Thursday, July 25, 2013

Shark Week 2013 Beetle Convertible

The Volkswagen Beetle - Exclusive Underwater Edition

As if sharks weren't cool enough already, Volkswagen is helping them get around the ocean floor in the stylish, iconic 2013 Beetle Convertible. Although sharks are short on hands, have awful vision, can't pass any driving tests, don't have gas stations or any sort of currency, VW is willing to overlook those shortcomings and take the chance at a profitable endeavor by expanding into the Shark market.

For a test drive, contact your local underwater Volkswagen dealership today.

After further research, our local experts found out that this Beetle isn't actually for the sharks, it's protecting against them. In partnership with marine biologist Luke Tipple, the Discovery entertainment team has developed the ultimate shark observation cage based on the 2013 VW Beetle Convertible. Capable of driving underwater thanks to its electric tri-motor system, Discovery will be able to capture all the action.



  
“As Discovery’s longest-running franchise and TV’s must-see summer event, Shark Week has a loyal audience, which we are proud to engage in this unique sponsorship with Volkswagen,” said Scott Felenstein, executive vice president, advertising sales, Discovery Communications. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Volkswagen, connecting them to our passionate fans to help drive brand awareness and showcase VW’s ingenuity and originality.”

Fans will be able to follow Tipple on his "Sub-aquatic Road Trip" along the floor of the ocean, and see "sneak peeks" into Shark Week's program. Make sure to follow along using the hashtag #SharkWeek and #VWSharkWeek this year. Visit @Discovery@VW, and @luketipple.

When does Shark Week begin? August 4, 2013. You're not going to want to miss this underwater Beetle! If we know Shark Week like we think we do, this Beetle protection cage won't be in the same shape it's in now.

Source: Volkswagen USA

For information on land Volkswagens, visit Betten Imports at www.bettenimports.com.
(616) 301 - 2100

More from GRAutoBlog
Mercedes-Benz Vision Golf Cart
Volvo V60 Coming to USA in 2014
Car of the Month June: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Clean Diesel TDI
Live Market Pricing, CPO? What is that?
Grand Rapids Michigan Summer Cars 2013 | Top 5
Life Around 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD
Volvo Creates Self-Parking Car
Volkswagen Passat Sets New Guiness World Record

Betten Imports
5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Vision Golf Cart


It won't fix your golf swing, but it will take you to go find your ball deep, deep in the woods in the most stylish way possible. In fact, you may just leave your ball in the woods to go race other golf carts, go exploring, and show off to your friends.

Worthy of a golf clap itself, Mercedes-Benz designed the "Vision" Golf Cart around the opinions of hundreds of golf and auto enthusiasts around the world. The best ideas were put into the design from Mercedes-Benz Advance Design Center in Carlsbad, CA. The drawings were introduced during the 2013 British Open.

Inside is exactly what you would expect from a Mercedes. It has plenty of touch screens, not too many buttons, and has the technology that says "Yeah, next year's model will probably come with a caddy."

To see a description of these features, check out the images below. Some that caught our attention were the Air Scarf, which is used to heat up the golfer's neck when it's cold outside, the classic LED headlights, and iPod/iPad docking station. The cart would be solar powered, but also with the option of a plug-in charge. The "Fore" Button is probably the favorite, sparing the golfer's vocal chords to warn other golfers of an oncoming golf ball. Quite intuitive, but hopefully whoever can afford this golf cart can also afford some golf lessons to straighten out that shot.

So maybe we'll see it, maybe we wont, but it gives us the confidence to say that Mercedes-Benz in continuing to give "The best or nothing" based on what their customers want. Whether that's cars, golf carts, helicopters, or lasagna, it's going to be good.
















































Source: Mercedes-Benz, MBUSA

More from GRAutoBlog
Volvo V60 Coming to USA in 2014
Car of the Month June: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Clean Diesel TDI
Live Market Pricing, CPO? What is that?
Grand Rapids Michigan Summer Cars 2013 | Top 5
Life Around 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD
Volvo Creates Self-Parking Car
Volkswagen Passat Sets New Guiness World Record

