Announcing the Golf R Ultimate Fan Experience

Posted on 25 April 2012 by

Oh, what a difference a letter makes. When Volkswagen announced that the all-new 2012 Golf R would be available for the first time ever, enthusiasts rejoiced with a capital R. We’re excited about it, too, which is why we’re celebrating its launch by offering our fans a chance to win the Golf R Ultimate Fan Experience.

With 256 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine, standard six-speed manual transmission, 4Motion all-wheel-drive and a zero-to-60 time of less than six seconds, the 2012 Golf R is sure to please anyone looking for thrills behind the wheel. But we’re not looking for just anyone—we’re looking for the Ultimate Golf R Fan. If that sounds like you, here’s what you could win:

  • A seven-day, six-night trip to Germany
  • A visit to Wolfsburg to tour the Autostadt and Volkswagen headquarters
  • A visit to Nürburg to drive a Golf R on the Nürburgring with instruction from professional drivers
  • A visit to Berlin to enjoy an exclusive sightseeing package

To enter, download the Drivers Forever iPad application. Then tell us, in 256 characters or less, why you want to win the Golf R Ultimate Fan Experience. The contest runs from April 12 through May 14, 2012, so download the app and enter now.

Tell us: what do you love about the Golf R?

See the official rules.

A mix of blue and green: Passat TDI wins green accolade from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com

Posted on 25 April 2012 by

Because Earth is our very favorite planet (no offense, Jupiter—you’re super special, too), we prefer to celebrate Earth Day year round instead of just once a year. So you can imagine how happy we were when we heard that the 2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI was named a 10 Best Green Car by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

The 10 Best Green Cars announcement comes just in time for Earth Day, perfect timing for a list of eco-friendly cars. And with gas prices well over $4 a gallon in many US cities, there’s never a bad time to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. The top 10 cars were selected on a variety of criteria, but the Passat TDI was chosen in part because it offers up to 43 mpg with a powerful, responsive engine. The editors went on to state that the Passat TDI is “further proof of how clean and green diesels have become.” We’d like to think that it’s just the beginning.

Read the full article at kbb.com.

Tell us: what do you like best about the Passat TDI?

VOLKSWAGEN NAMED BEST TOTAL VALUE BRAND IN STRATEGIC VISION’S TOTAL VALUE INDEX™ STUDY

Posted on 16 March 2012 by

Stylish CC and practical Jetta SportWagen number one ranked vehicles in Total Value in their segments as rated by new vehicle buyers

Herndon, VA -  Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that two of its vehicles have received top ratings from buyers in Strategic Vision’s Total Value Index® (TVI) in addition to the Volkswagen brand being recognized as the best in Total Value. Volkswagen’s Jetta SportWagen received top honors in the medium multi-function category with the Volkswagen CC named as the number one larger car.

“The way you become a Value leader in this economy is to create an exceptional product that is also affordable. Volkswagen has done just that by delivering vehicles like the Jetta SportWagen and the Volkswagen CC that fit into our economic structure with the engineering and performance that make the purchase so very desirable,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Founder and Executive Director of Strategic Vision.

Strategic Vision’s TVI calculates a number of important vehicle attributes like great fuel economy, price, reliability, and resale value along with innovation that is impactful and intuitive to owners’ expressed vehicle needs.

“Volkswagen is proud to be named the number one brand by Strategic Vision’s Total Value Index, and to have two of our top vehicles honored with best-in-class ratings by the buyers themselves,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “This honor represents the core values and abilities that set the Volkswagen brand apart, with our technological and design innovation, safety, reliability, and the overall power of our German engineering.”

This distinction marks the latest in a series of honors for Volkswagen from Strategic Vision. The brand has been named the best full-line corporation in Strategic Vision’s Total Quality™ Index four times in the past five years, with several Volkswagen vehicles winning top honors in both the Total Quality and Total Value Indices.

The Strategic Vision Total Value Index was calculated from 68,088 buyers who purchased models during September 2010 to June 2011. The vehicles’ Total Value is calculated starting with clear statements that owners make about value, including price, innovation, fuel economy, and more and then incorporates the importance of the variables that make up the entire ownership experience to determine the vehicles’ worth compared against the costs involved, also known as the “True Value.” The Strategic Vision Total Value Awards® have been presented annually since 1995.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.

