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The VW Golf R Touch is like something out of a science fiction movie, packed full of cutting-edge technology. There are a few technology advancements made each year that make us realize we really are living in the future. It seems the engineers at Volkswagen became inspired while re-watching that Tom Cruise movie, Minority Report, because it seems as though the new VW Golf R Touch Concept Car that was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show this week is straight out of that futuristic film. The VW Golf R Touch Concept Car has three big touchscreens, and is void of any tangible buttons or knobs aside from those controls that are imbedded in the steering wheel. But it’s not simply a trio of touchscreens. Drivers and passengers can operate the controls without touching anything, and without saying anything. A simply swipe or gesture is recognized, with the goal being that it won’t require a lesson to use. The system is built to be as intuitive as possible. Golf R Touch Concept Car Volkswagen stated that this concept car was the ultimate technological challenge. It was an attempt to integrate unbelievably complex technology with as many functions as possible, while nearly eliminating driver distractions by making it the easiest to use, most personalized system. All of the controls are sensor-based, or operate via the touchscreen. The speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and other vehicle information is all integrated into a 12.3 inch Active Information Display. All the standard car instruments are represented digitally. The main high-res infotainment screen is nearly 13 inches, and the screen that operates media settings and climate control is 8 inches. It’s not magic, though. Along with the proximity sensors are a series of small interor cameras mounted within the vehicle that pick up hand movement. The idea of waving your hand or simply gesturing to interact with applications, media, and climate control really brings these interfaces into a whole new third dimension. For instance, simply raise your arm, and you can control the Golf’s moonroof without touching a thing, and without having to take your eyes off the road. While the R Touch Concept isn't here, yet, we do have the VW Golf in stock. It is the Car of the Year for very good reason. Come see why! As always, all of us here at Speedcraft VW are more than happy to answer any question you might have. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

Through their new MirrorLink infotainment system, VW plans to lead the pack with cutting-edge tech. You might remember when Apple first announced Apple CarPlay last year. One of the headlines that came out of that announcement was that Volkswagen was one of the largest auto manufacturers not yet partnered with Apple. Well all of that changed this week at the International Computer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Volkswagen is Adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to their cars this year. Volkswagen MirrorLink The release of Carplay and Android Auto will coincide with the release of VW’s next generation infotainment system, which they are calling MirrorLink. This new system is about to take Volkswagen to the top of the touchscreen game. MirrorLink is on the same level as Jaguar’s new system, just to give you a better idea about how advanced and high-end it will be. MirrorLink will add phone-mirroring protocols which will essentially turn your smartphone into a second, mirrored screen for the infotainment system. Adding apps, integrating Apple Carplay and Android Auto will all be simpler than on any other vehicle out there. It looks like it was very much worth the wait. Apps from Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, and Apple will be supported, but initially MirrorLink will work with Think Blue, My Guide, Trainer, Shared Audio, and Sound Journey applications. More third party apps will be released after the initial launch. Volkswagen Apple CarPlay Release Date The release date for MirrorLink and CarPlay is still up in the air. However, Volkswagen did state that the launch would take place this year. Costs for adding Carplay or Android Auto were also not yet announced, but will likely be in line with the current prices set by other manufacturers. It appears 2015 is the year of technology for VW. You can view the entire Volkswagen Keynote Address from CES 2015 here.

$199 Oil Maintenance Program Providence RI When it comes to maximizing the value of your vehicle, there are a variety of avenues you can take to improve your return on investment. And, while some might opt for regular detailing or aftermarket parts to improve the value on their Volkswagen, the easiest and most certain step is one you might not have thought of: getting your VW in for a regular oil change at Speedcraft VW. And now, with our $199 Oil Maintenance Program at Speedcraft VW, drivers in Providence and the surrounding areas can experience all of these terrific benefits for themselves. So what is included in the Oil Maintenance Program, you ask? Five Full Synthetic Oil Changes. Let’s be honest--even though most of us are probably fully capable of changing our oil, would we really want to? With Speedcraft’s VW-certified team of service professionals, not only do we eliminate the hassle of doing it yourself, you’ll also enjoy the confidence of knowing that you’ve got the most qualified men and women in the business looking at your vehicle. Ten tire rotations are included with your enrollment in our Oil Maintenance Program! Ten Tire Rotations. When your oil is being changed, do you ever think about your tires? The best way to ensure that your tires are aging evenly is to have them rotated regularly, and this is best performed in conjunction with your oil change. So why not leave your tire rotation to us? Multi-Point Safety Inspection. Do you hear a rattle when your vehicle is idling? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your vehicle isn’t running as it should? During every visit, you’ll receive a free safety inspection to identify any issues that may be arising in your vehicle, with the hope being that we can identify problems before they become larger ones. Hand Wash and Vac with Each Visit. Have you ever noticed that a clean car seems to run better? While this is probably the result of all of the inspections and services listed above, having your car look its best can’t hurt either, can it? So, each time you stop in for your oil change, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning by our staff. The best thing about all of these services, however, is the price. While paying for each of these services individually would cost well over $500, the Speedcraft VW Oil Maintenance Program is now available for the one-time price of just $199. So are you ready to receive all of these benefits for yourself? Visit Speedcraft VW today to enroll in our program!