More from Mercedes Benz on GRAutoBlog:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 | Car of the Month July 2013
Exploring Affordable and Reliable Options for Classic Customization Parts
Updating the Mercedes-Benz Navigation System with New GPS Maps – YourEasy Guide
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Introducing the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Taking Luxury to New Heights: Mercedes-Benz Helicopter
New Musical Homage to Mercedes-Benz Brand
Mercedes-Benz Anniversary Collection
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept Teaser

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Volvo V60 Coming to USA in 2014



Rumored to float across the pond in January of 2014, Americans have long anticipated the arrival of the Volvo V60. Introduced as a 2015 model year, this sportswagon has a sporty appearance, while having the practicality of a wagon. In fact, by the end of 2015, every Volvo model in the USA will have been redesigned. It is the most significant refresh in Volvo's history!
"With the launch of the 2014 model year, all of the car lines in our range with the exception of one will now be less than one year old. The remaining car line, the XC90, will be replaced with an all new version, which will be launched at the end of 2014."
- Doug Speck, Volvo Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service
Notably different on the V60 and the rest of the 2014 models are the widened grille, LED daytime driving lights placement, and full internet access (with wifi hotspot on smartphone). The driving lights stay on full power during the day, then are reduced by 30% brightness at night to save energy contributing to Volvo's 'green' movement in energy conservation. Also, City Safety and a host of safety features now come standard on 2014 vehicles.
"In light of the fact that 75 percent of all collisions occur at speeds of 10 miles per hour or less (16 km/h) and that 50 percent of these occur in city traffic situations, City Safety is an important step forward in helping prevent numerous accidents. Potentially, City Safety could prevent up to 50% of all rear-end collisions."

Remembering that the goal is to have no Volvo-related injuries by 2020, it is the first manufacturer in the world to have this as a standard feature.  Along with this refresh, come some exciting new additions to the interior. The instrument cluster has an option of 3 modes; performance, eco, and elegance (See images).



The category names speak for themselves, but they give the driver different data depending on what mode they are using. Performance mode will tell the driver how much power they are using, and how much they have left. To the left, the screen displays the engine temperature.  In the middle of the cluster, it displays the RPM dial and mph in digital form. This allows for getting optimal performance from your Volvo.


In Eco mode, the driver is able to see the RPMs on the right hand side, while displaying the "Eco Guide" on the left. The Eco guide allows the driver to see exactly how eco-conscious they are driving. The level on the left shows the optimal level for fuel efficiency. If the driver is doing well, they are rewarded with the eco light. The light comes on when the driver is getting the most mpg and being as efficient as possible.


In Elegance mode, the driver is able to see the basic cluster, featuring RPMs, mph, and engine temperature. It is simple, and well, elegant. Nothing flashy, nothing that pops out at you, and nothing to be overly concerned about. For a supreme luxury drive, this mode is for you.

Until the V60 gets here, we'll be thoroughly enjoying the S60 and the XC60 in the same series. We haven't heard any price estimates for the V60 in the USA yet, but we would guess somewhere around $37,000 for the basic package.

Source: Volvo, www.volvocarsus.com


Call Betten Imports for a test drive after January 2014. (616) 301-2100

Betten Imports
5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

More from GR AutoBlog:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 | Car of the Month July 2013
Live Market Pricing, CPO? What is that?
Grand Rapids Michigan Summer Cars 2013 | Top 5
Life Around 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD
Volkswagen Passat Sets New Guiness World Record
Car of the Month June: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Clean Diesel TDI


More about Volvo from GR AutoBlog:
Volvo Creates Self-Parking Car
The Audi A4 vs. Volvo S60 Challenge
The Importance of Taking Your Volvo in for it's 100000 Service
How to Sync Your Phone - Volvo XC60 - Sensus System Bluetooth Tutorial
News From Volvo: Tech Progress and Historical Homage
World's Highest Mileage Car: Volvo P1800
New Report: Volvo City Safety Reduces Low-Speed Collisions
Volvo Concept You
Eco-friendly News from Volvo
Volvo Develops Animal Detection Safety System
Volvo's Concept Universe
Volvo S60 Wins Ward's 10 Best Interiors Award
Volvo Art Session Time Lapse Film

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 | Car of the Month July 2013

Considered "entry level" for Mercedes-Benz, the C-Class can take any human capable of driving for a wild ride. With tight turning, agile steering and quick acceleration, the C-Class can get you from point A to point B faster than you can figure out the answer to "Does a one-legged duck swim in circles?"
Although this is the smallest sedan available from Mercedes-Benz, it has a large personality.

