#golf gti r-line

[untouchvbles]

Volkswagen Corrado at Waukesha Cars & Coffee (2023) - Meet 4 in Waukesha, WI.  

[empiremotors]

Fresh on the lot! 🚗✨ This 2019 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T SE R-Line combines sporty style with everyday practicality. With sleek design, powerful performance, and modern features, it’s ready to elevate your driving experience. Come see it today!

#rline #vw #volkswagen #mk #golf #r #gti #tiguan #passat #vwgolf #vwlove #polo #golfr #vagcars #passatb #car #cars #vwr #vag #vwlovers #carporn #vwtiguan #motion #vwlife #golfmk #vwlifestyle #carphotography #audi #golfgti #VWPassat

[alexsise]

Maxton Style Gloss Black Front Bumper Splitter Lip For VW Golf 7/7.5 GTI GTD R R-Line (2013-2020):

Maxton Style Gloss Black Front Bumper Splitter Lip For VW Golf 7/7.5 GTI GTD R R-Line (2013-2020):

Product Overview:

Enhance the sporty look and performance of your VW Golf 7/7.5 GTI, GTD, R, or R-Line (2013-2020) with the Maxton Style Gloss Black Front Bumper Splitter Lip. This sleek and stylish splitter not only adds aggressive aesthetics to your vehicle but also improves its aerodynamic efficiency.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/cts-turbo-release-drop-in-turbo-for-audi-vw-ea888-3/

CTS Turbo Release Drop-In Turbo for Audi / VW EA888.3

We are so happy to announce some good news from CTS Turbo for owners of MQB vehicles. The company has released a budget-friendly-direct-bolt-on hybrid turbocharger for the 2015-2020 MQB platform. The kit is available in our shop for $1,499.99. CTS Turbo as a leading brand in the automotive industry is known for manufacturing and wholesaling performance parts for late-model Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen, their latest release fits all MQB-based EA888.3 vehicles such as:

2015-2019 VW Golf/Sportwagen/Alltrack

2015-2020 VW GTI

2015-2019 VW Golf R

2019-2023 VW Jetta GLI

2018-2021 VW Arteon

2015-2020 Audi A3

2015-2020 Audi S3

2015-2020 Audi TT

2015-2020 Audi TTS

ROW models can vary

This turbocharger will change your driving experience like never before by giving your ride massive power gains and superior performance. With this turbocharger, the engineers at CTS Turbo took successful features from their previous releases and made them better. They kept the journal bearing CHRA from the IS38 turbocharger and increased the thrust bearings and thrust collars by 2 mm, to match the larger wheels and the performance-oriented nature of this upgrade.

They also increased the turbo’s oil passages by 0.72mm and put the turbo through extensive in-house tests to make sure that it delivers the highest performance at different altitudes and climates. Their main goals were to manufacture a turbocharger with fast spool times, massive torque gains, and reliable solid mid-range performance, so its safe to say that the CTS Turbo JB-600 Journal Bearing Hybrid Turbocharger MQB Platform 2015-2020 delivers that and more.

Designed for street use, this turbocharger delivers approximately 600 crank hp, around 520-530whp on E85 and 430-460whp on pump 93 octane**. As a performance upgrade, this turbocharger will do wonders for the power and efficiency of your MQB platform. You should also know that this system is engineered to be very durable and withstand the high-performance demands you intend to put it through.

Features

Perfect street turbocharger upgrade, fantastic spool, and mid-range response

Journal bearing direct-fit CHRA (compatible with all factory oil and coolant lines)

Billet reverse rotation compressor wheel, 53.1mm inducer, 71mm-76mm exducer with extended tip (6+6 blade configuration)

Inconel TD06SL2 reverse rotation turbine wheel, 54mm exducer, 60mm inducer (11 blade configuration)

Stainless Steel proprietary turbine housing, made precisely for factory fitment

VSR Balanced to OE tolerances

Compatible with most tuning solutions for popular hybrid turbos (United Motorsport, Eurodyne, COBB)

Compatible with OE or replacement wastegate actuators

Compatible with OE or aftermarket turbo inlets and turbo outlets, however, we recommend our 2.5″ turbo outlet pipe, see below

Required Parts (Not Included):

Performance downpipe

Performance air intake

Performance intercooler

Factory or aftermarket wastegate actuator

Software tuning for hybrid turbo

Installation hardware for factory turbocharger, listed at the bottom of the page

Recommended Parts (Not Included):

2.5″ turbo outlet pipe

MPI kit and upgraded fuel pump, confirm with your tuner

HPFP upgrade, confirm with your tuner

High-flow exhaust

Notes:

Always follow the proper procedure for checking/adjusting the wastegate actuator when installing the turbo! Recommended wastegate actuator voltage: 3.4V-3.6V

We recommend keeping the boost within 25-28psi, less if you’re limited by fueling or a stock engine. Do not exceed the recommended boost range, as it will reduce efficiency.

