Volkswagen – Page 20 – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen Unveils 2015 Golf GTD Variant

The German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the new Gran Turismo Diesel model which is another member added to its growing Golf family.

Power for the Golf wagon is provided by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which delivers 184 HP (135 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 380 Nm of maximum torque (280 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. These figures help the car accelerate from standstill to 60 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 7.9 seconds. There are no specific details regarding the top speed but it could be lower than that of the GTD hatchback which reaches 143 mph (230 km/h). Combined fuel consumption is rated at 4.4 liters / 100 km (53.4 mpg US or 64 mpg UK).

Visually, 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTD has several distinctive components. Precisely, the car’s aggressive appearance is highlighted by its GTD front and rear bumpers, black roof nails, tinted bi-xenon headlights, honeycomb radiator grille and smoked taillights. The new Volkswagen Golf GTD is further characterized by a 15 mm lower suspension and chrome tips for the exhaust which come as standard. A finishing touch add the 17-inch Curitiba alloy wheels available in 18-inch Nogaro as an option as well.

On the inside, the Golf GTD has sports seats with “Clark” cloth upholstery, black headliner, stainless steel pedal caps, pillar trims and illuminated door sills. “Checkered Black” decorative inserts and panels also adorn the interior. Golf-ball shaped gear knob and a multi-function lather steering are part of the package too.

Orders for the model are already available in Germany, with a starting price of €31,975 ($36,124).

Source: Volkswagen

January 29, 2015

BMW and Volkswagen to Install 100 High-speed Charging Stations

Two automotive giants, BMW and Volkswagen, are teaming up to install a network of 100 high-speed charging stations by ChargePoint on the east and west coasts of the US. They will be open to all electric vehicles which are fitted with the standard SAE J1772 or CHAdeMO plug.

Addressing one of the biggest issues related to electric cars, precisely, the lack of enough chargers, the manufacturers mentioned above are in fact trying to fix the unpleasant current situation. Is this a subtle way, though, of promoting their electric models and making more customers buy them? Or is this just an idea born out of pure intentions concerned with the convenience of driving? It does not really matter when drivers are the ones who will benefit a lot thanks to the easier charging which will be provided.

BMW and Volkswagen are inspired by Tesla Motors since it has its own network of high-speed chargers in the Northeast corridor and in California. Still, its proprietary technology can be used by Tesla cars only which is quite inconvenient really, isn’t it?

Planning to build one charging point every 50 miles or so, Volkswagen and BMW will provide each station with two 50 kW DC or 24 kW DC fast chargers. Such machines are only available in 120 spots among the 20,000 ChargePoint locations across the country.

The successful implementation of this plan would bring easy access to fast, public charging points. As a result, traveling in an electric car, like the BMW i3 for instance, would be as pleasant and smooth as traveling in any other gas-powered vehicle.

Source: engadget

January 23, 2015

Volkswagen Introduces the Second Gen Polo R WRC

There is a world premiere happing right now and under the spotlights is the next generation Volkswagen Polo R WRC. The company introduced the second gen motorsport car in Autostadt, Wolfsburg. At the same time, the team which will be racing with it has promised to successfully defend its titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The car is in top form, both technically and visually. It is based on the first generation Polo R WRC that was introduced in 2013.

The start of the career of the new WRC is on 22nd of January when it will compete in the iconic Rally Monte Carlo. The driving line-up for 2015 consists of the double world champions Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia (F/F), Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), and Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene (N/N).

The new race car has undergone intense development, both on the inside and the outside. Undoubtedly, it looks more dynamic and sporty than before, and it also features many technical innovations under the bonnet. Many details of the package have been further developed and improved. The main focus of this improvement was on efficiency, reliability and performance.

The new design livery is built up from blue and white, and in fact the exterior of the new car is the most striking change for the 2015 season. The white of the first gen model has given way to dark-blue. White and light-blue stripes see the dark-blue front merge into the white rear, which features a towering new rear wing.

