Friday, December 23, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Passat named finalist for 2012 North American Car of the Year
Capping a landmark year for Volkswagen of America, the all-new 2012
Passat has been named one of three North American Car of the Year award
(NACOTY) finalists. This award recognizes vehicles that are benchmarks
in their respective classes and is determined by a group of 50
distinguished American and Canadian automotive journalists. The winner
will be announced at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo
Center in Detroit on January 9, 2012.
As well as stacking up awards, Volkswagen has been making waves with
consumers, producing double-digit sales growth every month in 2011. The
same day that the NACOTY jury named the Passat as a finalist, Volkswagen
announced that it has surpassed 300,000 sales for the year-to-date. The
last time VW achieved such a volume for a full year was in 2003.
As well as stacking up awards, Volkswagen has been making waves with
consumers, producing double-digit sales growth every month in 2011. The
same day that the NACOTY jury named the Passat as a finalist, Volkswagen
announced that it has surpassed 300,000 sales for the year-to-date. The
last time VW achieved such a volume for a full year was in 2003.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Free local holiday albums are here!
This Christmas, we’ve teamed up with the ridiculously talented folks over at Blackwatch Studios
to offer a special holiday gift to indie music lovers — a FREE album
filled with original holiday music from local musicians and a FREE
holiday concert to follow.
Released today, A Blackwatch Christmas features some of Oklahoma’s best local acts including Colourmusic, Ben Kilgore, Sherree Chamberlain, Ryan Lindsey and more.
The album includes nine original songs and one cover.
“There are moments in the album that feel instantly nostalgic,
moments that make you want to party, and moments that hint at this being
a comedy record,” said Blackwatch co-owner and operator Jarod Evans.
“When people get to walk away from the record store or the Christmas
concert with a professionally pressed LP, it speaks highly of the music
community here.”
The album is available for free download online at fowlervwchristmas.com. In addition, 1,000 free vinyl copies will be available starting today at Fowler Volkswagen and several local businesses throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. We’ll announce additional locations through Twitter and Facebook, so stay tuned!
Our free annual holiday concert, featuring bands that contributed songs to A Blackwatch Christmas, will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, directly following Dustbowl Arts Market in downtown Norman at FIVE, 412 E. Main Street.
Fowler VW created the annual holiday album and concert concept and covered the costs, while Blackwatch Studios organized the album’s production. This is Fowler VW’s second free holiday album and concert, following 2010’s Checking It Twice.
“Part of our shop’s mission is to contribute to a community where local artists and musicians thrive,” said Fowler VW General Manager Jonathan Fowler. “Through the annual album and concert, we’re hoping to spread some holiday cheer and also spread the word that Oklahoma has some exceptionally talented bands.”
Fowler, who is past chairman of the Norman Music Festival and on the board of the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma, said the future of Oklahoma’s music industry is bright.
“We’ve got incredible musicians and an incredible support system of businesses and nonprofits that are all working together to build a nationally recognized music industry in Oklahoma. A Blackwatch Christmas is a great example of the arts and business coming together to take another step toward accomplishing that goal.”
Album Tracks:
Samantha Crain — “Breaking the Ice”
Dad — “Santa Clause”
Ryan Lindsey — “I’ll Come Down Your Chimney”
Ben Kilgore — “Christmas Eve Needs”
The Workweek — “Perfect Time of Year”
Chrome Pony — “Christmas Babes”
Ol’ Savior — “Winter’s Wild”
Colourmusic — “In a Sentimental Mood”
Sherree Chamberlain — “Christmas Time”
Hector Comancho — “Chris Cringle in the Fast Lane”
Watch ”The Making of A Blackwatch Christmas” here! Our friends Nathan Poppe and Matt Carney got some great footage of all the bands holed up at Blackwatch Studios during a week of recording.
Released today, A Blackwatch Christmas features some of Oklahoma’s best local acts including Colourmusic, Ben Kilgore, Sherree Chamberlain, Ryan Lindsey and more.
The album includes nine original songs and one cover.
“There are moments in the album that feel instantly nostalgic,
moments that make you want to party, and moments that hint at this being
a comedy record,” said Blackwatch co-owner and operator Jarod Evans.
“When people get to walk away from the record store or the Christmas
concert with a professionally pressed LP, it speaks highly of the music
community here.”The album is available for free download online at fowlervwchristmas.com. In addition, 1,000 free vinyl copies will be available starting today at Fowler Volkswagen and several local businesses throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. We’ll announce additional locations through Twitter and Facebook, so stay tuned!
Our free annual holiday concert, featuring bands that contributed songs to A Blackwatch Christmas, will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, directly following Dustbowl Arts Market in downtown Norman at FIVE, 412 E. Main Street.
Fowler VW created the annual holiday album and concert concept and covered the costs, while Blackwatch Studios organized the album’s production. This is Fowler VW’s second free holiday album and concert, following 2010’s Checking It Twice.
“Part of our shop’s mission is to contribute to a community where local artists and musicians thrive,” said Fowler VW General Manager Jonathan Fowler. “Through the annual album and concert, we’re hoping to spread some holiday cheer and also spread the word that Oklahoma has some exceptionally talented bands.”
Fowler, who is past chairman of the Norman Music Festival and on the board of the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma, said the future of Oklahoma’s music industry is bright.
“We’ve got incredible musicians and an incredible support system of businesses and nonprofits that are all working together to build a nationally recognized music industry in Oklahoma. A Blackwatch Christmas is a great example of the arts and business coming together to take another step toward accomplishing that goal.”
Album Tracks:
Samantha Crain — “Breaking the Ice”
Dad — “Santa Clause”
Ryan Lindsey — “I’ll Come Down Your Chimney”
Ben Kilgore — “Christmas Eve Needs”
The Workweek — “Perfect Time of Year”
Chrome Pony — “Christmas Babes”
Ol’ Savior — “Winter’s Wild”
Colourmusic — “In a Sentimental Mood”
Sherree Chamberlain — “Christmas Time”
Hector Comancho — “Chris Cringle in the Fast Lane”
Watch ”The Making of A Blackwatch Christmas” here! Our friends Nathan Poppe and Matt Carney got some great footage of all the bands holed up at Blackwatch Studios during a week of recording.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Passat Named 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year!
We knew we had something special when the all-new Volkswagen Passats rolled onto our lot this summer. And now it looks like Motor Trend agrees—the magazine just named the Passat its 2012 CAR OF THE YEAR! Here’s the press release they issued today:
Motor Trend, the world’s authority on cars, trucks and SUVs announced today the Volkswagen Passat as its 2012 Car of the Year. Now in its 62nd year, the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award, announced live at the Volkswagen press conference from the Los Angeles International Auto Show, is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon an automotive manufacturer by Motor Trend.
The American-made, new-for-2012, Volkswagen Passat edged out
contenders from Europe, Japan and America to take this year’s award from
a record field of 35 all-new, or thoroughly redesigned, 2012 model year
vehicles. Car of the Year candidates were subjected to an exhaustive
evaluation process that included the full complement ofMotor Trend
performance tests, track-based ride and handling evaluations, and
real-world driving on city streets, freeways and two-lane roads.
