Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Sales of the new 2010 Volkswagen Golf (MkVI) is picking up pace all around the country and considering the car?s solid feel, classy styling and German engineering, it?s easy to understand why. Oh, did we mention that it?s also available with a dual clutch transmission and a frugal turbodiesel engine that returns more than 40 mpg on the highway?


It?s little wonder the Golf is such a sales success all around the world--but in a country that prefers sedans over hatchbacks, there?s one very important model in the Volkswagen lineup that?s yet to be released. Volkswagen?s new Jetta sedan is just around the corner and has been spied testing in Germany in prototype form.

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to arrive in local showrooms early next year as a 2011 model. Previewed by Volkswagen?s New Compact Coupe Concept back at January?s Detroit Auto Show, the new Jetta will feature slightly different styling to the Golf hatchback on which it?s based. A more chiseled front end, sculptured flanks and a conventional trunk at the back will feature on the latest Jetta.

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Sales of the new 2010 Volkswagen Golf (MkVI) is picking up pace all around the country and considering the car?s solid feel, classy styling and German engineering, it?s easy to understand why. Oh, did we mention that it?s also available with a dual clutch transmission and a frugal turbodiesel engine that returns more than 40 mpg on the highway?


It?s little wonder the Golf is such a sales success all around the world--but in a country that prefers sedans over hatchbacks, there?s one very important model in the Volkswagen lineup that?s yet to be released. Volkswagen?s new Jetta sedan is just around the corner and has been spied testing in Germany in prototype form.

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to arrive in local showrooms early next year as a 2011 model. Previewed by Volkswagen?s New Compact Coupe Concept back at January?s Detroit Auto Show, the new Jetta will feature slightly different styling to the Golf hatchback on which it?s based. A more chiseled front end, sculptured flanks and a conventional trunk at the back will feature on the latest Jetta.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Review

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG is the most potent version of the German automaker's C-Class sedan. The car delivers a whopping 457 horsepower, putting it comfortably ahead of BMW's all-new M3. With that amount of performance on tap, and a price to match the M3, Mercedes looks to steal at least a few sales away from its cross-country rival.

In typical AMG fashion, the C63 features large performance-oriented tires and wheels, an aggressive bodykit, a much sportier interior, and suspension and chassis improvements.

Unlike the M3?s small displacement V8, the C63 uses a big 6.2L V8. The C63?s powerplant is good for 443 lb-ft of torque and 457 horsepower. The torque curve of the engine is just as impressive as its output: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap ?' ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

The sprint to 62 mph takes a scant 4.5 seconds according to Mercedes -- and that's likely a conservative estimate: real world acceleration is typically even quicker than claimed times.

Maximum torque of 443 pound-feet comes at 5000 rpm. The torque curve is equally impressive: from 2000 to 6250 rpm the driver always has more than 360 pound-feet on tap -- ideal for powerful acceleration in any engine speed range.

A new seven-speed AMG automatic transmission with paddle shifting provides a wide range of driving modes. The different modes are "S" (Sport), " C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual). Gearshifts in "S" mode are around 30 percent faster than in "C", and no less than around 50 percent faster in "M" mode.

The C 63 AMG owes its outstanding handling dynamics to the AMG sports suspension and an all-new three-link front axle design. The stiff configuration of the springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers ensures optimal road contact and low body movements when negotiating serpentine bends at speed.

The new front axle has a 35-millimetre wider track ?' visible by the more widely flared wheel arches ?' and therefore ensures lower dynamic wheel loads when cornering.

The front brakes have size 360 x 36-millimeter discs with six-piston fixed callipers, while deceleration at the rear is handled by 330 x 26-millimeter discs with four-piston fixed callipers.

The Electronic Stability Program offers a variety of settings. In "ESP ON" mode, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque. Briefly pressing the ESP key activates "ESP SPORT". In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold. Prolonged pressure on the ESP key activates "ESP OFF," whereby there is no intervention.

Pricing

There is no doubt that Mercedes-Benz is squarely taking aiming at BMW's M3 with its all-new C63 AMG Sedan, and that rivalry will be reflected in the car's price. Mercedes has announced that its C63 AMG will come with a base sticker price of $53,800 -- the exact same price of entry for BMW's M3 sedan.

