Plug in, Bug out: VW unveils E-Bugster concept car at the Detroit Auto Show

Volkswagen rolled into the Motor City with something a little different this year—think of it as a time machine in the guise of a car. Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, it’s a little something we call the E-Bugster, and it’s the latest addition to our Blue-e-motion™ line of concept cars. While its design lines hearken back to the classic Beetle era, it takes a future-forward leap with an all-electric motor and pumped-up, speedster styling.

At the heart of the E-Bugster is a 114-horsepower (85 kW) electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that enables the car to go more than 100 miles with zero emissions. Stored under the trunk floor and the rear bench, the battery weighs a mere 695 pounds—pretty light, considering all the power it’s producing. The battery is recharged via a plug interface located beneath the hood’s VW logo and can accommodate all three types of available chargers: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V) and, where available, Level 3 (quick charge; 80 percent charge in 30 minutes).

Up front, the E-Bugster boasts a distinctive flat, wide. The E-Bugster features the same “C”-shaped LED daytime running lights offered on the production Beetle, mirrored as reflectors in the rear bumper. The front end is arched and stretched, like a chopped-down speedster; it’s three inches shorter than the production Beetle.

A unique exterior look isn’t all that sets the E-Bugster apart from the production Beetle; a peek inside reveals other differences. Traditional gauges are for traditional vehicles, and the E-Bugster is anything but. It features EV-specific gauges, like an energy consumption display that fluctuates with vehicle acceleration, a driving range indicator and a display that shows the battery’s charge state. There’s even a display that shows the level of battery regeneration, important for long road trips.

We know you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the first-ever electric Beetle, but we’re afraid you’ll have to. Concept cars like the E-Bugster and the award-winning Bulli offer a glimpse into the future of the automotive world, and besides, good things come to those who wait. Even though you can’t drive it now, you can see it at the Detroit Auto Show, located on the main stage of the Volkswagen booth And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from the show.

Introducing the Jetta Hybrid: One part eco-friendly, one part high-tech, all parts awesome

The Volkswagen Jetta made a New Year’s resolution: to be even more fuel-efficient. And only nine days into 2012, it’s made good on that promise. The Jetta Hybrid was revealed at the North American International Auto Show today, and thanks to its all-new technology, it’s the most fuel-efficient Jetta in our lineup.

What’s New

The all-new Jetta Hybrid is powered by a high-tech turbocharged gasoline engine that is paired with a zero-emissions electric motor. While this marriage of smart and sensible enables impressive driving performance with a class-leading 0-60 mph time of less than 9.0 seconds, this new Jetta is also the world’s first hybrid to use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. What does that mean to you? It means the Jetta can deliver an estimated combined fuel economy figure of 45 mpg with no sacrifice in power. The fuel efficiency is a full 20 percent higher, and in city traffic, it climbs to a little over 30 percent.

The Jetta Hybrid can also be driven in pure electric mode at speeds of up to 44 mph and for up to 1.2 miles, depending on operating conditions. And for the first time in the U.S. market, we’re using our acclaimed 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline power plant, which weighs in at a mere 216 pounds. The slimmed-down four-cylinder engine produces 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from just 1400 rpm. Now you can have a lead foot and still be environmentally friendly.

What’s Cool

The Jetta has always had a certain cool factor, but the Jetta Hybrid turns it up a few notches. It features a new take on regenerative braking: its clutch decouples the gasoline engine from the drivetrain when in pure electric drive or coasting modes to release more kinetic energy back into the battery. Because “decouples” is such a cool word, we’ll use it to describe another feature: when you step off the accelerator pedal at speeds of up to 84 mph, the TSI® engine shuts down and decouples from the drivetrain to eliminate driveline drag and the effects of the engine’s torque, resulting in even greater fuel efficiency. Want info on how fuel-efficient the Jetta Hybrid is? Get it with one glance at its all-new ePower meter. It also boasts a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery, and its Autobahn-proven technology makes it the fastest compact hybrid in its class. Now that’s cool.

