Monday, August 29, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Up!

Volkswagen up!


Say hello to the latest edition to the Volkswagen family: the Up! compact car. The Up! may be just 139.4 inches long and 64.6 inches wide, but VW calls it "a giant among small cars."

Up!, the next 'big thing' in the small-car sector, comes in a trio of three-cylinder engines: two gasoline-powered and one natural-gas powered engine. There will be the option of a 59 horsepower gas engine that receives 56 mpg, and a 74 horsepower engine with 55 mpg. The natural gas-powered engine, with a later release date, will boast 67 horsepower with a truly impressive 73 mpg.

The Up! stands out as a particularly urban-friendly car, not only because of its compact size and formidable fuel-efficiency, but also thanks to its new high-end safety technology. The City Emergency Braking System, a standard feature in the compact city car, uses radar to prevent low-speed collisions, much like Volvo's City Safety System.

Another buzzworthy feature is the Up!'s "Portable Infotainment System" with a touch-screen tablet mounted on the car's dashboard. The tablet will allow drivers to choose from various applications, taking the Volkswagen personal driving experience to an unprecedented level of customization.

The Up! will be available in three different trim levels: entry-level (Take Up!) comfort-level (Move Up!) and the high-level (High-Up!). Pricing has not been announced yet, but we do know that Volkswagen is releasing both black and white launch editions. Its official unveiling will happen in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the site of its initial introduction as a VW concept four years ago.

The Up! car will be released in Europe this December. An all-electric version of the Up! is on course for a 2013 debut.


More on Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog:
Coming Soon: Volkswagen Up! Compact
2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive Event at Betten Imports
1979 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports
2012 Volkswagen Passat Visits Betten Imports
Special Edition 35th Anniversary Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen’s Car-Sharing Program
Volkswagen News Breakdown
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen E-Scooter Reveal
Volkswagen ‘Bulli Bus’ Concept Unveiled
Volvo, Volkswagen Win Auto Awards

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Coming Soon: Volkswagen Up! Compact

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="549" caption="The Volkswagen Space up! Concept was originally unveiled during the Los Angeles Motor Show."][/caption]

Volkswagen wants to lift you up with anticipation with the teaser promo for their new up! ultra-compact that will be revealed to the world this September!


Featuring both gas and diesel-powered engines, the up! ultra-compact is poised to be the next big thing in fuel-efficiency with a rumored 80 mpg!


The Volkswagen video description reads: "Isn't it the small moments that make us happy? That can make an ordinary day great? That make us feel like we're floating? In September 2011, the time has come. The up! is on its way."



VW fans, are you excited to see what Volkswagen has in the works for the up! compact?


More on Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog:
2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive Event at Betten Imports
1979 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports
2012 Volkswagen Passat Visits Betten Imports
Special Edition 35th Anniversary Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen’s Car-Sharing Program
Volkswagen News Breakdown
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen E-Scooter Reveal
Volkswagen ‘Bulli Bus’ Concept Unveiled
Volvo, Volkswagen Win Auto Awards

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

New Report: Volvo City Safety Reduces Low-Speed Collisions


Two highly-respected authorities on vehicle safety, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, have given their nod of approval to Volvo and their City Safety technology.

Featured on the Volvo XC60, the radar-scanning system has been proven to prevent 50% of rear-end crashes. Its collision avoidance technology is most applicable in urban settings where low-speed crashes are most common.

Watch what happens when an an AutoBlog.com employee tests out the Volvo City Safety system on his boss's BMW:



More on Volvo from GRAutoBlog:
Volvo Develops Animal Detection Safety System
News from Volvo: Tech Progress and Historical Homage
Eco-friendly News from Volvo
World's Highest Mileage Car: Volvo P1800
Volvo, Volkswagen Win Auto Awards
Volvo's Concept Universe
Volvo S60 Wins Ward’s 10 Best Interiors Award
Volvo Art Session Time Lapse Film

2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive Event at Betten Imports

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="553" caption="Mini-Darth from the popular Volkswagen Super Bowl spot is a new addition to our Volkswagen showroom's front window."][/caption]

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is the best of both worlds: German-engineered with the unique stamp of being 'Made in America' thanks to its new eco-friendly facility in Chattanooga, TN.
Starting at $19,995, with more premium standards than its competitors, the re-designed Passat is injecting some much-needed excitement into the mid-size sedan category.


