For the 1,750-pound '81 Rabbit Diesel, Volkswagen felt that 48 horsepower was plenty; in fact, the Rabbit Diesel had a better power-to-weight ratio than the 1,724-pound/53-horsepower '69 Beetle, and diesel torque should have made it feel even quicker. That was not the case, however; I've driven both cars (in fact, I did my driver training classes in a dual-brake-pedal Rabbit Diesel), and the Beetle feels slightly zippy while the Rabbit Diesel feels dangerously slow. Perception? Reality?
Still, these things sip that costly oil through a cocktail straw, giving Rabbit Diesel owners the right to sneer at those resource-depleters in thirsty Priuses. Most of the survivors seem to be the Rabbit pickups, but I was able to find this sedan parked by the Bay, quite close to the '88 Peugeot 505 Turbo.

We've picked out 20 of our favorite VW ads from the Classic Ad Watch series for your enjoyment. From the 1950s through the current decade, from the USA, Germany, South Africa, China, Mexico, and Brazil, these ads cover the highlights of the Volkswagen product line in entertaining fashion

1984 Rabbit	1987 GTI	2005 Caddy	Beetle
1984 GTI	1998 Transporter Syncro	1984 Vanagon	1979 Scirocco
1968 Beetle	1979 Rabbit	1972 Beetle	1981 Vanagon
1970 Karmann Ghia	1958 Beetle	1976 Transporter	1958 Transporter
1955 Beetle	1971 Karmann Ghia	1983 Beetle	1966 Fastback

Tech inspections start on Friday at Reno-Fernley Raceway, and racing begins at 11:00 AM Saturday. I'll be there, LeMons Supreme Court Justice Lieberman will be there, some guy from Autoblog will be there, and many of you will be there as well. Let's get a sneak preview of some of the "race cars" we'll have the pleasure of watching shed major engine components on roar around the track:

We're pretty excited about the first-ever Ford/Mercury/whatever Capri to show up to a LeMons event. Our friend Bill, of wrecked MGB-GT fame, is on the team, and their Cologne V6-powered '74 Capri is one of the most unspeakably terrible finest race cars we've ever seen. Not only that, but the team will be racing to raise funds to help a little girl who's battling leukemia. You can sign up to donate a certain amount per lap; we suggest $20 per, because, well, it's a 500-buck Crapi and is nearly certain to might blow up on the track pretty quickly. I don't want to spoil anything here, but word at LeMons HQ is that these dudes are raising the LeMons theme bar with their team costumes.



You know what's wrong with the 24 Hours Of LeMons? No Fauxrraris, that's what! Happily, Team Lemons Vice has butchered the living crap out of tastefully modified their Altamont- and Thunderhill-veteran CRX, and it looks so vile we have no words strong enough great! Here's what the team has to say about their car:

Here's some photos of the current build and the previous themes for the car. It started out as a stock 88' CRX DX with 450K+ showing on the odometer when we bought it. Clean body but had some previous front end damage and cut springs. It had a really bad front end shake which turned out to be lump where one of the front tires was beginning to separate (all were showing steel). The big homemade wing and exhaust tip provided the irony for the little "Team Size Matters" CRX. The before and after shots are from our first race at AMP in Oct 07. The wing actually produced enough down force to bend and then break the supports at the first Thunderhill race. Other than bent fenders and getting the steeing knocked way out of alignment, the only mechanical problem we've had was a 4" gash in the gas tank at AMP last May. Fortunately we'd wired up the exhaust tip that had been dragging the day before.

After three races we rebuilt it as the Slow Santas sleigh. That was our first time using the styrofoam insulation sheets, which we used all over for the current build. The sleigh was high enough to avoid contact, but we'll have to be especially careful this time.

The car is several inches shorter on the left than on the right now, so it was tricky to frame up the "italian" rear end. The body already looks straighter (which isn't saying much) and should look a lot better after this weekend. We're hoping all the foam might provide some impact cushioning should another car experience braking or steering "problems". That seems to happen a lot. The painting (with rollers) will get finished this weekend, and we will have graphics for the "gills" on the sides and the tailights across the back. We just might consider offering a body kit based on this design. A rat took up residence in the engine compartment after the last race, hence the peanuts, snails and turds on the valve cover. Other than that, the motor is totally stock.

How about a really puzzling internet meme as a LeMons car theme? Casadelshawn, formerly of the Faster Farms Chickens (whose Belvedere will be serving as the Goin' For Broken Official Pace Car), and his water-cooled-VW-fanatic henchmen will be racing a 4-door Rabbit known as the Bunny With A Pancake On Its Head.

That's right, they're turning a brutally swiss-cheesed VW Rabbit into a rolling replica of Oolong the Rabbit, complete with fur, ears, and huge foam-rubber pancake on its head. The car isn't quite, you know, done yet, but Casadelshawn assures me that they only have about "nine rats left to kill" on the project, whatever the hell that means.

