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VW recalling 2.64M vehicles worldwide over engine, light issues

Volkswagen is staging a massive, worldwide recall that's already grown from 1.68 million to 2.64 million vehicles and covers three different issues across a number of vehicles. We already reported on 61,000 Tiguans getting recalled over lighting issues - that was just in the US. Globally, however, VW will be recalling 800,000 Tiguans, according to Automotive News, with the focus on CUVs built between 2008 and 2011. The issue with the Tiguan relates to a simple fuse swap, so this is rather unremarkable, aside from the sheer number of vehicles being fixed. The real, troubling issues relate to gearboxes and pickups.
239,000 Amarok pickups (pictured right) are being recalled over fuel leaks, while 1.6 million vehicles are being recalled to swap the synthetic oil in dual-clutch transmissions with mineral oil. Now, the transmission issue is one for the global Volkswagen Group to address, not just the VW brand - vehicles from Audi, Škoda and Seat use the same seven-speed DSG and are covered under the recall, as well.
Why the switch from synthetic to mineral oil? Apparently, using the synthetic oil in a DSG and then subjecting it to stop-and-go conditions or heavy loads in a hot and humid climate can lead to electronic malfunctions, according to a Volkswagen press release. The switch, from the sounds of it, is largely a preventative measure.

VW invests in QuantumScape for potentially fireproof, long-range EV batteries

VW might be getting ready to push its plug-in technology in a big way thanks to an investment in the battery startup QuantumScape. Key point: the solid-state battery is said to be fireproof and will offer tremendous range advantages. Details are not abundant yet, but according to Bloomberg, VW of America bought a five-percent stake in QuantumScape (and has an option to raise its holding). The tech could "more than triple" the EV range of VW, Porsche and Audi plug-in vehicles as soon as the middle of 2015, according to unnamed sources that Bloomberg talked to. Former Stanford University researchers started QuantumScape in 2010. The bare-bones QuantumScape website (there's nothing there other than some contact information) doesn't offer many hints about what's happening at the company, but GigaOM's Katie Fehrenbacher notes that QuantumScape is licensing tech from the "All Electron Battery" project at Stanford a few years ago. It certainly sounds amazing: [It's] a completely new class of electrical energy storage devices for electric vehicles that has the potential to provide ultra-high energy and power densities, while enabling extremely high cycle life. The All-Electron Battery stores energy by moving electrons, rather than ions, and uses electron/hole redox instead of capacitive polarization of a double-layer. ... If successful, this project will develop a completely new paradigm in energy storage for electrified vehicles that could revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. If that's what's coming in a future e-Golf or E-Tron, sign us up.

VW Passat GTE plug-in hybrid starts at ˆ44,250 in Germany

Want to know how much to put away for a new Volkswagen Passat GTE? Well, first you'll have to move to Germany, or another market where the model will be sold – because it's not being offered in the US. In fact, it's based on a Passat that's altogether different from the one we get in America. But, once you've arrived at a place where the Passat GTE is available, you'll need to shell out about ˆ45,000. That's equivalent to $50,000 US at current exchange rates, which is more than the starting MSRP on any VW currently available Stateside. VW just announced domestic pricing for the new plug-in hybrid, which starts at ˆ44,250 for the sedan and ˆ45,250 for the wagon. For that much scratch, you get a Passat with a 1.4-liter turbo four good for 154 horsepower paired with an electric motor good for another 113 hp. Working in unison, the hybrid powertrain produces as much as 216 horses, and will drive up to 31 miles on electric power alone. Combined with the 50-liter (13.2-gallon) gas tank, the Passat GTE will travel over 680 miles before needing to stop. Along with the GTE, the German automaker is also launching the new Alltrack version of the Passat. Based on the Variant wagon, the new Passat Alltrack packs all-wheel drive and more rugged styling inside and out for a treatment similar to what Audi does for its Allroad models, Volvo its Cross Country line, and Subaru its Outback range. In Passat form, the Alltrack will set German buyers back ˆ38,550. Launch of the new Passat GTE and Passat Alltrack Two new models added to the Passat range Volkswagen is extending its Passat range, adding the GTE and Alltrack. These models are available immediately at German Volkswagen dealers. For a year now, the three distinctive letters GTE have stood for plug-in hybrid models from Volkswagen. Following the Golf, the second GTE standard model is now going on sale, the new Passat. The Passat GTE is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine delivering 115 kW / 156 PS and an electric motor producing 85 kW / 115 PS. The two are perfectly coordinated and pool their resources to generate system output of 160 kW / 219 PS. The combination of turbocharged direct-injection engine (TSI) and electric motor brings together efficiency and sustainability. The lithium-ion battery that provides the e-motor with electricity is charged as the car drives along, including via regenerative braking.