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Tanner Foust drifts in with new Volkswagen Passat
Tanner Foust, like many drifting and rallycross names, may have had a long track record with Ford, campaigning Blue Oval drifters in Formula D, the X Games and the Global RallyCross Championship. He won a few medals with Nissan too. But these days he's all about the Volkswagens. He drives a Beetle in the aforementioned GRC, but is now set to return to Formula Drift with the Passat you see here.
The Top Gear USA co-host's new ride is ostensibly based on the German sedan we all know, but instead of a 1.8 turbo, a V6, a TDI or even a W8, this one packs a 7.4-liter V8. That mammoth mill sends about 700 horsepower to the rear wheels through a four-speed transmission, but will churn out a good 900 hp on nitrous.
In short, it should be better suited towards drifting than the Passat 4Motion this writer tried to slide so many times in his youth. The beast is sponsored once again by Rockstar Energy, and we're looking forward to watching Tanner use it to try and retake the titles he won in 2007 and 2008.
The Top Gear USA co-host's new ride is ostensibly based on the German sedan we all know, but instead of a 1.8 turbo, a V6, a TDI or even a W8, this one packs a 7.4-liter V8. That mammoth mill sends about 700 horsepower to the rear wheels through a four-speed transmission, but will churn out a good 900 hp on nitrous.
In short, it should be better suited towards drifting than the Passat 4Motion this writer tried to slide so many times in his youth. The beast is sponsored once again by Rockstar Energy, and we're looking forward to watching Tanner use it to try and retake the titles he won in 2007 and 2008.
Refresh 2016 Audi Q3
June 03, 2015 | HERNDON, Virginia
Compact crossover receives redesign of front lights, grille, and exterior fascia along with Alu-optic interior MMI controls and interior upgrades
Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera join wide array of standard equipment
Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim
Audi today announced pricing for the 2016 Q3. The redesigned compact crossover now boasts a wider array of standard features, including front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, as well as an updated dynamic exterior styling for a balance of luxury and functionality.
2016 Audi Q3
The 2016 Q3 boasts a refreshed exterior aesthetic, with redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights. The crossover is now offered with standard 18'' 5-arm turbine design wheels. Also available are 19" 5-double-spoke Offroad design wheels. Inside, the Q3 now features Alu-optic MMI controls, a new cargo cover and other elements for an enhanced interior design. Both the exterior and interior are offered in new colors, including Hainan Blue, Utopia Blue, Misano Red and Cuvee Silver. Adding to the wide array of standard features offered by Q3 are front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera. The Prestige trim now features full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals along with the S line exterior package and 19" wheels.
Standard Features
The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including:
200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine with six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera
Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade
Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated, 12-way power front seats
Leather seating surfaces
Audi advanced key
Design and Body
The Audi Q3 model's coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. This is demonstrated by:
Low roof line, flat D-pillars, and a wraparound tailgate
Audi advanced key
Distinctive exterior lighting (full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals now available on Prestige models)
Sharply drawn lines on the flanks frame athletically arched sheet metal surfaces - the defining shadow contour is the Tornado line
The housings of the side mirrors sport LED turn signals
Both the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum
The signature, wedge-shaped headlights house xenon plus lighting and LED daytime running lights, which are combined with LED taillights, all standard
The available power tailgate opens and closes electrically, including via the remote key fob, and swings up to accommodate the spacious cargo area
Interior
The interior of the Audi Q3 is spacious and comfortable for all five passengers. Its elegant, ergonomic design boasts superior build quality. Evidence of the premium character of the Audi Q3 can be seen in every last detail in the interior craftsmanship, in the selection of the materials, in their processing and in the tight, consistent interior gaps.
The cargo area offers a base luggage capacity of 16.2 cu ft. Folding down the split rear seatbacks increases this capacity to 48.2 cu ft.
Alu-optic MMI controls
Standard LED interior lighting – efficient white light-emitting diodes illuminate the doors, foot wells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments and the air vent thumb wheels. LED light guides even accentuate the cup holders
When equipped with the BOSE Surround Sound system, the frames of the woofer/mid-range speakers in the front doors form elegant rings of white light.
