Volkswagen – Page 7 – Automobiles Review

Cor.Speed Sports Wheels Europe Volkswagen on big feet: Cor.Speed DeVille at the Arteon

Volkswagen new1

Although Volkswagen, after its original name, builds cars for the people, i.e. rather simple and above all affordable cars, this is not always the case these days. After the attempt to place a luxury sedan on the market with the Phaeton more or less failed and has now been terminated, apart from the Touareg, the most luxurious model in the Wolfsburg-based range is currently the Arteon.

A copy of the four-door coupé has now been equipped with a set of high-quality wheels from Cor.Speed Sports Wheels. The specialists from JM Car Design from Bergheim near Cologne, who act as the Cor.Speed dealer base, were responsible for the conversion. The choice fell on the powerfully drawn DeVille rims in the dimensions 9×21 inches, which are covered with 225/30 tires. With their gunmetal matt finish, they perfectly match the silver-gray paintwork of the VW. The wheel could be mounted without any adjustments to the body – despite the additional KW Variant 3 coilover kit that was installed, which lowered it by 45 millimeters at the front and 40 millimeters at the rear, thus ensuring an even more harmonious appearance.

December 16, 2020

Car and smartphone merge into one: Touareg now parks by remote control

Volkswagen Touareg special model ONE Million

Already familiar: the basis of the new system is Park Assist, which Volkswagen still offers for the Touareg. Park Assist permits semi-automatic parking in parking spaces; the car also drives semi-automatically out of parallel parking spaces (spaces that are parallel to the road) again. Here, the SUV takes over steering, while the driver presses the accelerator and brake pedals. Completely new: Volkswagen is now going a decisive step further, because the new Park Assist with remote control now works fully automatically for the first time – in other words, it also controls the engine and the brake. The new system offers two operating modes: in the first mode, the driver remains sitting in the vehicle and operates the system from there; in the second mode, the driver gets out of the Touareg and controls the parking manoeuvre using their smartphone. In both cases, the SUV independently drives into or out of the parking space in forward or reverse direction. What is more, it does this in all types of parking spaces.

In the first mode – without activated remote control – the driver remains sitting in the Touareg as usual. When driving into a parking space for example: the driver activates the search for a parking space by tapping on the “P” field on the infotainment system screen. As soon as the Touareg detects one or more suitable parking spaces, it shows these on the infotainment system screen. The driver now selects one of the offered parking spaces. The display “Depress the brake and press and hold the button or select Park Assist with remote control” is now shown in the digital instruments (Digital Cockpit) of the Touareg. The driver now chooses the first option and continuously presses the “Drive” button (P AUTO) under the gear knob on the centre console – parking then starts. The technology used by the Touareg for this comprises twelve ultrasound sensors and the four cameras of the Area View 360-degree system. The cameras are located in the windscreen, exterior mirrors and boot lid. Volkswagen uses what is known as “sensor fusion” to ensure optimum object detection. The SUV can therefore even park automatically in garages. The Touareg stops instantaneously if the “Drive” button is released.

In the second mode, the driver gets out of the vehicle before the actual parking manoeuvre. The driver then uses their smartphone and the VW Remote Park Assist Plus app as a remote control. This is how it works: here too, the driver activates the search for a parking space by tapping on the “P” field on the infotainment system screen. The driver again selects one of the offered parking spaces. When the display “Depress the brake and press and hold the button or select Park Assist with remote control” appears, they then choose the second option: Park Assist with remote control. The driver taps on the option, takes the vehicle key, gets out of the vehicle and then activates the parking manoeuvre via the app. To do this, the driver presses the “Drive” button on the smartphone – this button is virtually transferred from the car to the app – and parking now starts. Here also, the “Drive” button must be pressed continuously for safety reasons. The SUV now carries out the process of driving into a parking space fully automatically.

If the driver would like to drive the parked Touareg out of a tight parking space, they no longer have to squeeze into the car to do this. To activate automatic driving out of the parking space, the driver simply starts the engine via the VW Remote Park Assist Plus app by pressing the START/ENGINE/STOP button on the smartphone. When the engine is started, available manoeuvres for driving out of the parking space are displayed on the mobile phone, such as “Forward left” or “Forward right”. The driver now simply selects the direction and activates the manoeuvre for driving out of the parking space by pressing the “Drive” button icon. In this case also, the driver must continuously press the digital button for safety reasons. The manoeuvre for driving out of a parking space is visually displayed in parallel on the smartphone. The luxury-class Touareg SUV is the first Volkswagen that is capable of assisted manoeuvring without a driver on board.

