Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thank You, Frank and Rose, for This 5-Star Review!
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“Two thumbs up for the dealership and a first class salesman…” Frank and Rose
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Volkswagen Beetle R-Line Coming To U.S.
The next aggro-microcar to make it stateside will be the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line, adding a little German juice to the battle between small cars with big power.
That’s according to Car And Driver, who reports that the Beetle R-Line will go on sale in the U.S. this coming Spring. Volkswagen sells a Beetle R-Line convertible in Europe, but only the hardtop coupe will make it to American roads. That’ll be just fine, if you ask driving enthusiasts.
The Beetle R-Line is the latest in a series of small performance cars, as American buyers finally seem to be warming up to their combination of performance and efficiency. You don’t need a Mustang to own driving excitement anymore, and Volkswagen will be looking to take advantage after competitors like the Ford Focus ST and FIAT Abarth have warmed the market up to the idea.
Volkswagen hasn’t released any specs for the U.S. version Beetle R-Line, but judging from the Euro edition, we can expect to see a handsome and buffed-up Beetle.
The appearance gets an immediate upgrade with a new front bumper and chrome trim on blacked-out air intakes, plus a special rear diffuser and aero skirts. Standard are 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch black or white wheels are optional on wider rubber. On the inside, a flat-bottom steering wheel and R-Line badges throughout the cabin distinguish the Beetle R-Line from the base car.
The Euro version doesn’t include any power upgrades, but that could change by the time the Beetle R-Line finds its way to the U.S. We’ll be watching closely to see whether Volkswagen adds more grunt to the aggressive little insect.
Courtesy of automedia.com
Thank You, Joe, for This 5-Star Review!
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“Huge selection, great price, salesman was very friendly, and knowledgeable…” - Joe
Monday, December 17, 2012
Helpful maintenance tip!
Did you know your key chains may lead to ignition wear out? The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. Reader's Digest suggests lighter key chains!
Congratulations, Derek, on This 5-Star Review!
"Good job! I would recommend my friends to buy from here..." - Jashtam
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Lights. Camera. ACTION.
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Volkswagen Passenger Cars delivers 5.22 million vehicles in period to November / +11.2 percent
Courtesy of Volkswagen pressroom
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
$89.95 Radiator Flush
VW fans! Don't wait any longer. Take care of your vehicle this winter with this great offer on a radiator flush!
Click here to see this offer and others!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
2013 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE: PRACTICAL FUN FOR FOUR
• Takes the classic Convertible silhouette, but reinterprets the design in a sportier, more dynamic fashion
• The most fuel-efficient convertible on the highway: EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 41 mpg from the TDI® Clean Diesel model with a manual transmission
• Three engine options: torquey 2.5-liter five; frugal 2.0-liter TDI; and powerful 2.0-liter TSI® turbo. Six-speed automatic is standard on the 2.5
• Fast-acting softtop opens in 9.5 seconds, can be operated at speeds of up to 31 mph
• Split-folding rear seat makes this a highly practical convertible
• Standard safety features include Automatic Rollover Support System
• Available features include Fender® Premium Audio System, Keyless access with push-button start, leather seating surfaces, and navigation
Los Angeles, Calif. - The latest Beetle has been an instant success for Volkswagen since it went on sale in September 2011 as a 2012 model. And that success will continue with the introduction of the Beetle Convertible, the sportiest and most dynamic version of the iconic softtop seen so far.
Ever since the type 15 Convertible from 1949, the Beetle has been one of the most popular open-top cars built. More than 330,000 examples of the first Beetle Convertible were manufactured over a 32-year span, while another 234,619 New Beetle Convertibles were produced in an eight-year period. The New Beetle Convertible was not a straight copy of the original, but a reinterpretation and development of it. And that’s the case with the third-generation Beetle Convertible. Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer, Volkswagen Brand says: “Retro is not our thing: we are always looking forward. Volkswagen has reinterpreted the Beetle Convertible’s timeless design with a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, just as it did with the Beetle Coupe. The car is substantially wider, has a longer hood, and has a more upright windshield that sits further back than before. The standard rear spoiler reinforces the car’s sporty look.” At launch, there will be three special edition Beetle Convertibles that evoke three distinct decades in American cultural history—the 1950s, the 1960s, and the 1970s. The ‘50s Edition Beetle Convertible is classic and classy in black with a tan interior. The ‘60s Edition has groovy two-tone seats and Denim Blue paint that gives a nod to blue jeans, the most ubiquitous fashion statement of the era. And the ‘70s Edition Convertible harks back to the more sophisticated side of the decade with a Toffee Brown exterior and chrome-look disc wheels. ExteriorThe Beetle Convertible retains the bold, purposeful stance of the Coupe, thanks to wider tracks and a longer wheelbase than the previous New Beetle Convertible. Compared with the 2006 version of the older car, the latest Beetle Convertible is 3.3 inches wider at 71.2 inches; 1.1 inches lower at 58.0 inches tall; and 6.0 inches longer at 168.4 inches overall. A convertible bodyshell is less rigid than a coupe’s because the upper part of the structure is open, so the Beetle Convertible’s body needed reinforcements. This included the use of partial body reinforcements and sheetmetal with greater strength such as:
• The A-pillar’s interior bar is 0.5 mm thicker and made from ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel instead of cold-formed metal. There is also a reinforcement in the “bend area”
• The front roof crossmember has an additional central plate
• Additional tubing made of ultra-high-strength (hot formed) steel between the B-pillars as well as a stronger heel plate
• More sheetmetal in the lower body sidemembers