2015 VW e-Golf Providence RI In the last several years, a pretty significant move has been made industry-wide to create a viable all-electric vehicle. Now, with the release of the 2015 VW e-Golf near Providence RI, it’s finally here. Amazing German engineering, iconic Volkswagen performance, and stylish Golf sensibility have combined to create a vehicle worthy of recognition in the form of recognition as Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, and it’s arrived at Speedcraft VW. So, care to take a closer look? It's Here: The e-Golf is ON THE LOT at Speedcraft! Goodbye to Gas When the e-Golf was announced, the commercial seen below made the rounds to the delight of auto enthusiasts everywhere. However, it was more than just an entertaining novelty. Say farewell to gas stations, say farewell to oil changes, say farewell to paying attention to gas prices. With the e-Golf’s range of 83 miles per charge and over 18,000 charging locations, you’ll get there and back again with ease, only stopping at service stations to wipe off your windshield. With three driving modes to choose from, the e-Golf is always up to the task at hand. Legendary Performance We must admit, it was a logical question to ask: will the e-Golf still drive like, well, a Golf? To that end, VW devised a 115-hp electric motor, which responds with 199 instantly responding torque. And, with three driving modes--Normal/Eco/Eco+--available depending on the situation, the e-Golf is well suited to all driving conditions. A True VW, Through and Through For all of the demand for a great all-electric vehicle, to its credit, VW didn’t rush this. They made absolutely that they’d gotten the e-Golf just right before it was time for production, and this is evident in its style and execution. The e-Golf features model-exclusive features such as an electrically heated windshield and full LED headlights and daytime running lights, while exceptional amenities such as a rearview camera, a Media Device Interface, and a Navigation System with proximity sensors and voice control are standard as well. And, with its VW Car-Net Telematics system at the ready to integrate the e-Golf’s functions, it’s smart in all the ways you’d expect as well. The 2015 VW e-Golf Now At Speedcraft VW! The red carpet has already been rolled out by an excited automotive media. (We’re looking at you, Motor Trend.) Do you have any questions? Care to learn more details about its performance or how to schedule a test drive? Then visit or contact Speedcraft VW today; we’d be happy to help you say goodbye to gas!

Common Tax Mistakes Now that the Christmas holiday is behind us, we’re getting ready to face another season of sorts altogether: tax season. Yes, in a few weeks we’ll begin sorting through our paperwork for the year, hoping that we can take home a sizeable return to help us into a new purchase (or who knows, a new Volkswagen). However, what common tax mistakes do we make that prevent us from getting the return we deserve? Here are four of the most regular errors for you to avoid, with a little help from your friends at Speedcraft VW! Typographical Errors While most of us are pretty adept at jotting down--or, more likely, typing--our own information, if we’re doing the taxes for family members or claiming dependents, then the addition of social security numbers, dates of birth, and the like can make typos much more common. Be sure to double check your values to make certain that they’re correct. Math Mistakes It's almost tax time; are you ready? This is an area where we can avoid mistakes simply by leaning on today’s technology. According to IRS figures, we are twenty times more likely to make a math mistake if we use a paper and pen rather than e-filing or using tax-prep software. So, once again, go over all of your materials in advance to ensure that everything is correct. You’d hate to have the forms sent back to you and delay your return, right? Incorrect Filing Status or Selecting the Wrong Deductions Some of the wording on tax forms can be a little troublesome, which leads many filers to select the wrong filing status when they file. Additionally, some might assume that they are eligible for a deduction, or neglect to choose an exemption that they actually are qualified for. However, the most common problem in this regard usually comes after a divorce, when parents of minor children don’t know who is eligible to claim the kids as dependents. In this case, it’s probably best to consult a tax professional for clarification. Forgetting to Sign the Paperwork This is more common than you might have initially thought. Just as we sometimes forget to endorse a check, we’ll sometimes complete all the paperwork and then forget the simplest and most important step, rendering the entire enterprise invalid. So be certain to sign at the end and, if you are filing jointly with a spouse, to get both necessary signatures. We trust that these tips will help to avoid mistakes, and to get your full return on time! And, in time for the tax season, we’ll be having lease and financing specials at Speedcraft VW as well! Stay tuned!

