Select Page

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

by | Jan 20, 2021 | 0 comments

VW Says Auf Wiedersehen To the Golf in U.S.

Production in Puebla, Mexico, transitioning to new products, including the Taos small SUV

A row of VW Golf models.

Nearly 2.5 million VW Golf family models have been sold in the U.S. market. (Photos courtesy of Volkswagen USA)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Volkswagen of America announced today that its subcompact Golf hatchback ended production last week for the U.S. market. The VW Golf family name will carry on in model-year 2022 with the introduction of the all-new Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R, arriving this fall.

Volkswagen expects that the model year 2021 Golf models built at the Puebla, Mexico plant will sustain sales through year-end.

The Golf debuted in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” in the U.S. For more than four decades, the Golf exemplified what Volkswagen does best — melding dynamic driving characteristics with purposeful packaging and unmatched quality, said Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing and strategy for Volkswagen of America, Inc.

“While the seventh-generation Golf will be the last of the base hatches sold here,” he said, “the GTI and Golf R will carry its legacy forward.”

The Golf TSI model

The 2021 VW Golf is sold in only one TSI trim level. Pricing starts at $24,190.

U.S. Golf Family

In the U.S., nearly 2.5 million Golf family models have been sold since 1974. The current-generation Mk 7 Golf was named North American Car of the Year when it debuted for the 2015 model year.

The new eighth-generation 2022 Golf R and Golf GTI will be built in Germany as the Puebla plant transitions to new products, including the Taos subcompact crossover, according to VW.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos

2022 Volkswagen Taos.

For 2021, the Golf is available in one well-equipped trim —TSI. It features a 147 horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 29 mpg city, 39 highway and 33 mpg combine or 29/36/32 mpg with the automatic.

Golf TSI pricing starts at $24,190; add $800 for the Tiptronic. Pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Puebla, Mexico.

Standard features include 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/55 all-season tires, smart-key locking and push-button ignition, panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof, leatherette upholstery, and heated front seats. Driver assistance features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert.

Seven Generations of Golf in the U.S.

 

Golf I: 1975-1984

7 generations of the Gold in North America. This is Gen 1

  • First sold in December 1974 as the “Rabbit” with a 70-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine;
  • GTI was introduced in 1983 with a 90-hp, 1.8-liter engine.

Golf II: 1985-1992

The second generation Golf

  • Nameplate shift to “Golf.” Dimensions grew by nearly 7 inches in length, 3 inches in wheelbase and 2 inches in width;
  • Standard engine is revised 85-hp,1.8-liter;
  • GTI introduces 131-hp, 2.0-liter engine;
  • Catalytic converter, anti-lock braking and power steering debut.

Golf III: 1993-1999

  • Exterior design shifts to wedge shape;
  • Base powertrain increased to 115-hp, 2.0-liter; GTI available with 172-hp, 2.8-liter VR6;
  • Front and side airbags debut; advances in body construction result in improved crash safety;
  • VR6 engine and cruise control offered for the first time.

Golf IV: 1999.5-2005

The Golf IV

  • All-new design with flatter windshield; roofline carried farther back with steeper rear window;
  • Electronic stability control and side curtain airbags debut;
  • 1.8T engine introduced for GTI, bringing turbocharging to this generation of GTI;
  •  R32 introduced for 2004 with 240 hp, six-speed manual, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

Golf V: 2006-2009

The Golf V: 2006-2009

  • New multi-link rear suspension; rain-sensing wipers introduced; sold as “Rabbit” again;
  • DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions debuts as an option for GTI and the standard transmission for R32; Bi-Xenon headlights introduced on both models;
  • Base engine is 150-hp, 2.5-liter; GTI moves to 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine;
  • R32 reintroduced for 2008 with 250 hp.

Golf VI:  2010-2014

The Golf VI:  2010-2014

  • “Golf” name returns;
  • Refreshed styling with prominent character line from headlights to taillights;
  • Base powertrain is 170-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine;
  • Golf R was introduced for 2012, with the VR6 engine replaced by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine pushing 256 hp.

