A new infotainment system (RCS 810 and RNS 810) as well as an efficient V6 gasoline direct injection engine, now with 206 kW / 280 PS, characterize the Phaeton of model year 2009 that has been perfected in numerous details. For example, all engines satisfy the Euro-5 emissions standard in the new model year. Other modifications include: three new types of alloy wheels (17, 18 and 19 inch), a slightly modified radiator grille, three new car colors (“Silver leaf metallic”, “Beryllium grey metallic” and “Mocca-anthracite pearl effect”), the new leather color “Corn Silk”, the new wood accents “Poplar grain latte macchiato“ and “Vavona”, switch illumination that is now white throughout instead of red, accent and switch trim in new “Warm grey” color, an upgraded car key, makeup mirror in the rear of the long version, dampers optimized for low-friction, ceramic brakes (front) for the Phaeton W12 as well as a rearview camera (Rear Assist). The new version of the high-tech sedan is being shown for the first time in the world at the Paris Motor Show. First deliveries of models are already slated for this year. Read the rest of this entry »

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Dual premiere: in parallel to the new generation Golf, Volkswagen is presenting a concept car that is the most fuel efficient car of its class: the future Golf BlueMotion. With its average fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers, it breaks the magic barrier of 4.0 liters for the first time in the Golf market segment. At the same time, CO2 emissions were reduced to 99 g/km – also a new top value in the class. This means that the Golf has attained the sensational fuel efficiency of the smaller Polo BlueMotion, which until today was the most economical car with five seats. In summer 2006, the Polo BlueMotion took the lead in the BlueMotion offensive; in this campaign the Polo was followed up by BlueMotion versions of the Golf (generation V including Variant wagon), Golf Plus, Jetta, Caddy, Touran, Sharan and Passat models. The offensive now reaches a crescendo with the debut of the Golf BlueMotion concept car. Read the rest of this entry »

“Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Highline” are the names of the three official equipment lines on the new Golf. Yet there is a fourth version. An unofficial version, since it is not mentioned in any brochure or price list: the “Collectors Edition”. It shows how impressively Volkswagen has mastered the art of upgrading. And it underscores how the Golf is right at home in all classes – a car that cuts a good figure just as naturally in its base version as it does in an exclusive individualized top model with a natural leather interior in the style of the finest luxury sedans. Read the rest of this entry »

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Among the display of leisure vehicles and campers on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand at Europe’s largest recreational vehicle show that starts in Düsseldorf, Germany this weekend will be an interesting Caddy Topos Sail design concept which takes its nautical theme to the extreme of having a wooden boat deck on its roof. Read the rest of this entry »