“The well-equipped Passat is a breakthrough car for Volkswagen, as it has been designed to suit the North American market and is being built in a brand-new, state-of-the-art assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.,” said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief, Angus MacKenzie. “It has one of the roomiest interiors in its class, a wide choice of powertrains and a well-tuned chassis. A compelling new entry in the toughest, most competitive vehicle segment in the U.S. today, it’s a terrific all-around family sedan.”
For more than six decades, the editorial staff of Motor Trend has met to determine the best new car for the following model year. The Car of the Year process is not a comparison test; the winning vehicle is the one that, in the judges’ opinion, best fulfills six key criteria: Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value and Performance of Intended Function.
Advancement in Design
The Passat’s styling is clean and simple, but executed with a precision normally seen on expensive luxury cars. Car of the Year judge Tom Gale, Chrysler’s former design chief, noted, “…like the Audi [A6], what is remarkable is the restraint shown with the handling of the design. Clean, beautiful surfaces have been refined for an engaging result.”
Like the exterior, the Passat’s remarkably roomy interior is clean and simple, with clear instrumentation and easy to use controls.
Engineering Excellence
With options that include a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine, a powerful V-6 or a highly efficient turbo diesel – each with the option of marriage to a standard transmission or the seamlessly smooth dual-clutch auto-manual unit – Motor Trend found the powertrains of the Passat to be perfectly matched to the car.
Motor Trend editors particularly praised the diesel engine mated to dual-clutch auto-manual gear box. Engineering guru Chris Theodore noted of the combination, “…without the compromises that mainstream green vehicles impose-a true technological achievement.”
Efficiency
The new 2012 Passat makes great strides in its efficiency thanks to the versatile powertrain. The standard 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine returned 26.5 mpg in testing while the optional turbo-diesel returned an average of 34.3 mpg. The Passat had the best fuel economy stats of this year’s finalists over the course of 11 mixed-driving loops.
Safety
Between government mandates and consumer expectations, pretty much every car in this segment gets a standard complement of passive safety gadgets that include six airbags, stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, ABS and brake-assist, among numerous other electronic aids.
The Passat, which seemed just as at home on an American interstate as it would the German autobahn, scored highly for its ability to help drivers avoid a crash in the first place. “What’s more fun to talk about under the safety rubric is how well the Passat’s chassis is tuned to keep it out of trouble, because well-driven, agile cars are less likely to plow into things than poorly controlled, flabby, clumsy ones,” said Motor Trend Technical Editor, Frank Markus.
Value
By investing in a new facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. to build the Passat, VW has reduced the potential for currency fluctuations to negatively impact the price, as happened with the previous imported model.
With initial costs lower and overall ownership costs suppressed – thanks to improved build quality and VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program – the 2012 Volkswagen Passat stands as a great value in a market segment driven by price-conscious consumers.
Performance of Intended Function
The 2012 Passat was intended to be an affordable, roomy, efficient mid-size sedan for the American family, and the car delivers perfectly on its mission statement. Car of the Year judge Chris Theodore summed it up best, “I was expecting a large, cost-reduced VW that had lost its Fahrvergnügen, but it’s still there, just cloaked in Brooks Brothers.”
Today’s announcement marks only the second time Volkswagen has won Motor Trend’s highest honor, the first being in 1985 for the then American-built GTI.
Motor Trend, the world’s authority on cars, trucks and SUVs announced today the Volkswagen Passat as its 2012 Car of the Year. Now in its 62nd year, the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award, announced live at the Volkswagen press conference from the Los Angeles International Auto Show, is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon an automotive manufacturer by Motor Trend.
The American-made, new-for-2012, Volkswagen Passat edged out
contenders from Europe, Japan and America to take this year’s award from
a record field of 35 all-new, or thoroughly redesigned, 2012 model year
vehicles. Car of the Year candidates were subjected to an exhaustive
evaluation process that included the full complement ofMotor Trend
performance tests, track-based ride and handling evaluations, and
real-world driving on city streets, freeways and two-lane roads.“The well-equipped Passat is a breakthrough car for Volkswagen, as it has been designed to suit the North American market and is being built in a brand-new, state-of-the-art assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.,” said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief, Angus MacKenzie. “It has one of the roomiest interiors in its class, a wide choice of powertrains and a well-tuned chassis. A compelling new entry in the toughest, most competitive vehicle segment in the U.S. today, it’s a terrific all-around family sedan.”
For more than six decades, the editorial staff of Motor Trend has met to determine the best new car for the following model year. The Car of the Year process is not a comparison test; the winning vehicle is the one that, in the judges’ opinion, best fulfills six key criteria: Advancement in Design, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value and Performance of Intended Function.
Advancement in Design
The Passat’s styling is clean and simple, but executed with a precision normally seen on expensive luxury cars. Car of the Year judge Tom Gale, Chrysler’s former design chief, noted, “…like the Audi [A6], what is remarkable is the restraint shown with the handling of the design. Clean, beautiful surfaces have been refined for an engaging result.”
Like the exterior, the Passat’s remarkably roomy interior is clean and simple, with clear instrumentation and easy to use controls.
Engineering Excellence
With options that include a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine, a powerful V-6 or a highly efficient turbo diesel – each with the option of marriage to a standard transmission or the seamlessly smooth dual-clutch auto-manual unit – Motor Trend found the powertrains of the Passat to be perfectly matched to the car.
Motor Trend editors particularly praised the diesel engine mated to dual-clutch auto-manual gear box. Engineering guru Chris Theodore noted of the combination, “…without the compromises that mainstream green vehicles impose-a true technological achievement.”
Efficiency
The new 2012 Passat makes great strides in its efficiency thanks to the versatile powertrain. The standard 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine returned 26.5 mpg in testing while the optional turbo-diesel returned an average of 34.3 mpg. The Passat had the best fuel economy stats of this year’s finalists over the course of 11 mixed-driving loops.
Safety
Between government mandates and consumer expectations, pretty much every car in this segment gets a standard complement of passive safety gadgets that include six airbags, stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, ABS and brake-assist, among numerous other electronic aids.
The Passat, which seemed just as at home on an American interstate as it would the German autobahn, scored highly for its ability to help drivers avoid a crash in the first place. “What’s more fun to talk about under the safety rubric is how well the Passat’s chassis is tuned to keep it out of trouble, because well-driven, agile cars are less likely to plow into things than poorly controlled, flabby, clumsy ones,” said Motor Trend Technical Editor, Frank Markus.
Value
By investing in a new facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. to build the Passat, VW has reduced the potential for currency fluctuations to negatively impact the price, as happened with the previous imported model.
With initial costs lower and overall ownership costs suppressed – thanks to improved build quality and VW’s Carefree Maintenance Program – the 2012 Volkswagen Passat stands as a great value in a market segment driven by price-conscious consumers.
Performance of Intended Function
The 2012 Passat was intended to be an affordable, roomy, efficient mid-size sedan for the American family, and the car delivers perfectly on its mission statement. Car of the Year judge Chris Theodore summed it up best, “I was expecting a large, cost-reduced VW that had lost its Fahrvergnügen, but it’s still there, just cloaked in Brooks Brothers.”
