Latest news with #PedroMartinezDiaz
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Volkswagen Hints At Possible Tiguan R Comeback
Volkswagen has hinted that there could be a hot R variant of the new-generation Tiguan, the brand's most popular model in the United States. So far, the most powerful version of the new Tiguan for America is the SEL R-Line Turbo, which produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's impressive, but the original Tiguan R - based on the second generation of the crossover - produced well over 300 hp and shared an engine with the excellent Golf R. Power-hungry enthusiasts may just get another taste of such a Tiguan in the future. At the Australian media launch of the latest Golf R, the head of sales and marketing at the Volkswagen R performance division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, suggested that a range-topping Tiguan R isn't impossible. "I would never say no," said Martinez Diaz when speaking with CarExpert. "The Tiguan [R] was very successful in Europe and Australia… we'll see." If a new Tiguan does see the light of day and once again shares the Golf R's engine, it would be a serious performer, given that this top Golf now makes 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That sort of grunt, paired with the brand's all-wheel-drive system, should make for quick yet secure getaways. A possible Tiguan R wouldn't have many direct rivals in the United States. Popular competitors like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson would have no answer to a Tiguan with over 300 hp. Toyota's 2026 RAV4 plug-in hybrid will have 320 hp, and although it's certain to be quick, it doesn't have the extensive performance enhancements or driver appeal of a Tiguan R. The new-generation Tiguan boasts a comfortable cabin for five, plenty of features, and Volkswagen's recently improved infotainment setup, so there's a lot to like about it. The Tiguan R would likely share all these attributes, but in a more aggressively styled package. We can also expect it to look the part, since VW has a knack for tastefully upgrading performance models like the Jetta GLI and Golf R. Now for the bad news. The previous Tiguan R wasn't officially sold in the United States, partly because VW couldn't justify the price point of such a model. With the recent reveal of the 268-hp Tiguan SEL R-Line, that may be as far as the brand is willing to go in terms of a performance-oriented Tiguan. Volkswagen's R division has much room for expansion, with only the Golf R flying the flag in this market. A new Tiguan R would be a welcome addition, especially given Americans' appetite for SUVs. However, even if a new Tiguan R was produced, it may once again be limited to markets like Australia and Europe. We won't hold our breath, but here's hoping Volkswagen takes a chance on a hot version of the Tiguan. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Advertiser
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Volkswagen T-Roc R: Hotter next-gen small SUV coming in 2027
Volkswagen will launch an all-new T-Roc R in early 2027, when it's set to become the hero of the German brand's best-seller in its second generation. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, global head of sales and marketing for the Volkswagen R division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, confirmed plans for a second instalment of the hot T-Roc R small SUV – contrasting with previous reports of a hybrid-heavy core lineup. "The new T-Roc has been announced globally, and there will also be a T-Roc R successor in the future," Mr Martinez Diaz said. "We are planning to launch the car at the beginning of 2027." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Current T-Roc R Volkswagen R's global sales and marketing boss wouldn't be drawn on further details, though we'd wager the performance halo model will draw upon a version of the Golf R's running gear. Given the current T-Roc is effectively a Mk7 Golf under the skin, the second-gen version which is understood to be slated for a September debut at this year's Munich motor show will almost certainly ride on the newer MQB Evo underpinnings of the Mk8 Golf, as well as the Cupra Formentor and others. With that in mind, the most potent 245kW/420Nm version of the EA888 2.0-litre 'TSI' turbo-petrol engine seems likely, especially since the Formentor offers this exact drivetrain with the nifty torque vectoring rear differential seen in the Golf R as well as the Audi S3 and RS3. The new T-Roc R's performance drivetrain will be a stark contrast to the new parallel hybrid drivetrain set to debut with the second-generation T-Roc, as part of the Volkswagen Group's €60 billion (A$103bn) investment in combustion engine development by 2028. Leaked: Images of what's believed to be the next-generation T-Roc from an infotainment menu Overseas reports claim VW's new hybrid system will be based around the brand's ubiquitous 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, teamed with an electric motor and battery pack. Outputs are said to range from 150kW/350Nm to 200kW/400Nm. Coincidentally, the brand's 1.5 TSI 'eHybrid' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system based around the same petrol engine is offered with the same outputs – perhaps just the battery pack will be different for the parallel hybrid version. If the standard T-Roc (including the T-Roc 'Hybrid') is revealed in September ahead of a likely early-2026 launch in Europe, then the T-Roc R may be revealed later in 2026 before its 2027 market launch as confirmed by Martinez Diaz. