The 2013 car recalls just keep coming, and today we have to report that both Chrysler and VW have announced recalls. The former only involves 34 models, whereas the latter is for 91,000 units.

First up we have the 2013 Ram 1500 recall for Canada only. The reason for this is because in some cases the coolant will not flow how it should, due to a sticky bypass valve, which goes to the heater core. There is a fear that this could stop heat getting to your windshield while driving in frosty conditions, which could reduce your visibility and could in some cases cause you to crash.

You will need to take your 2013 Ram 1500 to your nearest dealer and have them inspect it for you, and if there is a problem with the coolant bypass valve they will replace it for you. They will also update the software by reprogramming the powertrain control module.

Next up we have the Volkswagen recall, which involves 91,000 models in Japan, although there is a fear this could extend to other countries. The reason we say this is because China had to recall 384,181 vehicles for similar issues. The reason for the VW recall is because of potential gearbox problems caused by hot and cold weather conditions.

Another cause for the gearbox issue is due to the extreme stop-and-go traffic along with high pollution in Asian countries, so maybe this recall will be isolated to these regions? Having said that, all the blame cannot be put on the conditions, as a recent report says that there has been a long-standing issue with the direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission in Volkswagen vehicles.

More and more cars are coming with smartphone integration, and the 2014 Volkswagen iBeetle Convertible and standard iBeetle are just two of them. The cars have already been seen by the media at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, which can be seen in the image above.

The new Volkswagen Beetle Convertible for sale in 2013 along with the other model will come with an iPhone integrated into the dash, and will make use of the iPhones features thanks to its built-in docking station.

According to Apple Insider, users will be able to take advantage of several features, such as hands-free calls, navigation with Apple Maps (not in California) listening to your favorite tunes via iTunes or Spotify and so much more.

As yet Volkswagen has not announced what versions of the iPhone will be supported with the new dock, but we assume it would be the iPhone 4/4S and the iPhone 5, although we will just have to wait and see what happens.

One of the features we like thanks to the use of the iBeetle app is a text message being read to you through the car speakers, which is an important safety feature because there have been so many accidents where people read their texts while driving.

For those with an older Beetle, it’s not sure if there will be a retrofit kit, but we are sure Volkswagen will release details in time. However, some VW owners say that they can already do most of the features as the iBeetle via Bluetooth, so have no need for a dock. Although, it is much better to have the phone where you can see it, in case you will need to use it for directions.

The thought of picking up a phone while driving is not something you should be doing, so having a built-in dock is a way to help improve safety, something the Volkswagen iBeetle Convertible will surely achieve?

Today the press will be able to get an early preview of the 2013 Chicago Auto Show and there are going to be some great debuts there, such as two new Volkswagen Beetle’s. These are the Limited-Edition 2014 Beetle GSR and the R-Line Beetle Convertible. However, there are also two GTI models that are already available to purchase, but the German car manufacturer thought it was a great opportunity to show them off today.

If we had to pick our favorite we’d have to say the GSR model because it has taken inspiration from the classic 1970s’ Beetle, and because it’s so special, Volkswagen thought that they would make this a powerful version by giving it a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 210 horsepower.

The 2014 Beetle GSR price is yet to be confirmed but we should know more before they hit the market in the fall. In-depth details can be found by heading over to Volkswagen’s press webpage.

While the new Convertible R-Line might not offer the same kind of performance as the GSR, there are still several updates that will make this an appealing model. First up there is the set of rather larger 19-inch rims and augment Bi-Xenon headlamps. There are no details on performance or pricing and availability just yet either.

Autoblog has all the details on the new 2013 Volkswagen GTI models, which is to have a limited run of just 3,000 units. However, we can tell you that prices range from $25,095-$29,695.

There’s no doubt that the Volkswagen GTI created a game that many other cars have tried to copy, and the latest option challenging the 2012 Volkswagen GTI is the 2013 Ford Focus ST. One thing that gives the Focus ST an advantage is technology, and when it comes to the hot hatch it has the almost impossible task of convincing Volkswagen GTI fans, which in our opinion has been achieved with the 2013 Ford Focus ST unless they are diehard VW fans that is.

2013 Ford Focus ST vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI – don’t take our word for it, we want you to hear the expert opinions of those that know in the auto industry, which is thanks to a hands-on with both the new 2013 Ford Focus ST and current king found in the 2012 Volkswagen GTI. We’ve embedded a couple of videos below this article that include details on the 2013 Ford Focus ST specs, and of course give you a visual look during a few test drives. The first video runs for just under 5-minutes and talks about refinement and balance while driving the 2013 Focus ST, although the second runs a little longer at just under 7-minutes and takes a look at the Focus ST from the United States perspective.

The third video takes a quick look at the 2012 Volkswagen GTI at Michigan International Speedway, and the fourth has a look at the same car with a more in-depth review, but it is fair to say the last video is a little bias towards the Volkswagen GTI, so take a look at all four videos to gain a lot of insight into what makes these two autos so good and also their weak points.

In-depth 2012 Volkswagen GTI vs. 2013 Ford Focus ST review – if you want to see how these two cars compare in detail, then we recommend you look at this article on Auto Blog, which studies the vital stats and explains the pros/cons after a full test drive of both vehicles. In a nutshell they found the 2013 Ford Focus ST the clear winner, although they did mention this could all change when the new GTI lands. If you had to, 2012 Volkswagen GTI or 2013 Ford Focus ST?