About Strategic Vision
Strategic Vision is a research-based consultancy with over thirty-five years of experience in understanding the consumers’ and constituents’ decision-making systems for a variety of Fortune 100 clients, including most automotive manufacturers. Its unique expertise is in identifying consumers’ comprehensive motivational hierarchies, including the product attributes, personal benefits, value/emotions and images that drive perceptions and behaviors. J. Susan Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision, coined the phrase “True Innovators” and we measure this construct in the detailed Total Value Index report. The ValueCentered® psychology and research methods were defined by Dr. Darrel Edwards in 1968, and enhanced by co-founders J. Susan Johnson (1972) and Sharon Shedroff (1975). For further information, contact Alexander Edwards or Christopher Chaney at (858) 576-7141 or visit www.strategicvision.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS

Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas.  For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit www.DallasVWDealers.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP

Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

Pricing for the redesigned 2013 Volkswagen CC starts at $30,250

Posted on 08 March 2012 by

The only affordable four-door coupe now sports a new look and more premium features

  • High-luxury, high-quality interior now has seating for five
  • Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and LED license plate illumination available across entire model line
  • New design incorporates current VW “family face” on front and rear fascias
  • New front-wheel-drive V6 Lux and 2.0T Sport Plus models
  • New exterior colors, interior trim and wheels available

Herndon, VA – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced pricing for the redesigned CC, its ultra-stylish and luxurious four-door coupe. The 2013 CC makes an even bolder move towards the automotive luxury class, with new front and rear styling and an extended range of standard equipment that includes Bi-Xenon headlights and LED taillights. The new 2013 CC will start at $30,250 and will go on sale this spring in the U.S.

The CC is available with two different powertrains. The 2.0T models are fitted with Volkswagen’s award-winning, 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI® four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic. All 2.0T models are front-wheel drive. The VR6® Lux and VR6 4Motion® Executive have the 3.6-liter VR6 engine that produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Lux is front-wheel drive, while the Executive is fitted with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
The 2013 CC model range:

2.0T Sport

The 2.0T Sport provides entry to the 2013 CC model range and starts at an MSRP of $30,250; it is available through special order. Standard equipment includes new 17-inch “Verme” alloy wheels with all-season self-sealing tires; Bi-Xenon headlights; LED taillights; LED license-plate illumination; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Climatronic® automatic climate-control; heated 12-way power front seats; touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, and a six-disc CD changer; Bluetooth® technology; iPod® connectivity; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; and matte chrome interior trim. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with the option of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. The Sport model with LED Daytime Running Lights and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is available in dealerships for an MSRP of $30,610.

2.0T Sport Plus

This is a new model in the CC lineup and opens at $32,850. It adds LED Daytime Running Lights and AFS; stylish new 18-inch “Mallory” alloy wheels with all-season 235/40 tires; and the RNS® 315 navigation system. The six-speed dual-clutch DSG is the only transmission offered.

2.0T Lux

The 2.0T Lux has an MSRP of $35,355 and comes standard with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Its additional standard features over Sport Plus include new 18-inch “St Louis” five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels; brushed-aluminum interior trim; a power-tinted-glass sunroof; and ambient lighting.

VR6 Lux

The VR6 Lux is a new model for 2013 and retails for $37,730. It features a 280-hp, 3.6-liter VR6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Compared with the 2.0T Lux, it adds a headlight washer system with heated nozzles; a rearview camera; the RNS 510 navigation system that features a 6.5-inch touchscreen; leather seating surfaces; “Interlagos” 18-inch alloy wheels; memory seating and mirrors; and new engineered ebony trim (available on select V6 models).

VR6 4Motion Executive

In addition to the features offered on the VR6 Lux, the flagship CC adds 4Motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission for an MSRP of $41,420. Standard equipment includes polished 18-inch “Interlagos“ alloy wheels; Tiptronic® paddle shifters; a driver’s seat with massage function; Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors; Dynaudio® Premium Sound System; and a power rear sunshade.

2.0T R-Line®

The popular R-Line will again be offered — tailored to the new CC design — in early 2013. More information will be released closer to launch.

2013 CC Pricing

Model Price (exc. destination and handling)
2.0L TSI Sport (special order)
(manual) $30,250
(automatic) $31,350
2.0L TSI Sport (with DRLs and AFS)
(manual) $30,610
(automatic) $31,710
2.0L TSI Sport Plus $32,850
2.0L TSI Lux $35,355
3.6L VR6 Lux $37,730
3.6L VR6 4Motion® Executive $41,420

 

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2012

Notes:
This press release and images of the 2013 CC are available at media.vw.com.

“TSI”, “DSG,” “VW”, “Volkswagen”, “4Motion”, “R-Line”, “RNS”, “Climatronic”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “VR6” is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Bluetooth” is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. “Dynaudio” is a registered trademark of DYNAUDIO International GmbH. “iPod” is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. “Tiptronic” is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options and dealer charges.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS

Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas.  For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit www.DallasVWDealers.com. 

Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com names the 2012 Volkswagen Passat Top Family Car

Posted on 06 March 2012 by

Herndon, VA — The 2012 Passat can add yet another accolade to its growing roster of awards: It has been named by Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com as the number-one pick for its 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list. Each year, the expert editors at kbb.com choose 10 vehicles that they feel address a wide selection of typical familial concerns, ranging from safety, comfort, child-friendliness and favorable consumer ratings to potential out-of-pocket costs during the car’s first five years of ownership.

The Passat—starting at $19,995, with class-leading rear-seat legroom and parent-friendly standard features like Bluetooth® technology and dual-zone climate control—represents a tremendous value for any modern family. And, with the option of a TDI® Clean Diesel engine that gets an EPA estimated 43 mpg on the highway and a range of up to 795 miles when equipped with a manual transmission, the Passat can also be an eco-conscious family-hauling machine.

In naming the Passat their number one pick, kbb.com editors said: “Crafted specifically for the American market—it’s even built in Chattanooga, Tennessee—the 2012 Volkswagen Passat is both larger and cheaper than the model it replaces. But the European driving dynamics and interior feel remain, making the new Passat a uniquely well-rounded family sedan and our best family car of 2012.”

“We’re flattered to have the Passat recognized as the best family car of 2012 by the editors at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, a company that is highly regarded by both the automotive industry and consumers,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Such acknowledgement further validates our efforts to make it the first affordable, midsize German-engineered car for the American family. And it’s built in America!”

For more information about kbb.com’s 10 Best Family Cars of 2012, visit
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/10-best-family-cars-of-2012/.

To learn more about the 2012 Passat’s other accolades, visit media.vw.com.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.

Notes:
This press release and images of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat are available at media.vw.com

“VW”, “Volkswagen”, “TDI” all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Bluetooth” is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Vehicle range based on EPA highway estimate and 18.5 gallon fuel tank. Your mileage will vary.

All prices are MSRPs and exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kbb.com provides consumer pricing and information on minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS

Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas.  For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit www.DallasVWDealers.com. 

Volkswagen reports 42.5 percent increase in February U.S. Sales

Posted on 05 March 2012 by

  • February sales total 30,577 units, a 42.5 percent increase over prior year sales
  • Passat, the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year, sold 8,189 units its best month since August 2001
  • Tiguan sold 2,280 units, its best February ever
  • Jetta sedan achieved 11,694 units, up 11.4 percent versus the prior year
  • High-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.3 percent of sales in February, up 54.6 percent versus the prior month

Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) reported 30,577 units sold in February, a 42.5 percent increase over prior year sales and best February since 1973.

“February’s strong sales of 30,577 units and back-to-back record months reflects the increasing consumer confidence in the marketplace and strong interest for our products,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “With escalating fuel prices, we anticipate increased demand for our full-range of fuel efficient vehicles, particularly our TDI Clean Diesel models, to continue into the spring selling season.”

The Passat, recently named the #1 Family Car for 2012 by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, continues to be a success in the competitive mid-size sedan segment with 8,189 units for the month of February.
Jetta sedan remains the volume leader for Volkswagen with sales totaling 11,694, its best February ever.

The 2012 Beetle sold 1,303 units. The TDI Clean Diesel Coupe was unveiled this month at the Chicago Auto Show; it will go on sale late summer 2012.

The Tiguan continued strong sales with 2,280 units sold, marking the best February ever. The Touareg vehicles saw an increase in sales with 65.1 percent with 723 units sold.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, clean diesel TDI models account for 21.3 percent of sales in February, a 54.6 percent increase versus the prior month.

VW – U.S. Snapshot — February  2012 — — YEAR-TO-DATE —
Feb-12 Feb-11 Yr/Yr
%change		 Feb-12
YTD		 Feb-11
YTD		 Yr/Yr %
Golf 1,194 1,089 9.6% 2,421 2,124 14.0%
GTI 1,285 1,383 -7.1% 2,516 2,352 7.0%
Total Golf R/Golf/GTI/R32 2,753 2,472 11.4% 5,403 4,476 20.7%
Jetta – Sedan 11,694 10,495 11.4% 21,258 20,237 5.0%
Jetta – SportWagen       1,144 2,097 -45.4% 2,542 3,815 -33.4%
Total Jetta 12,838 12,592 2.0% 23,800 24,051 -1.0%
Beetle – Coupe 1,303 53 2358.5% 2,704 160 1590.0%
Beetle – Convertible - 203 -100.0% - 367 -100.0%
Total Beetle 1,303 256 409.0% 2,704 527 413.1%
Eos 419 422 -0.7% 784 671 16.8%
Passat – Sedan 8,189 56 14523.2% 14,507 132 10890.2%
Passat – Wagon - 15 -100.0% - 47 -100.0%
Total Passat 8,189 71 11433.8% 14,507 179 8004.5%
CC 1,413 2,329 -39.3% 2,828 3,712 -23.8%
Tiguan 2,280 2,172 5.0% 4,588 3,711 23.6%
Touareg 723 438 65.1% 1,554 933 66.6%
Routan 659 710 -7.2% 1,618 1,602 1.0%
TOTAL 30,577 21,462 42.5% 57,786 39,862 45.0%