• An extra rear panel that integrates the Automatic Rollover Support System is made of high-strength steel Due to the targeted use of materials and laser welding of selected parts, the body stiffness was increased by 20 percent over that of the New Beetle Convertible: the torsional rigidity is now 17.8 Hz. Top up, the Beetle Convertible has an even lower roofline than the Coupe’s. The top lies flat when it’s lowered, giving good visibility: the flexible leatherette top boot tidies up the appearance and is also a nice retro touch. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional softtop because it allows for a roofline that’s more like the original 1949 type 15’s. Also, a softtop takes up less space than a folding hardtop, thus giving more trunk space. The heatable rear window is made of tempered safety glass. The softtop’s outer shell itself is made from three layers: an outer one of polyacrylic woven fabric; a middle layer of synthetic rubber; and an inner lining of polyester. Underneath, there’s a three-layer design for the insulation, made from polyester nonwoven fabric, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) insulating fleece, and polyester spunboard. The headliner is made from foam-laminated fabric. The result is a snug top that yields remarkably low levels of wind noise. The top is powered by two electric motors and latches and unlatches automatically at the touch of a button, which is located on the upper rail of the windshield surround. The top takes just 9.5 seconds to stow and 11.0 seconds to be raised: the difference is in the time it takes to latch the roof’s header to the windshield. The top can be raised and lowered at speeds of up to 31 mph, unusually high for a convertible. Pressing and holding the button opens the top, while pulling and holding closes it. The side windows automatically drop when the top is opened and are raised when it closes. There is an indicator light located in the instrument panel. Trunk space remains the same whether the top is open or closed. An integrated wind blocking system is available on the Beetle Convertible as a Volkswagen Genuine Accessory. It is housed in the trunk under the convertible top area and can be safely and neatly stowed when folded and not in use. The storage compartment for the wind blocker is designed to allow full use of the trunk area. Interior
The Beetle Convertible’s interior styling, ergonomics and quality build off the themes that were introduced with the Coupe. Klaus Bischoff says: “The shape and use of color for the dashboard harkens back to the design of the very first Beetle models and helps to create a highly individual cabin. The simple layout and clean graphics are the same as the Beetle Coupe’s, which has been a success with consumers and critics alike.” Three round gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge), providing all key information at a glance. A multifunction display is integrated in the speedometer, which is housed in the central position in the binnacle. The steering wheel is specially designed with colored accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. Framed by two air vents, the audio/navigation system is optimally located in the driver’s field of vision on the dashboard. Within easy reach, the climate controls are situated just below. Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated into the dashboard—the kaeferfach or “Beetle bin”. The lid folds upward, while the standard glovebox opens downward. Another classic feature is the auxiliary instrumentation package located above the audio/navigation system that consists of an oil temperature gauge, a sport chronometer, and a boost pressure gauge. This is standard on the Turbo and TDI Clean Diesel models. All 2013 Beetle Convertibles are exceptionally well equipped. The base 2.5-liter model has standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; an eight-speaker sound system with aux-in; Bluetooth® technology; a Media Device Interface with iPod® cable; three-color adjustable ambient lighting; heatable front seats and exterior mirrors; cruise control; and V-Tex leatherette seating. Available features include a multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel, Keyless access with push-button start, leather seating, the RNS® 315 navigation system, the award-winning Fender® Premium Audio System, and Sirius XM® Satellite Radio. Even though the latest Beetle Convertible has a sleeker and sportier roofline than the New Beetle Convertible, front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful. The longer roof section results in 0.5 inches more rear-seat headroom. Front legroom is improved, too, by 1.6 inches, and front shoulder room grows by 2.5 inches. Overall, the interior volume has increased from 78 to 81.4 cubic feet. The trunk is larger, offering 7.1 cubic feet of space, compared with the New Beetle’s 5.0 cubic feet. A split-folding rear seat—new on this Beetle—allows the car to carry bulkier and larger items than is normal with a convertible. Engines and Transmissions
The 2013 Beetle Convertible offers the following powertrain combinations: the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission; the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with six-speed manual or six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmissions; and the 2.0-liter TDI turbocharged Clean Diesel with the same manual or DSG options. The 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder has dual chain-driven overhead camshafts with variable timing on the intake side, four valves per cylinder, and an aluminum-alloy cylinder head. The engine makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The turbocharged dual-overhead-cam, 16-valve, 2.0-liter, direct-injection, four-cylinder engine in the Turbo makes 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, delivered from just 1700 rpm. With the DSG transmission, the Turbo gets EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway; for the Turbo with the six-speed manual, the figures are 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The Beetle TDI uses the company’s 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection Clean Diesel engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The car has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 41 mpg highway when equipped with the manual transmission, making it the most economical convertible on the highway today. Dual-clutch transmission advantages: DSG combines the comfort and ease-of-use of an automatic with the responsiveness and economy of a manual. The six-speed, transversely-mounted DSG unit features two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the “odd” gears—first, third, fifth and reverse—while the other operates the even gears. Essentially it is two gearboxes in one. With DSG, the set-up allows the next-higher gear to be engaged but remain on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the Beetle is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision. Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second. In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a Tiptronic® function to permit manual gear selection. Suspension
All Beetle Convertible models are fitted with a strut-type front suspension with lower control arms and an anti-roll bar: on the Turbo’s sport suspension, the bar’s diameter is increased from 22 mm to 23 mm. At the back, all models get a multi-link independent rear suspension with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an 18-mm-diameter anti-roll bar. All Beetle Convertibles have standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBD). The Convertible and TDI Convertible have 11.3-inch-diameter vented front discs and 10.7-inch-diameter solid rear disc brakes. The Turbo has larger 12.3-inch-diameter vented front discs, with red calipers. To help ensure that power is applied properly in challenging conditions, the Turbo model features the XDS® cross differential (limited-slip) system that electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction. Safety and Security
The starting point in the Beetle Convertible’s safety armory is a very rigid body structure that uses seamless laser welds and ultra-high-strength hot-formed steels in the crash-load paths. In a convertible, it’s important to have protection in the event of a rollover accident, which Volkswagen has addressed with a reinforced front roof crossmember, strengthened A-pillar, and the Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the rear bench seat-back, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they help to provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Front and head-thorax airbags are also among the standard equipment. The Beetle Convertible includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collision. The Beetle Convertible is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5000-mile oil change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.
