Volkswagen Touareg spied: Redesigned 2011 model put on a diet

Volkswagen engineers have put the Touareg on a diet as they prepare the next generation of the SUV for a 2010 launch as a 2011 model. The new Touareg will shed pounds via a greater use of aluminum. The goal: Shave 500 pounds to 600 pounds from the current Touareg's curb weight of nearly 5,100 pounds.

Ducati-powered Volkswagen XL1 in the works, may be called XLR

Volkswagen is pushing ahead with plans to boost the performance of its two-seat XL1 with a highly strung two-cylinder gas engine sourced from the Ducati 1199 Panigale superbike, high-ranking insiders at the German car maker have confirmed. Speaking on the sidelines of the unveiling of the new e-Golf in Wolfsburg, Germany this week, Volkswagen's head of R & D Hans-Jakob Neusser revealed development of the Ducati-engined XL1 is well underway. “Yes, we are working on it internally.

POTHOLES cause 'over £1 billion in damage every year'

POTHOLES are costing British drivers £1.2 billion every year due to damage to suspension, steering and wheels. This is a 16% rise in the cost of damage to cars on the UK’s roads and the weather has played a major part in the rise in the number of potholes. Councils say they don’t have the money to deal with the problem due to budget cuts and there has also been an 18% increase in the number of dangerous potholes reported during the past 12 months according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA).