Volkswagen's New Compact Coupe Hybrid Wins AutoWeek's 'Best Concept' Editors' Choice Award at 2010 North American International Auto Show
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is proud to announce that their latest concept, the New Compact Coupe (NCC) Hybrid, has been named the "Best Concept" by AutoWeek at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Every year, editors from AutoWeek search the halls of the world's biggest auto shows, and pick their favorite vehicles on display. The NCC, with its advanced TSI gasoline-electric full hybrid system, fresh styling, and a Grand Touring-style interior, is Volkswagen's latest alternative fuel powertrain concept with an eye to the future. Along with the winning vehicles in three other categories from the show, the NCC was announced as winner of the "Best Concept" Editor's Choice award this morning, at the 2010 AutoWeek Design Forum held in Detroit.
"There are many worthy concepts at the 2010 NAIAS," said Wes Raynal, editor of AutoWeek and AutoWeek.com. "In the end, the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe takes the top concept award. We were struck with how finished the car looks considering it is a concept - it looks very close to being production-ready. That it is also a hybrid is a bonus."
"It is a tremendous honor to have the NCC declared as the best concept among the dozens of other inspiring designs being shown here at the 2010 NAIAS," said Stefan Jacoby, President, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The NCC stands as Volkswagen's most realistic vision for how full hybrid vehicles will be able to satisfy the everyday needs and desires of today's drivers. Volkswagen showed how you can have fuel efficiency, excellent design, and a dynamic driving experience all in one vehicle."
The New Compact Coupe is powered by a combination of Volkswagen's 1.4L TSI turbocharged and intercooled gasoline engine, making 150 horsepower and a usable 177 lbs.-ft. of torque, and an electric drive motor with 27 hp. Both units can work together, with the electric motor providing an added boost of power, or the NCC can run in full electric mode. All told, the NCC is capable of achieving a combined fuel economy rating of 45 mpg. A seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox® (DSG®) transmission keeps power on tap while aiding efficiency, and the electric motor can help to recharge the lithium-ion battery pack during braking.
Outside, the NCC features an aggressive front end with all-new Bi-Xenon headlights, LED running lights, and large, inset cooling ducts. An elegant profile is developed through emphasized curves, a high tornado line, and large 19-inch wheels. The fastback roofline flows into a integrated rear spoiler, while a lowered stance, wider track, and "Tungsten Silver Metallic" paint finish the dynamic looks.
Plush sport seating covered in light leather awaits all four occupants, accented by darker, "Grigio Quartz" elements. A leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with multifunction controls stands next to the 8-inch touchscreen entertainment system. The rear passengers have access to the center console that extends through the cabin with built-in climate controls, armrest, and hidden storage.
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MileOne has gone social
If you haven’t already stumbled upon our Facebook page, found us on twitter, read an article from our blog or watched a rough cut video from our Youtube pages then it’s time to start.
Don’t worry; there are no marketing gimmicks in place. MileOne is getting involved in our community and we want you to be a part of it. Sure, our interests are still in automotive but our primary focus is you, your friends and your family.
Tell your stories; share pictures of your new car, discuss opinions on cars you are thinking of purchasing with your new MileOne friends. What better way to decide what your next car should be than to ask people who are already driving them?
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Jay Leno test drives a Tango electric car
It may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing car out on the market, but the Tango electric car does have Jay Leno’s stamp of approval. And in the auto industry, that speaks volumes.
The pencil-thin, yet surprisingly-fast electric car was the subject in the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. In the episode, Leno talks with the inventor of the Tango, Rick Woodbury, and the two discuss the uniqueness of the car despite its rather peculiar appearance. In a rare moment of seriousness, Leno looked as if he was genuinely interested in what Woodbury had to say, which is pretty significant because the comedian wastes little time in trying to crack jokes at other people’s expense. One particularly important point that was stressed was the Tango’s use of lead acid batteries as compared to the lithium-ion variety, which Woodbury admits the company still doesn’t have the budget for. Nevertheless, the inventor of the Tango stressed that the company is preceding plans with putting lithium-ions in the Tango in the near future.
After their conversation, Leno then takes the Tango out for a ride and is pretty impressed with the ride, even saying that the car’s unique ability to split lanes – according to 63 police officers Woodbury asked, all of them have said that it’s perfectly legal – makes it the perfect traffic buster.
Another Leno quip that made us crack was when he said that the Tango’s the only car that you can hang both your arms on both windows. The man hasn’t lost his touch.
What year did Maryland shatter the snowfall record with 40.5” of snow in the month of February?
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
De-salt your car
With the ice and snow over the past few weeks, most of us have been driving around on salted roads (or at least those of us who were lucky enough to get salted roads!). What you may not be aware of is that salt can cause damage to your car. It can cause corrosion and can speed up rust, which is particularly relevant to older cars. Without getting too scientific on it, salt increases the electrical conductivity of water and so accelerates corrosion.
Now that the cold spell seems to have subsided, it is probably a good time to give the car a good wash and try and get rid of the salt off the bodywork and undercarriage of the vehicle. Make sure in particular to wash the underside of your car to get rid of the salt which will have bounced up from the roads. When you’re washing the car make sure also to get the mud and muck out of the wheels and wheel arches. Give rubber, trims, door seals and tyres a good wash and rub also. If you’re using a hose at home make sure it has a high pressure nozzle so that you can get the water at power into those hard to reach places.
You may also find that your car mats have turned white in sections. This can be caused by road salt from your shoes. Mostly this can be removed with soap and water but if this doesn’t do the job you can also try some vinegar diluted with water.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
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February of 2003 was the snowiest February on record in Baltimore, with accumulations that totaled 40.5 inches at the airport.
