‘It seems price and fuel economy concerns are important the Gaywheels.com consumer,’ said Gaywheels.com founder Joe LaMuraglia. ‘60% of the vehicles on the most-researched list are hatchbacks and four of those six have a MSRP starting at under $16K.’

Of course not all of those searching are fuel and cost conscious, as there’s a Maserati GranTurismo at #10 on the list. Still, it’ll be interesting to see what the fourth quarter results bring, especially if the economy takes any kind of upturn in the near future.

This is the first automaker I’ve heard commit to converting it’s entire lineup to hybrids, and I have to say that I’m surprised it’s VW. I would have expected this move from Toyota or Honda. Don’t get me wrong – I’m actually pretty happy about this particularly bold statement, and think it’s a move in the right direction. But I’m thinking that this will get caught up somewhere, and we won’t see a hybrid VW for years.

Could this decision possibly be an attempt to cater to the now hybrid hungry American consumer, and a sign of VW’s newfound understanding for the American market in general? Or is this due to increasingly stringent U.S. emissions standards? I fear it may be the latter, but I’m holding out hope.

But will this be enough for VW to see significantly increased sales? The only really successful hybrid is the Toyota Prius, and I think most folks would say that it has more to do with the car’s design than anything. As Honda can probably tell you (after the failed Insight and Accord hybrids), just slapping a hybrid logo on a car isn’t enough. A hybrid has to be…well, a hybrid…of distinct design and power. People don’t want to crawl down the highway. And at the risk of over generalizing, I think a good chunk of people want to be seen driving their hybrid more than they want to do something for the environment.

So will VW have that killer looking design that screams “I’m a hybrid!!!“? Only time will tell…I just hope they don’t think it’s the UP! concept.

RABBIT

• New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard on 2 & 4dr
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
• New trim level naming. Rabbit S 2dr and Rabbit S 4dr

GTI

• 15mm ride height reduction on all 2 & 4dr
• Sirius® Satellite radio now standard
• Reflex Silver is now special order only
• Climatronic deleted from all trims
• New trim level naming, GTI and GTI Autobahn

NEW BEETLE/NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE

• New trim level naming, S and SE
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now standard
• Temporary use spare tire
• Fog lights deleted from all trims
• New 16” alloy wheel S
• New 17” alloy wheel on SE
• Delete Shadow Blue on sedan and convertible
• Delete Platinum Gray on convertible
• Delete reflex silver on convertible
• Laser blue no longer available with gray interior
• Black not available with crème top
• Delete front floor mats
• Delete Leather seating surfaces from all trims
• Delete rain sensing wipers on all trims
• Leatherette now named V-Tex
• Cold weather package available on S as stand alone option

GLI

• Reflex Silver is now special order only
• Climatronic deleted from all trims
• New trim level naming, GLI and GLI Autobahn

JETTA

• New 170 hp/177 lb.ft torque 2.5L 5cyl engine standard
• Delete 2.0T engine (only available on GLI)
• Automatic only available with SEL
• Temporary use spare tire
• Laser Blue replaces Shadow Blue
• Delete Wheat Beige
• Front and rear lower valance in black textured color on S and SE
• Body color front and rear valance on SEL
• 2.5 badge included on S
• 16” steel wheels with full covers standard on S
• Delete Climatronic from all trims
• Delete leather seating surfaces from all trims
• Power recline standard on all trim levels
• 17” wheel standard on SEL
• Delete Homelink from all trims
• Cold weather package now optional on S
• 16” alloy wheel now optional on S
• Sunroof now optional on S
• Premium sound package (includes amplifier and 250W) now optional on SE
• New trim level naming, S, SE, and SEL
• Leatherette now named V-Tex

