Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
Five reveals from Auto China 2026 prove the design language of global automotive is being decided in Beijing, not Detroit. The verdict, and what Americans lose.
Read moreHow the 2027 Scout Terra stacks up against the F-150 Lightning (now discontinued), Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and Chevy Silverado EV on range, tow, price, and timing.
Read moreScout Motors is an independent US company backed by Volkswagen Group. Corporate structure, International Scout heritage, and what VW backing means for 2027 buyers.
Read moreThe VW ID.3 Neo debuts with 391-mile range, physical buttons, and three battery options. Why this European EV matters for American VW buyers.
Read moreThe 2027 Volkswagen Atlas debuts on the MQB Evo platform with 282 hp, ChatGPT voice control, and a premium interior at the 2026 New York Auto Show.
Read moreVolkswagen, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology by achieving the first-ever 270 kW wireless power transfer. This landmark development represents a leap in wireless charging capabilities, setting the stage for faster and more efficient EV charging without the need for cumbersome plug-in systems. For drivers and the industry alike, this advancement could be a game-changer in how electric vehicles are charged, bringing us closer to a future where EVs can charge rapidly and seamlessly. The Breakthrough in Wireless Charging The 270 kW wireless charging system developed by Volkswagen and ORNL employs high-frequency magnetic fields to transfer energy between a transmitter and a receiver.
Read moreThe citizens of Santa Cruz and the surrounding oceanside towns and tree-lined hamlets may hold an unofficial record for their entrepreneurial ways. Creativity rules small businesses, from bespoke bicycle makers to artists to Annie Wolff Patsch. Wolff Patsch and her husband, Adam Patsch, combine their last names without a hyphen. The unique pronunciation and the former’s upbeat personality are the reasons she’s mostly known as Annie. It’s the only name on her business card as the founder of Brew Cruz. While co-host Bruce Aldrich was on vacation, I interviewed Annie for this week’s episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. I interviewed Annie as part of a media trip to the central coast city. Annie’s enterprise is a two-vehicle proprietorship, a
Read moreThe Volkswagen Amarok, a mid-size pickup truck sold internationally since 2010 (but not in the United States) will be revealed July 7 for its potential availability in this country. Sharing a platform with the upcoming Ford Ranger, the Amarok has been “teased” recently on various automotive outlets as well as from the manufacturer. Its exterior includes newly styled headlights and a rugged-looking rear end. Volkswagen Amarok Set for US Sales? The truck’s highlights include a vertically-aligned 12-inch touchscreen display, the same as the Ranger’s touchscreen. the VW Amarok also appears to have toggle switches for the hazard lights, parking sensors, an on-screen climate control menu and drive modes. There’s also a physical volume knob. According to the carmaker, the Volkswagen
Read moreNearly 40 years after Volkswagen stopped selling pickup trucks in the United States, it will do so again. At least that’s what VW of America CEO Scott Keogh suggested recently during an interview with Business Insider. “I think it’s the chance of a lifetime in this segment because electrification gives you a reset moment,” Keogh said. “It gives you a chance to bring some, let’s say, alternatives and some new ideas into this great segment.” VW leaning toward pickup truck return Keogh said an electric pickup is something VW is “actively investigating.” Volkswagen has twice suggested it would re-enter the U.S. market. Its previous pickup was last offered in 1983. In 2018, the automaker unveiled at Atlas Tanoak concept which
Read morePodcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:12 — 38.7MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreThe VW Golf is the third best-selling car in history, behind the top-selling Toyota Corolla and Ford F-Series of pickup trucks. More than 35 million of the versatile vehicles have sold since the car’s debut as a 1974 edition. With the motoring icon approaching its 50th anniversary, author Russell Hayes has expanded and upgraded his book The Volkswagen Golf Story to include the full Golf 7 range and the latest incarnation, the Golf 8. The new edition is available from Behemoth Publishing Co-host Bruce Aldrich is on assignment, so I interview Hayes this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. “Europe has always been the
