Meet Max, Das Auto

VW is rolling out a new advertising campaign. And this one is right up our alley. Rather than the Drivers Wanted and all those "Sign THEN Drive" ads we're used to seeing from VW. This one takes us on a surprising trip down memory lane. Looking to a vintage 1964 Beetle, and using some of the magic created with Herbie the Love Bug. We get Max, part of VWs new "Das Auto" campaign. Max assures us that he knows what the people want. Well I know that I want more vintage Volkswagens, so I'm already hooked. People want German Engineering. And in this country, nothing symbolizes that more so than a Volkswagen Beetle. For the last 50+ years, when you ask a person on the street, What is German? A VW is pretty likely to be near the top of that list. And just about everyone in the U.S. has a story to go along with a VW. Everyone can relate to the Beetle. In upcoming print and television ads, Max will be tooting his own horn so to speak about the exciting new products from VW. Cars like the Tiguan, Routan and the all new diesels.

"We're reintroducing Volkswagen to the world by using a lovable icon that everyone will know and relate to," says Tim Ellis, VW's vice president of marketing. "Max will be integrated into everything we do and will be the connective tissue as we launch new vehicles."

The first spots will feature celebrities on Max's talk show. Bobby Knight, Leonard Nimoy and Heidi Klum will be among the celebs featured. The ads will then eventually work into the new vehicles that VW will be releasing over the next few months.

This to me seems like a brilliant way to advertise. You capture the buying public's imagination and play off of emotion. Here's to VW!

Source: USA Today.

Introducing Max the Love Bug

Essen 2007: ABT Sportsline lineup

German tuner ABT Sportsline has always had an interesting group of packages for German cars. For this years Essen Motor Show they pulled out not one, but five new products for Audi and Volkswagen. Each vehicle received upgrades in each department. New body kits, interior upgrades and of course performance upgrades. Below is a summary of what they had.

ABT AS4

Based on the new Audi A4
Abt body kit, suspension, brakes, wheels, muffler 1.8 TFSI w/ Abt Power: 200 hp / 228 lb-ft
1.8 TFSI w/ Abt Power S: 240 hp
2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power: 170 hp
2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 200 hp
2.7 TDI w/ Abt Power: 230 hp
3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power: 270 hp / 405 lb-ft
3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 300 hp / 442 lb-ft

ABT AS5

Based on the Audi A5
Abt body kit, suspension, brakes, wheels, muffler
Abt interior accessories
3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 300 hp / 442 lb ft
0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds

ABT R8

Weight reduction
Abt body kit, carbon fiber side blades and skirts
Abt suspension, brakes, wheels, exhaust
Optional 2-tone finish

ABT Touareg 2

Based on the VW Touareg 2
Abt body kit, level control for air suspension, brakes, wheels, exhaust
2.5 TDI w/ Abt Power: 195 hp
3.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 300 hp / 442 lb-ft
V10 TDI in Abt VS10: 360 hp
4.2 TDI w/ Abt Power R replacement turbo: 500 hp

ABT Tiguan

Abt body kit, suspension, brakes, wheels, muffler
1.4 TSI w/ Abt Power: 200 hp
2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power: 170 hp
2.0 TDI w/ Abt Power S: 200 hp

Source: ABT Sportsline

ABT transforms the new VW Tiguan

The new 2008 VW Tiguan has not even hit US show rooms yet, but here's a taste of what's in store when it does thanks to our friends at ABT in Germany.

We should see the US debut of the Tiguan at NAIAS in Detroit come January, and should be a hit as a strong competitor to the Jeep Liberty and Toyota Rav4. And will be baby brother to the Touareg.

Press Release:

KEMPEN, Germany — Abt Sportsline wasn't satisfied with transforming the Volkswagen Touareg into a serious on-road powerhouse. Now, with the Touareg's compact sibling, the new VW Tiguan, about to hit the streets, Abt is at it again.

The exterior look is more aggressive, thanks to an aero body kit that bundles a front spoiler and grille with fender extensions, rear skirt with diffuser, and rear wing.

There are power boosts galore for the Tiguan's various engines. The basic 1.4-liter TSI four-cylinder is bumped from 150 to 200 horsepower. The 140-hp 2.0-liter TDI offers two different stages of tune, climbing to 170 hp in the first stage and 200 hp in the second.

Mechanical mods include new springs and adjustable dampers, plus upgraded brakes and a choice of performance wheel/tire combinations in sizes up to 20 inches.

Source: Edmunds