The car drove under its own power for the first time a couple days ago, and supposedly it made the team members feel like this.




Then we've got the Mustard Yellow Volvo Doing 45 In The Fast Lane, formerly known as the Black Metal V8olvo. I'm not on the team any more, because I tend to make bonehead mistakes on the race track am too busy judging and doing the journalism thing, but I have been retained as the team's Artistic Consultant (and I'm sure they'll come pull out all my toenails with pliers if my innovative wiring job from last year goes up in smoke). Naturally, they'll need to bribe the bejasus out of me in order to avoid the 1,000-lap penalty with which I should hammer them just on general principle, but I'll probably let them slide due to their allowing me to inflict my really annoying theme on them. Yes, any East Bay resident can tell you all about the scourge of the Berkeley Volvo 244, painted that distinctive mustard color (which we've approximated with Caterpillar Yellow train-car paint), covered with dishwater-strength lefty bumper stickers and pootling along in the fast lane with the left blinker on… and that's what will be clogging up the track at Reno-Fernley!

I've put a lot of thought into the bumper stickers, with the vintage Mondale-Ferraro one being the real prize. Can't have anything too hippie, because hippies get high and groove on good tunes and that's too much fun for Berkeley Volvo 244 drivers… and anything too revolutionary is right out, too, because it's all about the tedium, you see. Walter Mondale, however, is about right, and did you ever see one of these cars that didn't have a FREE TIBET sticker?

As for the Eternal Left Blinker, all it took was a couple of yellow bulbs, a Chrysler turn-signal flasher, and a quick repurposing of the wiring that once operated the Yammering Swedish Skulls Of Black Metal Doom:

According to Gaywheels.com founder Joe LaMurgalia, Gay Men tend to look for stylish brands while Lesbians are more interested in fuel economy. This may explain why the efficient and stylish Rabbit tops the list. The one stand-out vehicle on the list is the Maserati Quattroporte, which is larger and more expensive than anything on the list by a wide margain.

VW Rabbit Protects Its Burrow, Volvo C30 Moves Up to Third Among Gaywheels Most Researched Vehicles

Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles for 1st Quarter 2009

River Edge, NJ – Gays and lesbians continue to do their homework when it comes to buying cars and the Volkswagen Rabbit and Eos remain at the top of their list when searching on Gaywheels.com, the sole source of information specifically targeted to and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) car-shoppers. Today, Gaywheels.com announced its list of the Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles during the first quarter of 2009:

Gaywheels.com Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles -1st Quarter 2009

"The latest Top 10 Most Researched list supports the results of our recent LGBT Auto Owner's survey," said Gaywheels.com founder Joe LaMuraglia. "Volkswagen and Audi are two brands that are over-represented by Gay Men in the study and those brands represent 40% of the Top 10 list."

Other brand positions further supported the recent survey results; the Saab 9-3 has consistently been on the most-researched list and that brand is the most over-indexed for both Gay Men and Lesbians.

"All the vehicles on the most-researched list are expressive, stylish vehicles and with the sole exception of the Maserati GranTurismo, all are fuel efficient and come from gay-friendly manufacturers," added LaMuraglia. "This is also in line with the purchase reasons from the study. The top purchase reason for Gay Men is styling and for Lesbians is fuel economy."

The Top 10 Most Researched list is based on website statistics gathered from January 1, 2009 – March 31, 2009 from Gaywheels.com's New Car section. Gaywheels.com publishes its Most-Researched list quarterly.

Let this be a warning to you Michael Phelps, do not pick up Miss California in an A3.

Alameda actually has plenty of Mk1 Rabbits on the street, but I just haven't been paying enough attention to them. So far in this series, we've seen this '81 diesel pickup and this '83 4-door LS. Perhaps I'm just having flashbacks to the miserably underpowered dual-brake-pedal-equipped '77 diesel Rabbit that my high school used for driver-training classes; driving instructor "Coach Bob" took sadistic pleasure in making total beginners enter the Nimitz Freeway via the fiendishly short 16th Avenue onramp in the 47-horse Rabbit. But I'm over that now (not really), so we'll be playing Golf Catchup for a while.


American car buyers didn't have many affordable convertible options during the Late Malaise Era. The MGB was done in 1980 and the last TR7 came in 1981; the Mustang convertible didn't return until 1983. The Rabbit convertible sold for $9,340 in 1982. That was $2,358 less than a new Chrysler LeBaron convertible and $2,950 less than a Fiat Spider. This one has the rare "laptop keyboard glued to dash" option.


Here's a view of the Rabbit from the Evil Skylark, which lives just down the street.

