2010 Geneva Auto Show

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2011 Volkswagen Amarok

The 2011 Volkswagen Amarok mid-sized pickup, officially revealed in December, made its first stop on the auto show circuit at an event put on by the Volkswagen Auto Group the night before the start of the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, a few months before the truck's European launch this summer.

Double cab versions will be delivered to customers first, with single cab variants arriving in 2011. They can choose between two- and all-wheel drive editions, with the latter capable of being spec'd with a Torsen limited-slip differential. The LSD allows for 40% power to be delivered to the front wheels, 60% to the rear.

Speaking of power, VW offers two of its 2.0L TDi engines making either 158 hp/295 lb-ft or 120 hp/251 lb-ft. Both get mated to a six-speed manual transmission and can come with other features designed to enhance off-roading like Off-Road ABS, Hill Descent Assist, and Hill Hold Assist.

The diesel powerplants give the Amarok a claimed 2535 lbs payload inside of its 27-sq-ft. bed and a 6173 max towing capacity.

Styling is bold and aggressive with a definite ruggedness. Up front, VW's contemporary nose is clearly seen.

VW executives hope to grab a hold of the pickup truck segment with the Amarok in the South American, South African, Australian, and European markets. The German automaker is still mum on whether or not the truck will arrive in the U.S., however.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show


First Look: 2010 Volkswagen Polo GTI

The rumors were correct -- Volkswagen has been wrenching on a GTI version of its Polo subcompact, although its output isn’t quite as extreme as once was suggested.

The new Polo GTI, which debuts at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March, makes use of Volkswagen’s super- and turbocharged 1.4-liter “Twincharged” I-4. Output is listed at 180 hp, and a stout 184 lb-ft of torque, the latter available at a scant 2000 rpm. With a curb weight slightly over 2600 pounds and a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, VW says the car will sprint from 0-62 mph in just 6.9 seconds, and top out at 142 mph. For the greenies, Volkswagen claims the Polo GTI returns 47 mpg on the European combined cycle, and emits just 0.49 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile.

Polo GTIs also receive a new front fascia, which also includes a new honeycomb grille patterned after that on the larger Golf GTI. Headlamps are also revised, but buyers can opt for some spiffy LED running lights. Fenders are bulged ever so slightly, and help wrap the car’s sides to a revised rear fascia, which now sports a modest diffuser and dual chromed exhaust tips. A set of 17-inch aluminum wheels, cribbed from the Golf GTI, helps complete the hot-hatch look.

Inside, the new Polo GTI receives a flat-bottomed steering wheel, black trim and headliner, aluminum pedals, and new, heavily bolstered sport seats.

The Polo GTI will go on sale in Europe by the end of this summer, and will likely be substantially more expensive than a base Polo hatchback. Don’t hold your breath for this car to make its way stateside. VW executives are mulling the decision of bringing Polo variants to the U.S, nothing is written in stone quite yet -- and high-cost, low-volume performance models aren’t likely to be Volkswagen’s first priority.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2010 Volkswagen CrossPolo

Volkswagen already announced it is going to unveil a new Polo GTI at the 2010 Geneva motor show, but that’s not the only new Polo variant headed to the show. The German automaker announced today that the new CrossPolo will also debut in Switzerland.

Although billed as a crossover, the CrossPolo is essentially a lifted Polo hatchback, blessed with extra ground clearance and some rugged styling. Black body cladding was added to the car’s lower portions, highlighted by silver accents on the front and rear fascia that are designed to resemble skid plates. Inside, the two-tone interior receives black webbed seat inserts, along with “CrossPolo” logos embroidered into the seatbacks.

Buyers will have their choice of six engines -- a plentiful variety, although one engine shy of the mixture offered in normal Polos. The engine lineup ranges in power between 68 and 105 hp, and offers both gasoline and diesel variants. The previous base 58-hp, 1.2-liter I-4 has been dropped, as well as the five-speed manual transmission. All CrossPolos are equipped with a six-speed manual as standard equipment, although a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is optional.

VW’s new CrossPolo will be unveiled in the first week of March, but sales in Germany won’t begin until the end of May. Other European markets, along with Japan, will receive the car shortly afterwards.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen unveiled its all-new 2011 Touareg, and true to the automaker’s word, the second-generation SUV is both leaner and greener than its predecessor.

The changes start with the Touareg’s dimensions. While the SUV’s width remains identical to the current model, the 2011 version gains just over 1.5-inches both in length and wheelbase, while being 0.75-inches shorter in height. Still, Volkswagen was able to reduce weight by more than 400 pounds in the base model, while improving torsional rigidity by five percent and lowering the coefficient of drag courtesy of reduced height and reduced frontal area, made possible with the grafting of the current Volkswagen face, first seen in the MkVI Golf, to the front of the vehicle.

While specific U.S.-spec powertrains have not yet been confirmed, European customers will have the option of three engines, each paired to Volkswagen’s new eight-speed automatic transmission – a first in class, VW reports. The big news is the 3.3-liter V-6 hybrid setup, utilizing the 333-horsepower twin-supercharged V-6 found in Audi’s S4. The Touareg utilizes the same hybrid powertrain that will be found on the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, and this version will certainly find its way Stateside. Meanwhile, the familiar 3.0-liter V-6 TDI engine remains in the lineup, producing 238 horsepower in European guise, along with 405 pound-feet of torque. The euro-exclusive 4.2-liter V-8 TDI engine also makes a return, producing 335 horsepower and a staggering 590 pound-feet of torque.