The Q3 comes standard with two front airbags, thorax-pelvis side airbags in the backs of the front seats and side curtain head airbags. Also included are safety belt pretensioners up front, belt force limiters and the integral Audi head restraint system.
Powertrain and Performance
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Transmission
Horsepower
Torque
EPA estimates
(City/Highway/Combined mpg)
Q3 2.0T
2.0 T FWD
2.0 T quattro®
Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission w/ FWD
Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission w/ quattro® all-wheel drive
200hp
207 lb-ft
20/29/23
20/28/23
Fuel economy values are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
The standard 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine in the Q3 produces 200hp and 207 lb-ft. of torque.
Standard six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
Front wheel drive standard, quattro® permanent all-wheel drive available
Optional Audi drive select system - allows drivers to adjust handling and response at the touch of a button. There are three drive select modes: Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto.
Chassis and Suspension
The Q3 brings more sportiness to the compact premium SUV class. Its balanced chassis combines agile handling and great road comfort.
The Q3 model's front suspension is a sophisticated design featuring McPherson struts with forged aluminum lower wishbones. The rear includes a four-link rear axle with a separate spring/shock absorber arrangement to maximize interior cargo space.
Electromechanical power steering with speed-dependent power assist
ESC with offroad mode and hill descent assist
Standard 18-inch wheels with optional 19-inch wheels available
Available Equipment
The Q3 showcases many aspects of Audi expertise found in our full-size luxury vehicles and makes that content and technological prowess available in a premium compact SUV.
Sport package including front sport seats with extendable thigh support and Audi drive select
MMI navigation plus with 7.0-inch color monitor included in Technology package, standard with Prestige trim
Power tailgate with a programmable preset opening angle, standard with Prestige trim
The Prestige trim package includes extended infotainment and convenience features including Audi connect®
Audi side assist uses radar to help make changing lanes easier included in Technology package, standard with Prestige trim
BOSE Surround Sound system. This system features a ten-channel receiver delivering 465 watts of power to 14 speakers standard on Prestige trim
S line exterior package on Prestige trim
Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim
Audi connect®
The 2016 Audi Q3 features the award-winning infotainment system, Audi connect®, when the Prestige trim package is ordered or with the Technology package.
Factory-fitted, in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices for passengers.
The on-board MMI navigation plus system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of the route.
Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices
Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer review.
myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle
Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information via enhancements to the MMI Navigation plus system (active Sirius XM® Traffic subscription required)
Model year 2016 Q3 starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
(Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges) Model
Premium Plus, FWD
Premium Plus, quattro
Prestige, FWD
Prestige, quattro
Audi Q3
$33,700
$35,800
$38,600
$40,700
Prices above exclude destination charges ($925), taxes, title, optional equipment, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
Compact crossover receives redesign of front lights, grille, and exterior fascia along with Alu-optic interior MMI controls and interior upgrades
Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera join wide array of standard equipment
Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim
Audi today announced pricing for the 2016 Q3. The redesigned compact crossover now boasts a wider array of standard features, including front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera, as well as an updated dynamic exterior styling for a balance of luxury and functionality.
2016 Audi Q3
The 2016 Q3 boasts a refreshed exterior aesthetic, with redesigned front lights, grille, bumper, side sills and rear lights. The crossover is now offered with standard 18'' 5-arm turbine design wheels. Also available are 19" 5-double-spoke Offroad design wheels. Inside, the Q3 now features Alu-optic MMI controls, a new cargo cover and other elements for an enhanced interior design. Both the exterior and interior are offered in new colors, including Hainan Blue, Utopia Blue, Misano Red and Cuvee Silver. Adding to the wide array of standard features offered by Q3 are front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera. The Prestige trim now features full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals along with the S line exterior package and 19" wheels.