Installation must be performed by a qualified technician. Always pre-fill the turbocharger, replace engine oil and filter, and follow proper break-in procedures.

Installation hardware or gaskets (use same install kit as the factory turbo), wastegate actuator, and turbo outlet fitting not included.

Hardware and gaskets required for installation:

06L253039A – Turbo Inlet Gasket

5Q0253115B – Turbo Outlet Seal

WHT007210 -Turbo Mount Nuts (x4)

N90067202 -Turbo Oil Line O-ring (x2)

WHT006112 -Turbo Oil Line Gasket

WHT006113 -Turbo Oil Line Gasket

WHT006114 -Coolant Hose O-Ring

WHT006124 -Coolant Hose O-Ring

WHT005558 -Coolant Hose O-Ring

If you have any questions or you would love to buy products for your MQB platform, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com.

[tenacioususedcars]

Latest VW Polo Reviewed

This is the sixth generation of Volkswagen Polo if you can believe it – it’ll be knocking on for 50 if it’s still around in 2025. Yikes. This version of the VW Polo for sale was launched back in 2017 - making it fairly old by car industry standards - and facelifted in 2021 with some of the latest mod cons, including updated infotainment and LED lights.

It even gets that weird full-width DRL treatment that Volkswagen is a bit obsessed with – polarises opinion, that, but you don’t have to look at it when you’re in the car at least.

That seems to be how the Polo has evolved – it’s all very sensible and conservative in there, and the car has all the sophistication and refined road manners of its larger sibling. It just has a bit less space. 

Having said that, the Golf has lost its way a little in its eighth-generation guise, so the Polo might actually have more to recommend it these days. Just bear in mind that this is an unrepentant combustion-only zone, with the barest of bare minimum done to appease the natural world. There’s no electric or hybrid option, but the small petrol engines do come with a stop/start system that takes the edge off fuel consumption by cutting out the engine while you’re sitting at the lights.

Interior

After its almost half a century on sale, the Polo has grown to the point where it’s actually not far off the size of an early Noughties Golf. It’s comfortable up front and there’s decent space in the back to carry two people. The 333 litres of boot space are only 50 litres off the current Golf and on par with the MkIV/MkV era.

The interior decor is a little dour: the Skoda Fabia does a nicer job with the same basic underpinnings and the Peugeot 208 is much more stylish. If you go for the entry-level Life spec car then you get an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that offers Apple and Android connectivity along with an 8.0 digital instrument panel (which grows to a fancier 10.25in version on fancier trims). On all VW Polo cars, you do get two front and two rear USB-C sockets, electric folding heated door mirrors and auto wipers as standard, which is nice.

Engine

There are two petrol engines available in the Polo, a 1.0-litre 3cyl unit that does all the heavy lifting in three states of tune and a more powerful 2.0-litre 4cyl bad boy that powers the GTI. 

The wheezy, entry-level 1.0 is naturally aspirated and produces 79bhp – that only comes with a five-speed manual in Life spec. The turbocharged 93bhp option adds an optional seven-speed DSG automatic that costs around £1.4k more and is available in every trim apart from the GTI.

Then there’s a perky 108bhp version of the engine that can only be had in the R-Line car, while the GTI’s 2.0-litre develops 204bhp. The latter two are DSG only. 

We like the 93bhp version best for its blend of 3cyl fizz and economy (54.3mpg and 118g/km CO2 emissions), but have a look at the Buying tab to check out the full details.

Top Gear’s Verdict

“The VW Polo is a useful, practical all-rounder with a lot to recommend it”

The latest version of the Polo for sale is as good as this supermini has ever been, deftly sidestepping some of the interior mistakes that recent Volkswagen cars have made. It’s a useful, practical all-rounder with a lot to recommend it. 

