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Volkswagen’s Last V8 Diesel is the VW Touareg V8 TDI

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At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, we heard a lot about the newest electric and hybrid vehicles. That’s what made it so odd to see the Volkswagen Touareg with a diesel V8 engine. The reason they showcased this particular model was to announce it would be the last V8 diesel from the company.

last V8 diesel
Volkswagen

Diesel Irony

Do we really have to get into why this is an interesting story? VW has long been immersed in the Dieselgate scandal because of emissions cheating. After all of that, they think it’s a great idea to bring their diesel V8 to a car show where everyone is discussing new technology. Strange, to say the least.

If you don’t know about the VW Touareg V8 TDI, it does pump out 419 horsepower plus 664 pound-feet of torque. This diesel V8 crossover came to be after the scandal that forced them to invest billions of dollars in electric lineups. Yet, they showed up at the Motor Show with yet another diesel-powered vehicle.

Of course, we don’t have the VW Touareg V8 TDI in America, and we never will. With that said, it will be the last V8 diesel from the automaker in Europe. The Touareg will also be the last to use the V8.

Last V8 Diesel – Moving to Electric

It’s interesting to see what the future plans are for this huge crossover within the electric lineup. By 2022, VW hopes to have 27 electric vehicles using their new platform worldwide. This program began this year with the ID small hatchback. They also plan to release the ID Crozz, the ID Buzz and more which haven’t been identified yet.

Of course, we report on all the latest electric VW news. We recently told you about VW’s use of Tesla batteries, the VW Dune Buggy and the VW Cargo e-Bike. Stay tuned to Car Blog Writers for more information.

Electric Volkswagen Dune Buggy Coming Soon

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After sharing that 2019 would be the final year of the Beetle, Volkswagen has laid another bombshell on us. They’ve reinvested their efforts into creating an electric Volkswagen Dune Buggy. It’s a Myers Manx-inspired vehicle and here’s what you want to know.

electric Volkswagen dune buggy
Volkswagen

Electric Volkswagen Dune Buggy

You might not know this, but VW has never produced its own dune buggy before. I know what your thinking; you’ve seen plenty of them. They were created from the Beetle chassis because the body was easy to remove, but Volkswagen was never the company behind them.

Now, Volkswagen wants in on the action and has decided it’s time to do it themselves. The new dune buggy would be based on their battery-powered platform that accommodates numerous body styles. It will be used for compact hatchbacks, a classic Microbus styled minivan and now the latest dune buggy creation.

Features on the VW Dune Buggy

Rumors circulated that the open-top dune buggy features oversized tires, a freestanding windshield plus a roll bar. Of course, we have to wait to actually see it to report more. If you remember, back in 2011, VW played around with the idea of creating a dune buggy. It was the gas-powered Buggy Up! Concept that never made it to market.

Of course, Volkswagen hinted at this idea all the way back to last year. Designers at VW said they wanted to bring back some type of open off-road vehicle that would allow consumers to have a good time. The VW dune buggy must be it.

2019 Volkswagen Lineup

There’s plenty to look forward to as we await more news of the dune buggy vehicle. In 2019, Volkswagen will continue to offer their Jetta and Passat models. They should fair well considering many other automakers have cut back the production of the car lineup.

In addition, it will be the final year of the Beetle. The Golf is also going strong and returns for another year. Aside from that, we expect a second-generation Tiguan crossover, a second year of the Atlas SUV and the new 2019 Arteon. Volkswagen has certainly diversified their automotive offerings, allowing there to be a car for just about anyone.

Ford and Volkswagen Planning a New Partnership?

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It’s rumored that Ford and Volkswagen have plans to expand their initial partnership into something more substantial. This time, they might start working on platforms and powertrains together.

Ford and Volkswagen

The Ford and Volkswagen Partnership

During the summer of 2018, Ford and Volkswagen started a joint venture. They shared technology for commercial vehicles. At the time, there were also rumors that the companies planned to share their technology for small trucks. This joint platform was rumored to become the new generation of Amarok and Ranger mid-size pickup trucks.

Now, we find out that these rumors might become a reality. Earlier this year, VW registered the Amarok name in the United States signaling that this truck might be on the horizon. To make that happen, they’ll need a production location in the States.

Possible Merger?

We expect something big to happen, but we don’t know anything yet. Both companies stand to gain a lot from a partnership, or a possible merger as well. Ford and Volkswagen have minimal overlap between the two groups. Ford dominates the SUV and truck market in the United States while VW leads their sales with cars. On top of that, VW is strong in China, which is the largest auto market across the world. Ford, on the other hand, holds a strong demand in America.

As far as electric powertrains go, VW has superior technology while Ford doesn’t know where to begin. If the two companies worked together, they could save millions by sharing platforms and powertrains. Since most people don’t truly understand what’s under the hood of their car, it won’t hurt anything.

The question is: are we looking at a partnership or merger of the two. Everything seems to be possible at this point. Both of the companies have some recovering to do. Ford is enduring a multi-billion dollar restructuring and VW still suffers from Dieselgate.

Maybe we’ll see them join forces soon. We plan to release additional information as it becomes available.

Audi Diesel Emission Cheating Brings $926 Million Fine for VW

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Just when you thought the scandal was over, new fines were imposed on Volkswagen for the Audi diesel emission cheating scandal that started back in 2015. They’ve received a new $926 million fine from German prosecutors. VW accepted the fine and waived their chance at appeal.