Integrated in the new design are VW’s partners in the World Rally Championship. You can see featured on the Polo those companies: Red Bull, lubricant partner Castrol, Volkswagen Financial Services, tyre partner Michelin, chassis and clutch specialist ZF Sachs, and supplier OMP.

More importantly, there have been changes made under the bonnet. For instance, there is new hydraulically activated gearbox, which is operated via a shift paddle on the steering column. This is the biggest innovation. Three quarters of last year’s components were checked and many of them were improved. The aim was to make everything “simpler, lighter, and stronger”.

2015 Season, FIA World Rally Championship (WRC):

22/01–25/01/2015 Rally Monte Carlo
12/02–15/02/2015 Rally Sweden
05/03–08/03/2015 Rally Mexico
23/04–26/04/2015 Rally Argentina
21/05–24/05/2015 Rally Portugal
11/06–14/06/2015 Rally Italy
02/07–05/07/2015 Rally Poland
30/07–02/08/2015 Rally Finland
20/08–23/08/2015 Rally Germany
10/09–13/09/2015 Rally Australia
01/10–04/10/2015 Rally France
22/10–25/10/2015 Rally Spain
12/11–15/11/2015 Rally Great Britain

Source: Volkswagen

January 16, 2015

New Volkswagen Up! Model Goes Official

Orders for the new street-wise Volkswagen up! models started today ahead of the first scheduled deliveries in March. The Street up! and Club up! mini cars arrive with fuel-efficient characteristics, convenient form and satisfying equipment.

Both cars take their power from the up!’s most powerful 1.0-litre petrol engine which produces 75 PS at 6,200 rpm. The three-cylinder engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. It returns 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle and emits 108 g/km of CO₂. Lastly, the two compact automobiles produce a maximum torque of 95 Nm (70 lbs ft) between 3,000 and 4,300 rpm.

Volkswagen Street up! benefits from 16-inch Upsilon alloy wheels, standard Pure White, Black Pearl or Reflex Silver paint, 65 per cent tinted glass from the B-pillar back, “Street” badging, decals on side, bonnet, boot and roof, wing mirrors that come in silver (except for the Reflex Silver models on which they are in black). Additionally, there are body colored bumpers with chrome moulding on the front fog lights, leather steering wheel with up! lettering, up! scuff plates with yellow stripe, black roof lining, carpet mats and original “Street” cloth upholstery.

On the other hand, the new Volkswagen Club up! model boosts its sophistication with 16-inch Triangle alloy wheels, unique Blueberry metallic or Black Pearl paint, as well as 65 per cent tinted glass from the B-pillar back, “Club” badging and decals on side panels in silver. Moreover, there are wing mirrors in silver too, up! scuff plates, black roof lining, carpet mats and unique “Club” Tartan Tonic cloth upholstery.

The price for the Street up! and Club up! 3-door models is that of £11,995, while the 5-door versions will cost £12,370.

Source: Volkswagen

January 14, 2015

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE

It is Volkswagen. It is new. And it is concept. Meet the VW Cross Coupe GTE which was revealed ahead of its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive embodies Volkswagen’s new US design language and combines German engineering with an American kind of lifestyle.

This is the third Cross concept which is depicted by the automaker. Precisely, the concept SUVs range includes: the CrossBlue introduced in Detroit in January 2013, the CrossBlue Coupe presented in Los Angeles in November 2013 and the Cross Coupé GTE that is now being shown at the NAIAS.

Power for the new Cross Coupe GTE is provided by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that comes with two electric motors. The six-cylinder direct-injection engine (FSI) produces 280 PS and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Moreover, the two electric motors deliver 40 kW and 220 Nm (front) and 85 kW and 270 Nm (rear) and are powered by a compact 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. This allows the concept car to generate a total output of 360 PS and 379 Nm (280 lb-ft). Using this full power, the GTE speeds up from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). Lastly, there are five different power modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Offroad and Battery Hold / Battery Charge.

In terms of what the new Volkswagen crossover features, there is an aggressive front, aluminum grille, LED headlights, as well as more seriously-looking fenders, accentuating gloss black elements and strong character contours.

