William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 21, 2013 With Volkswagen readying the launch of the Mk.7 Golf, they are beginning to show a number of variations and concepts based on the new model. First up is the brand new 2014 Golf GTD that will be shown at the Geneva Motor show. Think of the Golf GTD as a GTI with a diesel engine. Power comes from turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0L inline-four engine with an output of 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 14 horsepower and 22 pound-feet over the current GTD). You have the choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the GTD might not set any records in the accleration department (0-60 MPH takes about 7.5 seconds thanks a 3,036-pound curb weight), it does return some impressive fuel economy numbers (56 MPG combined on the European cycle). The GTD's exterior is much like the GTI's with a new front fascia and blacked-out, honeycomb grille. Other design cues include seventeen-inch sport wheels, rocker panel extensions, and smoked LED taillights. Inside the GTD, there are plaid seat inserts, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, black headliner, stainless steel pedals, ambient cabin lighting. The GTD goes on sale in Europe in June. The big question of whether the GTD will make the Atlantic crossing is not known at the moment. Source: Volkswagen Album: 2014 Volkswagen GTD 5 images 0 comments William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTD MAKES ITS WORLD DEBUT AT THE GENEVA SHOW Combined European Cycle fuel consumption of 56 mpg with manual transmission New EA288 four-cylinder TDI® engine makes 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque Manual version accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds Wolfsburg, Germany - Over the past three decades, fans of the Golf GTD have been excited by the car’s combination of fuel efficiency and sporty performance and looks. At this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen debuts the latest version of this fuel-sipping sporty compact, which features a 184-hp version of the new EA288 TDI turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder diesel engine that already complies with the challenging EU-6 emissions standard. The first Golf GTD in 1982 revolutionized the sporty compact segment with its turbodiesel engine, sporty demeanor, and its GTI-style features. This year’s GTD is the most powerful ever and is based on the seventh-generation Golf. With184 horsepower and an impressive 280 pound-feet of torque that’s delivered from just 1750 rpm, the new Golf GTD combines the dual roles of highly efficient long-distance tourer and dynamic backroad performer. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the GTD has an EC combined fuel economy figure of 56 mpg, some feat considering the car can also reach a top speed of 143 mph. This combined fuel consumption figure equates to CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. With the optional six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the combined fuel consumption is 50 mpg. Visually, the Golf GTD makes a statement through smoked LED taillights with LED licence-plate illumination; chrome dual tailpipes;17-inch GTD wheels with 225/45 tires; a lowered sport suspension; and body enhancements that include side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a large roof spoiler. The interior is also marked out by numerous distinctive GTD features, such as sport seats with a tartan pattern (“Clark”), black headliner, a sport steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and foot rest, a GTD shifter grip, and a model-specific instrument cluster. Standard features include white ambience lighting, “Climatronic” automatic climate control, park assist, and Volkswagen’s latest touchscreen infotainment system. The GTD will be offered in three colors: “Tornado Red”, “Black”, and “Pure White”. The car goes on sale in Germany in June with a base price of 29,350 euros. Overview Market launch in Europe: June 2013 Debut of first Golf GTD generation: 1982 Engine: Four-cylinder TDI (turbocharged direct-injection diesel) Layout: Front transverse Displacement: 1968 cc Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 95.5 mm Compression ratio: 15.8:1 Power: 184 hp (135 kW) at 3500-4000 rpm Torque: 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) at 1750 rpm Transmission/drive type: Manual six-speed; DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic; front-wheel drive. EC combined fuel consumption/CO2 emissions (manual): 56 mpg; 109 g/km CO2 Performance (manual): 0-62 mph in 7.5 sec; Max speed; 143 mph Unladen weight: 3036 pounds (base version) (* preliminary data) View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 21, 2013 Almost six years ago, Volkswagen’s Chairman Ferdinand Piëch promised a production vehicle that would deliver fuel economy of 1.0 liter of fuel burned per 100 kilometers driven (about 235 MPG on the European cycle). Well Volkswagen has delivered a vehicle that can do better; returning 261 MPG on the European cycle or 0.9 liters per 100 kilometers. That vehicle is the new Volkswagen XL1. The XL1 is a very unique vehicle for many reasons