Volkswagen Struts Their Stuff at the Detroit Auto Show

Being a Volkswagen dealer is a tremendous honor for many reasons.  Few brands care for their consumers in the same way that Volkswagen does. Street Volkswagen of Amarillo is immensely proud of our parent company and that pride only increased following the Detroit Auto Show. VW really showed off at this year’s show with a number of exciting surprises.

The Golf R got even sexier

The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R wowed the crowd at the Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle carries a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will yield 290 horsepower as well as 280 lb-ft of torque, which is nice slice above the 2014 model. Unlike the 2014, the 2015 Golf R will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Choosing the manual version will also offer fuel savings with an EPA estimated 31 mpg highway.

Beetle Dune Concept stands out

This is the “Baja Bug for the 21^st century,” says Volkswagen. Based on the Beetle R-line, the Dune has a number of adjustments that help to increase control and maneuvering ability making the Baja Bug handle any terrain with ease. The concept vehicle is about two inches taller than the traditional Bug in regards to distance from the earth as well as wider and longer. Not to mention the concept vehicle was displayed with an ingenious ski and snowboard rack for the extreme sporting fans out there.

The Passat goes green

The Volkswagen Passat joined the forces of the green revolution during the Detroit Auto Show. As we know, Volkswagen is often on the forefront of promoting and creating environmentally friendly technology and mechanics and their BlueMotion Concept does just that. However, BlueMotion sets itself apart from the rest as it is a move in the direction beyond hybridization. This concept implements cylinder deactivation to transform the normally four-cylinder engine into a straight twin, which would be the first example of this technology we have seen. You can always count on VW to be at the forefront of innovation.

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Volkswagen Strikes Design Gold with New Beetle Dune Concept

If you spend your free time in search of the road less traveled, grab your GPS and hop in the new Beetle Dune Concept! This all-new Beetle with an attitude is a throwback to the Baja Beetles that started appearing in the late 1960s in California. Volkswagen’s latest off-road machine, the Beetle Dune concept, debuted at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. The official Volkswagen press release dubs it, “a Baja Bug for the 21st century.” Here is a rundown of the inspiration, components, and exterior features of the Beetle Dune concept.

The Baja Bug returns

The Volkswagen Beetle has been a dream come true for off-road enthusiasts for more than 40 years. The Beetle, with its engine placement over the rear axle, low center of gravity and exceptional two-wheel-drive handling, has provided a base for some of the most off-road friendly vehicles to hit the desert and mountain terrains. An off-road ready Beetle eats desert terrain for breakfast, making it a versatile vehicle for an active lifestyle. While the first Baja Beetle’s were custom creations, the new Dune concept is a tribute to these first VW off-road machines. Even if you have an older Bug in the driveway, it can become an off-road terror with a few simple modifications.

Under the Dune’s Hood 

The Dune is based on the Beetle R-Line which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that pumps out 210-horsepower. The engine is controlled by a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen estimates a fuel economy of 23/29 mpg city/highway.

 

Exterior Features of the Dune concept

The Dune’s design marvel is the ski/snowboard rack built into roof and rear spoilers. Skis are placed in a roof spoiler compartment and locked in by the swivel function of the rear spoiler. The front-end has a new hood with an elevated center and air vents. The large central air intake is set between ring-shaped LED fog lights/turning signals. The Dune’s wheel arch was extended 2.2 inches in width and the body was raised 2 inches for increased ground clearance. The body of the concept was painted in “Arizona”, a yellow-orange metallic. The bold coloring of the body is offset with 19-inch matte black and aluminum spoke wheels.

Volkswagen has not put the Beetle Dune concept into production, but the concept looks like they are not far off. Be the first to know if the VW Beetle Dune will see the streets of Amarillo, TX at Street Volkswagen. LIKE US on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter!

Volkswagen Releases the Special Edition Touareg X

Uniqueness is a cornerstone of the automotive industry, and throughout their history, Volkswagen has made a strict point to be on the forefront of innovation. With the constant promotion of special edition vehicles and other technological advancements, VW has always been a trendsetter, not a follower. The Volkswagen Touareg has been a member of the Volkswagen family for more than ten years and has more than proven itself as a popular vehicle and the Special Edition X version is no exception.

The Touareg through the decade

The Touareg is a mid-size SUV crossover that was first introduced to the world in 2002. Originally, the goal of the Touareg was to create an off-road capable vehicle that handled like a sports car. The first generation of the Touareg came standard with four-wheel drive and was the result of the combined efforts of Volkswagen and Porsche. The original model also introduced a new air suspension system, allowing the driver to alter the height of the vehicle to improve handling. In 2007, the model received a facelift as well as the inclusion of technology that improved the overall safety and of the vehicle and quality of the handling and performance. The current model has been going strong since 2010 and features a completely redesigned body. This model was lowered to tighten the center of gravity to improve handling and was fashioned to be more aerodynamic.

The Special Edition Touareg X 

The new Special Edition model comes amidst the celebration of the Touareg’s 10th anniversary. Originally, it was only intended to have a place in the German market but Volkswagen has decided to the let U.S. join the party with a limited 1000 models to be sold in the states. The Special Edition X is an upgraded version of the Touareg TDI Lux.  These two trim levels share such features as a navigation system with an 8” color touch screen, panoramic sunroof, rearview camera and much more. Separating itself from the Lux, the special edition will also include LED headlights, 19“ Moab aluminum wheels and Moonlight Blue Pearl paint. The 3.0-liter turbo diesel V-6 paired with all wheel drive and an eight speed automatic is the only available powertrain, providing a 29 mpg fuel economy, which is very admirable for an SUV. We look forward to being about to offer this special version of the Touareg for those who want the upgraded performance and addition of extra features and options.

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