Barrett-Jackson 2012, Camaro ZL1 vs Shelby GT500, Volkswagen says it's really #1, C7 Chevrolet Corvette
Episode #266 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Drew Phillips this week. Topics include the Barrett-Jackson auction, smack talk from the Camaro ZL1 chief, Volkswagen disputing GM's claim of #1 in the world, and a C7 Corvette sighting. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jumpfor you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
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When Volkswagen opened its new Chattanooga factory, there were lots of questions about what else it was going to build there, since Passat volume wouldn't come close to soaking up the facility's 150,000-unit capacity. A three-row crossover was often mentioned as another model, with Automobile reporting that a possible 180,000-unit expansion could lead to Porsche, Audi and VW CUVs being built there.
Now Car and Driver reports that a three-row Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer fighter will be built, and it will "almost definitely" be assembled in Tennessee or Mexico. It might use the Passat's platform, the rumored engine is VW's 3.6-liter V6, and its MSRP is expected to strongly challenge those of its competitors (in the manner of the Jetta and Passat's newly competitive price strategies).
The same report claims that VW is working on a Tiguan more suited to American tastes, which probably means turning it into something more like a Jetta crossover than a Golf CUV. Last year, there were several reports that Volkswagen was considering moving both Golf and Tiguan production to North America, and a Stateside-leaning Tiguan might mean now is the right time to do so.
According to a senior source inside Volkswagen of America, the German automaking giant is considering bringing production of the next generation Golf to North America. But why? And where?
The reason behind the potential move is obvious: Shifting some of the assembly from Wolfsburg, Germany to North America has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars over the lifetime of the next Golf. The budget-minded hatch is due for a major overhaul in the next few years, and lining up another NA-based production center would go a long way towards bringing VW's production capacity up to achieve its goal of selling 15 million vehicles worldwide by 2018.
With its Puebla, Mexico facility building the new Jetta and ramping up production of the new Beetle, its output could be tapped out if the reborn Bug proves to be a sales success in the States. And VW probably won't expand its Mexican production operations, leaving its new Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, which is currently producing the Passat.
The facility in Tennessee is presently capable of producing 150,000 vehicles per year, but as VW officials have previously confirmed, there's plenty of potential to expand the plant. And we're sure Tennessee would welcome the extra investment.
One thing that won't happen - we've been assured - is a diluted and cut-price NA-specific Golf to compete on the low-end of the segment - even if production shifts to this side of the planet.
Regardless of where it's built, the next Golf will be a global model, unlike the current Jetta.
What is Turn Two, you ask? A feature here at The Garage, where another editor gives his take on a car previously reviewed here. It is our hope that you, the reader, enjoys and benefits from more than one point of view.
It’s an all too common problem-you’re a driving enthusiast, married a few years, and the inevitable question of raising a family comes up. You stare, longingly at whatever sporty ride resides in your garage, fearing you are destined to vanilla crossovers or minivans. Make no mistake, there are a wealth of competent CUV’s out there, but not everyone has the budget to run out and buy a BMX X3 when the time comes to buy a small crossover with sporty intentions. Enter VW’s answer to this equation, the Tiguan. The question is, can the Tiguan be a serviceable crossover while maintaining it’s own distinct persona?
From a styling point of view, the Tiguan adheres to the conventional boxy silhouette of your old school crossover, but in this case, with a distinct German accent. In a sea of Honda CR-Vs and Toyota RAV4s, the Tiguan stands alone as the sole entry level crossover from Europe available to us North Americans, and for those wishing to stand apart from the herd, this feature alone holds appeal to buyers who choose to march to the beat of their own drum.
VW has earned a well deserved reputation for delivering class leading interiors, and the Tiguan is no exception. The quality of materials are impressive, as is fit and finish. Our test car was the base Tiguan S-a no frills car with virtually no options. Even so, you never had the sense that even in the fairly austere interior, you were in a cheap car. Seating is comfortable, and even with my 6’1″ frame, I was impressed with the amount of of room available in the rear seat.
Where the Tiguan really stands out is on the open road. Where the competition gets all weak-kneed when the roads get twisty, the Tiguan is in a league of its own. It’s no GTI by any means, but the Tiguan has no competition for driving enjoyment in this class. A bonus is that the Tiguan shares the same 2.0L turbocharged inline four with the GTI, pumping out 200hp, a healthy power advantage over comparable four cylinder powered competitors. Depending on trim level, the Tiguan is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers also have a choice of front or all-wheel drive.
Dynamically, the Tiguan is near perfect. Yet in light of the competition, in this hotly contested market, it falls short in terms of cargo capacity and fuel economy. But perhaps the greatest flaw of the Tiguan is the price. Our base Tiguan S that was front wheel drive had an MSRP of $26,320USD. For about the same money, you can buy a much better equipped Honda CR-V EX with all the bells and whistles, and with all-wheel drive to boot.
That said, for the buyer looking for a small crossover that stands apart from the pack, and offers some driving excitement the Tiguan is the only game in town at this price point. For sure, you are paying a premium, and as such, the Tiguan will remain a niche crossover in a sea of sameness. For those willing to march to their own beat, the Tiguan should prove a rewarding ride.
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan - Click above for high-res image gallery
European market Volkswagen Tiguans will be getting some minor powertrain updates starting next month. Apparently the changes extend past the styling updates we saw last month in Beijing. Both of the new powertrain options get the Bluemotion technology treatment to cut fuel consumption.
A 110 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter TDI inline-four diesel is now available at a lower price than the previous diesel. For those that prefer a gas engine, a 121 hp 1.4-liter TSI (turbo direct injection) is also offered. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. The updated Tiguans also get keyless access and push-button starting, which (sadly) are likely to be the only changes that will make it to the U.S.
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan - Click above for high-res image gallery
Along with a refreshed Phaeton, Volkswagen also pulled the satin off a refreshed Tiguan here in Beijing. Like the flagship, the Tiguan has adopted the new corporate horizontal bar grille that we've seen on other recent VWs, including the Mk VI Golf. As near as we can tell, not much else has changed. The new look serves the Tiguan well, giving its face a lower, wider appearance. We're guessing the refresh will hit U.S. shores this fall when the 2011 models arrive.