At Betten Imports we currently have two demo vehicles that are available for viewings and test drives.  While they are not currently for sale, they are here to tide us over until the official Passat launch on September 5. Following the launch, we will have eight models of varying trim-levels and colors.



To schedule your Passat test drive, or to learn more about our future in-store models, give us a call at (616) 301-2100 or contact us through Facebook.

2012 Volkswagen Passat By the Numbers:

  • Starts at $19,995

  • 2.5L 170hp engine, 31 mpg highway, 573 miles per tank

  • 3.6L 280hp engine, 28 mpg highway, 518 miles per tank

  • 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel, 43 mpg highway, 795 miles per tank

  • Fender Premium Audio System: 400 watts, 9 speakers


[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="614" caption="The 2012 Passat TDI we currently have available for test drives."][/caption]

Standard Features:

  • Best-in-class rear legroom

  • Bluetooth technology

  • Automatic vehicle illumination

  • Dual-zone climate control

  • Soft-touch interior components

  • Multi-function steering wheel

  • Carefree Maintenance


Available Features:

  • Fender Premium Audio System

  • Leather seating surfaces

  • Eight-way power driver's seat

  • Premium touchscreen navigation

  • Keyless access with push-button start

  • Heated front seats

  • Remote start


Don't Just Take Our Word For It...



Driver's Love the All-New Passat2012 Volkswagen Passat Test Drive - Volkswagen Passat Review - Popular Mechanics


For further information on the Volkswagen Passat, check out the official VW Passat Blog: http://blogs.vw.com/passat/

More on Volkswagen from GRAutoBlog:
1979 Volkswagen Beetle at Betten Imports
2012 Volkswagen Passat Visits Betten Imports
Special Edition 35th Anniversary Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen's Car-Sharing Program
Volkswagen News Breakdown
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Volkswagen E-Scooter Reveal
Volkswagen 'Bulli Bus' Concept Unveiled
Volvo, Volkswagen Win Auto Awards

Friday, August 12, 2011

Chrysler's 'No Payments for 90 Days' Program at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge



The right time to buy is right now, thanks to Chrysler's new 'No Payments for 90 Days' Program.

Through September 6, the program applies to all 2011 and 2012 models from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Trucks.

Here's the breakdown of the cash-back incentives:

To learn more about the program and find out if it is right for you, give Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge a call: 616-452-2143 or visit our web site at www.courtesy.com.

2011 28th Street Metro Cruise at Betten Imports


On August 27 is a West Michigan automotive tradition that shouldn’t be missed! The 28th Street Metro Cruise is back for another year of car-camaraderie and automotive history.

At Betten Imports, you can connect with fellow auto-enthusiasts and check out all the greatest Volvo, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz models, old and new, that the Metro Cruise has to offer.

There will be "Best Car" awards given to the best vehicle in each brand-category. The winners will receive gift certificates to the Betten Imports's Parts Department, so they can keep their classic car in the winning condition that it deserves.

For the first time ever, we will also be holding a “People’s Choice” award through our Facebook page. The car's photo that receives the most "likes" after a week following the Metro Cruise, will win a prize and be featured on GRAutoBlog. You can follow along with the contest on the Betten Imports Facebook: www.facebook.com/bettenimports

Check out more information on the official site: http://www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com/

2011 28th Street Metro Cruise at Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge


On August 27 is a West Michigan automotive tradition that shouldn’t be missed! The 28th Street Metro Cruise is back for another year of car-camaraderie and automotive history.

At Courtesy Chrysler Jeep Dodge, you can connect with fellow auto-enthusiasts and check out all the greatest Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, old and new, that the Metro Cruise has to offer. And, let's not forget the Mopar!

For the first time ever, we will be holding a “People’s Choice” award through our Facebook page. The car's photo that receives the most "likes" after a week following the Metro Cruise, will win a prize and be featured on GRAutoBlog.

You can follow along with the contest on the CourtesyChrysler Jeep Dodge Facebook.