The global economic meltdown doesn't mean you have to take a break from Hell Projects. In fact, it's more important than ever that you break out your Hell Project skills in order to give you and your'n an edge when it comes time to hit the road in search of work, handouts, escape from rampaging urban mobs, etc… and that means building a vehicle that can haul you, your loved ones, and a large percentage of your personal possessions around the land. We're talking pots and pans, crates of squawking chickens, and mattresses strapped to the outside of the vehicle here, with maybe Grandma lashing down the spare engine with bungee cords as you horse-trade some crafty yokel for a sack of cornmeal to feed your white liquor still. Sure, you could just buy a diesel Econoline and be done with it, but it's not just enough to survive, like rats or roaches. You need to roam the land in style!

The 1957 Cadillac is one fine-looking car, no doubt about it, and Cadillac built bulletproof forged-crank engines back in those days, but even a Fleetwood wouldn't be voluminous enough for your Joad-style peregrinations. Time to go Winnebago shopping? Hell no, not when you could have this 1957 Cadillac camper, which is now sitting on eBay with a price tag just barely into four figures, no reserve, and an auction end time just hours away. It doesn't run at the moment, but as the seller says: "IT MIGHT FIRE UP WITH A FRESH BATTERY AND SOME FRESH GAS." Even if it doesn't, the junkyards are full of Cadillac 472s, and even a smogified 425 will get the job done. Check out that luxurious interior- plenty of room for everyone! Thanks to Ian for the tip.

That Cadillac camper is great, but you and your fellow Joads would be forced to panhandle twice as hard to keep it fueled up (or, even worse, you'd be forced to use your whiskey still to make 200-proof to burn in the engine). What you need is a vehicle with space for family members, pets, livestock, weapons, etc., yet doesn't go through gas the way the Federal Reserve is currently going through banknote-printing ink. You could get one of those Toyota truck-based campers, but living in one of those isn't really living. Instead, this 1985 VW Rabbit six-door limo will do the job. It's got plenty of space, an economical four-cylinder engine, and will show all those other losers at the hobo jungle that you've got class! The engine isn't in the car- something about an attempted VR6 swap- but the seller will include it in the deal. You might even consider grafting the bed from a VW pickup onto the back, for more carrying capacity. You might need a running start to get up hills, but that's no big hardship! Thanks to Nitroracer for the tip.

It's had an engine upgrade and a ton of new parts, the interior is authentic Malaise Turquoise, and the whole package looks great. No doubt about it, this is the nicest example of a Rabbitamino we've seen in a long time. But… $12,000? What do you think?

[Craigslist San Francisco, thanks to Casadelshawn for the tip!]

10.) Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit

9.) Mazda Mazda5

The Mazda5 may seem like an unconventional choice for a live-in automobile, but it offers a lot for a little. Based on the sporty Mazda3 platform, the Mazda5 has the benefits of a small economy car: good mileage, low cost-of-ownership and affordability. It also offers some of the benefits of a minivan: sliding doors, three-row seating, fold-out table, under-floor storage and fold-flat seats. The possibility of getting one with a manual, no longer a possibility with most vans, makes it the perfect choice for a down-on-their-luck dad who still likes to drive but may have to outrun creditors.
Price New: $18,665 (base)
Price Used: $12,500 and up

8.) Ford Econoline

We imagine people have been jamming Econoline as long as people have been living in vans. They're cheap. They're big. They're available in a privacy-enhancing panel version. When Chris Farley's motivation speaker said he was "living in a van down by the river" he was almost certainly talking about a Ford Econoline. The panel version is the cheapest model and, though it lacks carpeting, has ample room for an air mattress or stolen love seat. A top-of-the-line conversion Econoline from the 1980s can be had with a TV/VCR combo, reclining bed, wood inserts and velour drapes. If it's good enough for Mike Watt, it's good enough for us.
Price New: $23,940 (E-150)
Price Used: $3,000 and up

7.) Honda Element

The Honda Element may be one of the most configurable cars available. The SUV with the soul of a Civic, the Element's seats can be stowed, laid-out or removed as necessary. All of the Honda's seats can be folded backwards to create two long, thin beds. This is the ideal living space for a close couple not willing to face the harsh elements outside of an Element. Additionally, the water resistant interior means that you can hose off the interior after it collects the various liquids of life. Those with a little extra dough can get an ECAMPER conversion for a true camper experience.
Price New: $20,990
Price Used: $8,500 and up

6.) Chevy Suburban

There have been a few large SUV models in America's history, but none of them have lived as long as the Suburban, which holds the record for longest continuous nameplate in production. That's good if you're looking for parts for your new home. An increase in gas prices has caused an increase in availability and a decrease in price (the base model came with a 5.7-liter V8). Now that gas prices have dropped along with the economy, it's now even affordable to drive. At over 18-feet long, the Suburban's interior rivals some small studios. The GMT400 models from the 1990s could have come with the 6.5-liter diesel, which is perfect for long nights of idling to keep the heat running. Older models are tough and cheap while newer models get more expensive but offer more in the way of creature comforts.
Price New: $40,820
Price Used: $2,500 and up (GMT400)