Model Line-up
Beetle Convertible
The Beetle Convertible, which has a starting MSRP of $24,995, comes standard with: six-speed automatic transmission; leather-wrapped steering wheel; manual air conditioning; Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod adapter; three-color adjustable ambient lighting; Bluetooth technology; heated front seats; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; eight-speaker sound system with aux-in; cruise control; and power adjustable, heatable side mirrors. The ‘50s Edition adds leather seating surfaces, chrome exterior mirror caps, and “Heritage” wheels; it costs $26,095.
Beetle Convertible with Technology
Opening at $26,695, this trim adds the following to the Beetle Convertible’s standard equipment: a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; Keyless access with push-button start; Premium VIII touchscreen radio; high-line trip computer; and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Beetle Convertible with Sound and Navigation
In addition to the features on the Beetle Convertible with Technology, this adds: 18-inch “Disc” aluminum-alloy wheels; the RNS 315 navigation system; and the Fender Premium Audio System. The Beetle Convertible with Sound and Navigation starts at $28,495. The ‘70s Edition adds chrome exterior mirror caps and a unique Toffee Brown metallic color, for an MSRP of $28,595. Beetle TDI Convertible
Starting at $27,895, the TDI receives the following equipment that’s additional to the Beetle 2.5L’s: six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; Keyless access with push-button start; a leather-wrapped gearshift knob; Sirius XM Satellite Radio; the Premium VIII touchscreen radio; and the auxiliary instrumentation cluster. The six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is an $1100 option. Beetle TDI Convertible with Sound and Navigation
With a base price of $29,195, this version takes the TDI’s standard equipment and adds the RNS 315 navigation system and the Fender Premium Audio System.
Beetle Turbo Convertible
Starting at $27,795, the Turbo adds the following equipment over the 2.5L model: a six-speed manual or DSG automatic transmission; a sport suspension; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; aluminum-alloy pedals; black-finished exterior mirror housings; front foglights; a leather-wrapped gearshift lever; and the auxiliary instrumentation cluster.
Beetle Turbo Convertible with Sound
This package adds a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; Keyless access with push-button start; the Premium VIII touchscreen radio; the Fender Premium Audio System; a highline trip computer; and Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The base MSRP is $29,195.
Beetle Turbo Convertible with Sound and Navigation
The topline Beetle Turbo starts at $31,195 and adds: leather seating surfaces, door trims, and dashboard; sport seats; and the RNS 315 navigation system. The ‘60s Edition has two-tone leather seats and Denim Blue paint: available only with the DSG transmission, it is priced at $32,395.
Courtesy of Volkswagen USA Media Newsroom
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
FREE MULTI-POINT INSPECTION
Come in for a tune-up! Checkered Flag Volkswagen will make sure your vehicle is ready for winter!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Lang Lang becomes Volkswagen Group ambassador
Wolfsburg, Germany - A multi-year cooperation agreement was signed today between Lang Lang and Volkswagen. The world renowned pianist will represent the Group as a cultural ambassador. As part of the partnership, Lang Lang will arrive at his concerts all over the world in vehicles from Volkswagen.
“Lang Lang is a unique musician and a role model for young people everywhere in the world. With his work he builds bridges between countries and cultures. We are therefore delighted to be working closely with Lang Lang over the coming years,” declared Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Executive Chairman of Volkswagen AG. With his high artistic standards and his commitment in particular on behalf of the young generation, Lang Lang is the ideal partner for the Volkswagen Group.Since 2008, the Chinese-born pianist has been promoting musical education for young artists through his Lang Lang Foundation. In China, Volkswagen Group’s largest market, Lang Lang has also opened two art centres in order to give children access to music and to comprehensively promote and support young talent. In addition to numerous international honours, since July the musician is the holder of the German Federal Cross of Merit. It was awarded to him for his outstanding services in support of German musical culture. As one of the best pianists of our time, Lang Lang is active in Germany and many other countries, not only giving concerts but also running special courses for pupils and students with a special interest in music. The cooperation with Lang Lang forms an integral part of Volkswagen’s commitment to culture, within the scope of which the Group supports leading artistic and cultural establishments and looks for an intensive and constructive dialog between the worlds of art and industry. Amongst others, the Group’s partners include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and MoMA PS1 in New York and the dOCUMENTA.
