It seems that we’ll be getting a new Jetta sedan next June, and it apparently won’t be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to Car and Driver, VW’s so-called New Compact Sedan, which will be built at the same Mexican plant that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.

Following its June debut here in the States, Volkswagen will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there’s a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.

Lastly, we’re told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there’s a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST.

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The Nissan Qashqai has a silly name. Though not as silly as the Qashqai+2, the seven-seat version of the British built small CUV. But silly name not withstanding, the slightly smaller than a Nissan Rogue compact crossover has been something of a sales phenom for Nissan, selling more than 500,000 copies around the world since 2007 despite not being offered in the North American market.

For the 2010 model year, some things are changing, and some aren’t. The biggest and most obvious difference is the front end, which is all-new and quite handsome looking. We especially like the sculpted lower fascia and intake. And while it is slightly smaller than the Rogue we do have in America, the Qashqai (named after a nomadic Iranian tribe) looks tougher. In the rear, the song remains largely the same, though the taillights have been slightly revised. The colors you see here are both new — Magnetic Red and Mineral Gray.

Inside, functionality is up with a new dash computer, gauges, lighting and “oddments” storage. Refinement is also up, with more baffling in place to reduce NVH, along with a revised windscreen and A-pillars to cut wind noise. The suspension has also been redesigned to improve both ride comfort and handling. All in all, the Qashqai looks to be a pretty tasty package. But you can almost set your watch to the fact that Nissan will not be bringing it to our red, white and blue shores, and while we like the Rogue just fine, we’d just assume that Nissan give us this one instead. What do you think? Check out the ress release after the jump and the high-res gallery below, and then let us know which one you’d prefer to see on sale in America.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan updates Qashqai crossover – and no, we’re still not gonna get it

Nissan updates Qashqai crossover – and no, we’re still not gonna get it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST.

Vogtland Suspension USA features high quality products manufactured by Vogtland, such as Audio Spring Kits, Audio Suspension Kits, Height Adjustable Coilovers, Sport Spring Kits, Sport Suspension Kits, Junior Suspension Kits and DONK Lift Kits. In addition they are paired up with Koni Sport Dampers, Koni Sport Valving, TokicoD-spec Dampers and Tokico HTS Dampers for the ultimate suspension product on the market today. Visit our store for great deals and savings from an Authorized Vogtland Dealer.

Where to even start? Oh right – that interior! With the possible exception of a couple of British-ish cars (BMW-owned Rolls-Royce Phantom, Volkswagen-owned Bentley Mulsanne, Tata-owned Jaguar XJ), no interior even comes close. And frankly, being honest, those luxo-barges just pale in comparison to the blinged out old-world splendor of a Spyker cockpit. And the C8 Aileron Spyder ups that already pricey ante. And get this – all C8s are now built in Coventry, England, shaving about $9,000 off the asking price, which is somewhere south north of $200,000 depending on baubles options.

Normally, photographing cars at auto shows feels like a strange, exotic form of torture, at least for us writerly types. The bright lights, the bumrush, the awkward positions (you try crawling on your hands and knees between a posing CEO’s knees to get a shot of a wheel) – it’s not fun. But when photographing this car, we were overcome with a rush of (let’s just say) endorphins. We could imagine ourselves winding up the California coast, fondling that leather-wrapped aluminum gear shifter for hundreds of breezy, dreamy miles. And get this – it’s an automatic… and we don’t care!

For you number junkies who choose to hastily look past the incredible innards, the C8 drop top is powered by a 4.2-liter Audi V8 good for 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That medium-amount of gumption is routed to the rear-wheels via a 6-speed slushbox. Top speed is 187 mph and 0-60 happens in 4.5 seconds. Spyker claims that the car’s strength is in the frame (stouter than a Ferrari F430, so they say) and therefor chopping off the roof has limited negative structural impact. Want more tech details? See our post from Monterey.

Let’s get back to that interior. If you’re into fancy cars (hi mom!) you’ve no doubt heard of special leather coming from “free range” cows raised without barbwire so as to ensure the leather is flawless. Well get this, the leather in the Aileron Spyder comes from a Dutch tannery that works with free range cold weather cows. Why cold weather? No mosquito bites. No, really. And you can get that interior in any of fourteen colors, most of which are (hopefully) equally eye-searing. Finally, anyone else as in love with the tonneau cover-mounted quilted leather briefcase as we are?

LA 2009: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder proves the devil is in the details originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:00 EST.

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While not quite as in your groin face as Samuel L. Jackson’s Snakes on a Plane, the following video is as honest in its title to content ratio. Yes, a camera crew in a helicopter follows two Lamborghini Gallardos (one hardtop and one Spyder) up and down Pacific Coast Highway and through some of the Southland’s best canyon roads. Nearly perfect, right?

