Off to Japan!

I am off to Japan now. Japan is one of the most interesting countries in this world and I am sure I will bring some nice impressions back to share with you.
I am not sure how regular I can update this site, because I don't have computer access all the time. Especially the next 7 days could be a quiet period when it comes to Audi and Volkswagen news and opinion.

I am sorry for the inconvenience!

Read more about Japan here: JNTO or click the link below!

The German Car Blog

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VW Jetta: European Debut

After spending some time as the VW Bora internationally, the Jetta name is set to return to Germany June 3rd with the release of the fifth generation sedan. Other international markets are to follow after that, making the North American market the first to receive the new car.

Volkswagen has revived the Jetta, Europe's most successful automobile in the USA. Its technical genes are shared with the best-selling German car of all time, the Golf. Its design is entirely new. More than 6.5 million Jetta vehicles have been sold throughout the world to date.

Its features include its sporty design, lots of room for journeys, a very spacious luggage compartment, superior vehicle dynamics and its outstanding finish.

Source: VWVortex

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Audi A3 Sportback: Road test

AudiWorld is offering you a road test of the Audi A3 Sportback.

Audi felt that North America was ready for its premium compact car and our wait is finally over - in May 2005 the Audi A3 Sportback officially went on sale across the United States and Canada. Audi enthusiasts may not be completely happy with the initial configuration being offered, but after testing the A3 during the press launch in Los Angles we can report that the A3 has definitely been worth the wait.

"It is not an inexpensive, cheap Audi" states Audi of America Vice President Johan de Nysschen, responding the perception that the A3 is going to be an entry level car. The A3 Sportback, de Nysschen points out, sacrifices nothing in terms of engineering, material and craftsmanship qualities compared to its bigger brothers.

The Audi A3 Sportback looks great in red with the Open Sky roof system like seen above! It's really awesome.

Source: AudiWorld

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Audi A6: New base engine

The Audi A6 is receiving a new base with the 2.0 TFSI engine.
You can choose between a 6-gear manual or a Multitronic. Prices vary from 32.700 Euro for the sedan and 34.900 Euro for the Avant.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

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Audi: Three Awards for the Audi Magazine

Audi receives international awards in the USA: the "Best of Show Award" (Mercury Awards), a certificate of merit in the "Astrid Awards", and the "IAAA Silver Award".

Source: Fourtitude

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VW CrossGolf: spy shots!

Channel4 is providing the so far clearest pictures of the upcoming VW CrossGolf, which will be presented to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Source: Channel4

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Audi RS6: spy shots!

AutoWeek is providing a spy shot of the upcoming Audi RS6 with a V10 engine from German race track "Nuerburgring".

Audi has made little effort to hide its upcoming BMW M5 fighter, the RS6. We caught it testing at the Nürbur-gring, which means Audi will likely pull the wraps off soon. Right now we know the RS6 will sport similar RS styling cues as seen on the RS4. Like the M5, the RS6 uses a V10 engine displacing about 5.5 liters and producing 550 horsepower.

The tamer S6 will also receive a V10, around 5.2 liters and 440 horsepower. We expect Audi to offer both six-speed automatic and seven-speed direct-shift gearboxes.

Source: AutoWeek

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VW: Secret new coupé?

According to Wheels24 VW is developing a two-door version of the new Passat. This would be the first genuine coupe in about a decade.

The last coupé VW built was the Corrado of which production was stopped in 1996.

According to Auto Express the secret Passat-based coupé, which will only go on sale in 2007, will be an ultra luxury vehicle and will sit at top of the range with the company's flagship Phaeton.

Although it will share its design cues and underpinnings with the Passat the new coupé will have an even sportier and more aggressive appearance. However, its overall length is shorter than the Passat as VW will reduce the rear overhang.

It also takes styling cues from the Concept C convertible.

Engine options will include the Golf GTI's 147 kW 2.0-litre FSI engine as well as a potent V6. VW will apparently also include a high-performance version of the company's 3.0 TDI engine.

Furthermore the car will also feature VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive and clutchless manual DSG transmission.

Source: Wheels24

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Audi: Wants its rightful share

The Car Connection is reporting that Audi is aiming for higher numbers and is demanding its rightful share.

The victory in the American Le Mans series was just the sort of momentum-builder the German brand has needed. After several record years in the U.S. market, Audi sales took a tumble in 2004. Now, with new product on the way, quality on the mend, and residuals on the rise, Audi is hoping to get its sales back on track.

That means a combination of more product, more sales, and higher prices, company officials told TheCarConnection.com

There is no reason, insists Johan de Nysschen, the new man in charge of Audi of America, the automaker shouldn't be going head-to-head with the big boys of the luxury segment, German makers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, as well as U.S. market leader Lexus. Yet while Audi is giving its rivals a run for the money in Europe, it remains an also-ran in America.

