Bentley to Become Sole Manufacturer of VW Group’s W12 Engines by the End of 2014
Bentley has announced that its Crewe headquarters will become the center of excellence for the Volkswagen Group for all W12 engine production from the end of 2014 onwards. Around 100 new jobs will be created because of this decision.
VW Tunes New E88 Turbo Engine-Powered Jetta Sedans and Golf Mk7 for SEMA
This week's 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will see Volkswagen bringing tuned Jetta sedans fitted with the brand's all-new 1.8-liter turbocharged Gen 3 EA888 engine that replaces the venerable 2.5-liter inline five and the latest version of the 2.0-liter TFSI, along with the seventh generation of the Golf hatchback.
The first Jetta study is the 425-horsepower “Racer’s Dream in Black and White” built in collaboration with FMS Automotive. It uses VW's newer 2.0-liter TFSI that in stock form, makes 210hp or 10hp more over the Gen 2 unit.
FMS Automotive tapped the APR for their Stage 3+ Turbo Kit to help boost output to 425HP, while also upgrading the suspension (H&R kit), wheels (19-inch TSW Jerez wrapped in Nitto rubber) and brakes (Brembo with a set of performance four-piston calipers and cross-drilled rotors). A matte white finish for the body that contrasts against gloss black accents, an aero package that includes Golf R skirts, and a sported up interior complete the list.
The second Jetta model is the "Helios Special Edition Jetta GLI Tribute" that uses VW's all-new 1.8-liter turbo engine. As the name points out, the styling details and paint scheme pay homage to VW's original Helios Special Edition from the late 1980s . Notable upgrades include a VW-designed aero package, Golf R brake calipers custom painted with the “Helios” logo, 19-inch VW Motorsports wheels coated in ceramic gunmetal gray and wrapped with Nitto Invo 235/35 ZR-rated tires, and new Recaro seats inside.
VW hasn't released any photos of the H&R Golf Mk7 study but it did mention that the car will feature a sports suspension, Brembo brakes, 19-inch rims in 225/35ZR tires, a VW Accessories body styling kit and a sports exhaust with center tailpipes.
VW to Launch New Scirocco in 2017, Facelift in 2014
The VW Scirocco will not receive a successor earlier than 2017, contrary to a previous report that anticipated a redesigned model in 2015. Instead, according to German magazine Auto Bild, VW plans to launch a facelifted model of the current third-generation Scirocco in 2014.
Based on the fifth-generation of the VW Golf, the current Scirocco will be refreshed and kept on the market for at least four more years, as sales of coupes and roadsters are weak at the moment in Europe.
The facelifted model will get a slightly different look, more assistance systems and optimized Euro 6 engines, and could premiere as early as next year at the Geneva or Beijing motor shows.
The report says the upcoming fourth-generation of the Scirocco will continue to be based on the Golf and will remain a four-seater with a large tailgate and variable luggage compartment. However, as VW Group design boss Walter de Silva hinted earlier this year, it will be more of a full-fledged sports coupe than a shooting brake.
As far as engines are concerned, VW plans more powerful variants, beginning with the 2.0 TSI which will get 230PS instead of 210PS, with peak torque to increase from 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) to 370 Nm (273 lb-ft). The output of the base 1.4 TSI engine will also increase from 122PS to 125PS, while the 160PS 1.4 TSI will be replaced by a 180PS 1.8-liter unit.
The 2.0-liter diesel engines will gain in output as well, with the 140PS version increasing to 150PS, while the 177PS unit will be upgraded to 184PS. The range-topping Scirocco R model will have at least 300PS, up from the current model’s 265PS.
By Dan Mihalascu
Note: Sketches are from the current VW Scirocco
