New Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet revealed
by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

The Europeans get it too good sometimes. With a concentrated population within a few hours' drive, train ride or plane flight, Motor Shows abound. And without doubt one of the most famous is the Geneva Motor Show on Switzerland.

I had the privilege of seeing it first hand in 2008 - the venue was enormous with every major brand represented with current models and many styling editions. 2012 is no exception with Volkswagen introducing the Golf Cabriolet GT to the already packed Volkswagen line-up.

This will be the last iteration of this Golf series with the mark 7 due in the middle of next year. Whilst we may not receive this model at Northstar Volkswagen, it expresses the design capabilities of the brand - not that the 'base' vehicle isn't enough. We expect sales of our current model to increase as the weather cools and people can experience top down motoring without worrying about the effects of our harsh sunlight

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

Volkswagen has released the first images and details of the most powerful production Golf GTI Cabriolet to ever grace the planet. It is the first time we have seen the open-top variant of the Golf GTI since the first generation and is likely to be the final variant of the current model series before it is replaced next year.

The Golf GTI Cabriole sources its personality from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It generates 210 PS (155 kW / 208 hp) and 206 lbs ft (280 Nm) of torque at just 1,700rpm and is mated with a the six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Whilst the GTI hatch is capable of accelerating from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 6.9 seconds, the Golf GTI Cabriolet is 0.4 seconds shy of that figure due to its aerodynamic disadvantages. Top speed is reached at 147 mph (236kph).

The Golf GTI Cabriolet features an electrically powered fabric roof that takes 9.5 seconds to fold away and can be operated at speeds of up to 18mph (30kph).

Sales will begin during the second half of 2012 with pricing set to be announced closer to the launch date. Those wanting to get a closer look at the Golf GTI Cabriolet will have the chance when it celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

Northstar Bugatti - it's got a certain ring to it. In this area of the super luxury car market, you can only dream. The latest creation from the styling studios of the world's fastest production car is the Bugatti Grand Sport special edition.

At a cost of about 2 million dollars (plus on road costs and dealer delivery charges) an educated guess is that there won't be any coming to Australia any time soon.

Bugatti Grand Sport special edition introduced in Qatar

Costs €1.58 ($2.03 / £1.30) million

Bugatti has announced plans to introduce a bespoke Veyron Grand Sport at the Qatar Motor Show.

Likely the previously announced Middle East Edition, the model has a two-tone exterior with a yellow body and an exposed carbon fiber lower section. There are also black wheels with silver accents.

Inside, the color scheme carries over with yellow leather seats and a black dashboard. Elsewhere, there's carbon fiber trim and a black steering wheel with yellow contrast stitching.

The one-off Grand Sport will be priced from €1.58 ($2.03 / £1.30) million.

Source: Bugatti - Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/112012340190/bugatti-grand-sport-special-edition-introduced-in-qatar#ixzz1kPUtHT9E

Volkswagen have announced their plans to finalize the takeover of Porsche bringing to a conclusion the work done over the last 2 or 3 years. The German giant will complete the takeover by buying up the final 50% for 3.9 billion Euro

VW to finalise Porsche takover for €3.9billion

Volkswagen Porsche logos

The long winded story of Volkswagen's takeover of porsche looks to be finally heading for a conclusion. According to a report by Bloomberg, the German giant will complete its takeover of the sports car maker by buying up the remaining 50.1% of the company it does not own for €3.9 billion.

Unidentified managers within the VW hierarchy have confirmed that they will set up a holding company to take control temporarily. It is believed by completing the transaction before 2014 will save the company €1 billion in taxes.

Additionally, the necessary actions will be taken to ensure that Porsche will stay independent from the parent company, keeping the objections of the Porsche labor leaders at bay.

The companies had originally intended to merge together before Porsche attempted their own hostile takeover in 2009. After accumulating debts of more than €10 billion, the takeover was abandoned and the roles where reversed as Volkswagen came to their rescue.

