2011 Eos Komfort , Red Salsa Exterior, Cornsilk Beige Leatherette Interior on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Latest Volkswagen Transporter shows itself as the modern Microbus

With a model history dating back to 1950, the newly unveiled Volkswagen Transporter has a long legacy to uphold as one of elder statesmen of the commercial vehicle world. The sixth generation maintains the classic boxy look, and VW even admits that the shape is "modernized cautiously." Still, the changes show handsome improvements like creases in the hood and a grille that better integrates into the headlights. Rather than styling, economy is more on the minds of many commercial buyers. VW ticks that box with an average 15-percent improvement in fuel consumption across the lineup, thanks in part to standard stop/start. The engine range includes a 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder available in 83-, 101-, 148- and 201-horsepower variants. There's also a 2.0-liter gasoline-fueled four with either 148 hp or 201 hp. VW is really working to make the Transporter a safer, more comfortable carrier for its new generation. The van is available with features like adjustable shocks, adaptive cruise control, a power tailgate and the company's City Assist Braking system, which is capable of automatically bringing the van to a stop from under 19 mph. The Driver Alert System even monitors behavior behind the wheel and advises when to take a break. VW offers the T6 in many variants, including the Multivan for carrying people and mixed use Caravelle, but the highlight at launch is the fantastic looking Generation Six special edition (pictured above). Based on the Multivan Comfortline, the retro, two-tone paint is optional, but standard features include LED headlights, chrome trim and Alcantara seats. While the latest Transporter isn't coming to the US, European buyers can order one soon with a base price of 23,035 euros ($27,000). Generation SIX: world premiere of the new T series Classic Transporter design is even sharper, more precise, higher end Better fuel economy – new engines with stop/start function as standard Better safety – latest driver assistance systems More comfort and convenience – adaptive chassis, electrically adjustable seats and electric tailgate More information – new radio-navigation system with integrated online services Prices start below level of previous model Hannover/Amsterdam, 15 April 2015 – Today, the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand presents the sixth generation of the successful Transporter model series that is produced in Hannover.

The tumultuous history of the diesel engine

Volkswagen, diesel's most enthusiastic patron, deceived everyone about the amount of emissions its cars were putting out. We have covered this latest massive automotive scandal in great detail, and there are surely more fascinating revelations to come. It turns out that this is just the latest episode in the epic story of the controversy and intrigue surrounding the diesel engine, and its inventor. This is the story of the tumultuous birth and interesting evolution of the compression-ignition engine at the center of the VW scandal. Napoleon III Got Rudolf Diesel Deported Rudolf Diesel was born in Paris in 1858. His Bavarian parents had settled in France where his father, Theodor, was a leather goods manufacturer. When the French Parliament declared war on Prussia, kicking off the Franco-Prussian war, the Diesels fled to London. When he was 12, Rudolf went to live with his aunt and uncle in the Bavarian university town of Augsburg. It was his parents' hometown, and importantly, it's where Rudolf began studying at the Royal County Trade School. His time in Augsburg, graduating at the top of his class from trade school that laid the groundwork for all that was to come. Diesel Nearly Blew Himself Up An early career in refrigeration saw Diesel running R&D in Berlin for Linde, a company started by refrigeration pioneer Carl Von Linde, one of Diesel's professors. His ambition to branch out beyond refrigeration, and his deep understanding of thermodynamics, led to efficiency experiments with steam engines. Diesel was trying to create an engine that didn't waste heat from the combustion process, therefore getting the most work out of the fuel. Instead, he was nearly killed when an experimental ammonia vapor steam engine exploded. Recovery took many months, and during some of that time, he was no doubt planning his next experimental engine, based on the theoretical Carnot cycle. His Engine Was An Attempt To Stick It To The Man Steam engines were expensive to run and wasteful. Diesel thought the efficiency of his design would be a way for the small business to compete with the dominant industrial giants. It was, and it did, but big business is equally passionate about chasing efficiency. Diesel engines quickly proliferated in industries both grand and cottage. Rudolf Didn't Really Invent The Diesel As We Know It Instead, he improved an existing one to a significant degree. The Diesel engine could be considered an evolution of the "hot-bulb" engine.

Volkswagen and Porsche recall Touareg and Cayenne

The Basics: Volkswagen and Porsche will recall about 800,000 units worldwide of the 2011-2016 Touareg and Cayenne, according to Reuters. Of these, there are 88,300 Cayennes and 46,700 Touaregs in the US. The Problem: A securing clip on the brake pedal hinge could be missing. This can cause the pedal pivot pin to move, and "the pedal could lose guidance," according to Volkswagen's statement. Over time, the problem might cause the pedal hinge to fracture, which could make it impossible to activate the brakes. Injuries/Deaths: Porsche's statement says, "this is a purely precautionary measure, as there have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this concern." Volkswagen's statement reports, "no incidents have occurred in the US to date. However, single events have been reported overseas." The Fix: Dealers will inspect the clip and reinstall it if necessary. If you own one: Porsche says it discovered the problem during internal inspections. Related Video: PORSCHE EXAMINES CAYENNE MODELS AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE Inspection of pedal hinge clip Atlanta, Georgia. Voluntary safety recall: Porsche is conducting an examination of 409,477 Cayenne models worldwide from model years 2011 to 2016 for a precautionary inspection, of which 88,300 are in the United States and 10,370 are in Canada. The reason for this is a clip may have become dislodged from the pedal bracket. We are implementing a voluntary recall to inspect all Cayenne vehicles built during that period to ensure the clip is present and to re-install it if necessary. The problem was identified during internal inspections and remedied in production. This is a purely precautionary measure, as there have been no reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this concern. ### Volkswagen Statement Volkswagen has notified NHTSA of an upcoming voluntary safety recall affecting approximately 46,700 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles from the 2011-2016 model years. In rare cases, a securing clip at the brake pedal hinge may be missing. If the clip is missing, the pedal pivot pin could start to move and the pedal could lose guidance. If this remains undiscovered, the pedal hinge could fracture after continued operation, allowing the pedal to dislodge. A customer may not be able to properly actuate the brakes with a dislodged brake pedal. A non-functional brake or reduced braking power could result in a crash. No incidents have occurred in the U.S. to date.