PASSAT Sedan and Wagon

• New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
• Leatherette now named V-Tex
• Temporary use spare tire
• Chrome window trim now standard on Turbo
• New 16” alloy wheel on Turbo
• New 17” alloy wheel on Komfort
• Delete Shadow Blue
• Delete Wheat Beige on wagon
• Heated washer nozzles only available on VR6
• Bi-Xenon headlamps w/ AFS now standard on VR6
• Manual side and rear sunshade now standard on sedans
• Manual side sunshades now standard on wagon
• Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
• Heated front seats optional on Turbo and Komfort
• Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
• Leather shift knob now standard equipment
• Delete Pure Beige leather comfort seats
• Delete gray leather and V-Tex
• New interior trim on Turbo
• 3 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel included with Lux
• Dynaudio now optional on Lux
• Adaptive Cruise Control optional on VR6
• 4Motion is only configuration available with VR6 wagon
• Manual transmission only available on Turbo

EOS

• New trim level naming, Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6
• Leatherette now named V-Tex
• Lux only available with automatic transmission
• Winter starting assist mode standard on VR6
• New 17” alloy wheel on Lux
• New 18” alloy wheel on VR6
• Delete Wheat Beige
• Rear Park Distance Control included in Lux and VR6
• Chrome front grille louvers included on VR6
• Power 12-way driver seat now standard equipment
• Leather steering wheel now standard equipment
• Leather shift knob now standard equipment
• Leather parking brake handle now standard equipment
• Windblocker now standard equipment
• Ambient lighting deleted on Turbo
• Micritech interior trim now included in Turbo
• Center sliding armrest now standard equipment
• Heated front seats now optional on Turbo
• 17” alloy wheel optional on Komfort

Touareg

• New exterior colors (White Gold, Galapagos, Alaska Gray, Cranberry)
• Chrome grille with logo and chrome eyebrows standard on VR6 FSI
• Chrome matte grille with logo and chrome eyebrows, chrome air intakes, chrome grille slats standard on V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
• Darkened Taillights
• New, central headlights design
• Sporty, more aerodynamic rear spoiler
• Electronic Parking Assistance now standard equipment
• Power Liftgate now standard equipment
• 19″ Wheels with all-season tires optional on VR6 FSI but included in V8 FSI and V10 TDI Twin Turbo
• Larger screen for Multi-function Indicator included with optional Technologie Package
• New Option Packages
• Dynaudio now available in package for all trims
• Sirius® Satellite Radio now standard equipment
• Next generation TPMS – now standard equipment
• ABSPlus standard
• ESP Innovations standard
• New front seat design, more comfortable front seat side bolsters, new seat stitching design now standard equipment
• Gray seat trim in leather and leatherette deleted
• Silver Metallic Plastic interior trim standard on VR6 FSI with leatherette
• Servotronic steering no longer available on 3.6L VR6 FSI
• Comfort Suspension replaces Sport Suspension on VR6 FSI

So imagine my surprise at some of the stylistic similarities that struck me immediately. First one, the Sebring sports a retractable roof just like the Eos. But what really got me was the headlights:

Notice some similarities? I sure did. Now, I heard about Chrysler and VW possibly working together on a minivan, but I’ve heard nothing about any collaboration on any other models. I’m not incredibly peeved about it, as car makers constantly rip each other off all the time. But it still sucks to see it happen. I attempted to find more angles in the 3 minutes I had to write this post, but Chrysler’s site is pretty lame. If you found any, please feel free to comment.

Without much convincing, the service folks let me into the showroom before it opened. I spent a few minutes chatting with the sales manager, during which time I got to pet and snap some quick pics of the lovely new cabriolet.

It didn’t hurt that the showroom model was in black, which happens to be my favorite color on any ‘dub. Still, I was surprised at how much I liked it. It’s a shade smaller than I expected, but in no way lacking. It looks really natural with the top up, and downright sexy with it down. It has a pretty aggressive stance and begs to be driven, similar to it’s GTI sibling (by the way, they have two fahrenheit GTIs here – the orange looks a shade too flat for my taste. It’s a bit plastic looking).

Sitting in the car is even more enticing – the car hugs you after you shut the watertight door. It still feels smaller than the GTI though, but that’s really not a bad thing. VW has paid close attention to the interior of the car, crafting all the curves in just the right way. All controls seem to be in just the right spot, and the brushed metal is a great accent as usual.