It’s not as fun to drive as a Fiesta, for as long as that car remains with us, and it has awkwardly avoided offering any electrified versions so far. But its petrol engine can be frugal as well as peppy and you don’t have to worry about plugging it in or suffering from range anxiety. Put simply, it’s a sensible choice, and one you’ll likely not regret.

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Review compiled by https://www.topgear.com/

[axesent]

Partial Render - Scraps ID.3 GTE Concept mess about.  www.axesent.com

[digital-corruption]

Haunted by the Past Part 34

Jake turned down familiar roads to a familiar site and drove into the garage. We both exited into the nearly empty chop shop. It was night already. I guessed most of the regulars were already out doing what they did best.

“I’m looking to trade.” Jake said plainly to the old man walking up. He wasn’t even bothering to hide me from view anymore.

The old man looked at the SUV a bit and replied, “20.”

“It’s practically brand new and top of the line!” Jake argued. “That’s worth a hell of a lot more than 20!”

“You know I have a steep price for silence!” the old man grinned. “And you now have a bounty on your head, my friend. So 20 is actually quite generous.”

Bounty!? Jake never mentioned a bounty! I looked over at Jake, who refused to meet my eyes.

“30!” Jake pushed. “And that Type R over there. We'll be out of here before you can even lift the phone!”

The old man puffed his cigar, eyeing Jake up. “You know that’s been modified. Can you even handle the speed?”

“You really want to test me? You think that bounty is just a coincidence?” Jake’s eyes narrowed.

The old man chuckled, “Your bounty isn’t for driving. My guys could run laps around you, boy.”

“You have no idea what I am capable of,” Jake nearly growled.

“10 and the car,” the old man said after a pause. “Final offer.”

Jake gritted his teeth, “Fine.”

And that’s how we got our hands on a more “subtle" car. Jake gave the car a once over, tested the engine before finalizing the deal. Back on the highway, Jake really opened the engine. I think he had some aggression to get out after that experience.

“My first car was an old Golf GTI,” Jake commented suddenly. “I kept it until my first big paycheck. That’s when I picked up the BMW. I was told to get something more respectable.”

“You prefer something faster?” I asked.

“It’s about the response times. I don’t like waiting for a car to catch up to me,” he explained. “I really wanted the GT-R, but there was no way I was going to be able to convince him.” I smiled at Jake. “What?”

“It’s the first time you’ve talked about something that didn’t involve computing,” I pointed out.

“Well, that’s not entirely true. There’s a lot of computing still in this,” he laughed.

“Did you mean what you said about handling speed?” I questioned.

“When I was in high school, I tended to roam a lot at night in Colville,” Jake began.

“Your mom let you?” I asked.

“She wasn’t around to care. No one was,” Jake's voice expressed his pain in that comment. “One night I came across a group practicing drifting in an old, empty parking garage. I was mesmerized by it. They spotted me and I thought they were going to chase me off, but they invited me in instead. I learned a lot about driving and cars from those guys, more than I ever learned from Driver’s Ed. When I finally got a hold of my first car, I used to drive out to race tracks at night and practice. Until security found me and chased me off.”

“You could’ve gone to track days,” I suggested.

“I wasn’t interested in competing, I just wanted to drive freely, without rules and regulations and other cars to worry about,” he explained. “It’s not like I could afford renting a track either.” I looked at him and smiled. “You’re making that face again.”

“You could’ve turned to a life of crime, gangs and/or drugs, but instead you found cars,” I pointed out.

“I was already committing cybercrimes by that point, which I was confident in. I felt no need to commit crimes in the real world where I couldn’t control the variables. Gangs were a nuisance and I'd never touch drugs. I need my mind clear, always. I'd never risk intoxicating myself,” he explained.

“You've never had alcohol?” I questioned.

“Never a full drink before, and having seen you returning to your apartment drunk before, I’m still not convinced I want to try it,” he laughed.

I thought back on my last binge nights with Gabe. I did remember a lot of puking at the end. I blushed, “Ok, not my finest moments. To be fair, I was drowning out loneliness. I used to be a more fun with a few drinks in me.”

“Really?” he looked at me curiously.

“Yes,” I grinned. “When did you decide to go clean?” I changed the subject.

“Well surely you’ve realized by now there is not a lot of money to be made in hacking unless you really go out of your way to exploit people. I could never do that. However, cyber security is rewarding financially and morally, but very few can handle it. You have to think like the worst of the black hats and circumvent them. It does mean you have to be willing to dive into the darknet,” Jake explained.

