Even though most aftermarket tuners and coachbuilders at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon turned their focus on Japanese models, there was no shortage of custom proposals based on European and American cars. The VW New Beetle pick-up truck conversion pictured here was created by Japan's Body Shop Hayashi. No word on pricing or any other details on the car for that matter. Hit the break for the full set of photos.
Volkswagen looks set to make a clean sweep of the top three positions in the 2010 Dakar, as the “World’s Toughest Race” enters its final stage from San Rafael to Buenos Aires, the finish point. In the overall lead after 13 stages is VW’s former WRC champion Carlos Sainz, but he’s only leading teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah by just two minutes and 48 seconds. American Mark Miller looks to have secured the final podium spot – he is over 31 minutes behind Sainz but almost two hours ahead of Stephane Peterhansel, the highest placed X-Raid BMW driver in fourth.
The penultimate stage was won by nine-time Dakar winner Peterhansel. With that, the Frenchman has won four stages in this year’s race, extending his record of stage victories to 55. The relatively smooth and fast wrap up stage will start today evening in South America.
in the wood
Q: How do you get 4 elephants into a VW bug?
A: 2 in the front and 2 in the back
The most potent version of the 2.0 TDI that makes 170HP in stock form receives a 35HP and 60Nm bump to 205HP and 410Nm launching the Scirocco from standstill to 100km/h in 7.1sec (-0.7sec) and on to a tp speed of 229km/h or 143mph (+7km/h). The upgrade price for the 140HP motor is €1,249 and for the 170HP version, €1,449.
For those that would like to spice up the Scirocco's appearance, JS Design offers a complete bodykit for €919 that includes a front spoiler with carbon fiber trim, side skirts with air intakes (optionally available in carbon fiber) and a rear diffuser that houses a pair of chrome tailpipes. The LSD doors are priced from €1,559.
The package is rounded off with a suspension kit that lowers the height of the vehicle by 30mm (€219), a sport exhaust system (€899) and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in silver (€2,810) or graphite (€2,930) wrapped in 235/25 R19 rubber.
The special Tiguan is available in two unique exterior colors, "Oryx White Pearl Effect" and "Island Grey Pearl Effect", with the exterior package including 19-inch alloy wheels, a 25 degree off-road front end, modest wheel flares and a silver-colored rear diffuser.
The real focus of attention, however, concerns the interior that gains a high-grade leather upholstery called "Heavy Waxy" in Amaranth with colored seams.
Additionally, the compact SUV gets sport seats, an RCD 510 radio with Dynaudio sound system, "Climatronic" climate control and a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with coloured seams while the package is rounded off front fog lights and Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting.
Volkswagen said that the Tiguan Track & Avenue is available in four engine / transmission combinations including the 200HP 2.0-liter TSI petrol with manual or automatic transmission, a 140HP diesel coupled to an automatic and a 170HP diesel linked to a manual gearbox.