Courtesy of Volkswagen News
Monday, November 26, 2012
Thanks to all of our wonderful customers for these amazing reviews!
"I bought my new VW Beetle not only because of how great the car was, but also because of how INCREDIBLE nature of our sales representative Duman Ugur..." -Jason J.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCHES WORLDAUTO® PROGRAM
Herndon, VA - Volkswagen of America today announced it has launched WorldAuto®, the Volkswagen brand’s first global used car program focusing on both pre-owned Volkswagen and non-Volkswagen vehicles.
Volkswagen, which recently reported a 35.6 percent increase over prior year sales and 26 consecutive months of year-on-year growth in the U.S., posted 6,864 certified pre-owned sales - a new record for the month of October. VWoA anticipates WorldAuto® will help its dealers increase customer satisfaction in the used car segment. WorldAuto® is a unique Volkswagen-sponsored used car program that includes automobiles outside the Volkswagen brand. Volkswagen dealers will have the advantage of offering not only Volkswagen vehicles, but also different brands of cars that are inspected and protected through a third-party provider, with the attributes typically found in standard Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) programs. To date, every Volkswagen dealership has passed the comprehensive internal training requirement for the WorldAuto® program. “We developed the WorldAuto® program to enhance used vehicle values and support the Volkswagen Dealer Network in providing excellent customer service,” said Scott Weitzman, General Manager of Volkswagen’s used car programs. “Through WorldAuto®, customers can choose from a wide variety of high-quality used vehicles on the Volkswagen dealership’s WorldAuto lot. We are strong in the used car market, and if you want to grow, you need to attract new customers that will trade other brands. We’re not growing with the market, but above the market. We’re supporting our dealers.” WorldAuto® vehicles are defined using two different program names: Certified Pre-owned (CPO) for eligible Volkswagen vehicles and Quality Pre-Owned (QPO) for eligible non-Volkswagen vehicles. Vehicles that qualify for the WorldAuto® program may be up to six years old and have up to 75,000 miles on the odometer. The CPO warranty is a two-year or 24,000-mile (whichever occurs first) comprehensive limited warranty administered by Volkswagen of America, Inc., which starts when the new vehicle limited warranty expires, or on the date of sale of the CPO (whichever occurs later). Every CPO Volkswagen vehicle comes with: • 24-month/24,000-mile Limited Warranty• Two years of 24-hour Roadside Assistance (provided by a third-party)
• 112-point dealer inspection report
• CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
• Complimentary 3-month Trial of SiriusXM® Satellite Radio The QPO warranty is a one-year or 12,000-mile (whichever occurs first) limited warranty which starts on the date of sale of the WorldAuto® QPO. The QPO warranty is administered by the JM&A Group of companies, among the largest independent providers of automotive finance and insurance products. Every QPO vehicle comes with: • 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty
• One year of 24-hour Roadside Assistance (provided by a third-party)
• 112-point dealer inspection report
• CARFAX® Vehicle History Report
• Complimentary 3-month Trial of SiriusXM® Satellite Radio WorldAuto® vehicles are inspected and reconditioned to like-new standards by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians. They come with the peace of mind customers seek: comprehensive warranty coverage, roadside assistance, rental coverage and more.
Courtesy of Volkswagen USA News
Monday, November 19, 2012
Keep up the great work VW team!
"Great experience! As a return customer, you have outdone yourselves again! The nice touches throughout the dealership makes time go by quickly. Thank you again!" -Lee S.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Check out this weekend fun film festival!
A film fest like no other: One of the world’s “coolest” film festivals, according to MovieMaker Magazine, is the traveling Disposable Film Festival. See short films or videos produced using nonprofessional cameras and done on the cheap through Dec. 30 at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach.
From the promoter:The Disposable Film Festival was created in 2007 to celebrate the democratization of cinema made possible by low cost video technology. The festival promotes experimentation and
2200 Parks Ave.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Price: $5-$7
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thank you for this great review!
"I love my new car and Duman made it an easy and fun experience. He was great to work with, I will definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a new car..." -tictacchic
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
November Special Offer!
Stop in for our FREE winners world class complimentary multi-point inspection!
Details: Valid only at Checkered Flag Volkswagen. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Checkered Flag Volkswagen for complete details. Offer expires 11-30-2012
Click here for this offer!Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Volkswagen Group of America Dedicated to Helping Those Devastated by Hurricane Sandy
Herndon, VA - The Volkswagen of America Foundation, on behalf of the Volkswagen Group of America, announced today that it will make an immediate donation of $500,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief to provide support for affected areas across the Northeast.