Golf VII: 2015-2021

  • Now based on Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture;
  • Golf grows in size yet drops in weight, despite many new and upscale features;
  • Facelift in MY 2018 features included revised headlight and taillight designs, redesigned bumpers, and infotainment and driver assistance updates;
  • Base 170-hp, 1.8-liter TSI engine replaces 2.5-liter to gain an EPA-estimated 6 mpg highway, later replaced by the 1.4-liter TSI engine in 2019;
  • GTI and Golf R powered by new versions of the 2.0-liter TSI engine, with up to 228 hp for GTI and up to 288 hp for Golf R (using premium fuel);
  • Available driver-assistance technology includes Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Park Distance Control.

Honda beefs up appearance, features of 2021 Ridgeline pickup; on sale Feb. 2

by | Jan 14, 2021 | 0 comments

Honda beefs up appearance, features of 2021 Ridgeline pickup; on sale Feb. 2

The Ridgeline’s midcycle redesign features new exterior styling from the windshield pillars forward, including new fenders and hood, a squared off nose and upright grille. (Honda)

 

 All-wheel drive now standard for all trim levels

 

By Mark Maynard

Honda announced today, Jan. 14, that the redesigned 2021 Ridgeline pickup will be in dealerships starting Feb. 2. Sold in four trim levels, with standard all-wheel drive for all trim levels, pricing starts at $37,665, including the $1,175 freight charge from Lincoln, Ala.

The midcycle redesign features new exterior styling from the windshield pillars forward, including a new hood with a pronounced power bulge, a new squared off nose and upright grille and new fenders.

Top trims (RTL-E is shown) have new dash, steering wheel and center console accents. (Honda)

A reshaped rear bumper exposes new twin exhaust outlets. All Ridgeline trims feature tougher looking 18-inch wheels and an additional 20mm of track width for a more planted stance. New tires have a more aggressive sidewall and shoulder design. Radiant Red Metallic is a new paint option.

Interior updates include an audio volume knob and wireless phone charging. There also is new contrast stitching on the seats and the Sport trims add new cloth seat inserts. Top trims have new dash, steering wheel and center console accents.

Interior updates include an audio volume knob and wireless phone charging. (Honda)

The carryover powertrain is the 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V-6 (262 foot-pounds of torque at 4700 rpm) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Its fuel-economy ratings are 18 mpg city, 24 highway and 21 mpg combined, on 87 octane.

Payload capacity, depending on trim, ranges from 1,509-1,583 pounds with a max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds or all trims, with the optional tow package.

A new $2,800 HPD option group, shown on this RTL-E, adds a unique grille treatment, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels and bedside HPD graphics. (Honda)

Ridgeline specialties include a fully independent suspension, an In-Bed Trunk lockable storage compartment and the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. Among the suite features are Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Starting prices range from $37,665 to $45,095. A new option group by Honda Performance Development ($2,800) adds a unique grille treatment, an HPD emblem, black fender flares, bronze-colored wheels and bedside HPD graphics. It is one of four new post-production option packages available on all Ridgeline trims that include Utility ($1,465), Function ($270) and Function+ ($1,315).

 

 

Ford urges vigilance in #FinishStrong campaign

by | Dec 31, 2020 | 0 comments

Ford urges vigilance in #FinishStrong campaign

New initiative to Finish Strong kicks off Jan. 1

A black and white image of a father and his 2 sons for the Finish Strong campaignFord Motor Co. is encouraging Americans to Finish Strong to protect each other until COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available. (Ford)

BY MARK MAYNARD

As Americans cheer the end to an unwelcome 2020 and toast to the promise of a better 2021, Ford announced today that it is kicking off a Finish Strong initiative. The hope of the campaign is to encourage people to join together, protect each other and help save lives in the months ahead until COVID-19 vaccines become more widely distributed.

Lives are on the line, said Kumar Galhotra, president, Americas & International Markets Group, in the release.

