The Frankfurt Motor Show, taking place September 15 through September 25 in Audi’s homeland of Germany, will provide a backdrop for Audi to upstage BMW, and the automaker’s plans include a test track that can carry fans around in the latest consumer models and Audi race cars. It is not the first time that a track has been the focal point of an automaker’s Frankfurt display; BMW was the first to do so in 2009.

Audi’s U.S. sales in May rose 13.6 percent compared with the same period in 2010, with a total of 10,457 Audis finding new homes in America. Seven different models recorded year-over-year increases, including the 2011 Audi A8, A3, A4, Q5, Q7, TT and the R8 supercar.

“Audi dealers everywhere are all very aware of the growing popularity of our brand, and passing a luxury icon like BMW no longer seems like a tall task,” said Larry Bedell, general manager of Audi of Nashua. “Audi has timed things just right with the way they release new models, and right now the customers at our dealership are buying Audis so fast we’ve having trouble keeping them on the lot.”

Sales of the Audi A8 and A8 L luxury sedans saw an eye-opening 661.5 percent increase year-over-year in May, an impressive feat for a car competing in a market crowded by the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S550. The Audi A8 separates itself from the pack by coming standard with quattro all-wheel drive, as well as an all-aluminum Audi Space Frame and aluminum body panels that make it the lightest four-wheel drive car in its class.

Fuel economy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering a V8-powered luxury sedan, but the 4.2-liter direct-injected eight-cylinder engine, the requisite eight-speed automatic transmission and the Audi A8′s light weight combine to return 27 mpg on the highway, an impressive number for an all-wheel drive car.

However, light in weight doesn’t mean the 2011 A8 is light in features. In fact, the Audi comes packed with technology, not to mention the leather and fine wood that adorn the interior. The MMI touchpad allows drivers to easily write phone numbers and addresses into the communications and navigation systems, and the available Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with Acoustic Lens Technology is capable of creating stimulating audio in any area of the car. There is even an available solar sunroof that uses the sun’s rays to cool the car down, even when it isn’t running.

“Audi A8 drivers have looked beyond the status quo and made their choice based on features and quality rather than badges,” Bedell added. “As more and more buyers are discovering, the A8 is a world-class luxury sedan that is more than capable of besting the competition and which will be an integral part of our race to beat BMW.”

About Audi of Nashua:
A four-time winner of Audi’s prestigious Magna award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world’s finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua , or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, at (603) 578-3744.

Media Contact:
Lori Connolly, at Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, 978-532-8312.

The 2013 Volkswagen CC is also expected to maintain similar design themes in its rear, as well as new air dam and foglight arrangements, angular headlights, added wheel options, and a tweaked interior layout. The CC, which stands for Comfort Coupe, debuted in 2008 for the 2009 model year and has remained unchanged externally ever since. This consistency of design has not deterred consumers, as the CC posted its best sales month ever in May, up 50.1 percent compared with the same month last year.

“The Volkswagen CC is a very dynamic looking car, and the changes for the next model year will build upon these looks, showing the car’s maturity after four years on the market,” said Frank Carnucci, general manager of Quirk Volkswagen, a Manchester, New Hampshire Volkswagen dealer. “The car is curvy, visually exciting and carries all the luxuries Volkswagen CC fans have grown accustomed to.”

Coupes are known for their sporty driving dynamics, but the 2012 Volkswagen CC currently available at VW dealers still exceeds expectations when it comes to performance. Two available powerplants, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 engine, each pump plenty of energy into the CC.

The 2.0-liter TSI engine is shared with two other sporty Volkswagens, the GTI and the yet-to-be-released 2012 Jetta GLI, as well as the 21st Century Beetle coming this fall. The unit spins out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque and provides the CC with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen CC VR6 4MOTION Executive is where drivers will find the powerful V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.

Driving dynamics are only part of the CC equation, as the interior of the 2012 CC has heated front seats with power lumbar adjustment as standard features, along with an option for front seats with active climate control and massage to make sitting in traffic more than tolerable. Like any Volkswagen, the CC comes packed with technology, including Bluetooth hands-free calling and a Media Device Interface for running an MP3 player or iPod through the car’s controls.

Despite the focus on performance and amenities, VW didn’t neglect safety. In fact, the 2012 CC was just named a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety due to its success in their grueling crash tests. Of course, it’s best to avoid accidents to begin with, which is why the CC comes standard with Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System and the VR6 4MOTION Executive trim features a standard all-wheel drive system that lends a firm grip in treacherous driving conditions.