December 15, 2020

JMS tuning

2020 JMS tuning

As a result of the global corona pandemic, a year with practically no tuning fairs and meetings. After the Tuning World Bodensee in Friedrichshafen and the PS Days in Hanover, also the undisputed highlight of the year of the refinement and customization industry, the Essen Motor Show, was canceled, so that the community in this extraordinary season – apart from a few smaller events – practically only could come together online. How relatively this “only” can be rated, however, was shown by the tuning specialists at JMS Fahrzeugteile by hosting a mega-tuning event on the last Saturday of November and sending it out into the world via a professional live stream from the large forging hall of Motorworld Manufaktur Metzingen.

In front of the great backdrop of the historic industrial building, JMS Managing Director Jochen Schweiker and especially presenter William De Fensfoster from d-fens.tv presented products and project vehicles from JMS customers, suppliers and business partners to the livestream viewers – even some world premieres were unveiled.

For example, the suspension experts from KW suspensions rolled a Lamborghini Huracán with the brand new Variant 5 coilover suspension into the colorful spotlight of the forge hall, which was also equipped with an exclusive Novitec finish: In addition to a Torado N-Largo kit, the Italian fighting bull was wearing 9×20- and 12.5×21-inch rims with tires of the dimensions 245/30R20 and 325/25R21.

ST suspensions, also a brand of the KW universe, presented the ST XTA Plus 3 coilover kit with 3-way adjustment as a world premiere. This was already installed in a Focus ST with 19-inch Motec MCR2 ultralight wheels.

One of the program highlights was undoubtedly the world premiere of the two new wheel designs from the Barracuda Racing Wheels brand sold by JMS: The new “Dragoon” design from the Barracuda Ultralight Series was already installed on a VW Golf, while the Nissan Silvia drift car from the Drift Team “Driftinglele ” rolled on the new Barracuda motorsport rim “Summa”. Both wheels will be available in three different colors from next spring.

JMS Fahrzeugteile presented various tuning conversions, the focus of which was on different segments, such as chassis technology, exhaust technology, body kits, wheels and much more. Particularly impressive: vehicles created as joint projects, for example in cooperation with KW, Eisenmann, Friedrich Motorsport, Senner Tuning, TR Exclusive, cardiologie and Schwabenfolia, such as a BMW M2 Competition, a Ford Focus ST or a 360 hp Cupra Leon ST.

The exhaust gas experts from Eisenmann Exhaust provided the audience with technical information about their exhaust systems and presented a 3-series BMW of the current generation G20 with Oxigin alloy wheels and a Z4 with gasoline particle filter as project vehicles. As a world premiere, Eisenmann had brought new tailpipe variants.

The “Multimedia” tuning segment was not neglected either: the Gladen car hi-fi specialists presented various components, illustrated by vehicles such as the BMW X5, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai i30 N or Mercedes-AMG A 35.

RaceChip presented an increase in performance via a chip tuning box for the new Golf 8 and provided interesting information about the product range.

December 10, 2020

The new Golf R – countdown to world premiere has started

The new Volkswagen Golf R

More powerful, more dynamic, more efficient, more closely integrated, more digital. These are the characteristics of the new Golf R, the dynamic flagship of the eighth Golf generation. Another highlight of the new Golf R is the innovative all-wheel drive system featuring selective wheel torque control on the rear axle. The all-wheel drive system is controlled by a Vehicle Dynamics Manager that has been closely integrated with other running gear systems such the electronic front differential lock (XDS) and adaptive chassis control DCC. The new Golf R therefore offers optimum traction characteristics, neutral and precise handling, as well as maximum agility. The development goal was to achieve maximum driving pleasure at a previously unrivalled level. The corresponding drive output is generated by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged power plant in the most powerful version of the EA 888 engine series available for the new Golf. The high-tech, direct-injection engine is characterised by innovative solutions for individual details, such as integration of water-cooled exhaust gas routing to the turbocharger in the cylinder head or variable valve timing with dual camshaft adjustment.

A retrospective: it was an automotive sensation – the first Golf R322, introduced in 2002. With its 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine generating 177 kW (241 PS) it was the most powerful Golf that Volkswagen had built up to that point. It was also equipped with all-wheel drive and raced to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds. It sold three times as well as had been anticipated. From mid-2003, it was the world’s first Volkswagen available with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG). A technological benchmark in the compact class. In 2005, the second Golf R322 made its debut, and with 184 kW (250 PS)2 it was even more powerful and superior. Four years went by until the 2009 International Motor Show in Frankfurt: at this event, Volkswagen celebrated the world premiere of the successor on the basis of the sixth Golf generation, changing from a V6 naturally- aspirated engine to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (TSI)2 that was 21 percent more efficient. The R32 became the R and with it, the output of the third generation increased to 199 kW (270 PS)2. In September 2013, the fourth Golf R generation followed on the basis of the Golf 7, once again making its debut at the International Motor Show. With now 221 kW (300 PS)2, it broke through the magic threshold.

