VW up! van could come to U.S. because we're fat

click above image to view more pics of the VW Space up! Concept

That's right, Volkswagen thinks Americans are fat. At least that's what we take away from comments made by executives indicating that the second and larger up! concept that debuted last week at the Tokyo Motor Show could be sold in the U.S. because it's larger than the first one that debuted in Frankfurt. The first up! concept was a small three-door hatch, and by small we mean very small. The Space up! meanwhile is like a small four-door minivan of the concept on a longer chassis. Basically, we hear VW saying that the smaller three-door hatch version just wouldn't play well with our pudgy selves. That said, the up! van isn't a sure thing either, as VW states it will take the next three months to evaluate whether or not to produce a lineup of rear-engine up! vehicles. One last test for the cars will be in mid-November at the LA Auto Show where a third concept will be revealed. This one, likely to have an equally silly name, will be powered entirely by electricity.

Cross-bred Caddy: Volkswagen Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0TDI R

Click above for a gallery of the VW Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0 TDI R.

The link between Volkswagen and Porsche is about to get stronger, but VW's Swedish contingent has already created a special edition to honor the alliance. The VW Caddy has lived a staid life as a popular work truck in Europe, but the Swedes apparently think it could be so much more. So it's releasing 250 Carrera Cup Edition Caddies outfitted with black, 17-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45 R17 rubber, a new body kit, red-on-white paint scheme with Porsche's signature "Carrera" text, two-tone leather sport seats, a leather steering wheel and shifter. The 2.0-liter TDI mill is putting out 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque and with a fire extinguisher mounted on the diamond-plate floor boards, we think we might have found the perfect track-day accomplice to join that GT3 RS we've been building in our dreams.

2008 Volkswagen Bora Debuts At China.

Design and dimensions
In a world premiere, the FAW Volkswagen joint venture is presenting the New Bora at Auto China 2008 – a very independently designed mid-class sedan with first-class workmanship. This successor to the successful Bora was once again systematically adapted to the wishes of Chinese customers. Visually, German and Chinese design influences merge in this front-wheel drive car.
Clearly indicative of Volkswagen ‘design DNA’ are characteristics such as the muscular and clear modulations, an unmistakable C-pillar, the trapezoidal line of the headlights, the typical V shaped radiator grille that is integrated in the lines of the engine hood, and the car’s timeless impression.
Simultaneously, the New Bora takes on Chinese elements like the lion dance in its prominent visual alliance of headlamps, radiator grille and bumpers. The design of the rear corresponds to that of the front mask. No less typical is the high waist line, which emphasizes – from a purely visually perspective as well – the excellent passive safety of the New Bora.
Also typical of Volkswagen are the New Bora’s impressive quality of workmanship, high level of active safety, great comfort, intuitive controls and very good interior space. Its size classification: with a length of 4,540 millimeters and a width of 1,775 millimeters the New Bora is close in size to the European Jetta. The height of the Volkswagen is 1,467 millimeters. One reason for the extraordinarily good interior space is the car’s long wheelbase of 2,610 millimeters. The 450 liter cargo area also offers multi-variable utility.
Engines
At its market introduction, FAW Volkswagen will be offering the New Bora with two modern Euro-4 gasoline engines. Both engines are distinguished by very refined performance and low fuel consumption. The four cylinder engines can be paired with a six-speed automatic (Tiptronic) as an option.
Two equipment lines
“Trendline” and “Comfortline”. Even the base version, the “Trendline”, has standard features that include ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, power steering, power windows, climate control system and a CD-Radio (MP3-capable). Also on-board in the New Bora Comfortline are 15-inch alloy wheels, sliding sunroof, chrome package, anti-theft warning system, cruise control and parking sensors. In addition, the top version is differentiated by an extended list of optional features. They include leather seats, side and head airbags and a navigation system.