Today’s announcement marks only the second time Volkswagen has won Motor Trend’s highest honor, the first being in 1985 for the then American-built GTI.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Fowler VW, local celebrities “block out” in support of education
This video pretty much sums up the awesomeness that was Block Party OKC.
Our GM Jonathan Fowler even got into the spirit with a LEGO tie clip.
If you missed the party, you definitely won’t want to miss this recap of
some amazing LEGO couture fashion designed by local celebrities. Fowler
VW was proud to sponsor this event and help raise money for early
childhood education through OKC Educare.
And here’s our GM Jonathan Fowler with his new prized possession—a LEGO VW Bus!
And here’s our GM Jonathan Fowler with his new prized possession—a LEGO VW Bus!
 |
| Jonathan Fowler with LEGO VW bus! |
Friday, November 11, 2011
Big weekend in OKC! LEGOS & LIVE!
It’s the second Friday of the month and you know what that means… yep, it’s LIVE on the Plaza tonight in OKC’s Plaza District! Want an extra reason to come on out besides the awesome local art, retail and music? The Oklahoma Victory Dolls will be skating around giving away fun stuff from Fowler VW!
Monday, November 7, 2011
VDub Sessions band Other Lives to open for Radiohead
Need a little something to boost your Okie pride? Oklahoma indie rockers Other Lives are opening for RADIOHEAD on their U.S. tour starting in March. It’s true!!! Here’s the proof from Rolling Stone: Radiohead Announces 2012 Tour Dates.
See you in Dallas on March 5?
In the meantime, check out one of our all-time favorite VDub Sessions:
See you in Dallas on March 5?
In the meantime, check out one of our all-time favorite VDub Sessions:
VW leads industry with NINE 2011 “Top Safety Pick” Awards!
Not only is the VW Routan
the hippest minivan around, but now it’s also the latest VW to earn a
TOP SAFETY PICK! Check out the press release below from our corporate
office:
The Routan is the latest Volkswagen to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK rating for 2011, the highest possible from the non-profit safety research organization. This means that Volkswagen now has no fewer than nine TOP SAFETY PICKS, giving the brand leadership in the U.S. industry.
The annual rating recognizes those vehicles that perform best in
protecting passengers in the Institute’s front, side, and rear crash
test evaluations, and the newly required roof-strength test evaluations.
The Institute only awards TOP SAFETY PICK ratings to vehicles that are
fitted with electronic stability control and head protection airbags.
The other 2011 Volkswagen models to receive the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating are: CC 2.0L TSI®, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, Touareg, and four-door Golf and GTI models.
“The Routan’s performance demonstrates Volkswagen’s ongoing commitment to safety,” said Institute president Adrian Lund. “Vehicles earning TOP SAFETY PICK status afford the best overall protection in the most common kinds of crashes, and have electronic stability control for avoiding many crashes altogether.”
“We’re delighted that the Routan has been given this prestigious award—and even more delighted that Volkswagen now has industry leadership with nine IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It’s a great reward for the emphasis we place on safety in the development of our German-engineered vehicles.”
The Routan is the latest Volkswagen to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK rating for 2011, the highest possible from the non-profit safety research organization. This means that Volkswagen now has no fewer than nine TOP SAFETY PICKS, giving the brand leadership in the U.S. industry.
The annual rating recognizes those vehicles that perform best in
protecting passengers in the Institute’s front, side, and rear crash
test evaluations, and the newly required roof-strength test evaluations.
The Institute only awards TOP SAFETY PICK ratings to vehicles that are
fitted with electronic stability control and head protection airbags.The other 2011 Volkswagen models to receive the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating are: CC 2.0L TSI®, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, Touareg, and four-door Golf and GTI models.
“The Routan’s performance demonstrates Volkswagen’s ongoing commitment to safety,” said Institute president Adrian Lund. “Vehicles earning TOP SAFETY PICK status afford the best overall protection in the most common kinds of crashes, and have electronic stability control for avoiding many crashes altogether.”
“We’re delighted that the Routan has been given this prestigious award—and even more delighted that Volkswagen now has industry leadership with nine IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It’s a great reward for the emphasis we place on safety in the development of our German-engineered vehicles.”
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Open casting call for new Fowler VW video series!
A new video series is in the works over here at Fowler Volkswagen and WE’RE LOOKING FOR A HOST!
We can’t reveal all the details quite yet, but we’ll go ahead and spill the beans that the awesomely talented/wildly popular Mike Jones of Scissortail Creative is directing the series for us.
So if you like being on camera, working with super creative people and connecting online, this would probably be a great gig for you.
Here are the requirements:
We can’t reveal all the details quite yet, but we’ll go ahead and spill the beans that the awesomely talented/wildly popular Mike Jones of Scissortail Creative is directing the series for us.
So if you like being on camera, working with super creative people and connecting online, this would probably be a great gig for you.
Here are the requirements:
- Can be male or female
- Any age
- MUST BE ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
- Create a video of you showcasing your hosting chops.
- Upload the video on YouTube.
- Send us a link at info@fowlervw.com or link it to our YouTube Channel, vwfowler.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Happy Birthday to the VDub Sessions!
Happy One Year Anniversary to the VDub Sessions! With 39 episodes and almost 50,000 views under our belt, we’d say our little experiment of filling up a vintage VW Vanagon with our favorite local musicians and artists has been a success! Thanks to everyone who’s watched, starred in, filmed, run audio and/or driven the van for a VDub Session! Here’s to another year of shining the spotlight on awesome music and art in Oklahoma!
And in case you missed ‘em on our VDub Sessions blog, here are some of the most recent episodes.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fowler VW hosts Bigfoot Calling Contest at Plaza Fest
But to absolutely, positively ensure Bigfoot’s appearance at the Plaza Fest, WE NEED YOUR HELP! We’ll be rounding up the best Bigfoot callers in OKC to howl away on the Fowler VW music stage.
And whoever has the magical howl that brings Bigfoot out into the open will win some pretty cool stuff like:
- $50 Backwoods gift card
- $50 Forward Foods gift card
- $25 Gray Owl Coffee gift card
- Lots of cool VW camping gear
- Harry and the Hendersons DVD
- Your very own copy of the Bigfoot Observer’s Field Manual: A practical and easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to your very own face-to-face encounter with a legend
- Tweet your name @FowlerVW and include the hashtag #BigfootCallingContest or
- Comment on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/FowlerVW or
- Shoot us an email at info@fowlervw.com
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Passat becomes eighth VW to receive 2011 “TOP SAFETY PICK AWARD”
The annual rating recognizes those vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute’s front, side, and rear crash test evaluations, and the newly required roof-strength test evaluations. The Institute only awards TOP SAFETY PICK ratings to vehicles that are fitted with electronic stability control and head protection airbags.
Volkswagen now has no fewer than eight 2011 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICKS. The other 2011 Volkswagen models to receive the rating are: CC 2.0L TSI®, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan, Touareg, and four-door Golf and GTI models.
