'Braking' news from the Volkswagen HQ: the Golf can now be specified with rear LEDs. VW claims the bright new option is to the benefit of safety - the 48 rear LEDs respond 0.2 seconds faster than conventional brake lights - but we all know you'll want them because they look cool.
There's no word on what they'll set Golf buyers back in the UK just yet, but in Europe they'll be a €350 option for
GTI and
GTD buyers, which is £317 at the current exchange rate. The LEDs are standard on the new Golf R, resulting in an appearance that is, we're told, 'harmonious and high end'.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen has just announced that it has taken its stake in Porsche up to 49.9 percent and intends to take over the iconic maker fully by 2011. Upping its share of the world's most profitable car company has cost a cool €3.9bn, though VW claims that the move will increase its annual operating profit by €700m at a stroke. It also raises the tantalising possibility of Porsche involvement in the small VW coupé that's been on the cards since it unveiled the beautiful
Concept BlueSport roadster in
Detroit back in January. We can't wait for that.
Mark Nichol - 10 Dec 2009