Some Jump, Others Fly!

Volkswagen gives you a look into the fast-paced world of rally car racing where drifting and "flying" are second nature. Absolutely breathtaking video!

Excellent New Review on Google+ Local

"This was a very pleasant dealer experience." - Michael Skinner

Find out why everyone is choosing us at Sheehy Volkswagen here: http://bit.ly/Zm7t9w

Volkswagen Breaks Guinness World Record!

Volkswagen of America announced today that it has set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® achievement for the “lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car” category with a stellar 77.99 mpg — more than 10 mpg better than the previous mark of 67.9 mpg. The achievement also beats the hybrid vehicle record of 64.6 mpg by more than 13 mpg.

The Passat TDI Clean Diesel departed from Volkswagen of America’s headquarters in Herndon, Virginia, on Friday, June 7th, at 12:00 pm and arrived back on June 24th, having covered 8122 miles and visited all 48 states. The car, along with drivers Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger, were greeted in Herndon by Volkswagen employees as well as Virginia State Delegates Tom Rust and Jim LeMunyon.

Delegate Tom Rust said: "Breaking a world record is a huge accomplishment, and I'm especially pleased that Volkswagen of America—a Herndon, Virginia-based company—is doing its part to make its products more environmentally compatible and less dependent on foreign oil by using cutting-edge diesel technology. Congratulations!"

Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., said: “To cover 8122 miles on just 104.94 gallons of fuel is nothing short of astonishing and shows just how economical our TDI Clean Diesel vehicles can be. Even for everyday drivers, the mileage benefits of our TDI engines are significant: Volkswagen has no fewer than six TDI Clean Diesel models that achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or better on the highway.”

Wayne Gerdes, founder of cleanmpg.com was the primary driver. Automotive journalist Gerdes has made a career out of hypermiling and has set mileage records in more than 100 vehicles, as well as achieving the record for lowest fuel consumption in the lower 48 U.S. states with a hybrid vehicle at 64.6 mpg. His co-driver was Bob Winger, an electronics engineer long involved in energy and conservation projects.

“We felt we had a good chance of beating the existing record with the Passat TDI,” Gerdes said, “but to smash it by averaging 77.99 mpg is really impressive and a testament to the potential of Volkswagen’s TDI Clean Diesel vehicles. Obviously, we employ some specialized techniques to achieve such figures, but there’s no reason why owners of TDI vehicles shouldn’t be able to achieve great mileage with a few simple pointers.” Gerdes suggests:
Plan in advance: look for impediments or topography 15 to 45 seconds ahead, rather than reacting to where you’re currently driving. Use downhill momentum to help crest an uphill section.
Allow the rabbits to win the race to the stoplights. Heavy braking and acceleration consume fuel at a far greater rate than coasting between intersections.
Obey speed limits: The difference in fuel economy between 55 mph and 75 mph can be as much as 30 percent or even higher in some cars.

The 2013 Passat TDI uses Volkswagen’s advanced turbocharged and direct-injection Clean Diesel engine to achieve EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 43 miles per gallon when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. This enables the Passat TDI to go up to 795 highway miles before needing to refuel.

Clean Diesel engines are just one part of Volkswagen’s approach to sustainable mobility, encapsulated by the Think Blue.® philosophy. Volkswagen employs a wide range of powertrains—diesel, electric, hybrid, and intelligently downsized turbocharged gasoline engines—in its quest to be among the most eco-conscious automakers in the world. That approach extends to the factories in which the cars are built and the processes by which they are made.

For the attempt, the Passat TDI used Shell ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, available at nearly 8,000 Shell stations nationwide, and Continental PureContact® with EcoPlus® Technology tires, which have Tg-F polymers to help reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. The record-setting Passat TDI was equipped with a Linear Logic ScanGauge II to precisely measure fuel economy and a Droid® RAZR MAXX™ HD by Motorola® smartphone to provide Guinness World Records tracking requirements and long-lasting connectivity.

2013 Passat TDI Clean Diesel (manual transmission) EPA estimates: 31 city/43 highway mpg. Range based on 43 mpg highway EPA estimate and an 18.5-gallon fuel tank. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.

5-Star Review on Yelp!

Check out this fantastic 5-star review we received over the weekend:

"Sheehy VW is hands-down the best car dealership in the area. Professional and courteous, mindful of your valuable time, and true to their word. No gimmicks."

Find out why Sheehy Volkswagen is #1 in customer satisfaction here: http://bit.ly/TFNlRR

1000 Horsepower VW Golf

1000 horsepower in a VW Golf? Yeah, you read correctly. Check out what happens when you put this much power in a Volkswagen Golf.