5.) Volvo 740 Wagon

A Volvo station wagon is a great choice for a family looking for a safe place to live and the Volvo 740 is perhaps the best balance of value and space. Nearly 16-feet long, the early 1990s models run cheap and aklthough not fast, they're quite roomy. Most importantly, the build quality and reliability of the last model years of the 740 are among the highest of any vehicle Volvo's ever built. When you get kicked out of your gated community you can also use it to sneak back in as a soccer mom and not as someone who uses a soccer ball for a pillow.
Price New: N/A
Price Used: $2,000 and up

4.) Dodge Caravan

What better way to celebrate your new life in a failing economy than buying a car from afailing automaker? Kids love the Caravan because of the cool features, like the fold-out table, DVD player with A/V hookup for the video games, fold-flat seats, tall roofs and many storage spaces. When the kids ask why they spend all the time at the beach and never go home just tell them it's like that vacation you took to Florida.. except it never ends. A small family could do much worse than life in a Caravan or its ritzy Town & Country brother, though we recommend a third generation if you want all of those features.
Price New: $28,500
Price Used: $14,500 and up (third gen), $2,500 and up (second gen)

3.) Ford Flex

The automotive gypsy lifestyle once meant big vans or SUVs but the era of the crossover is here. Balancing van-like space and amenities with car-like handling, the crossover could be the sleeping place of choice for the next Great Depression. The Ford Flex might be the best choice for those who may soon be evicted but are currently of some means. The long, seven-seater Flex offers space, comfort and luxury in a package that looks like a house. Throw in a fridge in the second row console that can fit a six-pack of beer and you've got quite a home.
Price New: $28,295 (base)
Price Used: $25,000 (or even as low as $7,500 off of a repossession. How meta is that anyway?)

2.) Volkswagen Vanagon/EuroVan Westfalia

The Westfalia VWs were designed for living for, though not necessarily for extended periods of time. Offered through VW, the Westfalias were essentially a Volkswagen Vanagon or EuroVan with a camper top that folds out to create a living space. Many also came equipped with small refrigerators, stovetops, sink and other appliances. The Vanagon pictured above was created by this guy to be an all-season living space. They no longer sell the Westy here in the US new, so you'll have to find one on the used market.
Price New: N/A
Price Used: $6,000 and up (Vanagon) $12,000 and up (EuroVan Weekender)

1.) Dodge Sprinter

There's really nothing like a Dodge Sprinter commercial van if you have to live your life on wheels. Daddy Coppola turned one into a portable studio and we'd be proud to live in one. Based on the Mercedes Sprinter van, this is the Mercedes of commercial vans. At nearly 23-feet long, nine-feet tall and six-feet wide the cargo area of a Sprinter is a cave. Throw in a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, 12-volt power outlet and a hydraulic jack and you're traveling the US in comfort. For real style you can convert your Sprinter into a Mercedes with a few cheap trim pieces. In extended form there's enough room in the back for a bed, small couch, table and desk. High-mileage, used cargo versions can be found at quite a reasonable price. And, we hear it may actually be bigger than Wert's entire place in Manhattan — and for 1/10th the price new!
Price New: $42,170
Price Used: $14,000

Volkswagen is claiming that the Tiguan, which is larger and heavier than the Rabbit and Jetta, puts too much load on the 2.0-liter TDI and the car would need a system that injects urea as opposed to merely trapping NOx, as on the other 2.0-liter VW diesel models. [Source: Volkswagen via AutoBlog Green]

Ever-tightening emissions regulations have killed the six-cylinder GTI, but hopefully the boosted four will provide a lighter, less nose-heavy vehicle with equivalent performance. To make up for the price premium both performance models are likely to carry over rivals, the GTI will bring Audi-like exterior upgrades in the form of a handsome bodykit and LED running lights. We'll continue to hold out hope that the 2009 VW Scirocco will make it stateside. [via Autocar]

Other features of the new Golf include an optional Adaptive Chassis Control system that gives the driver a choice of normal, comfort, and sports modes. The settings change up the suspension, steering and throttle characteristics depending on what you select. Also expect a new adaptive cruise control system which has a sensors to slow down, or even stop the car automatically if something jumps in front of you on the road.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: So, it looks like VW's entry-level car (in America at least) is moving upscale. Our question is whether this mean we should expect a new car to slot under the Rabbit sooner than later? Even if that doesn't happen, this new Golf VI will likely be part of a new wave of European cars that change the way Americans think about frugal hatchbacks. Full press release below.

