles, so the upcoming hatch will offer performance and versatility.
Although the R20 offers a lot to get excited about, we haven’t even mentioned the best part – it will be available in the United States. The Euro-spec R20 is expected to make its debut this May, with the U.S. car likely to surface at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Expect sales to start later this year or in early 2010.
Although the R32 packed an impressive stat sheet – including a 3.2L V6 and all-wheel drive – the car’s modest 250 horsepower an added weight never made it the all-out performance machine fans were hoping for. In fact, the R32’s performance wasn’t all that much better than the GTI’s, making the added price hard to rationalize. However, VW will remedy that situation in the new Golf.
According to Car and Driver, VW is readying a Golf R Series Turbo, which will likely wear the R20 Turbo nameplate in production form. As the name implies, the R20 Turbo will be powered by a version of the GTI’s turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder.
However, the R20 will see a significant bump in power over the GTI, and even over the last-generation R32. Expect 270 horsepower to be on tap, with power being sent to all four wheels via either a six-speed manual or DSG semi-automatic gearbox. The run to 60 mph should be dealt with in the 5 to 5.5 second range, with a top end limited to 155 mph.
Visually, a more aggressive front end, a rear spoiler and center-mounted exhaust will set the R20 apart from lesser GTIs. The R20 is expected to be offered in three- and five-door body styles, so the upcoming hatch will offer performance and versatility.
Although the R20 offers a lot to get excited about, we haven’t even mentioned the best part – it will be available in the United States. The Euro-spec R20 is expected to make its debut this May, with the U.S. car likely to surface at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Expect sales to start later this year or in early 2010.
#531
_____ like a rabbit
i know 7 people with 06 or newer VWs, and only one has had issues (water pump failure 06 passat). I think individual experiences are very much important since they make up the average And you should look at honda and toyota problems as of late...
#533
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
#534
The sizzle in the Steak
#535
Senior Moderator
More info about the R20...
With the Volkswagen R32 only boasting 250 horsepower, it seems the company's hot hatch is starting to cool off in light of newer offering by competitors but VW will soon rectify the situation by bringing the Golf R20 to the United States.
Unlike today's R32, the new R20 will feature Volkswagen's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection which will be tuned to produce 270 horsepower. This should enable the R20 to post a 0-60 mph time in the low to mid five second range and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The exterior will carry over many of the new GTI's styling traits but should also include more aggressive front and rear ends and a center mounted dual exhaust. Initially the R20 will be offered only in three-door hatchback form but a five-door model could eventually be offered down the road.
Volkswagen will officially debut the new Golf R20 on May 21 at the ADAC 24-hour race at Germany's Nürburgring racing circuit and European sales will start later this year
Unlike today's R32, the new R20 will feature Volkswagen's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection which will be tuned to produce 270 horsepower. This should enable the R20 to post a 0-60 mph time in the low to mid five second range and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The exterior will carry over many of the new GTI's styling traits but should also include more aggressive front and rear ends and a center mounted dual exhaust. Initially the R20 will be offered only in three-door hatchback form but a five-door model could eventually be offered down the road.
Volkswagen will officially debut the new Golf R20 on May 21 at the ADAC 24-hour race at Germany's Nürburgring racing circuit and European sales will start later this year
#536
Race Director
7 people do not an average make and since reliability is always looking backwards it's hard to tell what's going on currently. Again, you have to look at the big picture - US wide stats still show VW below Honda and Toyota in terms of reliability. Yes, they are much better than years past but we won't know if they've cought up to the leaders for another few years.
#537
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
^
7 people? lol
7 people? lol
#538
The sizzle in the Steak
7 people do not an average make and since reliability is always looking backwards it's hard to tell what's going on currently. Again, you have to look at the big picture - US wide stats still show VW below Honda and Toyota in terms of reliability. Yes, they are much better than years past but we won't know if they've cought up to the leaders for another few years.
...and that is a good thing.
#540
_____ like a rabbit
7 people do not an average make and since reliability is always looking backwards it's hard to tell what's going on currently. Again, you have to look at the big picture - US wide stats still show VW below Honda and Toyota in terms of reliability. Yes, they are much better than years past but we won't know if they've cought up to the leaders for another few years.
I honestly believe VWs are very well designed and engineered, much better then its Japanese competitors, so much so that thats probably their biggest problem. If you looks at technical drawings, youll see very complicated sub assemblies from a simple econobox golf, you'll see sensors up the ass left and right (famous check engine culprit) . To be fair, this gap has been lessened by globalization and most companies now make cars in the same manner using parts from common suppliers. What it comes down to is the quality of those parts and their installation.
omg i sound like a vw whore!
#541
it is well known that audi/vw/bmw/merc all have relatively poor reliability ratings. I don't remember where I read but many ppl lease bmw's and mercs so when the warranty expires (or b4 then) they surrender and get a new one. I really like this upcoming R series and will probably lease one myself. I am a huge fan of turbo+awd cars.