“Volkswagen has hit a lot of the right points with the CC. It’s fun, comfortable and safe,” Carnucci added. “Those are all big selling points with New Hampshire car buyers, and it makes the CC a great ride for the small family that doesn’t want to settle for ordinary design or performance.”

About Quirk Volkswagen NH:
Quirk Volkswagen NH is the newest addition to the Quirk family of auto dealers, and it is already emerging as the destination for VW lovers throughout southern New Hampshire. They have a fantastic selection of new and used Volkswagens ranging from the Jetta to the Tiguan, and the friendly, experienced sales and service staff to back them up. You can browse Quirk Volkswagen’s inventory online at www.quirkvwnh.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenNH , call them at (603) 626-7000 or visit their dealership at 1100 S. Willow Street in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

Only 500 Black Edition 2012 Porsche Cayman S models will roll off the assembly line, making it the rarest of all the Porsche Black Edition models. As the name suggests, the Cayman S Black Edition will offer a black exterior, complemented by a matching black interior and 19-inch black wheels pulled from the Boxster Spyder.

Porsche included some of its most popular option packages in the Cayman S Black Edition, including Bi-Xenon headlights, automatic climate control and auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, which will help deflect both the sun’s glare and stares from admirers. The car gets its extra horsepower from a 330-horsepower 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine and will come with an MSRP of $67,500.

“The great thing about the Black Edition Porsches is that they include some of the most popular option packages at a lower price,” said Larry Bedell, general manager of Porsche of Nashua, a New Hampshire Porsche dealer. “They’re limited, so they’ll be collectors’ items, but they’re also a better value and great cars for blasting around New England’s roads.”

In January, Porsche revealed the 2012 911 Black Edition in coupe and cabriolet models, and, unlike the Cayman S Black Edition, they’re available in two different shades: Basalt Black Metallic or Solid Black. The special 911 sports cars are equipped with 911 Turbo II two-color rims that come accented with black inner spokes that reveal the large brakes and black calipers. Power comes from the same 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine found in the 911 Carrera, which means 345 horsepower and a top speed of 180 mph. With a combined run of 1,911 units, these limited edition 911s will be snapped up by enthusiasts, who can expect an MSRP of $81,300 for the coupe and $91,300 for the cabriolet.

At the other end of the Black Edition lineup is the 2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition. The car’s 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine is set behind the driver’s seat and produces 320 horsepower. When fitted with the PDK transmission, the Boxster S returns an impressive 29 highway miles per gallon.

Like the Cayman S Black Edition, the black Boxster comes with Bi-Xenon headlights, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors and automatic climate control, as well as black Boxster Spyder rims. Rarer than the 911 Black Edition, only 987 Black Edition Boxsters will ship globally at an MSRP of $65,200, roughly $3,200 cheaper than a standard Boxster S with the same options.

“Each Black Edition Porsche offers customers a chance at driving a sports car that they’ll likely never see driven by anyone else on the road,” Bedell said. “Driving a Porsche already means that you’re standing out from the crowd, but with these Black Edition models, you’re doing so with an added boldness that will make other drivers wonder who might be behind the wheel.”

About Porsche of Nashua:
A 2010 and 2011 Premier Porsche Dealer, Porsche of Nashua delivers customer service equal to the quality of the Porsche brand. For new and used Porsche sales, Porsche service and Porsche parts, choose the New Hampshire Porsche dealership that stands out from the rest. Browse their inventory online at www.porschenashua.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/porscheofnashua , call them at 603-578-3744, or visit their dealership at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H.

Media Contact:
Lori Connolly, at Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, 978-532-8312

Audi’s new convertible won’t mark the first time the brand has lopped the roof off of its R8 super car, but its lighter GT variant had retained a tin top until now. The R8 GT Spyder maintains the same carbon fiber and other lightweight materials that helped its GT coupe counterpart lose about 220 pounds compared to the 2011 R8 5.2 coupe, but is expected to regain some weight due to the folding roof. That doesn’t mean the 2012 GT Spyder will lose any of the performance Audi drivers expect from an R8 – its 5.2-liter 560-horsepower V10 powerplant, mounted just behind the driver, bests the R8 5.2 V10 by 35 horsepower.

“The best way to enjoy the summer sun is in the driver’s seat of an Audi convertible,” said Larry Bedell, general manager of Audi of Nashua. “New Hampshire Audi drivers have to deal with long, harsh winters, and these convertible R8 models let you make the most of the beautiful drives throughout our state. Of course, I don’t think any bird’s song could quite match the engine note of that V10.”