The Best Golf of All Times

Wolfsburg, 05 August 2008 - Golf's high levels of value and comfort nullify class distinctions

* New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen's future
* TDI, TSI and DSG systems improve fuel economy by up to 28 percent
* First Golf with adaptive chassis and automatic distance control

Volkswagen is unveiling its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf. The car - Europe's most successful with more than 26 million sold - was improved in all areas. "This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before", says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG. The European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October; following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The entry price for the German market is around 16,500 Euros.

Innovative power - the Golf democratizes progress

The clear and powerful design of the new Golf is showing the entire brand the way to the future. Its acoustic properties and the overall comfort of the Volkswagen tear down class distinctions. Innovative engines and transmission technologies lower fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines satisfy limits of the future EU-5 standard.

Assistance systems such as "automatic distance control" (ACC), "adaptive chassis control" (DCC) and the "park steering assistant" bring additional top technologies on board the Golf. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that counteract whiplash trauma, a "seatbelt detection" feature debuting in the rear seating area of the Golf and daytime running lights - that are standard equipment - provide for a maximum level of safety.

Exterior design - Precision in a new form

The high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: "We have cast the Golf's core components in a precise, new mold", explains Walter de Silva. And the Italian design chief of the German corporation emphasizes this: "The Golf is the global icon car making. So the architecture and graphic form of new model are also absolutely clear and unique." At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: "It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses." And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen brand, adds: "Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value."

Especially in a direct comparison of generations five and six, it becomes clear just how much the new Golf has changed. The team headed up by de Silva and Bischoff sought to crystallize out the "essential DNA" of the model series and send it on a trip to the future. These stylistic characteristics include the clear front end of the first generation and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests - similar to the new Scirocco - on a dominant filled out shoulder section. Responsible for this is a prominent curving line that - like a muscle trained down to the last fiber - extends from the headlights back to the taillights. In its side profile, this line - which Volkswagen Design calls the "character line" - also gives the new Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a side perspective.

All body surfaces are generally more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car takes up the horizontally aligned radiator grille trim strip between the headlights of the first Golf generation; the grille itself is high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is an adjacent section with another air scoop. Also arranged on a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

In the rear too is characterized by a dominance of horizontal lines. The taillights - very wide now - are identified among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically - with their crystal-clear lines for the turn signal and backup lamps - they bear a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the image of the new Golf - in the interplay of all of its design characteristics - is one of a significantly wider, flatter and even more high-end car.

Interior - imploding class distinctions

The car's exceptional value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials and details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments derived directly from those of the Passat CC leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car's interior were also further developed. For example, all operating controls are even easier to use. They include the control of the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) - presented for the first time on the Passat CC - and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

There is a common thread here: Volkswagen's typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of "seatbelt detection" in the rear: if the Golf is ordered with rear side airbags, the user can recognize on the multifunctional display in the cockpit whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear - separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather surface is being used. Or the example of the cargo area: four practical hooks ensure that after shopping, the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area. Or the example of the outside mirrors: thanks to an aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the interior, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located further up and more forward in the door trim.

Noise reduction - the quietest Golf since the first model

The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special damping film in the windshield also reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal concept for the doors and side window guides. The new shape of the outside mirrors also significantly reduces wind noise. Furthermore, special modifications were made to acoustically isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another better. Very quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction package.

Diesel engines - migration to common rail injection

Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties are the exceptionally quiet TDI common rail engines being used in the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts also put an end to undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range extending from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at the market launch, Volkswagen will be offering the Golf with two 2.0 liter TDI engines; they output 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there as production equipment: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong entry-level diesel is satisfied with 4.5 liters of fuel (119 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometers - that represents a 0.6 liter reduction! Even the 140 PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liters less.

Gasoline engines - more economical than ever before

Four variants will define the range of gasoline engines in the launch phase: 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS. Starting at 90 kW / 122 PS, the TSI engines come with supercharger and/or turbocharger. The fact is that the gasoline engines too are pioneering when it comes to fuel economy. The optimized 80 PS entry-level engine consumes just 6.4 liters of Super per hundred kilometers (149 g/km CO2) - that is 0.5 liters less than the previous model. The other TSI engines are also taking the stage as prime examples of efficiency: at 122 PS the new Golf 1.4 TSI consumes just 6.2 liters of Super (144 g/km CO2); this yields a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 liters. Even the new 160 PS top version of the 1.4 TSI attains an excellent value at 6.3 liters. Compared to the retired 150 PS FSI, the 160 PS TSI's fuel consumption was even lowered by 1.6 liters.

DSG - replaces conventional automatic

With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline and diesel engines can be paired with Volkswagen's dual clutch transmission (DSG). Depending on the engine torque, either a 6-s0eed or 7-speed DSG is used. On the Golf, the extremely efficient and agile DSG has thereby replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how efficient the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the average fuel consumption of the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 liters (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 PS and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 liters. Savings: 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers or 28 percent - progress in its best form.