2011 Audi A8 offers Wi-Fi access inside the vehicle

Audi A8 offers in-vehicle Wi-Fi access

The new 2011 Audi A8 is allegedly the first car in the world to offer an optional factory-installed WLAN hotspot for Wi-Fi access. Of course, this means that all your passengers will probably spend less time talking to you and more time on their laptops, Apple iPads and iPhones or netbooks.

Audi: "A1 not going to the US"

Can you smell the irony here? After using an American A-list celebrity -raise your hand, Justin Timberlake - to promote their new premium hatchback, reports out of Ingolstadt are saying that the A1, for one reason or another, will not be brought to the U.S. market.

Audi already mentioned this a few months ago when global sales head Peter Schwarzenbauer say that the brand isn?t that well established in the US to be selling small vehicles like the A1, given also the fact the U.S. customers are more inclined into buying larger vehicles. Recently, Audi reiterated their stance when Schwarzenbauer, in an interview with Automotive News, said "If you look at the real numbers [MINI and Smart sales in the US], it?s not huge volumes. I?m not so sure yet we really see a trend to small cars in the United States."

Audi: "A1

With European sales of the Audi set to kick off later this year at a price of ?15,800 ($19,382) for the 1.2-liter TFSI engine base model, Audi is skeptical that the A1 would generate significant sales - at least for Audi to make even a marginal profit - in the U.S. market.

American Audi A1 Still in Doubt

Audi really hopes that the freshly-revealed A1 will be a massive hit when it will go on sale this summer but contrary to what many might expect, the new small car won't be sold in the United States. At least, this is what company insiders familiar with the matter are claiming, although there are several things that indicate an American A1 is still possible. But first things first.

Audi A1

The A1 was initially believed to help Audi step into the US small class segment and the fact that the Germans used Justin Timberlake to promote the car might be a sign that such a thing is indeed possible. On the other hand, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi's global sales and marketing boss, told Autonews in March that Audi's small cars won't be sold in the US for the time being, indicating that a potential launch of the A1 might be possible, but only at a later date.

Volkswagen reveals new Golf Match

The Volkswagen Golf SE has been replaced with a better-equipped Match trim level, which adds over ?1,600 worth of extra equipment while costing just ?300 more than the outgoing car.

On top of the SE?s standard seven airbags, climatic control, ABS, ESP, cruise control and iPod connectivity, the Match is fitted with a different design of alloy wheel, leather multi-function steering wheel, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors and a touch-screen stereo system with CD changer.

The Match is available across the engine range, which includes a 121bhp 1.4-litre petrol, 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI or 138bhp 2-litre TDI ? the first two of which come with Volkswagen?s seven-speed DSG gearbox.

It is also available as an efficient 103bhp 1.6-litre and a new 138bhp 2-litre diesel Bluemotion, which are capable of returning 68.9mpg and emitting just 107g/km of CO2, or 65.7mpg and 114g/km respectively. This means that the former is free to tax for the first year.

Three-years or 30,000 mile free servicing is also available for a ?250 fixed price premium.

The Volkswagen Golf Match is available now for first deliveries in June, with prices starting at ?17,730.

Volkswagen reveals new Golf Match

The Volkswagen Golf SE has been replaced with a better-equipped Match trim level, which adds over ?1,600 worth of extra equipment while costing just ?300 more than the outgoing car.

On top of the SE?s standard seven airbags, climatic control, ABS, ESP, cruise control and iPod connectivity, the Match is fitted with a different design of alloy wheel, leather multi-function steering wheel, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors and a touch-screen stereo system with CD changer.

The Match is available across the engine range, which includes a 121bhp 1.4-litre petrol, 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI or 138bhp 2-litre TDI ? the first two of which come with Volkswagen?s seven-speed DSG gearbox.

It is also available as an efficient 103bhp 1.6-litre and a new 138bhp 2-litre diesel Bluemotion, which are capable of returning 68.9mpg and emitting just 107g/km of CO2, or 65.7mpg and 114g/km respectively. This means that the former is free to tax for the first year.

