Volkswagen: To The Future!!!

What to Expect in the Coming Years...

As some of you may know, Motor Trend was going to talk to the Volkswagen VP about their future cars coming to America. I knew that this guy would give up nothing but "politi-speech" and hemming and hawing over what may or may not be viable for the USA, blah blah blah. Whatever! But I am here for you (those that care...).

I went to my trusted VW Dealer in Orem on Thursday. They had a car there I wanted to test as a possible commuter car for me and got to talking with their head sales dude. We were talking about the future VW models and he pulls out this binder with VW letterhead on it discussing new models to expect in 2013 - 2015. Of course, I am thinking, I AM REMEMBERING ALL OF THIS FOR THE BLOG!!!

Microbus - What VW told MT:

"No comment. – Michel

We’ve definitely talked about it, it’s still being badgered about, but if we want to grow our brand we’ve got to be in segments that matter right now."

http://wot.motortrend.com/amarok-to-tdi-hybrids-vw-vp-of-marketing-and-strategy-answers-your-questions-242353.html

What I found out:

The Routan is being axed after this year, 2013 MY. Volkswagen will go a year without a minivan in the lineup in the U.S. so as to introduce the redesigned T5 from Europe here. This van will be available with AWD and a TDI engine. We may also get a 6M with the TDI as well as a beefed up DSG.

That's right. It's a fridge. OH YEAH!!!

What VW said about the Tiguan TDI:

"The diesel would be a very nice addition to the Tiguan. Technically it’s always a question of where you are in your lifecycle…no doubt the Tiguan with the diesel would be a really great addition. [Any] model we bring to into North America, be it a complete new model or a successor, we are committed to diesel. Diesel is a unique selling point, we are at about 20 percent and we even now think we have the potential to go up to 30 percent easily."

What I found out:

The Tiguan, as it exists now, is going away from something a little larger for the American market. With this redesign, expect the TDI to be made available. Tiguan is also getting a Ragtop Sunroof for those that want open air feel for both rows without all the weight of a heavy glass sunroof.

In regards to the TDI engine, according the the Dealer's notes, the V6 TDI is going away. Instead, the 2.0 TDI will grow an extra cylinder making 340 lb ft of torque and 235 hp or so and be used in the heavy vehicles and larger sedans like the new van, Touareg, and Passat. He didn't say what kind of mpg to expect but think around 35 mpg highway for the Touareg/van and you'll be in the ballpark.

What VW said about the Jetta R:

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What I found out:

We will get two versions - the two door coupe described as sexy as heck by me and the sedan. The coupe will also have a near race version with a detachable roll cage, removable front passenger seat, and no back seat powered by a heavily breathed on VR6 engine and beefed up 7 speed DSG. The other version will be the normal street version with DSG and VR6. AWD will also be standard across the line.

Beetle R is coming. Expect the two versions, Race/Street as well with the AWD, VR6 and 7DSG.

What VW said about the new Touareg:

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What I found out:

The Touareg is getting a 3rd row. Since the Tiguan is growing in size to better fit the requirements of interior space demands of Americans, the Touareg needs to differentiate itself better and will be getting a third row.

Maybe next time, MT ought to just have me ask the questions. I seem to get actual info.