Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Volkswagen Bluesport Concept
Earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn mentioned to a group of reporters that, in his mind at least, electric cars were at least 15-20 years away. Now, Volkswagen of USA head Stefan Jacoby has been quoted as saying it will take even longer. Specifically, it could be as long as 35 years before EVs take a significant percentage of market share away from the tried-and-true internal combustion engine.
Why? To answer, Jacoby asks a question: “What would happen if 50 million new electric customers would plug their electric cars in an electric socket? There is no country on earth that is really properly prepared for electric cars.” Further, Jacoby suggests that emerging markets like China and India will take the longest to eschew fossil fuels.
There are a few power companies that would disagree with that assessment. Regardless, VeeDub’s U.S. head goes on to suggest that the diesel engine is more than ready to pick up the slack on the way to greener motoring, saying that VW’s diesels could get as much as 70 miles per gallon within a decade.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Filed under: Diesel, EV/Plug-in, Volkswagen, Green Daily
VW’s Jacoby says few countries ready for electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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VW’s Jacoby says few countries ready for electric vehicles - Green Cars
Posted on March 15th, 2009 under Green Motoring, VW.
Top Gear US has struck again with their latest installment in the Project Sipster saga, and this one’s a doosey. The TG crew is taking an early ’80s VW Rabbit diesel apart and replacing the engine and transmission with newer and more powerful units. We’re pretty sure that there’s plenty more planned for the oil-burner than just an engine swap, so we’ll be following closely over the coming weeks.
This new update shows exactly what it takes to drop the engine from a 2003 Jetta TDI and a modified transmission from a 1998 Jetta TDI into the engine bay of a 1981 VW Rabbit. While it may not seem like the kind of thing you’d plan to do over the weekend, it’s an interesting project and the goal of 70 mpg and a sub-7-second run to sixty for under $7 grand sounds like good fun. Read all about it here.
[Source: Top Gear US]
Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Volkswagen, Green Daily
Top Gear US shows us how to perform a TDI engine swap originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Top Gear US shows us how to perform a TDI engine swap - Green Cars
Posted on March 12th, 2009 under Green Motoring, VW.
Details of the new sixth generation Volkswagen Golf are released.
The new gold has been built on the ideals and qualities of the old, established models but with much more improved technology and safety. Volkswagen have been making Golfs for 34 years and have produced over 26 million models and are set to continue this trend with this new model.
The new model retains the iconic design of the VW Golf but is clearly from the same design stable as the exciting new Scirocco. This sixth generation has more sharply defined lines than the older models and features much more advanced technology.
Head of Design at VW, Walter de Silva says, ‘it is more accentuated than its predecessor with precisely defined lines and edges and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses,’ commented de Silva.” He continues, “the new look aims to combine the elements that define the Golf across five generations while bringing them up to date. The result is a clean, elegant design that’s easily recognisable as a Golf yet remains an all-new shape.”
It has a great range of engines available such as the 2.0 litre 110PS diesel which will produce only 119 g/km CO2 and do 62.7 mpg. Other diesel engines range from 90PS to 170PS and petrol from 80PS to 160PS all with six speed manual and DSG transmissions available.
Other features include the Adaptive Chassis Control from the new Scirocco and Automatic Distance Control plus even more advanced Electronic Stabilisation Programme software.
This will be available to lease soon from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts but in the mean time check out our fantastic deals on the current model:
Lease a Volkswagen Golf
Posted on August 11th, 2008 under Latest Car News, New Car Launches, VW.
Volkswagen are launched a new high performance versionn of the VW Passat Saloon and Estate called the Passat R36. With a 3.6 litre V6 producing 296bhp and 4motion four wheel drive the new model will be the quickest production Passat todate. With large 18 inch alloys and additional sports styling customers should be able to lease an R36 later this year. Full leasing rates to follow on the Nationwide website.
Posted on May 6th, 2008 under New Car Launches, VW.
