Reminiscing the Volkswagen Iroc Concept

It is almost six straight months that the automotive industry have not heard updates about Volkswagen's IROC concept that was unveiled at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2006 or simply known as the 2006 Paris Motor Show that was held last September 2006. Car fans are drooling to see the production model of the IROC concept anytime soon. For those of your who have forgotten the details of the Volkswagen IROC concept in and out, Let us go back and see what the IROC concept has to offer for the millions of car enthusiasts around the world. The VW IROC concept is describe as "a perspective on the sports car of tomorrow" and "transfers the globally successful Scirocco idea into the future, according to the German automaker. Volkswagen aims to bring back the success made by the popular Scirocco hatchback with quality Volkswagen Scirocco parts way back in the 70s and 90s. Actually, the VW IROC concept is the 2008 model year of the Volkswagen Scirocco.According to Volkswagen, the new design expression of the Volkswagen concept shows that the IROC is a car thoroughly designed for dynamics. Outside, this sports coupe concept features a distinctively shaped radiator grille, the first grille design for Volkswagen. The German automaker also equipped other models with distinctive grille designs for their identity. The Volkswagen IROC is noted for its “viper green” paint finish along with other exterior car parts like xenon headlights, hexagonal air intake, additional right and left air intakes, and V-shaped A-pillars. These exterior parts highlight the VW IROC's sporty sleek and aggressive body styling.Now on the technical dimensions, the Volkswagen IROC has a 2,680 mm long wheelbase that also emphasizes its spacious interior. Overall dimensions include 1,400 mm high, 4,240 mm long and 1,800 mm wide. Moreover, the light-alloy wheels is specially designed for the IROC concept measures 19 inch in size along with its and 235 performance tires. Inside the VW IROC concept comes a "uniquely conceived design theme, an interior developed that was uncompromisingly harmonized for potential racing use". The concept is equipped with sporty interior features and atmosphere. These features included the sporty front bucket seats with integrated 5-point seatbelts and central lock, redesigned round instruments, gauges and driver controls. The four seats are accompanied by spacious trunk resembling the functional characteristic of the Volkswagen Scirocco hatchback. The interior color, shapes, and trims include “viper green”, leather with reptile black embossing space fabric in titan black, black leather instrument panel, and hexagonal air conditioning vents in matt silver mirror.Under the sleek hood of the IROC concept comes a 4-cylinder TSI petrol engine both equipped with twin turbochargers (Twincharger) and superchargers. The engine pumps out 55 kW / 210 hp, mated to a DSG (dual clutch transmission) gearbox. This powertrain package for the IROC concept offers improved fuel efficiency without affecting the sports coupe concept's power and driving performance.

Gm Seeks Concessions From Unions

General Motors Corp. will try to reduce its staggering employee and retiree health care liabilities in the forthcoming contract talks with the United Auto Workers (UAW). This information was divulged in the Securities and Exchange Commission filing which happened last Thursday. GM said its obligation for post-retirement health care and other benefits was $68 billion at the end of last year and could still grow on a global basis. In the United States, the largest automaker spent $4.8 billion on health care last year. It is expected to drop this year to $4.7 billion. The automaker said its internal financial controls are ineffective and that it is working to fix them. It is known that federal authorities are investigating the financial reporting of the automaker. And the company has this to say: “We must continue to make structural changes to reduce our U.S. health-care cost burden, the source of our largest competitive cost disadvantage.”GM said it needs to continue to reduce structural and material costs, and its production must become more efficient in order to return to profitability. But it said that restrictions in labor agreements could limit cost savings. “Our current collective bargaining agreement with the UAW will expire in September 2007, and we intend to pursue our cost-reduction goals vigorously in negotiating the new agreement,” the company said. Moreover, GM added that a UAW strike or threat of a strike could affect its business and impair further cost reductions.GM provides extensive pension and retiree health care benefits to over 400,000 American retirees and surviving spouses. In the filing, GM noted that the UAW agreed to retiree health-care cost sharing in 2005 that reduced its post-retirement health care obligations by $17 billion, and it capped salaried retiree health care spending levels effective in January. The spokesman of the UAW declined to comment on the mentioned filling.The filing said the automaker has continued to improve its internal controls, but if it cannot fix them permanently, “It may adversely impact our ability to report our financial condition and results of operations in the future accurately and in a timely manner, and may potentially adversely impact our reputation with stakeholders,” the filing said. It further added: “A negative outcome of one or more of these investigations could require us to restate prior financial results and could result in fines, penalties or other remedies being imposed on GM.” Early this year, GM said it had hired financial advisers to help restructure its corporate controller’s office. On Wednesday, the company reported a profit of $950 million for the last quarter, but the company still lost $2 billion for the entire year. The company also recorded a $10.4 billion loss in 2005. It is now in the midst of slashing thousands of jobs and closing plants to implement its restructure plan to compete better with Asian automakers, mainly Toyota Motor Corp. GM might need the aid of a Volvo fuel pump to accelerate its adrenaline to fight for its throne in the industry.