Well, Volkswagen will work with the German government in experimenting with a fleet of 20 Twin Drive Golfs in 2010. Though evidently the Twin Drive just isn't green enough as is, so to further reduce emissions, the electrical energy required to charge the batteries of the experimental fleet will be generated from green resources such as windmills and hydro-electric dams. Of course, there are no plans for US export, or for any production at all at this point. But even though we're more easily excited about speed than with being green, we would totally rock one of these as a daily driver.
[carscoop, MotorAuthority]

Time to sell this huge project! Not for the faint of heart! Very rusty. Here's the details....Professionally stretched when new..I have a promo pic of it from the company that built it. Low miles about 50K...1.6 Gas powered automatic. Dealer installed air. This car ran and drove when I got it in 2002. The metal was rotted under the vinyl top. The floors were falling through. The rocker were rusty. I had a roof panel welded in with a sunroof. I had floors made by a metal shop, then installed. Some rocker work done. The fuel tank was removed when welding. The tank is still out, so it does not run. It did run and drive great prior however. We put in brackets to install A4 GTI rear black leather seat which is included. I have extra rust free doors. This car could be a lot of fun after a lot of work. I just don't have the time for it. The last pic is from 02 when it was last driven (fun).

VW ditched the Rabbit nameplate for North American Golfs after the 1984 model year, so this is one of the last of the original Rabbits. I did my high-school driver training in a very loose dual-brake-pedal 70s Rabbit... which, come to think of it, was the last time I've driven a Golf of any sort.


The LS Rabbit for 1983 came with 74 fuel-injected horses... which wasn't all that bad for a Late Malaise Era subcompact. Of course, 74 horses coupled with an automatic transmission- which is what's in this example- made freeway onramp merges a nail-biting experience.


This Rabbit's interior is on the Spartan side, but still in pretty good shape.

Press Release:

1977 Volkswagen Rabbit Recognized As Oldest Volkswagen Diesel

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that, as part of its diesel heritage search, it has located the oldest operating Volkswagen diesel vehicle in America, a 1977 Rabbit owned by Clint Wilson of Tehachapi, Calif. The Rabbit was recently verified by Volkswagen of America and Family Volkswagen, a Bakersfield, Calif. based auto dealer.

"Diesel engines are noted for their long-term reliability and durability, so we didn't think it would be a problem to find a 1977 Rabbit that was still in great condition, like this one," said Steve Keyes, Volkswagen Public Relations Director. "The entries for the oldest (and the soon to be announced highest mileage search) not only represent cars that were well-built and well-maintained they are also interesting stories from people who are passionate about Volkswagens and diesel."

In recognition of owning the oldest Volkswagen diesel in the U.S., Volkswagen has provided Wilson with a new Touareg V10 TDI to drive for six-months. In addition to his 1977 Rabbit, Wilson also owns a Beetle that he is hoping to restore in the near future.

Volkswagen is a leader in the U.S. diesel passenger vehicle market with over 815,000 diesel vehicles sold since the 1977 Rabbit, the first U.S. Volkswagen diesel. In addition to the currently available diesel Touareg V10 TDI, Volkswagen has previously announced that the 2009 Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen, which will be available late first quarter of 2008, will be available with a clean diesel TDI engine.

From up close, the turbocharged W12 engine Volkswagen shoehorned into its GTI W12 concept car is probably a visceral experience, not unlike that millisecond before a jungle cat grinds you into meat by-product. In this video, you won't see the steroidal hare perform any feats of strength, like jumping over buses or dodging 75mm antitank rounds. It's all about the motor in all its whooping, coughing glory. Good morning. – Mike Spinelli

[via Carscoop]

Related:
Madness in the Middle: VW GTI W12 650 Reveal [internal]

Once again I've hit the not-so-mean streets of Alameda to find the day's Down On The Street car. Today we're going with another import: an early-80s VW Rabbit Pickup Diesel, or, as we Jaloppers like to call them, a Rabbitamino...

During the Malaise Era, there were periods in which diesel fuel was way cheaper than gasoline (or at least more obtainable during periods of gas lines, odd- and even-day rationing, and so on). As a result, GM slapped together some miserably unreliable diesel V8s and dropped them in some midsize cars, with results we really don't need to go into here. Meanwhile, VW put a bulletproof- if gutless- diesel four in the Rabbit, which sold... like crap.

Too bad the Rabbit pickup was never much of a seller, because with 25 years under its belt it's actually not a bad-looking vehicle by today's standards.