Three-years or 30,000 mile free servicing is also available for a ?250 fixed price premium.

The Volkswagen Golf Match is available now for first deliveries in June, with prices starting at ?17,730.

Volkswagen, Maruti start integration talks

Volkswagen (VW) India and Maruti Suzuki have begun the process for integration between the two companies. ?I can confirm that visits have been taking place and teams from the two companies have been sitting together to discuss and define common projects,? said Joerg Mueller, president and MD, Volkswagen India (VW) and chief representative India.VW acquired 19.9% stakes in Suzuki Motor Corp in December last year.

?Discussions have begun between the two teams. The proposals are being studied at Volkswagen headquarters and a final picture will emerge in two to three months,? Mueller told media persons in Pune. Recent reports suggest that the VW could be possibly looking at the new Wagon R and Ritz models from the Maruti Suzuki stable to be re-badged as VW cars in India. Mueller however, preferred not to comment on this issue. The two companies are also learnt to be looking at possibilities of sourcing Maruti's engines, components and aggregates for Volkswagen' s Indian models.

Mueller confirmed that the company was still interested in the VW Up! model for the India market. ?We still need to look at the Up! concept because small cars form the biggest segment in India, around 50% of the market, he said. Should the model be considered for the India market, the company could be looking at pricing it between Rs 3-4.5 lakh,? he added. A couple of days ago, Volkswagen released its first official sketch of its sedan for the India market.

Volkswagen, Maruti start integration talks

Volkswagen (VW) India and Maruti Suzuki have begun the process for integration between the two companies. ?I can confirm that visits have been taking place and teams from the two companies have been sitting together to discuss and define common projects,? said Joerg Mueller, president and MD, Volkswagen India (VW) and chief representative India.VW acquired 19.9% stakes in Suzuki Motor Corp in December last year.

?Discussions have begun between the two teams. The proposals are being studied at Volkswagen headquarters and a final picture will emerge in two to three months,? Mueller told media persons in Pune. Recent reports suggest that the VW could be possibly looking at the new Wagon R and Ritz models from the Maruti Suzuki stable to be re-badged as VW cars in India. Mueller however, preferred not to comment on this issue. The two companies are also learnt to be looking at possibilities of sourcing Maruti's engines, components and aggregates for Volkswagen' s Indian models.

Mueller confirmed that the company was still interested in the VW Up! model for the India market. ?We still need to look at the Up! concept because small cars form the biggest segment in India, around 50% of the market, he said. Should the model be considered for the India market, the company could be looking at pricing it between Rs 3-4.5 lakh,? he added. A couple of days ago, Volkswagen released its first official sketch of its sedan for the India market.

Mercedes SLS Will Have A Little Hybrid Brother

Mercedes plans to bring on market a younger brother of the SLS AMG supercar, capable to adopting a hybrid system, compound by the V6 engine with 305 HP and two electric units.

Mercedes is preparing to bring on market in coming next years, a younger brother of the current SLS AMG supercar, capable to compete with Porsche products. The youngest will adopt a different philosophy from that Mercedes, which it us now, trying to address those who want a hybrid sports model.

The future product from Stuttgart will take a complete different propulsion solution from what we have seen yet, the conventional engine will be assisted by an electric one. The hybrid system configuration will include most likely, the new V6 3.5-liter engine, unveiled last days by the guys from Mercedes, assisted by the two electric units.

Mercedes to launch electric supercar

If we are to believe Robb Report, a website dealing with luxury news, Mercedes is working towards manufacturing a supercar with zero emissions by 2013. This new car will be manufactured under Mercedes-AMG brand, which are equipped with the best and costliest Mercedes engines. As of now not much is known but electric supercar will be boasting SLS AMG body and features, though it will be costlier than original SLS AMG.

beauty that is Mercedes' E500 Cabriolet

Minutes after Danny the horse and I posed for this picture, the men from Mercedes came and collected their lovely new motor and I got in my own car to head to London for an important meeting. It wouldn't start.

