My Perfect Automobile » Volkswagen

Audi Plans EV Debut for 2015

Larry Bell — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:11:23 +0000

Volkswagen’s e-Up

Automotive media sources in Germany are reporting that Audi is planning to create a competitor to Volkswagen’s e-Up and hopes to have the new vehicle on the market by 2015. Audi is also hoping to outdo the e-Up in terms of range and power, intending to offer 125 miles of range and 114 horsepower on its prospective premium EV. Other reported specs include a 0-62 mph time of 9.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 93 mph. Volkswagen’s e-Up has a 93-mile range and an 81-horsepower rating. Pricing estimates put the VW e-Up around the $23,000 mark and the Audi EV at approximately $39,000, though both figures are unconfirmed.

Audi vs VW: Video

For a quick photomontage of Volkswagen’s e-Up, see the video clip above. The electric variation on VW’s popular Up will land in UK showrooms in 2014. Though the car is set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen revealed it ahead of the official unveiling. The e-Up’s lithium-ion battery pack is situated under the floor and offers 155-pound-feet of torque. With the ability to replenish the pack up to 80 percent of capacity in just 30 minutes, the car delivers an impressive 93 miles per charge. Other than minor insignia and badging, the electric version of Up is almost visually identical to the combustion model. One change is the front bumper on the e-Up, which is aerodynamically contoured and features LED running lights.

Audi vs VW e-Up

While the proposed Audi EV and the Volkswagen e-Up appear to be potential competitors, their distant price points will likely place them in non-competing demographics, with the VW model going head-to-head with Nissan’s Leaf and other moderately priced electric vehicles. Audi’s electric sedan, if indeed it lands in the $39,000 sticker range, will have an entirely different set of rivals for consumer affection.

For more information about Audi and Volkswagen, see the carmakers’ official websites:
http://www.audiusa.com
http://www.vw.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Diesel Car Sales Booming

Larry Bell — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:12:46 +0000

Diesel cars (Pictured: Volvo V60 Diesel hybrid plug-in)

Diesel vehicle ownership has climbed 24 percent in the U.S. since 2010, according to a study by R. L. Polk and Co. During the same period, car ownership in general rose just 2.75 percent, which points to the increasing popularity of diesel cars and trucks with American consumers. Given the recent state of the economy and the higher prices for diesel fuel, the data is even more surprising. Analysts believe that the choices for diesel enthusiasts will continue to grow. Indeed, Volkswagen, Mazda, Chevrolet and Audi are among automakers who already offer diesel variants to U.S. consumers.

Diesel Cars: Video

For a comprehensive review of a popular diesel car, see the above video clip. The Honda Civic Diesel is quite a hit in Australia, and the reviewer takes us on a quick drive through the city for the purposes of his evaluation. The Civic diesel hatch only comes as a manual drive, though offers a very sporty look, superior handling, and a reasonable price tag. Remember, this is the European and Australian diesel version, not available in the U.S. as yet (and maybe never). In any case, Honda knows its markets, and if recent trends bear out, U.S. drivers will likely be seeing many more diesel offerings from Honda and others in the years to come.

Diesel Advocacy Group

The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit entity that works to raise general awareness about the uses and importance of diesel engines. The DTF informs the public about improvements in diesel technology, advocating for cleaner fuel and technology whenever possible. The organization is made up of industry leaders, equipment makers, engine and component manufacturers, and fuel producers. Founded in 2000, DTF is based in Washington, D.C. For more about the organization, see their official website:
http://www.dieselforum.org/

For more about Polk, see the company’s website:
https://www.polk.com/

Larry Bell

Gov’t Fleet Will Add 10,000 Hybrids

Larry Bell — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:54:13 +0000

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The U.S. government announced this week that it would add 10,000 hybrid vehicles to the federal fleet in an effort to cut fuel usage and reduce carbon emissions. According to estimates by the General Services Administration (GSA), the move will save about 1 million gallons of gasoline each year. The agency’s acting administrator, Dan Tangherlini, said, “At a time when government needs to make every tax dollar count, GSA is committed to creating more energy efficiency and cost-saving opportunities like the fleet consolidation program that make government smarter and reduce our environmental footprint.”

