1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Truck on 2040-cars

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VW launches cheaper 2016 e-Golf SE to challenge Nissan Leaf

Volkswagen is taking the fight to Nissan in the battle of EV hatchbacks for the 2016 model year with the new, less expensive e-Golf SE trim level. With a starting price of $29,815 (after $820 for destination but before incentives), the model undercuts the $29,860 2015 Leaf S (after $850 destination) by just $45. Lease rates are $199 a month. The 2016 e-Golf SEL Premium is $150 more than last year at $36,415, making the difference between the two trims a significant $6,600. VW isn't letting out much of the info on the SE yet, and the company's release simply says the trim "offers most of the features of the SEL Premium model." The new entry does come standard with a 3.6-kW onboard charger, and a 7.2-kW DC fast charging package is optional later in the year. Inside, there's VW's 6.5-inch MIB II infotainment system, versus an eight-inch version in the SEL Premium with the company's Car-Net App-Connect and Travel Link. The e-Golf is rated at an 83-mile range by the EPA, and it's electric motor produces 115 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The electric hatchback has already proven itself a moderate success in Europe through the first two months of 2015, and the VW actually beat the Leaf there in sales volume. In the US, the model has moved 1,831 examples through July, compared to 10,990 for the rival Nissan.

VW CEO Winterkorn issues video apology for diesel scandal

Amid rumors that he might step down from the automaker, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has issued a video statement publicly apologizing for the company's diesel emissions scandal. The boss claims that he doesn't have the answers to all of the questions yet but promises a thorough investigation to makes things right. Multiple times in the speech, he asks forgiveness from customers all over the world and asks people not to blame all of the company's 600,000 employees for this lapse. At no point does Winterkorn mention resigning, though. You can watch the whole clip above, but it's in German, so turn on the subtitles. However, Winterkorn's future with VW isn't assured, and works council boss Bernd Osterloh appears ready to make some changes. "I can assure you that we will do everything possible in the supervisory board meetings this week to ensure the matter is cleared up quickly and that personnel consequences are drawn. And that will not just affect the rank and file, I can assure you," he said in a letter to Bild, according to Reuters. Earlier today, the automaker admitted that the same engine management software is in vehicles from other VW group brands, but it claims that the Type EA 189 engine is the only one with a deviation between test results and real-world numbers. That mill is installed in 11 million vehicles across the globe. As a start, VW is earmarking 6.5 billion euros ($7.3 billion at current rates) to service them. The actual costs could go much higher, though.

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is our favorite oil-burning GTI

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD has officially bowed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Engineers managed to squeeze an additional 14 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque out of the familiar 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, nudging total output to 184 hp and 280 lb-ft for 2014. The figures are good enough to earn the GTD the honor of being the most powerful diesel Golf in Volkswagen history. A start/stop system helps improve efficiency over the previous generation with the new model consuming 56 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. That's up from the 2013 model's 46 mpg. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, though a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also available.
The GTD also offers buyers a few aesthetic tweaks to help separate the hatch from its less potent siblings. Those include a more aggressive front fascia, special badges and 17-inch alloy wheels. Expect to find the GTD in one of three exterior colors, including Tornado Red, Black and Pure White. Check out the quick press release below for more details.