"Given the scale of the storm and its severity in several states throughout the Northeast, the Volkswagen of America Foundation has decided to provide resources to the American Red Cross, who can then allocate the resources where needed," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "It is our hope that this donation will provide some relief to those affected and help them rebuild their communities and their lives." The donation will help cover costs of shelter, food, recovery and other assistance to families affected by the storm. Volkswagen would like to express their thoughts and concern for all of its customers, dealers, employees and their families who have been affected by the storm. Additionally, Volkswagen will provide matching funds to any employee donations made to the American Red Cross or the organization of their choosing. The Volkswagen of America Foundation was formed by the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. to make grants to organizations that provide disaster relief.Courtesy of Volkswagen USA News
Keep up the great work Volkswagen team!
"Matt Seyfert not only took time to answer questions that took some research, but, he also involved other staff to ensure our complete satisfaction and assurance in our vehicle." -StephML
Monday, November 5, 2012
Winter Safety!
Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It’s a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter.
Keep up the great service Jon!
"Jon was very helpful in showing us the working of our new Passat . He got everything done on a sat night one hour before the stores closing." -Tim B.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Checkered Flag Volkswagen - Service Reviews
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nov 01, 2012
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nov 01, 2012
Thanks for this terrific review Lisa!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Keep up the great work Argo & Lamont!
"I'm impressed with their professionalism and customer service. I never felt the pressure to buy the car I wanted for my daughter..." -aacastro96
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HYBRID: EFFICIENCY WITHOUT SACRIFICE
Herndon, VA - Introduced for the 2011 model year, the highly successful sixth-generation Jetta welcomes a new member to the family—the 2013 Jetta Hybrid. This advanced member of the Jetta range ushers in a new generation of hybrid vehicles, capable of achieving excellent gas mileage without the traditional sacrifice of driving enjoyment.
Exterior
The Jetta Hybrid retains the sleek, upscale, and timeless styling present in the rest of the model line. While the most obvious differences are the blue-highlighted VW emblem, hybrid badging, and unique wheels and front grille, the Jetta Hybrid adds a number of key features that help maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize road resistance.
The Jetta Hybrid’s advanced powertrain is highlighted by a unique set of displays inside the car. Taking the place of a traditional tachometer is the Jetta Hybrid’s “Power Meter”, which is a novel rethink of traditional instrumentation. The dial starts at “OFF,” (essentially zero rpm), which is followed by a green “regeneration” section (active during braking) before reaching the baseline drive-ready state, which is represented with a “0.” This begins a blue section of the dial that signifies the most efficient driving style, alternating between electric and gasoline engine power; the half-blue section that follows it indicates times when only the gasoline engine provides power while charging the battery. At the dial’s “6” position, the blue markings are gone and the vehicle is utilizing the gasoline engine’s power without charging the battery. The final step is the boost mode at “10”: marked like a traditional redline, this demarcates the point when the electric motor and gasoline engine are working together to achieve full system output. Situated to the right of the Power Meter and between the two gauges is the car’s standard Multi-Function Instrument, which shows ambient temperature, gear selection, the trip computer, a second audio display, and driver settings. In the Jetta Hybrid, this screen also presents the car’s drive state and the “ePower meter,” which includes the level of battery charge and the available amount of electric driving (“E-Max”) On the SE model and above, the radio/navigation system’s touchscreen in the center console also doubles as a detailed visualization of the powertrain’s operation. One example of this is the emissions statistics screen, which displays a bar graph showing the minute-by-minute percentage of zero-emissions driving in relative percentages (the previous 30 minutes are shown). The display also shows a diagram of the car and its underlying powertrain, with orange and blue areas (gasoline and electricity, respectively) representing exactly where power is coming and going at any given time and in any given drive mode. The display also includes the monitor for the rearview camera on the SEL Premium model. All Jetta Hybrids are well equipped, with high-quality materials and plenty of chrome accents. The entry-level Jetta Hybrid has Climatronic® automatic dual-zone air conditioning, which is able to operate without the engine running. It also incorporates a “Max AC” feature, which removes any guesswork and simply achieves the desired temperature as quickly as possible. The cabin’s cooled air is subsequently fed into the hybrid battery pack for cooling. Other features on the Hybrid include standard Bluetooth connectivity and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The SE model adds a Media-Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable, the Premium VIII touchscreen radio, keyless access with push-button start, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. The SEL has a six-way power driver’s seat and the RNS 315 radio/navigation system, while the SEL Premium has the Fender Premium Audio System as standard equipment. The result of an exclusive collaboration between Volkswagen and one of the music industry’s most iconic brands, this 400-watt system features a 10-channel amplifier. In turn, this feeds four tweeters (two mounted in the A-pillars, two mounted in the rear doors), a 50-watt woofer installed in each door, and a 100-watt subwoofer box mounted under the rear shelf. Engine and Transmission