Of course, the diesel Rabbit pickup was on the sluggish side (well, actually it was dangerously underpowered; negotiating an uphill freeway onramp in one with even a moderate load would have you pleading with the Blessed Mother of Acceleration to dole out an extra five horses, just for a few seconds), but they got awe-inspiring fuel economy and are now highly sought-after by the vegetable-oil-fueled-car crowd. We'll take one! – Murilee Martin

Related:
The VW Pickup Lives! We Didn't Know! [internal]

It wasn't enough for H.R. Engineering to merely perform one of its signature front-to-rear-drive conversions on this Volkswagen Rabbit (Golf Mk1). Under this hood is bolted a turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa engine producing 350 hp. Apparently, as expected, the one-off is quite a handful — and it yells quite loudly, indeed. Maybe the next step is a call to Mr. Hartley for a V8. – Mike Spinelli

Hayabusa Turbo-Powered Mk1 Golf [German Car Scene]

Related:
More Hayabusa fun [internal]

A lot of us gearheads talk a big game a lot of the time, to borrow a phrase from the late, great Vonnegut, "So it goes." When on the topic of stupid sized engines in stupid sized cars (which are usually inversely proportionate), dropping a 500-cubic-inch Cadillac V8 into "X" teeny, tiny car invariably ends the debate. "Yeah, damn, that would be sweet." I put forth the Rabbit Pickup (or Rabbitamino around these parts) as a girly car entry into the Loverman's daily Q a couple of days ago, but was forced to face my folly the same day after seeing the truck/car towing a stonkin' woodchipper down Telegraph Road. One Google search later and here you have it, mini-car-amino nirvana. A tandem-axled, Caddy-powered, German-American hybrid... with scissor doors! Based on the pic after the jump, I have absolutely no idea how the powertrain works, but I'm betting that invisible golden unicorns transmit the power to all six wheels by way of telepathy.–Ben Wojdyla

Man, just look at that glorious hoonage generator

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup Truck [Hubcap Cafe]

Related:
Makes Friends With Its Fast, Then Carries It Around: Bonneville Rabbit Pickup! [internal]

Volkswagen showed off its "Thunderbunny" concept at the SEMA show last November, tempting crowds of hatchies with promises of post-R32 hareiness (ouch). Of course, now we know V-dub is introducing a new R32 in the US this year. So what of the bunny? According to VW blog UK MkIVs the Golf RS above was on display at a VW corporate event. Insiders say the RS will see a limited production run of 500 to 900, with a debut expected for the Frankfurt or Essen shows later this year, ahead of a market launch in mid-'08. As for what may be under the hood. Could this be the "R36" everyone's been talking about? After all, are those not Passat R36 wheels? – Mike Spinelli

Could this be the new Golf RS or RSI? [uk-mkivs via World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: Volkswagen R36; Thunder Bunny! Volkswagen May Build SEMA Concept [internal]

If you thought the story was over when Volkswagen announced its latest R32 hot hatch was coming to the US, you were wrong, dammed wrong. All that loose talk about an R36 model may be accurate. Spies say this prototype is the upcoming, 300-hp Golf R36, sporting VW's 3.6-liter VR6. Haldex four wheel drive and DSG-gearbox will complete the ground action. Of course, the odds that this monster is coming to the US aren't in our favor. But that won't stop the betting. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: VW Golf R36 [World Car Fans]

Related:
Chicago Auto Show: US-Bound Volkswagen R32 [internal]

Our first run-in with a Volkswagen Rabbit diesel, sometime in the late 1970s, began and ended with the phrase, "Mister, I think your car's on fire." In the ensuing decades, the company's oil burners, now designated TDI, grew more prevalent, despite a few hiccups regarding quick-burnout glow plugs, tightened emissions controls and varying sulfur content. Now, the company's looking for the oldest running VW diesel in the US, which as Edmunds Inside Line points out, will likely be a 1977 Rabbit (12,393 were sold that year). The winning owner will get the use of a 2007 VW Touareg V10 TDI for six months. Not that they'll need it. Anyone who could keep a Rabbit Diesel running for 30 years could probably build his own car out of coffee cups and discarded lawn furniture, presumably at will. – Mike Spinelli

Volkswagen Kicks Off Search for Vintage Diesel Vehicles [Edmunds]

Related:
Prodigal Diesel: Volkswagen's TDI Touareg Returns; Go Blue! Volkswagen's Diesel-Sipping Polo Gets 72 mpg [internal]

GTI! Redeem thyself! And in its fifth iteration, the heated up Golf/Rabbit/Golf/Rabbit VW hatch seems to have done just that with the world's motoring press, and the lads and lasses at Automobile are apparently not immune to the car's charms. While the Automobiles don't quite lavish the praise on the DSG that Farago does, they do call it "the best automatic-type transmission we've ever driven." For more superlatives and a rundown of what they've thought of GTIs past, ve haff posted ein link below. – Davey G. Johnson

2007 Automobile of the Year: 2007 Volkswagen GTI [Automobile]

Related:
Automobile Announces Automobile of the Year, All-Stars [Internal]