“The performance of the Passat is another example of Volkswagen’s ongoing commitment to engineer vehicles that earn the highest safety ratings,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Top Safety Pick winners achieve that status by earning the top ratings in the Institute’s four demanding tests, and by having electronic stability control, the most important feature in helping drivers avoid many kinds of crashes in the first place.”
“The new Passat is an important vehicle for Volkswagen,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It has been engineered in Germany specifically to compete in the heart of the U.S. mid-size sedan segment.
“To have IIHS recognize the Passat as a TOP SAFETY PICK is a great statement for this new car—and to have eight Volkswagen models with this significant award is an equally great statement for the brand. It’s a testament to our commitment to make safety such a high priority in vehicle development, using advanced techniques such as laser seam welding and the extensive use of high-strength steel to build exceptionally strong structures.”
The Passat goes on sale in the U.S. during the third week of September.
For more information, please visit www.vw.com.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Dustbowl Part Deux
So we loved Dustbowl Arts Market so much that we’re doing TWO blog posts on it. We also love local videographer Nathan Poppe
and think this is some of his best work yet. Seriously awesome video
showcasing some seriously awesome artistic and musical talent in
Oklahoma.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Dustbowl stirs up some great art, music
Buy cool local art. Check.
Listen to some sweet local bands. Check.
Celebrate creativity in Oklahoma. Check.
We crossed tons of stuff off our list this weekend at one of our favorite events of the year — Dustbowl Arts Market in Norman!
Shout out to Jarod Evans with Blackwatch Studios, Katie Huskerson with Birdie, Reese Truesdell with Wild Hare Beadery and Dana Scott
Listen to some sweet local bands. Check.
Celebrate creativity in Oklahoma. Check.
We crossed tons of stuff off our list this weekend at one of our favorite events of the year — Dustbowl Arts Market in Norman!
Shout out to Jarod Evans with Blackwatch Studios, Katie Huskerson with Birdie, Reese Truesdell with Wild Hare Beadery and Dana Scott
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| Beau Jennings and the guys from Blackwatch perform on the Fowler VW Stage at Dustbowl. |
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| Cool sidewalk chalk next to artist Brad Price's booth. |
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| Victory Dolls! |
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| Photographer Samantha Lamb strikes a pose in her lovely Dustbowl booth. |
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| Our "new" favorite display car. |
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| Dustbowl organizers Dana Scott and Katie Huskerso |
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
We’re giving away computers!
Does your favorite local nonprofit need a computer? Fowler is giving away 3 refurbished Dell computers!
Simply answer the questions below and email them to info@fowlervw.com for a chance to receive one or all of the computers.
Simply answer the questions below and email them to info@fowlervw.com for a chance to receive one or all of the computers.- Your Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Nonprofit Name
- Purpose of Nonprofit
- Nonprofit Website Address
- Why Nonprofit Needs a Computer(s)
- How Many Computers Needed
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Enter LIVE on the Plaza’s Dunk Dialing Contest tomorrow!
Come join us at LIVE on the Plaza tomorrow night and you could win some cool stuff just by tweeting some fun photos!ENTER TO WIN:
$50 gift certificate to Saints Restaurant/Pub
$100 Worth of VW Accessories
Cool Stuff from The Spy FM
TO ENTER: Simply tweet a fun photo of the Plaza District Dunk Tank and @reply @FowlerVW.
EXAMPLE TWEET: Having so much fun getting tanked at LIVE on the Plaza! @fowlervw http://twitpic.com/60iqlk
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Lip rugs welcome at TONIGHT’S Mustache Bash!
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
4 pm – 12 am
9th Street in downtown OKC
This year’s event benefits Sunbeam Family Services, a nonprofit organization that has served children, families and seniors for over 100 years from right here in downtown OKC. Your presence at the party will help support Sunbeam’s Early Head Start Program at Emerson Alternative High School, where teen moms with young children are getting great education, and the encouragement they need to graduate.
Warby Parker will be at the bash, debuting their new sunwear collection! And don’t forget to ’stache it up by growing or crafting your own facial fuzz. Shopgood will have mustaches at the party you can buy with a donation to Sunbeam, plus a photobooth to commemorate your sweet lip rug.
VDub Sessions #31: Artist Moses White
The line between music and art gets a little more blurry thanks to Moses White.
The Oklahoma City-based artist visited with us at Live on the Plaza last month, and he shared his artwork in the Spywagon.
Give the episode a look see to learn how White combines his two loves.
And come on out to this month’s LIVE on the Plaza this Friday, August 12!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Win cool prizes at tonight’s LIVE on the Plaza Scavenger Hunt!
Here’s one of the gift baskets we’re giving away tonight at LIVE on the Plaza’s QR Code Scavenger Hunt! Who doesn’t want a giant frisbee, roadside emergency kit, dog toys, a cool VW American Apparel shirt and reusable drinking cup?
For details on how to win these awesome prizes and more, visit Shopcrawlr.com!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
VDub Sessions Episode #28: Other Lives
It has been difficult holding this episode back.
Seriously, our enthusiasm for this group is double that of the punky Ramones tune singer/songwriter Jesse Tabish covered in the introduction for this VDub Session.
Stillwater-based band Other Lives is easily one of the most exciting bands to develop out of Oklahoma in the past decade.
Before we got the chance to film with the quintet at Norman Music Festival, the band opened for The National at Cain’s Ballroom and was preparing for a trip to Austin. They had an opening slot for The Decemberists.
Other Lives is on tour and doing great things. You’ll see the band gracing NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert and appearing on Paste’s website.
We hope you enjoy this session as much as we did.
Jabee says “cheese” for Gazette ad
If you’re like us and want to see even more of Jabee, come see his show at The Conservatory on July 18!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
VDub Sessions Episode #27: Mark White
Artist Mark White is like a cowbell.
He just goes well with music.
But seriously now, the Oklahoma City-based artist spent three months crafting artwork for May’s Live on the Plaza, and we’re very excited to see what he could draw for us inside of the Spy Van.
White specializes in psychedelia, so it’s no big surprise to see his artwork inside of Warpaint Clothing or gracing the cover of The Pretty Black Chains’ album “Awakening.”
We spoke to White about his passion for music and how he’s happy to team up with Chains guitarist Derek Knowlton.
Knowlton is responsible for scoring every artist VDub Session, which means you should check him out too.
Dig it.
Oh, and here’s the super cool fanny pack that White designed for us for the LIVE on the Plaza Fanny Pack Fashion Show.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Plaza District makes fanny packs cool again
We had so much fun at the Fanny Pack Fashion Show at LIVE on the Plaza Friday night! Hosted by DNA Gallerie,
the event featured handmade, re-purposed fanny packs made by 15 local
artists. These were not your normal fannies—models walked the runway in
packs retrofitted with speakers, sewn into furry animals and covered in
shiny sequins.
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| Wall of Fannies |
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| Fowler VW Fanny Pack |
Friday, June 10, 2011
Ryan Lawson gives Fowler VW some love in this week’s Gazette
It’s really no surprise that we’re huge fans of local country musician Ryan Lawson. His singing/songwriting skills are out of this world, he just won the Oklahoma Gazette’s Woody Award for best country musician, and he performed one of our all-time favorite VDub Sessions last fall.
