New Audi Q3 SUV Officially Revealed: High-Res Gallery with 67 Photos

The wait is finally over. A mere week after the release of the teaser sketches, Audi has come out with official photos and details on its new Q3 compact SUV, which will receive its first public outing at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The Q3 is Audi’s third SUV model after the larger Q5 and Q7 and will compete against the BMW X1. Those familiar with the VW Group’s strategy won’t be surprised to find out that the Q3 is based on the platform architecture of the Volkswagen Tiguan. Audi’s interpretation of a compact SUV model measures 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height with the roof rails, meaning its 240mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 53mm lower than the Q5.

The exterior styling is pure Audi with the design loosely inspired by the Ingolstadt firm’s Cross Coupe Quattro Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Compared to the Q5, Audi’s smaller SUV model introduces a sharper front design with wedge-shaped headlamps and a roofline that slopes gently towards the back for a more dynamic profile.

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New Audi Q3 SUV Officially Revealed: High-Res Gallery with 67 Photos

The wait is finally over. A mere week after the release of the teaser sketches, Audi has come out with official photos and details on its new Q3 compact SUV, which will receive its first public outing at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The Q3 is Audi’s third SUV model after the larger Q5 and Q7 and will compete against the BMW X1. Those familiar with the VW Group’s strategy won’t be surprised to find out that the Q3 is based on the platform architecture of the Volkswagen Tiguan. Audi’s interpretation of a compact SUV model measures 4.39 meters in length (14.4 ft), 1.83 meters in width (6.0 ft), and 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) in height with the roof rails, meaning its 240mm shorter, 50mm narrower and 53mm lower than the Q5.

The exterior styling is pure Audi with the design loosely inspired by the Ingolstadt firm’s Cross Coupe Quattro Concept from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Compared to the Q5, Audi’s smaller SUV model introduces a sharper front design with wedge-shaped headlamps and a roofline that slopes gently towards the back for a more dynamic profile.

Read more »

It Came from eBay Hell: Thunder Ranch Riot with Scat Crate Engine

If Geo had asked Isuzu to design them a car that would appeal to California’s surfer crowd in the mid-1990s, chances are it’d look a lot like the Thunder Ranch Riot. A fibreglass bodied, Volkswagen Beetle-based turnkey kit car, the Riot looks like a Geo Storm that’s been cut, shut and had Dodge Viper parts tacked on to its exterior. And it can be all yours for the low, low price of US$12,000.

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It Came from eBay Hell: Thunder Ranch Riot with Scat Crate Engine

If Geo had asked Isuzu to design them a car that would appeal to California’s surfer crowd in the mid-1990s, chances are it’d look a lot like the Thunder Ranch Riot. A fibreglass bodied, Volkswagen Beetle-based turnkey kit car, the Riot looks like a Geo Storm that’s been cut, shut and had Dodge Viper parts tacked on to its exterior. And it can be all yours for the low, low price of US$12,000.

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New Volkswagen Caddy Racer gets 270HP 2.0-liter Turbo Engine

You may think of the Volkswagen Caddy as a workhouse van or a people carrier, but the German company believes the compact-sized model is also great for racing. In fact, the Caddy Racer has been competing in the Volkswagen Racing Cup since 2004. The introduction of the redesigned Caddy series last year brought a newer competition version that was unveiled today at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC in the UK.

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New Volkswagen Caddy Racer gets 270HP 2.0-liter Turbo Engine

You may think of the Volkswagen Caddy as a workhouse van or a people carrier, but the German company believes the compact-sized model is also great for racing. In fact, the Caddy Racer has been competing in the Volkswagen Racing Cup since 2004. The introduction of the redesigned Caddy series last year brought a newer competition version that was unveiled today at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC in the UK.

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Las Vegas Classic Car Showroom Selling Half a VW Beetle: What Would you do With it?

When I was in high school, my teacher had the front half of a mid-‘80s Mitsubishi Sigma (sold stateside as the Gallant) that he used for teaching students car maintenance. It was blocked off behind the front seats with wooden slats and had two castor wheels at the back so it could easily be moved around.

All well and good, but what use would be the other, engine-less half? I mean, it’d just be a steel shell with a generous (if not altogether compact) lockable storage area. This is the question posed by this rather interesting automotive oddity: a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle “Front End Display”.

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Las Vegas Classic Car Showroom Selling Half a VW Beetle: What Would you do With it?

When I was in high school, my teacher had the front half of a mid-‘80s Mitsubishi Sigma (sold stateside as the Gallant) that he used for teaching students car maintenance. It was blocked off behind the front seats with wooden slats and had two castor wheels at the back so it could easily be moved around.

All well and good, but what use would be the other, engine-less half? I mean, it’d just be a steel shell with a generous (if not altogether compact) lockable storage area. This is the question posed by this rather interesting automotive oddity: a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle “Front End Display”.

Read more »

Volkswagen to Reveal All-New 2012 Beetle on April 18

Volkswagen will unveil a new generation of the New Beetle on April 18, in three different locations around the world almost simultaneously. The world premiere of the New Bug's second remake will take place at the Shanghai Auto Show, and in New York and Berlin during MTV World Stage events.

For the launch of the New Beetle, VW has teamed up with MTV, with all three appearances of the car being linked to the music TV station. In Shanghai, the Beetle will revealed by an MTV DJ who will host an exclusive MTV Sound System event, while in New York and Berlin the car will make its first appearance during World Stage events, with live performances of The Black Eyed Peas and 2manydjs respectively.

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Volkswagen to Reveal All-New 2012 Beetle on April 18

Volkswagen will unveil a new generation of the New Beetle on April 18, in three different locations around the world almost simultaneously. The world premiere of the New Bug's second remake will take place at the Shanghai Auto Show, and in New York and Berlin during MTV World Stage events.