Vw Crosstouran, Volkswagen's Newest Crossover Model

Volkswagen Touran, the German automaker's compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is getting a new variant to add up to its model lineup. The Volkswagen Touran will have a crossover variant called the CrossTouran, which is the third crossover model of Volkswagen.According to a Volkswagen Group press release: "Volkswagen is extending its line-up of distinctive Cross Models, effective immediately, to include a third level: The CrossTouran. As on the successful CrossPolo and CrossGolf models introduced at the beginning of the year, the CrossTouran is also characterized by wrap-around, robust guard strips, powerful wheel arches, modified bumpers and newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels. Fitting into its powerful appearance is the chassis that was elevated by approx. twelve millimeters. Thanks to its roomy interior it comes highly recommended as an ideal companion for uncomplicated transport of mountain bikes, hang gliders, or any kind of sporting equipment. Aside from all of its practical aspects, the new van with its individual outfit offers an alternative to all those who like things sportier and earthier."New distinctive features for the new Volkswagen CrossTouran are noticeable. On the front fascia, the vehicle is equipped with “Matte chrome” insignia radiator grille along with black headlamp housings, black guard strips, redesigned bumper, standard fog lamps, and distinctive Black grained trim covers in the spoiler area. The Volkswagen CrossTouran also gets black body trim around the doors, rocker panels and fender flares. At the back, the Volkswagen CrossTouran has by taillights with dark lamp bodies and wrap-around black trim on the bumpers. The CrossTouran also has a 17-inch “Funplay” type alloy wheels and 215/50 R 17 tires for the vehicle to ride on.On the inside, the Volkswagen CrossTouran features a variable, comfortable, and spacious interior. High quality materials, textures, and color schemes are also highlighted on the CrossTouran's overall interior feel. A host of standard and functional interior amenities is offered including practical storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, center armrest in front with storage box, drawers under the front seats, an additional 12-Volt outlet in the rear section of the center console. These features are also found on the VW Touran Trendline model. In addition, leather time parking brake lever handle and gearshift knob is also included in the interior package along with three-spoke steering wheel stainless steel plates, and dual-tone horn. Other interior features include climate control system (Climatic), electric window lifts, cargo covers, six airbags, RCD 300 MP3-capable radio with CD player and a speed control system, and a front passenger seat back that folds completely for stowing long cargo items.Moving on the technical side, Volkswagen offers a wide option of engine types for the CrossTouran ranging from petrol, TSI, and TDI diesel engines. These include: 1.6 with 75 kW / 102 PS; TSI with 103 kW / 140 PS; TSI with 125 kW / 170 PS; 1.9 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS; 2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 PS; and 2.0 TDI with 125 kW / 170 PS. These engines are combined with either 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox as a standard powertrain feature or an optional dual clutch transmission (DSG). Other powertrain and suspension parts include Volkswagen spark plugs, quality chassis system, and Volkswagen's patented Park Assist system.

Effective Guides for Buying a New Car

The automotive market nowadays has become extensive because of the latest trends and automotive technological aspects. Automakers continue to add a new item on the different vehicle segments. Moreover, the competition in the automotive market has also grown stronger. As a result, automakers along with their respective dealers offer pleasing incentives for customers as well as wide range of promotional aspects on their products in order for the customers to have a good taste and motivation to choose their desired car models.According to Philip Reed of Edmunds.com, "Buying a car is a big investment, but it can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you feel like you got the right car at a fair price." So if you are planning to purchase a new car, try to follow these guides to help you out understand what Philip Reed said. The first thing that you should consider in buying a new vehicle is to select a type that suits your driving personality. Basically, vehicles are broken down into several classes or segments. These include compacts and subcompact sedans, 2-door coupes, wagons, sport/ utility vehicles (SUVs), vans and minivans, and pickup trucks. Another factor to consider is your budget. For sure, you will not go for a powerful and expensive sports coupe if you don’t have enough money on your pocket. Your choice will depend on your limited budget in purchasing your new vehicle. The next thing after you had already chosen your desired vehicle type is to narrow down your selection and determine the make and model. There are many domestic and international vehicle models to choose from (e.g. Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Audi, and Volkswagen). When it comes to pricing, do not assume that the price offered for you is the best deal out in the market. Most of car dealerships today are more competitive than before. Look at the dealer's brochures for offered incentives and rebates before the actual purchasing. You also need to check and have a good estimate on what to expect to pay for your car.Another thing that matters in buying a new car is the cost to change on your purchase such as how much discount you can get in buying your car, and doing negotiations with the dealer for the lowest possible purchasing price. After doing this, and if you agreed on the price, the next thing you should consider is the additional expenses you would take upon purchasing your new car. These include the sales tax, registration fee, and other miscellaneous fees that vary depending on some certain circumstances like the dealer location or the make and model name.After choosing the car, you are now ready for the payment. Next, review and sign all the necessary contracts and other paper works. This task is extremely important after the payment because this will certify you as the owner of the new car. Finally, try not to get very much excited about your new set of wheels and drive it immediately. In buying a new car, always check it before heading on the road and taking a nice drift. You should check your new car's exterior and interior parts such as paint to see if there are scratches and bumps. Look for other damages inside and out including the mirrors, glasses, wheels, and the seats. It is much better to include the technical parts for the inspection (like (Volkswagen rotors). This task will ensure your driving safety and make sure that you purchased a brand new one.