1983.5 Vw Westfalia Vanagon Full Camper on 2040-cars

Auto blog

11M VW diesels affected, Porsche and Audi under investigation

Volkswagen's diesel scandal is growing exponentially larger. In a new statement, the company admits that 11 million vehicles worldwide might be equipped with software capable of evading emissions testing. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency is beginning an investigation into the 3.0-liter V6 in Audi models and the Porsche Cayenne in the US, according to The Detroit News. The automaker claims that from its investigation so far, the "relevant engine management software is also installed in other Volkswagen Group vehicles with diesel engines." However, the company finds that the "noticeable deviation" in test results and real-world numbers only relates to the Type EA 189 powerplant. That still leaves 11 million vehicles potentially skirting emissions rules, though. Governments around the world have started taking a closer look into the company, too. In the US, the EPA has begun testing VW's V6 diesel because "they were certified well before we knew what we know now," Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, said to The Detroit News. The agency has started checking diesels from other automakers to make sure they're meeting the rules, as well. Germany, the European Union, and South Korea have instituted similar investigations. In response, VW is setting aside 6.5 billion euros ($7.25 billion at current rates) to cover servicing all of these diesels. The company admits that the figure might have to be adjusted depending on what happens next. The money is being deducted from its third-quarter earnings. Related Video: VOLKSWAGEN AG HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: Sep 22, 2015 Volkswagen is working at full speed to clarify irregularities concerning a particular software used in diesel engines. New vehicles from the Volkswagen Group with EU 6 diesel engines currently available in the European Union comply with legal requirements and environmental standards. The software in question does not affect handling, consumption or emissions. This gives clarity to customers and dealers. Further internal investigations conducted to date have established that the relevant engine management software is also installed in other Volkswagen Group vehicles with diesel engines. For the majority of these engines the software does not have any effect. Discrepancies relate to vehicles with Type EA 189 engines, involving some eleven million vehicles worldwide.

VW Jetta and Golf family earn IIHS TSP+ [w/video]

Volkswagen is the latest manufacturer to add vehicles to the growing list of cars, trucks and SUVs certified as Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The non-profit has awarded its highest safety ranking on the 2016 Golf and Jetta families. Earning a TSP+ rating, while increasingly common, is still a challenge for automakers thanks to IIHS' strict testing regime. Vehicles must net "Good" ratings – the highest grade available – in the moderate overlap, front, side, roof, and head-restraint tests, while also scoring an "Acceptable" rating on the notoriously tricky small-overlap test. On top of that, the automated crash-prevention systems need to be rated as either "Advanced" or "Superior." For 2016, the Jetta, Golf, and their performance variants retained 2015's "Good" ratings across the board, while also receiving an "Advanced" crash prevention rating, thanks to the new-for-2016 Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking systems. "This year's Top Safety Pick+ awards demonstrate Volkswagen's longstanding commitment to vehicle safety and the development of innovative technologies," Mark Barnes, VP of Sales for VW of America, said in the attached statement. "Our available driver assistance systems and safety features show Volkswagen's commitment to introduce systems that were once only seen on high-end luxury and premium vehicles, such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning." Scroll down for the official press release from VW and video of the crash test (and yes, that's a 2015 shown in both the lead image and video – the only difference between the two years was the availability of more advanced crash-prevention systems). This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2016 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, GOLF SPORTWAGEN, GOLF GTI AND JETTA EARN A 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK + RATING FROM THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY Aug 12, 2015 Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that the 2016 Volkswagen Golf 4-door, Golf SportWagen, Golf GTI 4-door, and Jetta models, when equipped with the optional Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) system, have been awarded 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

VW launches special edition Touareg X

Volkswagen is no stranger to special editions, but its Touareg SUV has remained largely unspecial in terms of exclusive trims or unique packages. That's changed with the announcement of the Touareg X, a 1,000-unit run based on the V6 TDI Lux trim - mid-range diesel model, between the navigation-equipped TDI Sport and the TDI R-Line.
The already special Touareg gets 19-inch "Moab" wheels, LED taillights (to go along with its LED DRLs) and "Touareg X" badging, while all 1,000 units will be painted Moonlight Blue Pearl. Tweaks in the cabin are equally light, with a black-on-black-on-black color scheme dominating - black Vienna leather, a black headliner and piano black trim. Aluminum bits make an appearance in the form of the door sills and pedals, although that's about it.
Other than those few aesthetic tweaks, the Touareg X is equipped largely like the Touareg Lux on which it's based. That means navigation, a panoramic sunroof, power seats, LED running lights, dual-zone air conditioning and heated power seats, among other tech pieces. Pricing starts at $56,170, making for a slight bump of $1,195 over the standard Touareg Lux.