This guy has some serious talent and we’re so honored that he participated in our Oklahoma Gazette ad campaign this week!
If you’d like to catch one of his shows, he’s got a HUGE one coming up this Wednesday, June 15. He’s playing with one of his biggest influences—Possessed by Paul James—at the Bluebonnet Bar in Norman. Here are the details:
What: Possessed by Paul James and the Boomswaggler with special local guests Ryan Lawson and Bloody Ol’ Mule
When: Wednesday, June 15th 8PM SHARP (Ryan will go on at
Where: The Bluebonnet Bar, 321 E Main, Norman, OK
$5 cover, Cash Only bar
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
deadCENTER hosts double header movie night for music lovers
What do you get when you cross a film about the very last record
store still standing in Teeside, UK, with a rockumentary based on a
concept album following two lovers torn apart by the Civil War?
DEADCENTER MUSIC MOVIE NIGHT!
It’s no secret that Oklahoma has a pretty cool music scene right now
thanks to a smorgasbord of talented musicians and loads of awesome fans
out there. So the deadCENTER Film Festival
thought it would be fun to host an event where all these local
musicians and fans can unite, sip on some Stella Artois and watch some
darn good movies.
So if you’re a musician, a music fan or just a lover of really good movies, you’ll want to be at IAO Gallery on Friday, June 10th to see “Black Canyon’s Crossroads for the Restless,” a concert documentary directed by super talented local filmmaker Nathan Poppe and produced by Fowler VW GM Jonathan Fowler, and “Sound It Out,” a record store documentary that premiered at SXSW to rave reviews.
Here, watch the trailers. And if you think this sounds like a fun way to spend a Friday night, tickets for each movie are $10 at the door. First come, first served.
“Black Canyon’s Crossroads for the Restless”
Screening at 6 pm on Friday, June 10
IAO Gallery, 706 West Sheridan in Downtown OKC
“Sound It Out”
Screening at 7 pm on Friday, June 10
IAO Gallery, 706 West Sheridan in Downtown OKC
So if you’re a musician, a music fan or just a lover of really good movies, you’ll want to be at IAO Gallery on Friday, June 10th to see “Black Canyon’s Crossroads for the Restless,” a concert documentary directed by super talented local filmmaker Nathan Poppe and produced by Fowler VW GM Jonathan Fowler, and “Sound It Out,” a record store documentary that premiered at SXSW to rave reviews.
Here, watch the trailers. And if you think this sounds like a fun way to spend a Friday night, tickets for each movie are $10 at the door. First come, first served.
“Black Canyon’s Crossroads for the Restless”
Screening at 6 pm on Friday, June 10
IAO Gallery, 706 West Sheridan in Downtown OKC
“Sound It Out”
Screening at 7 pm on Friday, June 10
IAO Gallery, 706 West Sheridan in Downtown OKC
Thursday, June 2, 2011
VDub Sessions Episode 26: Dr. Pants
This Oklahoma City-based band puts its pants on every morning like everyone else, with the help of a doctor.
Not really, but we just wanted to give you an idea of the silliness involved with Dr. Pants.
Frontman David Broyles falls somewhere between Weezer’s River Cuomo and Weird Al, which means you’re going to have some trouble getting his songs out of your head.
Enjoy “Hipster Kids/Sexy Beards” and if you want more Dr. Pants then check them out live.
They are releasing an EP with this song on it June 4.
Here are all the concert details.
Check back later this month for an episode from Stillwater’s Other Lives
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Videographer Nathan Poppe steps in front of lens for Fowler VW ad
If a car dealership and a human could be soul mates, Fowler VW and Nathan Poppe would be a match made in heaven. Here are just a few reasons why we love Poppe.
As the videographer for our VDub Sessions project, he did this.
As the official videographer of the SXSW Buffalo Lounge, he did this.
And as the official videographer for the Norman Music Festival he did this.
The man’s got taste, talent and a whole lot of drive, so we can’t wait to see what kind of super cool shenanigans he pulls off next. And we’re delighted we could snatch him away for a day to be in the new Fowler VW ad campaign in the Oklahoma Gazette! Look for his ad in this week’s edition!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Plaza District director Kristen Vails featured in our new ad campaign
Kristen Vails is one of the coolest people we know. As executive director of the Plaza District, she’s responsible for bringing in awesome local businesses like Collected Thread and Warpaint Clothing, organizing super fun events like LIVE on the Plaza
and the annual Fanny Pack Fashion Show and contributing to the overall
quality of life and culture of Oklahoma City . Oh yeah, and she also
creates awesome paintings like this.
So, needless to say, we were pretty stoked that she agreed to star in the new Fowler VW ad campaign that’s running in the Oklahoma Gazette. Thanks, Kristen, for helping us out and for all that you do for Oklahoma!
We’re changing the ads up each week, so tune in next Wednesday to check out which amazing Oklahoman will be featured in the Fowler VW Gazette ad!
So, needless to say, we were pretty stoked that she agreed to star in the new Fowler VW ad campaign that’s running in the Oklahoma Gazette. Thanks, Kristen, for helping us out and for all that you do for Oklahoma!
We’re changing the ads up each week, so tune in next Wednesday to check out which amazing Oklahoman will be featured in the Fowler VW Gazette ad!
VDub Sessions Episode #26: The Black Angels
On May 21, 2011, Austin-based band The Black Angels visited Oklahoma City for a concert at ACM@UCO Performance Lab.
Before its set, I met with the band inside the Spy Van.
They performed a playful version of this Velvet Underground song, which is only a small taste of its upcoming episode.
Random Fact: The band lifted it’s name from the Velvet Underground track “The Black Angel’s Death Song.” That song and “Mirror” are from the album “The Velvet Underground & Nico.”
VDub Sessions Episode #25: Beau Jennings
This Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter sure cares a lot about Oklahoma.
Beau Jennings is a Tulsa native who holds on tightly to his roots.
We met him during the second day of Norman Music Festival 4.
His passion for music and our state can be heard in his song “The Verdigris” and will be seen in his upcoming film project “The Verdigris: In Search of Will Rogers.”
The film will trace the life of Rogers throughout the country.
Jennings’ mission is to keep Rogers’ life and impact alive.
Jennings has involved a lot of local talent in the making of the film.
The trailer reveals Chad and Jarod of Blackwatch Studios are working to make the film. The duo record a lot of great music in Norman. Also, Bradley Beesley is attached to the project. His documentary “The Fearless Freaks” expertly detailed the Flaming Lips’ rise to fame.
If anything, you should at least keep your eyes open for the release of this new film.
Rock on.
VDub Sessions Episode #24: Artist Kris Kanaly
Oklahoma City-based artist Kris Kanaly hopped into the Spy Van and crafted an original piece of art during Live on the Plaza last month.
Kanaly has a really interesting family history. His family owned an art gallery for almost 100 years.
And all of that happened in Oklahoma (it unfortunately closed last year).