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers take the Wheel as Presenting Sponsor for 2012 Dallas International Film Festival

Posted on 24 February 2012 by

For the first time, the top Volkswagen dealers in Texas, Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers have signed on as presenting sponsor for the 2012 Dallas International Film Festival April 12-22, 2012. Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers will be providing the festival with a Volkswagen fleet to transport filmmakers and festival guests around Dallas for the entire 11-day duration.

“For the last five years we have watched the impressive evolution of the Dallas International Film Festival,” said Scott K. Ginsburg, Owner of Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers. “As the festival enters into its sixth year, we are thrilled to be a part of the celebration of the arts within our community. At Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, we have a fierce commitment to integrity and service performance and in this, we feel a natural synergy with the Dallas International Film Festival – it is renowned for its hospitality and putting the filmmakers and their work on a pedestal. We celebrate that.”

Approximately 180 films from all over the world will be screened over 11 days. “For each of the first five years of the Dallas International Film Festival we have worked to bring a vibrant mix of international excellence and artistry to the city of Dallas,” said James Faust, artistic director of the Dallas Film Society.

For the first year since the festival’s inception there will be a Festival Village at the fashionable Mockingbird Station. The Festival Village will serve as the hub of the festival where filmmakers and film fans will have the chance to mingle and network at the Festival Lounge and CBS Radio will present its first ever Music Lounge – showcasing local music to the public every evening for the festival’s eleven-day duration. Only a few steps from Mockingbird Station, Kimpton’s luxurious Hotel Palomar will conveniently offer a stylish retreat for the out-of-town filmmakers and visiting celebrities as the festival’s host hotel.

The festival will culminate with the Dallas Film Society Honors, an evening of tributes with Dallas Star Award honorees and filmmaker award winners at the Hotel Palomar.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS
Boardwalk Auto Group has three Volkswagen Dealerships serving the North Dallas community. Boardwalk Volkswagen, located in Richardson, Texas, was recently named 2012 Volkswagen Dealer of the Year for Texas by DealerRater® reflecting on the dealer’s commitment to unparalleled customer service. Park Cities Volkswagen and McKinney Volkswagen have also become two of the Highest-Rated DealerRater Certified Volkswagen Dealers in Texas. For more information about Boardwalk Auto Group Volkswagen Dealers, please visit http://www.DallasVWDealers.com.

ABOUT BOARDWALK AUTO GROUP
Boardwalk Auto Group is one of the premier auto groups in the nation representing Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Learn more about Boardwalk Auto Group at http://www.BoardwalkAutoGroup.com.

ABOUT THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY
The Dallas Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Dallas Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop better understanding of the role of film in today’s world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual Dallas International Film Festival, scheduled for April 12 – 22, 2012, is a presentation of the Dallas Film Society. In addition to producing one of the largest festivals in the Southwest, the Society produces numerous year round events, screening series and partnership programs with arts organizations around the city. For more information, call (214) 720-0555, or visit http://www.dallasfilm.org.

The Beetle R is a dream come true

Posted on 17 November 2011 by

Good things come to those who wait. Apparently, so do fast things. In September, we reported on the Volkswagen Beetle R concept car’s debut at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. It’s holding a stateside coming-out party at the 2011 LA Auto Show.

Like its cousin, the high-performance Golf R, the racing-inspired features on the Beetle R are obvious. The 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels feature five triple spokes and R-design blue brake calipers, and the front bumper consists of three intakes, each highlighted in contrasting “Black High Gloss.” The outer intakes cool the brakes, while the middle intake supplies the engine with air. The Beetle R also has a spoiler up front, inspired by flat splitters found on racecars. Two sets of dual pipes make the Beetle R look like it’s going fast even when it’s standing still, and when it’s not standing still, add a sporty exhaust note. A wider stance gives the Beetle R a more aggressive look; the front and rear bumpers have been reworked and widened by 1.2 inches, while the fenders are 0.6 inches wider on either side. And we hate to see the Beetle R leave, but we love to watch it go, thanks in part to the newly redesigned aerodynamic rear bumper with air exhaust vents that are integrated with a diffuser in the lower bumper area to improve downforce. In other words, it will help keep the Beetle R grounded at high speeds, and please believe that the Beetle R loves high speeds.