besides the impressive fuel economy. For starters, the XL1's structure is a carbon fiber monocoque, with aluminum front and rear crash structures bolted to it. Body panels are made from carbon fiber and the windshield is only over 0.1 of an inch thick. This helps the XL1 get a very low curb weight of 1,753 lbs. The XL1's shape is very futuristic with angular LED headlights, scissor doors, inset rear wheels with covers, and no side mirrors (cameras mounted in the doors take the place). The shape is also very efficient, delivering 0.19 cd of drag. Power comes from two-cylinder turbodiesel engine producing 47 horsepower, an electric motor producing 27 horsepower, lithium-ion battery pack, and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The run to 60 MPH takes about 12.7 seconds and a top speed of 99 MPH. Inside the XL1 is seating for two and many of the features and comforts you expect in a modern car. We'll have more information on the XL1 such as how many Volkswagen plans to build and a price tag when the XL1 makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Source: Volkswagen Album: Volkswagen XL1 7 images 0 comments William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF XL1, THE WORLD’S MOST EFFICIENT PRODUCTION CAR Volkswagen to produce XL1 at its Osnabrück plant in Germany, using carbonfiber technology The XL1 is the most aerodynamic production car ever, with a Cd of 0.19 261 mpg combined fuel consumption was a vision—now it’s a reality Wolfsburg, Germany - The XL1 from Volkswagen is the most fuel-efficient production car in the world, with a European combined fuel consumption rating of 261 mpg. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid system, this two-seat vehicle can also cover up to 32 miles as a zero-emissions vehicle in all-electric mode. The XL1 is an automotive standout that follows pure sports-car design principles: light weight (1953 pounds), exceptional aerodynamics (Cd 0.19), and a low center of gravity. This super-efficient Volkswagen thus has the ability to cruise down the road at a constant 62 mph while using just 8.3 horsepower. In all-electric mode, the XL1 requires less than 0.1 kWh to cover more than a kilometer. The XL1 emits just 21 g/km of CO2, thanks to its high-tech lightweight design, aerodynamic efficiency, and a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 47-hp two-cylinder TDI® engine, a 27-hp electric motor, a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a lithium-ion battery. The 261 mpg fuel consumption figure is a record that has not been achieved by any other vehicle to date, showing that Volkswagen is redefining what is technically feasible in the automotive industry. The XL1 also has a top speed of 99 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 12.7 seconds. Conceptually, the XL1 represents the third evolutionary stage of Volkswagen’s 1-liter car strategy. When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, currently Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, formulated the visionary goal of putting into production a practical car that had combined fuel consumption of one liter per 100 km (235 mpg). In the two-seat XL1, this vision has become reality. Despite the tremendous efficiency of the XL1, the engineers and designers successfully came up with a body design which delivers more everyday utility than the two previous prototypes. In the L1, the 1-liter car that was shown in 2002 and 2009, the driver and passenger sat in a tandem arrangement for optimal aerodynamics; in the XL1, the two occupants sit slightly offset, side by side, almost like a conventional vehicle. The XL1 is 153.1 inches long, 65.6 in wide, and just 45.4 in tall. By comparison, a Volkswagen Polo is slightly longer (156.3 in) and wider (66.2 in), but is significantly taller (57.6 in). Even a purebred sports car like today’s Porsche Boxster is 5.1 inches taller. The XL1 will look spectacular going down the highway—a car of the future, built for today. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 20, 2013 Subaru was one of the automakers who actually saw increase in sales during the recent recession. But with auto sales coming back to pre-recession levels, Subaru is pondering whether to add models to help fill in product gaps in the lineup. Wards Auto recently talked with Ken Lin, director-product management for the brand. Currently, the biggest void in Subaru’s lineup is the lack of a competitive three-row crossover, something the Tribeca isn’t. Lin admits this, but doesn’t say that Subaru will end production of the model. Instead, Subaru is looking at creating a larger, three-row crossover. Lin also talked about that Subaru is looking at more upscale versions of the current lineup. “Luxury is certainly one of the opportunities with profit potential. We could do touring-editions of products but would not be competing with BMW or Mercedes. There is no move to create another brand.” Finally, Lin says Subaru will be introducing a hybrid model sometime later this year. This confirms a report back in January. Lin says the model will utilize a nickel-metal-hydride battery, not lithium-ion. Source: Wards Auto William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article