Unbeknownst to us a contest has been going on in Germany to name Volkswagen's new small SUV that's slated to be sold under the Touareg when it goes on sale in Europe next year and eventually in the U.S. VW was apparently displeased with names proposed for the vehicle by its own marketing department and executives were tongue-tied, as well. So they opened it up to the people and asked readers of Autobild, Germany's biggest automotive weekly, to vote for their favorite among five names chosen by the company as candidates. One of the readers who chooses the winning name for the SUV will get one free when it goes on sale. We thought Volkswagen might appreciate the opinion of Autoblog's readership, so we put the question to you: Which name will best suit VW's upcoming small SUV? The candidate names and their definitions follow. Nanuk: Eskimo for small polar bear. Namib: a desert in Namibia. Rockton: a play on the word "rock" and its strength.
BMWs typically have a shelf life of seven to eight years but that won’t be the case for the current X5 whose successor is nearing the end of its development. Though still carrying a lot of camouflage, the prototype reveals a new, more dynamic look dominated by the pronounced shark nose hood and grille treatment. It also reveals that the redesigned X5 will grow in size compared to the third-generation model currently on sale, which should lead to more interior space. 2019 BMW X5 spy video from Motor Authority on Vimeo. The SUV version of the CLAR platform made its debut in the redesigned 2018 X3. One of the reasons for the speedy arrival of the redesigned X5 is to streamline the production process. The CLAR-based SUVs will all be built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. We’ve also heard that the current X5 is facing stiff competition from newer rivals like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. Powertrains in the redesigned X5 should align with the redesigned 5-Series, meaning a choice of 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines. A plug-in hybrid should also form part of the portfolio and there will almost certainly be M Performance and dedicated M versions. In fact, a prototype for the new X5 M has already been spied. Beyond the redesigned X3 and X5, and new X7, BMW has also just added a new X2 and a redesigned X4. The automaker should also be adding a redesigned X6 in the next couple of years.
In 1974, precisely 40 years ago, the first generation VW Scirocco made its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show. The coupe has since enriched the lives of all those motorists who love dynamic performance in an agile, confidently stylish, and affordable sports car. Once again at the recent Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen presented the latest generation of the icon which has sold more than one million units. The all-new Volkswagen Scirocco has been developed further both technically and visually. The all-new Volkswagen Scirocco also appears to be more clearly contoured and wider, due to the bumper surfaces painted in body colour as opposed to being kept black. The narrow "blades" and a black, open-topped frame in the bumper form a striking contrast for light paint. The large cooling air inlet in the lower area of the front section and the upper air inlet are kept black. Together with the XL1 and the Beetle, the all-new Scirocco is also the only Volkswagen where the VW logo is on the bonnet. The front headlights now feature a narrow, convex LED contour underneath the xenon bulbs which looks like an eyelid and functions as daytime running lights. The indicators are placed separately in the outer regions of the bumper, with fog lights as well as the daytime running lights in the standard version.
31,550. The entry-level Palisade SE features a stylish exterior with a bold grille that is flanked by automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights. Other highlights include privacy glass and 18-inch alloy wheels. The eight-seat interior is sparely equipped, but owners will find air conditioning and an 8-inch Display Audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There’s also a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, second row power folding seats and an underfloor storage compartment. On the safety front, the model comes standard with Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Parking Distance Warning and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection. Other highlights include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and a Rear View Monitor with parking guidelines. 33,500 and has a more premium appearance thanks to a satin chrome grille and satin chrome door handles with integrated “welcome lights.” The model also has silver roof rails and side mirrors featuring integrated LED turn signals. The cabin is also more luxurious as it boasts a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with an air ionizer.
Other niceties include second row captain’s chairs, power lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat and a proximity key with a push button ignition. 44,700 Palisade Limited goes even further as it has a “premium” grille, dual sunroofs and LED lighting units. The model also has a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, a self-leveling rear suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels. Moving into the cabin, drivers will find premium Nappa leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation. Other upgrades include heated / ventilated seats, ambient lighting and a wireless smartphone charger. Rounding out the highlights are power third row seats, a head up display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and an 8-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar adjustment. Regardless of which model is selected, all Palisades are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 hp and 355 Nm of torque.