The interior is quite simple but is still nicely equipped. The five-seater benefits from sports semi-aniline Nappa leather seats, gloss black trim and, once more, aluminum elements. Also, there is a 12.3-inch Active Info Display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen which controls the infotainment system.

Source: Volkswagen

January 12, 2015

B&B Improves the New VW Passat B8

With the introduction of its all-new Passat B8, Volkswagen managed to impress some people with the car’s 2.0-liter biturbo diesel engine. It came with a new seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Still if you are among the ones who were more like “meeeh” when they found out the specs, there is another chance now to be wowed. At least a little bit.

The Siegen-based tuning specialist B&B optimized the performance of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat B8 by increasing the power output from 240 HP to 300 HP. There is not only an increase of horses but of Newton meters as well. As a result, they have grown from 500 Nm to the screaming 630 Nm of peak torque. The 0 to 60 mph (to 100 km/h)run is covered in 5.5 seconds, accompanied by a Vmax increase to 250 km/h. To compare these numbers before the tuning, the standard model was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 6.3 seconds. See the difference?

Now, because there are always-complaining individuals who might find the 300 HP too much and the 240 HP not enough, B&B has taken care of this too. The tuner offers another power package which is not as comprehensive as the first one that costs 3,950-euro. The second engine programme is priced 1,298 euros and produces a total output of 275 HP and 570 Nm of torque.

Other extras for the Passat B8 distributed by B&B include: fully-adjustable coil-over suspension kit (1.498 euro), which comes with both comfort or sport settings and exclusive B&B 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Source: XMedia-Group

January 9, 2015

Golf R Touch Cockpit Concept Solves Future Challenges

It is a known fact that the two creates creation in the world, the car and the computer, are merging together, thus forming a final automobile product which is expected to be more communicative, reliable, safer, advanced, interesting and even entertaining. Having the goal to create such successful merging between technology and an automobile, Volkswagen is releasing its innovative Volkswagen Golf R Touch. Its aim is to offer not only groundbreaking systems but systems which are, in fact, easy to use and really useful.

The Volkswagen Golf R Touch concept vehicle, displayed for the first time at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES), demonstrates what practical implementation of technology means. The car’s future concept focuses on a gesture-controlled automotive environment which, of course, isn’t something new but Volkswagen manages to push it one level up. With the mounting of cameras inside the cabin, drivers are enabled to set commands with just hand gestures. In other words, one does not actually need to touch the displays. At all. Respectively, the company points out that this system is “intended to reduce driver distractions while attaining maximum personalization and intuitive operation in the car.”

There are three different displays: 12.8-inch high-resolution infotainment system touchscreen; a Control Center (8.0-inch with touch feedback) and a 12.3-inch Active Information Display. As it is stated, both the looks of the displays and the interior color can be customized to the driver’s preferences — same as when customizing your tablet or smartphone.

Something else that was revealed at CES was the ultimate networking capacity of the Golf R Touch in the form of Connected Golf. This is e-Golf with online-based functionality which will be fittted with the newest generation (MIB II) infotainment system. It will also take advantage of a huge number of apps, smartphones and tablets thanks to its advanced interface management system.

Others progressive extras of the e-Golf include: e-Golf Intelligent Charge and e-Golf Perfect Parking system.

Source: Volkswagen

January 6, 2015

Volkswagen Polo Lounge Special Edition in Germany

A new special edition Volkswagen Polo Lounge has been added to the line-up for the German market.

The new Lounge special edition is equipped with a choice of four petrol and three TDI diesel engines. The starting price for the initial 1.0-liter 5-speed model is that of 15,200 EUR (18,140 USD), while the top-of-the-range 90 HP (66 kW) TDI version with DGS gearbox is priced at 20,375 EUR (24,300 USD).

What really distinguishes the special edition from its siblings is the visually improved exterior and interior. The full pack of enhancements includes dark red rear lights, a set of silver 15-inches ‘Novara’ alloy wheels, gloss black front grille, ‘Lounge’ badges and dark-tinted windows in the rear.

