We thought we left the witch-hunting back centuries ago, but as it turns out, in Germany, a whole new form of burning-at-the-stake is taking place. A group of protestors from Berlin that support leftist organizations in the German capital have taken their whole approach of getting noticed to a new level, and they’re doing it by burning down luxury cars.
Yes, this is the 21st century and apparently, hooligans still do exist. More than 200 cars have been reported to being burned by these people, most of which include local luxury brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Volkswagen. They burn these cars in an attempt to send a message that the growing increase in rent due to the ongoing urban development in the city isn’t sitting too well with the blue-collar folks that can’t keep up with the gentrification of their city. So, in an attempt to get their points across; they burn down any luxury car that is unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of their wrath.
Making things worse is that they’d leave a note after the poor car has been burned to a crisp, even claiming responsibility for their fiery rage. So, if you’re in Berlin with a brand-new luxury vehicle, make sure you keep a close eye on it, especially during weekend nights, before it gets toasted – literally.
Still high on the success of their Passat based Comfort Coupe, the German automaker Volkswagen is playing around with the design of their classic hatchback to incorporate a Golf sized compact four door into the lineup. If it ever does come to fruition, you can expect the Golf CC to start showing up only two years after the after the seventh generation hatchback arrives in showrooms, something that is slated for 2012. On paper the 2014 Golf CC will technically be a saloon due to its four door layout, but to the eye the CC’s signature coupe like profile will its arched roofline and tapering rear window will make it appear to be a much sportier ride. The Golf’s theme of practicality will continue on the inside thanks to space conscious folding rear seats to maximize usability and at the same time the interior of the smaller Comfort Coupe promises to be a bit more luxurious than the standard hatchback.
The German automaker Volkswagen has a long history with the independent motor vehicle manufacturing firm Karmann, most notably the classic VW Karmann Ghia that was styled by the Carrozzeria Ghia and constructed by the coach builder Karmann. More recently the Volkswagen Group announced that they have acquired the land, machinery and equipment at the Osnabrück site that formerly belonged to the Karmann holding company. The best part about the acquisition is that VW is planning on setting up a new manufacturing subsidiary and eventually break ground on a new project.
Production at the Osnabrück facility isn’t scheduled to begin until 2011, however current projections detail the creation of over 1,000 jobs by the year 2014. There has been no mention of whether VW will keep the Karmann staff on for the new project, however it would be foolish to let all of those experienced automotive craftsmen go due to their extensive experience building limited edition vehicles. One of the models that will be built at the Osnabrück site is the Volkswagen BlueSport diesel roadster as well as a drop top Cabrio version of the next generation Golf VI. It’s always nice to see old friends getting back together.
After seeing MTM’s customization program for the new Golf GTD we know that Honda and Mugen don’t have a monopoly on the modified hatchback market. As further proof, the German tuning house ABT Sportsline has just come up with a kit of their own for the diesel burning turbocharged Golf VI. Aside from giving the TDI hatchback a 50 HP kick in the pants with one of their ABT Power units, the Germans have also reworked the Golf’s exterior to further suit their own brand of style.
The aero mods include a new front bumper with much more angular intakes as well as a set of stylish strips of LED driving lights. Out back the new rear diffuser makes room for ABT’s signature quad tipped exhaust pipes while an oversized wing keeps things planted at speed. Finishing off the design, ABT is offering a few wheel and tire options with their sporty AR and BR models available in either 18 or 19 inches in diameter. The alternatively fueled 2.0 Liter power plant now makes a total 190 HP and a very diesel like 288 lb-ft of torque, and although it may not sound so impressive going from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.1 seconds isn’t too bad for a diesel, and neither is a 143 MPH top speed. The best part about tuning a diesel is that when you are done you’re still driving a green vehicle.
Press release after the jump.
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Another wonder from Germany that we aren’t privy to just yet is the next generation Volkswagen Golf GTI. While VW enthusiasts overseas have been driving around in the latest hot hatch with its pronounced headlights and curvaceous body. The new GTI should be in U.S. showrooms by next year and you can expect for them to be everywhere else shortly thereafter. It is only fitting that the German suspension manufacturer H&R decided to bring a sixth generation GTI to the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, after all, ever since a team of top secret VW engineers slapped a GTI badge on the original Rabbit the one thing that these cars have become known for is outstanding handling.