The 2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder will most likely share many of its drivetrain components with the hardtop 2011 R8 GT, including the quattro all-wheel-drive system that directs the power toward the rear wheels, and premium carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers on the front. Adjustable coil-over suspension is another sport-oriented feature that will be shared. The most notable shared feature, however, will be the limited production run. It is expected that R8 GT Spyder production will closely match the R8 GT coupe’s numbers of 333 vehicles globally, including 90 units bound for the United States, and the Spyder is estimated to cost around $200,000.

While the R8 GT Spyder is a bold cabriolet, the Audi R8 5.2 is also available as a convertible and is anything but average. When the R8 first stepped onto the world stage, it came with a 4.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and revving to more than 7,800 rpm. Those numbers seem tame by today’s sports car standards, but with only 3,605 pounds to push around, the engine provided scintillating performance.

Still, there was a call for more power and Audi answered … loudly. The 2011 Audi R8 5.2 V10 boosts performance with a 525-horsepower 5.2-liter V10 powerplant that shares many components with the Lamborghini Gallardo.

“The R8 just keeps getting better with every new version,” Bedell added. “Audi is continually refining the design, adding more power when it’s needed and reducing weight to maintain outstanding handling characteristics that will be appreciated with or without the top down.”

About Audi of Nashua:
A four-time winner of Audi’s prestigious Magna award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world’s finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua , or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, at (603) 578-3744.

Media Contact:
Lori Connolly, of Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, 978-532-8312

The 1963 VW Beetle left its factory powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing a somber 40 horsepower. While that was enough for some, Newman wanted more speed after falling in love with racing while shooting the film “Winning.” The solution for Newman’s power problem came in the form of a 351-cubic-inch 300-horsepower V8 mated to a five-speed racing transmission and a host of other high-tech parts usually seen on Indy race cars. More than 40 years later, the car is fully restored and up for sale for the cool sum of $250,000.

“Paul Newman and the Volkswagen Beetle are cultural icons with a special place in the hearts of Americans, and the eventual lucky owner of Newman’s restored Beetle will feel a sense of history each time they drive it,” said Frank Carnucci, general manager of Quirk Volkswagen, a Manchester, New Hampshire Volkswagen dealer. “The third generation Beetle doesn’t fully neglect the vehicle’s classic design, but now it’ll be coming right off the lot with performance that would have made Newman proud.”

For those without the means to afford high-priced celebrity-owned cars, the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle offers more sportiness than ever at a price more agreeable to Beetle fans. Due to debut at Volkswagen dealerships this fall, the latest Beetle maintains the original’s rear lines while shrugging off its overall circular design for an edgier look.

With three engine choices, 2012 Beetle buyers can choose their preferred balance of fuel economy and performance. The base engine is the venerable five-cylinder 2.5-liter found in other VW offerings, producing 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Those itching for Newman-esque speed can get the 200-horsepower, two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder also found under the hood of the 2011 Golf GTI. There will even be a model with a turbocharged TDI Clean Diesel engine that returns 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

While Newman’s Beetle has a racer-focused interior and an engine taking up the entire back seat, modern Beetle owners will be treated to optional features like a panoramic sunroof and a 400-watt Fender premium audio system. They’ll also find more space, with a larger rear seating area and 10.9 cubic feet of space in the trunk that can be easily accessed through a wide-opening back lid. Outside, flared fenders and a longer, lower roof contribute to the newest Beetle’s stance, which is far more aggressive in appearance than the exterior of Newman’s sleeper.

“The new Beetle is still instantly recognizable, but VW didn’t rely on its name for success during their redesign,” Carnucci added. “It allows returning Beetle customers to achieve performance levels they weren’t able to reach in their older cars, and decades from now collectors will look back on the 2012 Beetle just like we look at the 1963 model, as an icon and a collector’s piece.”

About Quirk Volkswagen NH:
Quirk Volkswagen NH is the newest addition to the Quirk family of auto dealers, and it is already emerging as the destination for VW lovers throughout southern New Hampshire. They have a fantastic selection of new and used Volkswagens ranging from the Jetta to the Tiguan, and the friendly, experienced sales and service staff to back them up. You can browse Quirk Volkswagen’s inventory online at www.quirkvwnh.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenNH , call them at (603) 626-7000 or visit their dealership at 1100 S. Willow Street in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800.