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest. MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc Content originally sourced from: Volkswagen will launch an all-new T-Roc R in early 2027, when it's set to become the hero of the German brand's best-seller in its second generation. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, global head of sales and marketing for the Volkswagen R division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, confirmed plans for a second instalment of the hot T-Roc R small SUV – contrasting with previous reports of a hybrid-heavy core lineup. "The new T-Roc has been announced globally, and there will also be a T-Roc R successor in the future," Mr Martinez Diaz said. "We are planning to launch the car at the beginning of 2027." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Current T-Roc R Volkswagen R's global sales and marketing boss wouldn't be drawn on further details, though we'd wager the performance halo model will draw upon a version of the Golf R's running gear. Given the current T-Roc is effectively a Mk7 Golf under the skin, the second-gen version which is understood to be slated for a September debut at this year's Munich motor show will almost certainly ride on the newer MQB Evo underpinnings of the Mk8 Golf, as well as the Cupra Formentor and others. With that in mind, the most potent 245kW/420Nm version of the EA888 2.0-litre 'TSI' turbo-petrol engine seems likely, especially since the Formentor offers this exact drivetrain with the nifty torque vectoring rear differential seen in the Golf R as well as the Audi S3 and RS3. The new T-Roc R's performance drivetrain will be a stark contrast to the new parallel hybrid drivetrain set to debut with the second-generation T-Roc, as part of the Volkswagen Group's €60 billion (A$103bn) investment in combustion engine development by 2028. Leaked: Images of what's believed to be the next-generation T-Roc from an infotainment menu Overseas reports claim VW's new hybrid system will be based around the brand's ubiquitous 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, teamed with an electric motor and battery pack. Outputs are said to range from 150kW/350Nm to 200kW/400Nm. Coincidentally, the brand's 1.5 TSI 'eHybrid' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system based around the same petrol engine is offered with the same outputs – perhaps just the battery pack will be different for the parallel hybrid version. If the standard T-Roc (including the T-Roc 'Hybrid') is revealed in September ahead of a likely early-2026 launch in Europe, then the T-Roc R may be revealed later in 2026 before its 2027 market launch as confirmed by Martinez Diaz. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest. MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc Content originally sourced from: Volkswagen will launch an all-new T-Roc R in early 2027, when it's set to become the hero of the German brand's best-seller in its second generation. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, global head of sales and marketing for the Volkswagen R division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, confirmed plans for a second instalment of the hot T-Roc R small SUV – contrasting with previous reports of a hybrid-heavy core lineup. "The new T-Roc has been announced globally, and there will also be a T-Roc R successor in the future," Mr Martinez Diaz said. "We are planning to launch the car at the beginning of 2027." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Current T-Roc R Volkswagen R's global sales and marketing boss wouldn't be drawn on further details, though we'd wager the performance halo model will draw upon a version of the Golf R's running gear. Given the current T-Roc is effectively a Mk7 Golf under the skin, the second-gen version which is understood to be slated for a September debut at this year's Munich motor show will almost certainly ride on the newer MQB Evo underpinnings of the Mk8 Golf, as well as the Cupra Formentor and others. With that in mind, the most potent 245kW/420Nm version of the EA888 2.0-litre 'TSI' turbo-petrol engine seems likely, especially since the Formentor offers this exact drivetrain with the nifty torque vectoring rear differential seen in the Golf R as well as the Audi S3 and RS3. The new T-Roc R's performance drivetrain will be a stark contrast to the new parallel hybrid drivetrain set to debut with the second-generation T-Roc, as part of the Volkswagen Group's €60 billion (A$103bn) investment in combustion engine development by 2028. Leaked: Images of what's believed to be the next-generation T-Roc from an infotainment menu Overseas reports claim VW's new hybrid system will be based around the brand's ubiquitous 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, teamed with an electric motor and battery pack. Outputs are said to range from 150kW/350Nm to 200kW/400Nm. Coincidentally, the brand's 1.5 TSI 'eHybrid' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system based around the same petrol engine is offered with the same outputs – perhaps just the battery pack will be different for the parallel hybrid version. If the standard T-Roc (including the T-Roc 'Hybrid') is revealed in September ahead of a likely early-2026 launch in Europe, then the T-Roc R may be revealed later in 2026 before its 2027 market launch as confirmed by Martinez Diaz. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest. MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc Content originally sourced from: Volkswagen will launch an all-new T-Roc R in early 2027, when it's set to become the hero of the German brand's best-seller in its second generation. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, global head of sales and marketing for the Volkswagen R division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, confirmed plans for a second instalment of the hot T-Roc R small SUV – contrasting with previous reports of a hybrid-heavy core lineup. "The new T-Roc has been announced globally, and there will also be a T-Roc R successor in the future," Mr Martinez Diaz said. "We are planning to launch the car at the beginning of 2027." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Current T-Roc R Volkswagen R's global sales and marketing boss wouldn't be drawn on further details, though we'd wager the performance halo model will draw upon a version of the Golf R's running gear. Given the current T-Roc is effectively a Mk7 Golf under the skin, the second-gen version which is understood to be slated for a September debut at this year's Munich motor show will almost certainly ride on the newer MQB Evo underpinnings of the Mk8 Golf, as well as the Cupra Formentor and others. With that in mind, the most potent 245kW/420Nm version of the EA888 2.0-litre 'TSI' turbo-petrol engine seems likely, especially since the Formentor offers this exact drivetrain with the nifty torque vectoring rear differential seen in the Golf R as well as the Audi S3 and RS3. The new T-Roc R's performance drivetrain will be a stark contrast to the new parallel hybrid drivetrain set to debut with the second-generation T-Roc, as part of the Volkswagen Group's €60 billion (A$103bn) investment in combustion engine development by 2028. Leaked: Images of what's believed to be the next-generation T-Roc from an infotainment menu Overseas reports claim VW's new hybrid system will be based around the brand's ubiquitous 1.5 TSI four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, teamed with an electric motor and battery pack. Outputs are said to range from 150kW/350Nm to 200kW/400Nm. Coincidentally, the brand's 1.5 TSI 'eHybrid' plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system based around the same petrol engine is offered with the same outputs – perhaps just the battery pack will be different for the parallel hybrid version. If the standard T-Roc (including the T-Roc 'Hybrid') is revealed in September ahead of a likely early-2026 launch in Europe, then the T-Roc R may be revealed later in 2026 before its 2027 market launch as confirmed by Martinez Diaz. Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest. MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Volkswagen isn't closing the door on a new Tiguan R
The Volkswagen Tiguan R has proven to be a sales success both here in Australia and around the world, but the German brand hasn't committed to a successor – at least for now… Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, head of sales and marketing at the Volkswagen R performance division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, left the door open to a new go-fast Tiguan. "I would never say no. The Tiguan [R] was very successful in Europe and Australia… we'll see," Mr Martinez Diaz said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Previous-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R First revealed in 2020, the Volkswagen Tiguan R was a fully-fledged performance hero of the second-generation Tiguan lineup, packing the same 235kW/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the Mk8 Golf R hot hatch. Australia got a slightly milder 400Nm tune due our market not receiving a petrol particulate filter (PPF) like the European specification, but even with 20Nm less torque the hot mid-size SUV could dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds. It proved popular in Australia too, despite a price tag eclipsing $70,000 before on-road costs. While VW Australia hasn't quoted actual sales figures, demand often outstripped supply locally, prompting the brand's local arm to offer a 300-unit run of Grid Editions which went without some luxury features during the global semiconductor shortage. For the new, third-generation Tiguan range, the most potent variant currently is the 195TSI R-Line, which loses out on some grunt and performance, but ups it on luxury features and tech – read the full price and specs here. No doubt VW's R division could easily slip the latest Golf R's 245kW/420Nm turbocharged drivetrain under the latest Tiguan, which now rides on the same newer MQB Evo underpinnings as the German hatchback, as well as a slew of other models like the Cupra Formentor, Leon and Audi S3. Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line However, tightening emissions regulations in Europe and the UK likely put an all-out performance version of the third-gen Tiguan on the backburner given the nameplate's popularity, and the need to meet fleet emissions targets with a larger car. Overseas there's also a 200kW/400Nm Tiguan eHybrid PHEV which sits alongside the 195TSI-spec petrol Tiguan, though its FWD-only design means its 0-100km/h pace pales compared to the 195TSI's 5.8-second acceleration and the old R's 5.1-second time. While the PHEV can't beat its combustion-only contemporaries in a drag race, it'll do over 100km of EV-only driving per charge and quotes combined fuel consumption of just 0.4L/100km with a full battery, so you can see why this drivetrain may have received preference over a new R. Let us know in the comments if you'd like to see a new-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R! MORE: Everything Volkswagen Tiguan Content originally sourced from: The Volkswagen Tiguan R has proven to be a sales success both here in Australia and around the world, but the German brand hasn't committed to a successor – at least for now… Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, head of sales and marketing at the Volkswagen R performance division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, left the door open to a new go-fast Tiguan. "I would never say no. The Tiguan [R] was very successful in Europe and Australia… we'll see," Mr Martinez Diaz said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Previous-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R First revealed in 2020, the Volkswagen Tiguan R was a fully-fledged performance hero of the second-generation Tiguan lineup, packing the same 235kW/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the Mk8 Golf R hot hatch. Australia got a slightly milder 400Nm tune due our market not receiving a petrol particulate filter (PPF) like the European specification, but even with 20Nm less torque the hot mid-size SUV could dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds. It proved popular in Australia too, despite a price tag eclipsing $70,000 before on-road costs. While VW Australia hasn't quoted actual sales figures, demand often outstripped supply locally, prompting the brand's local arm to offer a 300-unit run of Grid Editions which went without some luxury features during the global semiconductor shortage. For the new, third-generation Tiguan range, the most potent variant currently is the 195TSI R-Line, which loses out on some grunt and performance, but ups it on luxury features and tech – read the full price and specs here. No doubt VW's R division could easily slip the latest Golf R's 245kW/420Nm turbocharged drivetrain under the latest Tiguan, which now rides on the same newer MQB Evo underpinnings as the German hatchback, as well as a slew of other models like the Cupra Formentor, Leon and Audi S3. Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line However, tightening emissions regulations in Europe and the UK likely put an all-out performance version of the third-gen Tiguan on the backburner given the nameplate's popularity, and the need to meet fleet emissions targets with a larger car. Overseas there's also a 200kW/400Nm Tiguan eHybrid PHEV which sits alongside the 195TSI-spec petrol Tiguan, though its FWD-only design means its 0-100km/h pace pales compared to the 195TSI's 5.8-second acceleration and the old R's 5.1-second time. While the PHEV can't beat its combustion-only contemporaries in a drag race, it'll do over 100km of EV-only driving per charge and quotes combined fuel consumption of just 0.4L/100km with a full battery, so you can see why this drivetrain may have received preference over a new R. Let us know in the comments if you'd like to see a new-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R! MORE: Everything Volkswagen Tiguan Content originally sourced from: The Volkswagen Tiguan R has proven to be a sales success both here in Australia and around the world, but the German brand hasn't committed to a successor – at least for now… Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, head of sales and marketing at the Volkswagen R performance division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, left the door open to a new go-fast Tiguan. "I would never say no. The Tiguan [R] was very successful in Europe and Australia… we'll see," Mr Martinez Diaz said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Previous-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R First revealed in 2020, the Volkswagen Tiguan R was a fully-fledged performance hero of the second-generation Tiguan lineup, packing the same 235kW/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the