The success of the Roadster concept is based on a successful synthesis of classic design and state-of-the-art engineering. This encouraged Friedhelm and Martin Wiesmann to develop a new, similarly fascinating, sports car on the basis of the Roadster, the Wiesmann GT.
The two-seater coupé celebrated its premiere as a production vehicle at the IAA 2005 in Frankfurt, to be acclaimed by the motoring experts. (more…)
Volkswagen today introduced the Golf GTI Edition 30, a new study to mark the 30th anniversary of the GTI at the Golf Record Day in the Veltins Arena in Schalke, Gelsenkirchen in front of an audience of thousands of Golf drivers from throughout Europe.With a powerful 230 PS (169 kW) 2.0 litre turbo FSI engine, the Edition 30 study is closely related to the production model and responds to the wishes of GTI enthusiasts. The options package, a profile of desired equipment, is a reaction to the numerous wishes from customers. (more…)
Right before the turn of the year Volkswagen is presenting another member of the “Cross” family at the 30th Bologna Motor Show. The CrossTouran. After the start of the CrossPolo and the CrossGolf the crossover model of the successful compact van now complements the range of options. The strikingly styled, front-wheel drive Touran appears as a practical and lifestyle-oriented all-round talent. The new CrossTouran meets the demands for driving fun, a high level of product quality and an attractive price-performance ratio. For the European market launch in Spring 2007 the CrossTouran will be available with three gasoline-powered engines and three TDIs with output ranging from 75 (102 hp) to 125 kW (170 hp). The 125 kW (170 hp) TSI Twincharger with standard DSG is certainly a highlight.
EXTERIOR
Robust bumpers, wheel arches and side trim and more ground clearance
On the exterior numerous modifications distinguish the CrossTouran from the classical Touran design. The interplay of all body elements visible from the outside is particularly noticeable. The silver anodized roof railing with black mount harmonizes with the “matte chrome” look of the new front spoiler. The central air inlet in the front spoiler was also given a border in “matte chrome” look. All other body features of the all-around protection (bumper lower sections, side running boards, wheel arches, side protective trim) consist of robust, high-quality black-grained carbon fiber. The CrossTouran has lettering directly above the side trims. The wing mirror casings and the hatchback handle are painted to match the body color. All of this bestows it a completely independent character.
Fresh body colors available for the CrossTouran provide a harmonious contrast to the applications. The color palette ranges from “Candy White” to “Deep Black”. The color “Red Rock” in particular underscores the unique character of the CrossTouran: It is a flexible all-rounder that conceptually shows true can-do qualities and at the same time makes a very positive statement about life.
One look at the silhouette also distinguishes the CrossTouran as a unique model. The mixed tire arrangement with 6.5-inch wide and 17-inch diameter alloy wheels on 215/50 tires in front and, in particular, the 8-inch wide alloy wheels on 235/45 tires in back underscore the road holding of the CrossTouran and competently fill out the wheel arches enclosed by the robust extensions. The extensions merge with the side running boards, which extend up into the doors and give the car an extremely solid and powerful character.
In order to gain the extra 12 millimeters of ground clearance the CrossTouran was equipped with a modified version of the rough-track chassis that is optional for this series: it also includes a longer suspension system. The silver anodized roof railing with black mount was however not included as a component of standard equipment for visual reasons only. It is in fact a classic way to anchor the mounting system and roof boxes. The maximum permissible load is 100 kilograms.
“Cross” is a unique product brand like “GTI” or “R”
The name “Cross” represents an independent product brand like “GTI” or “R” with a specific design as well as an equipment range specially developed for the CrossTouran. Features include the “Climatic” air-conditioning system, power windows in the front and back as well as height-adjustable comfort seats with lumbar support in front.
INTERIOR / LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
A colorful design specially developed for the CrossTouran, and great functionality make everyday driving easier
With its functional design and especially with the “Orange/Grey” interior colors, the inside of the CrossTouran imparts a youthful and pleasant atmosphere. In particular, in conjunction with the exterior “Red Rock” color this orange-grey combination has a special charm. For those who prefer to be a bit less ostentatious the “Latte Macchiato” color scheme is the fitting counterpart.
