Sure, Passat lovers are rejoicing over the reinstating of a Volkswagen classic. So what’s new? How about a more spacious cabin for starters. The 2012 VW Passat has the best in-class legroom but keeps the luxurious interior and affordable German engineering that car shoppers expect from Volkswagen. One of the most noteworthy aspects is that this mid-size sedan, which debuted at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, will be built in America at VW’s new Chattanooga assembly plant.

Some of the new features include a TDI Clean Diesel engine option, an Integrated Crash Response System (ICRS), available remote start, and on certain models the available Fender Premium Audio System consisting of nine speakers (including subwoofer), among other great built-in technology.

To learn more about the 2012 VW Passat check out this link for an in-depth look.

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Lamborghini's fifth generation V12 supercar made its official debut in Geneva. Lamborghini had three Aventadors on display, ranging from the bright orange example we first saw in the studio photos to a more subtle grey and a stunning matte white. The white, in particular, shows off the various styling elements of the exterior, especially the muscular creases on the front and sides. Despite having more complex lines, the Aventador still manages to have a cleaner look than some of the later generation Murcielagos. We snag a few minutes inside, and the quality of materials is proof that Lamborghini is continuing to benefit the Volkswagen Group's influence.

Ferrari FF A European extravagasm like the Geneva Motor Show always holds its share of oddities, be they electric beach buggies or luxury cars swathed in Pepto Bismol. They don't usually come from a company like Ferrari, but this year the Maranello automaker joined the off-beat path with the new FF. It's a pure Ferrari thoroughbred, but its shape is vastly different from anything we've seen from the brand thus far.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate Mercedes-Benz hasn't made a whole host of changes for the 2012 C63 AMG. Exterior styling aside, the engine has carried over unchanged, and if we're honest, that's perfectly fine with us. After all, the 451-horsepower 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood is a gravel-voiced honey of a powerplant, and even if you don't add in the optional AMG Development package that boosts output to 481 hp, the end result is simply stunning.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Estate Mercedes-Benz hasn't made a whole host of changes for the 2012 C63 AMG. Exterior styling aside, the engine has carried over unchanged, and if we're honest, that's perfectly fine with us. After all, the 451-horsepower 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 under the hood is a gravel-voiced honey of a powerplant, and even if you don't add in the optional AMG Development package that boosts output to 481 hp, the end result is simply stunning.

Gumpert Tornante Remember the Gumpert Apollo? It boasted world-beating performance while wearing a face only a mother could love. Thanks to design firm Touring Superleggera, the Apollo now has a much better looking new sibling sharing the Gumpert stable. It's called Tornante, which, according to Google Translate, means "hairpin bend" in Italian. For all we care, it could mean "Sexy Catfish" because it's a huge leap forward in style when compared to the Apollo, even if the split-window Chevrolet Corvette rump is derivative and more than a little unflattering.

Pagani Huayra Let's be honest. After months, if not years of anticipation, we were all a little disappointed at the results when Pagani finally unveiled its new Huayra. But you know what? After seeing it up close and personal here on the floor of the Geneva Motor Show -- in red no less, which is invariably more suitable to an Italian exotic than beige champagne metallic -- we're convinced afresh that Horacio Pagani and company make some of the most desirable machinery known to man.

2012 Hyundai i40 Geneva has been quite a show for big, handsome wagons, from the stonking Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to the shapely Saab 9-5 Sportcombi, there's been a kinschlepper for every taste and budget. Adding to the variety is Hyundai's new i40 estate, and it, too, is a looker. Boasting the same sharply rising character line as the Sonata sedan upon which it's based, the i40 nevertheless has a more traditional nose, with a smaller grille and headlamps that look more like those from the Sonata Hybrid. Overall, the front aesthetic lurks somewhere between the Elantra and an embiggened Veloster, but either way, it's all Hyundai and it's an attractive piece.

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept The beauty of Alfa Romeo is that it embodies the same sort of Italian flair as Ferrari and Maserati, but in a smaller, more accessible package. Unfortunately, their current range doesn't offer the same level of excitement. (Well, the 8C Competizione did, but then it was hardly any more affordable than its Modenese counterparts.) Enter the Alfa 4C. Smaller than the 8C it essentially succeeds, the 4C doesn't shed the excitement factor, just concentrates it into a more compact shape. In fact, at less than eight feet long, it doesn't get much more concentrated than this.

Volkswagen Bulli Concept Aside from the Beetle, Volkswagen's Microbus may be one of the most iconic vehicles ever to come out of the German automaker's stable. VW brought it back in concept form ten years ago, but despite a warm reception, plans to create a modern-day Microbus were scrapped. Now, though, Volkswagen is offering a second conceptual redux of its oh-so-popular van at the Geneva Motor Show with this, the Bulli concept.