December 1, 2020

Golf GTI wins first ever ‘best all-rounder car’ title at inaugural Autocar Britain’s best cars awards

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI

At its inaugural Britain’s Best Cars ceremony, Autocar gave the Golf GTI its ‘All-Rounder’ award, praising the model for its ability to, in the words of the publication: “tackle every journey, task and occasion you can think of – not least keeping its driver interested.” Merit was awarded for versatility, practicality, space, agility and compactness, as well as performance and value, driver engagement and desirability.

The judges praised the Golf’s everyday usability, its fun-to-drive appeal, as well as the solid basis – the Golf 8 – from which the GTI is born. Praise was also given to the subtlety in which it communicates its special status to the world.

Available in the UK from £33,460 RRP OTR, the new Golf GTI is offered with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG transmissions, and continues to feature the built-in blend of agility and comfort that has become synonymous with the model since its introduction, with enhancements introduced for the eighth-generation bolstering this appeal. The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager system, for instance, controls all of the Golf GTI’s electromechanically adjustable running systems such as the XDS electronic differential, alongside the new locking differential and optional adaptive dampers.

The Golf GTI has been a pantheon of versatility and all-rounder capability since its introduction in 1974, garnering millions of fans across the world for its ability to bring the thrills of sports-car like motoring into an altogether more affordable, versatile and reliable package. Autocar readers have previously voted the Golf GTI as their ‘Readers’ Champion’ in 2017, while the publication named the Golf its ‘Used Car Hero’ in 2019.

Elsewhere in the GTI range, the up! GTI was recently given the ‘Best Value’ title by The Sun, and ‘Value Car of the Year’ by TheSunday Times, while the latter also named the Golf its ‘Family Car of the Year’, as well as its overall ‘Car of the Year’ accolade.

Mark Tisshaw, Editor of Autocar, said: “No single car has done more than the Golf GTI, over eight model generations and more than 40 years, to demonstrate how ready people are to pay a premium for a hatchback of extra-special status and abilities, from which they know they can get their money’s worth in everyday use.

“It’s a car with an extra, more visceral layer of driver appeal than its predecessors, but it’s still a pragmatist at heart. It’s the kind of hot hatch that remembers the need to be a family hatchback and just blend in from time to time – a hot hatch with an off switch for driving granny to the shops. Which is why our Best All-Rounder winner can only be the brilliant Golf GTI.”

Andrew Savvas, Managing Director at Volkswagen UK, said: “The Golf GTI personifies the ’people’s car’ philosophy for which the Volkswagen brand is famous. Take a Golf: the benchmark compact family car described by many as ‘all the car you ever need’. Now add just the right amount of power, performance and driver engagement to the already crisp-handling standard car, and you’ve got a model that offers an entertaining driving experience, personality in abundance, performance aplenty yet also supreme everyday usability.

“The recognition being given to the Golf and Golf GTI by experts means so much – especially when in a category that encapsulates the model as much as this one. The GTI’s versatility, fun-loving spirit and iconic status are key to its appeal, and why it has been the go-to driver’s car for so many, for so long.”

November 16, 2020

The new Golf GTI Clubsport – world premiere of the 300 PS flagship GTI model

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport

With the world premiere of the new Golf GTI Clubsport, Volkswagen is writing the next chapter of the successful Golf story. The Clubsport has a power output of 221 kW (300 PS) and is the new flagship model of the eighth Golf GTI generation. With its enhanced turbocharged engine, new fully connected running gear, and the brand new Nürburgring driving profile designed for the legendary Nordschleife track in Germany, the Golf GTI Clubsport marks a new milestone for driving dynamics among front-wheel-drive sports cars.

Outstanding driving dynamics. Many of the details in the Golf GTI Clubsport have been enhanced, including the even more agile turbocharged engine (EA888 evo4), which now delivers 221 kW (300 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, and the new sports running gear equipped with a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager. In the new Golf GTI, a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager already closely integrates control of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamics components of the optional adaptive chassis control DCC. Even at this level, the feature offers noticeable performance benefits. In the new Golf GTI Clubsport, however, the standard electromechanical front-axle locking differential is now included in the Vehicle Dynamics Manager’s network for the first time.

Karsten Schebsdat, Head of Driving Dynamics, Steering and Control Systems at Volkswagen: “Networking all driving dynamics systems means that the new Golf GTI Clubsport handles even more neutrally and precisely than the classic Golf GTI. For the legendary Nordschleife track, we have also programmed a new Nürburgring profile, which specifically adapts the running gear components in the new Golf GTI Clubsport to this race track.”

