Volkswagen Eyeing Golf R400, Van For US Market
Aside from its crossover-SUV expansion, Volkswagen has some plans for its overall United States lineup, including the possibility of seeing the Golf R400 and a van in the showroom.
Automotive News reports the automaker is close to making a decision on producing the 395-horsepower concept, which made its debut at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show last April. The move to press forward, however, depends on “good conditions,” per development boss Hans-Jakob Neusser.
As for the van, Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn says either the Caddy or next-gen Crafter are likely candidates to take on the likes of the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster City.
Meanwhile, a few models will be cast into the crusher of history to further VW’s crossover/SUV-heavy strategy, with the Eos — which made up 1 percent of the automaker’s 2014 U.S. sales with 3,411 sold — high on the list.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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Volkswagen's mode of product evolution seems to consist of an executive waking up in the morning, wondering aloud to the automotive press about xxxxxxx, and then going to product planning and seeing if it's feasible, followed by a trip to marketing to see if they want to sell it here. Whatever happened to the GTD that was definitely coming to the US? How about that AWD Golf Sportwagen that was going to make up 50% of all Sportwagen sales? Neither of the van nor the R400 touted by Mr. Horn will ever see our shores.
Can I has new Westfalia Syncro camper w/turbo diesel plz? Kthx.
Volkswagen, 2.0 turbo, dual cam phasing, balance shafts, audi valve lift, both direct and port injection, dual clutch transmission, all wheel drive with multiplate in tow, 400hp and 330ft-lbs. I cant think of a better recipe for a disaster. Be sure to purchase the extended warranty, you will need it.
If VW can drastically improve quality and reliability they'll have a chance at removing Toyota from the top. If they give Americans another disastrous van like the Routon then forget it...