We met up with Kanaly inside DNA Galleries and had Derek and Kurt of The Pretty Black Chains help out with some original music for an interview. Kanlay talked about his interest in street art and growing up with skater culture.
Kanaly is responsible for painting the outside of Wayne Coyne’s new art gallery.
VDub Sessions Episode #23: Little Wings and Sherree Chamberlain
Random is hearing Kyle Field of the LA folk project Little Wings tell a story about the dangerous combination of a moving car and a bear.
Finding a 12 string guitar with 11 strings is a little random too.
But most random is finding a blue VW van sitting behind Gray Owl Coffee just begging Field and Sherree Chamberlain to play a song.
Mind you, this episode wasn’t filmed inside our famous green van, but it was more than suitable for a surprise session.
After a last minute show decision, Field decided to visit Norman after a Dallas show fell through. Chamberlain approached him about singing on the song “Look at What the Light Did Now,” which Feist is known to cover.
When Chamberlain showed up to the coffee shop, she was gleaming at the opportunity to practice the song. After a last minute trip to Blackwatch Studios, she found a suitable guitar and we headed behind Gray Owl to perform this gentle track.
Please enjoy.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Spywagon Photo Contest at LIVE on the Plaza!
LIVE on the Plaza is this Friday! And in honor of the Velvet Monkey
fashion show that will take center stage at the event, we’re hosting a Spywagon Photo Contest!
Just tweet a photo of yourself striking a pose in The Spywagon while you’re at LIVE on the Plaza, and immediately you’re entered to win! We promise The Spywagon will make you look at least 25 percent hotter. So what do you have to lose?
Simply tweet the photo to @fowlerVW and @plazadistrict.
Winner will get:
-$50 Deep Fork Group Gift Card (good at The Wedge, Cafe Nova, Deep Fork Grill, The Mantle and Chicas)
-$100 worth of fun VW accessories
-Cool stuff like recently released music from The Spy FM
Example:
I struck a pose in the #spywagon! @plazadistrict @FowlerVW http://twitpic.com/4w0bxa
See? Doesn’t The Spywagon make these guys look hot?
Just tweet a photo of yourself striking a pose in The Spywagon while you’re at LIVE on the Plaza, and immediately you’re entered to win! We promise The Spywagon will make you look at least 25 percent hotter. So what do you have to lose?
Simply tweet the photo to @fowlerVW and @plazadistrict.
Winner will get:
-$50 Deep Fork Group Gift Card (good at The Wedge, Cafe Nova, Deep Fork Grill, The Mantle and Chicas)
-$100 worth of fun VW accessories
-Cool stuff like recently released music from The Spy FM
Example:
I struck a pose in the #spywagon! @plazadistrict @FowlerVW http://twitpic.com/4w0bxa
See? Doesn’t The Spywagon make these guys look hot?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Woot Woot! We’re No. 1 in Oklahoma!
We hate to toot our own horn, but we definitely wanted to thank
all of our wonderful customers for making us No. 1 within year one of
opening our doors. Thanks to YOU, we recently took the top spot in new
Volkswagen sales AND certified pre-owned sales in Oklahoma! And your
customer reviews made our service department No. 2 in the NATION for
customer satisfaction!
We’re also pretty excited about our one-year anniversary this week. Thanks to all our customers, employees, friends and family for an incredible first year in business! Here’s a look back at all the fun we’ve had.
Fowler VW GM Jonathan Fowler couldn’t resist this 1977 Volkswagen
Vanagon parked in an OKC driveway with a FOR SALE sign in the window. So
he snatched it up, slapped on some paint and christened The Spywagon.
And we’ve been going on crazy adVANtures with Ferris O’Brien and the
folks over at The Spy FM ever since.
The best thing about The Spywagon? It inspired us come up with the idea to document Oklahoma musicians and artists on the move through the VDub Sessions. Check out episode 1 with Taddy Porter.
Fowler Volkswagen and Nice People Records teamed up to offer a holiday
gift to indie music lovers — a free album filled with original holiday
music from local musicians and a free holiday concert to follow.
Released in November, Checking It Twice: A Nice People Holiday Companion featured local acts such as The Boom Bang, Evangelicals, Gang Starr Museum, Crocodile and more.
We love the Plaza District in Oklahoma City! As the official sponsor of the district, we get to do fun stuff like set up Valentine’s Day photobooths, host Twitter contests, and give away free stuff every month at LIVE on the Plaza. Which, BTW, is this Friday, May 13th!
What do the Oklahoma Victory Dolls, a taco truck, and this super cute kid have in common? They were all at our grand opening party in August!
It doesn’t get any cooler than hanging out with Jabee in The Spywagon at the Norman Music Festival. WE LOVE SPONSORING THIS EVENT!
This poster pretty much says it all. Thanks to OKC Comedy and BradChad Porter for hooking Oklahoma City up with this show!
A LEGO fashion show? We didn’t quite know what to think of Block Party OKC when we first signed on as a sponsor. But we loved the people involved and the idea of raising money for early childhood education, so we jumped in feet first. With the fun times that were had by all during the first event, we think this will quickly become one of Oklahoma City’s biggest parties of the year!
We’re also pretty excited about our one-year anniversary this week. Thanks to all our customers, employees, friends and family for an incredible first year in business! Here’s a look back at all the fun we’ve had.
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| The Fowler VW Spywagon |
The best thing about The Spywagon? It inspired us come up with the idea to document Oklahoma musicians and artists on the move through the VDub Sessions. Check out episode 1 with Taddy Porter.
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| "Checking it Twice" Holiday Album |
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| LOVE on the Plaza |
We love the Plaza District in Oklahoma City! As the official sponsor of the district, we get to do fun stuff like set up Valentine’s Day photobooths, host Twitter contests, and give away free stuff every month at LIVE on the Plaza. Which, BTW, is this Friday, May 13th!
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| Grand Opening Party |
What do the Oklahoma Victory Dolls, a taco truck, and this super cute kid have in common? They were all at our grand opening party in August!
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| Jabee @ Norman Music Festival |
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| Paul F. Tompkins Comedy Show |
A LEGO fashion show? We didn’t quite know what to think of Block Party OKC when we first signed on as a sponsor. But we loved the people involved and the idea of raising money for early childhood education, so we jumped in feet first. With the fun times that were had by all during the first event, we think this will quickly become one of Oklahoma City’s biggest parties of the year!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
NMF4 Sessions: Peelander-Z
Japanese party band Peelander-Z stopped by the Fowler VW booth for a little interview before their performance at the Main Stage of Norman Music Festival 4.
Let’s just say they really know how to put on a show. Watch for yourself as the craziness unfolds when videographer Nathan Poppe tells them the camera is rolling.
Penny Hill plays an untitled song at Norman Music Fest
During the final day of Norman Music Festival 4, the Spy Wagon was parked on the corner of Main and Peters.
We invited locals musicians and headliners for interviews and performances.
Penny Hill, who performed her song Olympia inside the van last year, is up first.
Check back every day for new NMF4 videos.
VDub Sessions Episode #22: Eisley
This episode marks the second band not from Oklahoma, but we were glad to share the VDub love with Eisley.