Why It Matters

Think Blue is Volkswagen’s commitment to achieving sustainable mobility through technology and cars that don’t compromise performance. With its impressive fuel efficiency, turbocharged speed, innovative technology and standard safety equipment like Electronic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes and six airbags, the Jetta Hybrid embodies the Think Blue spirit of mobility that’s not only environmentally friendly, but fun.

For more information on the new Jetta Hybrid, check out our press release. The Jetta Hybrid launches in North America in late 2012, but you can see it now at the Detroit Auto Show. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates from the show.

Behind the wheel with Danielle Gumro: Why she loves the Touareg, in her own words

It’s a story as old as time: girl meets Touareg, falls in love, and drives happily ever after. (That’s a thing, right?) We recently caught up with Volkswagen product specialist Danielle Gumro to get her thoughts on her daily driver, a 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel.

Danielle’s Touareg—which she nicknamed her “Miracle Whip”—is more than just a great way to get around; it also doubles as a personal assistant. The Touareg’s voice command feature is especially handy when either of them needs to fuel up. “I love being able to locate things so simply by just pressing a button and telling my Touareg what I need. ‘I need coffee. I need diesel. I’m hungry.’” She also loves that she can open the back hatch right from her key fob when her hands are full. And even though the sweltering summer temps have prevented her from using them, she’s looking forward to trying out the heated seats and pressing the Touareg’s REST button this winter. (Editor’s Note: “REST” is the German word for “residual,” and the button enables the vehicle’s residual heat function, which keeps the cabin warm, even when the engine off and you’re running short errands.)

When we asked Danielle what she likes best about driving a TDI, she answered, “The fuel economy, definitely. I also like the way that it performs—it gives me a little pep in my own step,” she added, referring to the powerful low-end torque, but also to something else. “Once you know what diesel technology is all about, it’s like being in on the secret. You feel cooler. Let’s just say that if I had a collar on right now, it’d be popped.”

Like Danielle, the Touareg is always up for a challenge and does everything in style; this dynamic duo gets lots of attention, no matter where they go. Danielle recounts one story involving a valet who drilled her for information on the Touareg. “He had no idea Volkswagen made something that luxurious” Of course, as a seasoned product specialist, she was more than equipped to answer all his questions.

While Danielle isn’t planning to drive her Touareg across 14 countries like the TDI Panamericana team recently did, she does have a few road trips on her calendar. Stay tuned to the Touareg Blog for more on that.

16,000 miles, 14 countries, 3 people, 1 world record: Rainer and team complete the TDI-Panamericana Challenge in record time

By now, you know that Rainer Zietlow and his team Carlos Fernandez and Marius Biela completed the TDI-Panamericana Challenge ahead of schedule. But did you know that they also set a new world record for driving the length of the Pan-American Highway? The challenge was their way of commemorating the 75th anniversary of the world’s longest road, because nothing says “I love you” quite like crossing through 14 countries and covering nearly 16,000 miles in a 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI® Clean Diesel SUV—and doing so in only 12 days, three full days fewer than the previous record-holder.

10-07-2011_1_Mexico_BielaAfter a few weather-related delays, the drive kicked off July 2nd at the southern tip of South America in Ushuaia, Argentina. Thanks to the team’s hard work and round-the-clock driving schedule, they went from southern to northern hemisphere—and winter to summer—in just 12 days. Along the way, they passed through Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States and Canada, ending their journey in Deadhorse, Alaska. The team overcame several logistical nightmares, triumphed over foot-deep potholes and dealt with more than a few challenges courtesy of Mother Nature, including (but not limited to) icy roads, a blinding sandstorm in the Chilean Desert and dense fog in coastal Ecuador. All in a day’s work for the team. (OK, 12 days’ work, but who’s counting?)

12-07-2011_4_Bisons_Canada_BielaBut there was more to this drive than proving the Touareg’s mettle: as with all of his previous challenges, Rainer donated 10 Euro cents for each kilometer driven during this trip to two villages in Latin America managed by Plan International, a charity organization that works in 48 developing countries to promote children’s rights and lift millions of children out of poverty.

