Volkswagen already offers a Cabriolet version for their standard Golf VI model, but the 2012 Geneva Motor Show will set the stage for the unveiling of the GTI Convertible. In fact, this model has already been previewed with the unveiling of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept (pictured here) last year, but don’t expect the production model to look as aggressive as the concept. The Golf GTI Convertible will look just like the GTI, but will be equipped with a soft top roof.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI Convertible will be powered by a 2.0 liter turbo engine with an output of 208 HP. It will be equipped with a GTI-specific suspension, optional Adaptive Chassis Control, and a six-speed manual as standard or a DSG transmission as an option. The model will sit on a set of 17" alloy wheels and the interior will benefit from GTI tartan seats.
When it does debut, the Volkswagen GTI Cabriolet will be offered in limited edition, but will more than likely not make it to our side of the pond.
While everyone is waiting for the Beetle TDI version to debut next week in Chicago, German tuner Je Design has prepared an upgrade package for the existing 2.0 TFSI version. The package includes a pretty cool exterior upgrade, as well as the addition of 40 HP under the hood.
The new Beetle already looks the part with its new, more masculine design, so the exterior didn’t need much. Je Design only added an attractive rear apron insert with a diffuser, a centered air duct, and a new steel muffler with a round 90 millimeter large twin tailpipe. The car now sits on a new set of 19" alloy multi spoke wheels painted in an exclusive black "Tornado" finish. The new wheels can be combined with new suspension springs with a progressive characteristic and a sporty spring constant.
Under the hood, Je Design has tweaked the ECU to increase the output from 200 HP to 240 HP and the peak torque from 206 lbs-ft to 228 lbs-ft. As a result, the Beetle will now sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds (down from 7.5) and will hit a top speed of 138 mph.
If you thought two special edition MINIs were enough, then you probably don’t know the German automaker all that well. Known for their bombastic flair and penchant for the out-of-the-box, MINI has released another special edition vehicle, following in the trail of the Baker Street and Bayswater models.
This one’s called the Highgate Convertible, and comes with plenty of special edition goodies befitting MINI’s quirky personality. For starters, the car has been painted with a new metallic hue - Iced Chocolate - and contrasted by brown and black bonnet stripes with blue edging. Should Iced Chocolate not suit your tastebuds, MINI’s offering two other color options with equally irrepressible names: Midnight Black and White Silver. The Highgate Convertible also receives a brown soft-top to go with a new set of 17" Double Cross light-alloy wheels.
Interior modifications for the special edition MINI Convertible includes leather seats dressed up in Dark Truffle with light contrast stitching and light blue piping. Stainless steel pedals are also offered, as is a Suntouched Brushed Alloy interior trim, and last but not least, MINI’s Chrome Line Interior package.
The Highgate Convertible is being offered on four trims of the Cooper: the standard version, the Cooper S, the Cooper D, and the Cooper SD. Sales for the special edition convertible begin in April 2012.
It’s been a rough winter in almost all parts of Europe, but if anyone se the guts to go out in weather like this then Volkswagen has a little something for them. The company has created a tool to provide some of the best sledding experiences anyone has ever had. Their new toy is a snow sled called the GTI Crazy Bob and with a name like that, it’s bound to be fun.
Crazy Bob is a hot sled, in the truest sense of the word. It was built in the GTI style with high quality, cold-resistant plastic and features ergonomically shaped front and rear footrests. Both sides are worked to offer the highest security and special runners provide excellent glide and tracking. Due to its light weight, the Crazy Bob is easy to carry on your shoulder.
The Crazy Bob can be had for 64,90 €, or about $85 at the current exchange rates. If this is too much, Volkswagen is also offering another traditional wooden sled that is priced at $65.
The Fiat 500 is a great little car for anyone who is going on a solo mission, but anyone with a couple of kids in tow may need to look elsewhere. Fiat, well aware of the gap in their lineup, will be addressing this issue at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March with the 500L- an all-new model that expands the appeal of the brand’s iconic Fiat 500.
The new 500L (L stands for "Large") is a five-passenger model that expands the brand’s style and efficiency in the growing B-segment. It will be 163.0 inches long, 70.1 inches wide, and 65.4 inches tall. Under the hood, Fiat will place a choice of two petrol engines - the 101 HP 1.4 liter in-line four-cylinder engine from the standard 500 and a TwinAir version - as well as one diesel turbocharged 1.3 MultiJet II engine.
The Fiat 500L will be produced at the FIAT plant in Kragujevac, Serbia, and will arrive in the United States in 2013.