What do we mean by that? Check out the video below, and join Ray Woellhaf from Betten Imports during his test drive in the C300 sport sedan! See the specifications listed below for more details.



MPG: 20 city, 27 hwy
MSRP* $38,950
HP 248
0-60 in 6.0 seconds

Mercedes Benz 2012 C Class C300 C350 Sport Sedan Specs

Read below for the list of standard features on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Sport Sedan. To see the entire list, click here.

2012-C-Class-C350-Sedan-001_MT.jpg

 Performance and Handling
New-Generation 3.5L Direct Injection V-6 engine
7-speed automatic transmission
ECO Start/Stop
4MATIC all-wheel drive
4-wheel Electronic Traction System (4-ETS)
Lowered, sport-tuned suspension
Agility Control suspension
Brake Assist
Adaptive Braking technology
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Power tilt/sliding sunroof

Design
Sport Sedan styling
Sport cabin styling
17-inch twin 5-spoke wheels
3-spoke multifunction steering wheels
Aluminum trim
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
4.5-inch color instrument cluster display


Comfort & Convenience
Dual-zone automatic climate control
8-way power sport front-seats
Auto-dimming rear view and driver-side mirrors
Compass display
Spacious trunk
HomeLink garage door opener
HOLD function

Dual-zone automatic climate control


Audio & Entertainment
AUX IN and USB jacks
HD Radio receiver
Central controller
Hand-free Bluetooth interface
Bluetooth audio streaming

2013-C-Class-Sedan-001_MT.jpg
2012-C-Class-Sedan-071_MT.jpg

Safety
9 air bags - 11 way protection
Attention Assist
Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brake
Pre-Safe
Bi-Xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination
LED Daytime Running Lamps
LED taillamps
Neck-Pro front head restraints
Seat belt technology
Improved Body Structure
Mercedes-Benz mbrace2
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Brake Assist
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
SmartKey
Illuminated entry system
Rain-sensing windshield wipers


Source: Mercedes-Benz, www.mbusa.com

(616) 301-2100
Betten Imports
5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

www.bettenimports.com

More from GR Auto Blog
Car of the Month June: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Clean Diesel TDI
Live Market Pricing, CPO? What is that?
Grand Rapids Michigan Summer Cars 2013 | Top 5
Life Around 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD
Volvo Creates Self-Parking Car
Volkswagen Passat Sets New Guiness World Record

More from Mercedes-Benz on GR Auto Blog
Exploring Affordable and Reliable Options for Classic Customization Parts
Updating the Mercedes-Benz Navigation System with New GPS Maps – YourEasy Guide
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Introducing the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Taking Luxury to New Heights: Mercedes-Benz Helicopter
New Musical Homage to Mercedes-Benz Brand
Mercedes-Benz Anniversary Collection
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept Teaser

Monday, July 15, 2013

Live Market Pricing, CPO? What is that?

We've All Heard the Stories...

Your Best-Friend-Forever - BFF (we will call her Megan), walks into a dealership and confronts the used car salesman about a vehicle she would like to purchase. The greasy salesman reaches deep into his filthy bag of financing, smooth talking, and schmoozing tricks, then comes back to her with an offer that she "simply can't refuse".

Megan, ecstatic about her new vehicle, drives rampant around town throwing caution to the wind, and hair blowing the breeze. A few short months later, the car starts to fall apart - piece by piece. She is constantly going back to the dealership for service repairs, new parts, and making new friends at the dealership that she never wanted in the first place. She ends up paying way more for her car than ever imagined, and she is constantly frustrated.

