Autocar reports Volkswagen may be working on a lightweight version of the GTI as a tribute to the model’s bare-bones ancestry. Dubbed “Carbon GTI,” the model is said to make use of a range of new manufacturing techniques to incorporate a heap of carbon fiber and aluminum wherever possible. Pieces like the bulkhead, windshield frame and floor panels are all expected to be hammered from lightweight alloy while the hood and roof will be stitched from the composite. All told, the changes should shave around 440 pounds from the chassis, resulting in a curb weight in the neighborhood of 2,480 pounds. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Volkswagen Finally, Really, Taking Over Porsche
After several snags, fits, stops and starts, and even a temporary fear by executives the deal might not get done, German automaker Volkswagen is all set to close the deal to acquire Porsche. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Volkswagen Agrees To Acquire Remaining Porsche Stake For $5.6 Billion
Volkswagen AG agreed to buy the 50.1 percent stake in the Porsche SE automotive business that it doesn’t already own for $5.6 billion (4.46 billion euros) and fully fold the sports-car maker into VW’s stable of auto brands. Click below to read the rest of the story. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Volkswagen gives its CrossPolo the Storm Trooper look with Urban White edition
We have to admit we’re big fans of the Storm Trooper look. Combining white paint with blacked-out trim, the treatment is one you’d typically find performed in the aftermarket. But in this case Volkswagen is offering it direct from the factory. Or so it is to European customers, anyway. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Volkswagen Designer Claims No Cost Was Taken Out Of Jetta, Passat Interiors
There was a lot of built-up excitement surrounding the larger and less costly 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, but the anticipation deflated among critics when the model’s less-than-impressive interior was revealed to the world. Critics chided the cheapened cabin, and quite a few negative reviews followed. Funk Flex