The star of the Jetta Hybrid show is unquestionably a powertrain that’s unique in the compact hybrid segment. Combining a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor, the Jetta Hybrid is able to achieve a perfect balance of power, efficiency, and cleanliness. The gasoline engine is one of Volkswagen’s latest EA211 series of small engines. This features many improvements over the previous EA111 generation, including lightweight aluminum construction, an integrated (into the head) exhaust manifold, and a toothed-belt drive for its double overhead camshaft valvetrain that incorporates variable intake timing. In fact, the only aspect to be carried over from its predecessor is the 82 mm cylinder spacing. The cylinder bore was decreased by 2 mm (to 74.5mm) while the stroke was increased to 80mm, a change which not only helps compactness, but also increases torque and presents an ideal canvas for adding boost (turbocharging or supercharging)— something the engineers at Volkswagen have spent many years perfecting. The 1.4-liter TSI® engine in the Jetta Hybrid features a 10.5:1 compression ratio, direct fuel injection, and turbocharging to produce 150 hp at 5000 rpm. This engine’s turbocharging system offers incredible boost response thanks to its cleverly designed intake manifold, which enables the use of a surprisingly small, single-scroll compressor. The intercooler, uniquely, is integrated directly into the injection-molded induction pipe. This design generates maximum torque of 184 pound-feet at 1600 rpm. A hybrid also needs electric power. For that, the Volkswagen engineers employed an innovative hybrid module—a single, integrated unit that incorporates both the electric motor and the clutch that connects it to the engine. This water-cooled motor can add 27 horsepower (20kW) to the mix, as well as a constant 114 lb-ft of torque. Combined, the system puts out 170 hp at 5000 rpm and184 lb-ft of torque at an impressively low1000 rpm, giving the car incredibly smooth acceleration. (The maximum torque is limited by the transmission.) An 11.9-gallon fuel tank provides gasoline for the engine and a high-voltage battery placed above the rear axle powers the Jetta Hybrid’s electric motor. This 60-cell system produces a total voltage of 220 V, rated energy of 1.1 kWh, and pulse power of 32 kW. This battery pack is equipped with high-tech cooling and management systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability. An industry first, the Jetta Hybrid connects its powerplant to the pavement via a seven-speed, DSG® dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This DQ200 transmission is the most efficient unit in Volkswagen’s DSG arsenal and employs a dry-clutch design, as opposed to the wet-clutch arrangement seen in many other Volkswagen products. This unit can be operated as a pure automatic (“D” mode) or shifted manually. There is also a sport setting (“S” mode). Thanks to the refined powertrain and features such as a newly designed exhaust system, an acoustic windshield, and thicker front side windows, the Jetta Hybrid is the quietest car Volkswagen has offered in the compact sedan class.
Full Suite of Hybrid Functionality
The powertrain management and integration truly makes the Jetta Hybrid stand out among other hybrid offerings. The powertrain provides a full suite of hybrid functionality, including use of the electric motor to boost power output, exceptionally efficient regenerative braking, and all-electric, zero-emissions operation. Electric Mode: The Jetta Hybrid starts up as an electric vehicle and will remain like this up to speeds of 37 mph, dependent on how hard the driver wants to accelerate and on the topography. In this mode, the gasoline engine is stopped and is actually entirely disconnected from the drivetrain to eliminate any loss in efficiency through parasitic drag. Even though the engine isn’t working, the HVAC and electrical components like the audio system continue to operate. Although not designed for long-range, all-electric driving, the car can remain in this mode for more than a mile, given the right circumstances. If the driver selects the “E-Mode” button to the right of the shift lever, the zero-emissions, electric mode is maintained up to 44 mph and allows for more aggressive gas pedal inputs. This mode requires adequate battery charge and temperature: if the battery is depleted, the system will reactivate once it has regenerated enough power.
Turbo Power: Above 37mph (44 mph in E-Mode), when the battery level is low, or there’s a demand for additional power, the Jetta Hybrid taps into the turbocharged engine. Once the driver has depressed the gas pedal the required amount, the clutch immediately and seamlessly closes, thus starting the gasoline engine. Once operating, the engine delivers more power than is needed in order to charge the battery pack. Boosting: If maximum acceleration is needed (either through kickdown in “D”, or with the shift lever in “S” or in the manual gate), the system will begin “Boosting”. In this mode, the electric motor works in conjunction with the gasoline engine, assisting it to achieve the total system output of 170 hp. During these periods of “active boost” assistance, the primary role of the electric motor is to increase the powertrain’s output. There is also a “passive boost” state, in which the electric unit takes over accessory power, leaving the gasoline engine to focus on sending all of its power to the transmission. (Theoretically, this is the same as eliminating the parasitic drag created by a conventional car’s alternator.) Regeneration and Coasting: While the gasoline engine charges the battery during non-boost states, this requires energy and thus, fuel (albeit a minimal amount). The only truly “free” way of sending charge back to the battery is through regenerative braking. This process occurs whenever the driver applies the brakes, causing the Jetta Hybrid to convert the kinetic energy (in the form of heat) generated by braking into electricity in the battery. The Jetta Hybrid increases the amount of regeneration by decoupling the engine from the drivetrain, reducing drag caused by engine braking and also increasing the amount of retardation needed (and thus heat). The engine is also shut off and is decoupled from the driveline to eliminate drag caused by the engine’s torque at higher speeds—up to 84 mph—when the driver releases the gas pedal. This helps to save fuel when, for instance, the car is going down a gentle slope or is coasting to a halt. Frugal … And Sporty: The Jetta Hybrid is able to achieve excellent fuel economy: the manufacturer estimated combined figure is 45 mpg. Despite this impressive efficiency, the vehicle is still able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 8.6 seconds, and continue on to a top track speed of 125 mph (electronically governed in the U.S.). To emphasize the Jetta Hybrid’s sporty credentials, a modified car set a number of records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during the Southern California Timing Association’s World Finals in October. The car now holds the H/PS class record—for production-based cars with engines of less than 1.5 liters that use forced induction—at 186.313 mph, as well as the highest top speed ever recorded for a hybrid, at 187.607 mph. These are impressive numbers for a car with such a small engine that also utilizes a full hybrid powertrain—and proof that the 2013 Jetta Hybrid isn’t your typical offering in this segment. Suspension