Well, there’s an issue or two. First is the thumping, blasting “butt-rock” soundtrack. Second, that soundtrack is annoying and obscures the glorious fury of the Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V10 — a motor that can make a four-year-old to burst into tears when cranked from a cold start (true story — we saw it happen in person). Truly, a beast of an engine.

Had it been our video then, we would’ve killed the royalty-free-Nickelback soundtrack and instead stuck mics on the Lambos as if they were pincushions. Then we’d have tailed the two blue bulls to Kanan Dume Road. Why Kanan? Tunnels — three of them. Not to get all David E. Davis on you, but you really haven’t lived until you’ve heard Lambo’s V10 at 8,250 rpm in a confined space. Glorious. With that said, make the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles

VIDEO: Helicopter chases two Lamborghini Gallardos around Los Angeles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 12:20:00 EST.

Vogtland Suspension USA features high quality products manufactured by Vogtland, such as Audio Spring Kits, Audio Suspension Kits, Height Adjustable Coilovers, Sport Spring Kits, Sport Suspension Kits, Junior Suspension Kits and DONK Lift Kits. In addition they are paired up with Koni Sport Dampers, Koni Sport Valving, TokicoD-spec Dampers and Tokico HTS Dampers for the ultimate suspension product on the market today. Visit our store for great deals and savings from an Authorized Vogtland Dealer.

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen Polo – Click above for high-res image gallery

It can be a bit overwhelming when every magazine and their various editions pick their own Car of the Year each annum. Fortunately, the Europeans have it together. Literally.

Every year, seven of the continent’s biggest car mags – each from a different country and in a different language – get together and jointly choose the European Car of the Year. The process is exhaustive, first identifying the candidates in the summer, then whittling it down to a shortlist of nominees in the fall before selecting their one winner for the year in the winter. And with temperatures dropping everywhere on this side of the equator and the new year fast approaching, the time has come once again.

For 2010, the jurists have selected the new Volkswagen Polo as their Car of the Year. The fifth-gen VW hatch beat out some stiff competition from the Citroen C3 Picaso, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 3008, Skoda Yeti and Toyota iQ. It was a close race, the Toyota coming in a narrow second with 337 points to the Polo’s 347. The Astra took third place by a wide margin at 221 points.

It’s the first time a Volkswagen has won the award in some 17 years and only the second time Wolfsburg’s taken the prize home in the forty-five years since the jury first sat. Sister company Audi has also won the award twice (for the 1973 Audi 80 and 1983 Audi 100), and Porsche once (for the 1978 Porsche 928).

[Source: CarOfTheYear.org]

Volkswagen Polo named 2010 European Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST.

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Geiger, the German tuner with a fascination with American performance cars, generally produces modified vehicles in not-so-subtle and “look at me!” variations. This Ford GT encompasses both varietys, with plenty of performance upgrades to boot. Geiger has previously modified the Blue Oval’s retro supercar and ended up with impressive results – 701 horsepower, 617 lb-ft torque, and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

This latest version takes it one step further, and the 5.4-liter V8 now produces 790 horsepower and 637 lb-ft torque thanks to a larger 4.0-liter supercharger that replaces the stock 2.3-liter unit as well as a larger throttle body and a new air filter. Geiger claims the same 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds, probably limited by traction, but top speed has been stretched to 223 mph. Hit the jump for more details on this lime green beast and browse through the high-res image gallery below.

[Source: GeigerCars.de]

Continue reading Geiger continues excessive use of bright paint, boost with 790-horsepower Ford GT

Geiger continues excessive use of bright paint, boost with 790-horsepower Ford GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST.

Vogtland Suspension USA features high quality products manufactured by Vogtland, such as Audio Spring Kits, Audio Suspension Kits, Height Adjustable Coilovers, Sport Spring Kits, Sport Suspension Kits, Junior Suspension Kits and DONK Lift Kits. In addition they are paired up with Koni Sport Dampers, Koni Sport Valving, TokicoD-spec Dampers and Tokico HTS Dampers for the ultimate suspension product on the market today. Visit our store for great deals and savings from an Authorized Vogtland Dealer.

Don’t have enough money for Brabus to swap out the V8 in your E63 AMG for a V12? Not to worry. Today at the Essen Motor Show, the German tuner officially launched its B63 S performance package for 6.2-liter V8 in the four-door Benz. The upgrade consists of dual “sport” air filters, high-flow catalytic converters, and revised program for the engine and results in a 30 horsepower increase.

Brabus is also offering other modifications for the E63 AMG as well, including a carbon fiber aero kit, wheels in 18 to 20-inch sizes, and various interior trim pieces like stainless-steel scuff plates, a new 225 mph speedometer, and wood or carbon fiber inlays. For the most part ,we’d skip the visual bits and stick with the engine upgrades. Hit the jump for full details in press release, or check out the high-res gallery below courtesy of Brabus.

