05 Vw Golf Tdi Turbo Diesel 5 Speed Manual Sunroof Gls Model All Options Wagon on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Volkswagen bringing new Tiguan to Frankfurt

As expected, Volkswagen will introduce the new Tiguan crossover at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. While the brand hasn't quite gotten on the endless teaser train, VW's German Facebook page has released a simple shot of the new crossover covered up on the Wolfsburg factory line. We're not able to learn much from the single image released by VW Deutschland, as the sheet being used hides virtually all the body's details. The caption for the image is no help either, simply saying that the first Tiguan for Frankfurt has rolled off the Wolfsburg line. So yeah, that's about it. But while this image isn't terribly informative, we already know quite a bit about the new Tiguan. Its looks will likely be inspired by the Cross Coupe GTE and CrossBlue Concepts, while additional body styles could be offered later in the CUV's life. For performance fans, there will likely be a 300-horsepower R model, in addition to the standard array of gas and diesel engines. Check out the image from VW Germany's Facebook page, and then be sure to head back in a few weeks for the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

This semi-autonomous stroller from VW is a great idea

We're still on the fence about the prospect of autonomous vehicles. On the one hand, they promise to make commuting a breeze and collisions a thing of the past. On the other, they stand to take us away from the steering wheel, and that's something we can't abide. But an autonomous stroller, now that's the kind of idea we can get behind. Shame such a thing doesn't exist... right? That's what we assumed until we saw this spot from Volkswagen. The German automaker's Dutch office posted on Facebook, asking the public for suggestions on how the company might improve other products, aside from automobiles. The most popular response was a baby stroller with automatic braking. So they went ahead and built one. The resulting prototype – and we're sorry to report that it's just a prototype for the time being – doesn't just have automatic braking. It can even follow the parent (or nanny or whomever) around under its own power and with its own steering. It's got the adaptive cruise control sensor from a Golf and is programmed to keep a fixed distance from the guardian in front. Or so the video suggests, at any rate. There's a good chance that there's some manner of trickery going on here, probably in the form of a hidden engineer off-screen with a remote control, and hopefully without an actual baby on board. Whether it's real or not, the invention in the commercial is sure to pique the interest of the parents among us, and maybe get those without kids thinking about taking that big step... stroller autonomously in tow.

VW to unveil diesel-electric Twin-Up! in Tokyo

We've received multiple reports that Volkswagen will be bringing a diesel-electric concept to the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, set to take place later this month. The car, called the Twin-Up!, is based on the Up! city car, with some sources claiming this is a thinly veiled concept that will eventually enter production.
According to Automotive News Europe, the Twin-Up! will reportedly return 214 miles per gallon on the US cycle by combining an 800-cc, two-cylinder diesel and an electric motor. It will also boast plug-in capabilities, and will be able to cover 30 miles on electric power alone.
Autocar has a more complete picture of the Twin-Up!'s powertrain, though, claiming it's a modified version of the hybrid system found in the Volkswagen XL1. The Twin-Up! will get a more potent, 47-horsepower electric motor to the XL1's 27-hp unit, but will retain that car's 47-hp turbodiesel. The battery pack will also grow, from 5.5 kilowatt hours to 8.6 kWh. Both of these increases are necessary due to the increased weight of the Twin-Up! - it's some 900 pounds heavier than an XL1.