The world premiere of the new Volkswagen Scirocco stunned the world as the German auto manufacturer presented the 239 kW (325 PS) version of the new Volkswagen Scirocco at the well-known GTI Meet at Wörther Lake. A team of iconic drivers will begin the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in the sports version of the Scirocco for two days later. The new Scirocco, consequently, will be the main attraction at two trendy occasions for car fanatics at the same time. Volkswagen will be showcasing the racing version of the Scirocco GT24 at Wörther Lake in a world premiere.

"This car doesn’t need to be driven to look fast. The Scirocco GT24 with the blue-white finish sits so low on its extended wheel wells that a hand will not fit between the wheel arch and the tyre. Yet the race car remains unmistakeably a Scirocco from every angle. Just even wider, even longer and even lower," says Volkswagen Chairman for Development Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, who will not be sacrificing the chance to get behind the wheel in the race to be held in the Eiffel.

In addition to this, the 325 PS Scirocco will be driven as well during the race by legendary drivers such as world champion Carlos Sainz and Hans-Joachim Stuck, three-time winner of the 24-hour Nürburgring race. Before I forget, "Striezel" Stuck won the very first 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 1970. The Scirocco GT24 is competing thirty-eight years later today. Everyone is looking forward to this event for another thrilling moment to be placed in history books once again.

Without having to merge the Scania (SCVb.ST: Quote, Profile, Research), MAN (MANG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and VW truck brands, Volkswagen can mangle benefits from joint truck operations, according to Martin Winterkorn, VW Chief Executive on a newspaper interview.

"We do not need to merge the three brands to benefit from synergy effects. We will not make one single company out of three strong brands, says Winterkorn.

According to reports, last March, VW agreed to take majority control of Sweden’s Scania and is the biggest investor in MAN with a stake of approximately 30 percent, prompting speculation VW could elevate its MAN venture to a majority and form a massive automotive group as well. Furthermore, according to the VW Chief Executive, the approach is to employ a variety of brands while saving money on joint technology and purchasing. Volkswagen, Europe’s biggest carmaker, also makes light commercial vehicles in Europe and heavy trucks in South America.

The Auto Channel reported that Volkswagen’s largest shareholder, Porsche SE, has stated that it plans to lift its stake to a majority once it clears anti-trust obstacles, but Winterkorn said VW would still set its own course.

The headlines accounted Winterkorn would not rule out MAN’s taking over VW truck operations in Brazil at some stage, quoting him as saying: "That is certainly one of several imaginable options.

"Porsche SE, under whose roof the VW stake is being administered, will not make operative decisions for Volkswagen as an automotive company even in the future. Volkswagen’s heart will continue to beat in Wolfsburg,” added Martin Winterkorn.

Volkswagen’s dual charged TSI engines have bagged the "International Engine of the Year Award" in the category "1 litre to 1.4 litres" for the third time. It wasn’t a twist of fate for those who doubt the capabilities of the 103 kW (140 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS) TSIs. These two are charged by both a turbocharger and a supercharger, are among the most efficient petrol engines in the planet today…Now that’s the bottom-line! Oh yes, they really deserve it.

The motto for these engines is "maximum dynamics with minimum fuel consumption". And that’s the reason why the jury, consisting of 65 journalists from 32 different countries across the world, has unanimously agreed with the result according to one jury member. Dr Rüdiger Szengel, Head of Petrol Engine Development, accepted the award for Volkswagen.

"Our TSI engines have set the standard since their introduction in the performance class of 90 kW to 125 kW. They achieve new levels of economy for petrol engines while providing performance that offers real fun. We take it as a compliment to the entire development team that our TSI has won again in the displacement class to 1.4 litres,” says Dr Rüdiger Szengel.

Furthermore, an additional honor highlights the Volkswagen Group’s huge proficiency in building engines. On the other hand, Audi notched first place in the category 1.8 litres to 2.0 litres with the 2.0 TSI.

Volkswagen has done it once again; for the third time around…Hopefully, by next year, we’ll see the Volks at the winning spot again. Congratulations and cheers!

When it comes to quality and practicality, Volkswagen cars are among the most preferred vehicles in this type of category. Just recently, the Volkswagen Rabbit became known as Consumer Reports’ top-rated inexpensive hatchback following tests of six models for their next issue. The VW Rabbit outplayed the Mazda3, which is the formerly top-rated hatchback of Consumer Reports’.

The Auto Spectator reported that the VW Rabbit was evaluated next to five other multipurpose small sedans; the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix, Saturn Astra, Mini Cooper Clubman, and the Scion xD.

"With agile handling and a versatile, well-finished interior, the Rabbit feels solid and is a pleasant car to drive. The Rabbit has commendable fit and finish, a versatile interior, and agile handling," says David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

Furthermore, the Rabbit earned an "Excellent" total score in CR’s tests. In fact, the Rabbit is the model in the range to notch this kind of rating. On the other hand,  the Subaru Impreza and Matrix were graded "Very Good" overall, while the Astra and Mini Cooper achieved lower rankings, although they were included in the "Very Good" range. The xD was the lowest rated vehicle in the group, scored "Good" overall.

According to CR’s experts, the vehicles in this group performed double duty as people and cargo haulers with four doors, large tailgate openings, usable back seats and seating for up to five.

"As gas prices continue to soar, hatchbacks make sense for anyone used to the utility of an SUV but ready for a smaller, more affordable and efficient alternative," Champion added.