Fast-forward another month, and Megan starts to do a little research. The car she bought could have been purchased for $3,000 cheaper at another dealership, and she finds out that CPO doesn't stand for "Colorful Poinsettias Outside", no, it stands for "Certified Pre-Owned"! Megan feels betrayed, and that the dealership got the best of her.


Problems. Solved.

Here's the good news. You can solve both of her problems! Megan clearly didn't know about Live Market Pricing approach. A lot of dealerships say that they have the lowest price, but never actually do the necessary amount of research. Maybe they'll scan over a competitor or two and try to beat the price, but that's simply not enough.

At Betten Imports, they are constantly searching over 20,000 websites to find the best deal for their customers. They're looking at all the major and minor websites, like AutoTrader.com, kbb.com, competitor websites, your brother's blog, and Nana's cooking website just to name a few. Maybe those last 2 are a bit exaggerated, you get the point. They are going to hunt down the best price for you, no questions asked. If the vehicle you're asking about doesn't meet specifications at the dealership, they will simply tell you, and won't sell the car. Most dealers try to pass off the older used cars off to anyone who will take them, but not at Betten Imports. Pretty cool, huh?

Had you suggested these tools to Megan, she could have saved the initial $3,000 and could have used that money toward... who knows... her never-ending service issues? Keep reading.

More Good News

The Certified Pre-Owned inspections by Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo are all extremely in-depth, thorough, and rigorous. They are performed by factory-trained technicians, to assure you your vehicle is getting the highest quality inspection. This cuts down on the times you'll need to come in for repairs, simply because the vehicles were better taken care of to begin with. To see the full inspection list, click one of the manufacturers below:


Using time-travel, Live Market Pricing and the CPO program, you can go back in time before Megan bought her car, go to Betten Imports (where the salesmen aren't greasy), and assure her that her vehicle is in the best shape in can possibly be in, and she can got the best deal she could.

This saves her money in the short-run, long-run, fast-jog, slow-sprint, or whatever you want to call it. (Slow spint? Is that a thing?) You can keep your title of BFF, and the two of you can go for a leisurely cruise in her thoroughly inspected vehicle and still afford ice cream at night.


If you have any questions about these programs, please contact us by clicking here. You can also call Betten Imports (616) 301-2100 or visit them:

5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

More from Betten Imports:
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Live Market Pricing
Trade Evaluation
Brochure Center
CarFinder

More from GR AutoBlog:
Grand Rapids Summer Cars 2013 | Top 5
Volkswagen Passat Sets New Guiness World Record
Volvo Creates Self-Parking Car
The Audi A4 vs. Volvo S60 Challenge
Car of the Month June: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Clean Diesel TDI
The Importance of Taking Your Volvo In for Its 100,000 Service
How to Quickly Cool Down Your Vehicle
2013 Volkswagen Golf R at Betten Imports
Betten Imports Introduces New Volkswagen Service Xpress
VW Beetle Fender Edition, TDI Versions Coming this Fall

Monday, July 8, 2013

Grand Rapids Michigan Summer Cars 2013 | Top 5

Prepare for Anything

Grand Rapids' weather is nothing short of a mystery. Over the course of an afternoon, you could be grilling burgers at a cookout, then before you know it, you are hiding in your basement waiting for a storm to pass. But during the summer, the weather seems to be a little more consistent. People emerge from hibernation and join the land of outdoor living with their shades on. The beaches on lake Michigan begin to fill with towels and tanning. People forget about the 8 feet of snow a few short months ago, and start to believe that summer will last forever.

Whether you're headed to Jersey Junction for ice cream, Marie Catrib's for lunch, downtown to watch the Grand Rapids Griffins win the Calder Cup, hanging out at the B.O.B., or to the Amway Grand Plaza for a night, these vehicles will help you enjoy the GR summer in style!

For your convenience, we took a poll from our experts to put together the "Top 5 Best Grand Rapids Summer Cars" for 2013, according to Betten Imports (vehicles will be determined from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo). As you scroll, you'll see how our rankings came out based on overall style, luxury, performance, responsiveness, and summer fun.

