Science + VW = You?

Posted on May 25, 2012 by

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Think you can build a better battery? Volkswagen is teaming up with BASF to inspire, motivate, and reward creative minds from around the world. Calling it the “Science Award for Electrochemistry,” they plan to offer 50,000 Euros as a top prize. ($62,670)

They ask for innovations, ideas, and accomplishments that will further the reliability, efficiency, and affordability of energy storage devices. It is widely reported that Volkswagen is planning on releasing hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all electric vehicles in the coming years; including a hybrid Jetta, and there’s all the excitement around the E-Bugster Concept Cabriolet; a version of the Beetle.

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You can find out all the details at www.science-award.com and applications will be accepted until August 3, 2012. The awards ceremony will be held in Wolfsburg, Germany, on October, 22 2012.

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2001 Jetta Turbo Racks Up 500K

Posted on May 18, 2012 by

Matt Marion from Michigan’s Jetta was approaching  500,000 miles, and called Volkswagen, probably to brag. They thought it was just as cool as he did, so they asked him to stop by his local VW of America’s office, located in Auburn Hills, Michigan; a suburb 33 miles from Detroit.

They agreed to go CSI on the auto to see how the miles had treated it. As you can see from the picture Matt was a careful motorist, or hit things only on the driver’s side, because the passenger side looks almost brand-new. Also looking brand-new were his pistons and cylinder walls. His intake and exhaust manifolds showed minimal  carbonization, which is completely unavoidable. He did have to replace the catalytic converter a few times and he replaced the timing belt every 100,000 miles. He credits using synthetic 5w40, high grade sparkplugs, and premium gasoline. He also recommended using a fuel system cleaner every 10,000 miles. The foreman at the tech center and several other techs were blown away by the  condition of the engine. They said it looked so good it could’ve ran another 500K

After the “auto autopsy”  Matt sold the rest of the car to friend who restores Jettas to sell. Matt is eyeing the new Golf Turbo to replace his trusty companion.

One off Keffer’s employees has the non-turbo 2001 Jetta but has only racked up 134,000 on his. He has only had to do some minor work on the suspension, due to his driving it like he’s trying to qualify for a

Street Racing Championship, and he also had to replace both 02 sensors. He’s very excited that his Jetta has the potential to remain in service for a long, long time.

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The Passat Keeps Earning Accolades

Posted on May 16, 2012 by

Excuse us if we keep talking about the Passat, but it is not our fault. The auto is constantly making news . You’re probably aware it won Motor Trend‘s “2012 Car of the Year”. A new one rolls off the lot and towards the driveway of a happy new owner about 333 times a day. The website kbb.com (Kelley Blue Book) has named it “Best Family Car” and named the TDI as a “Top Ten Green Car.”

It is the TDI that is making more news this week. John and Helen Taylor have recently driven their 2012 Passat TDI 1,626 miles on a single tank of fuel!

Their auto had a six speed manual transmission and was built in Chattanooga, TN. They did not lighten their car in any way, in fact they packed 120 pounds of gear, just for fun. The 1,626 miles set a world record for gasoline powered cars. They surpassed the old record by almost 100 miles, which was set by a European Passat with  a 1.6 BlueMotion diesel. They drove under normal conditions and averaged over 84MPG. This impressive feat was accomplished by implementing their strategies for more efficient driving. Their tips include: driving at a steady speed, (avoid over accelerating or breaking) keeping your car in top shape (like maintaining proper tire pressure) and driving slower to reduce wind resistance. Driving a TDI Passat doesn’t hurt either. If you’re not into “hypermiling” expect your 2012 TDI to get around 43MPG.

If you are interested in learning more from this couple that holds over 90 mileage records you can check out their “Fuel Academy“. You’ll probably need practice as they’ve been doing this for almost 30 years, so don’t expect to match this feat your first time driving this record-breaking machine. Come purchase some history at Keffer.

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The Passat Keeps Earning Accolades

Posted on May 11, 2012 by

Excuse us if we keep talking about the Passat, but it is not our fault. The auto is constantly making news . You’re probably aware it won Motor Trend‘s “2012 Car of the Year”. A new one rolls off the lot and towards the driveway of a happy new owner about 333 times a day. The website kbb.com (Kelley Blue Book) has named it “Best Family Car” and named the TDI as a “Top Ten Green Car.”