Volkswagen are offering a new Special Edition of the Golf GTi called the Pirelli. This is the second time VW have team up with Pirelli, the first being with the original GTi in 1983. As well as colour coded design touches and 18 inch alloys with Pirelli tyres the power output from the 2 litre turbo engine has been increased from 197bhp to 227bhp, The new model will be available as a 3 or 5 door version with or without VW’s DSG Automatic gearbox. Full lease costs are available on the Nationwide website.
Posted on April 29th, 2008 under New Car Launches, VW.
Nationwide have special offers on a range of diesel Volkswagon Passat Saloon’s and Estate’s. Choose from the 1.9 TDi diesel S model from £229.95 plus vat per month or the higher specification SE at £249.95 plus vat. The more powerful 2.0 TDi SE saloon comes in at £259.95 plus vat and the estate version at £274.95 plus vat. please Note - all vehicles are in stock and selling fast.
To view all our VW Passat offers click on the link below:
http://www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk/Volkswagen-Passat-variants.htm
Posted on August 7th, 2007 under Latest Car Leasing Offers, VW, VW.
Nationwide have special rates available on a select line up of VW Cars. Price based on Contract Hire and Personal Contract Hire over 36 months and 3×35 payment profile.
VW Golf 2.0 TDi GT 140 5 Door from £249.95 plus vat per month.
VW Passat 2.0 TDi 140 SE 4 Door from £259.95 plus vat per month.
VW Passat Estate 2.0 TDi 140 SE from £289.95 plus vat per month.
VW Touran 7 Seat 1.9 TDi SE from £249.95 plus vat per month.
Posted on July 11th, 2007 under Latest Car Leasing Offers, VW.
Volkswagen’s new Golf Estate is set to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 6 March. With the largest loadspace of any Golf EState to date 
the new model extends the versatility of the Golf range. As well as a new look to the rear of the car the Golf Estate benefits from fresh styling at the front together with several desirable practical and dynamic touches.
While practicality and load lugging are high on the Golf Estate’s agenda the sharp driving dynamics of the hatchback are retained. The new Golf Estate will be powered by a range of advanced engines: The refined and economical diesel variants come in a choice of 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS engines. Petrol engines comprise of 1.4-litre TSI 140 PS and 1.6-litre FSI 102 PS variants from the Golf hatchback. The new 1.4-litre 140 PS TSI engine combines the virtues of a small capacity engine and its inherent fuel economy with a supercharger and turbocharger to grant a performance edge. The TSI engine is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or quick-shifting DSG gearboxes.
Sales of the latest Golf Estate in the UK will commence in the summer with prices set to be announced nearer the time.
Posted on March 2nd, 2007 under New Car Launches, VW.
The arrival of the most powerful production Golf GTI yet - the limited Edition 30 - celebrates the 30th anniversary of the original hot hatch in 2007.
This exciting addition to the GTI model continues the legacy of outstanding performance. It packs an extra 30PS - one more for each anniversary year. The unique 230PS 2.0-litre T-FSI engine achieves 0-62 in just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.
18-inch ‘Pescara’ alloy wheels, new chin spoiler and exclusive Edition 30 badge all distinguish this unique car. Inside, premium leather and cloth sports seats, red-stitched leather GTI steering wheel and golf-ball gear lever continue the dynamic theme.
The new Golf GTI Edition 30 specification echoes the high levels seen on the current Golf GTI.
Posted on February 26th, 2007 under New Car Launches, VW.
The New Touareg is now available to order ahead of its arrival in showrooms on 1 March 2007. With a host of new technologies and fresh styling Touareg prices will start from £29,465 on the road RRP for the 2.5-litre 
TDI 174 PS with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) before rising to £57,535 for the range-topping Altitude 5.0-litre V10 TDI DPF. The New Touareg builds on the previous model’s reputation for technological and engineering prowess and marks the debut of exciting new technologies under the skin.
Posted on January 25th, 2007 under New Car Launches, VW.
