Audi Begins Production of New Q3 SUV in Spain

The first series production version of Audi’s new Q3 small SUV rolled off the assembly line today at the SEAT factory in Martorell, located in Spain’s Catalonia region. Built in 1993, the Martorell plant currently employs more than 10,000 workers. This is the first time that the Ingolstadt-based automaker makes use of the SEAT factory. To build the Q3, the VW Group invested around €330 million in infrastructure and upgrades to the production facilities. Audi said around 100,000 Q3s are slated to leave the three-shift assembly line each year. Read more »

A Photo Tribute to the Ladies of the 2011 Wörthersee Show

Having brought you all the automotive-related news from the 2011 Wörthersee Tour including the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet in GTI and R formats, the 503HP Audi A1 and the Skoda Fabia RS2000 Convertible, now it is time for us to share with you something related but far more spicier if you catch our drift…

Yes, that is right; we are talking about a photo gallery of the booth professionals and ladies who made their presence felt in full force at the world’s largest annual Volkswagen Group meeting, which took place in Austria from June 1 to 4. Hop over the break to get a taste of what you missed at Lake Wörthersee in our photo set that includes more than 70 images.

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2010 Seat Exeo ST Pictures

2010 Seat Exeo ST

2010 Seat Exeo ST

2010 Seat Exeo ST

2010 Seat Exeo ST Interior

2009 Seat Ibiza FR Pictures

2009 Seat Ibiza FR

2009 Seat Ibiza FR

2009 Seat Ibiza FR Interior

Complete List of VW Group's 178 Models Sold Worldwide

In the rare case that you have ever wondered how many and what type of vehicles the VW Group sells worldwide, then you've come to the right place. As we learned from the company's 2009 Facts and Figures booklet, the VW Group currently sells a total of 178 passenger cars, SUVs, sportscars, LCVs, busses and trucks spread across nine different brands - Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Scania, SEAT, Skoda and VW Commercial Vehicles. You can check out the complete list that includes photos of all models right after the jump.

VW Mid-Engine Roadster to Spawn SEAT and Skoda Variants

Citing inside sources, German car magazine 'Auto Motor und Sport' is reporting that the VW Group is planning to introduce SEAT and Skoda variants of its forthcoming mid-engine roadster that will be based on the BlueSport concept unveiled at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Due to arrive sometime in 2012, VW's edition of the roadster will most likely be offered with the firm's TSI / TFSI gasoline and TDI diesel engines.

While a SEAT variant of the mid-engine roadster sounds logical given that the Spanish brand is supposed to be somewhat sporty (as long as it comes with a unique styling and a lower price tag than the VW's proposal), a Skoda version doesn't really make much sense in our opinion.

The Czech automaker has made a name for itself as a producer of reasonably priced family cars and we can't see how a two-seater roadster fits into this image. Unless VW has other plans for Skoda, producing a third variant (maybe even forth if Audi gets its own version) will only confuse the Group's buyers and most probably, lure away customers from SEAT.

Via: AMS (Photo: Carscoop)

New Limited Edition SEAT Ibiza Black

Continuing its color-coded trail in the UK market, SEAT has announced the release of yet another special edition model, this time based on the Ibiza 5dr 1.4 Sport. The Ibiza Black's production is limited to 150 examples in the UK and aside from the black hue, it comes equipped with a range of styling extras including unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, tailgate roof spoiler, dark tinted rear windows and a set of 17-inch alloys.

Air conditioning, sports seats, electric windows, six-speaker radio/MP3-compatible CD with steering column-mounted remote controls and Aux-in socket, leather steering wheel and gearknob, trip computer and integrated front fog lights with cornering function are all standard. Prices for the 85HP-strong Ibiza Black begin from £12,345 RRP.

New Seat Exeo Sport Tourer Breaks Cover

Having unveiled the sedan version of its rebadged previous-gen Audi A4 at the Paris Motor Show last October, SEAT is moving ahead with the presentation of the station-wagon variant of the Exeo that will make its global premiere in Geneva. Called Exeo ST that stands for Sport Tourer, the SEAT-branded A4 Avant will go on sale accros Europe before next summer with an engine range and equipment list that is identical to the for-door model. The only differences will be a longer body, at 4.666 meters in length, and a boot capacity of 442 liters.

