2011 Volkswagen S on 2040-cars

Auto blog

VW teases GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo concept

Volkswagen was among the first to demonstrate its Vision for Gran Turismo with the GTI Roadster concept, last year. And now it's gearing up to release another one. Previewed in the video clip above and the images in the gallery below, the new GTI Supersport is once again conceptually based on the German automaker's iconic hot hatch. But instead of a roofless design rendered in red, this one has a fixed roof with pseudo NACA ducts and white bodywork, along with twin nostril air extractors in the hood, a giant carbon-fiber rear wing and diffuser, and large side vents. In short, it looks like it'll be awesome, and we'll likely see the full thing before too long – so watch this space.

Car and Driver 10Best list cracked by Tesla Model S, BMW 3 Series left off

Car and Driver is keeping new blood pumping into its annual 10Best cars list with three new entries making it on for 2015 and a perennial favorite falling off. Among the biggest shocks this year is that the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series are no longer named, despite years of some portion of that lineup earning a mention. In another surprise, the Tesla Model S (specifically in S 60 trim to fit under the $80,000 cost cap) makes it to the 2015 roster and is the only electrically motivated member of the group. Despite the loss of the 3 Series, BMW isn't entirely shut out this year, because the M235i gets its name on the list. Car and Driver argues that the little coupe feels like a welcome throwback to the E46 chassis M3 of the early 2000s. In addition to the Model S, the final newbie to the annual group is the 2015 Ford Mustang GT. The inclusion of these new members knocks the Audi A6/A7 family and Ford Fiesta ST out from the 2014 rundown. The other seven models carry over from last year, including the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Honda Accord, Mazda3, Mazda6, Porsche Boxster/Cayman and Volkswagen Golf/GTI. The 2015 10Best cars list certainly seems to have something for everyone from the hot hatch fan to the family man and even the green car driver, thanks to the addition of the Tesla. Head over to Car and Driver to read its detailed explanations for each vehicle's inclusion, but if you've got a difference of opinion or just really like the list, let us know in Comments. Featured Gallery Car and Driver 2015 10Best Cars List View 10 Photos News Source: Car and DriverImage Credit: Car and Driver, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Tesla, Volkswagen Auto News BMW Cadillac Chevrolet Ford Honda Mazda Porsche Tesla Volkswagen Convertible Coupe Hatchback Performance Sedan 10Best

VW promises Passat facelift among 2016 changes

Volkswagen has got a whole raft of changes in store for the 2016 model year. Some of those changes are already known, but others are altogether new developments. The biggest news is that the German automaker will roll out a facelifted version of the Passat for 2016. The revised sedan, specific to the North American market, will adopt new sheetmetal, wheels, and lights at both ends. It will also receive a reworked interior with a more premium look and feel and a new instrument panel. It's set to arrive in the fall, with further details to "follow closer to launch." A number of trim-level adjustments are also being applied across the lineup. There'll be a new value-proposition Beetle 1.8T S model, a simplified array of trims for the rest of the Beetle and Tiguan lines, and new Trend and R-Line models for the CC. Lest you think it was finally gone, the Eos cabriolet is also sticking around for another model year in a limited capacity. In addition to these developments, VW is also rolling out a raft of new technologies across a wide variety of models. These include new infotainment features and safety systems, many of which launched on the new Touareg. As we recently reported, there's also a new version of the Jetta GLI, a new 1.4-liter turbo engine for other versions of the Jetta, and a more accessible version of the battery-powered e-Golf as well. Delve into the press release below for a full run-down of all the changes in store for Das Auto brand.