The Texas-based rockers released its latest album, “The Valley,” in March.
We aren’t the only people who dig the band’s new songs.
SPIN had a stream of the new album and NPR made the title track Song of the Day.
But let’s let the above video do the talking.
Enjoy.
VDub Sessions Episode #21: Samantha Crain
I know it’s common to avoid things that are contagious but not in this case.
If you can’t tell by the above video, Shawnee native Samantha Crain was excited to jump in the Spy Van and play a brand new song.
She welcomed Penny Hill to drum, Daniel Foulks to fiddle and O Fidelis members Brian and Laney to fill in with claps.
It was a blast, and I think Brian summed up the experience the best.
“It’s stupid how fun that was,” he said.
The Spy Van hopes to hear that again soon.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Fowler VW will be rocking it at the Norman Music Festival!
We’ve got quite the lineup planned for our Norman Music Festival
booth this Saturday—a sneak peek at the newest Volkswagens, Fender audio
demos, The Spywagon, free music downloads and more! Come see us on the
200 block of Main Street (far southwest corner)!Here’s the scoop:
- We’ll have a snazzy new 2012 Passat on display (we’re one of the first dealers in the nation to show one off—shhhh!)
- Fender will be giving demos of their new Fender Premium Audio System—available exclusively in the 2012 Passat, 2012 Beetle and 2012 Jetta GLI.
- The Spywagon and The Spy gang will be there!
- The lovely Oklahoma Victory Dolls will help us give away free music download cards featuring our VDub Sessions musicians—The Pretty Black Chains, Ryan Lawson, Penny Hill and more!
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| 2012 Volkswagen Passat |
Monday, April 18, 2011
21st Century VW Beetle revealed today
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| 2012 Volkswagen Beetle |
Automotive Icon Gets a Major 21st Century Update
When the first Beetle rolled off the production line, it was called simply the Volkswagen — “the people’s car” — but its distinctive shape inspired nicknames across the globe: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or 甲壳虫! In total, 21.5 million cars were sold.
More than 60 years later, in 1998, the “New Beetle” rekindled the spirit and imagination of the original to a new generation of Volkswagen owners. The second generation version sparked another round of uplifting and joyous enthusiasm known as Beetle Mania.
Today, the Beetle opens a new chapter in its remarkable story. The third generation of the internationally beloved Beetle is celebrating a transcontinental world debut simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York.
Updating an icon
Only someone who knows and respects the Beetle’s heritage could produce a new generation of this storied vehicle. The task for Volkswagen engineers was clear. They had to develop a modern interpretation of the Beetle, with all the benefits of today’s technologies and efficiencies, and the driving characteristics that define the Volkswagen brand. The result had to remain affordable and stay true to the Beetle’s spirit and great heritage.
The design of the new Beetle presented another challenge. How does one reinvent a look that is so recognizable and unique? Volkswagen Group Design Chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff, welcomed the task and set an ambitious objective: “Design a new original!”
The designers wanted to develop the new car around the earliest Beetle profile rather than the 1998 New Beetle. They wanted a car that respects the past but looks toward the future. And that is what they created.
Exterior
The 2012 Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented. Placing the original Beetle and the 21st Century Beetle next to one another, it’s clear that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical, but the overall look is bolder and more dynamic. The Beetle also breaks free of the design geometry defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it).
“The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front hood is longer, the front windshield is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism,” explains Klaus Bischoff.
The 2012 Beetle is 71.2 inches wide (3.3 inches wider), 58.5 inches tall (.5 inches lower) and 168.4 inches long (6 inches longer). The new focal point is the C-pillar. The development team also increased the car’s track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.
Another feature is the rear spoiler that is integrated into the design (standard on 2.0L TSI engines with 200 hp). The top surface of the rear spoiler is black, while the underside is painted in body color.
The Beetle is sportier, offering both turbo-charged TDI® Clean Diesel and turbo-charged gasoline engines, in addition to dual exhaust, performance-handling packages, 19-inch wheels, sport seats and new, sleeker styling. Volkswagen will offer a panoramic roof, a range of audio options, including the Fender® Premium Audio System, and a customization program for the 2012 Beetle with a large number of personalization options, including a wide variety of colors and wraps along with an annual theme model.
Interior
The 21st Century Beetle offers an agile, driver-oriented coupe experience with a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car’s styling, ergonomics and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature.
The shape and use of color in the painted or carbon-look dashboards harkens back to the design of the first Beetle.
Three round instrument gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) providing all key information at a glance. A multifunction display is integrated in the speedometer in middle position. The steering wheel is specially designed with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line.
Framed by two air vents, the selected audio/navigation system is optimally located in the driver’s visual field on the dashboard. Within easy reach, climate controls are situated just below.
Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glove box integrated into the dash. The lid folds upward, while the standard glove box opens downward. Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge.
The “cathedral ceiling” dome roof of the New Beetle has been replaced with a sleek and sporty roofline. Front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful. In the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in more space. The trunk is significantly larger, offering 10.9 cubic feet of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid ease loading and unloading.
Engine and Transmission
The 2012 Beetle will offer three engines: the 2.5L gasoline five cylinder, the 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel and the 2.0L TSI® turbocharged gasoline engine. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic on 2.5L models. Volkswagen’s acclaimed DSG® 6-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered on the TDI Clean Diesel and 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline models, while a 6-speed manual will come standard.
The 2012 Beetle 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever. The quiet, four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engine produces 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft of torque. It meets all U.S. emission limits and offers manufacturer estimates of 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city, and 33 mpg combined.
Fuel economy values are also improved up to 10 percent over prior 2.5L five cylinder engine models. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, it offers manufacturer estimates of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional 6-speed automatic offers manufacturer estimates of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. The five cylinder engine produces 170 hp and 177 lb.-ft of torque.
The Beetle 2.0L TSI is the sportiest model offered. With 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft of torque, power delivery will remain smooth and direct across the rpm range. The four cylinder turbo engine is estimated to provide 30 mpg highway fuel economy. To ensure that power is applied properly in challenging conditions, the 2.0L TSI model features the XDS® cross differential (limited-slip) system. The system electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction.
Premium Features
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be available in two trim lines “Design” and “Sport.” Each has a unique character. The Beetle can also be customized with a wide choice of optional features. Key features include:
· Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 sound system with 8 speakers (includes dual tuner). The premium 8 top audio system is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen.
For the first time ever, navigation will be offered in the Beetle, with the RNS 315 featuring a 5-inch touchscreen, CD player and SD card slot.
· Panoramic roof. The transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof is 80 percent larger than on the previous model. The insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.
· Fender Premium Audio System. The 2012 Beetle will also offer concert quality sound with an optional Fender Premium Audio System equipped with an additional subwoofer and 400 watts of output power. Embedded in the vehicle design is proprietary Panasonic® speaker technology. The system covers the cabin with directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging beyond the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through the noise and other distractions with front dual voice coil speakers, with extended range for all musical genres. Those choosing this sound system also receive adjustable interior ambiance lighting.