Standard Features
The Audi Q3 comes generously appointed with a long list of standard equipment, including:
200 hp 2.0-liter TFSI® engine with six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
Front and rear parking sensors with rearview camera
Panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade
Audi xenon plus front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated, 12-way power front seats
Leather seating surfaces
Audi advanced key
Design and Body
The Audi Q3 model's coupe-like lines are an expression of its sporty character. This is demonstrated by:
Low roof line, flat D-pillars, and a wraparound tailgate
Audi advanced key
Distinctive exterior lighting (full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals now available on Prestige models)
Sharply drawn lines on the flanks frame athletically arched sheet metal surfaces - the defining shadow contour is the Tornado line
The housings of the side mirrors sport LED turn signals
Both the hood and tailgate are made of aluminum
The signature, wedge-shaped headlights house xenon plus lighting and LED daytime running lights, which are combined with LED taillights, all standard
The available power tailgate opens and closes electrically, including via the remote key fob, and swings up to accommodate the spacious cargo area
Interior
The interior of the Audi Q3 is spacious and comfortable for all five passengers. Its elegant, ergonomic design boasts superior build quality. Evidence of the premium character of the Audi Q3 can be seen in every last detail in the interior craftsmanship, in the selection of the materials, in their processing and in the tight, consistent interior gaps.
The cargo area offers a base luggage capacity of 16.2 cu ft. Folding down the split rear seatbacks increases this capacity to 48.2 cu ft.
Alu-optic MMI controls
Standard LED interior lighting – efficient white light-emitting diodes illuminate the doors, foot wells, vanity mirrors, storage compartments and the air vent thumb wheels. LED light guides even accentuate the cup holders
When equipped with the BOSE Surround Sound system, the frames of the woofer/mid-range speakers in the front doors form elegant rings of white light.
The Q3 comes standard with two front airbags, thorax-pelvis side airbags in the backs of the front seats and side curtain head airbags. Also included are safety belt pretensioners up front, belt force limiters and the integral Audi head restraint system.
Powertrain and Performance
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Engine
Transmission
Horsepower
Torque
EPA estimates
(City/Highway/Combined mpg)
Q3 2.0T
2.0 T FWD
2.0 T quattro®
Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission w/ FWD
Six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission w/ quattro® all-wheel drive
200hp
207 lb-ft
20/29/23
20/28/23
Fuel economy values are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
The standard 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine in the Q3 produces 200hp and 207 lb-ft. of torque.
Standard six-speed Tiptronic® transmission
Front wheel drive standard, quattro® permanent all-wheel drive available
Optional Audi drive select system - allows drivers to adjust handling and response at the touch of a button. There are three drive select modes: Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto.
Chassis and Suspension
The Q3 brings more sportiness to the compact premium SUV class. Its balanced chassis combines agile handling and great road comfort.
The Q3 model's front suspension is a sophisticated design featuring McPherson struts with forged aluminum lower wishbones. The rear includes a four-link rear axle with a separate spring/shock absorber arrangement to maximize interior cargo space.
Electromechanical power steering with speed-dependent power assist
ESC with offroad mode and hill descent assist
Standard 18-inch wheels with optional 19-inch wheels available
Available Equipment
The Q3 showcases many aspects of Audi expertise found in our full-size luxury vehicles and makes that content and technological prowess available in a premium compact SUV.
Sport package including front sport seats with extendable thigh support and Audi drive select
MMI navigation plus with 7.0-inch color monitor included in Technology package, standard with Prestige trim
Power tailgate with a programmable preset opening angle, standard with Prestige trim
The Prestige trim package includes extended infotainment and convenience features including Audi connect®
Audi side assist uses radar to help make changing lanes easier included in Technology package, standard with Prestige trim
BOSE Surround Sound system. This system features a ten-channel receiver delivering 465 watts of power to 14 speakers standard on Prestige trim
S line exterior package on Prestige trim
Full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals on Prestige trim
Audi connect®
The 2016 Audi Q3 features the award-winning infotainment system, Audi connect®, when the Prestige trim package is ordered or with the Technology package.
Factory-fitted, in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices for passengers.
The on-board MMI navigation plus system is enhanced with Google Earth™ maps for a true aerial view of the route.
Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices
Google Voice™ Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer review.
myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle
Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM® Traffic information via enhancements to the MMI Navigation plus system (active Sirius XM® Traffic subscription required)
Model year 2016 Q3 starting manufacturer suggested retail prices:
(Excluding destination charge, taxes, title, options and dealer charges) Model
Premium Plus, FWD
Premium Plus, quattro
Prestige, FWD
Prestige, quattro
Audi Q3
$33,700
$35,800
$38,600
$40,700
Prices above exclude destination charges ($925), taxes, title, optional equipment, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
Who wants to pay a million Dollars for a Volkswagen Beetle?