Tell us: what was your favorite part of the tour?

Remember: you can always relive Rainer’s adventures online at www.tdi-panamericana.com, where you’ll find photos and videos documenting the journey from start to finish.

Rainer’s team drove a 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel. The Touareg’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 TDI® Clean Diesel engine and 4MOTION® all wheel drive (AWD) system deliver the performance and durability required to tackle the many twists and turns of the Pan-American Highway. The engine provides an impressive maximum torque of 406 lbs.-ft. at 1,750 to 2,250 rpm while producing 225 horsepower at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm.

In order to account for the demands of the TDI-Panamericana Endurance Challenge, Rainer’s Touareg has been modified to include:

• Innovative Inmarsat satellite technology for live communication, even in the most remote areas
• The largest tires that fit the Touareg to better address bumpy roads throughout South America
• An additional 300-liter fuel tank to extend the distance the vehicle can travel between refueling

All-new 2012 Beetle starting at less than $19,000 coming to Park Cities Volkswagen

When we revealed the all-new 2012 Beetle in April, it was love at first sight for Beetle fans. And, as it turns out, you can put a price on love: Volkswagen announced that the 2012 Beetle will have a starting MSRP of only $18,995. The all-new Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, an agile, driver-oriented coupe that offers exceptional features and premium options, all at very competitive pricing.

Because Beetle fans love to customize their cars, the 2012 Beetle offers a host of premium features like Bluetooth® technology, slide and tilt panoramic roof, keyless access with push-button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON™ headlights and LED daytime running lights. The Beetle will also offer the new Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen.

The 2012 Beetle will be available in a variety of models at launch, including models with powerful and efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® turbocharged engines. The forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Beetle will offer an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. All Beetles come with Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System and all covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

For more information, visit the 2012 Beetle pricing press release.

The Iconic Volkwagen Beetle Hits Dallas With A Base Price Of Just $18,995.

The highly customizable Beetle offers German craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new attitude

  • Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® Turbocharged Engines at Launch
  • Forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Model Will Offer an Estimated 40 mpg Highway
  • Longer, Lower, and Wider than the Previous Beetle
  • Sporty Features Include 19-inch wheels, Performance-Handling Packages, and Sport Seats
  • Available Premium Features include Bluetooth® technology, Slide and Tilt Panoramic Roof, Fender® Premium Audio System, Keyless Access with push- button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights
  • No-Charge, Three-Year/36,000-Mile Carefree Maintenance® Program

Herndon, VA Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21st Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic people’s car. The new Beetle will start at just $18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that respects the Beetle’s past yet looks to the future.

The 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of Volkswagen and our remarkable history, said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies.

The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.

The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will have a starting MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen’s critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.

The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen’s DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals.

In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen’s highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.

The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model.

The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Notes:
This press release and images of the new Beetle are available at media.vw.com.

TDI, TSI, DSG, VW, Volkswagen, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. Carefree Maintenance is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. BI-XENON is a trademark of Hella USA. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Fender is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All fuel economy values (mpg) are forecast manufacturer values for the USA. EPA estimates not available at the time of publication.

All-New 2012 Volkswagen Passat Starts at Less Than $20,000

Passat lovers, rejoice: Volkswagen announced that the 2012 Passat will have a starting MSRP of only $19,995. The all-new Passat offers exceptional features and premium options, at competitive pricing. What’s more, the 2012 Passat will be produced at Volkswagen’s brand new energy-efficient facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The environmentally responsible facility will produce 150,000 vehicles a year and has created more than 12,000 jobs for Americans.

The 2012 Passat is not only made in America—it’s made with Americans in mind. It provides premium features offered only in the U.S., including leather seats, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, keyless access with push button start and more. The Passat will also offer the new Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen.