The matching cover fabrics (Design: “Eclypt Elon”) are not only used in the comfort seats in front and the back seats, but also in the door linings. The honeycomb structure incorporated into the seat flanks and upper rear part is something the observer notices right away. The seams of the three-spoke steering wheel covered in perforated leather are offset with lighter colored seams.
The practical individual seating system of the CrossTouran shows the way in terms of versatility. The three lightweight seats arranged next to one another in the second row can be quickly and easily moved – lengthwise and offset diagonally, folded down or removed. The CrossTouran can be optionally equipped with a third row of seats; if desired, the two full-fledged individual seats can each be easily lowered separately into the luggage compartment floor.
In terms of utilization, the CrossTouran is also extremely flexible when it comes to transporting luggage. In its basic configuration the luggage compartment is 695 liters. When necessary maximum storage volume can be expanded to 1,989 liters by removing the second row of seats and lowering the third row into the luggage compartment floor. Even bulky items or recreational equipment for the weekend pose no problem for the CrossTouran.
SAFETY
High stability passenger compartment and standard front, side and head airbags
The CrossTouran also makes no compromises in terms of safety. The laser-welded and, thanks to high tensile steel, especially rigid Touran body offers a high level of passive safety. The extensive standard safety equipment consisting of safety-optimized headrests in front and on the outer seats of the second row, driver and passenger airbag, side airbags in the front backrests and a head airbag system for the first and second row of seats in conjunction with three-point safety belts on all seats provide optimal occupant protection.
A high level of active safety is provided by the ESP electronic stabilization program including counter-steering feature and trailer stabilization as well as speed-regulated electro-mechanical power steering.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Six economical engines, two transmissions and a performance range from 75 to 125 kW
No matter if it’s a basic economical engine, dynamic alternative or high-torque and thrifty TSI or TDI, the CrossTouran offers the right engine for every use and taste. All engines comply with the Euro 4 emissions standard.
GASOLINE ENGINES
CrossTouran 1.6 with 75 kW / 102 hp
The entry level is represented by the “smallest” Touran four-cylinder engine with 1.6 liters of engine space and an output of 75 kW / 102 hp. With the basic engine and five-speed manual transmission the CrossTouran is already 176 km/h fast and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is limited to 8.3 liters over 100 kilometers.
CrossTouran 1.4 TSI with 103 kW / 140 hp
The “small” Twincharger TSI deserves special attention. Thanks to twin charging via compressor and turbocharger it features an extremely high-torque and agile characteristic. Nevertheless, the engine is extraordinarily thrifty with 7.6 liters of fuel consumption over a distance of 100 kilometers. For those who like it extremely comfortable, the CrossTouran with this engine type can also be ordered with a DSG (direct shift gearbox).
CrossTouran 1.4 TSI with 125 kW / 170 hp
The most powerful direct injection gasoline engine has a sporty temperament and will be used for the first time in the CrossTouran. The gears of the Twincharger with 125 kW / 170 hp will be changed with a DSG direct shift gearbox as part of standard equipment. It also convinces with low fuel consumption with an overall average of 7.8 liters over 100 kilometers. With this engine the CrossTouran has a top speed of 208 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 8.7 seconds.
DIESEL ENGINES
CrossTouran 1.9 TDI with 77 kW / 105 hp
The 1.9 TDI with pump-jet direct injection technology and turbocharger has a standard six-gear transmission, but can also be combined with the innovative DSG direct shift gearbox. The engine accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 13.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 176 km/h (DSG: 174 km/h). With average fuel consumption of only 6.2 (DSG: 6.5) liters for 100 km it is also extra thrifty.
CrossTouran 2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 hp
The pump-jet four-cylinder direct injection of the 2.0 TDI attains a full 320 Nm of torque. In combination with the standard six-gear transmission it has a top speed of 196 km/h. The 140 hp TDI can be optionally equipped with direct shift gearbox. As a TDI DSG Germany’s most popular compact van goes 194 km/h. It has average fuel consumption of only 6.2 (DSG: 6.8) liters over 100 km.