#542
The sizzle in the Steak
it is well known that audi/vw/bmw/merc all have relatively poor reliability ratings. I don't remember where I read but many ppl lease bmw's and mercs so when the warranty expires (or b4 then) they surrender and get a new one. I really like this upcoming R series and will probably lease one myself. I am a huge fan of turbo+awd cars.
My last 2 cars have been German.....both very reliable...and drive like a dream.
#543
The sizzle in the Steak
Leaked MkVI GTI Pics
Volkswagen unveiled its sixth-generation Golf/Rabbit last year, but most enthusiasts are still waiting for news on the next-generation GTI. VW unveiled a thinly-veiled concept of the GTI late last year, but a series of leaked images have officially given up the goods.
Following in the tradition of past GTI models, the performance version of the sixth-generation car will not look radically different from the standard car. That being said, larger wheels and tires, a lowered suspension and a few GTI-specific parts will be part of the equation. A red grille surround will also signify that the GTI treatment.
Sources are saying that the new GTI will be powered by a 210-horsepower, 258lb-ft of torque, 2-liter turbo. VW’s six-speed DSG transmission will be available on the GTI, as will a six-speed manual.
Early reports suggest the next-gen GTI will hit 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, and will also boast a top speed of nearly 150 mph. However, the GTI will return more than 30 mpg on the European cycle.
In order to ensure the GTI is an all-around performer, expected the hot hatch to come equipped DCC adaptive damping and an XDS electronic differential.
The VW GTI is expected to make its official debut in the coming months, with European sales starting later this year. U.S. buyers will have to wait slightly longer.
Following in the tradition of past GTI models, the performance version of the sixth-generation car will not look radically different from the standard car. That being said, larger wheels and tires, a lowered suspension and a few GTI-specific parts will be part of the equation. A red grille surround will also signify that the GTI treatment.
Sources are saying that the new GTI will be powered by a 210-horsepower, 258lb-ft of torque, 2-liter turbo. VW’s six-speed DSG transmission will be available on the GTI, as will a six-speed manual.
Early reports suggest the next-gen GTI will hit 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, and will also boast a top speed of nearly 150 mph. However, the GTI will return more than 30 mpg on the European cycle.
In order to ensure the GTI is an all-around performer, expected the hot hatch to come equipped DCC adaptive damping and an XDS electronic differential.
The VW GTI is expected to make its official debut in the coming months, with European sales starting later this year. U.S. buyers will have to wait slightly longer.
#544
an asshole from florida
not much of a change interior wise...almost seems like they went and did a ford with the mustang. changed it around just enough to where it looks up to date but left everything else the same
I like it though
I like it though
#546
The sizzle in the Steak
new a/c controls, red stitching on the steering wheel , and from all reviews, the already top quality interior materials moved even more up-market.
#547
7 people do not an average make and since reliability is always looking backwards it's hard to tell what's going on currently. Again, you have to look at the big picture - US wide stats still show VW below Honda and Toyota in terms of reliability. Yes, they are much better than years past but we won't know if they've cought up to the leaders for another few years.
Still.... this new R20 looks hot! I've been saying this all the time.... they needed to offer the turbo I-4 in the R32 or turbocharge the VR6. Maybe I should work at VW....
#549
_____ like a rabbit
Rumors: Golf VII?
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/215...dy-on-its-way/
Not long after returning from the Australian preview of the brand-spankers-new Golf VI, I noticed one curious piece of news that popped up on the interwebs overnight.
According to Brit-mag Auto Express, the seventh-generation Golf will be landing in Volkswagen showrooms sometime in 2012 - barely three years after the introduction of the Mk VI.
As is tradition, styling will be unmistakeably Golf; however mechanically and structurally the Mk VII is expected to usher in a number of radical changes for the volume-selling VeeDub. A hybrid drivetrain is the biggest, with VW’s Twin Drive tech likely to make its production debut in the Golf VII.
Using a fuel-sipping 1.5 litre diesel engine mated to three electric drive motors, the hybrid Golf will reportedly feature an electric-only mode for low speed crawls and also ship with a plug-in charging system for the onboard batteries.
The product of all this is a car that’ll return an astounding 2.08 l/100km (113mpg) on the combined cycle.
Volkswagen Golf VII rendering
A compression-ignition petrol motor is also rumoured to be on the cards for the new Golf, with the sparkplug-less motor supposedly combining the economy of a diesel with the performance of a petrol.
The HCCI engine, as it’s being called, may also see use as an onboard generator for an all-electric driveline, thanks to its preference to run at a constant rpm.
Performance models such as the GTI as well as the torquey diesel variants may also benefit from a seventh ratio added to VW’s ubiquitous twin-clutch DSG gearbox, which is currently limited to just six gears when paired to the gruntier engines. Weight will also be shed with the next-gen Golf, improving fuel economy even further when combined with a range of smaller, thriftier motors.
