2015 Volkswagen Golf Revealed at NYIAS!

THIS JUST IN: Check out this video that was just released of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf being revealved at the New York International Auto Show! This is one of the coolest reveals we've ever seen, you GOTTA check it out!

Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems

Another German automaker has rejected the air conditioning refrigerant that's scheduled to be adopted by global automakers in 2017. Earlier this month, Volkswagen lined up with Daimler and BMW to support Daimler's findings from last year that the new refrigerant, called HFO-1234yf, can become flammable.

Volkswagen says it will be rolling out its own carbon-dioxide-based air conditioning systems. The European Union wants to have HFO-1234yf, which was designed by Honeywell and DuPont, replace the coolant currently in use, HFC-134a to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and its global warming potential. Daimler engineers discovered HFO-1234yf could spark a fire under the hood, with the potential to destroy the car and emit highly toxic gas while burning.

An automotive working group – the Cooperative Research Program – was formed last year to study the matter. Daimler conducted its own flammability tests and became concerned enough about vehicle safety to leave the working group, along with BMW. Volkswagen's Audi division also expressed concern and is now part of Volkswagen's decision to join ranks with its German allies and dismiss adoption of HFO-1234yf as the new refrigerant.

European Union Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani appears unwilling to accept the decision by Germany's "Big 3" automakers or a written request from German ministers asking for a temporary suspension of the new EU law. While Tajani said he would listen, he also said that he would begin infringement proceedings against any member state that did not comply with the new rules. "Since there was some information from Germany there was a problem, I am obliged to ask for information, but it's not giving them time. I am not weak," Tajani told Reuters.

There's no word yet what other agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency may do about it. Honeywell and Dupont would be holding a billion-dollar monopoly starting in 2017 if HFO-1234yf goes through. They're bound to support Industry Commissioner Tajani's decision.

Don't Make This Mistake During What's Left of the Cold Weather!

The cold weather looks like it's on its way out, but remember this Monday Maintenanct Tip from Sheehy Volkswagen of Springfield in cold weather or warm!

Fill with washer fluid only

Don’t add water to the windshield washer reservoir. It won’t clean as well as washer fluid, and it may freeze in cold weather and damage the system. Don’t try to run your windshield washer system once you suspect there’s no more fluid in the tank, or you may damage the washer fluid pump.

Volkswagen and Google Present "Smileage"!

At last, a new mobile app made to maximize fun on every drive is coming soon! With Volkswagen and Google on the job, you know its going to be great! Watch the video to learn more!

2-for-1 Oil Changes at Sheehy!

Time is running out to take advantage of our offer for 2-for-1 oil changes! Don't put it off any longer because this offer ends at the end of the month, so grab a friend and cut the cost of your oil change in half today! 

Print this ad off and visit us at Sheehy ASAP! http://on.fb.me/15jtsTt

VW to Launch 6 New Plug-In Hybrids after 2014

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will play a big role in the moves the Volkswagen Group is making towards increased e-mobility starting in 2014. Oliver Schmidt, general manager engineering and environmental office for Volkswagen Group of America, speaking at the recent SAE 2013 Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technologies Symposium, said the automaker will be launching at least six plug-in hybrid models across its brands.

Schmidt was somewhat vague about details on the six PHEVs. At least two will be Volkswagen models – a plug-in hybrid version of the European Passat and a plug-in hybrid Golf. Some will be Audis, though how many wasn't specified. He did say, "Then in '14 and beyond the products that we want to do are plug-in hybrids for the bigger Audis."

Currently, VW is producing five hybrid models that could see plug-in versions – the Touareg and Jetta from Volkswagen, the Porsche Cayenne S and Panamera S and the Audi Q5. There are two more hybrids in pre-production – the Audi A6 and A8, Schmidt said, though he didn't specify whether any of these seven hybrid models will have plug-in hybrid counterparts.

Two recently unveiled plug-in hybrid concept cars could be among the seven Schmidt mentioned? The Volkswagen XL1 concept was shown at the Geneva Motor Show and VW has promised a limited production run of 250 units, at least. The Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV concept (pictured) was on display at the Detroit Motor Show.

Green Car Congress points out that Volkswagen's MQB (Modularen Querbaukasten, aka Modular Transverse Matrix) will play a part in developing plug-in hybrid technology. MQB standardizes engine component parameters used by the automaker in engines across its brands and vehicle classes. So, for example, the Volkswagen Golf now has the same orientation and assembly position whether it uses a gasoline or diesel engine. This standardization will also simplify the development of alternative powertrains such as hybrids and plug-in hybrids. The CrossBlue highlights the evolution of technologies that will play a role in future MQB-based electrified vehicles, Schmidt said.

Via Autoblog

Introducting the new Volkswagen XL1

The new, sleek Volkswagen XL1 is exactly the kind of forward-thinking car you are going to want to familiarize yourself with if you are not already. Check out this video of supersonic skydiver Felix Baumgartner's initial test drive. All we can think is, "can we have one yet?"

Wallpaper Wednesday

It's Wallpaper Wednesday, so we went out and found this awesome wallpaper image of this Volkswagen! Use it to escape your work day!

'Like' this if you wish you wish you owned one! (Bonus points if you actually DO own one)

62 MPH to 124 MPH in 5 Seconds?

62 to 124 MPH in 5 seconds? Woah. Hop in the passenger seat of this super-charged Volkswagen Golf MK1 and watch it burn down the streets in todays video. Who WOULDN'T wanna take this bad boy out for a spin? 

Ride Safe with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta

Let your mind rest at ease knowing you and your family are safe with the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, which has received the top safety pick. No more "life flashing before your eyes" moments! 

2-for-1 Oil Changes at Sheehy!

A well-oiled engine is crucial to maintaining and extending the life of your vehicle. If you come in now, Sheehy is offering two oil changes for the price of ONE! Bring a friend or family member in with their cars and take advantage of this special offer before it's over! http://on.fb.me/15jtsTt

Volkswagen hatches hotter GTI in Geneva

The all-new seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf hasn't even launched here in the United States, but over in Geneva, we're already getting our first glimpse at the hotter GTI hatchback. The fancy new Mk VII Golf is already off to a healthy start with positive reviews in Europe, and we have no doubt that this next GTI will work hard to regain its title as king of the hot hatches.

 

The big news for this generation of GTI is that for the first time ever, Volkswagen is actually offering two different power grades for the model, both relying on the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Standard cars pack 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but an optional performance pack ups the horsepower number to 230. Hitting 60 miles per hour takes 6.5 seconds (6.4 with the performance pack) and top speed is quoted at 153 mph (or 155 with the performance kit). Volkswagen will continue to offer the GTI with both six-speed manual and dual-clutch transmissions.

 

On the visual front, the sub-3,000-pound GTI adds the usual bit of hot hatch aggression over the standard Golf, and those changes carry over to the interior with a flat-bottomed wheel and, of course, plaid seats. She's certainly a looker, and while some of us do find the new Golf's design to be a bit staid and evolutionary, the enhancements for the GTI indeed tug on our enthusiast heart strings.

 

European customers can purchase the 2014 GTI in May, and North American deliveries will likely start in about one year's time.

 

Via AutoBlog

Automotive Tip: See the Tanker? Find a Different Gas Station!

Automotive tip: see the fuel tanker filling up the station you're about to get gas at? Choose a different one! As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs. The more you know!