Mk8 Golf R hot hatch. Australia got a slightly milder 400Nm tune due our market not receiving a petrol particulate filter (PPF) like the European specification, but even with 20Nm less torque the hot mid-size SUV could dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds. It proved popular in Australia too, despite a price tag eclipsing $70,000 before on-road costs. While VW Australia hasn't quoted actual sales figures, demand often outstripped supply locally, prompting the brand's local arm to offer a 300-unit run of Grid Editions which went without some luxury features during the global semiconductor shortage. For the new, third-generation Tiguan range, the most potent variant currently is the 195TSI R-Line, which loses out on some grunt and performance, but ups it on luxury features and tech – read the full price and specs here. No doubt VW's R division could easily slip the latest Golf R's 245kW/420Nm turbocharged drivetrain under the latest Tiguan, which now rides on the same newer MQB Evo underpinnings as the German hatchback, as well as a slew of other models like the Cupra Formentor, Leon and Audi S3. Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line However, tightening emissions regulations in Europe and the UK likely put an all-out performance version of the third-gen Tiguan on the backburner given the nameplate's popularity, and the need to meet fleet emissions targets with a larger car. Overseas there's also a 200kW/400Nm Tiguan eHybrid PHEV which sits alongside the 195TSI-spec petrol Tiguan, though its FWD-only design means its 0-100km/h pace pales compared to the 195TSI's 5.8-second acceleration and the old R's 5.1-second time. While the PHEV can't beat its combustion-only contemporaries in a drag race, it'll do over 100km of EV-only driving per charge and quotes combined fuel consumption of just 0.4L/100km with a full battery, so you can see why this drivetrain may have received preference over a new R. Let us know in the comments if you'd like to see a new-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R! MORE: Everything Volkswagen Tiguan Content originally sourced from: The Volkswagen Tiguan R has proven to be a sales success both here in Australia and around the world, but the German brand hasn't committed to a successor – at least for now… Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the updated Golf R Mk8.5, head of sales and marketing at the Volkswagen R performance division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, left the door open to a new go-fast Tiguan. "I would never say no. The Tiguan [R] was very successful in Europe and Australia… we'll see," Mr Martinez Diaz said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Pictured: Previous-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R First revealed in 2020, the Volkswagen Tiguan R was a fully-fledged performance hero of the second-generation Tiguan lineup, packing the same 235kW/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as the Mk8 Golf R hot hatch. Australia got a slightly milder 400Nm tune due our market not receiving a petrol particulate filter (PPF) like the European specification, but even with 20Nm less torque the hot mid-size SUV could dash from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds. It proved popular in Australia too, despite a price tag eclipsing $70,000 before on-road costs. While VW Australia hasn't quoted actual sales figures, demand often outstripped supply locally, prompting the brand's local arm to offer a 300-unit run of Grid Editions which went without some luxury features during the global semiconductor shortage. For the new, third-generation Tiguan range, the most potent variant currently is the 195TSI R-Line, which loses out on some grunt and performance, but ups it on luxury features and tech – read the full price and specs here. No doubt VW's R division could easily slip the latest Golf R's 245kW/420Nm turbocharged drivetrain under the latest Tiguan, which now rides on the same newer MQB Evo underpinnings as the German hatchback, as well as a slew of other models like the Cupra Formentor, Leon and Audi S3. Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line However, tightening emissions regulations in Europe and the UK likely put an all-out performance version of the third-gen Tiguan on the backburner given the nameplate's popularity, and the need to meet fleet emissions targets with a larger car. Overseas there's also a 200kW/400Nm Tiguan eHybrid PHEV which sits alongside the 195TSI-spec petrol Tiguan, though its FWD-only design means its 0-100km/h pace pales compared to the 195TSI's 5.8-second acceleration and the old R's 5.1-second time. While the PHEV can't beat its combustion-only contemporaries in a drag race, it'll do over 100km of EV-only driving per charge and quotes combined fuel consumption of just 0.4L/100km with a full battery, so you can see why this drivetrain may have received preference over a new R. Let us know in the comments if you'd like to see a new-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R! MORE: Everything Volkswagen Tiguan Content originally sourced from:
