Episode #209 -Saving Volkswagen
About this episode
A lively discussion on the current state of Volkswagen and how to revitalize the brand takes center stage. The hosts, Frank and Chadwick, humorously dissect Volkswagen's lineup, noting its financial struggles and the confusion surrounding model availability. They debate the merits of keeping iconic models like the GTI while suggesting a return to simpler, more affordable offerings. The conversation touches on the impact of Dieselgate, the challenges of the electric vehicle market, and the need for a fresh approach to attract loyal customers back to the brand.
Despite a lack of payment from OEMs for all of the consulting the fellas have pushed out in these "Saving" brand episodes, the homies sit down and do their best to save VW. Does anyone actually know or care what VW makes today outside of the GTI and Golf R? Let's see what bad ideas the dudes have in mind to bail out this German icon.
Mercedes-Benz
"...Although, you know, Porsche. Porsche and Mercedes-Benz would like to have a word."
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury car brand from Germany that makes high-end vehicles known for their comfort and advanced technology. They are often seen as a status symbol.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. The brand is recognized for its innovation, safety features, and high-quality engineering.
Volkswagen Passat
"...because there's some, some of their products I really like. For instance, I have a, you know, an early 2000s Volkswagen Passat live at auction on cars and..."
The Volkswagen Passat is a car that people often use for family trips or commuting. It has a lot of space inside and is comfortable to drive.
The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size car that has been produced by Volkswagen since 1973. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and a range of engine options, making it a popular choice among families and commuters.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...they said that, hey, just kidding, we can't sell the ID. Buzz because we're sort of incompetent..."
The ID. Buzz is a new electric version of the classic Volkswagen bus. It's meant to be environmentally friendly and has a retro design that many people love.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric microbus that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It was designed to appeal to both nostalgia and contemporary eco-conscious consumers.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...t from appreciating mass. So golf, you've got the Jetta. Sorry. Golf's dead. Golf's dead, my guy. There's..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small sedan that provides a comfortable ride and plenty of room inside. It's a good choice for people who need a reliable car for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families and commuters. It has been a key player in the compact car segment since the 1980s, often praised for its solid build quality and driving dynamics.
Volkswagen Golf
"...go by size. I'll do it from appreciating mass. So golf, you've got the Jetta. Sorry. Golf's dead. Golf's..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that many people like because it's easy to drive and has a lot of space inside for passengers and luggage. It's been around for a long time and is known for being reliable and fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in the 1970s. Known for its practicality, performance, and versatility, the Golf has garnered a loyal following and is often discussed for its balance of comfort and sportiness.
Volkswagen Atlas
"...the Tiguan and the Atlas."
The Volkswagen Atlas is a bigger SUV that has a lot of room for families and their stuff. It's designed to be comfortable and has many modern features, making it a good choice for larger families.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV designed to offer ample space for families and cargo. It features a comfortable interior and modern technology, making it a popular choice for larger households.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"... got the golf, the Jetta, the ID4, the Tauze, the Tiguan and the Atlas. That is all Volkswagen offers. I d..."
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV that has a lot of room for passengers and cargo. It's a good option for families who need a reliable vehicle for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and versatility, making it a popular choice among families. It features a spacious interior and advanced safety features, often discussed for its practicality and performance.
Volkswagen Id4
"...m already. So you've got the golf, the Jetta, the ID4, the Tauze, the Tiguan and the Atlas. That is all..."
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a new electric SUV that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's designed to be spacious and useful for families while being better for the environment.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that represents Volkswagen's entry into the electric vehicle market. It combines practicality with modern electric technology, making it a significant model in the push toward sustainable transportation.
Volkswagen GTI
"2025. And you didn't mention the GTI or the Golf R, which are under the Golf Umbrella, but they kept those cars and then killed off the rest of the golf."
The Volkswagen GTI is a sportier version of the regular Golf, designed for people who want a fun driving experience. It has a powerful engine and better handling, making it popular among car lovers.