We also made up some categories, such as cruiseability, attentiongrabbedness, makeeveryoneelseinGRlookslowability, and beachbumedness. Alright, let's get to the good stuff.


The Results

#5 Volkswagen Beetle


Available in both convertible and hard-top, this is easily the most iconic vehicle on our list. Volkswagen has continued to keep a stylish design even with a car who's look hasn't changed much since 1949. It is always fun to drive, and always seems to be part of the latest trends. 

Quick Facts:
- Beetle Starting at $19,995*
- 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway (28/41 diesel model)
- 170 hp
- 0-60 in 8.0 seconds
- 177 lbs/ft torque


The Beetle is an exciting car to take to anywhere. Hop in, buckle up, and put the top down for an exciting cruise. Take it downtown to ArtPrize, to the beach in Holland, or for a spin around the neighborhood. You won't be disappointed.

"Our summers are short and we need to enjoy every minute of it. The Beetle Convertible is fun to drive, sporty as well as safe. It comes in three different engines to suit all driving habits and of course a classic that everyone of all ages smile at when you are driving by. An affordable, summer must-have!"

More about the Beetle from Volkswagen.


#4 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Sporty handling and a luxurious ride is what defines the newly re-designed Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It comes in 3 different designs: E350 Sedan, E400 Hybrid Sedan, and the E550 4MATIC Sedan.

This vehicle has an extremely quiet, refreshing cabin, along with trend-setting technology featuring bluetooth, HD radio receiver, 6 disc CD/DVD changer, rear-seat entertainment system, and more. Accelerating around turns, this car sticks to the ground like a magnet. This E-Class is the perfect mix of classy, sporty, and sophisticated. Perfect for your trip to Mangimo!, Electric Cheetah, the Green Well, or any other local favorite.


Quick Facts:
- E350 Starting at $51,900*
- 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 302 hp
- 0-60 in 6.5 seconds
- 273 lbs/ft torque

If you really want your E-Class to stand out, you can always add the illuminated 3-pointed star to the front grille. A definite eye-catcher anywhere in Michigan. Or the United States, for that matter.

More about the E-Class from Mercedes-Benz.


#3 Volkswagen GTI

Volkswagen describes it perfectly, "Body of a Volkswagen, heart of a sports car. This is one hot hatch." Get behind the wheel of one of these, and an instant smile grows on your face. You begin to wonder how fast, how much it can take, and how long you can take your test drive before the dealership starts to wonder where you are. 

The thing that sets this car apart from the rest is how much fun it is to drive. Especially in the summer, you'll be looking for excuses to go out and drive it. Yes, even to the neighbor's house. It makes for the perfect road trip car with plenty of space for passengers and luggage in this hot hatch. 

Quick Facts:
- GTI Starting at $24,200
- 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- 200 hp
- 0-60 in 6.8 seconds
- 207 lbs/ft torque 


The interior of the GTI is just as stylish as the exterior, featuring plaid seats, stick shift on select models, and sport mode capabilities. It is also one of the safest vehicles, being an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2013. Strap a roof rack to this hatch and transport your bike anywhere for some summer cycling!

Any trip to a Grand Rapids local favorite will be a memorable one. You'll be visiting San ChezHopCatFrederick Meijer Gardens, or wherever else you choose to joy-ride in style.

More about the GTI from Volkswagen.







#2 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 was the dark horse in our results. Without being as flashy as some of our other picks, it comes through with features, safety, stability, luxury, and overall comfort. Wonderful in the summer, and keeps you safe over the inevitable potholes on the Grand Rapids roads. 
The Volvo S60 is quite possibly the most award winning vehicle we can find:
- IIHS Top Rating in New Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test
- USAA Preferred Best Value Midsize Luxury Sedan
- 5-Star Crash Test Rating
- IIHS Top Safety Pick: Midsize cars
- International Car of the Year
- Ward's 10 Best Interiors Award
- Vincentric's 2011 Best Value in America
- Automobile Magazine All-Star Award
- Ward's 10 Best Engines
- Click here to see the full list

This Volvo features a sport mode for the adventurous types, along with pedestrian detection technology, so it knows when it is going to hit something or someone. Just sitting in this vehicle makes you realize how solid of a car it is. It's heavy and responsive all at the same time.