The Volkswagen Beetle was always envisioned as a cheap mode of transportation, but now one is being offered for over $1 million by a dealer in the company's home base of Wolfsburg, Germany.
So just what makes this Beetle so special? It's not the first one made, and it's not the last one made – but it comes close: This particular example is an Última Edición – one of the final Bugs made in Mexico before production ended even there in 2003. It's decked out in beige with a black fabric interior and none – repeat, none – of the bells and whistles.
With less than 75 miles on the odometer, it offers one wealthy buyer the rare opportunity to get an original Beetle (not some modernized incarnation thereof) in factory-fresh condition, which no one has been able to do for over a dozen years now. Does that make it worth the million-euro ($1.1M) asking price? Not if you ask us, no. But then we wouldn't count ourselves among the most dedicated Beetle fanatics out there.
So just what makes this Beetle so special? It's not the first one made, and it's not the last one made – but it comes close: This particular example is an Última Edición – one of the final Bugs made in Mexico before production ended even there in 2003. It's decked out in beige with a black fabric interior and none – repeat, none – of the bells and whistles.
With less than 75 miles on the odometer, it offers one wealthy buyer the rare opportunity to get an original Beetle (not some modernized incarnation thereof) in factory-fresh condition, which no one has been able to do for over a dozen years now. Does that make it worth the million-euro ($1.1M) asking price? Not if you ask us, no. But then we wouldn't count ourselves among the most dedicated Beetle fanatics out there.
Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn resigns amid Diesel scandal
Statement from the Executive Committee of Volkswagen AG's Supervisory Board
In a meeting on Wednesday, September 23, the Executive Committee of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG discussed in detail the manipulation of emissions data of Volkswagen Group diesel engines and came to the following conclusions:
1. The Executive Committee takes this matter extremely seriously. The Executive Committee recognizes not only the economic damage caused, but also the loss of trust among many customers worldwide.
2. The Executive Committee agrees that these incidents need to be clarified with great conviction and that mistakes are corrected. At the same time, the Executive Committee is adamant that it will take the necessary decisive steps to ensure a credible new beginning.
3. The Executive Committee has great respect for Chairman Professor Dr. Winterkorn's offer to resign his position and to ask that his employment agreement be terminated. The Executive Committee notes that Professor Dr. Winterkorn had no knowledge of the manipulation of emissions data. The Executive Committee has tremendous respect for his willingness to nevertheless assume responsibility and, in so doing, to send a strong signal both internally and externally. Dr. Winterkorn has made invaluable contributions to Volkswagen. The company's rise to global company is inextricably linked to his name. The Executive Committee thanks Dr. Winterkorn for towering contributions in the past decades and for his willingness to take responsibility in this criticall phase for the company. This attitude is illustrious.
4. Recommendations for new personnel will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Supervisory Board this Friday.
5. The Executive Committee is expecting further personnel consequences in the next days. The internal Group investigations are continuing at a high tempo. All participants in these proceedings that has resulted in unmeasurable harm for Volkswagen, will be subject to the full consequences.
6. The Executive Committee have decided that the company will voluntarily submit a complaint to the State Prosecutors' office in Brunswick. In the view of the Executive Committee criminal proceedings may be relevant due to the irregularities. The investigations of the State Prosecutor will be supported in all form from the side of Volkswagen.
7. The Executive Committee proposes that the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG create a special committee, under whose leadership further clarifying steps will follow, including the preparation of the necessary consequences. In this regard, the Special Committee would make use of external advice. Further details about this will be decided at the Supervisory Board meeting on Friday.
8. The Executive Committee is aware that coming to terms with the crisis of trust will be a long term task that requires a high degree of consistency and thoroughness.
9. The Executive Committee will work on these tasks together with the employees and the Management Board. Volkswagen is a magnificent company that depends on the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people. We consider it our task that this company regains the trust of our customers in every respect.
In a statement, Winterkorn said:
"I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group.
As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part.
Volkswagen needs a fresh start - also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.
I have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life.
The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust. I am convinced that the Volkswagen Group and its team will overcome this grave crisis."