Inside the cabin, the vehicle is fitted with ‘Deep Inox’ center console patterns, cruise control system, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate system known as ‘Climatronic’, auto-dimming rear view mirror, infotainment system with six speakers and ‘coming home’ headlight function. The 2014 Volkswagen Polo Lounge special edition is further outlined by ‘Lounge’ floor mats, ‘Tartan’ upholstery and leather-trimmed steering wheel, hand-brake and gearknob.

The Polo Lounge represents one of the Volkswagen’s new Club and Lounge new special edition vehicles which were introduced this month by Volkswagen’s new Marketing Manager Robbie Williams.

Source: polodriver

January 5, 2015

German Police to Get Volkswagen Passat GTE Plug-in-Hybrid

2015 Volkswagen Passat GTE Plug-in-Hybrid debuted in Paris this September, making its European debut. The car is one of the most innovative in its class and as a matter of fact it is the first Passat with a plug-in hybrid drive system. This means that it produces zero-emission. The recent news about this vehicle is that it will support the German police force. It will be use for by the police officers on the Heligoland islands.

GTE is powered by a combination of a turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine with an electric motor. The latter is supplied with energy from an externally chargeable lithium-ion battery, which helps the car cover a distance of up to 31 miles in all-electric mode.

The petrol unit develops a power of 156 hp (115 kW), while the electric motor produces 85 kW. In “GTE” model the Passat delivers a maximum system output of 218 hp (160 kW). The maximum torque of the entire system is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).

The powerplant is equipped with a front-wheel drive and a six-gear dual clutch gearbox.Tthe German police can accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 8.0 seconds on its way to a top speed is 136 mph.

The average fuel consumption of the car is only 2.0 l/100 km (141 mpg). This responds to CO2 emissions of less than 45 g/km. The combination of gasoline engine and electric drive gives the Passat at least theoretically, a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

2015 Volkswagen Passat GTE is scheduled to be launched in the second half of next year in saloon and an estate version.

Source: Focus.de

December 30, 2014

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Goes on Sale

2015 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is currently on sale in the United Kingdom with deliveries expected in March. This is the first-ever petrol version of the Polo BlueMotion. The greenest petrol engine in the range I the 1.0-litre BlueMotion TSI unit. It emits only 94 g/km of CO2 and has a fuel economy rating of 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle. The three-cylinder gasoline powerplant is connected to a five-speed manual gearbox.

It is capable of producing 95 horsepower (70 kW) between 5,000 and 5,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 118 Nm (160 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. Usually great efficiency levels come at the expense of performance. This has nothing to do with the Polo BlueMotion, because it can reach a 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 119 mph.

Volkswagen‘s BlueMotion models are based on the S trim level and add even more equipment including a styling pack. The latter features uniquely shaped front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, side skirts and rear roof spoiler, body coloured door handles, body coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators, front fog lights and static cornering function and unique BlueMotion badging.

There is also an additional kit which adds 15-inch ‘Buenos Aires’ alloys with low rolling resistance tyres, aero body kit, multifunction leather steering wheel, alarm with remote central locking, air conditioning, a front centre armrest, Composition Media and infotainment system, cruise control and Volkswagen’s Driver Alert System.

If one has chosen this version of the Polo, then he or she will also get a Think Blue, Trainer which will give them hint and tips on how to drive in a more economical way.

There is also one more engine option which can power the car. This is the three-cylinder diesel 1.4-litre TDI BlueMotion unit which generates 75 horsepower (55 kW) and returns 91.1 mpg. It can also show-off with emissions of just 82 g/km of CO2.

As a standard, all Polo models come with a colour touchscreen, SD card reader, DAB radio and USB, AUX-in connections and height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Engine derivative	Gearbox	Body	Combined mpg	CO2 (g/km)	Price, (£)
1.0-litre TSI 95 hp	5-speed man	3-door	68.9	94	14,730.00
1.0-litre TSI 95 hp	5-speed man	5-door	68.9	94	15,360.00
1.4-litre TDI 75 hp	5-speed man	3-door	91.1	82	15,795.00
1.4-litre TDI 75 hp	5-speed man	5-door	91.1	82	16,425.00

Source: Volkswagen

December 30, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Golf R is Here!