Hybrid Cars: Video

Government purchasing agents at GSA have plenty of hybrid vehicles to choose from in reaching their goal of adding 10,000 hybrids to the federal fleet. The short video clip above offers a quick look at one of Volkswagen’s offerings for 2013. The Jetta Hybrid is the product of a German automaker who has built a powerful reputation in the field of diesel engineering. The reviewer’s impression of the car? He finds the Jetta Hybrid agile, peppy and fun to drive, even though is can’t match mpg numbers of its direct competitor, the Toyota Prius.

Gov’t Fleet

In 2011, the president instructed federal agencies to rid their fleets of SUVs and other large cars in order to save money and improve air quality. The U.S. Interior Department will be among the early adopters of the new push. It plans to buy about 300 hybrid vehicles to improve fuel usage in its own fleet. GSA is helping fund the program by financing the additional costs for any federal agency that swaps out its older cars for hybrid sedans. GSA is in charge of administering the new program and hopes to create a government fleet in which about 10 percent of the cars are hybrids.

For more information about Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen, see the companies’ official corporate websites:
http://www.ford.com
http://www.vw.com

Larry Bell

Car Sales Champ Emerges for Early 2013

Larry Bell — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:09:39 +0000

Car sales champ (pictured: 2014 Toyota Prius hybrid)

Japan’s Toyota Motor Co. topped archrivals VW and GM in auto sales for the first quarter of 2013. Toyota, maker of the hybrid Prius, reported 2.43 million auto sales for the first three months of the year, slightly besting GM, who reported 2.36 million in sales, and Volkswagen AG, who came in with 2.27 million sales for the period. Ironically, Toyota was able to retain its marketing supremacy in spite of a slight drop in the number of cars sold, compared to the first quarter of 2012. The Japanese car giant posted a 2.2 percent decline in sales over the same period last year, while Volkswagen showed a 5 percent increase and GM a 3.5 percent increase.

Toyota Prius: Video

Toyota has won numerous advertising awards for its creative and humorous commercials. One example of the upbeat, interesting spots is shown in the video clip above. It features a happy song, unique animation scenes, and keeps the focus on the car in question, in this case the hybrid best-seller Prius.

For those with sharp vision, note the animated chess player at the 41-second point in the video. Such humorous asides are typical of the atmosphere Toyota likes to inject in their commercials. The spots are not only informative, but entertaining as well. Considering how many vehicles the company has sold in the past decade alone, the advertisements seem to be doing their job.

Toyota Car Sales

In 2008, Toyota became the global car sales champ, taking the title from U.S. automaker GM, who had held first place for 70 years. Since 2008, with the exception of 2011, Toyota has maintained its place as worldwide auto sales leader. One reason Toyota saw a slight sales decline last year was because subsidies for hybrids were no longer offered by the Japanese government.

For more about Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Co., see the official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Used Cars or New Cars? Experts Give Buying Advice

Larry Bell — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:45:26 +0000

Used or New? (pictured: a new LaFerrari hybrid)

Car buyers often fret at the prospect of choosing between a new vehicle and a used one. Lately, many experts in the automotive press have been making the case for used cars, especially in a challenging economy. Because mainstream models now last much longer than in days past, and because buyers can find certified pre-owned cars at respected dealerships, used cars have been gaining in reputation and sales numbers. In fact, certified pre-owned vehicles are among the most popular choices on dealer lots in major cities. Improved reliability and longer product life mean a used car might very well have 10 or more solid years of usage in its future.

Used Cars: Video

Whether you are searching for a new or used car, the above video clip will be of great interest to hybrid fans especially. It lists ten of the best hybrids available. The venerable Chevy Volt made the cut of course, as did Honda’s attractive Insight and one of the genre’s new stars, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h, along with Toyota’s Camry hybrid, all made the list as well. In fact, Korean automaker Hyundai gets special mention as being one of the most reasonably priced of the bunch, while Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI is the lone diesel model in the elite ten. Buick’s LaCrosse eAssist wins kudos for its luxurious interior and over-35 mpg fuel efficiency. That’s nine in all. Watch the video and see what the author listed as his number-one pick of the hybrid segment. You might be surprised.