The steering wheel is nice and beefy too. The whole car feels very solid, and there’s enough bells, whistles and lights to keep any nerd happy. Leather and woodgrain are EVERYWHERE.

I carried on my conversation with the sales manager the whole time I snapped these pics (part of the reason why there’s only a few) and he constantly made references to happy customers, driving home the point of increased reliability. He said they’d “really done it right, as they have with the Rabbit and GTI”. It’s nice to hear a VW salesperson speak of reliability without being prompted.

Toward the end of our conversation, he handed me the Eos “brochure”, which is a lovely little DVD.

I watched a bit of it, until I realized that OSX won’t let me take screen caps while a DVD is playing (bummer I know, if anyone has a workaround, lemme know). It is fun though – it follows the whole goofy style ad campaign of the GTI, using pretty 20-30 year old model types to sing the car’s praises, while goofing on the target market’s fashion trends at the same time (such as stylish facial scruff, and bedhead. You can kind of see what I mean by the image on the DVD itself). It’s pretty entertaining. I’d expect no less from VW’s killer marketing department.

Overall, I have to say that the Eos might be worth it’s fairly steep price tag. While I do like it better than I expected with it’s top up, I’d still want to live in a place where I could have my top down all year (i.e. NOT southwest Ohio). I do have concerns about the upkeep of the more sophisticated (but freakin’ cool) convertible top, which I did not get to see in action in person. It just feels like a car that’s fun to drive. Though ownership might be another matter. Personally if I where in the market for one, I’d still wait a year or two and make sure that VW has worked out the kinks.

Best Residual Value

• Mini Cooper
• Honda Civic
• Acura TSX
• Volkswagen Eos
• Volkswagen GTI

Worst Residual Value

• Lincoln Town Car
• Dodge Caravan
• Kia Sedona
• Mercury Monterey
• Ford Crown Victoria

Consumers seem to be shopping for the long run more and more these days. I personally plan to keep my Golf (pending no issues) for at least five to seven years. It’s nice to see VW in the top five twice with such good company, given their poor history on quality through the Mark IV generation. This in addition to the new three models under 17k campaign is just another indication that the company is moving in the right direction.

I love watching that roof open. Mad props to Grandalex for posting it on YouTube.

“The Eos Highway 1 was imagined as the perfect vehicle for the car enthusiast’s driving lifestyle,” said Derek Jenkins, Chief Designer at Volkswagen’s Santa Monica, California Design Center. “The ease of transforming the Eos from coupe to convertible not only makes it enjoyable for all kinds of weather, it’s like having two cars in one, both a comfortable cruiser and a performance coupe.

We wanted to reflect that dual nature in the modifications we made in the creation of the design study. The special leather upholstery and piano black lacquer trim are key components of the luxurious interior, but the 20-inch wheel and tire package, lowered suspension, thick flat-bottom sport steering wheel and rear lip spoiler all communicate a different aspect of the car’s character—performance, the kind that lets a driver really enjoy the challenges of roads like Highway 1.”

I like the adjustments they have made. The color combinations (or lack of color thereof) flow well. I really like the piping on the seats, but the mix of tan and black on the interior push right to the edge of overwhelming for me. It starts to get a bit too “stripey”.

The piano black lacquer trim is a nice change in materials/texture against the flatness of the other interior pieces, and the brushed aluminum pieces add just enough contrast and interest. Any more aluminum would push it off that edge I mentioned earlier.

The suspension drop, courtesy of a custom H&R coilover system, places the stance of the Highway 1 about 1 inch lower than stock, a perfect position for sporty looks as well as performance. They also popped on a very discreet trunk spoiler that adds a little spice to the rear.

Now, on to the wheels. Oh, the wheels. 20 inch multispoke monsters. If you’re gonna go 20’s, you HAVE to make sure you pick the right style of wheel. And personally, I think 19’s would be far better. I’m not a fan of the size nor the style of the wheels, but I have to admit that they do a decent job of adding to the elegance and sportiness of the car. Maybe a single drop in size would do it for me.