The Exeo ST's initial range will include three petrol engines – VW Group's undying 102HP 1.6-liter, a 150HP 1.8-liter turbo and the 200HP 2.0 TSI, and two diesel versions – the 143HP and the 170HP 2.0-liter equipped with the DPF particulate filter and common rail technology. The entire range is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and complies with the stringent EU5 emissions legislation that becomes effective in 2011. Like the sedan, the Exeo ST is available in three trim levels, Reference, Style and Sport.

2009 SEAT Altea Range Receives Minor Facelift

Along with the updated Leon hatchback and the new Exeo Sport Tourer, SEAT will also take the covers off the facelifted Altea range that consists of the standard model, the long-wheelbase XL and the Freetrack crossover in Geneva. Since the Altea MPV is a Leon spin-off, it comes to no surprise that all three variants feature similar styling changes with the hatchback. These include the new grille and headlamp treatment plus a larger rear window which now wraps the corners of the car.

Likewise, the Altea's interior has been updated with a revised instrument panel, central console and door panel trim and materials. Under the hood, the 2009 Altea continues to be offered with a range 10 different engines choices, five petrol and five diesel all of which have been updated in way or another according to SEAT.

Geneva Preview: 2009 SEAT Leon Facelift with Styling Tweaks and Revised Engines

At next month's Geneva Motor Show SEAT will showcase the facelifted Leon hatchback featuring minor cosmetic revisions and an updated engine range. On the outside the most identifiable traits of the 2009 model concern the newly shaped grille with the smaller SEAT logo, larger headlights and new door mirrors while at the rear, there's a larger window that now covers the whole length of the hatch and restyled tail light clusters which bring to mind the word "Alfa Romeo"... Inside, SEAT's designer have made modifications to the instrument panel, central console and door panel trim and materials.

The Spanish automaker claims that all available engines on the Leon have all been tweaked for better performance and reduced fuel consumption figures and emissions levels. These include the more powerful 2.0 TSI engine that now delivers 211 HP and the arrival of common rail technology to the 170 HP 2.0 TDI engine. Furthermore, all the versions equipped with the DSG automatic sequential gearbox, now also available on the seven-speed 160 hp 1.8 TSI, feature shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Other improvements for the Leon facelift concern the addition of the XDS electronic system that works in conjunction with the ESP as a self-blocking differential, the Hill Hold Control, dual xenon headlights with AFS and daytime driving lights, a new climatiser and new audio equipment, cornering foglights, front and rear parking sensors and an optical parking system displayed on the new navigation system.

Video: SEAT Exeo Sport Tourer 3D Renderings

Volkswagen Group's Spanish subsidiary SEAT has released a new teaser video of the Exeo Sport Tourer which, as we informed you in a previous post, will be revealed at the Geneva Show in March. With the Exeo Sport Tourer the firm's German bosses are giving the previous Audi A4 Avant a second chance in life as the differences between the two models are limited to a few styling adjustments on the front and rear end of the car.

Like the sedan variant, the Exeo Sport Tourer will be launched with three 4-cylinder petrol-engines ranging a 102 HP 1.6-liter unit to a 2.0-liter TFSI producing 200 HP and three common rail Diesel engines with outputs ranging from 120 HP to 170 HP.

Via: es.Autblog.com

Geneva Show: SEAT to Reveal Leon and Altea Facelift, and Exeo Break

Despite the gloomy outlook on the automotive sector, this year's Geneva Salon looks like it is going to be packed with new cars that will be making their world premiere at the Swiss show. The latest piece of information to come by our hands is that VW Group's Spanish brand SEAT will take the veil off the facelifted Leon and Altea range that includes the Altea XL and Altea Freetrack crossover, as well as the station-wagon variant of the Exeo that as you already know, is in essence a re-skinned previous-gen Audi A4. We'll have more details on all the new SEATs closer to the opening of the Geneva Show in March.