Kombi Last Wishes

One can't argue with history.  Without question, the Kombi has to be one of the most iconic vehicles ever built.  Even if you're not into cars, everyone knows what a Kombi looks like.  Its a privilege to own and drive a rare example of this legendary vehicle.

Kombi Trivia

Ferdinand Porsche is synonymous with Volkswagen, however he actually had nothing to do with the development and production of the Transporter even though it was powered by his flat four engine.

VW unveils its CrossBlue concept

VW unveils ist CrossBlue SUV Hybrid concept

Cross Blue update:

Volkswagen is still very much dead-set on meeting its goal of selling 800,000 vehicles in the United States by 2018. And while the company has said on several occasions that it will not be expanding its lineup to models smaller than the Golf, there's certainly room for expansion elsewhere in its portfolio. At the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen debuted its CrossBlue concept – a three-row, midsize crossover designed specifically with the US market in mind. And during a roundtable discussion at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this month, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America Jonathan Browning told us that a midsize CUV is the company's "top priority" in the US. 

But let's be clear: The CrossBlue is not a replacement for the Touareg, or any other vehicle in the company's US lineup (except maybe the Chrysler-supplied Routan minivan). This will be an all-new offering built on Volkswagen's scalable MQB architecture – the same platform that underpins the Mk7 Golf, among other products. To give us a better idea of exactly what's in store for the new CrossBlue, Volkswagen flew us out to Germany's Siegerland Airport the day before the Frankfurt show to give us an up-close-and-personal look at its all-important new crossover.

The CrossBlue measures in at 196.3 inches long, 79.3 inches wide and 62.2 inches tall. Compared to the Touareg, the concept is longer and wider, though is a full six inches shorter in height – more appropriate dimensions for a true seven-seat crossover. Volkswagen has fitted the CrossBlue with 21-inch alloy wheels at all four corners, wrapped in 235/45-series tires, though we're sure smaller rollers will be offered on base models when the production vehicle is launched.

Inside, there isn't anything remarkable in terms of design or packaging, with a modern, forward-thinking cabin that incorporates all of the basic infotainment and driver convenience functions into an airy, spacious cockpit. The sloping center stack features control knobs that are flush with the main surfacing, and raise up when the vehicle is started – just like the gear selector on modern Jaguar products.

All credit for this info goes to Autoblog.com and author Steven J. Ewing
The full article can be found here.

Volkswagen rolls out Cross Blue SUV Concept

Full story credit to myfoxdetroit.com:
Volkswagen rolls out Cross Blue midsize SUV concept - Fox 2 News Headlines

Could this be the Amarok wagon alternative??!  Let hope so. And lets hope that hope that VW decide to build it for more than just the Nth American market as its sure to have loads of appeal all around the world as a solid competitor to the lucrative midsize SUV market.

VW Amarok Wagon??

Has anyone been able to confirm if VW will produce the Amarok in a 7 seater?  Over the past 18mts automotive websites and forums all over the world have mentioned the possibility of an Amarok wagon for various international markets however as yet there appears to be no word of the Amarok wagon from VW.

Certainly there are a number of international markets that the Amarok would be well suited to, the US would probably be head of that queue however there is also strong demand in South Africa, Australia and Asia.  Toyota have a strong grip on most 4x4 segments, however they are less popular in the European markets due to the stricter emission regulations which as left the manufacturer on the back foot trying to improve the efficiency of its vehicles.  The lead from the European markets is starting to make traditional buyers of Japanese 4x4 and commercial vehicles rethink their purchase as fuel prices continue rapidly increase with the cost of supplying the gogo juice being a substantial influence in overall purchase price.

As a 4x4 the Amarok has already shown that it is more than comfortable off road and despite its smaller
engine capacity and shows no sign of giving anything away to the more established brands.  The accessories market ramping up is supply Amarok accessories and over time drivers will be able to purchase just about any accessory they desire.

So it remains to be seen if the Amarok Wagon will become a reality.  Lets hope so, as there is a huge market out there of VW drivers who really want one of these in their driveway.

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