Jim Ellis Volkswagen Atlanta

Fastest five seconds in YouTube history
You know those seemingly eternal 5 seconds you have to wait before you can skip a YouTube pre-roll ad? Following up on yesterday's post about a VW YouTube ad that skips itself, check out what is arguably the fastest YouTube ad in history. Paired with the VW Golf GTI in Spain, the speed of the ad underscores the speed of the car. I could hardly get a screen grab.
 


VW Golf GTI fastest Youtube ad in history

I don't know about you, but all the pre-roll, mid-roll and post-roll ads that get served up can be kind of annoying. Except when they have some entertainment value- like this one from Volkswagen. Even though it's aimed at the Brazilian market, the concept is spot on, at least to me. Check out the link below and tell me what you think!


http://mashable.com/2013/04/23/vw-youtube-ad-skips-itself/

Dubchat- the only talk show that takes place exclusively inside a Volkswagen

In this episode of DubChat, the only talk show that takes place exclusively inside a Volkswagen, co-hosts Pete and Jimmy present the Volkswagen Beetle. Alex, an expert from the Volkswagen Academy, highlights some of the main accomplishments of the iconic Beetle and explains how the latest model has improved its performance.

(click image for video)

The Volkswagen Beetle features include:
-A tribute to?

Fast Facts:

• Bigger on the inside
• Longer and wider on the outside
• Lighter and more fuel efficient
• Standard turbocharged gasoline engine
• Optional turbocharged diesel engine
• More powerful GTI performance model
• New Automatic Post Collision Braking system
• Optional infotainment system with proximity-sensing touch screen
• Made in Mexico

Introduction
When the redesigned 2015 Volkswagen Golf arrives in dealer showrooms during the first quarter of 2014, it will have traditional Golf styling cues riding atop new architecture that will spawn a variety of Audi and Volkswagen models, including the new 2015 Audi A3. Three versions of the new 2015 Golf will be offered: Golf, Golf TDI Clean Diesel, and performance-oriented GTI.

Exterior Features
Longer, wider, lower, and more aerodynamic than the model it replaces, the redesigned 2015 Golf is also lighter in weight, contributing to improved fuel economy and what is expected to be more engaging driving dynamics. The 2015 Golf is constructed upon a new architecture with what Volkswagen calls an "enhanced crash structure."

Red-painted brake calipers and unique aluminum wheels identify the sporty 2015 VW GTI models. Additionally, the new GTI gets a "GTI" badge for the grille, subtle styling modifications, dual exhaust outlets, and smoked taillights.

Interior Features
Volkswagen says the new 2015 Golf provides more cargo room than the outgoing model, combined with additional shoulder room, rear-seat leg room, and an improved driving position. The automaker reports that the new Golf has soft-touch interior materials combined with piano black, aluminum, and chrome detailing, and that interior storage space is increased compared to the old Golf. The cruise controls are relocated to the steering wheel, and the 2015 Golf comes standard with a 5.8-inch radio touch screen with a USB port, iPod cable, and an SD card slot.

As may be expected, the 2015 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with sport-bolstered front seats that have the model's classic plaid pattern inserts. Additionally, the new 2015 GTI is equipped with a sport steering wheel, unique shift knob, revised instrumentation, black headliner, stainless steel pedal covers, and red ambient cabin lighting.

Optional Features
Volkswagen supplies few details about options for the redesigned Golf, but does confirm that the car will be available with an infotainment system that includes a proximity-sensing touch screen and a DVD navigation system with 3-D graphics. The automaker also says that the new GTI will be offered with a European Performance package, but infers that this option will not be available when the car goes on sale.

Under the Hood
The 2015 VW Golf is equipped with a standard turbocharged, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces the same amount of horsepower and more torque across a broader rev range than the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine it replaces. Volkswagen reports that this engine will generate 170 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

A new TDI Clean Diesel engine is offered as an option. Turbocharged and direct injected, this 2.0-liter 4-cylinder common-rail diesel is expected to deliver 150 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

As the performance-tuned model in the lineup, the 2015 GTI is equipped with a more powerful, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, one developing an estimated 210 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Volkswagen says it will finalize power output figures closer to the car's arrival in dealer showrooms.

Regardless of engine, Volkswagen will offer a choice between a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox and a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), the latter an automated manual transmission that works just like an automatic. All 2015 VW Golf models are also equipped with Volkswagen's Cross Differential System (XDS), a front differential lock that improves handling and traction. Currently, only the GTI model has XDS. Progressive electric steering is also standard for all new Golfs.

Safety
In addition to what Volkswagen characterizes as an "enhanced" crash structure, the redesigned Golf is equipped with a new Automatic Post Collision Braking system. Following an impact, this safety feature automatically applies the car's brakes so that it will not be deflected into other vehicles, oncoming traffic, or nearby pedestrians. After the event, the brakes release so that the car can be moved or towed.

Technology
Information regarding available options and technology for the 2015 Golf is limited as this article is written. Volkswagen says an optional infotainment and navigation system will offer a proximity-sensing touch screen, but divulges no other details.

Additional Research:

• 2013 Volkswagen Golf Summary, Photos & Specs
• 2013 Volkswagen GTI Summary, Photos & Specs
• 2012 Volkswagen Golf Quality Ratings
• 2012 Volkswagen GTI Quality Ratings
• Volkswagen Car & Truck Quality Ratings
• 2013 Volkswagen Buyer's Guide

Remember Volkswagen's groundbreaking XL1 concept car (235mpg) debuted at the 2011 Qatar auto show? More spy shots have surfaced, fueling the rumor that Volkswagen may unveil the limited-production vehicle in Geneva in March.

Gull wing doors,hybrid plug-in diesel, 260mph, carbon fiber body...ah, what dreams may come. To Geneva in 2013.

Read more here at Worldcarfans.com.

During the Detroit Auto Show Industry Preview events, VW presented the CrossBlue SUV concept vehicle. Here's the skinny as reported on the scene by AutoTrader:

This is a big, brave step for VW. Here is a mid-size, all-wheel-drive, crossover SUV designed especially for the United States. It's capable of seating six occupants and has that masculine styling so often seen in sport utility vehicles from domestic manufacturers. Take a look at those squared-off wheel arches, for instance.

Yet not only is this a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it's a diesel hybrid. Diesel hardly enjoys great popularity among American motorists, despite many good engines coming from Germany these days. And just a few years back, a diesel hybrid was considered unsuitable for prime time. Restarting a diesel engine with the stop/start function had more jolt than buyers were expected to accept.

Since the CrossBlue is only a concept so far, it remains to be seen (or felt) if any jolt exists. Even so, an SUV drivetrain that makes a claimed 305 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque while returning an average of 35 mpg -- or the equivalent of 89 mpg in electric-only mode -- is still pretty impressive. Full range is calculated at 661 miles; 14 miles in electric mode.

Ah yes, the interior. This roomy cabin has stadium seating for its third row, while the front passenger seat can fold forward to help the CrossBlue accommodate objects up to 118 inches long. Packed away in case of emergency are 12 airbags. Behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel is a programmable instrument cluster, the center console houses a large 10.2-inch touchscreen and iPad Mini tablets can function as video monitors set into the backs of the front seats.

"We see that as a void in the VW lineup," said Jimmy Ellis, vice president of Jim Ellis Automotive Dealerships in Atlanta and chairman of a council that lets VW dealers give feedback to the factory, during a recent interview. "That's where VW has to go if they want to get to the 800,000 units that they have forecasted by 2018. And they realize that, too."

So what do you think? Should VW build this SUV?

Full story and photo gallery here.