Loaded with the 250hp 3.2L VR6 from the beloved R32 mated to VW’s DSG clutchless transmission, the Highway 1 scoots along at a pretty good clip.

Some pics for your enjoyment (or bashing):

First off, they loved the hardtop. They say there’s “no way overstate the appeal of the new Volkswagen Eos’ folding hardtop.” But the kind words stop there. An all out attack is launched, with statements like this:

Of course, the Eos’ ponderousness steals more than the accelerative joy normally derived from this engine and transmission combination. The “I can’t believe this is a front driver” handling experience from the GTI is lost as well. Understeer is the party guest from Hell, arriving early and staying late. The props top also seems to unbalance the equation vertically; the Eos navigates curves like an ungainly and top heavy SUV. In addition to the nautical motions, you also get a maritime soundtrack: the top creaks and groans over rough patches like an old wooden schooner.

Ouch. And that’s pretty much the tone of the review. They conclude by saying “Anyway, the Eos is clearly another “lifestyle” Volkswagen aimed at the empty nest/trustafarian market.” Double ouch. Far be it for me to dispute TTAC (after all, they get their rep for telling the truth), but even after a scan of all the comments I found one key item that was never addressed: safety. Though I was unable to dig up any crash test stats (after 3 pages on Google, but I’m impatient) I’m guessing the Eos will crush (pardon the pun) other cars in it’s class. Let’s see…if I’m involved in a head-on collision, do I want to be in a VW or a Pontiac? People are quick to crucify the Eos for it’s weight, but they tend to overlook the value of a sturdier car. For example, I feel a helluva lot better in my Golf (5 star front collision rating) than I did in my Corolla (3 stars) even though both cars have been equal from a reliability standpoint.

At any rate, TTAC’s opinion is just that: an opinion. Just as the things we say are opinion. While I’m disappointed that the Eos didn’t fare better in their eyes, I won’t be losing any sleep over it. Though I do recommend that you read the comments – it’s always fun to see a war between brand loyalists and reviewers. TTAC as a great blog, worthy of a spot in your feedreader.

“In Greek mythology Eos was the goddess of Dawn. She apparently had a “fling” with Ares, Aphrodite’s lover and as the story goes Aphrodite (none too pleased with Eos) put a curse on her essentially turning Eos into a nymphomaniac(!). Eos then reportedly “fell in love” with a series of mortals and eventually married the Wind God Astraeus – thus the connection with Volkswagen historically naming cars after winds like Scirocco and Passat. And if you buy into the mythology, well then Eos was a bit of an unlucky tramp.”

Geez. And in my ignorance, I called the Eos “more of a man’s convertible” earlier. Oh well. At least it’s sexy. Jamie goes into much further detail about the tramp…er…car. At the risk of taking away from a very well written article (and well laid out-It’s quite pretty), I’ll simply suggest that you head over to the Vortex and read it. Especially if you’re considering a new convertible.

VW currently offers the DSG on the Jetta with a 2.0l turbo, the Jetta GLI and TDI models, GTI and the New Beetle TDI. The DSG transmission functions like two automatics mated together. One clutch works the odd gears, the other even. The smooth transition between gears is accomplished by keeping one clutch open at all times, ready to receive the next shift. The increase in fuel economy is because of the speed of the gear shift and no torque converter to lose power to, like in automatics.

Volkswagen will be building the DSG’s in house at its factory in Kassel, Germany, which begs the question: will VW transmission quality go up? Some might say it can only go up from here. ;) Early in this transition, it will cost Volkswagen about the same amount to build the DSG’s as it would to purchase automatics, but they hope to cut that cost throughout the transition.