As opposed to some of the more over the top examples of aftermarket influence at this year’s show, H&R has tastefully modified the Golf VI GTI with a set of thin spoked O.Z. Racing rims measuring 20 inches in diameter with a nice little red accent on the lip. Being the suspension specialists they are, H&R virtually eliminated whatever unsightly wheel gap VW gave the car from the factory leaving the new GTI with the perfect stance, all before laying down a pair of German flag inspired side stripes unlike anything you have ever seen before.
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As part of an automotive manufacturer’s vast list of responsibilities they must pick and choose what cars they want to sell in what markets, unfortunately sometimes this means that certain regions are deprived of some outstanding automobiles. In this case we are talking about the Volkswagen Scirocco, the VW sports car hasn’t been sold in the U.S. since 1988 and is currently a dedicated Euro only model.
However like most things in car culture, leave it up to the aftermarket to make the impossible come true. Like when the Netherlands based high performance shock absorber manufacturer with subsidiaries around the world brought a modified VW Scirocco wearing a set of stylish 19 inch BBS rims stateside to the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Only after seeing the sports coupe in person can you fully appreciate the cars all new curves and haunch rear end, now we know why Volkswagen of America is a bit hesitant to bring the car to the U.S. because after seeing the new car in person, we would be hard pressed to pick the Golf as our Volkswagen of choice, especially after you have a gander at the even more powerful Scirocco R.
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The German automaker Volkswagen stuck a chord with long time enthusiasts when they brought back the classic Scirocco sports coupe, and it is no wonder because the car features a sleeker shape than the hot hatch GTI and an even sportier front end. The only thing that the GTI has on the new Scirocco is its wonderful 2.0 Liter turbocharged four cylinder engine. However that is going to change soon because VW is going to equip both the new Scirocco and Eos with the same 210 HP TSI power plant that will bring the Sky Rocket’s 0 to 60 MPH sprint down to just 6.9 seconds, however we aren’t sure if it will make the new Scirocco get to the U.S. any faster.
Press release after the jump.
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Volkswagen is offering the new New Beetle Black Orange special editions, available for both hatch and convertible. Customers in Germany can already start ordering this new edition with prices starting from €22,550 (around $33,800 at the current exchange rates).
This new edition can be ordered in either a black exterior finish contrasting white stripes on the sides or an orange finish with black stripes. There are also 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, called "Sarasota".
On the inerior Volkswagen placed a three-spoke leather steering wheel and sports seats, fabric floor mats and gear lever gaiter with contrasting stitching in Burt marked orange and aluminum pedals.
Standard options include: air conditioning, radio "gamma CD," center armrest and electric windows.
Volkswagen’s new Audi mega dealership in London will soon be joined by an equally enormous facility across the pond in New York City.
The German auto conglomerate recently purchased a vast expanse of land – reported to be around 256,000 square feet – to be the site for the brand’s new state-of-the-art dealership that will feature a slew of Audi and
Volkswagen cars. The soon-to-be dealership, which is located between 55th and 56th street and is along 11th Avenue, is the latest indication of VW’s intent to cross-over to the US and establish a strong footing in one of the most high-profile cities in America.
VW purchased the land from its current owners, Potamkin GM for an undisclosed amount although it’s being reported that VW has shelled out a whopping $125 million for the purchase and renovation of the area. As one of the most recognized dealers in the New York area, the Potamkin family’s GM dealership will remain in the area where it will be moving just a few blocks south of its current location.
Press release after the jump.
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In its standard version the Volkswagen Golf GTD is powered by a 2,0 liter TDI engine that delivers 170 hp. Not bad for a diesel car, no? But MTM decided it can do better. And with a few little modifications they managed to raise the engine’s output to 205 hp.
Besides that the MTM GTD also comes with a black paint, a new exhaust systems, performance brakes, sport suspensions and 19 inch bimoto sport alloy rims which underline the vehicles character and sporty look.
No words on how the car’s performances have been improved, but stay tuned and we will let you know soon!
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