My expression soured when I remembered the earlier conversation, “Is that where you found out about your bounty? When were you going to tell me?”

Jake sighed, “Yes, it’s not public. I didn’t want to worry you. It’s not that high. It’s not going to attract big bounty hunters.”

“But it’s going to attract hunters nonetheless,” I argued.

“If they can find me, which is why I really can’t be seen in public at all anymore. I'll have to be even more of a ghost than I was before,” Jake reached for my hand. “I’m sorry, I should have told you.” He paused for a bit, “It’s why I didn’t protest against staying in Duskwood earlier. It’s easier to be a ghost in a small town. Even with a psychopath. There are less connections to the underground there.”

“Are you still watching for his activity?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Still nothing since the motel?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll know when he comes out again,” Jake squeezed my hand. “We'll be ready for him.”

My phone beeped.

Hannah: Do you know why Cleo is being dodgy with me?

Hannah: She went to Aurora to ask about the suspicious vehicle parked there for me. Now she’s avoiding my questions.

MC: Strange, I'll have to ask her about it.

Hannah: I’m so sick of people acting weird around me. Cleo was one of the few that didn’t.

Hannah: Even Lilly has been avoiding me.

Hannah: This is getting ridiculous!

Hannah: WHY IS EVERYONE HIDING SOMETHING?

MC: Have you connected with Nym-0s yet?

Hannah: Oh, that bot thing? Yes, why?

MC: Lilly and Cleo have been sworn to secrecy, that’s all. :)

Hannah: I'll try not to be offended by that.

Hannah: No, on second thought, I am offended. I have every right to know what’s going on!

Hannah: Especially from you two!

MC: Hmm... how does Jake say it? “When the time comes"?

Hannah: Are you freaking kidding me?

Hannah: You know there is no worse feeling than your friends and family having a conspiracy happening around you?

MC: Ok, look, after MWAF found us at the motel, Lilly arranged for alternate accommodation. We decided to keep it between us this time. We have since left though.

Hannah: Why? What happened?

MC: Jake’s pursuers found us. So we’re elsewhere right now, but we’re safe for now.

Hannah: Good.

Hannah: What about Cleo?

MC: She’s on her own mission right now, but I can’t say what that is right now.

Hannah: Didn’t think I could handle it? Just because I failed to find who was MIA?

MC: No, it’s not like that! Cleo just uncovered something and it was her idea.

Hannah: Tell me, are we any closer to finding MWAF?

MC: Sort of? Jake’s tracking his burner phone, but it has been off since the last incident. We'll know when he turns it on again. We’ll be ready for him!

Hannah: So as soon as he does... it'll be over?

MC: Yes, that’s the hope.

Hannah: ... Thank God.

MC: I know this has been one long nightmare for you.

Hannah: Fucking understatement of the century!

Hannah: I haven’t slept since he’s reappeared. Thomas has been trying to get me to take sleeping pills. I sleep by my own accord!

Hannah: You don’t know what it’s like being chloroformed, drugged, tranquilized over and over. Why the fuck would I do that to myself voluntarily!?

MC: Hannah...

Hannah: Sorry, I didn’t mean to rant. Yes, I want the fucking thing to be over.

Hannah: If I can’t do it myself, give my kidnapper a kick in the balls for me. You know what, just keep kicking. Don’t stop.

[untouchvbles]

Volkswagen Type 3 at Hot Rods On Hampton (2024) in Butler, WI.

[carspiritpk]