30 Million VW Golf's Sold!

Volkswagen has officially built 30 million Golf units since the first hatch rolled off the assembly line in early 1974. The company says the accomplishment has cemented the compact's place as the most successful European car ever built, though we imagine the original Beetle might have something to say about that. Even so, Volkswagen says that statistically speaking, the company has sold 2,000 Golf units for every day of production. Chew on that notion for a moment. The Golf has remained relevant over the past four decades thanks to a steady stream of generational updates, and last year, the Volkswagen Golf took the honor of being named the World Car of the Year.

A Golf TDI was the 30 millionth unit produced, and Volkswagen says the machine will be on display at the automaker's Wolfsburg facility. You can read the full press release below for more information, including a generational breakdown of each Golf model.

Via Autoblog

Great Review on Yelp!

Check out this great review we've just received about our service department:

"I was very pleased with the service I received and will continue to use them. I recommend you talk to Ben, I have dealt with him for years and highly recommend him as a service Department contact. I have had 5 VW Jetta TDIs and when I'm in the market next I will give them the first look."

Check out this and other reviews here: http://bit.ly/10bEby1

Maintenance Monday: Get Your Radiator Flushed!

Maintenance Monday: Is your car ready for summer? Not unless you've flushed your radiator recently! The coolant in your radiator doesn't last forever. Over time it can break down and start to corrode the inside of your radiator. This can lead to cooling problems and radiator repair. A radiator flush once a year is cheap insurance against radiator repairs!

Introducing the all-new 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

Need a quick escape? Just watch this calming video of the new 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD taking the scenic route through the countryside!

Great New Review on Yelp!

Thanks, Lili, for this awesome review!

"Two days since I got my convertible beetle, fact alone which makes me exceedingly happy.  Want to give a shout out to Sheehy.  Dealt with Lucia as my sales person, Jon was dealmaker, and Herbie the cordial problem solver. Car buying is innately stressful because of the cost, but these guys made every attempt to make it as easy as possible."

Read other great reviews here: http://bit.ly/10bEby1

Wallpaper Wednesday!

Wallpaper Wednesday: Show off your support of Volkswagen with this neat wallpaper! 'Like' if you love VW!

Could VW XL1 provide blueprint for 190-mph, 70-mpg XR1 sports car?

The Volkswagen XL1 is a next-generation vehicle focused on one thing: hitting the one-liter per 100 kilometer fuel efficiency bogey (hence its name). That ultra-low level of energy usage translates to 235 miles per gallon, but since VW says the two-seater burns even less than a liter per 100 km, the estimated fuel economy number is more like 261 mpg. Even if real-world testing sometimes returns "just" 120 mpg, there's no question that this is a car built for efficiency. So why are we hearing rumors of a sports version called the XR1?

That's what Automobile Magazine claims, after speaking with an anonymous VW board member who said that the idea behind the XR1 would be to offer performance like a Porsche 911 alongside hybrid-like fuel economy at a lower price. Interestingly, the car's electric powertrain would be removed, and the resulting weight drop would allow VW to use cheaper materials (aluminum and steel instead of magnesium and carbon fiber, for example) while still keeping the car light. The liquid-fuel engine might become a four-cylinder (maybe the turbocharged 2.0-liter found in the seventh-generation GTI, which offers 220 horsepower) and a new seven-speed automatic dual-clutch that could together provide 70 miles per gallon.

Automobile notes that a lot of other changes would be needed that would modify the car's look and feel, but if such a vehicle is approved, we could theoretically be looking at a high-efficiency sports car that reaches 62 miles per hour in under 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 190 mph – all for under $50,000. That sure sounds sweet, but when Autoblog Green reached out to Volkswagen of America, the automaker's manager of product and technology, Mark Gillies, said this was all news to him. Isn't speculation fun?

National Cycling Championship

Once again, Volkswagen teams up with USA Cycling to bring the National Championship to Chattanooga, home of Volkswagen's North American manufacturing facility.

A big thanks to Julie for this awesome compliment she left for us on Yelp!

"My experience with Sheehy VW in Springfield was simply incredible." - Julie

Visit our Yelp page to see the rest of her review.  

Volkswagen Wedding Commercial

We get it -- Volkswagen fans are protective of their cars, and it's no surprise why; but hopefully you've never reacted like this. http://youtu.be/sZowADIth2U

Excellent review on Google+ Local!

"Great service like this will never go to waste. Lucia and the crew, Thank you soo much for putting me into such high and happy spirit. I am very happy for your courtesy and service. Thanks!"

Thank YOU, Joshua! Read why we at Sheehy continue to 'wow' our customers here: http://bit.ly/Zm7t9w

Motorist Monday Tip!

Motorist Tip Monday: Empty your pockets! The average person spends 67 minutes a day in their car (not to mention their office at work). That's a lot of time to have your spine offset by bulky pocket contents, so go easy on your back and empty 'em!