Read moreIn the Philippines, it was known as a “country truck” or “Trakbayan.” In Indonesia, its name was “Mitra,” meaning partner. By any name, the Volkswagen Basis-Transporter was among the carmaker’s oddest creations. The two-door, boxy work truck, manufactured in German and in Mexico, were made between 1975 and 1979 only 6,200 were built. It was called the Hormiga or “Ant.” As a basic utility vehicle, the Basis-Transporter was primarily shipped to Mexico, Turkey and Pakistan. It had a 1.6-liter, 50-horsepower engine and a maximum speed of 48 miles per hour. Its bed had a maximum payload of 2,205 pounds. VW Basis-Transporter: Odd, Rare The utilitarian vehicle founds some success during its short tenure because of high fuel prices and a
Read moreCOLLABORATIVE CONTENT Volkswagen can rejoice. Its flagship electric vehicle, the ID.4, is the World Car of the Year 2021. The stylish sport utility claimed the honor, voted upon by 93 automotive experts from 28 countries. Volkswagen claimed its fifth overall title and won this year against thr BMW 4 Series, Honda e and Mercedes Benz GLA. Previous Volkswagen Car of the Year award winner included the Golf Mk. 6 (2009), Polo (2010), up! (2012) and Golf Mk. 7 (2013) marking a pattern of Volkswagen usually winning five times in 13 years. Ralf Brandstatter, Volkswagen CEO, Ralf Brandstatter, commented: “We are particularly pleased about our ID.4 being named World Car of the Year. Not only because it is one of the
Read moreSometimes, car manufacturers try too hard. The latest example is the Volkswagen non-announcement-turned-announcement-turned prank. A day after a pending name change was unveiled by USA Today and later confirmed by the manufacturer, the German automaker Volkswagen said it will not be changing the name of its U.S. operations to “Voltswagen of America.” As many automotive publications speculated, the March 29 missive was thought to be a premature April Fools’ Day joke to raise awareness about the company’s all-electric ID.4. Volkswagen confirmed to publications the report was legitimate. Volkswagen will get hurt by its own prank But The Wall Street Journal reported on March 30 the announcement was an elaborate joke. Volkswagen is expected to announce an update to the bizarre
Read more(This post has been updated here. It’s an April Fools’ joke gone bad.) Volkswagen will soon be Voltswagen, at least in the German automaker’s expanding lineup of electric vehicles. And it’s no joke. First reported by USA Today when one of the publication’s reporters noted the pending change was briefly posted on the manufacturer’s website, the unusual move was immediately perceived as an early April Fool’s joke. As the news reached other media outlets, Volkswagen removed the website post dated April 29 but was published March 29. Volkswagen to Voltswagen? Really? But VW has since confirmed the report, although details remain unclear. “The automaker said, “more than a name change, ‘Voltswagen’ is a public declaration of the company’s future-forward investment
Read moreThe 2022 Volkswagen Golf R will mark the return of the manufacturer’s top-performance model after a three-year hiatus. While similar to its predecessor, the new VW Golf R will have its differences. The upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder will deliver 315 horsepower, an increase of 27 horsepower from the previous edition. The new Golf R will be propelled by a six-speed manual transmission or an automated seven-speed, dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox. According to the manufacturer, the new Golf will advance from zero to 62 miles per hour (100km) in 4.7 seconds. The top speed is 155 miles per hour. New, lighter 14.1-inch disc brakes will be featured as will a new ABS braking system and an improved pedal feel. 2022 Volkswagen Golf
Read moreRussell Hayes, like all automotive industry book authors, is passionate about his subject matter. Hayes’ interests cover several iconic carmakers, including his latest effort celebrating the 75th and 70th anniversaries of the Volkswagen Beetle and Bus. For enthusiasts as interested in vehicles as the author, Hayes’ coffee-table sized volume is among three varied books ideal as the holiday season approaches. Hayes, whose books range in topics from auto shows to Lotus to several offerings on Volkswagen, just released “Volkswagen Beetles and Buses: Smaller and Smarter.” (Quarto Publishing Group, $40). As Hayes explains, no carmaker’s history is as unique as Volkswagen — its association with the Nazi movement to the Hippie generation. Auto Books: VW to Jeep to Corvette More than
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