Patrick Olsen of Cars.com has managed to get up close to the new Beetle as it was showcased at the New York Auto Show. About to enter its third generation the latest model has been beefed up from its predecessor, in an attempt to make it appeal to the more masculine amongst us.

This new design is wider than the old model with a longer front hood. The windshield is further back than before and also has a steeper incline, and the body is six inches longer. Inside there was a totally new feel in the driver’s seat, with a more focused feel to the driving position. The dashboard has been improved and could have come out of a sporty coupe.

The backseat is still mainly for children or adults you are not too fond of. VW brand design Chief Klaus Bischoff said “All of the customers who have seen it have reacted positively to the changes.”

You will find the backseat is still mainly for children or adults you are not too fond of. VW brand design Chief Klaus Bischoff said “All of the customers who have seen it have reacted positively to the changes.”

The latest Beetle is expected to hit the US either in September or October, and at the moment Volkswagen have not revealed their pricing plans. Hit the link above to see more images of the 2012 Beetle. Do you like the look of the next Beetle?

According to the NHTSA Volkswagen reported the recall on March 25, the components at fault are some of the car’s circuit breakers and fuses. The recall summary says the electrical wiring and fuse layout shares the same fuse for the signal horn, anti-theft alarm system and converter box, which could mean that if the fuse is blown the engine management system, wipers and lighting system could all cut out.

Apparently this problem affects certain Jetta models which were manufactured between March 2010 and March 2011, Volkswagen worry that if power was cut out to these important components a crash could be caused.

If you think that you may be affected by the recall you can contact Volkswaken on 1-800-822-8987, dealers will soon get repair kits to correct the condition, it is thought that the safety recall will begin in May 2011 and will be free of charge to the car owner.

Hopefully this problem will not cause any crashes between now and May, if you have any concerns you can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on their hotline 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to the SafetyCar website.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall, if so do you think it is acceptable having to wait until May for the repair?

The problem is due to a wiring fault, a pretty bizaare one actually, as it has been revealed that using the horn on the new jetta models can cause the motor to turn off suddenly due a short circuit, increasing the risk of a serious accident or injury.

To go into more detail, Volkswagen has stated that the recall affects Jetta models produced between March 2010 and March 2011, and the exact problem lies in the fact that a fuse secures both the anti-theft alarm system and horn that could become faulty – although no injuries or accidents have been reported yet, according to WSJ.

If you own one of the latest 2010 or 2011 Volkswagen Jetta models, you don’t need to do anything as Volkswagen will be notifying you with details on the recall and when they will take your motor in for service. However, if you have any questions right now, you can call Volkswagen on 1-800-822-8987. Let us know your thoughts on this recall – are you surprised that this has been caused by a wiring configuration issue?

The first thing you will notice is that it will not come with that noisy engine from the past. Instead those clever German’s has decided to make this one electric. No longer will you have to shout when going on trips to the beach with your surfing buddies, as there will be no sound from that powerplant.

That electric motor has an amazing range, 186 miles – much better range than the Nissan Leaf. The minivan will get from 0 to 62mph in 11.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 87mph – has that taken into consideration the drag factor from the surfboards on the roof? Those figures looks very impressive, so how far away are we from production?

As yet Volkswagen has yet to state if this will stay a concept, and it they do produce it then will there be any changes? The jury is out on this design, but we have seen much worse (view images on Autoblog). The concept that they had on show was more like a minivan, but there is certainly potential there for different configurations, such as a sink, cooker or even a TV and games console in the rear.

Do you think that the VW Bulli Microbus will be the next camper van?

I say successfully, as in the past attempts of making the iPad a part of the dash have been pretty bad according to Auto Spies. They were lucky enough to be at the event in Geneva and were able to see the demonstration, taking lots of pictures as well.

They say that VW ‘stunned’ the show with the reveal of their Microbus but what was more shocking was how well the iPad integration worked. The tablet is accommodated in a cradle designed especially for it central to the dashboard. It sits on a pivot so the passenger can also use the device if needed.

It allows for navigation of course, music playing and climate control. Gives heads up display of the speedometer, other display icons, communicates with Bulli’s Bluetooth and even lets you read e-mails.

Check out the VW concept over at Auto Spies by clicking the link above, where you will find some awesome pictures from the Geneva Motor Show. Do you think this van will ever make production? What do you think of the VW Bulli design? Share your thoughts with us below.

We have embedded the 2011 Beetle ad at the end of this post and it doesn’t reveal anything too exciting that said it is pretty cool, the ad lasts 30 seconds and shows a beetle with racing stripes (insect not the car) in what appears to be a rainforest, towards the end of the video you see a very brief glimpse of the 2011 Beetle’s shape.

We have embedded the image below showing the 2011 Volkwagen Beetle’s shape, the picture doesn’t show you a lot, however to me it looks much sportier than last year’s Beetle, it also looks different to the 2012 Beetle spy shots we posted previously.

As you can see “The 21st Century Beetle” will be available “This Fall”, hopefully we will find out more about it soon, when we do we we will be sure to keep you-up-to-date with all of the important and interesting information.

Remember the ad can be seen below, is it your favorite ad from this year’s Super Bowl?