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…)
The Touareg R GT is nothing less than the pure essence of a high-performance luxury SUV. What was formerly a 2005 model with a V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission is now a 500-horsepower road-carver that doubles as a luxurious limousine. Like the other R GT models on display at SEMA, the Touareg has an HPA-built twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood, special chassis enhancements, a KW Variant 3-way coilover suspension, and a high-performance braking system supplied by Brembo.
The Touareg’s revised lines give it the look of a well-bred urban cruiser. A Volkswagen Individual body kit, gleaming silver paint, and 10 x 22-inch custom-built, forged-aluminum, mono-block Avus® wheels mounted with Michelin ultra-high-performance Diamaris tires lend it a commanding visual presence that matches the powertrain’s dominating performance.
Front sport bucket seats, an integrated single roll hoop, and the safety systems required for a weekend at the track are complemented by the luxury of black leather upholstery with gray suede centers, a Bugatti spun-aluminum trim kit by Volkswagen Individual, a black Apple iPod module, and rear PSP system.
Street and track performance has not yet been measured, but with its 500 horsepower and massive torque, the Touareg R GT will certainly be an extreme expression of “Fun to Drive”.
At the International Motor Show (Cars) in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is presenting a ground-breaking innovation in the development of direct injection petrol engines: The world’s first twin-turbocharged FSI engine – the “Twincharger”. The engine developers at Volkswagen have taken an unusual approach to achieving lower fuel consumption values: Reduction in cubic capacity alongside the combination of an exhaust turbocharger with a compressor.
With the new 1.4 l 125 kW Twincharger engine, Volkswagen has impressively succeeded in pushing ahead with the logical further development of its own FSI technology to achieve even more driving pleasure and efficiency. The combination of exhaust turbocharging with an automatically switched, high-speed mechanical compressor develops the same torque as a high volume naturally aspirated engine at the same time as achieving lower consumption values.
In particular, the high level of torque developed at low engine speeds means that drivers can delay shifting gear for longer. This means customers are going to be even more excited about turbocharged SI engines – particularly since the average consumption is only 7.2 l/100 km (39.2 mpg). In addition, the design of the exhaust system helps to keep consumption as low as possible when driving at speed on the motorway.
However, driving pleasure is increased even more whilst retaining the low consumption values: From spring 2006, namely, the “Twincharger” can be combined with the fascinating DSG direct shift gearbox.
It is a successful synthesis between driving pleasure and economical responsibility. The compact power unit develops 125 kW / 170 PS and a maximum torque of 240 newton metres in the range between 1750 and 4500 rpm. With this engine, the Golf GT has a top speed of 220 km/h (136 mph) and reaches the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark in only 7.9 seconds. Its considerable torque makes the engine feel like a high-volume naturally aspirated engine, while the possibility of driving with fewer gearshifts keeps the overall fuel consumption down to a frugal 7.2 l/100 km (39.2 mpg). And, it goes without saying, there is plenty of power in reserve for overtaking on country roads.
Another performance variant of this innovative Twincharger engine with 103 kW / 138 PS (maximum torque 220 newton metres) will be available from early 2006, initially in the Touran compact MPV, and after that the Golf will also be available with this engine.
The new compact FSI with twin-turbocharging will first be used in the sporty Golf GT. This variant is positioned between the Golf Sportline and the Golf GTI. Its exterior is differentiated by an individual front section with a V-shaped grill in the body colour as well as special alloy wheels. Special sports seats and a three-spoke sports steering wheel lend additional appeal to the interior. Another power unit for the Golf GT will be available from the end of 2005 also: the powerful 125 kW / 170 PS 2.0 TDI. This four-valve TDI engine with piezoelectric pump/nozzle injection elements and a diesel particulate filter as standard gives the Golf GT extremely sporty performance with a torque of 350 newton metres, combined with attractive consumption values.