When driving, you can hardly hear any outside noise. The agility and the responsiveness of the wheel makes you feel like you can handle any turn at any speed. This vehicle is another testament to safety and quality that Volvo is so well-known for. You can't go wrong in an S60.
Quick Facts: 
- T5 Starting at $31,900*
- 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 250 hp
- 0-60 in 6.4 seconds
- 266 lbs/ft torque

Check out the exciting new Polestar edition of the Volvo S60 on Motortrend.com.
More about the S60 from Volvo.


#1 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class AMG

This was the obvious choice for the top spot, make sure to put it on your wish list. Perfect for any season, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is sure to impress anyone who lays eyes on it. Driving this, you'll experience a smooth and quiet ride while enjoying the many built-in luxuries.

With its racing background, rear-wheel drive, and powerful V8 engine, this super sports car is hand-crafted down to every last detail.






Quick Facts: 
- SLS Starting at $199,500*
- 13 mpg city / 19 mpg highway
- 583 hp
- 0-60 in 3.6 seconds
- 479 lbs/ft torque

Caution: This car is a head-turner anywhere you go. Be prepared to handle heavy amounts of staring, whistling, and winking.
Also, your friends will make you drive everywhere. Even though you'll only have room for one passenger at a time, we're positive you wont mind making multiple trips bringing them back and forth. Our suggestion is to only have one friend, although that would be hard having a car this cool.

Where can you find one? We're glad you asked. There is one remaining at Betten Imports, showing off its beauty to everyone who walks in the door. Get it for yourself as a treat, for a friend or relative, or as a gift for your friends at GR AutoBlog.

More about the SLS-Class from Mercedes-Benz.

Sources: Survey, VolkswagenMercedes-BenzVolvo

In conclusion, whether you're cruising down 28th street or picking up speed on 196, we've got the right cars for you to enjoy Grand Rapids to the fullest. Head downtown to enjoy local favorites, and make sure to show off your car. You can be stylish, practical, and enjoy the sunlight as you make your journey to the beach or that road trip you've been putting off.

Honorable Mention:
Volvo C70
Volkswagen Jetta
Mercedes Benz CLS-Class
Volkswagen Golf
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

We hope you enjoyed our top 5 Summer Cars in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Let us know your questions, opinions and other comments by commenting on our blog. Remember, there were a lot of other candidates for the top 5 positions, but we chose the best from Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo based on our expert's opinions.


For more information on any of these vehicles, visit Betten Imports www.bettenimports.com.

(616) 301-2100
Betten Imports
5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

More from GR AutoBlog:
Volvo Creates Self-Parking Car
Volkswagen Passat Sets New Guiness World Record
Car of the Month June: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Clean Diesel TDI
2013 Volkswagen Golf R at Betten Imports
Betten Imports Introduces New Volkswagen Service Xpress
VW Beetle Fender Edition, TDI Versions Coming this Fall


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Life Around 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

The following is a special guest post about the Volkswagen GTD as it compares to the Volkswagen GTI. The GTD is not available yet in the U.S., but there are rumors that it will be coming in 2015. In the meantime, enjoy the article, get excited, and cross your fingers that it's coming here!

Volkswagen made a big step towards getting one of the most efficient car models - the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD. This car model is an improvement of the previous old version and has a higher horse power and engine torque making it more powerful and faster on the road. It has some of the best features and competes well with the GTI. Its diesel engine means more power though and the sound coming from its exhaust has much resemblance with that of a gasoline GTI engine. It is so far one of the best diesel engine innovations. The following is a breakdown of the features of this vehicle.