For the launch of the New Beetle, VW has teamed up with MTV, with all three appearances of the car being linked to the music TV station. In Shanghai, the Beetle will revealed by an MTV DJ who will host an exclusive MTV Sound System event, while in New York and Berlin the car will make its first appearance during World Stage events, with live performances of The Black Eyed Peas and 2manydjs respectively.

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Argentine Dealer Signs Porsche-For-Wine Program to Offset Car Imports

Argentina's Industry Ministry signed an agreement with Porsche importer Grupo Pulenta according to which, the company will have to offset all car imports with equivalent exports of wine and olives.

The deal complies with local regulations that allow companies to import cars for sale only if they export goods of the same value. Grupo Pulenta, which aims to import 100 vehicles worth around $8 million this year, will therefore have to export wine and olive products to 18 countries, including the U.S. and neighboring Brazil.

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Argentine Dealer Signs Porsche-For-Wine Program to Offset Car Imports

Argentina's Industry Ministry signed an agreement with Porsche importer Grupo Pulenta according to which, the company will have to offset all car imports with equivalent exports of wine and olives.

The deal complies with local regulations that allow companies to import cars for sale only if they export goods of the same value. Grupo Pulenta, which aims to import 100 vehicles worth around $8 million this year, will therefore have to export wine and olive products to 18 countries, including the U.S. and neighboring Brazil.

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Volkswagen Launches New Line of Accessories for Facelifted Eos

VW has released the first aftermarket accessories for its facelifted Eos coupe-cabriolet in the form of new aerodynamic, styling and practical accessories. In particular, VW proposes a tailgate spoiler, stainless steel muffler tips and a rear protection bar finished in high-gloss chrome. The spoiler is applied directly to the bootlid and promises to improve the car’s aerodynamics at high speeds

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Volkswagen Launches New Line of Accessories for Facelifted Eos

VW has released the first aftermarket accessories for its facelifted Eos coupe-cabriolet in the form of new aerodynamic, styling and practical accessories. In particular, VW proposes a tailgate spoiler, stainless steel muffler tips and a rear protection bar finished in high-gloss chrome. The spoiler is applied directly to the bootlid and promises to improve the car’s aerodynamics at high speeds

Read more »

Report: Seat to Launch Four New Models in 2012 including a Four-Door Sedan

VW's Spanish subsidiary is expecting a 10 percent rise in sales this year and aims further growth in 2012, when it will launch four new models. According to CEO James Muir, new products such as the Ibiza ST and the Alhambra will boost Seat sales in 2011.

"We want to increase our 340,000 unit sales from last year – by 8 to 10 percent – thanks to existing models. We aim to sell 45,000 units of the Ibiza ST (station wagon) this year. And the Alhambra already is well above plan so we expect a full-year volume of 20,000 units. This proves that our brand is gaining strength," Muir was quoted as saying by Autonews Europe.

For 2012, the company has even bigger plans, fueled by the launch of four new models. "We will launch four new cars: the new Leon, a totally new entry-level model, a four-door sedan and a major Ibiza facelift," said Muir, who was appointed head of Seat in 2009.

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Report: Seat to Launch Four New Models in 2012 including a Four-Door Sedan

VW's Spanish subsidiary is expecting a 10 percent rise in sales this year and aims further growth in 2012, when it will launch four new models. According to CEO James Muir, new products such as the Ibiza ST and the Alhambra will boost Seat sales in 2011.

"We want to increase our 340,000 unit sales from last year – by 8 to 10 percent – thanks to existing models. We aim to sell 45,000 units of the Ibiza ST (station wagon) this year. And the Alhambra already is well above plan so we expect a full-year volume of 20,000 units. This proves that our brand is gaining strength," Muir was quoted as saying by Autonews Europe.

For 2012, the company has even bigger plans, fueled by the launch of four new models. "We will launch four new cars: the new Leon, a totally new entry-level model, a four-door sedan and a major Ibiza facelift," said Muir, who was appointed head of Seat in 2009.

Read more »

2011 VW Jetta Recalled in the States Over Wiring Glitch

Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall for its 2011 model year Jetta sedan in the USA due to a defect in the wiring system controlling the anti-theft alarm system and horn. The German company said that in some instances an electric short in the horn could, which in turn could cause the engine to stall, adding that no injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of this problem. Read more »

2011 VW Jetta Recalled in the States Over Wiring Glitch

Volkswagen has announced a voluntary recall for its 2011 model year Jetta sedan in the USA due to a defect in the wiring system controlling the anti-theft alarm system and horn. The German company said that in some instances an electric short in the horn could, which in turn could cause the engine to stall, adding that no injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of this problem. Read more »

CSR Automotive Adds Some Aggression to VW Scirocco Coupe

If the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe doesn’t look wild enough for your taste, you may want to take a look at CSR Automotive’s aesthetic treatment. The exterior mods include a new honeycomb lower grille in a matte black finish, a front apron, headlamp trims, side skirts and a rear apron with a diffuser that houses the new exhaust outlets. There’s also a rear spoiler and a matte black foil wrap in a carbon fiber look that partially covers the hood and the roof, as well as the exterior mirrors. Read more »

CSR Automotive Adds Some Aggression to VW Scirocco Coupe

If the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe doesn’t look wild enough for your taste, you may want to take a look at CSR Automotive’s aesthetic treatment. The exterior mods include a new honeycomb lower grille in a matte black finish, a front apron, headlamp trims, side skirts and a rear apron with a diffuser that houses the new exhaust outlets. There’s also a rear spoiler and a matte black foil wrap in a carbon fiber look that partially covers the hood and the roof, as well as the exterior mirrors. Read more »