“While many are weary from the challenges 2020 has thrown at us, now is the time for us to pull together, protect each other and finish strong until COVID-19 vaccines arrive more broadly. Lives are on the line,” Galhotra said.

If more Americans embraced COVID mitigation protocols, such as wearing masks, 50,000 or more lives could be saved between now and the end of March when vaccines are more readily available, according to officials at the IHME, University of Washington’s School of Medicine.

#FinishStrong Video

The cornerstone of the initiative is a 30-second commercial, #FinishStrong, which was created by acclaimed filmmaker Peter Berg, known for “Friday Night Lights,” “Patriots Day” and “Lone Survivor.” The spot is narrated by award-winning actor Bryan Cranston.

Berg and Ford approached the storytelling as an appeal to Americans’ shared sense of patriotism and what’s right — rather than preaching at people or using fear as a motivator. Woven within the video are brief portraits of front-line workers and people affected by COVID. Among them is survivor John Williams, 68, from Kansas City, who beat COVID-19 after 20 days on and off a ventilator. He’s shown leaving the hospital in his wheelchair as doctors and nurses line the halls to cheer him on.

According to Berg, it was critical to show the strength and spirit of the country in troubled times — and to offer inspiration to Americans to stay vigilant about protecting themselves and others.

“The COVID pandemic has tested us all in ways we could not have imagined a year ago,” Berg said. “People are weary, beat down, and it would be easy to let our guard down now. But we have to keep fighting for each other; we’re almost there. As we enter 2021, we wanted to help inspire Americans to come together and save lives until the vaccines arrive in numbers. We need to finish strong. We got this.”

Ford and PPE

To date, Ford has manufactured 55 million masks and will hit 100 million masks for donations by mid-2021. Among the other pieces of personal protective equipment the automaker has made include:

  • 20 million face shields
  • 50,000 patient ventilators
  • More than 32,000 powered air-purifying respirators in collaboration with 3M
  • 1.4 million washable isolation gowns

UAW Collaboration

In collaboration with the UAW and Ford Motor Company Fund, the automaker also has donated more than 50 million face masks to nonprofit organizations, state and local officials, first responders, schools, and underserved communities in all 50 states. The next round of masks, including masks for children, will be available on Jan. 12 in six states across the eastern U.S., from New York to Virginia at local Ford dealers. Details are available at FordFund.org.

Throughout its 117-year history, Ford has stepped up in moments of global crisis: creating Iron Lungs in the polio epidemic and leading the Arsenal of Democracy in WWII. Ford’s latest effort builds on the company’s support for those affected by the pandemic — from creating programs allowing customers to defer car payments to transforming its plants to make ventilators.

Homage to a legend: 2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo

by | Dec 15, 2020 | 0 comments

Hand-assembled in Modena, Italy, the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo honors the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale supercar. (Alfa Romeo)

Limited-edition Stradale Tributo marks final run of the 4C Spider for North America

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

Alfa Romeo unveiled today, Dec. 14, the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo, inspired by the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, one of the first mid-engine supercars. Only 33 units of this limited-edition Stradale Tributo will be produced for North America. The Stradale Tributo marks the final production run of the 4C Spider for North America.

Pricing starts at $79,995 U.S. MSRP, excluding the $1,595 freight charge from Modena, Italy.

The upcoming Tonale PHEV compact-class crossover. (Alfa Romeo)

Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo said in a statement that “The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo … passes the torch to the next generation of iconic Alfa Romeo vehicles, including the upcoming Tonale PHEV crossover that will start production next year.”

The Stradale Tributo comes exclusively in Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat red paint with gray-gold alloy wheels (18-inch front and 19-inch rear) and composite sport seats covered in black Dinamica suede and tobacco leather.

The cockpit will be displayed with “33” plaques in the cockpit, side sills and center console, the last of which is progressively numbered.

The premium black-and-tobacco interior. (Alfa Romeo)

Customers also will be given a matching, numbered book designed by Centro Stile (Design Center) that chronicles the 4C’s design concept, technology, materials and Modena assembly facility as well as the history of the 33 Stradale.