Holiday Events in Providence RI 2014 Have you noticed that, in our haste to cover almost everything winter or holiday-related, our Speedcraft VW blog has covered mostly things that only cause more stress? Driving in snow? Buying gifts for people? Enough! Let’s party! Here are some of our favorite holiday events in the Providence area, each of which promises to ease any burden you might have accumulated over the past eleven months. Enjoy! Christmas in Newport -- Newport, RI -- Runs through December 31st Now entering its 44th year, Christmas in Newport has been an area holiday staple for generations. Its candlelit charm highlights the area’s rich history and iconic architecture, with special attention to the sense of community that has helped to make the area so noteworthy. Additionally, this event helps to raise thousands of dollars for charity every year, making it an event that truly captures the spirit of the season. A Christmas Carol -- Chace Theater, Providence -- Runs through December 31st Here’s a little-known fact: Christmas as we know it wouldn’t be possible were it not for A Christmas Carol, which is widely credited with making community, forgiveness and generosity commonly-held themes of the season. Go ahead, look it up. So, why not see a terrific take on the classic tale, as told by the Trinity Repertory Company? Christmas at Blithewood -- Bristol, RI -- Runs through January 4th At the Blithewood Mansion, located in Bristol, all are welcome this Christmas. As the centerpiece of many yearly events, it’s little surprise that the Blithewood mansion and gardens factors into the Christmas season as well. Enjoy the enormous Colonial Revival-style home in all its holiday splendor with this years theme, “All Are Welcome.” Rooms are outfitted to reflect both the design of the time and the spirit of the season, and will be a great escape for those of all ages. A Very Special Christmas WaterFire -- Waterplace Park, Providence -- December 19th This amazing event now enters its fourth year, with proceeds benefiting the work of the Providence Rescue Mission. There will be a Santa's Village display, a toy and food drive and, of course, the lighting of the awesome spectacle in the heart of Providence. This one is not to be missed. 4th Annual Dam Good Toy Drive -- Comedy Connection, East Providence -- December 18th Okay, we’ve waded through high culture, why not enjoy some giggles for a great cause? For the fourth year, Comedy Connection is collecting toys for local children. For one night only--Thursday, December 18th--bring a toy to receive a free ticket to the night’s show, and laugh all while knowing that you’re giving back to the area’s needy. And hurry, because tickets are going fast! Well, there you have it. Five terrific ideas to help make this holiday season your most memorable yet. And, if you’d like to share some of your Christmas cheer with us, we’d love to see you. Come pay us a visit at Speedcraft VW!

Knowing Your VW App Say you’re driving your Volkswagen, when all of a sudden a light appears on the dashboard? In years past, you might have had to find an alternate route so that you could get to the nearest VW dealership, worrying the whole time about what the light might have meant. But now, with the announcement of the updated Knowing Your VW app available for all iOS devices, this is no longer the case. The purpose of the Knowing Your Volkswagen app is to make the customer experience for VW drivers by offering an easy tool to help operate all of the features of their vehicle easily and without using a paper owner’s manual. Additionally, the Knowing Your VW app now offers updated digital owners manuals for all models from 2013 to 2015, all available right on your mobile device. The Know Your VW App offers a variety of tools for savvy Volkswagen drivers. While the addition of 2015 model year owners manuals is certainly likely to get the most press, this certainly isn’t all that users of the Knowing Your VW app now have available to them. There are also video tutorials to help with potential user issues, while access to quick start guides and live chats with Volkswagen Customer Care is available as well. Want more? Well, you’ve got it, because users may also access virtual tours of all Volkswagen vehicles for the 2015 model year. Care to see the key differences between the VW Golf and the GTI? Or want to know the fuel economy of the 2015 Jetta, or learn the key features of the upcoming 2015 VW Touareg? It’s now easier than ever, with the help of the Knowing Your VW app. But why take our word for it? You can now download the app free of charge by clicking on the button below! And, for all the latest news and vehicles from Volkswagen, stop by and pay us a visit at Speedcraft VW today!