2015 Volkswagen Golf R will be available for pre-order on 8^th of January 8. 500 numbers of company’s all-wheel-drive and highest performance model could be pre-ordered on the aforementioned date. The first 500 Golf R models will be identical. They will include the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and will be powered by the 292 horsepower (215 kW) 2.0-liter TSI engine. The exterior color will be Lapiz Blue Metallic, while the 19-inch “Cadiz” aluminum-alloy wheels will be complemented by the summer performance tires.

In addition, we also have to mention the Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, the DCC adaptive damping system and Park Distance Control, as well as the navigation and the Fender Premium Audio System.

Furthermore, the first 500 owners will also receive numbered Volkswagen Driver Gear R accessory kit. It comprises of serialized Volkswagen R watch, carbon fiber and stainless steel keychain and VIN-specific certificate.

The turbocharged direct-injection EA888 TSI engine produces 292 horsepower (2015 kW) and 380 Nm (280 pound-feet) of torque. This means that the new generation Golf received 36 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the previous one.

Despite the additional power and torque, believe it or not, but the 2015 R model is more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. Precisely, the EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating is of 30 mpg when the car is equipped with the six-speed DSG transmission. In comparison, the previous generation manual transmission model has an economy rating of up from 27 mpg.

Thanks to the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. The top track speed is electronically limited at 155 mph.

Another highlight in this Golf R is that it is equipped with permanent 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. The excellent chassis dynamics are ensured by the sport suspension, progressive variable-ratio steering system as well as the ESC Sport stability control system.

Because this is a pre-order program, customers will have to pay $500 USD reservation fee, which will go towards the final purchase of their 2015 Golf R model. The total price of the car is estimated at of $39,090 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

December 23, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI Facelift is Almost as Good as the Polo R WRC

2015 Volkswagen Polo GTI has just been announced and it is intended to be launched only for the European customers. The car is the fourth generation compact GTI and comes with an output of 192 hp (141 kW), which is 12 hp more than its predecessor. In addition, the vehicle is also going to be available with manual gearbox again. The top speed of the new Polo GTI is estimated at 236 km/h. Interestingly enough this makes it 7 km/h shorter of the 220 hp (162 kW) Polo R WRC.

The option of automatic dual clutch gearbox is also available. Both transmission variants accelerate the Polo GTI from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. This is just 0.3 seconds more than the figure for the Polo R WRC.

In terms of fuel consumption the car shows 5.6 l/100 km and 129 g/km of CO2 emissions with the seven-speed DSG, and 6.0 litres and 139 g/km of CO2 with the six-speed manual variant. And here the Polo R WRC, which has a fuel consumption of 7.5 l/100 km is finally overtaken by the new Polo GTI.

The exterior of the facelifted Volkswagen car includes new bumpers, distinctively flared door sills, the GTI logo on the front wing and classic GTI insignia. LED headlights are available for the first time in the model.

The sporty appeal of the model is additionally improved by the set of new alloys that come in the size of 7.5×17 inches. Through them we see gleaming red brake callipers and standard sports suspension. At the back of the car we can’t pass the GTI roof spoiler, tail light clusters in ‘Dark Red’, the black grained diffuser and the chrome dual exhaust tailpipes.

GTI red accentuates the sporty design of the interior. For instance, the leather sports steering wheel has contrasting red stitching, as do the gear lever and handbrake lever, while the floor mats feature borders with red beading. The driver and occupants will enjoy height-adjustable heated sports seats with centre panels upholstered in exclusive ‘Clark’ cloth.

The infotainment systems offered here include Bluetooth audio streaming, a proximity sensor and two-finger map zooming in navigation mode. For the first time, Volkswagen is offering electronically adjustable dampers in the Polo GTI which are the core technology basis of the optional ‘Sport Select’ suspension.

Source: Volkswagen

November 27, 2014

Tag: Volkswagen