No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

Each student from Get Lit is a poet in training, acting as a literature ambassador by sharing their written works and poetry performances to other at-risk students in the Los Angeles area. Thanks to the transportation provided by Buick, the students were able to see the sights and perform their work around Washington, D.C. after being inspired by White House poetry readings and music from Rita Dove, Kenneth Goldsmith, Billy Collins and Aimee Mann, among others.

“With their pair of Enclaves, these lucky young poets had a ride that fit the presidential occasion, and six more students could have come along with the crossover’s seating capacity,” said Tony Dillberg, general manager of Quirk Buick GMC. “Kids are the type of precious cargo that the Enclave is capable of transporting safely and easily, and that’s a big reason why growing families are turning to the vehicle.”

The Buick Enclave fits up to eight passengers and features SmartSlide Technology for easy access to the third row, as well as second row seating that only takes one free hand to move. With a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2011 Enclave features an abundance of safety features, including an all-around airbag system with side-curtain airbags to cover every row.

For families that need space but are concerned about rising gas prices, the front-wheel drive Enclave CX returns 24 mpg on the highway, best-in-class performance for eight-person crossovers. Both the CX and all-wheel drive CXL models feature a 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6 engine with 288 horsepower that’s anchored by the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

“The Enclave attracts owners of other brands once they realize how much more they can get for less money,” Dillberg added. “Forty-eight percent of Enclave buyers come from non-GM brands, and it’s because the vehicle offers luxury comforts, practical features for families and performance that can get the crossover anywhere safely and efficiently.”

Overall, about 40 percent of new Buick buyers come from non-GM brands, with 18 percent coming from import brands. Buick’s retail sales are up 45 percent through April of this year and, with 19 straight months of retail sales gains, Buick dealers around the country have been building momentum that should continue into the future.

About Quirk Buick GMC:
Quirk Auto Dealers have been serving the New England region for over 30 years. The knowledgeable staff at Quirk Buick GMC in Manchester, New Hampshire can guide you through an extensive inventory of new and used Buick and GMC models. Whether you are looking for the award-winning Buick LaCrosse or the rugged versatility of the GMC Sierra, Quirk has the right vehicle at a great price. To learn more, you can visit www.quirkbuicknh.com, call them at 603-263-4451, like them on Facebook, or stop by their showroom at 1250 S Willow St. in Manchester, N.H.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

While the standard 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV and Porsche Panamera Turbo sport sedan will maintain their prodigious 510 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, the 2012 Cayenne Turbo S, expected to arrive at the end of 2011, and the Panamera Turbo S, available this spring at Porsche dealers, are both expected to reach 550 horsepower.

“The Panamera Turbo and Cayenne Turbo were already incredible feats of engineering, but now the engineers at Porsche have outdone themselves,” said Larry Bedell, general manager of Porsche of Nashua, a New Hampshire Porsche dealer. “There’s nothing like the Panamera or the Cayenne, because they still drive like a Porsche even when comfortably carrying four people.”

Both vehicles feature an impressive 553 pound-feet of torque, but the Panamera can temporarily make the leap to 590 pound-feet with the help of its overboost function. That extra power enables the Panamera to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in a scant 3.6 seconds, making it the quickest production sedan in the world.

For those looking for top power in a pure sports car, the newly announced 2011 911 GT3 RS 4.0 is the most powerful naturally-aspirated 911 ever. Driven by a four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine packed with titanium connecting rods and forged pistons, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 kicks out 500 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque without needing a turbocharger.

The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 also has speed in spades, hitting 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, reaching 124 mph in less than 12 seconds and maxing out at 193 mph. With a limited production of only 600 vehicles, many of which won’t reach the United States, customers will likely have to act fast when the vehicle goes on sale later this year.

While the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 comes in just Carrara White, color choices and more abound when buying a Cayenne or Panamera. Optional for the 2012 Cayenne are revised leather packages and decorative stitching, along with precious Yachting Mahogany wood. Outside, both the new Panamera and Cayenne will come available with Bi-Xenon headlights to illuminate the darkest roads, and starting in June Panamera drivers can redefine “high speed Internet” with the model’s wireless Internet access option.

“Porsche continuously pushes the envelope of what cars can do,” Bedell added. “When the Cayenne Turbo was first released, nobody could believe that a full-size luxury SUV could accelerate and turn like it did, and they just keep making it better. The Panamera also redefines what a luxury sedan can and should be – comfortable, quiet and faster than nearly everything you’ll see during daily commutes.”