2012 Passat Sets New Benchmarks in the Midsize Segment:

  • Highly Contented with Standard Premium Features
  • Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control and Bluetooth®
  • Only Clean Diesel Option in Segment with Manufacturer
  • Estimated Best-in-Class 43 MPG Highway and Range of Nearly 800 Miles
  • Class-Leading Rear Seat Legroom
  • No-Charge Three-Year/36,000 Mile Carefree Maintenance®
  • German Engineering and Sophistication, Built in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Herndon, Va. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2012 Passat, a vehicle that brings new standards to the highly competitive midsize segment, with a starting MSRP of $19,995. The 2012 Passat offers exceptional features and premium options in three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels, with equally impressive pricing.

“The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features, and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

The 2.5L model with manual transmission and 170 horsepower has a starting MSRP of $19,995.The 2.5L model, available in eight equipment levels, comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and Volkswagen’s no-charge three-year/36,000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program. The up-level SE model starts at $23,725 and includes additional equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, and a multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel (see 2012 Passat pricing chart for further details and additional model information).

The 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel model offers three trim levels and starts at $25,995. The Passat TDI – the only clean diesel option in the midsize segment – is expected to deliver 43 mpg highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles. The TDI base trim package, the SE, comes standard with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Volkswagen’s touchscreen Premium VIII radio and a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s automatic DSG® transmission is optional. This direct-shift gearbox is a technologically advanced six-speed transmission that incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal.

The powerful 3.6L VR6® is offered in three trim levels and has a starting MSRP of $28,995. The VR6 model comes standard with a six-speed automatic DSG transmission and offers a highly competitive 280 horsepower. Additional standard premium features in the VR6® model include 18-inch alloy wheels, comfort sport seats, a sunroof, and a class exclusive Fender® Premium Audio System.

The new Passat, designed specifically for the North American market, provides premium features uniquely offered in the U.S., yet maintains the dynamic character that is expected of a Volkswagen. For instance, the new Passat sets new standards for comfort, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The all-new midsize sedan is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase.

Premium options include leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, power passenger seat, a choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 315 or RNS 510 navigation systems, front fog lights with static cornering lights, and keyless access with push button start.

The Passat will also offer the new Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

 

2012 Passat Pricing
Model Price Features
2.5L – S (man) $19,995 16” steel wheels, six-speed manual transmission, Automatic dual-zone climate control, power locks & windows, body color mirror and door handles, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, 8-way manual driver seat, center armrest w/integrated storage box
2.5L – S w Appearance (auto) $22,690 + Six-speed automatic transmission, 16” alloy wheels, rear center armrest w/storage
2.5L – SE (man) $23,725 17” alloy wheels, V-Tex leatherette, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, Multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim dash and middle console, exterior chrome window trim, sliding front center armrest
2.5L – SE (auto) $24,825 + Six-speed automatic transmission
2.5L – SE w Sunroof $25,625 + Sunroof
2.5L – SE w Sunroof/Navi $26,795 + RNS 315 Navigation with Mobile Device Interface (MDI)
2.5L – SEL $28,395 + RNS 510 Navigation, Fender Premium Audio System, Homelink, comfort sport seats, interior chrome accents, wood grain interior décor, exterior chrome accents
2.5L – SEL Premium $29,895 + leather seating surfaces, keyless access and remote start, fog lights, driver seat memory, 8-way power passenger seat
TDI – SE $25,995 17” alloy wheels, V-Tex leatherette seating, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, Multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim dash and middle console, exterior chrome window trim, sliding front center armrest
TDI – SE w Sunroof $27,895 + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission, sunroof
TDI – SE w Sunroof/Navi $29,495 + 18” alloy wheels, RNS 315 Navigation, Mobile Device Interface (MDI), fog lights, exterior chrome accents
TDI – SEL Premium $32,195 + Leather seating surfaces, comfort sport seats, keyless access and remote start, RNS 510 Navigation, Fender Premium Audio System, driver seat memory, wood grain interior décor, 8-way power passenger seat, interior chrome accents
3.6L – SE w Sunroof $28,995 Six-speed DSG automatic transmission18” alloy wheels, V-Tex leatherette seating, sunroof, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, comfort sports seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, Fender Premium Audio System, Multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim dash and middle console, exterior chrome window trim, chrome dual exhaust, fog lights, sliding front center armrest
3.6L – SE w Sunroof/Navi $30,595 + RNS 315 Navigation, MDI, exterior chrome accents
3.6L – SEL Premium $32,950 Leather seating surfaces, keyless entry with remote start, RNS 510 navigation, driver seat memory, wood grain interior décor, 8-way power passenger seat, interior chrome accents
Destination $770 All prices exclude destination