So I cadged a lift to the station, where at this precise moment I'm sitting on a bench at the end of the platform like some lunatic trainspotter, with my shoes covered in horse dung, my hair coated in diesel dust and my brand new Tom Ford suit streaked with pigeon poop from the canopy overhead that's supposed to stop things dripping on you. I've written this column from some grim places, but this takes the mick.

The Mercedes E500 Cabriolet is more impressive with the roof up - mainly because it's so quiet that you forget you're in a convertible

Still, as all the trains are delayed, it's as good a time as any to crack on. So, why the horse? Well, originally, a cabriolet - from the French cabrioler, meaning to caper (thanks, Google) - was a light, two-wheeled carriage that could be pulled fast by a single horse, making it the best way of getting around a large town. 'Cab', as in taxi, is an abbreviation of the word. So 200 years ago, Danny here would have been pulling the cabriolet.

I don't think he could pull this one, though, big boy though he is. You can probably tell I'm keeping my distance. I don't do horses. Horsepower, yes - horses, no. I like them, but I don't think they like me. If you had the chance to lounge around in a field all day, eating grass with all the lady horses, I don't think you'd be much impressed by some 14-stone Yorkshireman trying to hitch a ride on your back. I went on a horse once when I was younger, and within ten seconds I was on my back looking at the clouds with my spine lodged in my throat. It was three days before my lungs worked properly. Nope, it's definitely not for me.

Audi A5 is a classy cruiser

Audi's A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic has a turbocharger, direct fuel injection and solid acceleration.

The elegant convertible uses Audi's advanced engine technology to combine excellent fuel economy with the effortless high-speed cruising owners expect from German luxury cars. Features ranging from blind-spot alert to vents that blow warm air on your neck for top-down cruising in cool weather add to the A5's appeal.

The car's hands-free phone, iPod interface and navigation system could use some refinement, though.

Fuel economy, fast cars can mix

Oil is not popular on the gulf coast this spring. Thanks to the massive BP spill, stinking slicks and tarry balls of crude threaten ecosystems and livelihoods as the gunk slouches toward fisheries, bayous, homes and resorts.

All of which made driving the A5 through the magnolia-scented air in southern Mississippi and Louisiana that much sweeter.

The convertible's name is a jawbreaker, but the sleek four-seater is Audi's "What, me worry?" riposte to merchants of gloom who say high fuel economy can't coexist with fast, luxurious cars.

The A5 uses Audi's turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to combine effortless high-speed cruising with fuel economy that encourages you to drive past gas stations and consider yourself a friend of the Earth.

2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic convertible

All-wheel drive four-seat luxury convertible

Price as tested: $55,700

Rating: *** (out of four stars)

Reasons to buy: Looks, fuel economy, all-wheel drive

Shortcomings: iPod control, luggage space, minor goofs on comfort features

2010 Audi A5 convertible at a glance

Vehicle type: Front- or all-wheel drive four-passenger luxury convertible hatchback

Engine: 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder

Transmission: Continuously variable or six-speed automatic

Price range: $42,000-$44,100 (excluding destination charges)

Key features

Antilock brakes; stability control; front-seat side air bags; driver and front passenger knee air bags; automatic roll bars; power locks, windows and sideview mirrors; eight-way power front seats; manual tilt and telescope steering wheel; wind blocker; glass rear window with defroster; 90-days' Sirius satellite radio service; split folding rear seat; keyless entry with alarm; trip computer.

Options on test vehicle: Navigation system; Bluetooth phone compatibility; memory for driver's seat and mirrors; Bang & Olufsen sound system; iPod interface; heated and ventilated front seats; three-zone climate control; LED tail lights; Xenon headlights with LED running lights; 18-inch five-spoke wheels; pushbutton start; rain/light sensor; lumbar support in front seats; perforated leather upholstery; neck heating vent; backup camera; rear sensors; blind-spot alert.

Competitive EPA fuel economy ratings

(Automatic transmission models; all 2010 unless noted)

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro: 20 m.p.g. city/ 26 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

BMW 328ci: 18 m.p.g. city/27 m.p.g. highway/21 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

2011 Ford Mustang V6: 19 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway/23 m.p.g. combined. Regular fuel.

Infiniti G37: 17 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway/20 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

Lexus IS 250C: 21 m.p.g. city/29 m.p.g. highway/24 m.p.g. combined. Premium fuel.

