Volkswagen cars

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTD by ABT Sportsline

After taking care of the standard seventh-gen Golf and the GTI version, German tuner, ABT Sportsline, decided to do the same with the GTD version.

It’s no surprise that the updates offered for the GTD version are nearly identical to the ones offered in the standard version and include updates to the exterior and some extra horses under the hood.

Most of the work was made under the hood where the tuner installed its ABT Power kit that increases the four-cylinder’s output up to a total of 210 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque - up from the standard 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.

To give the Golf the look to match the added power, ABT Sportsline also offers an aerodynamic kit and a set of aftermarket wheels. Also, for a better engine sound, the rear pipes were replaced with new ones.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Golf GTD by ABT Sportsline.

Video: Volkswagen Golf R VII Pushed Hard at Nürburgring

Now that Volkswagen unveiled both the standard and GTI version of the seventh-generation Golf, the next model we expect is, of course, the R version. We’ve brought you plenty of spy photos of the 2014 Golf R, but this time we present to you a video showing the upcoming Golf R taking a beating on Nürburgring.

The upcoming Golf R will be powered by a revised version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG or a six-speed transmission. The revised engine will deliver 256 horsepower in the U.S. version and 270 horsepower in the European model.

As for aesthetics, the next-gen Golf R will receive the same R treatment as the current model, but it will get the some of the design improvements seen on the other seventh-gen Golf variants, including: revised headlights and taillights; a new grille and front bumper; and a revised backside.

Stay tuned for more information and spy shots on the new Golf R as we slowly approach its debut.

2014 Volkswagen Polo

The current-generation Volkswagen Polo was unveiled back in 2009 and for the 2014 model year, it looks as if VW will give it an update. The model was spotted undergoing testing on public roads and judging by the lack of camouflage, it is obvious that the updates will be minimal.

As far as we can understand from these photos, it looks like the 2014 Polo will receive a revised front bumper with a modified air intake. Of course, it is very possible that the production version will receive a few extra updates that we cannot see from these shots.

It has also been rumored that Volkswagen will also offer some smaller updates on the interior, including a revised infotainment system, new materials and updated colors.

As for the engine lineup, there is no official confirmation just yet, but we expect to see a small revision for improved performance and reduced fuel consumption.

Expect the revised Volkswagen Polo to be unveiled in September at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Polo.

2013 Volkswagen Design Vision GTI Concept

Every year, German automaker Volkswagen goes to the Wörthersee festival in Reifnitz, Austria to show us a concept that blows us away.

It’s no different this year because after much hype and buzz, VW is ready to unleash the Design Vision GTI Concept.

In a word: wow.

In two words: production, please?

We can go on and on about what we think of the concept, but that space is provided after the jump. Here, it’s all about trying not to trip over ourselves in throwing as many superlatives as our brains can come up with.

In any case, Volkswagen designed the concept as a way to show us what the future of its GTI line could look like. It didn’t say that a production version of this car is on the horizon, which is a bummer, but if this does give us a hint of what we can expect for future GTI models, then Volkswagen did a masterful job of getting our attention.

Updated 05/10/2013: After the new Design Vision GTI Concept made its world debut at the Wörthersee meeting the other days, today it unveiled a first promo video that makes our imagination go wild: how will it be if VW will really create a GTI that can transform?

As promised, click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Design Vision GTI Concept

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabrio Austria

Volkswagen came to this year’s Wörthersee meeting with the Vision GTI Concept - a preview of a more powerful GTI. Next to it, Volkswagen, in collaboration with the junior talents from Wolfsburg and Osnabrück, developed a Golf GTI Cabrio Austria Special Edition.

The model is painted in an Oryx White combined with Flash Red stripes on the bonnet and the vehicle’s side. Also painted in red are the exterior mirrors and the brake calipers. The interior continues the same white and red scheme, but it has also been combined with black for an even more extreme look.

The model gets Recaro sports seats wrapped in black-red-white leather with red "Austria" logo embroidering. Volkswagen also offers a red-white decorative trim, and white GTI lettering on the doors. Red accents are also placed on the honeycomb mesh and air vent frames, the leather steering wheel, the DSG gearbox and the seat belts.

Additionally, the rear seats were removed to help make room for an 11-speaker, 2,250-watt stereo system.

The 2.0-liter engine was also tricked to deliver a total of 333 horsepower.

Click past the jump to read more about the standard Volkswagen Golf GTI.

2013 Volkswagen Amarok R-Style Concept

It looks like Volkswagen was pretty busy this year developing its lineup for the annual Wörthersee Tour in Austria. Alongside a special Golf GTI variant set to finally be uncovered tomorrow when the show begins, the company will also unveil a concept version of the Amarok pickup truck.