The Volkswagen GTI is a high-performance variant of the Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It's often celebrated among car enthusiasts for its balance of performance and practicality.
Dieselgate
"...I think dieselgate kind of forced their hand, right? They abandoned the whole diesel thing..."
Dieselgate is a scandal where Volkswagen was caught cheating on tests for diesel cars to make them seem cleaner than they were. This hurt the company's reputation and made them focus more on electric cars instead.
Dieselgate refers to the emissions scandal involving Volkswagen, where the company was found to have cheated on diesel emissions tests. This scandal significantly impacted Volkswagen's reputation and led to a shift in their strategy towards electric vehicles.
Ford Edge
"...r a long time. It just kind of got every possible edge rounded off of it until it was just like an anamo..."
The Ford Edge is a medium-sized SUV that has a lot of space for people and their stuff. It's a good choice for families who want a comfortable car for trips.
The Ford Edge is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a comfortable ride. It is often discussed for its family-friendly features and strong performance, making it a popular choice in its segment.
Honda Element
"...e my absolute least favorite quote unquote design element or fad is get the existing product and make it sl..."
The Honda Element is a small SUV with a square shape that makes it really spacious inside. It's popular for people who need a lot of room for gear or pets.
The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV known for its boxy shape and versatile interior, which can be easily configured for various uses. It gained a cult following for its practicality and unique design, often appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a functional vehicle.
Volkswagen Go Volkswagen
"...at should this be? It's got a new attitude. Let's go Volkswagen of the future, man. First off, abandon the EV bul..."
The Volkswagen Gol is a small car that is mostly sold in South America and is known for being cheap and practical. It's a good option for people looking for an affordable vehicle.
The Volkswagen Gol is a compact car primarily sold in Latin America, known for its affordability and practicality. It has become a popular choice in emerging markets and is often discussed for its role in Volkswagen's global strategy.
Dacia Duster
"...ing at those three advertisements. California car duster. Yeah, it's all still the same, dude. Boy, so if ..."
The Dacia Duster is a budget-friendly SUV that is built to be tough and practical. It's a good option for people who want an affordable car that can handle rough roads.
The Dacia Duster is an affordable compact SUV known for its rugged design and practicality. It has gained popularity in various markets for offering good value for money and is often discussed for its no-frills approach to SUV design.
hot hatch
"...it's original hot hatch, baby. And then unfortunately, I hate to say this, the Tiguan probably should stay..."
A hot hatch is a fun and fast hatchback car that you can also use for daily driving. It's made for people who love to drive and want something practical too.
A hot hatch is a term used to describe a high-performance hatchback that combines sporty handling with practicality. These cars are designed for driving enthusiasts while still being usable as everyday vehicles.
GTI
"...even have a spicy version. We could throw a GTI badge on there or some other kind of name and throw like a cool little spicy engine in there."
GTI is a sportier version of the Volkswagen Golf. It has a more powerful engine and is designed to be more fun to drive than the regular Golf.
The GTI is a high-performance variant of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a fun and practical hatchback.
manual gearbox
"I want to have it like you can even get a stripper version and get cloth seats, roll up windows, manual gearbox,"
A manual gearbox is a type of car transmission where you have to change the gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. Many people enjoy driving this way because it gives them more control over the car.
A manual gearbox, also known as a manual transmission, allows the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This type of transmission is often favored by driving enthusiasts for the control it offers.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
"...if you park a modern golf next to like a Mark two golf GTI, the size difference is insane..."
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty version of the regular Golf car. It's designed to be fun to drive and has a more powerful engine than the standard model.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a high-performance variant of the standard Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for a fun and practical hatchback.
Mk4
"...I think it was what, 99.5? Is that when that Mark 4 came out?"
Mk4 is a way to say it's the fourth version of a car model, like the Volkswagen Jetta. It was made from 1999 to 2005 and has a specific look and feel.