The Jetta Hybrid features a suspension designed for lively handling, as well as comfort and stability. The front end employs damper struts with lower control arms and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the car uses a multi-link, independent layout featuring gas-pressurized dampers and separate coil springs. Combined with Volkswagen’s latest electric power steering system, the Jetta Hybrid offers predictably precise, sporty road manners without sacrificing smoothness or comfort. This is an especially noteworthy achievement in a segment that has historically stressed efficiency at the expense of an enjoyable drive. Safety and Security
Like the rest of the Volkswagen family, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid places a strong emphasis on safety. This begins with an extremely strong body structure that uses hot-formed steels and is meticulously designed to optimize the vehicle’s performance in front, side, and rear impact crashes. The Jetta Hybrid comes standard with front and side airbags for front-seat occupants, as well as Side Curtain Protection® airbags for both front and rear seats. It also features numerous electronic driving aids and safety systems, including Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Brake-Pressure Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). Additionally, the Jetta line employs Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), which unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard lights, as well as shutting down the fuel system in certain types of collision. The 2013 Jetta Hybrid is offered with the Carefree Maintenance Program at no extra charge. This covers all scheduled maintenance during the car’s standard new car limited warranty period of three years or 36,000 miles.
Model Line-up Jetta Hybrid
Available exclusively through special order, the Jetta Hybrid begins at just $24,995. It includes all interior and exterior Hybrid-specific features, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, Climatronic dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system. Jetta Hybrid SE
The Jetta Hybrid SE starts at $26,990, and adds several significant features over the Hybrid. These include LED taillights and keyless access with push-button start, as well as the Premium VIII touchscreen audio system with color energy flow display in the center console. Also included is the Media-Device Interface with iPod® cable and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Jetta Hybrid SEL
The Jetta Hybrid SEL variant starts at $29,325. This takes all the features of the SE trim and adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a power tilt and slide sunroof, the RNS315 touchscreen navigation system, and heated seats with power adjustment on the driver’s side. Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium
The top-tier Jetta Hybrid is the SEL Premium, starting at $31,180. This includes all the specifications of the previous versions, but adds Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs and the Active Front-Lighting System (AFS), foglights with cornering lights, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and the exceptional Fender Premium Audio System.
Courtesy of Volkswagen USA News
Monday, October 29, 2012
Hurricane Safety Tips!
Hey fans! Make sure you stay safe out there. Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Here is a government safety tip to keep in mind while preparing for Hurricane Sandy.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.Friday, October 26, 2012
Keep up the great service Bob!
"Overall, everyone was really helpful, funny, and polite. I have already told my friends about Checkered Flag VW and the people there..." -Mel075
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Complimentary Multi-Point Inspection with any service appointment
Come in an get your free winners world class complimentary multi-point inspection with any service appointment!
Details: Valid only at Checkered Flag Volkswagen. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Checkered Flag Volkswagen for complete details. Offer expires 10-31-2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Volkswagen is proud to have supported Parkinson’s sufferer and athlete with two Touareg SUVs
New York, NY., - After approximately 3500 miles of cycling, running, and kayaking across America, Parkinson’s sufferer and activist Alex Flynn arrived in New York City at the end of his latest mission to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds to find a cure. Accompanying him every inch of the way were two Touareg SUV support vehicles, provided by Volkswagen of America.
Flynn, a trained athlete diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, departed from Santa Monica, Calif. on Wednesday, September 5 and finished in New York City on October 10. The Trans America Challenge is one of a series of endurance events that Flynn will tackle in his mission to travel 10 million meters (6,213 miles) and raise £1 million ($1.5 million USD) for Parkinson’s research by 2014. See alexflynn.co.uk for more details. At the end of his epic adventure, Flynn said: “I truly never thought I would still have the energy left to make it to the finish. My legs are testament to the fact that we are all capable of anything in our lifetime, regardless of what challenges we face. I am in awe of all of the support I have had, from The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Volkswagen to the deVere Group, Orbea, the Clorex Group, Garmin, Saucony, Buff, and OMM. We couldn’t have done it without the Touaregs: they were the perfect cycling support vehicles.”Courtesy of Volkswagen USA
Great job team on this five-star review!
"I highly recommend Jason to anyone looking for a new car. Besides him being a genuine person, he was a huge help..." -Kkremer7
Monday, October 22, 2012
Shout out to our great customers for these great reviews!
"He was very professional, and did not approach me with high pressure sales techniques. Potential customers you'll enjoy the service..." -wolfeyes
Friday, October 19, 2012
Keep up the great service David & Jason!