Sure, the Beetle R looks great from the outside, but it’s once you get inside it that the real fun starts.  All seats are embossed with the R logo, and the dual motorsport bucket seats up front have gray nubuck leather inserts, while the back seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather. The entire instrument panel has been redesigned and boasts a central tachometer and auxiliary gauges, while the real party-starter—the gas pedal—is covered in brushed aluminum. (Editor’s note: the brake pedal, while not nearly as fun, is covered in the same material.)

See the Beetle R for yourself at the LA Auto Show. If you can’t make it to LA, don’t worry—this won’t be the last time the Beetle R makes it way to the US.

Passat’s proudest moment: Volkswagen Passat named Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year

Posted on 16 November 2011 by

They grow up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that the first Volkswagen Passat rolled off the production line at our state-of-the art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We’ve always thought highly of the Passat, and as it turns out, we’re not alone: no less an automotive authority than Motor Trend named the Passat the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. In a field of 35 vehicles, the American-made midsize sedan took top honors. The award was presented to Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, by Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus Mackenzie during a press conference at the 2011 LA Auto Show. Needless to say, we’re thrilled.

Not only did Motor Trend designate the Passat as the best new car for 2012, but they also said think that it outclasses the current segment leaders: The Passat SE, TDI SE and VR6 SEL each came out on top in comparisons against comparable models of the 2011 and 2012 Hyundai Sonata and 2012 Toyota Camry.

The German-engineered and designed Passat delivers the complete Volkswagen driving experience. Make that experience last as long as possible in the Passat TDI Clean Diesel model, which gets an estimated 43 MPG* and can go up to 795 miles before refueling. Tell your passengers to feel free to stretch out in its tastefully designed interior and get comfy for that long drive, because the Passat also offers class-leading rear-seat legroom, automatic dual-zone climate control and standard Bluetooth®. Even when you reach your destination, you and your passengers may not want to get out of the car, thanks to the crisp, booming sound provided by the optional Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen.

No matter where the Passat (and the music) take you, everyone inside can rest easy knowing that the Passat is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick award winner. The Passat features six airbags, tire pressure monitoring, ABS, and electronic stability control to help drivers avoid many dangerous situations before they happen. It’s also built with high-strength steel and constructed using advanced techniques like laser seam welding.

All that cool lasering and construction takes place at our LEED-aggressive manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the world’s most advanced and energy-efficient assembly plants. The plant uses recycled rainwater to supply water for daily operations at the factory, helping to save 350,000 gallons of fresh water every month, and its paint shop’s Eco Dry Scrubber System reduces water consumption by 50,000 gallons a day. The plant also uses energy efficient technologies that will save the annual energy use of 1,880 households. In addition to creating the Passat, the plant has also created more than 12,000 new jobs for American workers and invested $1 billion dollars in economic development in Tennessee that will create $12 billion in economic growth for the region.

The 2012 Passat arrived in showrooms in September and is available now. And best of all, Passat models start at only $19,995*.

The Volkswagen Passat:  German engineered. American made. Universally loved.

Tell us: what do you like most about the Car of the Year?

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From the man who knows everything: An insider’s view of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat

*43 highway mpg EPA estimates for 2012 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel equipped with manual transmission. Your mileage will vary.

Range based on 43 highway mpg EPA estimate and an 18.5-gallon tank in the 2012 Passat with optional TDI® Clean Diesel engine and manual transmission. Your mileage will vary.

Estimated selling price is the base MSRP for the model and trim selected. Final payment will be based on the transaction negotiated with your Volkswagen dealer. Estimated selling price does not include dealer charges, destination charge, taxes, title and registration or optional equipment.

See the future, only sooner: Volkswagen unveils the all-new CC at the LA Auto Show

Posted on 04 November 2011 by

Volkswagen hit upon a successful recipe with the CC by combining the sleek looks and spirit of a sports coupe with the practical convenience of a four-door sedan. Now, the formula has been improved, making something great even greater.

The all-new 2013 Volkswagen CC features a redesigned grille and trunk lid and new rear and front styling, among other additions. With standard features like Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front Lighting System and LED taillights, the new CC makes an even bolder statement in the entry-luxury class.

The 2013 Volkswagen CC will go on sale in the spring in the US, but you can be among the first to see it at the LA Auto Show November 18th to 27th.