Audi A3 sedan concept As promised, Audi trotted out its A3 sedan concept at the Geneva Motor Show, and it's a lovely bit of compact, Teutonic hotness. A ton of carbon fiber bits and pieces litter the shapely sheetmetal, all enclosing a very Germanic four-seat interior. Naturally, we're just as interested in the five-cylinder engine that uses turbocharging and FSI to pump out 408 horsepower. Peak torque measures 368 pound feet, and all that power is available between 1,600 and 5,300 rpm.

Saab PhoeniX Concept It's been about one year since Saab and General Motors parted ways, and the automaker is hellbent on showing the world what it's capable of creating on its own means. In addition to an Independence Edition of the 9-3 Convertible, Saab is showing off a major concept for the brand at this year's Geneva show ? a design that will preview the future face of the automaker, penned by famed designer Jason Castriota. In case you haven't been paying attention, Castriota has created such pretty creations as the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina and Bertone Mantide

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept BMW has pulled the wraps off of its latest concept vehicle, which is in part a research tool for the automaker as it looks towards the future of mobile networking. The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept is a two-passenger roadster seeking to push new boundaries in the realm of automotive technology. The topless concept borrows much of its design from the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that's on the road to production, but this showcar focuses on three areas; comfort, safety and infotainment.

Does your car reflect your viewing choice?

A recent article in USA Today compared car owners with their late-night TV show of choice.  They teamed up and created a poll with Penn Schoen Berland, market research and consulting firm, to showcase the demographics of viewers and their cars.

According to the results of the poll fans of Conan O’Brien are most likely to be between the ages of 18 and 34 year old and drive Volkswagens.  Those who prefer to watch Jay Leno are typically age 45 or older and lean toward domestics, especially Pontiac and Chevrolets.

Change the channel to watch David Letterman and you are likely somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 to 44 years old, and cruising around in a Toyota.  Lastly, people who prefer to get their news and entertainment from Jon Stewart fall between the ages of 35-54 and favor GMC trucks.

When it comes to technology, you’re either an “early adopter” or you’re a “laggard”. Even among early adopters, there are those that stand out, the “innovators,” as marketers call them. This category includes people willing to stand in line all night in a driving rain outside an Apple store to get an iPad at the first moment of its market launch.

So, what do these kinds of people drive? According to Translogic.com the quick answer is a Chevy Camaro, Kia Soul or Ford Flex. The cars most popular with techies are based on a survey of 140,000 consumers over the last two years. Six other vehicles on the list are certainly no surprise: Acura TL, Infiniti G, Lexus IS, the Hyundai Genesis sedan, and the Porshe Cayenne. Innovators and early adopters are more likely to choose a luxury car, Translogic.com concludes.

Translogic.com used the 2010 Acura TL as an example. At a base price of $35,105, it offers Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, a USB port and an iPod interface as standard features. Options like a 10-speaker audio system that plays audiophile DVD-Audio discs, a navigation system with voice recognition, and a rear-view camera take it to the next level.

Muscle is the Camaro’s chief innovation, serving up 300 hp from its direct injection V6 or 426 hp from its V8. The Ford Flex in part made the list thanks to its edgy exterior styling. According to Translogic.com, “Innovators are people who are more likely to take risks and they will definitely gravitate to vehicles with bolder and more polarizing styling.”

What these folks have in common is a desire to try out new things and share their experiences with their peers. So, just how adventurous or “techie” are you when it comes to your form of transportation?

Top Cars for Technology Innovators:

1. Chevrolet Camaro

2. Kia Soul

3. Ford Flex

4. Hyundai Genesis Sedan

5. Porsche Cayenne

6. Ford F-Series pickup

7. Acura TL

8. Infiniti G sedan

9. Volkswagen CC

10. Nissan Maxima

The event was also a coming out party for the brand. VW is huge worldwide, but has seemed unable to break out of a tiny niche of loyal buyers in the U.S. car market. Volkswagen ranked eighth in U.S. sales last month and has a U.S. market share of about 3.1% for the first five months of the year, up from 2.8% for the same period last year.

2010 Passat

There’s been a long standing tradition of automakers giving cars to local police departments in whatever areas they have facilities in and Volkswagen is no different.  Volkswagen of America has moved its headquarters from Michigan to Virginia and the Herndon police department has received a pair of new Passats – a modified sedan and wagon for use by the local authorities.

Like all good things, they eventually must come to an end. For Volkswagen New Beetle fans this is a sad day, but you will be happy to know the New Beetle is going out in grand style. There are 1500 Final Edition models available total so getting one may be tricky, but man, they are gorgeous!