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Essen 2009: Brabus tweaks the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Essen 2009: Brabus tweaks the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:44:00 EST.

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The history of the British automobile is littered with dozens upon dozens of small, independent cottage-industry automakers. Names like Lotus, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Land Rover have stood the test of time. And in recent years companies like Ascari, McLaren Automotive and Ariel have sprung up to join the fold. (Heck, Lee Noble’s been responsible for half of them.) But for every new automaker that sets up shop in the UK, there are dozens more that have faded into the night: carmakers like Triumph, Sunbeam, AC, Austin-Healey and TVR. But one is making a comeback.

Founded by Derek Bennett in 1965, Chevron Cars produced more than 60 distinct racing cars over the course of its history. But the Lancaster-based automaker has long since faded into obscurity. The marque now belongs to Westfield Sportscars, purveyors of Lotus 7 continuation cars, which is now preparing to bring back the Chevron with the design you see here.

The new Chevron GR8 is being developed as the spiritual successor to the original G8, a lightweight mid-engine race car built in the late ’60s. The new car follows the same formula: a fiberglass body over a steel spaceframe with a 255hp 2.0-liter Cosworth engine mounted right in the middle. That might not sound like a lot of power, but the target curb weight of 1,322 pounds promises to keep the power to weight ratio on the fun side.

Chevron is planning an initial run of 20 examples, each to be sold for £49,500 (about $82k). They’ll all be earmarked towards the GR8 Challenge, a new one-make racing series. After that, Chevron plans to turn the GR8 into a track-day special available for public consumption, but does not plan to make a road-going version. Which is a shame, because as many that spring up every so many years, we never get tired of British sportscars.

[Source: Chevron via PistonHeads]

Chevron staging a comeback with new GR8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST.

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BMW 320si WTCC, BMW-Sauber F1.07 and Formula BMW FB02 – Click above for high-res image gallery

What would BMW be without racing? We could be about to find out if recent developments are any indication. The Bavarian automaker competed in F1, the World Touring Car Championship and various sportscar series, while running its own Formula BMW feeder series that has helped breed such talents as Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel. The automaker announced its withdrawal from Formula One at the end of this year, and reports now indicate that they’ll be severely curtailing their participation in the World Touring Car Championship as well.

BMW mounted a concerted comeback effort in the WTCC this year, only to narrowly lose out again to SEAT. Whether the decision is directly related to the upset or not is unclear, but reports out of Europe say that BMW will be reducing the number of its cars in the championship next year from five to two. That means eliminating the national teams system it had in place, consolidating and putting its WTCC-spec 320si in the hands of Team Schnitzer (the erstwhile BMW Team Germany), which gains triple champion Andy Priaulx from BMW Team UK to partner with multiple race winner Augusto Farfus. Two-time CART champion and double amputee Alex Zanardi, who was racing for BMW Team Italy-Spain, is moving to the Superstars Series. (Touring car fans should also note that SEAT’s 2008 champion Yvan Muller is moving to Chevrolet to replace the retiring former F1 driver Nicola Larini.)

What remains to be seen is whether BMW will continue cutting its racing activities in other series as well, or if they’ll have cut enough expenditures from their F1 and WTCC programs to let its sportscar programs and Formula BMW survive the cutbacks.

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

BMW continues curtailing racing programs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST.

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It looks like the lakes around Arvidsjaur Sweden have frozen early this year and the engineers from Munich have hit the ice already. The current generation BMW 6 Series has been one of the company’s more controversial designs of the past decade, along with the previous-generation 7 Series and Z4. Like most of the rest of the lineup, it will be getting a re-work in the not-too-distant future, and judging from some new photos, it will be following a similar design direction to other recent introductions.

It looks like the bustle back trunk lid (a.k.a. “The Bangle Butt”) is being given the heave-ho, although the convertible that was spotted looks like it might be sporting a two-piece rear lid similar to the 5 Series Gran Turismo. It also appears as though there are two cut-lines, the lower one being the one that goes along the side to open for the top to go up and down. The second smaller one higher up might be just for cargo access.

Another element that some will be to see go are the flying buttresses on the top. Thankfully, it appears that BMW has decided to avoid the unnaturally long rear deck that would come with a hard top and retained the fabric variety. At the front, the 6 gets a more vertical grille and headlights that look much like the Z4.

Underhood, the current 4.8-liter V8 will probably be replaced by the newer 4.4-liter twin-turbo and the six-cylinder will probably be the new 300-horsepower single turbo unit just announced for the 5 Series.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: New BMW 6 Series cabrio caught, reveals no more flying buttresses originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 EST.

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