2013 Volkswagen Golf MkVII Rendered, Again: Styling Comes Into Focus

As the seventh-generation VW Golf nears production, we’re getting a better idea of what to expect. The new car will be lighter, more efficient, and more agile than the current, sixth-generation Golf thanks to an entirely new architecture called MQB. That’s German for “Modularer Querbaukasten,” or modular transverse platform. It will be used throughout the VW Group, and the vast economies of scale will allow VW to spend the money where it counts. Expect premium-class technologies, dual-clutch transmissions, engines with up to 300 hp (a figure reserved for the next R model), hybrid and electric versions, and a level of material quality unknown to this vehicle segment. Many—but not all—of these goodies will be offered in the U.S.

The styling gets more angular and aggressive, and our artist also predicts a few glitzy elements. The front bumper is graced, Passat-like, with cornering lamps and fog lights surrounded by chrome strips, and chrome also intersects the taillights, which resemble the units used on the current Golf cabriolet. LED daytime running lights, which will be part of a European-market xenon package, create a visual signature. A rising line that runs from the front to the rear wheel arches helps to mask the height of the Golf’s flanks.

We dig what we see—even if it is only a well-educated guess—and we’re eager to see if and by how much the MkVII Golf improves on the excellent MkVI.

Illustrations by Christian Schulte.

Tags: Volkswagen, Volkswagen Golf |

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2013 Ford Focus ST Headed to L.A. Auto Show; Debuting New Torque-Steer Compensation System

Good news, everyone. The long-awaited Ford Focus ST is coming to the 2011 Los Angeles auto show. If you didn’t know yet, the Focus ST is essentially the same car worldwide (except for a wagon version that we won’t see here). What does this mean? It means that the Focus ST we’ll see in L.A. is pretty much the same Focus ST we saw in Frankfurt, which you can read about here. Official North American horsepower figures haven’t been announced yet, but in Europe the car makes 247 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, so expect our version to arrive with numbers in that neighborhood.

More news: the ST will come with a torque-steer compensation scheme using its electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS). When the system senses torque steer, EPAS reacts by varying the torque of the power-assistance motor to dampen out the effects of torque steer. Unlike the trick (and expensive) RevoKnuckle found on the previous Ford Focus RS, torque-steer compensation deals with the symptom and not the cause. But still, we’re excited to see how the Focus drives when it comes out early next year.

Oh, and there also will be that sweet turnkey Focus race car, dubbed ST-R. It too is the same as the one we saw in Frankfurt but we’ll happily take another peek at its awesomeness in L.A.

Tags: 2011 L.A. auto show, American, auto shows, Ford, Ford Focus, Ford Focus ST, Ford Focus ST-R, hatchback |

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Ford Releases Pricing for 2012 Focus Electric: $39,995 Before Tax Credit

Ford announced that its upcoming 2012 Focus Electric will be priced at $39,995 before the current $7500 federal EV tax credit and any additional regional incentives that may apply. That may seem like a lot of money for a Focus—even at the post-credit price—but at least pretty much every creature comfort available on gas-powered Focuses comes standard. That includes a Sony audio system, SYNC infotainment with MyFord Touch and navigation, rear parking sensors, a rear camera, push-button start, and a slick, five-door body that, thankfully, looks nothing like the Nissan Leaf. (Unfortunately for eco-egotists, however, it looks like a lot of other Focuses.) Ford also has launched a Focus Electric configurator, though with only one option—leather seats for $995—there aren’t a lot of decisions to make.

The first markets to gain access to the 2012 Focus Electric are in California and New York/New Jersey, where the car faces the aforementioned Leaf, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, and the extended-range Chevrolet Volt. By the time the Focus Electric reaches the other 15 markets in which Ford plans to sell it, there may be others in the EV mix as well. In the meantime, to see how the Focus Electric’s 70-mile estimated range, 23-kWh battery pack, and 123-hp motor stack up against the competition, check out the comparison chart below.

Tags: Ford, Ford Focus, Ford Focus Electric |

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