For those in the market to buy or sell a used car, the classified section of MyPerfectAutomobile has something for every automotive taste. Browse the huge selection and use the online tools to drill down to your specific favorite. The direct link for MPA’s classifieds is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Canadian Green Award Finalists Revealed

Larry Bell — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:29:41 +0000

Canadian Green award finalist Hyundai Sonata hybrid

Finalists for the Canadian Green Car of the Year Award have been announced. The prize is being handed out for the first time ever and is jointly sponsored by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada and Green Living Enterprises. The finalists are:

Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Mazda3

Ford C-Max Energi

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZROVtTrBik

Hyundai has been having a successful run with its popular TV commercials for the Sonata Hybrid. The above clip is one of the funniest of the bunch, showing several people caught in bizarre situations with appliance batteries that are about to expire. (Our vote for best predicament goes to the lady with the dying flashlight who has just spotted a rat in her garage). The whole point being that Hyundai’s Sonata offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile hybrid system warranty. The Korean automaker has nailed the concept of delivering a very serious point in a humorous way.

Canadian Green Car Award

The AJAC Green Car Award steering committee chair, Peter Gorrie, noted that competition is close, especially among five cars that all have so many green credentials. He said, “The judges found the choice difficult because all the entrants are worthy, and they incorporate such differing routes to greener driving.”

Another committee member pointed out that driving is the primary way consumers use energy each day. The judges intend to put a spotlight on vehicles that have low emissions and offer economical operation. Each car on the list has already won at least one green-related award within the last year, so the judges have their work cut out for them. Ford has the best statistical shot at winning since it notched two of its hopefuls among the final round of voting.

For a bit more information about each of the Canadian Green Car finalists, see the companies’ official corporate websites below:
http://www.hyundaiusa.com
http://www.vw.com
http://www.ford.com
http://www.mazdausa.com

Larry Bell

World’s Fastest Hybrid is a VW

Larry Bell — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 23:41:05 +0000

World’s Fastest Hybrid (pictured; a non-modified Volkswagen Jetta)

The Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) will hold its 2013 Speed Week at the Bonneville Speedway in Utah from Aug. 10 through Aug. 16. At last year’s event, the world’s fastest hybrid car, a modified 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, posted a top speed of 187.147 mph for the final mile of the run. While technically a production vehicle, the Jetta that set the record was altered for the attempt. Volkswagen engineers set the car’s horsepower at 300, put special tires and wheels on the Jetta, lowered the suspension, and packed the inside with extra safety equipment.

World’s Fastest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL3yLf6CF2E

For the whole story about the Jetta hybrid speed record, see the video clip above. Running at just over 10 minutes in length, the film goes into detail concerning the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid that was modified to make its run during Bonneville Speed Week. Volkswagen is not the only automaker to use racing vehicles and modified test cars like this one for serious research. Several Asian and other manufacturers run hybrid and electric race cars on official competitive circuits throughout the year. While great fun for the spectators and team members, the sponsoring corporations look at these events as valuable laboratory experiments. Data taken from Toyota and Nissan hybrid racing vehicles, for example, contributes important scientific background for those carmakers to upgrade and modernize their production hybrid cars.

World’s Fastest Hybrid

The Bonneville Speedway hosts numerous world record attempts and has grown in popularity since it first opened in 1912. Speed Week takes place each August as dozens of drivers work to set world records in diverse categories. During the same month, BUB holds its motorcycle speed trials. Not within the boundaries of any city or town, the speedway is part of the larger Bonneville Salt Flats. The nearest city is Wendover, Utah.

For more about all of Volkswagen’s vehicles, see the German automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.vw.com

Larry Bell

World Car of the Year: The Winners Are…

Larry Bell — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:25:11 +0000

World Green Car of the Year: Tesla Model S

A jury of 66 experts announced the World Car of the Year winners for 2013 at the New York International Auto Show this week. Volkswagen’s Golf took the overall prize as WCOTY. The green category was won by Tesla Motors’ Model S electric sedan, while the performance trophy went to the Porsche Boxster/Cayman, and World Car Design of the Year honors were picked up by the ultra chic Jaguar F-Type. In a rare double play of sorts, the Golf has now captured two of the biggest international car prizes, winning here in New York for World Car of the Year, and only weeks ago snagging the coveted European Car of the Year trophy. For Tesla Motors, the victory as World Green Car of the Year is a sweet addition to a rafter of prestigious awards of every variety.