CarSpiritPK – Pakistan's Dedicated Automobile Blog

Changan Alsvin Master Changan Motors recently introduced the Alsvin subcompact sedan in Pakistan and the vehicle immediately created a buzz in our market. The company has received a massive response from the public with fully booked units until June 2021. While most of us have already seen the car in person, as we stood on the showroom floors, we already know a lot about it, but what do you want about driving and having the overall experience of this car? Thus, Changan Pakistan hosted an exclusive test drive event where top car bloggers and vloggers were invited to fully experience the new Alsvin sedan. Verdict The Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake is a manufactured and exclusive fast station wagon. It’s a shame that the quality of the interior can’t match its image, but in typical VW R fashion, the driving dynamics of the hottest Arteon feel super safe and surprisingly fast. It supports many functions and many common kits. It may not be the most exciting machine in its class, but there are some situations where it can be felt from its depth-as long as you keep the adjustable suspension soft to maximize comfort. The machine also acquires a distinctive character. There’s a lot of phony going on through the in-cab speakers, which you may want to cut out, but the R mode mainly provides a higher throttle response. The thick midrange feels very strong, but the engine still pulls on its red line, clearly sliding to add to the fun. For a large machine with a long wheelbase it turns and handles with real agility, and 4WD also gives it safety so you can easily take advantage of what it has to offer, with torque vectoring as part of 4WD. Wheel drive helps to control the volume of the vehicle. However, the steering is inert like all fast VWs, offering a good level of accuracy but not much feedback - and the chassis isn’t too playful either. There’s a small amount of adaptability, but despite its capabilities, the Arteon R Shooting Brake isn’t a car you’ll try. It’s not a hot hatching, so it’s fine. It is relentlessly fast and efficient at moving the ground whether the road is flowing or winding. But there is a caat. Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive dampers feel better on the softer side of their shell, because with the R’s 19-inch wheels, the ride is intricate in more stable settings. In any case, the restraint of the body is affirmative, which contributes to the inspiring feeling. Put the drivetrain on the R and the suspension is very soft on the Individual and there is a good mix. FAW V2 Al-Haj FAW introduced the 1300cc V2 hatchback to Pakistan in 2014 as a CBU import. Since then, the FAW V2 has established itself as an affordable, reliable and versatile option in a market dominated primarily by underpowered, over-priced Suzukis. In August 2017, local assembly of the V2 hatchback started at the Al-Haj FAW assembly plant in Karachi. According to the company, sales of the V2 hatchback have risen 60% since local production began. The V2 surpasses its competitors in terms of features and equipment and, more importantly, the price difference. Although on paper it drives away opponents, but what does it want to own and keep one? We have collected opinions from many V2 users and their feedback has been positive. Syed Laraib Imtiaz is a technology innovator and consultant based in Karachi. He owns a locally built 2018 FAW V2 and he’s pretty happy with the car. According to him, the main reason for choosing the V2 is the features it offers at the price. I consider the Cultus, WagonR and imported options, but the V2 is the clearer winner. It seemed like a tough decision at first, but eventually it was pretty straightforward. Laraib has used a Pakistan -built V2 more than 3,000 kilometers so far and he said everyone was a smile. The car delivers up to 14.5 liters per kilometer within the city. Although there were some minor issues at first like the heating coming in automatic and 2nd gear which was a bit difficult. But both problems were solved by the dealer. Commenting on the comfort, Laraib said: ‘The interior is very spacious and the car is a pleasure to drive. In fact it is very fun to drive, it is honestly the VW Golf Gti of Pakistan.’

https://carspiritpk.com

[itcars]

First Look: The Volkswagen ID.4 SUV

The ID.4 will initially be launched with rear-wheel drive, while an electric all-wheel drive version will be added to the portfolio at a later date. The high-voltage battery is positioned near the center of the underbody to create a low center of gravity and an optimum in terms of driving dynamics, along with an extremely well-balanced axle load distribution. Just like all other MEB models, the ID.4 offers plenty of interior space thanks to its compact, electric drive technology. The fully digital cockpit of the zero-emission SUV has been clearly structured. It is operated primarily using touch surfaces and intelligent, intuitive voice control.

For Volkswagen, the ID.4 and ID.3 represent important milestones in the brand’s bid to become entirely carbon-neutral by 2050 – in line with the Paris climate agreement. Plans have been put in place to reduce the Volkswagen fleet’s CO2-emissions by a third by as early as 2025. Volkswagen is currently investing one billion euro to electrify its model range while also offering an increasing number of hybrid vehicles. This is based on the fact that, just like electric powertrains, new mild and plug-in hybrid drives in large-scale product lines such as the all-conquering Golf will significantly help to reduce fleet emissions in the future.

This is why the company’s focus during the webcast is not only on ID. models, but also on new Volkswagen models with hybrid drive. These include the new Touareg R4. As a result, the most powerful Volkswagen model will in future also be powered by an efficient plug-in hybrid system. The alliance between an electric drive motor generating 100 kW (136 PS) and a V6 turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with an output of 250 kW (340 PS) develops a system output of 340 kW (462 PS). The battery capacity of the Touareg R with a top speed of 140 km/h in all-electric E-MODE has been designed so that most average daily commuting distances can be covered with zero emissions.