CrossTouran 2.0 TDI with 125 kW / 170 hp
The second 2.0 TDI provides superior driving performance: The engine is equipped with a highly innovative Piezo pump-jet high-pressure unit-injector system and two balancer shafts. This very quiet four-valve TDI has an output of 125 kW / 170 hp (4,200 rpm), developing torque of 350 Nm (1,750 to 2.500 rpm) and accelerating the CrossTouran to 100 km/h in only 9.2 seconds. Top speed is 210 km/h (208 km/h with DSG). Here too average fuel consumption is only 7 liters over 100 kilometers.
In Geneva, Volkswagen presents its first series production vehicle under the BlueMotion banner: the Polo BlueMotion. The compact vehicle with a power output of 59 kW / 80 PS consumes an average of just 3.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, but is just as agile as a conventional Polo with the same specifications. Fuel savings: 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
The reduced consumption and emission values were achieved by longer gear ratios, by aerodynamic refinements and by modifications inside the engine. The Volkswagen vehicle has a manual five-speed gearbox. The Polo BlueMotion is built in Pamplona in Spain and will be launched in Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany in the Summer of 2006.
4MOTION, the four-wheel drive system from Volkswagen, offers enhanced active safety and driving pleasure. In 2006 the new Passat will be available in three different engine versions with the latest 4MOTION system. The top model of the Passat range, the 184 kW / 250 PS Passat 3.2 V6 FSI 4MOTION, has the most effective form of power distribution as standard. The 4MOTION drivetrain is available as an option with the Passat 2.0 FSI (110 kW / 150 PS) and the Passat 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 PS). The permanent four-wheel drive system is available for the Passat saloon and estate in combination with all equipment lines (3.2 V6 FSI 4MOTION: starting with the Comfortline). (more…)
It can well be expected that their expectations will be met: Both the YES! Roadster and the YES CUP/R are a manifestation of the creed of two company founders and current managing directors Herbert Funke and Philipp Will: Reduce to the core. And for the two designers this means that the direct car-road communication must not be interfered by unnecessary gadg-ets. Hence, what the owner of a YES! will purchase is nothing more and nothing less than a driving machine.
Translated into plain figures this means: Like the original YES! Clubsport model the new YES! Roadster possesses a performance-enhanced 1.8 liter 210 KW (286 hp) Volkswagen turbo engine that takes the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds at 5900 rpm and with a maximum torque of 330 NM. These characteristics place the car in the top performance range. The second new development YES! CUP/R even surpasses the features of the Roadster.
The vehicle’s 250 kW (340 hp) 2.0 liter turbo engine meets all racing de-mands: chassis, undercarriage, brakes – the entire technology has been designed for the in professional motors sports. Apart from the engine features, the car’s ultimate lightweight design plays an important role: All three models are based on an aluminum space frame, enhanced by the use of composite materials for the carbody and understructure.
Taylor-made hand manufacture
The production of the cars at the Funke and Will plant, established in 2001, strongly differs from the familiar mass output. Each YES! sports car is a hand-manufactured unique to which the purchaser contributes to a large extent. Before completion, the fine tuning is made on-site together with the buyer to adapt the car’s every detail to its subsequent owner: colour, special features, ideal sitting and switching position, and pedal alignment. This participation concept and the 100-percent hand production make the YES! a singular occurrence on the sportscar market. The same holds true for another feature: On the company’s 2.2 mile long former runway of an old military air field, the buyer can test-drive his car up to maximum speed. And finally: the manufacturers’ service concept matches the car’s individuality. If necessary, a YES! partner comes to the customer, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It started with a diploma thesis
The YES! sports cars owe their birth to the graduation of the two company founders at Co-logne Technical College. In the scope of their final thesis the two engineers designed road-ster. A friend, the Stuttgart based designer Oliver Schweizer developed the cars styling. The prototype was first presented under at the International Motor Show IAA in Frankfurt and generated an unexpected demand. Owing to this favourable development the engineers decided to set up their own business. The start-up company’s highly positive development on the hard-fought international automobile markets proved the founders right to uncom-promisingly pursue their initial concept of a minimalist pure sports car.