Mk4 refers to the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta, which was produced from 1997 to 2005. This generation is recognized for its solid build quality and distinctive styling.
Audi A4
"...now it just looks like an A4. So like a retro callback... I see A4 dead. Yeah, the A4 is, but eventually, they did share a platform..."
The Audi A4 is a small luxury car made by Audi that has been sold since the 1990s. It is popular for its comfortable ride and high-quality interior.
The Audi A4 is a compact executive car that has been in production since the mid-1990s. It is known for its luxury features, performance, and advanced technology.
Volkswagen GLI
"But I think with that, we can bring back the GLI, up the handling, keep it more like on the level of the GTI."
The Volkswagen GLI is a sportier version of the Jetta, which is a small car. It has better handling and more power, making it more fun to drive.
The Volkswagen GLI is a performance-oriented version of the Jetta sedan, featuring sportier handling and a more powerful engine. It is designed for enthusiasts who want a fun driving experience in a compact sedan.
Volkswagen Bus
"... Okay. And kind of make it look like an old retro bus. Like I don't know how we do it. Maybe a lifted o..."
The Volkswagen Bus is a classic van that has a very recognizable shape and lots of room inside. It's loved by many for its fun design and ability to carry a lot of people.
The Volkswagen Bus, also known as the VW Type 2, is an iconic vehicle that became a symbol of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. Its unique design and spacious interior have made it a beloved choice for families and road trippers alike.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...he Volkswagen bug comes back. We've got a new new Beetle. Are they going to call it the new new Beetle? No..."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a very recognizable small car with a unique round shape that many people love. It has been around for decades and is often seen as a symbol of fun and freedom.
The Volkswagen Beetle, originally designed in the 1930s, is an iconic car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. It has a rich history and has undergone various redesigns, including the 'New Beetle' in the late 1990s, making it a popular topic for discussions about automotive nostalgia.
rear engine
"No, it's going to be rear-wheel drive, rear engine. Okay. So harkening back to that."
In a rear engine car, the engine is placed at the back instead of the front. This can help the car grip the road better, especially when accelerating.
A rear engine layout means the engine is located at the back of the vehicle, which can improve traction and handling. This configuration is commonly seen in certain sports cars, like the Porsche 911.
rear-wheel drive
"No, it's going to be rear-wheel drive, rear engine. Okay. So harkening back to that."
In a rear-wheel drive car, the back wheels get the power from the engine. This helps the car handle better, especially when going fast, making it popular for sports cars.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels, providing better handling and acceleration in performance cars. This layout is often favored in sports cars for its balance and driving dynamics.
flat-four
"Like if it was like the flat four from the Cayman, but detuned and despicified and just slapped in the back."
A flat-four engine is a type of engine where the cylinders are laid out flat, which helps the car stay balanced and handle better when driving.
A flat-four engine, also known as a boxer engine, has four cylinders arranged horizontally. This design lowers the center of gravity and helps improve handling and stability in vehicles.
Porsche Cayman
"Like if it was like the flat four from the Cayman, but detuned and despicified and just slapped in the back."
The Porsche Cayman is a sports car that has its engine in the middle, which helps it handle well on the road. It's known for being fun to drive.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its excellent handling and performance. It features a flat-four or flat-six engine and is designed for driving enthusiasts.
VR6
"...my final asterisk though was bring back the VR6. Oh, okay. Bring back something fun like that..."
The VR6 is a special kind of engine made by Volkswagen that has six cylinders. It's designed to be smaller and more efficient while still providing good power, which is why it's liked in many Volkswagen cars.
The VR6 is a type of engine configuration developed by Volkswagen, featuring six cylinders arranged in a 'V' shape with a narrow angle between the banks. It is known for its compact design and smooth power delivery, making it popular in various Volkswagen models.
Toyota Sienna
"I'm going to get a Sienna instead, which is the problem with that is like any van buyer isn't usually the most like attention seeking bunch."