The same applies to the new Golf GTE5 – its plug-in hybrid drive has been geared towards performance and consists of an electric drive motor with 85 kW (115 PS) and a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) generating 110 kW (150 PS). As a unit, the electric drive motor and the TSI develop a system output of 180 kW (245 PS). The new Golf GTE’s top speed in all-electric mode is 130 km/h. Further Volkswagen highlights include the new Golf GTD6, which generates significantly lower nitrogen oxide emissions compared with its predecessor thanks to innovative twin dosing technology, plus the eighth generation of the Golf GTI7, produced more than 2.3 million times. The most recent version is powered by a 180 kW (245 PS) 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine. The maximum torque is 370 Nm. The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. A 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) is optionally available for the new GTI.

[madnessmedia]

Volkswagen Golf IV R32 : La folie façon VW.

Volkswagen, c’est cette marque sage, sobre, qui ne fais jamais de faux pas, toujours droite dans ses... roues. Golf, Polo, Passat, Touareg, des voitures conçues pour Monsieur Tout le Monde, équipée au choix, d’un petit moteur essence économique ou du fameux diesel ultra rentable TDi, tout ça c’est rien de fou !

Mais en 2002, après avoir exploité a fond le côté praticité, confort, économie de carburant, et après avoir conçu une version GTI plutôt sobre voir même un peu pataude, contrairement aux générations précédentes, la firme prends la folle décision de créer une version sous giga stéroïdes, la R32 !

Exit le 4 cylindres atmosphérique (ou asthmatique) de la GTI, la R32 adopte un énorme 6 cylindres en de 3.2l gonflé à 241 chevaux ! Il s’agit d’ailleurs du VR6 équipant la Phaeton de l’époque.

Couplé à ça, une transmission intégrale pour remplacer la traction de la Golf IV standard. L’engin tient le pavé, et fermement !

Cependant, il ne risque pas de décoller, car avec près de 1500kg sur la balance, la Golf IV R32 est un mastodonte ! 

Esthétiquement, par rapport à la Golf classique, elle est déployée en version coupé à la grande majorité, mais également en version 5 portes. Cette dernière version est par ailleurs très rare.

La version R32 se voit parée des plus beaux ornements de la gamme : nouveau kit carrosserie, badges, jantes OZ grand diamètre et pneus taille basse adéquats, intérieur finition cuir complet, volant avec détails /R (première auto avec ces logos d’ailleurs, si je ne m’abuse, et qui subsistent encore aujourd’hui, avec la gamme /R Line et /R)

Le volant orne même un revêtement carbone du plus bel effet.

Petit détail que j’adore personnellement, ce sont les aération de clim du tableau de bord, elles peuvent être totalement fermées, formant un rideau lisse. 

Voilà pour le délire de la Volkswagen Golf IV R32, une bonne auto qui a marqué les esprits, et fait rêver nombre de fans “vag” à travers le monde. 

Vous avez cependant sans doute pu remarquer sur les photos que cette R32 précisément arbore une couleur assez originale

[adrenalineguide]

2019’s Top Rides: Part 3/Buick Regal GS, Subaru Ascent and Golf R

By Michael Hozjan

Buick Regal GS AWD: Buick gets it right

At 12, I wanted to be a car designer. Fate however had different plans for me. With an eye for automotive design, I grew up loving Buicks; from the ’57 Special to the ’59 Invicta, with the ’64 Wildcat stealing my heart time and again. Cadillacs took a close second, Fords were ok but I found Chevs too feminine. Buicks, were masculine with broad shouldered front fenders and creased lines, personifying the designing cues of GM greats, Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell.

Then came the Riviera. One snowy December afternoon as I headed to my post office, there on St. Lawrence Boulevard, with six inches of snow on the ground sat a ’65 Riviera. My heart skipped several beats and I must have studied its lines for what seemed like an eternity.

Well into the ‘70s there were some noteworthy designs that came out of Buick’s design studios however, the last four decades have been anything but exciting. That has all changed with the launch of the Regal GS – the sexiest Buick to come out of Detroit in, well the last four decades.    