Styling is a mystery, but Auto Express believes their rendering provides a good idea of where Volkswagen’s design team may take the humble Golf.
It’s pretty, sure, but considering the time and effort VW recently spent improving on the Golf V with the box-fresh VI, it almost seems counter-productive to introduce an all-new model so soon.
We’ve yet to hear any official word from Volkswagen on the Golf VII, but we’ll be keeping our ears to the wall on this one. Stay tuned.
Not long after returning from the Australian preview of the brand-spankers-new Golf VI, I noticed one curious piece of news that popped up on the interwebs overnight.
According to Brit-mag Auto Express, the seventh-generation Golf will be landing in Volkswagen showrooms sometime in 2012 - barely three years after the introduction of the Mk VI.
As is tradition, styling will be unmistakeably Golf; however mechanically and structurally the Mk VII is expected to usher in a number of radical changes for the volume-selling VeeDub. A hybrid drivetrain is the biggest, with VW’s Twin Drive tech likely to make its production debut in the Golf VII.
Using a fuel-sipping 1.5 litre diesel engine mated to three electric drive motors, the hybrid Golf will reportedly feature an electric-only mode for low speed crawls and also ship with a plug-in charging system for the onboard batteries.
The product of all this is a car that’ll return an astounding 2.08 l/100km (113mpg) on the combined cycle.
Volkswagen Golf VII rendering
A compression-ignition petrol motor is also rumoured to be on the cards for the new Golf, with the sparkplug-less motor supposedly combining the economy of a diesel with the performance of a petrol.
The HCCI engine, as it’s being called, may also see use as an onboard generator for an all-electric driveline, thanks to its preference to run at a constant rpm.
Performance models such as the GTI as well as the torquey diesel variants may also benefit from a seventh ratio added to VW’s ubiquitous twin-clutch DSG gearbox, which is currently limited to just six gears when paired to the gruntier engines. Weight will also be shed with the next-gen Golf, improving fuel economy even further when combined with a range of smaller, thriftier motors.
Styling is a mystery, but Auto Express believes their rendering provides a good idea of where Volkswagen’s design team may take the humble Golf.
It’s pretty, sure, but considering the time and effort VW recently spent improving on the Golf V with the box-fresh VI, it almost seems counter-productive to introduce an all-new model so soon.
We’ve yet to hear any official word from Volkswagen on the Golf VII, but we’ll be keeping our ears to the wall on this one. Stay tuned.
#550
The sizzle in the Steak
Thankfully those are somebody's renderings of what it might look like.
The specs however for each of the drivetrains are STUNNING!!!
Hybrid w/ 113 mpg?!?!?
A compression-ignition petrol motor?!?!?
That's light years ahead technology!!
The specs however for each of the drivetrains are STUNNING!!!
Hybrid w/ 113 mpg?!?!?
A compression-ignition petrol motor?!?!?
That's light years ahead technology!!
#551
_____ like a rabbit
#552
_____ like a rabbit
#553
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The actually changed quite a bit: New door panels, new seats, new gauge cluster, revised center console (deleted the "oh sh*t handles :thumbsdow )
new a/c controls, red stitching on the steering wheel , and from all reviews, the already top quality interior materials moved even more up-market.
new a/c controls, red stitching on the steering wheel , and from all reviews, the already top quality interior materials moved even more up-market.
#555
The sizzle in the Steak
#556
101 years of heartache...
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chalk another one up, i agree as well.
But the new interior looks fantastic, I can see improvement on an already good interior. One thing I am going to miss when I do get my next GTI (probably the MK7) is the blue gauges; I LOVE the blue and red scheme.
But the new interior looks fantastic, I can see improvement on an already good interior. One thing I am going to miss when I do get my next GTI (probably the MK7) is the blue gauges; I LOVE the blue and red scheme.
#557
The sizzle in the Steak
#558
Some dude
Would this thinking be correct:
If I want a current gen GTI I should wait until September for the new ones to be introduced because dealers will be trying to get rid of the remaining stock that they have and I could get a really good deal on one?
Right now by where I live they sell for about $20,000 with around 10,000 miles on them.
If I want a current gen GTI I should wait until September for the new ones to be introduced because dealers will be trying to get rid of the remaining stock that they have and I could get a really good deal on one?
Right now by where I live they sell for about $20,000 with around 10,000 miles on them.
#559
101 years of heartache...
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Would this thinking be correct:
If I want a current gen GTI I should wait until September for the new ones to be introduced because dealers will be trying to get rid of the remaining stock that they have and I could get a really good deal on one?
Right now by where I live they sell for about $20,000 with around 10,000 miles on them.
If I want a current gen GTI I should wait until September for the new ones to be introduced because dealers will be trying to get rid of the remaining stock that they have and I could get a really good deal on one?
Right now by where I live they sell for about $20,000 with around 10,000 miles on them.
?
#560
The sizzle in the Steak
I'd buy in early summer.....but then again it's a buyers market....but then again the GTI's sell very well.