In a meeting on Wednesday, September 23, the Executive Committee of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG discussed in detail the manipulation of emissions data of Volkswagen Group diesel engines and came to the following conclusions:
1. The Executive Committee takes this matter extremely seriously. The Executive Committee recognizes not only the economic damage caused, but also the loss of trust among many customers worldwide.
2. The Executive Committee agrees that these incidents need to be clarified with great conviction and that mistakes are corrected. At the same time, the Executive Committee is adamant that it will take the necessary decisive steps to ensure a credible new beginning.
3. The Executive Committee has great respect for Chairman Professor Dr. Winterkorn's offer to resign his position and to ask that his employment agreement be terminated. The Executive Committee notes that Professor Dr. Winterkorn had no knowledge of the manipulation of emissions data. The Executive Committee has tremendous respect for his willingness to nevertheless assume responsibility and, in so doing, to send a strong signal both internally and externally. Dr. Winterkorn has made invaluable contributions to Volkswagen. The company's rise to global company is inextricably linked to his name. The Executive Committee thanks Dr. Winterkorn for towering contributions in the past decades and for his willingness to take responsibility in this criticall phase for the company. This attitude is illustrious.
4. Recommendations for new personnel will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Supervisory Board this Friday.
5. The Executive Committee is expecting further personnel consequences in the next days. The internal Group investigations are continuing at a high tempo. All participants in these proceedings that has resulted in unmeasurable harm for Volkswagen, will be subject to the full consequences.
6. The Executive Committee have decided that the company will voluntarily submit a complaint to the State Prosecutors' office in Brunswick. In the view of the Executive Committee criminal proceedings may be relevant due to the irregularities. The investigations of the State Prosecutor will be supported in all form from the side of Volkswagen.
7. The Executive Committee proposes that the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG create a special committee, under whose leadership further clarifying steps will follow, including the preparation of the necessary consequences. In this regard, the Special Committee would make use of external advice. Further details about this will be decided at the Supervisory Board meeting on Friday.
8. The Executive Committee is aware that coming to terms with the crisis of trust will be a long term task that requires a high degree of consistency and thoroughness.
9. The Executive Committee will work on these tasks together with the employees and the Management Board. Volkswagen is a magnificent company that depends on the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people. We consider it our task that this company regains the trust of our customers in every respect.
In a statement, Winterkorn said:
"I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group.
As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part.
Volkswagen needs a fresh start - also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.
I have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life.
The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust. I am convinced that the Volkswagen Group and its team will overcome this grave crisis."
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack challenges the Outback this fall
Volkswagen's reputation has taken quite a hit since the diesel emissions scandal broke last September, but the 2017 Golf Alltrack is the type of vehicle that could start to revive the brand's legacy for quirkiness in the US. The Subaru Outback is the go-to all-wheel drive wagon for many people, but the high-riding Subie might be too close to a crossover for some buyers. For those wanting a more traditional wagon with extra traction, the Alltrack could offer an interesting alternative.
As its most basic level, the Alltrack is a Golf SportWagen with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The changes go a little deeper, though. For example, the new model has an additional inch of ground clearance over the standard wagon. The body also has extra cladding for a somewhat tougher look.
The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes from the Golf SportWagen, too, and it makes the same 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque here. At launch the Alltrack will get a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but a six-speed manual option will join the lineup later. The new model will also differentiate itself with an Off-Road Mode that activates hill descent control and adjusts the traction control.
The 2017 Golf Alltrack arrives in the US this fall. It's perfect timing to let customers try out the all-wheel drive system just before snow starts falling again.
As its most basic level, the Alltrack is a Golf SportWagen with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The changes go a little deeper, though. For example, the new model has an additional inch of ground clearance over the standard wagon. The body also has extra cladding for a somewhat tougher look.
The 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes from the Golf SportWagen, too, and it makes the same 170 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque here. At launch the Alltrack will get a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but a six-speed manual option will join the lineup later. The new model will also differentiate itself with an Off-Road Mode that activates hill descent control and adjusts the traction control.
The 2017 Golf Alltrack arrives in the US this fall. It's perfect timing to let customers try out the all-wheel drive system just before snow starts falling again.