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan that has a lot of space and is good for everyday use. It's known for being practical and is a popular choice for families.
The Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and hybrid powertrain. It is designed to be practical and efficient for everyday family use, making it a common choice among minivan buyers.
electric vehicle range
"...a range under 300 miles is an utter non starter..."
Electric vehicle range is how far a car can go before it needs to be recharged. If a car can only go under 300 miles on a charge, many people think that's not good enough.
Electric vehicle range refers to the distance an electric car can travel on a single charge. A range under 300 miles is often considered inadequate for many consumers, impacting the vehicle's marketability.
Volkswagen Rabbit
"...nt, like the original like A1 chassis, Volkswagen Rabbit and Caddy and Fastback and all of that shit. It w..."
The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car that was popular in the past and is known for being practical and easy to drive. It's remembered fondly by many car fans.
The Volkswagen Rabbit is the North American name for the first-generation Volkswagen Golf, known for its compact size and practicality. It has a nostalgic appeal and is often discussed among enthusiasts for its role in Volkswagen's history.
Volkswagen Caddy
"...e original like A1 chassis, Volkswagen Rabbit and Caddy and Fastback and all of that shit. It was like a ..."
The Volkswagen Caddy is a small van that can carry a lot of stuff, making it useful for businesses or families. It's designed to be practical and easy to use.
The Volkswagen Caddy is a versatile van that has been used for both commercial and personal purposes since its introduction. Known for its practicality and spacious interior, it is often discussed in the context of utility vehicles.
Honda Civic
"...I'm buying a Corolla or Civic. Every time. Yeah, no Brainer, right?"
The Honda Civic is a popular small car known for being fun to drive and very reliable. Many people choose it for its good gas mileage and low maintenance costs.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that is well-regarded for its sporty handling, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It has a strong following and is often a top choice in the compact segment.
Toyota Corolla
"...e shocked that it's not $30,000. But I'm buying a Corolla or Civic. Every time. Yeah, no Brainer, right? Ri..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people choose because it's reliable and doesn't cost a lot to keep running. It's a great option for anyone looking for a simple, no-fuss vehicle.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars in the world, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It has a reputation for being a practical choice for drivers looking for a dependable daily vehicle.
electric vehicle (EV)
"...I'm not abandoning the EV, all the money and developmental costs and everything that went into this EV stuff..."
An electric vehicle, or EV, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. This means it produces less pollution and is often better for the environment.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly due to lower emissions compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles.
Volkswagen Egolf
"like a friend of the pod art of Radwood fame. He, in DWA fame, he has an e-golf. I know many people that have had or have e-golfs."
The Volkswagen e-Golf is an electric car that looks like the regular Golf but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's a good option for people who want to drive without polluting the air.
The Volkswagen e-Golf is the electric version of the popular Golf model, offering a zero-emission driving experience while maintaining the practicality and performance characteristics of its gasoline counterpart. It represents Volkswagen's commitment to electric mobility and is often discussed in the context of sustainable transportation.
Fiat 500
"They all were right. Like the 500 E-Fiat was like a 40. And then the Leaf eventuall..."
The Fiat 500 is a tiny car that has a cute, old-fashioned look. It's great for driving around the city because it's easy to park and maneuver.
The Fiat 500 is a small city car known for its retro styling and compact size, making it ideal for urban environments. It has gained popularity for its unique design and is often discussed for its blend of charm and practicality.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"...'t have to haul 2000 pounds. So similar to like a Santa Cruz effectively, right? Smaller."
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small pickup truck that is designed to be useful for carrying things while still being comfortable to drive. It's a good choice for people who want a mix of truck and SUV features.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that blends the utility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. It has gained attention for its unique design and versatility, appealing to those who need a vehicle for both work and leisure.
Rivian R3
"...y from the styling cues of the doesn't exist yet. Rivian R3, which is more of the kind of boxy little bit of ..."