Rabbit, a Japan-based Porsche tuning shop, wants to put you in a Pagani Zonda for $50,000. Sound like a scam? Ok, so it's not a real, AMG V12-powered Pagani Zonda, but the Rabbit PG-Z will indeed play one on TV (if that's your thing). Using the Toyota MR2 as a starting point, the Rabbit bunch is creating the PG-Z to be a veritable Zonda doppelganger. They're only in the prototype stages — that's a hand-built wooden prototype in the picture, says AutoWeek — but the're serious about rendering it for real. They're just showing it off to gauge interest. Interested? [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

Pennies for a Pagani [AutoWeek]

Related:
Pagani Zonda Bests Ferrari, Maserati on TopGear Track [internal]

* display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the owner's Volkswagen vehicle
* come with custom colored pick guards complementing the exterior of the car
* feature the traditional Volkswagen logo and "V Dub" inlay
* have a guitar strap made of safety belts
* come with VW knobs, a prominent blue indicator light that matches the trademark instrument panel lighting of Volkswagen vehicles.
* VW logo guitar picks and a carrying case to take the music anywhere.

Our music-loving brother/sister site has more details on the ad campaign and a couple more pictures, we'll have a link up to that momentarily.

Related:
But Somehow Dodge's iPod Connection Is Made; Ford's Flash Fusion Concerts in the Blogosphere; Noooooooooooooo! Jacques Villenueve Song Up on Myspace [internal]

What happens when you put a Weber 44IDF carb on an '81 Rabbit Pickup's stock 1.8L motor, throw in a new cam and put on an underdrive crank pulley? How about a best one-way speed at Bonneville of 135.412 mph, ten national records, and a 15.2 at 96mph in the quarter? Okay, so it's got a sheetmetal cowl-induction scoop, Moon discs and a tonneau cover on the bed, but it's by far our most awesome find of the week. Okay, true, it's only Monday. Still, owner Tom Brusch is our kind of geek. [Thanks to James for the tip.]

Salt-Flats Monster: '69 Barracuda LSR Car [Internal]

Wha' happen' when you put four Mac Minis loaded with Vidi video capture software, four lipstick and pinhole spy cameras, four microphones, four Pinnacle video-to-FireWire converters, a grip of external 250-GB FireWire drives, a Lynksys 802.11G wireless router, a high-gain antenna, a WebTech 5000 Locator GPS tracking unit and a 1000-watt power inverter to drive all the hardware into a VW Rabbit, bring some guy named Steve out from Colorado to drive it around New York, offer people free rides and then splice the footage up?

You get Crispin Porter + Bogusky's "Gypsy Cab Project" viral video campaign. Apple's got the scoop on the Mactastic technology involved. Meanwhile, our Mac has been untastic today. After years of trouble-free operation, in the last year, our Apple equipment has gotten very annoying. We're almost wishing for the heady days of System 7.1 and an 030 processor. Seriously, Apple. After well over a decade of evangelism, kickbacks are in order.

Crispin Porter + Bogusky [Apple Pro]

Related:
The Gypsy Cab Project; Mach Freuden Mit Dein Schnell: A Post to Pacify Wert [Internal]

Related:
Breaking! VW Sales In US Are Up Like A Rocket — Still Won't Save German Factory Workers From Buyout [internal]

Flickr Tag: Harlequin [flickr]

Related:
Ad Watch: Even Volkswagen Rabbits Like To "Multiply" [internal]

Related:
Four Times The Fast: VW Quadruples Profits [internal]

Yet another funny little piece of gold crashing in from the ad agency fast-ly seen as having a Midas touch when it comes to pimping an automakers advertising — Crispin, Porter & Bogusky. CP&B's latest for VW introduces the re-naming of the "Golf" to it's classic "Rabbit" name. The ad turns the little VW hatch into rabbits — complete with sexual references involving tunnels and little rabbit kiddies being born — some with very unique color combinations. At least it's better than re-naming it the "Polo." Then we'd have to see jockeys heading into tunnels hand-in-hand...somehow we don't feel America's ready for that.

Related:
More Ad Watch [internal]

Forget all you've heard about the US not getting the new Golf/Rabbit R32 factory tuner — or that some manner of "R36" was imminent — says AutoWeek. VW reportedly confirmed the R32 will hit these shores in 2007 a 2008 model. As we said of the European model, introduced at the Frankfurt show last year, "The 2006 R32's 3.2-liter V6 gets a 10hp boost, via FSI technology (that's direct injection to the acronymically challenged), to 247hp. A Haldex AWD system doles the power to the four corners like a meth-addicted croupier. A DSG autoshift box is a $1,600 option in the UK, and reduces zero-to-62 mph times to 6.2 seconds from the manual's 6.5 seconds." Hot hatch-o-rific.

Volkswagen R32 4Motion Goes on Sale in Europe in November, US Snubbed [internal]