So I was thrilled when I stumbled across the new Eos microsite, via Volkswagen UK (I’m assuming an American equivalent is in the works). I patiently waited as the site loaded. And loaded. And loaded. Finally, one of the welcome messages that faded elegantly in and out as I waited informed me of this:

2 minutes on broadband?! You’ve got to be kidding! Sorry 56k users, you’re cut off. My usual policy is not to indulge flashturbation such as this and immediately leave the site, but my curiosity got the best of me. Popping open Safari’s activity window told the tale of the tape:

Just by those 20 files, that’s roughly 3.3MB! That’s absurd! I had to see it. Hell, I had to know what they where taking so long to load.

And load it finally did. NOW I’m run through a tutorial on how to use the site. A tutorial that in the same breath tells me how easy to use the site is. Huh? Then why do I need a tutorial?

Pushing back my frustration I run through the tutorial and get into the actual site, which conceptually speaking is killer. You can style your Eos, and drive it through a little area where you can read about all of it’s highlights. You can raise and lower the roof for your trek too. Kinda fun.

But overall, I found the site exhausting. I was turned off by the load time, and didn’t think the wait was really worth it. I love the idea behind the experience, but it just falls short somehow. This is a fast, sexy, sleek and elegant convertible. They achieve the look successfully on the highlight detail pages, but the driving scene doesn’t fit. And it shouldn’t make a faint, weak little puttering sound as it rolls along. It should growl abit. I should get the feeling of driving it with the top down with the wind whiping around me and blaring my stereo. Whoa, is that a giant piece of cake I just drove by? What’s that about?

Still, the site more than serves its purpose, and does a good job of building interest in the product. There is a bit of a fun aspect to it, and I love the highlights (glass roof and ipod connectivity rock my face).

Typographic junkies out there, dig on the use of ligatures:

In the site creator’s defense, you also have to consider the audience. This is a higher end car, so people coming to this site will most likely have broadband and a computer that’s less than 2 years old. So maybe you can get away with a heavy site. But It’s EXTREMELY difficult to justify a 3+ MB download to view the site, no matter who you are. Such bandwidth busting needs to go away. I love Flash, but this is insane. Sites such as this give web standards purists all the ammunition they need to give Flash a bad name. Dial up users, ye be warned…

But what about us guys? We love our dubs, but if we NEED a convertible, we’re going to go outside the line. We want something sleek and fast, something that’ll draw some looks from the ladies. And if we’re rollin’ in a New Beetle, it most likely isn’t going to be the type of look we want.

Enter the Eos.

Available this fall and starting at $27,990 for a 2.0 liter 200 horsepower supercharged four-cylinder, we can get into a rockin’ convertible for some decent scratch. To coin some of the old adages from the 1980’s commercials, it’s sleek, sexy and…er…freakin’ quick. It rocks all the way up to a $41,600 3.5 liter, 350 horsepower VR6, just in case you feel really saucy. And what’s really unique about it? The freakin’ hardtop, that borrows abit from the Lexus SC (which I’ve always dug by the way). Granted, it may take 25 seconds to open and close, but it looks so damn cool I don’t think I’d ever get tired of it. I love the stance too – it leans forward a bit, ready to leap forward. It fits very well with the new VW aesthetic, and looks very sturdy.

But I’m not sure if I dig it with the top up.

It reminds me of the Chrysler Sebring, with too much junk in the trunk. It just feels a bit unnatural, especially for a VW. I’m glad that they’ve allotted decent space for the back seat, but it looks as though the doors are too far from the rear wheels. I’m also a bit concerned with the cost of ownership as well. Convertibles can be extremely expensive to fix, and given VW’s recent reputation of craftsmanship, I’d be a bit weary of buying one of the first ones off the line. Hopefully they’ve truly corrected the err of their ways though, and will build sound products.

All in all though, I gotta give ‘em a high five for this one. This is more of a man’s convertible, and will hopefully draw some fellas back to the line. Even some of the promotional photos show a dude groovin’ on a lady – ya know the kinda things us men wanna see (ha – is this guy talk too over the top? Nahhhh…).

Is it the ultimate guy convertible? Not really. Is it really even being marketed towards men specifically? No. But the fact that VW finally has a convertible that both sexes can dig is huge. I gotta say, I’m a fan. I can’t wait to see one on the road!