About Porsche of Nashua:
A 2010 and 2011 Premier Porsche Dealer, Porsche of Nashua delivers customer service equal to the quality of the Porsche brand. For new and used Porsche sales, Porsche service and Porsche parts, choose the New Hampshire Porsche dealership that stands out from the rest. Browse their inventory online at www.porschenashua.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/porscheofnashua, call them at 603-578-3744, or visit their dealership at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H.

Media Contact:
Lori Connolly, of Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, 978-532-8312

Automakers often look for ways to stay fresh on the minds of their customers, and social media has become the focus of such efforts. Based on the pages Visibli observed, Audi’s Facebook outreach has been a resounding success. The German automaker averages 225 comment likes per 100,000 fans, a good deal more than Bieber’s 181 likes or Gaga’s 136 likes. According to the study, musicians tend to have almost double the engagement of brands, but Audi bucks the trend.

“We work very hard to keep our customers interested and engaged with what’s going on around the dealership,” said Larry Bedell, general manager of New Hampshire Audi dealer Audi of Nashua. “Whether it’s the latest Audi news or a get-together for Audi owners, we want to keep people involved and show them how rewarding owning an Audi can be.”

The latest effort by Audi of Nashua to engage their customers is Ladies Night Out, which will take place at their Nashua showroom on Thursday, May 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The fun night of luxury includes valet parking, catered hors d’oeuvres and wine, a showcase of jewelry from Long’s Jewelers, beauty treatments from Elizabeth Clark Skin Care, floral arrangements and door prizes. Plus, while their guests are being pampered, Audi of Nashua’s staff will wash and vacuum their Audis.

The ladies in attendance will get a chance to check out the 2012 Audi A7, the German automaker’s newest luxury five-door fastback. With seating for four, the A7 features a host of luxurious amenities, like heated windshield washer nozzles and auto-dimming, heated side mirrors with memorized settings so multiple drivers can quickly adjust things just where they like them.

Power for the A7 comes via a 3.0-liter supercharged, direct-injected V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and all A7 trims come standard with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive to give drivers control in the worst New England weather.

For many women it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and that’s where the Audi scores big. Inside, drivers are treated to 12-way power front seats with six levels of heating. A simple touch of the button allows the driver to start and stop the engine, eliminating the trouble of removing the key from a pocket or purse. There’s also Audi’s music interface with iPod integration, which allows control of any iPod Generation 4 or higher through the model’s touch screen. Drivers’ music selections reach their full potential with the optional BOSE Premium Sound System, which is guaranteed to please any audiophile with its combined 14 speakers and 600 watts of power – it even automatically adjusts the volume in response to unwanted road noise.

“The Audi A7 is an elite luxury car that will appeal to both men and women,” Bedell said. “It combines classic Audi driving excitement, comfort and styling that sets it apart from the pack. There are plenty of scenic routes in New Hampshire, and this is a car that drivers will find themselves taking the long way home in.”

About Audi of Nashua:
A four-time winner of Audi’s prestigious Magna award, Audi of Nashua invites those in search of the world’s finest vehicles to explore its inventory of new and used Audi cars for sale. New Hampshire Audi owners will also find a complete selection of Audi parts and accessories, as well as expert Audi service from factory-trained technicians. Discover the quality, performance and engineering that make every Audi special by checking their inventory at www.audinashua.com, liking them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/audiofnashua, or calling their dealership, located at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, at (603) 578-3744.

Media Contact:
Lori Connolly, of Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, 978-532-8312

No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

The new Passat is nearly four inches longer and less expensive than the previous Passat, with a starting price around $20,000. That puts the new Passat in the thick of the U.S. midsize sedan class, which is where Volkswagen is hoping to gain the most ground en route to 800,000 sales in the United States by the year 2018.

“The Passat is a significant step toward Volkswagen’s goal of becoming a top brand in the United States,” said Frank Carnucci, general manager of Quirk Volkswagen, a Manchester, New Hampshire Volkswagen dealer. “They’ve done a lot of work to appeal to American drivers, making the car larger and more affordable without losing the inherent qualities that set VW apart from the competition, like luxury materials and a quiet, sporty ride. It’s still going to feel like a premium car, just without the premium cost.”

2012 Passats will not come with a premium at the gas pump thanks to an engine lineup taken from other efficient Volkswagen models. The base model offers a 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower. Also available are a 3.6-liter, 280-horsepower V6 and the popular 2.0-liter TDI diesel that Volkswagen expects to achieve 43 mpg on the highway and a range of nearly 800 miles between fill ups. The 2.5-liter engine can be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic.