Driving Mistakes during Snowy Conditions We won’t sugarcoat it: we like the snowy season in Rhode Island. It brings out the Frank Capraesque nature of our many historic communities, and everything just looks so much more homey. Of course, it also comes with its share of hazards, several of which we’ve already outlined here. The most obvious of these is, of course, the snow and ice. But what mistakes do we make during snowy conditions that we can avoid in hopes of staying safe? Here are a few. 1) Driving too fast. This should be obvious. When there is ice cover on the roads, experts predict that stopping distances can increase by as much as ten times! Speeding only exacerbates this problem, and can cause all sorts of problems when traveling on curvy roads as well. Stay on the road this winter by avoiding these driving mistakes! 2) Slamming on the brakes. This ties into Mistake #1. When you must hit the brakes in a hurry, don’t panic and simply slam on them. This will send your vehicle into a slide, eliminating any control you might have over your vehicle. Simply apply firm pressure and let up gently every so often, helping you retain control. 3) Following too closely behind other vehicles. Experts estimate that you should double your following distance when traveling in snowy or icy conditions, estimating four car lengths for every 10 mph that you are driving. This would mean, for example, that if you’re traveling 30 mph, you’d want to give yourself 12 car lengths between cars, thus allowing for safe stopping in the event of traffic issues. 4) Not being prepared. Let’s be frank here: winter weather is no joke, and being unprepared is about the worst mistake you can make. Put snow tires on your car if necessary, make sure fluids are filled and that your defrost functions work properly. Additionally, make a kit with kitty litter, a shovel, a flashlight, a blanket and some foodstuffs is recommended as well. 5) Putting too much faith in your 4WD. This happens a lot. A driver will think that he or she is indestructible because they have four-wheel-drive, and then that overconfidence gets them in trouble. Even if you have 4WD, this is designed to make all your wheels go, but it doesn’t do anything to help all of your wheels stop. Therefore, still be careful even in 4WD. We hope that these mistakes will be avoided during the upcoming winter weather season. And, on behalf of all of us at Speedcraft VW, safe travels!

Gift Ideas for Car Lovers We did it, everyone. We made it through the whole year, through the Thanksgiving holiday, and now we only have about a month until the more festive holidays make their way to the Providence area. This obviously means that you’ll be shopping, and if you’re anything like us, a few people on your list will be car lovers. So what do you get for your local gearhead that they might not think to get for themselves? Here are four gift ideas for car lovers, from your friends at Speedcraft VW! 1) A GoPro If you are someone who enjoys taking your car off-roading or simply going on scenic drives, then there isn’t any reason that you shouldn’t have a GoPro. This camera is easily mountable, and with its ability to take 1080p videos at 30 frames per second, the clips are crisp and clear. And, since it’s equipped with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, they are easy to share and upload as well. 2) VW DriverGear What kid wouldn't love a VW Beetle power wheel? We’ve talked about this before, but Volkswagen has some of the most impressive swag of any automaker worldwide. Sweatshirts, watches, water bottles, remote controlled cars...the list goes on and on. And, since you can order from the comfort of your couch with our Parts and Accessories eStore, you avoid lines as well. 3) A VW Beetle Power Wheel Is your resident car lover...a child? If so, then why not get them a little Beetle of their own? Power wheels have come a long way since the rickety ones we remember, with spot-on design and a level of fun that your kids can’t find normally. May as well get their lifelong infatuation with Volkswagen off to a good start, right? 4) Racing Video Games Did you know that the average gamer is 30 years old? This means that the buddy you have who enjoys Formula One and working on his car on the weekends probably has an Xbox in his basement too. This year’s most popular titles include Forza Horizon 2 (Xbox only), as well as Grand Theft Auto: Rivals and Grand Theft Auto 5, available for both Xbox and Playstation consoles. For the more lighthearted crowd, meanwhile, Mario Kart 8 is now available on the Nintendo Wii U. (This one’s our favorite.) So, are you ready to do your shopping? If so, we hope that these ideas help in the process. And, if you’re looking for, say, something a little bigger, check out our outstanding lineup of new and used Volkswagen vehicles at Speedcraft VW! Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Beat the Winter Weather Now that winter is fully upon us, there are going to be some travel issues. Obviously, we can’t stop the snow or wish away the ice, but we can try to outsmart it with our wits. Here, from your friends at Speedcraft VW, are five easy ways to beat the winter weather. You can thank us later. When you are stuck in a snowdrift, don’t use sand or cardboard. Try using regular kitty litter, which is more granular and easier for your tires to catch hold of. An added bonus: it smells terrific. Kitty litter. It's a life-saver, in more ways than one. When you are facing frozen windshield wipers and iced-over mirrors, try this: lift the wipers off of the windshield, and cover them with regular socks. Yes, it looks ridiculous. It also works. As for your mirrors, put ziploc bags over them, and you’ll never face iced-over mirrors again. If you are shoveling sticky snow, and it seems like you can’t get it off of your shovel, take some cooking spray and apply it to your shovel. It will fly off of the shovel quicker than you realize, and it’s actually makes shoveling sort of fun. (Sort of.) If you’re slipping and sliding all over the ice and snow, try this: take some small screws, and twist them into the bottoms of your boots. Pretty quickly, you won’t be going anywhere you don’t want to go. However, remember to take them off before you go in the house. Trust us, they will do a number on your hardwood floors. And finally, if you live in an area where you have to park outside overnight, try to park your car facing east. This way, when the sun comes up, it will melt the ice and frost before you have to leave for work. Problem solved! There are numerous ways to beat the winter at its own game, even without spending any money. We hope that these help you in the coming months; come let us know your own weather-beating tips today at Speedcraft VW!