World Car of the Year: Video

See the clip above for a scintillating two minutes of coverage from the New York Auto Show’s unveiling of the VW Golf. The new, super fuel-efficient Golf is the seventh generation for the model. It is not only larger and roomier, but boasts much better mileage and is the lightest in the series. Nearly every major carmaker at this year’s NY event offers hybrid, electric, or ultra fuel-efficient models. While some purists do not consider high-mileage cars like the Golf to be “green,” the definition is certainly open to interpretation.

World Car of the Year

An obviously elated Walter da Silva, VW’s global design director, noted the high level of competition for the WCOTY award and pointed out the difficulty in creating a car like the Golf, which is able to rise above some of the best efforts by extremely talented designers and engineers the world over.

For more information about Tesla Motors, Volkswagen, and Jaguar, see the official corporate websites, below. Each of the companies came away from the World Car of the Year Awards with a major win.
http://www.teslamotors.com
http://www.vw.com
http://www.jaguar.com

Larry Bell

VW EV Coming ASAP, Europe 2014

Larry Bell — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 23:36:16 +0000

VW EV: The e-up!

At a media and financial event in Germany this week, Volkswagen announced that it would produce its first all-electric car, and will show the model at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The 60 kW-powered e-Up, as the vehicle is called, has a stated range of 93 miles and can attain a speed of 62 mph in approximately 14 seconds. The lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged in 30 minutes to 80 percent capacity, using a fast-charge unit. The company expects to sell the e-up in European dealerships in the first months of 2014.

Volkswagen: Video

For a fascinating look at the Volkswagen e-Up, see the video clip above. The company already offers a combustion model, called the Up!, as well as a compressed natural gas version sold under the Up Eco nameplate. A concept model of the e-Up was on display at the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show, dressed out in a loud yellow paint job and containing many of the components found on the electric e-Up. The electric car looks much like the non-electric, but for several identifying markings on the exterior and a handful of interior styling modifications.

Volkswagen

Wolfsburg, Germany, is headquarters for Volkswagen, the world’s second largest vehicle manufacturer. In all of automotive history, Volkswagen has been responsible for three of the 10 most popular cars, namely the Passat, the Beetle, and the Golf. One reason for the company’s numerous awards and successful launches, according to experts, is the fact that Volkswagen spends more money on research and development than any other carmaker.
Volkswagen was among the first of the world’s large automakers to follow a strict, self-imposed environmental policy. The corporation works to cut fuel consumption and greenhouse gases, increase the use of alternative fuels, and eschew the usage of hazardous chemicals and substances.
For more about Volkswagen vehicles, see the German automaker’s official website:
http://www.vw.com

Larry Bell

NY Auto Show: Here Comes 2015 VW Golf

Larry Bell — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:51:24 +0000

NY Auto Show: 2015 VW Golf to debut

Volkswagen will introduce its 2015 Golf at the upcoming New York International Auto Show in late March. Counting TDI clean diesel, GTI and TSI models in the lineup, VW has cut weight and added mpg to the Golf for 2015.

VW Golf: Video

For a fast tour of last year’s New York Auto Show, watch the video clip below, which literally walks us through the Javits Center for a 2-minute highlights reel. New York hosts what is arguably (and the point is argued!) the largest auto show on earth. Even so, other events outshine NY in terms of industry gravitas and new model debuts. The Big Apple overwhelms in sheer statistics, with almost a million square feet of show space and at least a thousand vehicles populating the hall. The NYIAS is standing-room-only each day that it is open to the public. Many of the world’s larger automakers save at least one debut or major announcement for New York so there are always a few April surprises for auto enthusiasts.

