Next Volkswagen (VW) Beetle May Get SUV, Roadster Styling

According to the Channel4, VW is planning to launch the successor of new Beetle by 2011. Unlike the current Beetle which is available in only two body styles, the coupe and cabrio, the next generation Beetle will be a multi-variant version. By this we mean that future holds a two-seat Beetle roadster just like the 2005 Ragster concept, an SUV-type Beetle similar to the 2000 Beetle Dune concept and of course, a standard version.

The new 2011 Beetle model is expected to be based on the current fifth gen Golf/Rabbit platform, with technical development happening in Germany, styling in California and final construction at Mexico.

We may not be a potential customer for Beetle SUV but definately would love to see one. With BMW MINI steadily churning out new variants, its good that the competition is finally waking up.

Source: Channel4
Read More On: Volkswagen

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen (VW) Ragster Concept High-Res Pictures.

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VW Launches 2009 Tiguan SUV In Australia

Volkswagen has launched its compact SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan in Australia. With this vehicles VW has maked its entry in the SUV segment of Australian market till now dominated by Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Tiguan will be available in three engine specifications including, two petrol TSI four-cylinder engines developing 125 kW and 147 kW and one diesel 2.0 TDI developing 103 kW.

The 103kW 2.0TDI and 125kW TSI are delivered with six-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. As an option, the Tiguan may be ordered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic, which is standard in the 147kW TSI model.

Volkswagen Tiguan 125TSI
Price: $33,990 (manual), $36,290 (auto).
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo.
Power: 125kW at 4300rpm.
Torque: 280Nm at 1700-4200rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km (manual), 10.1L/100km (auto).
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds (manual), 9.2 seconds (auto).

Volkswagen Tiguan 103TDI
Price: $35,990 (manual), $38,290 (auto).
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel.
Power: 103kW at 4200rpm.
Torque: 320Nm at 1750-2500rpm.
Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption: 7.4L/100km (manual), 7.9L/100km (auto).
0-100km/h: 10.5 seconds (manual), 10.7L/100km (auto).

Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI
Price: $42,990 (auto only).
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo.
Power: 147kW at 5100rpm.
Torque: 280Nm at 1700-5100rrpm.
Transmission: Six-speed auto.
Fuel consumption: 10.1L/100km.
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds.

Standard Equipment & Features
Even the entry versions of the Tiguan have extensive convenience and safety features. Safety equipment includes a network of six airbags, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Program), child seat anchorages on the rear bench and electronic parking brake with AutoHold function.

Standard on-board convenience features also include a multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and a Radio/ CD player with MP3 compatibility, Aux input and eight loud speakers, semi-automatic air conditioning system, four electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, Multifunctional Display 'plus' (trip computer), remote central locking and various storage compartments and bins.

Some of the features of the Tiguan with 147kw TSI engine are: 17-inch "Boston" alloy wheels with size 235/55R17 tyres, chrome roof rails, tinted windows starting at the B-pillars (up to 65 percent light absorbing), sport seats with height-adjustable lumbar supports, folding front passenger seat, storage drawers under the front seats, folding table and storage pockets on the rear of the front seats and sports seats in upgraded cloth with Alcantara appliqués, and low tyre pressure indicator.

Options for the Tiguan include an off-road switch, which at the press of a button awakens an entire armada of assistance systems for making all-terrain drives especially safe.

Source: VW

Read More On: Australian Cars

Photos: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV High-res Pictures.

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2010 Alpha Romeo CXover SUV Confirmed For US

Alfa Romeo Chief Luca de Meo confirmed in an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport that it is preparing a new crossover SUV. The model code-named CXover will debut in 2010 and will be targeted squarely at the American market to enable Italian automaker boost its sale figures here. The CXover SUV will take cues from the 2003 Kamal Concept which was revealed at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.

It is expected that the 2010 Alfa Romeo SUV will be based on the 159 platform, just like Alfa Q4's awd system and on launch will rival the likes of Mercedes GLK, BMW X3, Audi Q5 among others.

It was also confirmed that Alfa Romeo is planning to offer by 2009 an engine stop-start system based on hybrid technology which will be borrowed from parent company Fiat.

Source: AMS, Via: Autoblog

Read More On: Alpha Romeo

Photos: Alpha Romeo Kamal Concept Pictures.