It is the TDI that is making more news this week. John and Helen Taylor have recently driven their 2012 Passat TDI 1,626 miles on a single tank of fuel!

Their auto had a six speed manual transmission and was built in Chattanooga, TN. They did not lighten their car in any way, in fact they packed 120 pounds of gear, just for fun. The 1,626 miles set a world record for gasoline powered cars. They surpassed the old record by almost 100 miles, which was set by a European Passat with  a 1.6 BlueMotion diesel. They drove under normal conditions and averaged over 84MPG. This impressive feat was accomplished by implementing their strategies for more efficient driving. Their tips include: driving at a steady speed, (avoid over accelerating or breaking) keeping your car in top shape (like maintaining proper tire pressure) and driving slower to reduce wind resistance. Driving a TDI Passat doesn’t hurt either. If you’re not into “hypermiling” expect your 2012 TDI to get around 43MPG.

If you are interested in learning more from this couple that holds over 90 mileage records you can check out their “Fuel Academy“. You’ll probably need practice as they’ve been doing this for almost 30 years, so don’t expect to match this feat your first time driving this record-breaking machine. Come purchase some history at Keffer.

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Volkswagen Still on the Rise

Posted on May 4, 2012 by

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Led by strong sales of the top selling Jetta, and the nearly-as-popular Passat, Volkswagen of America has announced that it sold  37,500 units, making this past April its best since 1971. It’s a 31.5 percent increase over April 2011 and 38 percent increase for 2012 as a whole. Its marks the seventh month in a row of a 30 percent or better increase.

The Jetta Sedan sold almost 14,000 while the Jetta SportsWagen sold another 2,000. The Passat, 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year, had its best month ever, selling just over 10,000 times, for the second month in a row. April also was good to the Beetle as well, its best April since 2003, selling 2,065 a 206,400 percent increase from last year.

High fuel prices and improved technology are still fanning interest in clean diesel TDIs, they accounted for one-fifth of all Volkswagens sold in April.

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The 2012 Passat is available in 14 different trims,  averages an EPA 20/30MPG, and delivers 170HP from a 2.5L inline 5. The Jetta, with 13 trims, gets an EPA 24/34MPG and offers 115HP from a 2.0L 4 or 177HP from the 2.5L inline 5. The Beetle has six different trims, puts out 170HP from the 2.5L inline 5, and travels 25/31MPG.

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Volkswagen Is Injecting Even More Fun into the Beetle

Posted on April 27, 2012 by

The Beetle has had a unique and storied history. Recently its core market has not been a broad cross-section of the public, but rather it has been adored mostly by females, as most males find it to be a bit “too cute.” They did manufacture a very limited (250 units) RSI, which featured a 3.2 VR6 capable of 220HP, that might have convinced the macho types that I was cool to be a guy in a Beetle.

Unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show this week was the E-Bugster Concept Cabriolet. Even though it is just a concept, Volkswagen stated that this is the new direction for this timeless automobile. We say anybody will look cool in something as spectacular as this. They will feel cool as well.  Although the Electronic Beetle will probably lose its back seats due to the battery pack, it will go over 100 miles on a single charge and be able to refill its batteries in 35 minutes. Expect to see the 2013 Beetle Cabriolet at the L.A. Auto show in November.

Expect to see the 2013 Beetle TDI, 2.5L, and 2.0L Turbo very, very, soon; right here at Keffer VW

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2013 Volkswagen CC; Impress Your Neighbors

Posted on April 17, 2012 by

The 2013 CC (comfort coupe) should be the first car you consider when looking for a four door car that defies the “sedan” tag. The CC is going to look right at home parked next to the more traditional luxury coupes. Fortunately the price is where the tradition ends, as the CC costs thousands of dollars less. The base model, called the Sport package, will include the new middle seat in the rear, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, and a 2.0 200HP engine. It will also have heated seats in the front, rain sensing wipers and a touch-screen radio. There are four other tiers to the CC, culminating in the VR6 4Motion Executive. This package includes 4motion all-wheel drive, park assist, and a 280HP 3.6L VR6.  The Sport will do 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, and the interior will be sure to draw raves from your passengers.

So far the reviews have been very positive, with drivers liking the feel of the transmission and the ease of using all of the various knobs and buttons. The handling is reassuring, as it benefits from MacPherson struts in front and independent multilink suspension for the rear. Road noise is non-existent at best and minimal at worst. The Capital of Volkswagen has your next car, and it’s the 2013 CC.

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