 

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen vehicles come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

The 2012 Golf R. It’s coming. Fast.

Golf R

America, rejoice. Starting 2012 the Golf R will be unleashed onto the streets of the USA. Inspired by the technology and temperament of motorsport, this phenomenal car features a redesigned front fascia and unique 18-inch alloy wheels at all four corners. There’s a center-mounted dual-exhaust out back, too – a signature styling element that drives home the point that the Golf R is well, fast. And to that point, as soon as you step on the gas, the new and lighter-than-ever 256-hp, 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, and 6-speed manual transmission, will launch you from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.9 seconds.1

But its exterior details and what’s under the hood is only the beginning. Walk up to your Golf R and its doors will unlock as soon as you touch the door handle (assuming you’ve got your keys with you), thanks to available keyless access with push-button start. In the cockpit you’ll find dual-zone automatic climate control, bolstered sport seats with leather seating surfaces and available touchscreen navigation complete with an available nine-speaker Dynaudio® premium audio system. And don’t forget the available sunroof overhead to whip your hair around when you’re out on the open road. Plus, for the first time, the Golf R is going to be available in 2- and 4-door models, so whether you’re lugging your friends around or opening it up solo on the track, you’ll want to be one of the select few driving this hyper-tuned beast.

With limited production the Golf R is sure to be a treat, but only if you can get your hands on one. Hold tight. More updates on R, coming soon.

Sign up for e-mail updates on Golf R and other VW products.

Legal

1. Always obey local speed and traffic laws. Engine specifications and 0-to-62 time based on European-specification engine and may not apply to U.S. engine specifications and 0 to 62 time not available at time of printing.

2012 Tiguan. The new face of turbo.

You’re looking at the latest in Volkswagen design. Those assertive front headlights and redesigned chrome grille give the new Tiguan a fresh face for 2012. Plus, to complete its sporty look, for the first time the new Tiguan will also feature available factory-installed 19” wheels. Under the hood, the new Tiguan’s standard 200-hp, turbocharged engine now offers an impressive 29 hwy mpg.1 That means you can take any motorway (or mountain way with 4MOTION all-wheel drive available on all models) in stride while making even fewer stops at the gas station.

In the short time it takes to get anywhere, you’ll enjoy interior comforts inside the new Tiguan like a premium 8-way adjustable seat, standard Bluetooth® technology with voice command, an available navigation system with a 30GB hard, and an available touchscreen sound system with an auxiliary input for connecting your iPod® or digital audio player. There’s also up to 56.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down in case you need to bring any of your stuff along for the ride.

And when it comes to safety, Tiguan still has an outstanding record. It earned a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) in both 2010 and 2011. So if you’re looking for a compact SUV that’s not only incredibly spacious, and safe, but also can handle downtown city streets, twisting mountain switchbacks, and the slalom of a supermarket parking lot, you’ll love the new 2012 Tiguan. It’s quick and nimble, just like its namesakes Tiger and Iguana. The big difference is that it lives in the city. Most of the time.

Legal

1. Est. 19 city/29 highway mpg (2012 Tiguan S, 6-speed manual transmission). 2012 EPA estimates not finalized at time of posting. Your mileage will vary.

2. “Top Safety Pick” based on 31mph side-impact crash test, 40mph frontal-offset crash test, 20mph rear-impact test, roof strength testing, and the availability of ESC. Test performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. For details, visit www.iihs.org. See vw.com for more information on safety features.