Neither company is officially confirming if the rumours are true, but we'll keep you posted if or when they ever do.

Source: autonews - Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/112012340174/vw-to-finalise-porsche-takover-for-39billion#ixzz1kPUkPho7

Northstar Volkswagen Dealer Principal, Bob Aldons advised that the VW Golf was their number one selling model in 2011.

"Not only was it ours at Northstar, it was also Queensland's and Australia's top seller in the Volkswagen range" said Mr Aldons. Since returning Volkswagen to the Redcliffe area in August 2009, Northstar Volkswagen has seen sales grow by over 15% year on year in an industry that fell 5% nationally.

"This really attests to the strength of the Volkswagen brand overall and confirms the decision jointly between Volkswagen Group Australia and ourselves to locate and build our new showroom in Redcliffe" said Bob

Northstar delivered over 300 new VW's in 2011 with over 30% of these being Golf hatchbacks, wagons or the sporty GTI, GTD or R versions.

Expectations are high for another strong year in 2012. "Volkswagen have asked us to really increase our sales numbers this year - we're expecting over 400, an increase of nearly 30%" said Mr Aldons. "This of course will require us to increase the size of not only our sales team, but also the vital people in our service and spare parts departments"

Volkswagen Golf remains #1 in Europe

Redesigned model coming later this year

For the fourth consecutive year, the Volkswagen Golf has been crowned the best-selling car in Europe.

While sales declined by two percent, the German automaker still managed to sell 484,547 Golfs last year. The popular model was followed by the Polo which racked up sales of 356,490 units.

Rounding out the top five were the Ford Fiesta (348,465), Opel/Vauxhall Corsa (313,325) and Renault Clio (294,172).

As we have previously reported, Volkswagen will introduce the seventh-generation Golf at the Paris Motor Show. It remains unclear if the model will have the success of its predecessor, but the company is likely very optimistic.

Source: Automotive News - Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/112012340180/volkswagen-golf-remains-1-in-europe#ixzz1kPUbXAk9

Brisbane Volkswagen Dealer, Northstar VW, is keen to see the first Australian versions of Volkswagen's A Class car the VW UP. Due late in 2012, the up in 3 door guise is already on the road in Europe with the 5 door not far behind.

Bob Aldons, Dealer Principal of Northstar Volkswagen at Redcliffe, north of Brisbane, saw the vehicle early last year in Wolfsburg Germany and was hugely impressed. It will be targeted at first time small car buyers and will rely on the wonderful reputation of the brand to introduce buyers to the VW family.

OFFICIAL: Volkswagen Up! five-door revealed

Volkswagen has released first photos and details of the Up! five-door.

First previewed in Frankfurt last year as the Cross up! concept, the production version seen here carries over the same engines and option packages as the three-door Up! - just with easier access to the rear seats.

Overall vehicle dimension and cargo capacity stay the same as the three-door. Extra wide opening rear doors give way to 94.7cm (37.2 inches) of headroom and 79cm (31.1 inches) of legroom while boot space is 251 liters (8.9 cubic-feet) with the seats up and 951 liters (33.6 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down.

Order books open in Germany on March 6 with first deliveries in May. European market launch follows shortly during the summer. With a premium of 475 euros over the three-door version, prices start at 10,325 euros.

The only engine available is the three-cylinder 1.0-liter petrol unit with BlueMotion tech (including a stop/start system) outputting 44 kW (60 PS / 60 bhp) and 55 kW (75 PS / 75 bhp) depending on trim package selected. Fuel economy will be 4.2 liters/100 km and 4.3 liters/100 km, respectively.

Technology abounds as the Up! is the first vehicle in its segment to be equipped with an pre-collision braking system. Called City Emergency Braking, the system can automatically brake the vehicle when a impending collision up to 18 mph is detected. Also featured is VW's maps+more Portable Infotainment Device (PID) which offers touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth and enterntainment.

Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/112012340144/official-volkswagen-up-five-door-revealed#ixzz1kPUSoiGC