· Keyless Access. Volkswagen’s automatic keyless entry and starting system, which allows the driver to operate without a door or ignition key, is appearing for the first time in the Beetle. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects access authorization from a transmitter, then unlocks the Beetle and starts the engine with the push of a button.
· BI-XENONTM headlights and LED daytime running lights. For the first time, the Beetle will be offered with Bi-xenon headlights. These will be available on future Beetle models, framing the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights and serving as the daytime running lights and parking lights.
Safety
The 2012 Beetle features both active and passive safety. It includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection® airbags in front and rear.
The 21st Century Beetle is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program.
All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty – three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen vehicles come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.
Key facts summary
· Name: The Beetle
· World debut: April 18, 2011
· Market launch, North America: September / October 2011
· Market launch, Europe: October / November 2011
· Market launch, Asia: February 2012
· Equipment lines: “Design” and “Sport”
· Engine specifications: 2.5L 5-cylinder (170hp/177lbs.-ft); 2.0L TDI (140hp/236lbs.-ft); 2.0L TSI (200 hp/207 lbs.-ft)
All US engines fulfil BIN5 / ULEV PZEV
· Fuel economy (combined) USA: 33 mpg* (2.0 TDI® Clean Diesel) [Manufacturer’s estimate. EPA estimates not available at time of publication.]
· Debut of original Beetle: 1938
· Debut of New Beetle: 1998
· Total units built to date: more than 22.5 million
· Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader), Cris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. Colour and trim: Oona Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken
· Exterior dimensions: 168.4 in. Length; 72.1 in. Width; 58.5 in. Height; 99.8 in. wheelbase
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Oklahoma musicians, filmmakers to create Will Rogers documentary
A group of notable Oklahoma musicians and filmmakers has announced
plans to create a documentary tracing the life of Will Rogers across the
United States.
“The Verdigris: In Search of Will Rogers” will consist of two parts —
a documentary film and an accompanying record. Oklahoma-born musician Beau Jennings, has spent the past several years writing songs about Rogers, his boyhood hero. Oklahoma filmmaker Bradley Beesley
will follow Jennings across the United States as he performs these
original songs at various locations where significant events in Rogers’
life occurred — from Oklahoma to Hollywood to Alaska.
“‘The Verdigris’ is something that has become very special to me — it’s named for the river that runs through both my hometown and Will’s — and I hope it can become something special to others, too,” Jennings said. “I think everyone knows Will as Oklahoma’s favorite son, but I also think he has faded into the past a bit, reduced to a few memorable quotes. Hopefully with this project, we can all rediscover what made Will Rogers so cool.”
The accompanying album will include songs performed on location, as well as songs recorded in the studio.
In addition to Jennings and Beesley, the project team will include producers Eric Steel and Adam Donaghey, co-producer Jonathan Fowler (Fowler VW’s general manager), and music producers/studio engineers Jarod Evans and Chad Copelin from Blackwatch Studios.
The team will launch a six-show fundraising tour beginning on April 21 in Denton, Texas, and culminating on April 30 at the Norman Music Festival in Norman, Okla. Other tour stops include Dallas, Tulsa and Austin.
“I’m asking anyone and everyone who is interested to come to a show, watch the trailer screening, hear us play some songs, and donate whatever you can to help us make this project a reality,” Jennings said.
To coincide with the first date of the fundraising tour, Jennings and the rest of the team will launch an online Kickstarter page. Supporters will be able to donate through this webpage or directly at the shows.
TOUR INFO:
Thursday, April 21 – Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silverleaf
103 Industrial St. | (940) 320-2000 | www.danssilverleaf.com
Friday, April 22 – Dallas, TX @ The Texas Theatre – FUNDRAISER SHOW
7pm – 11pm
231 W. Jefferson Blvd. | (214)948-1546 | www.thetexastheatre.com
No cover at the door, suggested donations only. Trailer screening and live album preview. Musical performances by others TBA.
Saturday, April 23 – Norman, OK @ The Chouse – FUNDRAISER SHOW
7pm – 11pm
717 W. Boyd | 405-447-9805
No cover at the door, suggested donations only. Trailer screening and live album preview. Musical performances by others TBA.
Monday, April 25 – Tulsa, OK @ The Church Studio – FUNDRAISER SHOW
7pm – 11pm
304 S. Trenton | 918-747-3360 | www.thechurchstudio.com
No cover at the door, suggested donations only. Trailer screening and live album preview. Musical performances by others TBA.
Tuesday, April 26th – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
912 Red River | www.mohawkaustin.com
Saturday, April 30 – Norman, OK @ Norman Music Festival
Downtown Norman, OK | www.normanmusicfestival.com
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| Director/Musician Beau Jennings |
“‘The Verdigris’ is something that has become very special to me — it’s named for the river that runs through both my hometown and Will’s — and I hope it can become something special to others, too,” Jennings said. “I think everyone knows Will as Oklahoma’s favorite son, but I also think he has faded into the past a bit, reduced to a few memorable quotes. Hopefully with this project, we can all rediscover what made Will Rogers so cool.”
The accompanying album will include songs performed on location, as well as songs recorded in the studio.
In addition to Jennings and Beesley, the project team will include producers Eric Steel and Adam Donaghey, co-producer Jonathan Fowler (Fowler VW’s general manager), and music producers/studio engineers Jarod Evans and Chad Copelin from Blackwatch Studios.
The team will launch a six-show fundraising tour beginning on April 21 in Denton, Texas, and culminating on April 30 at the Norman Music Festival in Norman, Okla. Other tour stops include Dallas, Tulsa and Austin.
“I’m asking anyone and everyone who is interested to come to a show, watch the trailer screening, hear us play some songs, and donate whatever you can to help us make this project a reality,” Jennings said.
To coincide with the first date of the fundraising tour, Jennings and the rest of the team will launch an online Kickstarter page. Supporters will be able to donate through this webpage or directly at the shows.
TOUR INFO:
Thursday, April 21 – Denton, TX @ Dan’s Silverleaf
103 Industrial St. | (940) 320-2000 | www.danssilverleaf.com
Friday, April 22 – Dallas, TX @ The Texas Theatre – FUNDRAISER SHOW
7pm – 11pm
231 W. Jefferson Blvd. | (214)948-1546 | www.thetexastheatre.com
No cover at the door, suggested donations only. Trailer screening and live album preview. Musical performances by others TBA.
Saturday, April 23 – Norman, OK @ The Chouse – FUNDRAISER SHOW
7pm – 11pm
717 W. Boyd | 405-447-9805
No cover at the door, suggested donations only. Trailer screening and live album preview. Musical performances by others TBA.
Monday, April 25 – Tulsa, OK @ The Church Studio – FUNDRAISER SHOW
7pm – 11pm
304 S. Trenton | 918-747-3360 | www.thechurchstudio.com
No cover at the door, suggested donations only. Trailer screening and live album preview. Musical performances by others TBA.
Tuesday, April 26th – Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
912 Red River | www.mohawkaustin.com
Saturday, April 30 – Norman, OK @ Norman Music Festival
Downtown Norman, OK | www.normanmusicfestival.com
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