NY Auto Show

Opening on March 29 and running through April 7, the 2013 New York International Auto Show is marking its 113th anniversary this year. Billed as the nation’s first and largest such event, NYIAS offers over 900,000 square feet of floor space packed with the newest in automotive technology, safety and style. The 2013 show will host exhibits of more than 1,000 vehicles. Held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, NYIAS hours are 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day except Sundays, when the event closes at 7 p.m. Though the doors officially open on Saturday, Mar. 30, there is a sneak preview session on Friday, Mar. 29. The media preview days are Mar. 27 and 28.

For more about Volkswagen vehicles, see the German automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.vw.com
And for all the latest news about the New York Auto Show, see the event’s official website:
http://www.autoshowny.com

Larry Bell

Geneva Motor Show Goes Eco

Larry Bell — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 12:42:41 +0000

Geneva Motor Show (Pictured: 950-hp LaFerrari hybrid supercar)

The 2013 Geneva Motor Show hosts an historic lineup of green cars, ranging from million-dollar models like the LaFerrari hybrid and the McLaren P1 concept to fuel-sippers like Volkswagen’s XL1 and the electric Audi A3 e-tron. The PALExpo is packed with green luxury cars, eco micro vehicles, hybrids, air cars, natural gas delivery vans, and all the latest in that growing segment known as green transport. Anyone who thinks hybrids are boring would be silenced by the LaFerrari, which tops out at a police-chase worthy 220 mph, aided along by more than 950 horsepower. What some call the world’s only wingless jet, LaFerrari flies from zip to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Geneva Motor Show: Video

Once nothing more than a starry-eyed executive’s dream, the Volkswagen XL1 on display at the Geneva Motor Show is a wonder to behold. Offering more than 250 mpg, the ultra-lightweight, odd-looking car is one of the hits of this year’s event. Volkswagen spokespersons admit that the XL1 is the future for the German automaker’s green vehicles. With doors that look like something from a science fiction film, and a body style that echoes some of the best 1980s concept cars, XL1 is all at once nostalgic and futuristic. The short video clip below discusses the car and its impact on the marketplace. As the narrator sagely notes, XL1 might not be the sexiest car at the Geneva event, but it could very well be the most important model in the bunch.

Geneva Motor Show

For details about the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show, see the event’s official website, below. The show’s organizers are updating the site 24 hours per day, and offer longer-form stories on some of the unique models on display. The news section carries a complete listing of the show’s concept cars like the Kia Provo, Toyota’s i-Road, the stunning Spyker B6 Venetor and the Giugiaro Parcour. It is addictive reading, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

http://www.salon-auto.ch/en/index.php

Larry Bell

VW e-Co-Motion Set for Geneva

Larry Bell — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:01:21 +0000

Volkswagen’s e-Co-Motion

Volkswagen will show its new concept e-Co-Motion van at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show this week. Thought to be a direct competitor of Ford’s Transit Connect van, the VW electric model is designed specifically for commercial delivery tasks.

VW Electric Cars: Video

For a quick look at another Volkswagen electric concept, watch the video below. When it made its debut at the Hanover Fair in 2010, the VW Milano was the most talked-about vehicle at the event, sporting unique doors, a 45 kWh lithium battery pack, and an 85 kW motor. The 3-door van was designed as a prototype electric taxi, primarily for use in large urban areas. The rear passenger door slides open to allow for a massive entryway, letting passengers enter and exit easily and safely. There is no front passenger seat, that space being reserved for luggage and cargo storage. The VW Milano boasts a per-charge driving range of 186 miles.

VW e-Co-Motion

Volkswagen’s e-Co-Motion van measures 179 inches from front to back, and allows for configuration as a passenger van or cargo delivery vehicle. The automaker has released little data about the new concept model, other than to say it will debut at the Geneva event this week, and that Volkswagen hopes electric transportation can meet the needs of urban consumers.

Volkswagen will not be the only carmaker with a flashy debut vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Toyota will be previewing a pair of concept cars, while Rolls-Royce will reveal its newest model, the Wraith. McLaren has been offering the global media bits and pieces of information about its P1 supercar, which will also be making a long-awaited debut in Geneva this week. The Geneva Motor Show runs from March 7 until March 17.

For more about Volkswagen cars and trucks, see the German automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.vw.com

Larry Bell