All the coupes are finished in special Aquarius Blue paint with a black painted roof, complimented with a sharp black V-Tek leatherette interior. The convertible goes a step further with a head-turning, two-tone Aquarius Blue and Campanella White paint scheme with a black power-folding top and gorgeous white leatherette upholstery. All models have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift handle and hand brake.

Each Final Edition car is individually numbered, with a special badge on the bottom spoke of the steering wheel to denote “X of 1500.” The coupe also has an individually numbered badge on the exterior, as well as fog lights integrated into the front bumper.

For extra driving excitement, Final Edition Coupes and Convertibles are equipped with a Sport Chasses, featuring a tighter steering rack and full sport-tuned suspension. Special 17-inch “Oktopus” alloy wheels are standard. All are equipped with 150-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder engine matched with the sporty 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic.

To get your hands on one of these unique Beetles before our inventory runs out, visit one of our Heritage Volkswagen stores in either Owings Mills, MD or Parkville, MD. Remember, these are special editions; supply is low so act quickly.

2010 Chevy Cobalt Coupe (37 MPG HWY) starting at 14,990

Priced at just $14,990, the Chevy Cobalt is our pick for “greenest.” If you need inexpensive and efficient this is the car for you. Enjoy a long trip of up to 480 miles on highway with just one single tank of gas! Worried you can’t make it 480 miles without stretching your legs? No worries, there is XM radio, CD, MP3, USB and Bluetooth. Oh, and don’t worry about the long trips, the Cobalt is backed by the best coverage in America, starting with the Chevy 100,000 mile/5-year Powertrain Warranty. If you still need convincing, come in and ask us.

2010 Mazda3 4-Door (33 MPG HWY) starting at $16,045

In this economy, gas mileage is just one thing on everyone’s mind when they purchase a car. Smart purchases mean resale down the road which is why we are proud that the Mazda3 has won the ALG 2010 Residual Value Award. When you buy this car you are guaranteed it will retain a higher percentage of its original price than any of its competitors after a three-year-period. Also, did we forget to mention that the price for this car is only $16,045 to begin with? It’s the stress free car buyer’s dream come true.

2010 Dodge Caliber (31 MPG HWY) starting at $17,090

The Caliber’s got your back at the pump. When it comes to sporty vehicles, it’s reassuring to know hugging turns isn’t burning a hole in your wallet at the pump. Usually great gas mileage means a smaller car and less storage, not in this car. Fold-flat seating and second-row reclining seats make transporting easy. Let’s not exaggerate though, it’s still a “small car;” Dodge just made its storage bigger than others its size. Start packing and get moving.

2010 Jeep Patriot (29 MPG HWY) starting at $18,425

The Patriot boosts more than just its name as Best-in-class EPA estimated 4WD highway MPG; it also wins Five Stars for its side crash tests. Safety and performance make this outdoor scavenger a must for summer travel. Take the family camping in the mountains without worrying about running out of gas on some spooky winding road. If you really want to be green, get the Optic Green Metallic color. If that bright green is too much get the Natural Green Pearl.

2010 Honda Insight (43 MPG HWY) starting at $19,800

The aerodynamic shape helps this car get the highest MPG on this list. The modern and sleek design isn’t the only thing making this new model fly off the lot. Remember, even a hybrid has its roots and this is still a Honda. True to form you will spend as much time in the passing lane as you do not filling up your tank. Make economy a contest, watch your eco meter adjust as you switch into ECON mode then power out of the mode to race away. It’s fun having so much control over your vehicle. Come have some fun!

2010 Chrysler Sebring (30 MPG HWY) starting at $20,860

The slogan says “Make a Long Distance Relationship” and that is exactly what this car develops with its owner. This car is a giver. With the UCONNECT system, Chrysler allows drivers to stay connected to your friends, family or business while in the car. The feature allows passengers to surf the web, check email, play games online, etc through its 3G broadband internet in addition to navigation, phone, and of course satellite radio or your iPod through its “eyes on the road.” Technology, safety, dependability and price make this car a green pick.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (42 MPG HWY) starting at $22,354

When you purchase a Volkswagen you want to own the road. You are creative, different, adventurous, and above all, love your car. You should feel the same way at the pump, why should your car run on standard gasoline, diesel is better for your car and more efficient. Sure you may spend a few bucks more doing so, but when you are getting 42 MPG, filling up doesn’t come very often. Find your new lovable sporty TDI model now, available also for the Jetta, SportWagon, or Touareg.

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited (31 MPG HWY) starting at $24,995

The Legacy 2.5i Limited defines style and intelligence. Its attractive leather-trimmed upholstery, standard-equipped advanced frontal airbag system and dual-zone automatic digital climate control make it smart, safe and a fun choice for any driver. Plus, it’s a 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick. Priced a bit more that others on the list, its right in line with “what you pay for is what you get.” See why Subaru owners are so loyal to this brand. We can tell you but you would have to see and feel it to really believe.