The 33 Stradale Tributo comes with commemorative badging, plaques and book. (Alfa Romeo)

The Stradale Tributo is loaded with extra features, including an Akrapovic dual-mode center-mounted exhaust (usually a $3,100 upgrade), race-tuned suspension ($800), bi-xenon headlamps ($1,100), battery charger ($150), car cover ($400), suede/leather seats and carbon fiber halo, rear wing and Italian flag mirror caps ($900). The exterior will be set off by “Centro Stile Alfa Romeo” badges and available piano-black front air intake and rear diffuser.

Weighing less than 2,500 pounds, the 4C Spider is powered by a 237-horsepower, direct-injection 1750cc turbocharged four-cylinder with dual intercoolers and a six-speed Alfa twin-clutch transmission. Alfa Romeo cites 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph.

Limited to just 33 cars, the limited-edition 4C features exclusive Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat paint, gray-gold 5-hole alloy wheels and black-and-tobacco interior. (Alfa Romeo)

The 33 Stradale

Italian for “road-going,” the 33 Stradale was a hand-built mid-engine exotic based on the Tipo 33 race car that won its class at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona. (Alfa Romeo)

The 1967 33 Stradale made its public debut at the Monza circuit on Aug. 31, 1967, on the eve of the 1967 Formula One Italian Grand Prix.

The black-and-tobacco interior of the ’67 33 Stradale. (Alfa Romeo)

Italian for “road-going,” with a top speed of 162 mph, the 33 Stradale was a hand-built Franco Scaglione-penned mid-engine exotic based on the Tipo 33 race car that won its class at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona.

To this day it represents a singular blend of leading-edge technology, racing mechanics and inspirational design, a fitting forebear to the 4C Spider. Only 18 chassis were ever produced, with most completed cars painted in Alfa’s signature red, with gray-gold wheels and black-and-tobacco interior.

To reserve a 2020 Stradale Tributo, email sales@alfaromeo.com.

2020 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo alongside the ’67 33 Stradale. (Alfa Romeo)

Holiday gift ideas by Mopar

by | Dec 14, 2020 | 0 comments

Holiday gift ideas by Mopar

Mopar ugly holiday sweater, $54.95.

From an ugly sweater to a face mask to a Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged crate V-8

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

If all you want for Christmas is an 807-horsepower Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V- 8, Mopar can gift wrap it! In all, the Motor Parts Division of Chrysler FCA US has more than a dozen holiday gift ideas ready to ship. Shop online at www.WearMopar.com and www.Mopar.com.

Through Dec. 31, 2020, Mopar customers receive 15 percent off accessory and performance part purchases.

From the www.WearMopar.com section of the website, use promo code “JOLLY75” at checkout for free standard ground shipping to U.S. locations this holiday season when spending $75 or more on branded merchandise; valid through Dec. 31, 2020.

Here are some ideas to get you in the holiday spirit:

• Mopar crystal holiday ornament, $29.95. The etched crystal holiday ornament that features the Omega M Mopar logo etched in the center of one side. The ornament is three inches in diameter and includes a two-inch silver-elastic hanging string and gift box.

• Mopar ugly holiday sweater, $44.95. Custom-knit design sweater is highlighted by a rear view of a classic HEMI V-8 engine on the front and “Do you hear what I hear” on the back. Available in medium, large and XL; in black, blue, white or orange.

• Mopar women’s soft-shell jacket, $100.95. Ultra-smooth, ultra-soft, athletic-fit women’s soft-shell three-season jacket features front zip pockets with Omega M-stacked Mopar logo embroidered on the left-chest area in white and blue. Available in sizes ranging from small to XXXL.

• Media screen protector, $20 each for 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreens. Made from tough, clear static-cling film.

• Hellcrate Redeye 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 engine, $21,807. The most powerful production muscle car crate engine ever has 807 horsepower and 717 lb.-ft. of torque.

• Cargo tote, $50. Secure items with this portable cargo-management tote that folds easily for storage and unfolds to 24 inches by 15 inches. Fits all Jeep vehicles.