The Grand Sport designation is nothing new to the Buick line up, having been associated with ‘70s era muscle cars but this is the first time that it has been used in a European sports sedan context. The stylish GS goes up against some well established rivals like the Acura TLX, Lexus ES, BMW 3 series and the like, a tough field to say the least. The Regal GS is more than just good looks, it’s a bona fide sports sedan. In fact a rebadged, German built, Opel Insignia, so the GS starts with the right genes. European engineered handling makes it the best tarmac gripping Buick ever.

Red Brembo brake calipers immediately tell everyone that this is not your typical Buick.

While different drive options/trim levels are available elsewhere around the globe, we Canucks get only one trim/drive option- also the most desirable one - the all-wheel-drive version motivated by the 310 horsepower DOHC, 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing punching out 282 lb-ft of torque through a 9-speed automatic.  

Entry price is $44,045, my tester came with the Buick Experience Package ($3,495) that included the moonroof, a Bose premium 8-speaker sound system, wireless charging, an 8” touch screen, HD radio, LED leveling headlights, The Driver Confidence Package (yes you read that right) at $1,995 includes adaptive cruise, forward collision alert with automatic braking, lane keep assist, front pedestrian braking and heads up display. The Ebony Twilight Metallic paint was a premium option at $495.

The all-wheel-drive gets a torque vectoring rear axle, which only improves traction in slippery conditions and makes the Buick eat up the corners. Buick has also given us three driving modes to choose from, Touring, Sport and GS 

Inside you’ve got one color choice, black. The supportive Recaros have a massage feature as well as being heated/cooled. Both driver’s and passenger seats have 14 adjustments to suit your body, including adjustable bolsters. Following with the German sport sedan traits, it includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Rear seat passengers get ample legroom, but headroom is tight for taller occupants. With 30.cu.ft of space under the hatch with the rear seats up, with over 60 cu.ft with the rear seats folded, it betters many compact crossovers!

Is it perfect?

Non-functional air intakes in the front valance are mickey-mouse and a step backwards. Why not leave them open and help cool the brakes? No spare tire but a useless tire fix kit –that’ll help when you have a blow out or bend a wheel on Quebec’s pot holes. On the comical side, the audio system had mixed up the Cirius station numbers it’s 60s on 6 and not 660s on six….and the same could be said for 50s on 5 not 550s on 5, as well as 70s, 80s and 90s.

You can go through the gears manually with the console mounted shifter but paddle shifters would have been a nice touch to compliment the smooth 9-speed automatic.

Will the GS steal buyers away from BMW? I hardly doubt it but it does give of us a formidable option to keep our performance dollars with domestic manufacturers, and the GS buyer has nothing to be apologetic for. 

 Price as tested: $52,050*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

 Subaru Ascent: If at first you don’t succeed…

If you thought that Subaru already had a large SUV you’re right. The magic word here being had. The B9 Tribeca, later shortened to just Tribeca debuted in 2005 to, lets just say a less than stellar sales, and by 2014 had moved into the automotive history books of what once was.

It takes guts to admit that you were wrong, and it takes even big cojones to come back with a similar sized vehicle. Truth be told the SUV market has also changed over the last decade with SUVs growing increasingly larger, just like the population. Subaru appears to have been ahead of its time back in 2005 when 3-row SUV’s didn’t proliferate our roads, and minivans still reigned supreme for getting the platoon to school. But times have changed and so the new Ascent is the company’s answer to the latest trend.

The Ascent is also Subaru’s largest vehicle to date, with 142 mm longer wheelbase and 134 mm longer in length than the Tribeca, so yes passenger comfort has been greatly increased. The midsize SUV is built on the company’s Global Platform, a chassis that is easily adaptable; serving as the basis for everything from their Impreza and Crosstrek to the Ascent.

Available in four trim levels – Convenience, Touring, Limited and Premier - with the entry level 8-passenger Convenience starting at a meager $36,695. Regardless of trim, there’s a new 2.4L direct-injected, turbocharged boxer four cylinder dolling out 260 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque through the High-torque Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).   

Talk to anyone who’s ever driven a Subie in less than ideal conditions and they’ll swear by the symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive system. A new feature, X-Mode, pushes the traction envelope even further; at the push of a button, it monitors and controls four different vehicle dynamics, including engine, transmission, torque splitting and braking.

