jetta

Lytro founder Ren Ng wants to make photos an experience

It's a completely new way to capture pictures that moves the process of focus, composition, and even interpretation from the photographer to the viewer. Ren Ng is the founder of startup Lytro in Silicon Valley, where they are building this new kind of camera and new kind of mindset to go with it.

The things Lytro exposes in consumer photography have always been just a little out of the grasp of the mainstream photographer. By making them simple, this company's technology could popularize some of the finer points of photography like depth of field and perspective control. Biggest challenges? Definitely the smartphone and the flight to convenience, social connectivity and low commitment that it represents. … Read more

Volkswagen tries to conquer the world with tech

California is not known as a carmaking state, but every carmaker is here. And few have been in Silicon Valley longer than Volkswagen Group with its Electronics Research Lab. There they try to crack the code on loading cars up with social media, connected navigation, portable integration, and more without distracting you to death.

I spent a day with wide-ranging access to the VW lab, in conversation with its director, Peter Oel. I came away with the impression that VW, like the rest of the industry, feels the tech cat is out of the bag and we aren't going back to a day when our cars are digital ghettos. That's also because carmakers know that high-touch technology is a key way they'll clobber their competitors, but they also keep their eye on the rear view as the government makes more and more noises that sound like distraction regulation. … Read more

VW adds a driver's car to the Jetta model range

With the 2011 Jetta update, Volkswagen made some compromises to get the price low, but the GLI restores handling and power to this otherwise humble model.

Significant additions to the Jetta GLI are a multilink rear suspension and rear disc brakes. The most important part of the package is one of the best power trains available today, Volkswagen's TFSI 2-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to its Direct Shift Gearbox. That engine combines good economy and power.

Cabin tech options mirror what can be found in other high-trim Jettas, with an available navigation system and iPod connectivity. We raved about the … Read more

Car Tech Live 250: Tesla Model X and Model S orgy! (podcast)

Tesla hits us with an orgy of new cars, Spotify heads into Ford dashboards, a new superfast wireless to rock cars soon, and we drive the 2012 VW Jetta GLI.

EPISODE 250 Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video)

2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to bow at Chicago Auto Show

So you like the new Volkswagen Beetle, but you wish it were a bit more fuel efficient?

If so, you should stay tuned to next week's Chicago Auto Show because that's where VW will be debuting its new 2013 Beetle TDI.

As the name suggests, this new Beetle variant will be powered by one of Volkswagen's TDI engines--and no, unfortunately it's not that TDI engine. The Beetle TDI's power train is essentially a cut-and-paste of the engine that lives beneath the bonnet of the 2012 Golf TDI and 2012 Jetta TDI. The much-loved 2.0-liter … Read more

VW goes greener with electric Beetle, Jetta Hybrid

DETROIT--If you're a Bug fan, chances are you might dig an electric version.

Volkswagen has been showing off its zero-emission E-Bugster concept at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, as well as a Jetta Hybrid.

The storied Beetle, which recently had an update for the third generation since its launch in 1949, gets a Blue-e-motion drive unit with a 114-horsepower (85 kW) electric motor and 110 miles of range with its lithium-ion battery.

It does 0-60 mph in a laid-back 10.9 seconds.

The Bugster has a low-slung roof like the 2005 Ragster concept and fat, … Read more

Jetta recall: Honk horn, stall car

Own a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta? Be careful next time you honk your horn at that straggler holding up a green light.

Volkswagen of America today announced a voluntary safety recall affecting its flagship sedans. A wiring issue could cause the car to turn off if the horn is activated, the company said.

Approximately 71,043 Jettas--manufactured from March 2010 through March 2011--are affected by a bizarre issue caused by a fault in the wiring layout, according to VW. The "electrical gremlin" (a popular term in the automotive community) resides in the anti-theft alarm system and horn, which in rare circumstances can short-circuit the converter box that supplies power to the engine, among other components.

No related accidents or injuries have been reported, the automaker said.

As with most vehicle recalls, owners whose VINs fall within the recall range "will be notified via first-class mail regarding the corrective measures and anticipated repair timeline," according to Volkswagen. Concerned owners can also call Volkswagen customer care at 1.800.822.8987.

This isn't the first time the German automaker has been criticized for electrical issues in its eclectic lineup of vehicles. I have a feeling those "honk if you liked your service" signs won't be popping up at Volkswagen dealerships any time soon.

Car Tech Live 197: Tale of two pocket rockets (podcast)

We drive the Honda CR-Z, and await the new VW Golf R; ratting out speed traps gets kinda legit; the VW that sounds like a guitar; and Google plays smashmouth with the auto nav industry.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 197 SHOW NOTES

? Navteq buys Trapster

? VW gets Fender audio system

? VW Golf R returning to the U.S.

? CR-Z gets a K engine transplant

? Google video suggests the end of in-car GPS

? CNET's LOLCars gallery

Want a 2011 VW Jetta for under $6,000?

Volkswagen has teamed up with luxury discount site Gilt Groupe to offer a limited number of 2011 Jettas for $5,995.

The purchase price of each car will go to Dress for Success Worldwide, an international nonprofit that helps economically disadvantaged women.

One Jetta is up for grabs each day for three days. Sales started today and will resume tomorrow, December 16, and Friday, December 17 at noon (I'm guessing Eastern time; the site doesn't specify, although there is a really cool countdown clock).

You have to register on the Gilt Web site ahead of time, and it'… Read more

Is the hatch making a comeback?

Today, a Ford press release crossed my desk with an interesting tidbit about the sales figures for its new Ford Fiesta. It turns out that the majority of buyers have chosen the five-door hatchback body style over the more conventional four-door model. Apparently, someone at Ford thought this was newsworthy, but for me, it was sort of a no-brainer: the five-door was always the better car in my eyes. But that got me to thinking, "What is it with Americans and hatchbacks?"

We're big fans of hatchbacks here at CNET Car Tech, particularly those of the hot … Read more