Specs

2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic convertible

All-wheel drive four-seat luxury convertible

Base price: $42,000 (excluding destination charges)

As tested: $55,700

Safety equipment: Antilock brakes; stability control; front-seat side air bags; driver and front passenger knee air bags; automatic roll bars.

Specifications as tested

Engine: 2.0-liter variable timing DOHC 24-valve turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder

Power: 211 horsepower at 4,300-6,000 r.p.m.; 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500-4,200 r.p.m.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 20 m.p.g. city/26 m.p.g. highway

Wheelbase: 108.3 inches

Length: 182.1 inches

Width: 79.5 inches

Height: 54.4 inches

Curb weight: 4,034 pounds

Where assembled: Neckarsulm, Germany

Comparative base prices

(not including destination charges)

(Automatic transmission convertibles)

BMW 328ci: $46,375

2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium: $31,840

Infiniti G37: $44,350

Lexus IS 250C: $40,610

The torque-tastic 2011 Audi TT

2011 Audi TT -

This is the 2011 Audi TT. It looks the same, it steers the same and it sticks the same. But there's one major difference: torque. Audi has managed to coax an additional 51 pound-feet of twist from its ever-evolving 2.0-liter TFSI four cylinder. The result? The standard TT isn't just the Bauhaus design icon that propelled Audi into the luxury limelight at the end of the last decade ? it's finally a proper sports car. And it's about damned time. Follow the jump to see what we're torquing about.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

Automakers generally feel compelled to have an offering in every market segment. However, in the US, they've pretty much ignored the compact diesel department, a niche Volkswagen is only too happy to have to itself.

Today's test car, a 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI, is testament to VW's perseverance to market a 50-state compliant diesel. To this driver, the surprise is that more Americans aren't coming home from their international travels and looking to buy the diesels they've experienced abroad.

The Golf is a car built for a day when gas prices climb above $3.50 a gallon and folks are looking for an upscale smaller car that can achieve 35 or more miles per gallon. Savvy buyers aren't waiting.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

Automakers generally feel compelled to have an offering in every market segment. However, in the US, they've pretty much ignored the compact diesel department, a niche Volkswagen is only too happy to have to itself.

Today's test car, a 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI, is testament to VW's perseverance to market a 50-state compliant diesel. To this driver, the surprise is that more Americans aren't coming home from their international travels and looking to buy the diesels they've experienced abroad.

The Golf is a car built for a day when gas prices climb above $3.50 a gallon and folks are looking for an upscale smaller car that can achieve 35 or more miles per gallon. Savvy buyers aren't waiting.

Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion

Volkswagen is set to descend on the yearly Audi/Volkswagen meet up in Worthersee, Austria with a pair of reworked GTI hatches. First up is a collaboration with Adidas that features a rash of aesthetic changes, including new wheels and sports seats. You'll also find the stock headlights and tail lights swapped out in favor of the trick hardware found on the Golf R. VW says that it will push 4,410 examples of the Adidas-branded GTI via European dealers.

Volkswagen GTI Limited Edition

Then there's the Golf Excessive Edition. As far as we can tell, the company hasn't bothered to breathe on the stock turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Instead, VW has a wider track with bodywork to match. Throw in a reworked set of springs, bigger brakes and a free-breathing exhaust and you've got a recipe for getting us all hot and bothered.

Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion

Volkswagen is set to descend on the yearly Audi/Volkswagen meet up in Worthersee, Austria with a pair of reworked GTI hatches. First up is a collaboration with Adidas that features a rash of aesthetic changes, including new wheels and sports seats. You'll also find the stock headlights and tail lights swapped out in favor of the trick hardware found on the Golf R. VW says that it will push 4,410 examples of the Adidas-branded GTI via European dealers.

Volkswagen GTI Limited Edition

Then there's the Golf Excessive Edition. As far as we can tell, the company hasn't bothered to breathe on the stock turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Instead, VW has a wider track with bodywork to match. Throw in a reworked set of springs, bigger brakes and a free-breathing exhaust and you've got a recipe for getting us all hot and bothered.