Check out more information on the official site: http://www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com/

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480" caption="A 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, one of the models that will be showcased during the Metro Cruise's Metro Million Display."][/caption]

Monday, August 8, 2011

2012 Jeep Wrangler to Feature Pentastar V6 Engine

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="2012 Jeep Wrangler"][/caption]

Chrysler is infusing some extra power and a boost of improved fuel-economy into its 2012 Jeep Wrangler.

The new Wrangler will feature Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine that gets 17 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the highway with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

2012 Jeep Wrangler's "Go Anywhere. Do Anything." features:

  • Command-Trac Shift on the fly 4WD

  • Full-size spare tire

  • 16-18 inch wheels

  • Two front tow hooks, one rear (not on sport model)

  • Next generation Dana 30 solid front axle

  • Next generation Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle

  • Full metal doors with roll-up windows

  • Available media center with satellite radio


More on Jeep from GRAutoBlog:
Most Awarded SUV: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
JK-8 Jeep Wrangler Pickup
Classic Jeep’s Last Stand: 83 CJ5 Guest Blog by Bob Wood
Jeep Survivor Concept
Jeep Celebrates 70 Years, Puts You in the Driver’s Seat
45th Annual Jeep Easter Safari Event
Jeep’s 70th Anniversary Revs Up Chrysler Museum

 

Friday, August 5, 2011

Chrysler's New "Imported from Detroit" Project to Raise Funds for Detroit Charities

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560" caption="Chrysler is once more revving up its "Imported from Detroit" campaign with a new philanthropic project."][/caption]

Chrysler and Eminem are teaming up once again to not only incite passion for Detroit, but actually raise money for local Detroit charities in order to have a positive impact in the Motor City community.


Chrysler's commitment to the revitalization of Detroit has evolved from its pro-Detroit advertising campaign, to its "Imported from Detroit" merchandise and is now revving up once more with its new "Imported from Detroit" project.


The project is a web collaboration with the company 8 Mile Style that manages Eminem's song rights. With the slogan "Never Give Up. Always Give Back," the IFD Project will help promote Detroit events and continue the Chrysler legacy of supporting local charities.


Eminem originally lent his starpower, Detroit roots and "Lose Yourself" single to the "Born of Fire" Super Bowl ad that sparked the initial "Imported from Detroit" campaign for Chrysler.


Now Eminem is back, but in a different way.



The rap artist's song, "Lose Yourself," now synonymous with Chrysler and Detroit, has been re-imagined by the "Selected of God" gospel choir who were previously featured in their own "Imported from Detroit" spot.


The re-interpreted "Lose Yourself" is meant not just as an inspirational power-ballad, but as an actual way to raise funds for charity organizations in the community. The gospel version of "Lose Yourself" is available for download on iTunes with all of its proceeds going toward three Detroit charities: Abayomi Community Development Corporation, The Yuinon and Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Foundation.


Interact with the IFD Project on their Facebook page: Facebook.com/IFDProject


More on "Imported from Detroit" on GRAutoBlog:
Chrysler’s “Imported From Detroit” Helps Re-brand Motor City
Chrysler Enlists Detroit’s Own for “Imported” Campaign
Chrysler’s “Imported From Detroit” Campaign

2011 Dodge Durango Named "Top Safety Pick" by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540" caption="2011 Dodge Durango was awarded the "Top Safety Pick" by the renowned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety."][/caption]

The 2011 Dodge Durango has been awarded the coveted "Top Safety Pick" by the ultimate authority on vehicle safety: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Dodge Durango has been completely reworked for 2011 with 3.6 Pentastar V6 engine and a strong body structure that allows the Durango to support 4.67 times its 5,059 lb curb weight.

The SUV earned "Good" ratings for frontal, rear and side impact tests, thanks to numerous advanced features such as its Electronic Stability Control system that has three settings that adjusts for various types of terrain and cargo amounts.

The 2011 Dodge Durango also boasts over 40 safety features including curtain air bags, active head restraints and blind spot monitoring. These features, in combination with the SUV's Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill Start Mitigation and Trailer-sway Control, makes the 2011 Dodge Durango a solid safety pick for the IIHS.

With its new safety award, the 2011 Dodge Durango is joining the ranks of the 7 other Chrysler products that have been named to IIHS's list, including the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which earned the title earlier this year.

To get all the safety details on the 2011 Dodge Durango, read the official Chrysler press release:
New Dodge Durango Named Top Safety Pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.