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Volkswagen celebrates the fact that the Scirocco has broken through the magical sound barrier for a sports car of one million built vehicles in 2013. Hence, a special model of VW Scirocco is introduced exclusively in Germany and China.

The exclusive “Scirocco Million”, painted exclusively in “Deep Black Metallic ” can be recognised at first glance by its sporty accent strip, the exterior rear mirror caps painted in “Galvanic Grey” and its “Interlagos” 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 tyres that are also standard. For China market, it will be 17-inch wheels instead. The alloy wheels are delivered in combination with a tyre pressure control display. 19-inch alloy wheels of the “Lugano” type that are painted silver are also optionally available.

The other standard exterior customisation features include R-Line bumpers, R-Line side sills, smoked tail lights, “Million” stickers on the wings and rear windows that are 90% smoked in Germany, while 65% smoked in China due to regulations. In the interior, the special model features, among other things, a standard Vienna black leather seating with contrasting seams in “Snap Orange.” In sync with that: the black roof liner and the leather cover of the parking brake lever and gear lever gaiter (also with seams in “Snap Orange”). Floor mats with colour-contrasting chain-stitch seams, stainless steel pedals, entry plates with “Million” lettering and the accent strips made of brushed aluminium are likewise standard on board. The RCD 310 audio system provides the right sound and up-to-date information.

The Volkswagen “Scirocco Million” can be ordered with three different petrol engines (TSI) and two diesel engines (TDI). The TSI have output ratings of 90 kW / 122 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 155 kW / 210 PS; the TDIs develop 103 kW / 140 PS and 130 kW / 177 PS. With the exception of the 122 PS TSI, all engines can be combined with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The base price of the Scirocco Million will be 27,325 euros in Germany.

Like the Golf GTI, the Scirocco is a sporty icon. The first generation of the Coupé was launched in 1974. Seven years later, in 1981, the second generation of the Scirocco took off. It was built up to 1992. A total of 795,650 vehicles of the Scirocco I and II were built – a truly sporty world success. The comeback of the sports car came with the Scirocco III in 2008. The third generation is developing into a success model, too: Inside of just under five years, more than 204,350 fans the world over have opted for a new Scirocco – if we add generations I, II and III, we arrive at the one million vehicle mark we just mentioned. Volkswagen is celebrating this with a special edition: the Scirocco Million. The production of the special series will be started as early as the end of May 2013.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Volkswagen Scirocco Million

Volkswagen will be introducing the latest version of the Golf GTI at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the legendary Golf GTI is available at two variants: the standard 220PS or the GTI Performance with 230PS and front axle differential lock.

The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine (TSI) with 220PS. For the first time in the history of the sports car icon, a special GTI Performance will be offered. In this version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 230PS. Both GTI versions develop a maximum torque of 350Nm. The standard GTI accelerates to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 246km/h. The GTI Performance reaches a top speed of 250km/h and just 6.4 seconds for 0-100km/h.

Both GTI versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system, they fulfill the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014 and – with a 6-speed gearbox – they attain the same low DIN fuel consumption value of 6.0 l/100 km (CO2: 139 g/km). This means that the Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional 6-speed DSG, the two GTI cars consume 6.4 and 6.5 l/100 respectively (equivalent to 148 and 150 g/km CO2).

The sporty character of the Golf GTI is reflected in its traditional red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and a sport suspension. The exterior of the compact sports car also scores with 17-inch “Brooklyn” GTI wheels and 225/45 size tyres, special side sills, a diffuser and smoked LED rear lights (including LED license plate illumination).
 
Visual highlights in the interior are top sport seats in tartan pattern (“Clark”), a black roof liner and red ambience lighting. The cars also offers sporty GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI gear shift grip and instrument cluster, special trim strips and stainless steel pedals and foot support.

Volkswagen assures an optimal mix of comfort and safety in the Golf GTI. Customers can choose from the standard body colours “Tornado Red”, “Black” and “Pure White”. In Germany, advance ordering for the new Golf GTI begins on the 5th of March, and prices start at 28,350 euros.

Facts overview

GTI Standard:
Market launch in Europe: Initial markets starting May 2013.
Debut of first generation Golf GTI: 1976.
Engine: Four-cylinder TSI (turbocharged direct petrol injection); front transverse engine; displacement 1,984 cc; bore/stroke 82.5/92.8 mm; compression ratio 9.8:1.
Power: 162 kW / 220 PS from 4,500 to 6,200 rpm.
Torque: 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm.
Gearboxes / drive type: Manual 6-speed gearbox; automatic 6-speed DSG; front-wheel drive.
Brakes: Disc brakes front and rear, front 312 x 25 mm, ventilated; rear 300 x 12 mm.
Fuel consumption / CO2 emissions (manual): 6.0 l/100 km; 139 g/km CO2.
Driving performance (manual): 0-100 km/h in 6.5 s; V/max 246 km/h.

GTI Performance:
Power: 169 kW / 230 PS from 4,700 to 6,200 rpm.
Torque: 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,600 rpm.
Front axle differential lock (VAQ).
Brakes: Disc brakes front and rear, front 340 x 30 mm, ventilated; rear 310 x 22 mm, ventilated.
Driving performance (manual): 0-100 km/h in 6.4 s; V/max 250 km/h.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mark 7

The new Beetle Convertible has arrived and is available now in Volkswagen dealerships all over Germany. With an updated, fresh design, a wealth of trim options and not least a great value-for-money price the new Beetle Convertible impresses on every front. The open-top 4-seater will be launched across Europe over the coming weeks.