"We haven't fully unlocked the potential of Audi," insisted de Nysschen, as he and other senior Audi executives settled in to watch the Sebring race.

Audi is working hard to clean up its image. The recent, seemingly flawless launch of the all-new A6 sedan has certainly helped. It has underscored improvements not only in Audi quality, but in the resale value of the brand's products. That's a serious concern for luxury buyers, and Audi's residuals have, in recent years, roughly reached par with Mercedes, lagging barely a percentage point behind BMW.

"Audi sits here just short of the full first tier" luxury brands, said analyst Hall, who believes the German marque will edge even closer in the near future with the introduction of its Q7, a sport-utility vehicle.

Source: The Car Connection

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Audi: Future of Cars

The Car Connection has a very interesting article about the future of cars, at least when it comes to Audi.

The future of cars will be shaped by two very distinctive trends with their own very distinctive directions, one of Audi AG's top designers told the annual Automotive Interiors Conference inDetroit.

Roland Steinmann, executive design director at Audi AG's studio in Southern California , said cars would continue to be shaped by the "Baby Boom" generation for the next 30 or 40 years.

The influence of the huge Baby Boom and its spending power will dictate a need for creature comfort and sophisticated technology that can help manage the car's movement, Steinmann said during a panel discussion at the annual auto interiors show. At the same time, materials will have to be easily recycled.

"There will be changes in automotive form coupled with a handover of power by the driver," Steinmann said. "As the Baby Boomers grow older, they will want more than functionality, they will prompt an explosion of niche models that express their individual preferences," said Steinmann.

"The focus will shift from being the driver to being driven. Assistance system will help boost active driving safety and enhance driving convenience. Technology such lane departure warning systems, distance warning systems and video cameras or systems that assist in parking or even systems that park the car for you" will all become more important, Steinmann predicted.

Source: The Car Connection

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VW: 100 million cars built

VW announced today that they now built 100 million cars. The anniversary car is a 1,9 TDI VW Touran in reflexsilver.

Here is the ranking of the most sold cars so far:
VW Golf: 23 million
VW Beetle: 21,5 million
VW Passat: 13 million
VW Polo: 9 million

Source: Der Spiegel (only in German)

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The German Car Blog: Featured on Newswheel!

The German Car Blog is featured on Newswheel. And of course it's because of our article about the suggested new models.

Thanks!

Source: Newswheel

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The German Car Blog: Featured on Jalopnik!

Our article about some possible new models from Audi to attack rivals BMW and Porsche raised a lot of interest throughout the car news scene.
This time we are featured on Jalopnik's site, which is always a special honor.

Thanks, guys!

Source: Jalopnik

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Audi: Even more models are coming!

According to "Auto Motor und Sport" the mighty three (Ulrich Hackenberg, Michael Dick and Wolfgang Hatz) surrounding Dr. Martin Winterkorn decided on even more emotional models and to clearly attack BMW in all model lines.

Currently there seem to be rumours about an A3 convertible, which would be a great addition in this segment.
Already decided is the Audi S3, but not with 3,2 Liter-V6 engine, it will come along with the 2.0-TFSI, which has a more powerful turbo-boost and 272 bhp.
To attack Porsche, Audi will bring the new Audi TT end of 2006, the new TT Roadster in 2007 and the topline TTS with a 3,6 Liter TFSI engine in 2008.

Earliest in 2007, maybe 2008, the new Audi RS6 with a biturbo V10 will follow.

Also two new models for Lamborghini are in discussion:
A Lamborghini SUV, based on the Audi Q7, and a revival of the 1968 Espada coupé 4-seater.

Stay tuned for more details and watch these great pictures in the meantime: Audi future

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (only in German)

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Audi: plans for the Audi R9

Auto Motor und Sport is writing today that according to another German car magazine called "Automobilwoche" Audi is starting the production of the Audi R9 already end of 2006 and has plans to sell 5000 cars per year.
The Audi R9 is going to be produced in the Neckarsulm plant, which just got a new Audi Forum.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (only in German)

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VW Beetle: New, New Beetle unveiled

Volkswagen added a second "new" to its 2006 New Beetle, which the company unveiled today.

Start with new, squared off bumpers and fenders, with matching, angular running boards. The headlights have been elongated, and the taillights are larger, with new, integrated turn signals. To create an across-the-brand look, the '06 Beetle gets the new honeycomb grille found on other new VW products, such as the Jetta. A matching, small honeycomb grille has been integrated into the rear fascia, as well, which make it even harder to tell whether a Beetle is coming or going. Overall, explained product strategist David Koth, the goal was to give "a little more edge" to the otherwise spherical Bug. Under the hood, the Jetta's new 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder engine replaces the old 1.8-liter powertrain. The new engine is mated to either a five-speed stick or six-speed automatic, and the 150-hp package is expected to deliver 0-60 times in the low 8-second range. Inside, VW has made a number of modest changes, including a new gauge cluster, and improved cupholders.
The '06 model will debut in September.