The Rivian R3 is a new electric vehicle that is being developed and is expected to be different from regular cars. It's part of a new trend of cars that run on electricity instead of gas.
The Rivian R3 is an upcoming electric vehicle from Rivian, a company focused on producing electric trucks and SUVs. It is anticipated to feature innovative technology and design, making it a topic of interest for those following the electric vehicle market.
Toyota Gt86
"...ve it be more competitive with something like the GT86 or whatever we're calling it nowadays. GR and the..."
The Toyota GT 86 is a fun sports car that is designed to be light and easy to drive. It's great for people who enjoy driving and want something sporty.
The Toyota GT 86 is a lightweight sports coupe known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and engaging driving dynamics. It has been praised for its balance and handling, appealing to driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable sports car.
EFI
"...made it to this impressive power plant is an incredibly crisp, EFI (electronic fuel injection)..."
EFI is a technology that helps engines get the right amount of fuel for better performance and fuel efficiency. It's more advanced than older systems that used carburetors.
EFI stands for Electronic Fuel Injection, a system that delivers fuel to an engine in a precise manner, improving efficiency and performance compared to older carbureted systems.
Audi Quattro
"...they would be definitely there. God, they dropped Quattro in there somewhere. Other 2.8s. GM, but this does..."
The Audi Quattro is a special system that helps cars drive better on different types of roads by sending power to all four wheels. It's known for making cars safer and more fun to drive.
The Audi Quattro is a legendary all-wheel-drive system that revolutionized performance in both road and rally racing. It is often discussed for its impact on automotive technology and its role in establishing Audi as a leader in performance vehicles.
Chevrolet Beretta
"...de. Hmm. Let's go. Let's go. Let's fuck it. Chevy Beretta. 1990, you fucking five. Finally, it's here. Oh b..."
The Chevrolet Beretta was a small car that looked sporty and was made in the 1980s and 1990s. It's remembered by some people for its fun design and performance.
The Chevrolet Beretta was a compact car produced in the late 1980s and 1990s, known for its sporty design and performance-oriented features. It is often discussed among enthusiasts for its nostalgic value and unique place in Chevrolet's history.
Toyota Supra
"... sense with inline, but now... I... It can't be a Supra. We've done those a million times, Celica Supras...."
The Toyota Supra is a sports car known for being fast and fun to drive. It's popular among car enthusiasts who like to modify and improve their cars.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car that has been celebrated for its performance and tuning potential since its debut in the 1970s. The latest generation has garnered attention for its collaboration with BMW, offering a blend of classic Supra characteristics and modern technology.
Toyota Celica
"...n't be a Supra. We've done those a million times, Celica Supras. I wouldn't say a Cressida as a competitor..."
The Toyota Celica was a sporty little car that many people liked for its fun driving experience. It was popular for a long time and is remembered fondly by car fans.
The Toyota Celica was a sporty compact car that enjoyed popularity from the 1970s until its discontinuation in 2006. Known for its agile handling and performance, the Celica has a strong enthusiast following and is often discussed in the context of classic Japanese sports cars.
Honda Thats Hondas
"I will give you that. It is rear-drive. It is, yes. So that's Honda's out. Acura doesn't exist. God! It can't..."
The Honda That's is a small car made for Japan that has a funny shape and is very practical for city driving. It's designed to be easy to park and use in crowded areas.
The Honda That's is a compact car designed for the Japanese market, known for its unique design and efficient use of space. It is often discussed for its quirky features and practicality in urban environments.
Volvo V50
"...content, Volvo review coming up on this very cool V50 that's running right now."
The Volvo V50 is a small wagon that has extra space for carrying things and is known for being very safe. It's a good choice for families who want a stylish and practical car.
The Volvo V50 is a compact wagon that combines the practicality of a station wagon with Volvo's reputation for safety and comfort. It is often discussed for its stylish design and family-friendly features.
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