2010 Buick Lacrosse CXS (27 MPG HWY) starting at $33,015

Although the Buick is priced above the other fuel efficient vehicles on this list, it is priced higher for a reason. Its V6 engine, perforated leather appointed 8-way seating, 18” chrome plated wheels and a Harmon/Kardon 11-speaker with USB port should be enough to spell out luxury. It’s made the green list because true to its word, it gets 27 MPG. For a luxurious ride that doesn’t payout at the pump, its love at first site. Step inside and see for yourself.

Racetrack Inspired Street Edition

Volkswagen kicks off the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup racing season with a special edition Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition. Only 2,500 of these replica race cars will be built, each equipped with the award-winning 2.0-liter clean diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and a broad torque curve, with a road-scorching output of 236 lb.-ft. This remarkable engine makes use of an advanced electronically controlled turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology, and can be matched with either a six-speed manual transmission or the highly acclaimed DSG transmission – the same double-clutch automatic gearbox used in TDI Cup race cars.

For clean-diesel enthusiasts and fans of the racing series – now in its third season– the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition is as fun to drive as it is visually appealing. With the sports-tuned chassis from the GLI and responsive turbo-diesel power, the Jetta TDI Cup Edition delivers road-hugging handling along with extraordinary fuel economy and ultra-low CO2 emissions. Think of it as a “GLI TDI” – the environmentally friendly sports sedan of the future.

Exterior and Chassis Features

In addition to “TDI Cup” graphics emblazoned along the lower bodysides of the car, the Jetta replica racer features significant chassis enhancements over the standard Jetta, such as larger disc brakes with

red calipers, a European sport-tuned suspension and sway bars from the performance-oriented Jetta GLI. High-performance all-season 18-inch tires are mounted on eye-catching “Charleston” multi-spoke alloy wheels. For an even more aggressive look that is almost identical to the TDI Cup race cars, there is an optional body kit that features sculpted side sill extensions, a rear valence panel, and unique front fascia with prominent mesh-covered lower air intakes. A wing spoiler is an additional option that completes the ready-for-racing look while contributing to improved high-speed aerodynamics. Four exterior colors are offered: Black Magic, Candy While, Salsa Red or brilliant Laser Blue (shown in photos).

Bold, Racy Colors

The Jetta TDI Cup Edition is available in four distinctive colors: Laser Blue Metallic, Black Magic, Candy White, and Salsa Red.

Interior Styling

Inside, the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition boasts the same comfortable and supportive sport bucket seats found in the Jetta GLI, covered with iconic Interlagos plaid cloth upholstery. The leather-wrapped steering

wheel has a Piano Black lower clip and paddle shifters when equipped with the DSG transmission. Like the GLI, foot pedals have a light-alloy appearance. Door sill plates are identified with the TDI logo.

Optional equipment available on the TDI Cup Edition includes a power sunroof, navigation system and iPod integration for the audio system.

Pricing

Volkswagens are designed to offer advanced German engineering at an affordable price, and this special edition Jetta reinforces that philosophy, with pricing that starts around $25,000. Because it’s a clean-burning diesel, the Jetta TDI Cup Edition qualifies for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit of $1,300. The savings will continue on the road, as the Jetta TDI boasts EPA fuel economy figures of 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway (DSG).

With only twelve total in Maryland, Heritage Volkswagen in Owings Mills will have two available with the full body kit. One will be Laser Blue and one Black, both with manual transmissions. Contact your Maryland Volkswagen dealer now to find out how you can get your limited edition Jetta TDI.

Clean Diesel Vehicles – Get to know the fuel-efficient, eco-conscious TDI vehicles.

Starting at just $17,605, the Clean Diesel Car of the Year Volkswagen Jetta TDI is something for VW fans to rave about. With deluxe safety standards and 30 miles per gallon fuel economy, it’s perfect for a family or an economy conscious single ready to mingle.

Love the idea but not the Jetta?  No worries, there are plenty of other models in the Volkswagen family to please every personality. Luckily for you, Volkswagen has upgraded the Touareg, Jetta SportsWagen and now coming soon the Golf to the list of TDI vehicles.

Not buying it yet? Well, now when you purchase a TDI model, you may qualify for the advanced lean burn credit, worth as much as $1300 this tax season*! Performance, efficiency, and a generous tax credit is what the people want and Volkswagen is giving it.

Volkswagen’s TDI Clean Diesel technology realizes diesel’s full potential with improved performance, increased mileage and a 95% drop in sooty emissions, do you? Stop by Heritage Volkswagen in Owings Mills or Parkville to test drive one today.