VW Crossover SUV Providence RI A quick glance over our inventory at Speedcraft VW will reveal that two of our most popular vehicles, the Tiguan and the Touareg, are classified as “crossover SUVs.” For whatever reason, this term--”crossover SUV”--causes a fair bit of confusion for many shoppers. Does it mean half-car/half-truck? Does it mean anything at all? As it turns out, it does mean something. Here, in a brief rundown, is what is meant by the term, “Crossover SUV.” They use a unibody construction. The chief difference between a crossover SUV and a standard SUV is its construction. Where traditional SUVs used body-on-frame construction similar to that found in pickups, crossover SUVs use a unibody construction more akin to cars and vans. This makes it far lighter, which leads us to…. The 2015 VW Tiguan offer SUV capability in a more efficient package. They are much more efficient. When traditional SUVs were having their moment in the sun, it wasn’t uncommon to see an automaker brag about making 15 mpg on the highway. It isn’t a coincidence that gas prices were also far lower, and people generally didn’t care about such things. When the recession hit, however, drivers realized that, Hey, maybe we should pay attention to things like fuel economy. The result? Vehicles such as the Tiguan and Touareg, which routinely register 26 and 29 highway mpg, respectively. They are considered “On-Road” vehicles. Another takeaway from the recession was that, although body-on-frame SUVs were certainly capable of climbing small mountains and fording rivers, who was actually doing this? No one was. So automakers began to pay attention to the driving habits of the average person, which meant promoting sophisticated road performance and comfortable, accommodating interior cabins. They still boast towing capacities well-suited to pulling boats and trailers, but a fifth-wheel RV? Probably not. For proof of how firmly this automotive renaissance has taken hold, you really need look no further than the VW Tiguan and VW Touareg, both of which are available at Speedcraft VW. Are then intended to ramp over sand dunes or pull out stumps? No, they are not. They’re intended to offer world-beating comfort and efficiency at a price that isn’t intimidating. And, might we add, they are very, very good at it. See you soon at Speedcraft VW!

2015 VW Golf named Motor Trend Car of the Year Well, even we didn’t see this coming. The votes have been tabulated, all 24 of the eligible cars have been exhaustively analyzed, and we now have winner of the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The 2015 VW Golf family of models, which includes the standard Golf 1.8T, the Golf TDI, the high-performance GTI, and the upcoming all-electric e-Golf. After staring down competition from the likes of the Ford Mustang, the BMW 2 Series, the Maserati Ghibli, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Golf stands alone. Pretty impressive, no? To hear Motor Trend’s Editor-in-Chief Ed Loh tell it, he was surprised by its impressive showing as we were. “VW floored our judges by reimagining the seventh generation Golf for nearly every need and want,” he explained. “From the value-laden Golf 1.8T and high-MPG Golf TDI to the legendary hot hatch GTI and all-electric e-Golf, there truly is a Golf for everyone.” In its seventh generation, the evolution of the Golf family is complete. Prior to announcing a winner of Car of the Year, competitors were judged by six key criteria: design advancement, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and performance of intended function. And, after nine full days of testing, the Golf family of vehicles came home with the top prize. Of course, none of this would require mentioning if it weren’t for the fact that Speedcraft VW just happens to be Rhode Island’s top-rated online Volkswagen dealer, and holds the specific distinction of keeping the area’s most versatile and accommodating inventory of the VW Golf. Whether you’re searching for iconic utility of the classic seventh-generation Golf or the all-out road-readiness of the athletic GTI, we’ll work with you to line up the options you desire and make sure that you drive away with the most desired vehicle of its kind in America today. After all, being named the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year lends a little weight to such a lofty claim. Visit Speedcraft VW today to receive further information, to schedule a test drive, or to receive financing details in regard to our resident Car of the Year. We’re excited to assist you, and look forward to seeing you at Speedcraft VW soon!