• Men’s HEMI hoodie, $49.95. The Lime green and black hoodie features a HEMI graphic in black on the left chest just above the large kangaroo pocket, along with Mopar wording on the right sleeve. Available in sizes ranging from small to XXXL.

• Mopar Oakley Holbrook backpack, $78.95. The spacious backpack features a dual-zipper main compartment, a padded internal sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch laptop or tablet, and padded back and shoulder straps. The blue Omega M-stacked Mopar logo is embroidered on the front.

• Reusable Mopar cotton face mask, $5.95: The super-soft, black, 100 percent cotton face mask features the Omega M-stacked Mopar logo. One size fits most.

• All-weather floor mats, $115-$265 per set. The high-wall, bucket-style mats will provide maximum coverage and protection. All mats include the specific vehicle’s brand logo and are molded in black. Ram mats are also available in brown.

• Pet kennel, $190. The black nylon mesh carrier includes two pockets, carrying handle, three doors, webbing zipper pulls and straps to secure the kennel.

• Doors-off mirror kit, $295. Available for current-generation Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models. When the original, factory-installed front doors with attached mirrors are removed, two separately mounted side mirrors may be quickly and easily installed for an enhanced rear view.

• Mopar Vehicle Protection (MVP) Plans: Plans include full mechanical coverage with Maximum Care, Road Hazard Tire & Wheel, Auto Appearance, Scheduled Maintenance and more. Protection plans for lease vehicles are also available. For information on various MVP plan offerings, visit www.moparvehicleprotection.com.

• In addition, prepaid MVP oil change plans are available through Dec. 31, 2020 at participating dealerships:
Synthetic blend and multipoint inspection – $29.95 for single oil change / $70 for three oil changes
Full synthetic and multipoint inspection – $45.95 for single oil change / $100 for three oil changes
Diesel and multipoint inspection – $109.95 for single oil change / $315 for three oil changes

 

Cadillac revives a 3D-printed 6-speed manual transmission for V-Series Blackwings

by | Dec 11, 2020 | 0 comments

Cadillac revives a 3D-printed 6-speed manual transmission for V-Series Blackwings

The V-Series Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles with 3D-printed parts, including a unique medallion on the manual shifter knob. (Cadillac)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Cadillac announced today, Dec. 10, that the introduction of the new 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will mark the revival of one of the most popular features for driving enthusiasts – the manual transmission.

These manual transmissions were produced using new additive manufacturing applications (3D printing) that will bring 3D-printed parts into the upcoming ultra-high-performance sedans.

The V-Series Blackwing models will be the first GM production vehicles with functional 3D-printed parts, including two HVAC ducts and an electrical harness bracket.

In addition, a unique 3D-printed medallion will sit on the manual shifter knob. By leveraging additive manufacturing, the Cadillac team was able to reduce costs and waste when developing the manual transmission.

“A lot of work went into making the manual possible in both vehicles. It’s something we know V-Series buyers want and it’s something we knew we had to have, so we used innovative processes to make it happen,” said Mirza Grebovic, Cadillac performance variant manager. “There are a few ways to really get that connected feel with the vehicle and the manual transmission is probably the most obvious one.”

The CT4-V Blackwing and the CT5-V Blackwing will come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with an option for a 10-speed automatic. The compact-class CT4-V Blackwing will be the only sedan in its segment to offer a manual, Cadillac says.

This six-speed manual transmission is quieter and more durable than the previous generation, Cadillac says.

Manuals by the numbers

In a recent Harris Poll study conducted on behalf of Cadillac about the current knowledge and adoption of the manual transmission found:

  • 66 percent of American adults surveyed know how to drive a manual. Of those who do not know how to drive a manual, roughly 40 percent are either somewhat or very interested in learning.
  • 55 percent of American adults say they have owned or leased a car with a manual transmission.
  • Interest in driving or learning to drive a manual is higher among those with $75,000 or more in annual household income (64 percent interested) and those between 18-34 in age (62 percent interested).

The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be available starting summer 2021. Visit the V-Series Blackwing future vehicles page on Cadillac.com