Source: The Car Connection

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VW Beetle: "Herbie, Fully Loaded" trailer

The trailer for "Herbie: Fully Loaded" is out, exclusively at Yahoo.
Check out the Lovebug here: Herbie, Fully Loaded trailer.
Release date: June 22nd, 2005.

Source: Jalopnik, Yahoo

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VW Beetle: The Lovebug

If you like the VW Beetle, you should definitely check this site: LoveBugFans.

If you love VW's, you've come to the right place as we're an online community of enthusiasts. While we enjoy them all, most in our group have a particular affinity for the little car named Herbie.

Source: Lovebugfans.com

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Audi Q7: Clear picture available!

Autoblog has an astonishing clear picture of the upcoming SUV by Audi, the Audi Q7.
You can see the Audi Q7 "in all its glory".
Best source for more shots is the Audi Q7 Globe.

Source: Autoblog

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VW Touareg: DARPA Grand Challenge

The DARPA Grand Challenge is a 175-mile driverless race across the Mojave Desert. The event, which is scheduled for Oct. 8, will pit 20 robotic competitors on an unpredictable, obstacle-filled course.
Volkswagen donated a VW Touareg to the Stanford Racing Team and they modified it later with oversized wheels, a reinforced bumper and a protective metal underbelly.

Source: Stanford Report

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The German Car Blog: 1000 visitors in 9 weeks!

We could welcome today our 1000th visitor in just 9 weeks after we launched this site. What a great news!
Our special thanks go to this unique visitor from Uruguay!

Thanks to all our readers for keeping coming back and reading this website and for the great support and feedback we receive day by day.

It's very much appreciated!

The German Car Blog

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Audi: Ranked 8th in J.D. Power's quality study

Audi ranked 8th out of 37 brands in the US quality study from J.D. Power.
They asked 62.000 customers 90 days after they bought or leased a new car from model year 2005.
Top positions are for Lexus, Jaguar and BMW.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport (only in German)

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VW Touareg: Styling suite by JE DESIGN

VW tuning specialist JE DESIGN from Leingarten/Germany presents a complete styling suite for the VW Touareg.

The Touareg R 5 has been given a performance boost, which increases the basic power of the 2.5 l TDI engine from 128 kW / 174 bhp to 152 kW / 206 bhp.

The styling suite includes a complete bumper for the front end, a set of side sills with an air inlet, which makes the car look lower, a roof edge spoiler, a rear apron attachment and a hatch attachment. The bumper and the rear apron attachment are also available for models with Park Distance Control. Moreover, JE DESIGN offers cartridges for double headlights consisting of fog lamps and upper beam headlights for its front bumper. The self-adhesive roof fin “Shark Attack” rounds off the overall image of the JE DESIGN Touareg.

To be honest, I don't like this tuning. Looks strange on a VW Touareg. But please make your own mind...

Source: GermanCarFans

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The German Car Blog is featured on Fourtitude (2)!

They did it again: we are featured in Fourtitude's Fourum with our article about the possible first launch of the Audi R9 in Dubai.
Thanks!

Source: Fourtitude

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The German Car Blog is featured on Fourtitude!

The German Car Blog is featured again in Fourtitude's Fourum. This time with our report about the Audi A4 Coupe aka Audi Nuvolari.
Thanks!

Source: Fourtitude

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Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro: The world's most powerful diesel-engined car

Audi gave the A8 a new diesel-engine with now 240 kW (326 bhp) and the Audi A8 is now the world's most powerful diesel-engined car. And by the way: one of the most beautiful and with the most pleasure to drive also!

With this extremely impressive power output, the new Audi A8 4.2 TDI quattro puts itself ahead of all the other diesel-engined cars on the international market. The entirely redeveloped 4.2-litre, eight-cylinder biturbo engine accelerates the lightweight saloon with its aluminium body from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically restricted to 250 km/h. In addition to these dynamic qualities, the new power plant displays the kind of refinement that sets standards even in the top segment of the motoring world, and ennobles the A8 4.2 TDI quattro, turning it into the perfect long-distance touring saloon.

Source: Fourtitude

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Audi A6: Product placement in Korean drama

Audi was placing an Audi A6 in a popular Korean drama called "Sad Love Story".
It's a very interesting story about the Korean habits and market, so it's worth a stopover.

Source: JoongAng Daily

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