This grandchild of the legendary original Beetle Convertible can be ordered with a range of efficient engines covering a power output range of 105PS (77 kW) to 200PS (147kW). The electrically powered soft top is easily opened within just 9.5 seconds and in terms of safety, too, the Beetle Convertible is exemplary: fitted as standard is a rollover protection system behind the rear seat headrests that shoots up within milliseconds of the car beginning to lean at a dangerous angle.  

5 equipment versions are available for the new Beetle Convertible: ‘Beetle’, ‘Design’, ‘Design Exclusive’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Exclusive’. On top of this come three limited edition models: ‘50s Edition’, ‘60s Edition’ and ‘70s Edition’. Each of these reflects and gives a modern interpretation to style elements from the respective decade. This broad range is supplemented by twelve paint colours and two soft top colours, eleven different interior fabric and leather trims, twelve wheel designs and numerous technical and styling options. The four-seater is launching in Germany with a base price of €21,350 for the 1.2 TSI delivering 105PS (77 kW) – making the open-top Beetle the most affordable convertible in the Volkswagen range.

At 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen will be presenting the latest version of Golf GTD whose 184PS(135 kW) TDI engine already complies with the challenging EU-6 emissions standard today.

The first Golf GTD in 1982 revolutionised the segment of compact diesel passenger cars with its turbodiesel, sporty tuning and its customised features in the style of the Golf GTI. It is being followed up this year by the most powerful “GTD” ever that is based on the seventh generation Golf. With a power of 184PS (135 kW), the new Golf GTD can be recommended as a car that is as much a dynamic performer as a fuel-efficient long-distance touring car. In the version with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 230km/h Volkswagen consumes just 4.2 litres per 100 km; this combined fuel consumption equates to CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. With the optional 6-speed DSG, fuel consumption is 4.7 l/100 km (two-door: 119 g/km CO2; four-door: 122 g/km CO2). Also impressive is its torque of 380 Nm, which is already available from 1,750 rpm.

Visually, the Golf GTD makes its appearance with its smoked LED rear lights with LED licence plate illumination and chrome dual tailpipes. 17-inch GTD wheels with 225/45 tyres, side sill trim, diffuser, sport suspension and a large roof spoiler round out the car’s overall dynamic impression.

Numerous distinctive GTD characteristics also mark the interior: along with top sport seats in tartan pattern (“Clark”), a black roofliner, sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and foot support, there are also a GTD gear shift grip, GTD trim strips and a GTD instrument cluster. Other features guarantee the necessary comfort on long trips; they include: progressive steering, white ambience lighting, automatic “Climatronic” climate control, ParkPilot front and rear, winter pack and “Composition Touch” radio system. Standard body colours offered for the Golf GTD are “Tornado Red”, “Black” and “Pure White”.

The new Golf GTD is available in Germany at an entry-level price of 29,350 euros, and orders begin on the 5th of March 2013.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTD

The XL1 from Volkswagen is the most fuel-efficient production car in the world, with a fuel consumption value of 0.9 l/100 km. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid system, the two-seater can also cover a distance of up to 50 km in all-electric mode and therefore with zero local emissions.

The XL1 is an automotive hero that follows pure sports car design principles: low weight (795 kg), perfect aerodynamics (Cd 0.189) and a low centre of gravity (1,153 mm high). This gives the efficient Volkswagen the ability to cruise on the road at a constant speed of 100 km/h using just 6.2 kW / 8.4 PS. In all-electric mode, the XL1 requires less than 0.1 kWh to cover a driving distance of over one kilometer.

High-tech lightweight design, perfect aerodynamics and a plug-in hybrid system – consisting of a two-cylinder TDI engine (35 kW / 48 PS), E-motor (20 kW / 27 PS), 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and lithium-ion battery – all make it possible for the new Volkswagen XL1 to emit just 21 g/km of CO2. If necessary, the XL1, with a top speed of 160 km/h, can accelerate to 100 km/h in just 12,7 seconds. Clearly, 0.9 l/100 km fuel consumption is a record figure that has not been achieved by any other vehicle to date, and it illustrates how Volkswagen is redefining what is technically feasible in carmaking.

Conceptually, the XL1 represents the third evolutionary stage of Volkswagen’s 1-litre car strategy. When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, who is today Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, formulated the visionary goal of bringing to market a production car that was practical in everyday use with fuel consumption of one litre per 100 km. In the two-seat XL1, this vision has become reality. Despite the tremendous efficiency of the XL1, developers successfully came up with a body concept, which delivers more everyday utility than in the two previous prototypes. While the driver and passenger sat in a tandem arrangement for optimal aerodynamics in the L1, the 1-litre car presented in 2002 and in 2009, in the XL1 two occupants sit slightly offset, side by side, nearly as in a conventional vehicle.

The XL1 is 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,153 mm tall. By usual automotive standards these are extreme dimensions. For comparison: a Polo has a similar length (3,970 mm) and width (1,682 mm) but is significantly taller (1,462 mm). Even a purebred sports car like today’s Porsche Boxster is 129 mm taller (1,282 mm). So, the XL1 will make a spectacular appearance – a car of the future, built for today.