Volkswagen reveals concept precursor to affordable EV, the iD Life

Volkswagen is showing the iD Life concept at the IAA auto show in Munich that is a forerunner to a production model that will be called either iD 1 or iD 2. Granted some of the styling flourishes like the lighting might change on the production model, but then the lights have a useful purpose...to light the road ahead or warn those behind. The lighting here doesn't seem to fulfill this basic function so we'll see. What you have is a clean retro design with accents in just the right places. Sustainable materials were used whenever possible and that is one area that might change in any production model, although it is good to see a major automaker committed to sustainability. The coating uses wood elements for color. The iD Life is VW Polo sub-compact sized but with an interior that is comparable to a VW Golf. In the US, the EPA determines vehicle class by interior volume, so the iD Life might be categorized as a compact. Of course VW doesn't even bring the iD 3 to the US so chances of the production iD Life hitting these shores is slim (except at auto shows). Of course pricing might change that since the iD Life model is expected to cost in the mid-$20k range. More to come. I have included a video from one of mt YouTube faves Autogefuhl for more information. Enjoy. Click on "read more" below to view the media release and the video. We won't even discuss the removable soft top or the pop-up screen...

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, pics, and video from Autogefuhl

Volkswagen shows updated 2022 Golf R and GTI

For those of you that still imbibe the dino juice, there are still a few interesting cars available today to whet your whistle. Volkswagen just released two of those cars, the 2022 Golf R and GTI. Available this Fall, the performance pair got numerous updates including engines, interiors, and more. The turbocharged I-4 now resides under both hoods with the GTI now rated at 241-hp and the R jumps that up to 315-hp mated to a six-speed manual or seven=speed DSG dual clutch automatic. Both models have improved power numbers with the new R beating previous model's six-cylinder engine. Inside an all-new electronic architecture enhances the interior with standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, touch interfaces, and 30-color ambient lighting, New vehicle dynamics settings improve handling, along with standard VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential on GTI and torque-vectoring AWD on R. New wheels, colors, and options complete the update. The pics shown on this page are of the R model while comparable GTI images appear after the jump. The GTI has three flavors, S, SE, and Autobahn with prices starting at $29,545 (plus taxes, license, fees, destination) for the S trim and the R starts at $43,645+. Destination is $995 for both. What your money gets you is one of the quickest, best handling, and well-balanced hot hatches. What will these two be like when they convert to electric drive? For more information about the new performance VW Golfs and Golf R intro video, click on "read more." The release even details the equipment by model and trim level.

Source: Volkswagen - media release, pics, and videos

Volkswagen intros new Golf R with R-Performance Torque-Vectoring 4Motion all-wheel drive

Volkswagen's Golf (now in its eighth generation) has been a mainstay in the automaker's line-up as the replacement for the venerable Beetle. Since then, the Golf has received numerous upgrades including the performance-oriented GTI and R models. Where the GTI is a well-balanced run-a-bout, the Golf R is all about speed and handling with 4Motion all-wheel drive. This newest Performance Golf R features an upgraded engine with more than 315 hp and torque-vectoring added to the all-wheel-drive system. Expect the new Golf R to hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and early prototypes have posted record times (for Golfs) at Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife racing center. As the top-of-the Golf line, the R receives all of VW's good stuff from tech to safety equipment. As anyone who's shopped a Golf R before, prices can climb to the mid-five-figure region quickly depending on options chosen, etc. VW may not sell tons of these, but those lucky enough to come up with the price of entry are generally very happy. On a down note, couldn't all this have been accomplished with a performance-hybrid system (gas engine in the front driving the front wheels, electric motor in the back driving the rear wheels) which could provide equal or better performance with improved fuel economy and provide a bit of a "green" patina. VW is expected to phase out the Golf over the next few years and replace it with the iD.3 EV series. Rumor has it that VW is already at work on an iD.3 GTI. We shall see. Enjoy the media release and video after the jump.

Source: Volkswagen - Media release, video, and pics after the "read more" jump.