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2009 Ford Flex SUV Photo Picture Gallery

The 2009 Ford Flex is an all-new midsize SUV for 2008. This boxy 4-door wagon shares some of its basic design with Ford's Taurus X crossover SUV and will likely be available in three trim levels: base SE, midlevel SEL, and top-line Limited. Flex is distinguished not only by its squared-off shape but by contrasting roof and body colors and use of exterior chrome accents.

The family oriented 09 model Flex is a big vehicle, measuring more than 202 inches long on a 117.9-inch wheelbase. That makes it longer than a full-size, truck-based sport-utility vehicle like the Chevrolet Tahoe, and longer than some of the biggest minivans ever, including the recently canceled Freestar.

Related Post: 2009 Ford Flex SUV Specs & Features : Brief Review

09 Model Ford Flex SUV Photos & Pictures. Click to enlarge.


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2009 Ford Flex SUV/Wagon Specs & Features : Brief Review

The hit concept vehicle of 2005 - the Fairlane Concept - achieves production reality in the all new 09 Ford Flex mid-sized crossover. Based on the Fairlane Concept, the 2009 Flex joins the Edge and Taurus X in Ford's utility vehicle lineup as a full size crossover, seating six or seven depending on seat configuration and with enough flexibility to accommodate a variety of passenger and cargo needs.

Flex Suv (or is it a wagon?) is powered by Ford's 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain delivers 262 hp horsepower at 6250 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm with fuel economy numbers on par with other full-size crossovers. Flex also offers optional intelligent all-wheel drive. The 2009 Ford Flex goes on sale in summer 2008. It will be manufactured at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada.

The exterior of next generation Flex carries over the concept's upright stance, strong shoulders and prominent wheel arches as well as the distinctive machined character lines on the side panels. Designers maximized the vehicle's width and integrated the rocker panels into the doors to eliminate the need to step over the rockers when entering the vehicle.

Inside, the Ford Flex features modern materials and soft panels on touch points. The instrument panel is set low to provide optimal visibility to people in the front's captain's chairs. The second row of seats comes in either a 60/40 split second row bench, or captain's chairs with a walkthrough aisle or an optional second row storage console. Second row seats fold and tumble or fold flat for added cargo space.

Third row options include a single bench or 50/50 split bench which can fold flat for additional cargo. For hauling cargo, an optional power liftgate accommodates items up to four-feet wide resting on the third row armrests.

The Flex brings innovative options to the market like a console mounted refrigerator and multi-panel vista roof. The refrigerator is compressor-driven, meaning that unlike the competition it not only keeps contents cold, but can actually cool down warm beverages.

The vista roof is divided into three specific areas - a traditional power moonroof for front seat passengers, two individual openings over each second row seat and one large opening over the third row.

Technology highlights include programmable ambient lighting, Ford's next-generation navigation system and the Ford Sync hands-free communications system.

Ford's exclusive second-generation keypad system debuts on the Flex, giving passengers the ability to unlock the doors, disarm the alarm system and disable auto-lock functions by entering a five-digit code. Flex also features Ford's new capless fuel filler technology that seals the opening until the fuel pump nozzle is inserted.

The 2009 Flex's chassis was engineered to deliver a quiet car-like ride while at the same time offering towing capacity up to 4,150 pounds. Interior noise is minimized with sound deadening materials like a six-millimeter thick windshield.

Click For 2009 Model Ford Flex SUV Photo Gallery

09 Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/27/2008

2009 Ford Flex Trims	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge
2WD SE 4-door wagon	$28,295	$26,707	$700
2WD SEL 4-door wagon	$32,070	$29,859	$700
AWD SEL 4-door wagon	$33,920	$31,543	$700
2WD Limited 4-door wagon	$34,705	$32,256	$700
AWD Limited 4-door wagon	$36,555	$33,940	$700

09 Model Specifications (specs)

2009 Ford Flex Wagon Specification	Ford Flex 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in.	117.9
Overall Length, in.	202.3
Overall Width, in.	79.9
Overall Height, in.	67.6
Curb Weight, lbs.	--
Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	83.2
Standard Payload, lbs.	--
Fuel Capacity, gals.	--
Seating Capacity	7
Front Head Room, in.	41.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.8
Rear Head Room, in.	40.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	44.3

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