Safety features include VWs Integrated Crash Response System, which unlocks the doors, disconnects the electrical system to prevent fires and turns on the four-way flashers in the event of an accident. Other gadgets available in the Passat are a Fender audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.

Volkswagen says manufacturing at its new Chattanooga plant is responsible for the lower price point. The plant also provides work for regional parts suppliers and employs more than 1,600 Americans. VW hopes to increase the number of people working at the plant to 2,000 once Passat production ramps up.

The first Passat to roll off the line was painted in Night Blue Metallic, with a leather interior and 18-inch alloy wheels. Volkswagen says they’ll hold on to the historic car.

“The 2012 Passat has a lot of qualities that New Hampshire Volkswagen drivers will appreciate,” Carnucci said. “It blends the German engineering that buyers love with more interior room and responsive handling. Like the redesigned Jetta, it’s going to be a hit for sure.”

About Quirk Volkswagen NH:
Quirk Volkswagen NH is the newest addition to the Quirk family of auto dealers, and it is already emerging as the destination for VW lovers throughout southern New Hampshire. They have a fantastic selection of new and used Volkswagens ranging from the Jetta to the Tiguan, and the friendly, experienced sales and service staff to back them up. You can browse Quirk Volkswagen’s inventory online at www.quirkvwnh.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenNH, call them at (603) 626-7000 or visit their dealership at 1100 S. Willow Street in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Media Contact:
Jim Smith, of Quirk Automotive Group, 781-843-4800

For sports-car enthusiasts, the award shows that the quality of the Porsche 911 is more than cosmetic. High-performance cars often emphasize style and horsepower over durability, leaving owners with auto-repair bills that match their speeding tickets. The 911 may still encourage a heavy foot on the pedal, but it won’t have owners pulling into the repair shop after every spirited sprint down the highway.

“Drivers may be thinking more about speed or style than dependability when they invest in a luxury sports car, but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable for that vehicle to have more problems than common cars like Hondas or Toyotas after three years,” said Larry Bedell, general manager of Porsche of Nashua, a New Hampshire Porsche dealer. “The Porsche 911 delivers the on-road performance that drivers expect in a sports car and the best reliability of any vehicle on the road, proving again that Porsche’s engineers deliver exceptional value to buyers.”

The 2011 VDS analyzed issues with vehicles from the 2008 model year during a recent 12-month period, tracking how many problems were reported for every 100 vehicles of a given model. While the average model had 151 problems per 100 vehicles, or about 1.5 problems per vehicle, the Porsche 911 line had only 68 problems per 100 vehicles, less than half the average. The performance of the 911 suggests that many vehicles had no issues reported.

Compiled from the responses of more than 43,700 vehicle owners who evaluated 202 different vehicle problems, the 2011 VDS found that industry-wide dependability is at its highest level since the inception of the study in 1990. While domestic brands have made significant improvements in their dependability in recent years, they still trail import brands such as Porsche by 18 problems per 100 vehicles this year.

Beyond its 911 line, Porsche was also recognized in this year’s VDS for its overall production value. Study participants voted Porsche the best German manufacturer, while J.D. Power’s market researchers rated Porsche’s main plant in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany as the best car factory in world, based on the long-term quality of the vehicles it produces.

Porsche’s continued focus on quality and the resulting accolades helped the company to increase U.S. sales by 36 percent last month, the best March for Porsche dealers since 2007. These latest figures add to Porsche’s strong start to 2011, with sales in the first quarter up 34 percent over the same period last year.

“The long-term quality of Porsche vehicles comes not only from flawless manufacturing at the factory, but from customer-focused service plans that specialized dealers like ours can put in place to maximize the life of each vehicle,” Bedell added. “This quality of both craft and care has been carried over from the 911 to newer models like the Cayenne crossover and Panamera sedan, so customers can be confident that any Porsche we offer is one of the best-made vehicles in the world.”

About Porsche of Nashua:
A 2010 and 2011 Premier Porsche Dealer, Porsche of Nashua delivers customer service equal to the quality of the Porsche brand. For new and used Porsche sales, Porsche service and Porsche parts, choose the New Hampshire Porsche dealership that stands out from the rest. Browse their inventory online at www.porschenashua.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/porscheofnashua , call them at 603-578-3744, or visit their dealership at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, NH.

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