Features of the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD has been able to compete well with the GTI model and is equipped with the following features:

• The engine runs on diesel
• It is turbocharged; a feature that increases the horse power of the engine
• Has an engine capacity of 2 liters.
• Has a torque of 258 lb/foot.
• Can run as fast as 143 mph 
• The clutch transmission is dual.
• The engine fuel use is economic friendly.
• Can accelerate from rest to 60 Miles/hour (mph) within 7.4 seconds.
• Horse power of 170; very powerful




Efficiency

The engine consumes only one gallon of diesel for every 32 miles, hence can be termed as efficient. These features greatly match with those of the GTI which runs on gasoline. As compared to the old model, the 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD has made the following improvements:
• Horse power improvement
• Addition of a turbocharger in engine of the new model
• An increase in the maximum speed limit to 143 mph.


Body features of the2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD

The vehicle is quite noticeable whenever parked within a couple of vehicles. It has the following outstanding features:
• The rear lights are LED
• Chrome double exhaust pipes
• Great roof spoiler
• GTD wheels 17 inch in diameter
• Nice small steering for sport cars
• Steel pedals (rust protected)
• Well-designed GTD gear shift grip.

The interior of the car is amazing with comfortable cozy seats. These features make this vehicle one of the best innovations in the world of Volkswagen. It is only a few horses behind the GTI and a little slower by a second in the rate of acceleration.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD will remain to be one of the best innovations of the Volkswagen. The vehicle is also economic and environment friendly due to the low fuel consumption and maximum horse power. The exterior design of the vehicle cannot be undermined. The sleek shape enables the car glide through air resistance at speeds above 124 mph. Get this and enjoy the best breath-taking rides in this car. It has all it takes to give comfort and entertaining moments.

About the Author: This guest post was contributed by Sarah Crompton, from Manchester, UK. For UK number help, visit DVLA contact. She is interested in automobile insurance, so she has been writing articles on such category. She loves traveling, shopping, reviewing products and giving her best thoughts to help others.

More guest posts from GR AutoBlog:



Monday, July 1, 2013

Volvo Creates Self-Parking Car

Meet Your New Driving Instructor

Johnny is taking his driver's education test in his parent's brand new 2014 Volvo XC90. So far, he's flawless. He has mastered switching lanes, getting passed on the highway, avoiding the infamous little boy chasing the bouncing ball into the street, and has now come to ...parking.
Johnny hates parking.
He starts to sweat, and he begins wonder if he will ever be trusted with his parent's vehicle again. The instructor asks him to park the vehicle in a crowded parking lot.
Luckily, Johnny remembers what his Dad told him before the test, "wreck my car and you're grounded..." and, "you can park this car with your phone." Johnny gets out of the car, presses the 'park' button on his phone, and walks away with confidence, thanks to Volvo's SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) project.


Concept

Now hopefully the driving instructor wouldn't let Johnny get away with that, but with Volvo's self-parking car, you can leave your car at the door, and it will automatically go find a parking spot for itself. Using a smartphone application, the Volvo will show you where it parked. Using the same app, you can command the Volvo to come pick you up at your location. Although this technology is a concept at this point, it is rumored to be available on the XC90 in 2014.


Test Results

"Autonomous Parking is a concept technology that relieves the driver of the time-consuming task of finding a vacant parking space. The driver just drops the vehicle off at the entrance to the car park and picks it up in the same place later," said Thomas Bromberg, Senior Safety Advisor Volvo Car Group.

If you're wondering if the Volvo will be able to react to other drivers, pedestrians, and other obstacles, the answer is yes. During the test, the vehicle was able to interact with its surroundings and park in an empty parking space effectively.

Source: Volvo

Set up your test drive for the Volvo XC90 at:

Betten Imports
5901 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

For more information on the XC90 click HERE.

More about Volvo from GR AutoBlog:
The Audi A4 vs. Volvo S60 Challenge
The Importance of Taking Your Volvo in for it's 100000 Service
How to Sync Your Phone - Volvo XC60 - Sensus System Bluetooth Tutorial
News From Volvo: Tech Progress and Historical Homage
World's Highest Mileage Car: Volvo P1800
New Report: Volvo City Safety Reduces Low-Speed Collisions
Volvo Concept You
Eco-friendly News from Volvo
Volvo Develops Animal Detection Safety System
Volvo's Concept Universe
Volvo S60 Wins Ward's 10 Best Interiors Award
Volvo Art Session Time Lapse Film