Two versions of all-wheel drive are being offered on the 2011 Touareg – the base-level 4Motion system with a Torsen limited-slip differential and an off-road driving mode that recalibrates various stability controls for off-road duty. 4Motion allows for climbing ability up to 31-degrees. Optional with the V-6 TDI engine is a “Terrain Tech Packet” that eschews the Torsen unit for a more rugged transfer case specifically designed with off-road driving in mind. It offers up to 100 percent locking ability and features reduction gearing, along with center and rear differentials to allow for up to a 45-degree climbing ability. A five-position rotary switch provides control over varying degrees of terrain – from on-road driving to the roughest of off-road trails.

In addition to being more capable, the 2011 Touareg is also more comfortable. While third-row seating remains absent in the Touareg, there is more room for second-row passengers, made possible in part by the slightly longer wheelbase. The rear bench now offers greater longitudinal adjustment, while the backrest angle is capable of being adjusted. Fold the rear bench flat (electrical adjustment is an option) and 58 cubic-feet of cargo room is available. Up front, a standard radio-CD infotainment system is included, displayed on a 6.5-inch touchscreen.

A number of new tech features have been added to the new Touareg, including an electronically-actuated push-button parking brake, stop-start system for V-6 models, remotely operated electronic tailgate, and new “Area View” parking system that uses cameras at each of the vehicle’s four corners to monitor surroundings – similar to Nissan’s Around View system. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist, Bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive roll compensation, and Dynamic Light Assist (an auto-dimming headlight function) are also available.

For the first time, Volkswagen will also provide a personalization option for the new Touareg with the under the Volkswagen Individual program. Optional add-ons include a number of Nappa leather interior packages in different color schemes, along with a selection of wood inserts, and unique 19-inch “Girona” wheels. It is not determined whether the program will be offered to European customers only.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg makes its debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show where we expect more U.S.-specific information to be found. Stay tuned to Automobile Magazine for more on the 2011 Touareg, as well as the full range of Geneva show debuts.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show

First Look: 2011 Volvo S60

It wasn’t that long ago that Volvos were essentially considered to be safety boxes on wheels. But over the last decade or so, the cars from Gothenburg have evolved into curvaceous vehicles that retain the safety of their boxy predecessors. The 2011 Volvo S60, perhaps the most elegant Volvo yet, is set to debut at the 2010 Geneva motor show this March.

With the 2011 S60, Volvo aimed for a sportier and more visually enticing design by incorporating the look of a four-door coupe. The S60’s new rakish roofline is part of the flowing styling dubbed “racetrack” design, which means that the car’s lines don’t end abruptly at any point but instead flow organically around the entire vehicle. With its sculpted front fascia, short overhangs, and flowing taillights, we have to say the S60’s design really works.

Volvo didn’t leave the sporty changes just to the S60’s styling, however, as the new S60 has a more dynamic chassis than any Volvo before it. The S60 sports stiffer springs all around and a stiffer chassis to increase grip and give the driver more control. Along with all of these upgrades in the name of sporty driving, Volvo improved the damping to provide a balance between stiffness and ride comfort.

“We spent many weeks fine-tuning the dampers out in the English countryside,” says Stefan Sällqvist, who led the S60 chassis development. “We drove on old Roman roads that have only ever received a few layers of tarmac over the centuries -- a perfect environment for finding the right damping qualities.”

Powering this sporty Volvo is the same 3.0-liter turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine found in several vehicles in Volvo’s lineup. As of now, this is the only engine known to be coming to the U.S. Whether other engines will be available remains to be seen. In Europe, drivers will also get the choice of two diesel powerplants when the A60 is launched, with another diesel and three gasoline engines available shortly afterward. These engines are all coupled to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. The manual transmission option may also be omitted from the American S60 lineup.

Volvo’s designers continued with the racetrack-design theme inside the car. The entire interior was designed to look as if it’s in motion. There is more legroom in the rear and the seats back there have been reshaped to offer more lateral support, but, unlike other four-door coupes, three passengers can still ride on the back bench. The S60 also adopts a new infotainment system that allows the driver access via steering wheel controls, standard controls underneath the screen, or voice recognition, when equipped. A new high-end radio from Audyssey Laboratories also equalizes the sound system automatically.

As with all Volvos, the S60 comes with a host of safety features. Volvo’s City Safety, which automatically applies the brakes to reduce the damage from or completely eliminate crashes below 18 mph, is standard. A new pedestrian detection system can apply full braking power to reduce the force of a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 21 mph. In addition, the new S60 is available with driver alert control, a blind spot warning system, lane departure warning, and numerous airbags.

Look for the 2011 Volvo S60 to make its world debut this March at the Geneva motor show. Volvo has not yet released any further details on pricing or an on sale date, but expect the car to make it into showrooms later this year.

 

[Giovanni Dimitropoulos]

Απάντηση: 2010 Geneva Auto Show