"This dealership was a part of the Navy Federal Tent Sale, which shows how reputable the dealership is to Active Duty military members. The process was surprising simple and David made it very easy for me to purchase my new car. Thank you for being so attentive and patient." -Kate
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Five-stars for Amanda! Great work!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Turning old into new – 65 years of Volkswagen Genuine Exchange Parts
- Industrial remanufacturing of engines, gearboxes and components celebrates anniversary
- Almost 89 million parts sold under the Exchange Parts program
- Customers save an average 40 percent
Wolfsburg – An idea born of necessity during the post-war period has today become a successful concept that not only protects the environment but also goes easy on the pocketbooks of Volkswagen customers. For 65 years now, old parts have been industrially remanufactured, becoming as good as new – or sometimes even better. In total, some 7.9 million engines, 2.9 million gearboxes and over 78 million other components have been sold under the Exchange Parts program during this period.
Volkswagen’s “exchange parts business” began in 1947 with the remanufacturing of Beetle engines. Today, some 450 employees work in engine remanufacturing at the Baunatal plant. Each year, around 48,000 engines in 490 variants, 60,000 cylinder heads in 220 variants and 49,000 gearboxes in 550 variants are reconditioned. Thanks to technological progress, even advanced common rail engines and DSG dual clutch transmissions can be reconditioned today. The current range covers over 16,000 exchange parts from 63 product groups. The advantage for customers is that they save an average 40 percent on Genuine Exchange Parts compared with the price of new parts, but still enjoy the same quality, functionality and warranty. The Exchange Parts program not only benefits customers, but also helps to protect the environment. The amount of steel saved each year is approximately 7,000 metric tonnes, enough to build another Eiffel Tower in Paris. This underscores Volkswagen’s responsible approach to energy and raw materials and makes an important contribution to sustainability. The Group has set its sights on becoming the world’s leading automaker in both economic and ecological terms by 2018. The “Think Blue. Factory.” program brings together all ecological activities at Volkswagen plants with a view to meeting this target.Courtesy of Volkswagen
Monday, October 15, 2012
Thanks to all of our wonderful customers for these amazing reviews!
The staff was great and the best service I have received ever from a dealership.."-GHibner
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thanks for this awesome review Michael D!
"Thank you to Checkered Flag, USAA, and the entire team of exceptional professionals that made this an anniversary to remember for my wife!" - Michael D.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Five-Stars for the Checkered Flag Team!
" I am now the proud owner of a 2012 Jetta and I have to say it was an amazing experience..." -samos003
"This was by the best car buying experience I have had..." -ckroboth
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Volkswagen Unveils the New 2013 Beetle Convertible
Herndon, VA - Today, Volkswagen unveils the latest Beetle Convertible, the third-generation of the iconic VW ragtop. Like its predecessors—the type 15 from 1949 and the 2003 New Beetle Convertible—the curvaceous convertible offers the perfect combination of practicality and fun for four.
In creating the latest version of the Beetle Convertible, Volkswagen has reinterpreted the Beetle Convertible’s timeless design with a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, just as it did with the latest Beetle coupe. The combination of a flatter roofline and a more upright windshield gives the car a shape that’s more closely aligned with the first generation of Beetle convertibles. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional soft-top rather than incorporate a folding hardtop on the car. When the top is down, it lies flat, giving good rear visibility. Although the top looks compact when furled, it’s actually wide and long when in place, an action that takes a little over 10 seconds at the touch of a button. Inside, the Beetle Convertible retains the design cues that have made the latest Beetle such a hit with consumers, such as the body-color dashboard and the stylish gauges and trim. The spacious cabin has space for four full-size adults and is able to carry plenty of luggage: a fold-down split rear bench seat increases the practicality even further. In any Volkswagen, safety is paramount and to that end, the company has developed an Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the back of the rear bench seat, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash. Along with the fixed A-pillars, they provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Driver and front passenger combined head-thorax airbags are also among the standard equipment. The new Beetle Convertible will be available in the United States with three engine options. The entry-level powerplant is the familiar 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel four-cylinder engine makes 140 hp and 236 lb-ft, but just as importantly delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 41 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission. (A six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic is also available with this engine.) Finally, the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® four-cylinder, which makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft, can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic. Beetle Convertible pricing for the U.S. will be announced closer to launch, which occurs in the last quarter of 2012.Courtesy of Volkswagen Newsroom
Monday, October 8, 2012
Great job team! Keep these five-star reviews coming!
"We were treated respectfully and made to feel that our purchase was as important to the garage as it was to our family..." - Jay R
Friday, October 5, 2012
Five-Star Service from our Five-Star Service Team!
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 28, 2012
This was truly a very very random act of kindness by the staff of checkered today. When I drove up to the service door a gentle came out and changed my license plate panel because it was bent I had a free winners edge state inspection I received a free oil change I received a world class vehicle interactive inspection with walk around I received a much needed free car wash.
I am so grateful to Checkered Flag Volkswagen, because I lost my job a few months ago and I would not have been able to afford all of these services. I appreciate your excellence in customer service. Thank you again.Props to Amanda for great customer service!
"My husband and I had a very pleasant experience at Checkered Flag VW. I appreciate the attentiveness of our salesperson, Amanda Beaulieu and also the fact that there was no pressure..." -Jane M.