Called R-Style, the concept features a pretty aggressive aerodynamic kit, with carbon-fiber front and rear aprons, side skirts, bespoke bumpers and a rear diffuser with dual pipes. Volkswagen has also decided to make the pickup look wider thanks to 60 mm (2.36-inch) wider fenders that hide the new 22-inch wheels painted in a gunmetal shade. The interior received sports seats, dashboard and door panels made of carbon fiber, and a sports steering wheel.

Under the hood, the Amarok features a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel engine that delivers a total of 268 horsepower and a peak torque of 442 pound-feet. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends the power to the all four wheels via a permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Click past the jump to read more about the standard Volkswagen Amarok.

2012 - 2013 Volkswagen Beetle

The world heard the Beetle name for the first time back in 1938 and with 73 long and impressive years tucked away nicely under their belts, Volkswagen has never really strayed away from their original design. The appeal for the Beetle never really faltered because it was, in fact, a unique design, but Volkswagen has made the decision to reignite the passion for the Beetle with efficient engines and innovative features combined to obtain a ‘modern classic’ in the 2012 Beetle. The vehicle will make its first appearance in China, at the Shanghai Motor Show, and then it will be brought to the 2011 New York Auto Show. Sales on the North American market will begin this autumn, while Europe sales will start in early 2012.

The new Beetle shares its platform with the new Volkswagen Jetta and will be 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower), and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). Thanks to the new proportions, the roof is extended further, the front windscreen shifted back, and the rear section follows the contour of the original Beetle.

US customers will have the possibility to choose from three trim levels - "Beetle", "Design," and "Sport" - and three engines - one diesel and two petrol.

UPDATE 05/03/13: VW has just announced a mid-model-year change for the Beetle Turbo, which includes a nice power hike and some exterior updates.

2013 Volkswagen Scirocco Million Edition

Volkswagen Scirocco was unleashed in 1974 and remained in production until 1992; then, in 2008 the model was brought back to life and enjoyed a great success – unfortunately, the U.S. didn’t receive the model this time around. Now, Volkswagen is celebrating the development of its one-millionth Scirocco — 795,650 units for the first two generations and 204,350 units for the third one – with a special Scirocco Million.

This commemorative model comes painted in a special "Deep Black Metallic" combined with sporty accent stripes on the middle of the body and "Galvanic Grey" mirror caps. The car is offered with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while 19-inch alloy wheels are offered as an option. The model also receives R-Line bumpers, R-Line side sills, smoked taillights and "Million" stickers on the wings.

For the interior, Volkswagen is offering standard leather seating with contrasting seams in "Snap Orange," a black roof liner, stainless-steel pedals and, of course, entry plates with "Million" lettering.

Buyers can order the new Scirocco Million with three different engine options with power ranging from 122 to 210 horsepower.

The new Scirocco Million Edition will only be offered on the German and Chinese markets. In Germany, it is priced at €27,325 (about $35k).

Click past the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Scirocco.

Volkswagen is Still Considering a Roadster

After Volkswagen unveiled the BlueSport Concept at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the possibility of getting a production version has been up and down more than a roller coaster.

In fact, last year at the Paris Auto Show Volkswagen confirmed for the last time that the BlueSport will not happen.

Just today, a Volkswagen official – design chief Walter de Silva to be more exact – in an interview with German magazine Auto Motor Und Sport has stated that "this is a vehicle that we particularly like, and we always had in mind."

de Silva also said in the interview that he is not the only one in the company that thinks a small roadster wouldn’t be a bad decision for VW and that several employees are pushing to put it into production.

While we are not very sure this is an official confirmation of a production version, we are pretty sure a new round of speculations is about to begin.

Click past the jump to read more about the BlueSport Concept.

2013 Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion

Alongside the seventh-generation Golf, Volkswagen has also dropped one of the world’s most fuel-efficient family cars – the new Golf BlueMotion – onto the market. The model is about 15-percent more fuel efficient than its predecessor, but at the same time it also offers the same level of practicality, comfort and safety as a standard Golf.

The new model was previewed by the Golf BlueMotion Concept at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and, as no surprise, the production version is basically identical.

When compared to a standard Golf, the BlueMotion version features a lightweight design and it is more aerodynamic, thanks to a lowered ride. The exterior updates combine with a highly efficient diesel engine to ensure out-of-this-world fuel economy.

The model is now on sale and on the British market and is relatively affordable for such an efficient car.

Click past the jump to read more about the new Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion.