Sport Wagon Daily
Your One-Click Resource for Daily Sport Wagon and Hot Hatch News
Sport Wagon Search
2009 VW MK VI Golf GTI
At the recently concluded 2008 Paris Motor Show, we got our first look at VW’s next generation Golf hot hatch, the iconic GTI. In every respect, the MK VI is an evolutionary step of the current model. Although there have been many substantive engineering changes, styling is remarkably similar to the outgoing MK V. Subtle tweaks make the 09 seem slightly more aggressive, while still retaining an overall tame appearance. Under its familiar skin, the MK VI uses the same basic engine and offers the same transmission options. While horsepower is up 10 to 210, torque remains the same at 207 lb-ft. This power is still sent to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG transmission. New for 2009 is a much needed "XDS" electronic limited slip differential to control the front-wheel drive platform. The MK VI GTI also receives the Adaptive Chassis Control system first utilized on the Scirocco. This system allows the driver to choose between a normal, comfort, and sport setting- each of which adjusts the suspension and steering accordingly. Expect to see the MK VI GTI in the States starting Summer of 2009.
October 29th, 2008 (Source: Automobile)
Limited Edition U.S.-Spec VW Scirocco Likely
Automotive News is reporting that VW is reconsidering its decision to keep their new Scirocco from U.S. shores. According to the report, the stylish and well-mannered hot-hatch would be imported in small numbers as a limited edition model. This sales approach is similar to how VW marketed their Golf R32 in 2007. VW America Spokesman Steve Keyes has admitted that "people are looking at it," but also that there was, "no real decision yet." As the dollar keeps strengthening against the Euro, the possibility of a U.S.-spec Scirocco seems increasingly likely. The Scirocco, consistently rated as a better-performing and more attractive alternative to the Golf GTI, will be slotted above its little brother when it arrives stateside. Expect the U.S.-spec Scirocco to only be available with VW’s 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-Four, producing somewhere between 200 and 211hp. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual or an optional 7-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox. According to VW, this drive train and engine option allows the Scirocco to reach 62.5 mph in 7.2 seconds.
Full Press Release
October 27th, 2008 (Source: Automotive News and VW)
Hamann R56 Mini Cooper S
If you are a Mini owner whose interested in getting a little more power out of your turbocharged hot hatch, we have a solution for you. Enter renowned BMW, Porshce, and Ferrari tuner Hamann. The German firm recently released their tweaked R56 Mini Cooper S. With a revised intake, throatier exhaust, a new intercooler and an ECU remap, the Cooper’s 1.6L turbocharged 4-pot produces an impressive 230hp and 244lb-ft. This is a significant improvement on the last generation (R 55) Hamann Mini Cooper S, which only produced 211hp and 188lb-ft of torque. Hamann’s new turbocharged R 56 Cooper S can also outrun its predecessor by 6mph, to a top end of 148. Also, expect a 0-60 time of under 6 seconds. All of this combined with the Mini’s low curb weight, sharp front-wheel drive handling, and a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Hamann Mini Cooper S is undoubtedly a potent little monster.
October 27th, 2008 (Source: Hamann)
Rumormill Clamor: VW Passat CC Wagon
As seemingly every auto maker is looking to increase sales, more and more niche segments are being explored and exploited. One successful niche is the “4-door coupe,” as seen by the Mercedes-Benz CLS and most recently by Volkswagen with their Passat CC. The bloggers over at Motor Authority have even speculated that a Passat CC Wagon will help ensure even greater sales for VW. Motor Authority’s rendering gives us a pretty good idea what this would look like, but we are skeptical. The Passat CC can only seat 4, and in wagon-guise would not have much boot space. The normal Passat wagon has far more room, extra seating, and would most likely be priced less. From a sales perspective, we doubt many people would purchase a “sportier” looking wagon with less space for more money. If it did come to fruition, expect either a 2.0L turbocharged four producing 211hp, or a 280hp 3.2L V6. Rather than produce the Passat CC Wagon, we would prefer if VW would just import its impressive Passat R36 Estate.
October 26th, 2008 (Source: MotorAuthority)
Volvo Estates make the best Shaggin’ Wagons!
According to a poll taken by the UK car insurer Yes Insurance, Volvo estates rank #1 on the list of "Top Vehicles for Making Whoopee." The poll was conducted among 4,000 UK residents, and the results remind us of yet another reason why wagons are better than coupes or sedans. The poll also revealed that 68% of people have had sex in their car, 10% of those while driving! Additionally, 6% admit they have damaged their vehicles during intercourse. Hit the jump for the full list of "Top 10 Vehicles for Making Whoopee."
October 26th, 2008 (Source: DailyMail.co.uk via Autoblog)
Volvo V30 Estate Confirmed?
According to an unnamed Volvo Spokesperson, the Swedish-American company plans on creating an estate version of its current C30 hatchback. Growing several inches in length, the Volvo’s smallest doggy-carrier would have 5 doors and offer the same power plants as the current 3-door C30. The nomenclature for Volvo’s newest baby remains a mystery, with both C50, and our choice, V30, as possibilities. Unlike the current S40 and V50, the 5-door C30 would not be available with Volvo’s all-wheel drive and would only be offered with front-wheel drive. Here in the U.S., expect a 2.4L naturally aspirated five-cylinder and Volvo’s excellent 236hp turbo’d inline-five. Transmission options will be the same as the C30, with either a 5-speed automatic or the 6-speed manual from the 2004 V70R. If Volvo is indeed planning on producing a hot C30R hatch, we hope they will also produce a 350hp 6-speed manual V30R as well!
October 25th, 2008 (Source: World Car Fans)
Ferrari 456T "Venice" Wagon
We have a deep respect for the Sultan of Brunei for his love of Sport Wagons, his very deep pocket book, and his passion for converting very fast coupes and sedans to wagons. In addition to hiring AMG to build his Pagani-powered Mercedes S-class wagon, the Sultan also commissioned Pininfarina to build 6 estates based on the Ferrari 456. These photos show one of the Sultan’s exceptionally rare Ferrari wagons, each of which are rumored to have cost around $1.5 million. Each of these custom five-door coachbuilds are known as a Ferrari 456 Speciale “Venice.” Just like the coupe, this 456 has a 5.5L V12 producing 456hp. We assume the transmission is a 6-speed manual, but the wagon could also have the 4-speed automatic from the 456 GTA- as the Sultan had both 456 GT and GTAs converted. Either way, the estate puts all four-hundred and fifty-six rampaging Italian stallions to the pavement through the rear wheels. While these wagons are roughly a decade old, they are still relatively unknown in the wagon community and are exceptionally rare.
Full Profile and Photos
October 25th, 2008
Alfa Romeo 159 Q4 Sportwagon
Here at SWA, we primarily focus on sport wagons with over 400 horsepower, often neglecting less powerful but more stylish alternatives. Enter the Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon. Not available in North America, the 5-door variant of the 159 is perhaps the most attractive estate in the world. The 159 combines Alfa’s aggressive front fascia with a gracefully slopping roofline and a solid power plant. The range-topping model is the Q4 V6- packing 256hp and 322NM of torque through Alfa’s all-wheel drive system. Depending on the road conditions, Alfa’s drive train can deliver the majority of torque to the rear wheels. The 159’s stylish and practical package is rounded off by a slick 6-speed manual transmission. We can only hope that with Alfa’s return to the United States in early 2011 the 159, or its successor, will be offered- until then, we have to live vicariously through Alfa estate owners across the pond.