Ford 1932 33 34 35 36 Distributor Flathead V8 on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen plans 4 million cars from one platform

Volkswagen is pushing the global-platform concept to a level unprecedented in the auto industry, introducing a modular platform this summer that eventually will be the basis of microcars, sedans, crossovers and SUVs for its four largest brands. While automakers now share platforms across brands and sometimes even segments, the VW initiative that starts this summer is far more ambitious than anything seen so far. By 2017, some analysts estimate, the MQB platform that debuts with the Audi A3 eventually will be used in 4 million units a year--close to half of VW's annual production.

Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept edging towards production

The Volkswagen Beetle Dune frolicking on the beach Back at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept arrived as the perfect accessory for an outdoor lifestyle – especially if you’re in Southern California. Riding higher than a regular Beetle, with big wheels and a rack on the back for surf boards, sand boards or skis, the Beetle Dune Concept looked very close to a production car. Now, with Summer upon us, Volkswagen has released some new photos of the Dune concept frolicking around sunny locations in Germany and pointing firmly towards a production version.

Cars Land to open on June 15 at Disney's California Adventure

Pixar's animated movie Cars will come to life on June 15 when Disney's California Adventure opens a real-life version of the Western desert road town of Radiator Springs. The 12-acre attraction will feature everything from a Flo's Drive-In and a Cozy Cone to a high-speed "Radiator Springs Racers" ride with six-seat, open-topped race cars fashioned after your favorite Cars characters. The race cars operate on a track similar to the one used for the General Motors proving-ground attraction at Disney's Epcot Center in Florida.