Audi diesel emission cheatingAudi Diesel Emission Cheating

Most people have heard the details of the Audi diesel emission cheating scandal that involved VW. The automaker admitted cheating clean air rules with the use of software. This software helps emissions appear less toxic than they were.

In total, almost five million cars were subject to this software. Sales occurred throughout the United States and Europe. Most of the engines involved were the V6 and V8 diesel motors. These engines were part of Porsche, Volkswagen, and Audi vehicles.

What Now?

VW accepted the fine and announced the penalty would hit their earnings for the year. Furthermore, this new fine imposed the maximum penalty permittable by German law.

The probe against Audi remains closed, but executives wait for their investigation to conclude. The prosecutors continue to investigate and probe into the leaders. This includes former chief executive Martin Winterkorn. Furthermore, they all face possible charges including false advertising, failure to keep investors informed, and fraud.

Back in June, Rupert Stadler (previous chief executive) was investigated by German prosecutors. Just this month, VW decided to let him go due to the alleged fraud and charges for false advertising. At this time, he remains in the custody of the police for the sales involving defeat devices.

As VW and Audi’s bottom lines continue to take a hit, what does this mean for the automakers? We plan to keep a close look on further charges against executives. In addition, it’s interesting to see what happens with the companies themselves after this latest blow.

Speaking of Audi – did you get a chance to see the 2019 Audi e-Tron Quattro yet?

Are Volkswagen’s Hail Cannons Killing Crops in Mexico?

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Volkswagen can’t seem to stay away from controversy. Now, they’ve been accused of ruining the crops near one of its Mexican factories by using hail cannons to change the weather.

volkswagen hail cannons
VW

Trouble in Mexico

Local groups in Mexico are irate with the German automobile manufacturer for creating a dry spell with their hail cannons. VW uses the sonic booms to stop the local air from forming hail in an effort to protect their cars parked at the factory.

To alleviate complaints, VW promised to reduce their cannon usage at the Puebla factory despite the lack of evidence that using them leads to less rain. Volkswagen says that their relationship with the locals is more important to them and they wish to maintain a close-knit community.

While they won’t discontinue the usage altogether, they’ve turned off the automatic mode. Now, they only operate them manually, when there’s a threat of hail according to meteorological conditions. The company also plans to install some anti-hail nets over the 150 acres to further protect the cars from harm.

Hail Cannons Doing Harm in Mexico?

VW uses their factory in Puebla, Mexico to build hundreds of thousands of vehicles. There are currently about 15,000 employees on site to produce the Beetle, Jetta, Golf and Tiguan.

Local activists are adamant that the use of hail cannons stopped the rain and caused the crops damage, despite evidence showing otherwise. The owner of the cannon company in New Zealand, Mike Eggers says they’re being incorrectly blamed for the weather issues.

Instead, he says that the technology of his product has nothing to do with rain; just hail. To him, there’s a distinct difference between the two so the cannons couldn’t be stopping the rain. In fact, hail cannons were first produced as a way to protect the crops from hail.

Either way, it’s nice to see VW playing well with others. Now, it will be interesting to see if the rain starts back up now that the hail cannon usage is reduced.

VW Hits 210 MPH With Record-Breaking Jetta

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If you haven’t had a look at the 600-horsepower record-breaking Jetta yet, you must! It’s become the fastest car in the Blown Gas Coupe class at Bonneville.

Bonneville Volkswagen Jetta GLI - THR Manufacturing
Volkswagen

The Speedy Volkswagen Jetta

A few months ago, Volkswagen introduced us to the Jetta for the Bonneville Salt Flats. They planned to have it ready for Bonneville Speed Week in August. Unfortunately, they ran into a transmission issue which slowed them down an additional month.

They didn’t disappoint anyone when they reached a top speed of 210.16 mph in Nevada at the prominent Bonneville Salt Flats. During the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association’s World of Speed event, the custom-built Jetta set a new class record. The driver, Scott Goetz, is a veteran Salt Flats competitor.

Record-Breaking Jetta

The car was based on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta and customized by THR Manufacturing. It surprises many people to know that they used their EA888 engine which will also be under the hood of the Jetta GLI. In the production variation, it produces over 200 horsepower. In comparison, the Bonneville version generated 600 horsepower.

Three times more power comes from this design. This is due to the turbocharger, valves, connecting rods, camshafts, and exhaust. On top of that, it still used the basic block and stock crankshaft.

There were additional changes that needed to occur to accomplish this new record. Bespoke wheels and new tires were installed, plus a traction-boosting limited-slip differential and lowered suspension.

record-breaking Jetta
Volkswagen

Everything nice found inside a production Jetta had to be taken out to save some weight. Then, they added a roll cage and harnessed racing seat for extra security. For that same reason, they also incorporated a fire suppression system into the car’s cabin and put two parachutes on its trunk so it would slow down easily.

You Could Own a Jetta

The 2019 lineup is making its way into dealerships so you’ll be able to get yours soon. Of course, you won’t be able to drive a record-breaking Jetta, but there’s plenty to enjoy like the high-class interior, responsive 1.4-liter turbocharged engine and the availability of a manual transmission.

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