There’s a lot of standard driver-assistance technology in each Ascent without having to step up to trim levels, Items like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist through the company’s EyeSight system. The base model gets a 6.5 inch infotainment screen while upper trim buyers will see an 8 inch screen. GPS however is only available in the two higher end trims (Limited and Premier). Both Touring and Limited are available in either seven or eight passenger configurations with captain’s chairs taking up the second row. My tester, the Premier trim comes only with the second row captains chairs. While all trims get heated front buckets it’s only the two higher trims that pamper their second row passengers with heated outboard seats. The third row looks a lot more inviting than some of it’s competitors but it’s still on the tight side with limited leg room. Still bear in mind this is a mid-size seven passenger and the seats are padded and comfortable to keep the small fry happy for longer drives. Oh and a pair of third-row USB charging ports become available in the Limited trim and are in addition to the standard two you’ll find in the front and second rows.

Rear cover blind and tow loop are stowed neatly under the cargo bay’s floor, the latter an option on some pricier suvs

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Whether you’re out in the boonies or negotiating city streets, the Ascent doesn’t feel like a large bulky SUV. With above average handling and a minimum of body roll for a three-row SUV, Subaru’s use of the boxer engine and its advantageous low center of gravity immediately become apparent. It’s stable, with a soft luxurious ride and is generally quiet during normal highway cruising. But it does get loud when pushed hard.

Is it perfect?

The drone of the CVT does get annoying but once you get passed that, the Ascent is typically Subaru; it does everything what it’s supposed to and does it well. I averaged 9.8L/100 km which is unprecedented in a 7-passenger sport ute. It may not be overly luxurious but you get what you pay for. I know my Subaru driving friends will all be looking at the Ascent when the time comes to turn in their current drives, and that alone will keep this big Subaru around for a long time to come.

Price as tested: $52,795*

* Includes destination charges

Volkswagen Golf R: You’ll want one

If you’ve missed my installment of the Rabbit GTI, I urge you to scroll down the page and have a read.

Now take the GTI and turn it up a notch, or three. The formula for the Golf R is very simple; take one German built spacious hatchback that already has solid, tight handling, and add gobbs of turbocharged horses to a 2.0L inline four cylinder. How many ponies? Two eighty-eight to be exact – enough to propel you well past the posted speed limit in less time than it takes you to say posted speed limit. Now stir in all-wheel drive to put all that power to the ground. Slam it to the ground for added handling. Dress it up with killer 19” wheels.

Choose between the 6-speed manual available for $42,495 or the 7-speed dual clutch automatic with Tiptronic for $43,895. Now go have the most fun you can with your clothes on.

Doesn’t look like it but there’s nearly 300 horses in there

Quad exhaust tips tell you this is no ordinary Golf

The Golf R is everything you want in a performance sedan and then some. It makes no sense in a country with posted speed limits, but then neither do Porches, Ferraris and the like.   

Price as tested: $49, 290*

*Includes destination charges and a/c excise tax

[autofeast-blog]

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport • • • Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the all-new 2020 Atlas Cross Sport at the company's state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, TN. The five-seater midsize SUV features a dramatic, coupe-like design as well as advanced connectivity and driver-assistance systems. The Cross Sport is the first fruit of Volkswagen's strategy of doubling up in the biggest SUV segments, a plan that will be repeated in the compact SUV segment with a vehicle that will fit in the lineup beneath the Tiguan. Overall, the Cross Sport is 2.8 inches shorter than the current Atlas, and is 2.3 inches lower. It is 78.3 inches wide and rides on the same 117.3-inch wheelbase, which is the reason for the vehicle's generous interior space. The Cross Sport has an outstanding 111.8 cubic feet of passenger space, with 40.3 cu ft of luggage space behind the second-row seats and 77.8 cu ft with the second row folded. The VW Atlas Cross Sport will be available with two powertrains: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and are available with Volkswagen's 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system. The V6 is rated at 5,000 pounds for towing, when equipped with the V6 Towing package. There will be eight trim levels: S, SE, SE w/Tech, SE w/Tech R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. More details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch in the Spring of 2020. • • • • • #volkswagen #atlas #vw #beetle #gti #vwlove #suv #golf #mk6 #awd #mk7 #crosssport #vwbeetle #mk5 #vocho #volks #mk4 #rline #vwgolf #passat #vwporn #bug #suv #vwvortex #vwlife #mk3 #mk1 #mk2 #autofeast (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kbxm3pXMb/?igshid=wa2ftdxede2d