A genuine Clubsport. It is obvious from the outset that the new Golf GTI Clubsport fits in on the race track, too: its customised front end is very striking. The bumper looks almost open at the bottom – only the radiator grille trim with the honeycomb design typical for GTI models and the larger aerodynamic wings offer resistance to the head wind. At the rear, the two-part roof spoiler catches the eye, which is a unique hallmark feature reserved exclusively for the Golf GTI Clubsport. The front spoiler and rear wing are much more than just design features – they significantly increase the downforce on the sports car. The Golf GTI Clubsport rolls off the production line in Wolfsburg with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard. A special diffuser, a body lowered by 10 millimetres, and wider side sills also enhance the overall sporty impression. Another new feature: oval tailpipes replace the round version in the sports exhaust system, with one tailpipe positioned on the left and right of the body.

Countless GTI-specific features also customise the vehicle interior, including premium sport seats in ArtVelours, which even provide support when cornering at high speed, plus a sports steering wheel with perforated leather grip zones and paddles for the standard 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Aluminium-look pedals and other superior details round off the exclusive interior design.

A brief look back. Volkswagen is continuing the tradition of high-performance GTI models with the new Golf GTI Clubsport: the first Golf GTI Clubsport5 was launched in 2016 on the 40th anniversary of the iconic sports car. The original member of the Clubsport series developed 195 kW (265 PS) and temporarily delivered 213 kW (290 PS) using a boost function. This car was followed in the same year by the Golf GTI Clubsport S5 in a limited edition of 400 units with a continuously available output of 228 kW (310 PS). Driving the Golf GTI Clubsport S, pro race driver Benjamin Leuchter set a new lap record for front-wheel-drive vehicles on the Nordschleife at Nürburgring in May 2016. The time: 07:49:21 minutes.

November 9, 2020

Volkswagen scoops the Sunday times ‘car of the year’ and ‘manufacturer of the year’

VW UP1

The Volkswagen Golf and up! GTI led the charge with category wins at The Sunday Times Motor Awards, with the technology-packed Golf winning ‘Family Car of the Year’ and the plucky, fun-filled up! GTI taking the ‘Value Car of the Year’ title. The Golf’s breadth of appeal and position as the standard-setter for the C-segment were noted and praised by The Sunday Times judges, while the up! GTI’s clear Mk1 Golf GTI DNA was key to the pocket rocket’s success with the panel.

So far ahead of its competitors was the Golf, that it was also crowned overall ‘Car of the Year’, jointly with its Volkswagen Group stablemate, the Porsche Taycan. And last – though certainly not least – the fourth award went to the Volkswagen brand, which was named ‘Manufacturer of the Year’. The publication reserved particular praise for the brand’s range of MEB-based ID. cars, of which the ID.3 has already arrived on UK roads.

Volkswagen’s 2020 is set to continue this momentum, with the imminent arrival of the updated Arteon, new Arteon Shooting Brake and the revised Tiguan. Furthermore, high-performance R variants of the Tiguan and Touareg will arrive in early 2021, shortly followed by the Arteon R, and the ID.4 – the next chapter in the Volkswagen ID. story. The series versions of the ID.3 will also open for order in the coming weeks, making the wider line-up of the ground-breaking electric hatchback available to the motoring public.

The eighth-generation Golf has been praised by experts since its launch earlier this year for its dependable blend of quality, innovation, driving experience and appeal to all. It is a benchmark not only in its segment, but across the automotive industry overall – a true ‘People’s Car’. Alongside this proven recipe, the Golf was the first volume model in Europe to launch with innovative Car2X technology – a system with the potential to revolutionise car safety, providing advance warnings of dangers ahead, facilitated by its ability to pass details on to other Car2X-equipped cars. This way, notice can be passed back through traffic to give warning of an approaching hazard, emergency vehicle, or another unexpected scenario on the road.

Will Dron, Editor of The Sunday Times’ Driving.co.uk, said: “The Golf continues to be the benchmark against which all other family cars are judged. The new model is the perfect blend of forward-thinking and everyday practicality, with a modern but familiar shape and a strikingly high tech, minimalist interior. Its astonishingly wide selection of powertrains will suit every type of driver, too.

“The up! GTI, meanwhile, captures the spirit of the original Golf GTI — a pocket rocket that’s great fun to drive but won’t break the bank. And while Volkswagen is still developing high quality cars that are testament to its esteemed heritage, we also had to recognise the brand for its renewed focus on hybrid and electric models — the ID. range is one to watch and its arrival could mark another significant moment in the history of motoring.”

Andrew Savvas, Managing Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “During a year like 2020, recognition like this is inspiring for all at Volkswagen UK, with our icon – the Golf – awarded with ‘Family Car of the Year’ as well as the overall ‘Car of the Year’ title by The Sunday Times.

“The up! GTI’s success as ‘Value Car of the Year’ is also pleasing, given its status as a through-and-through driver’s car with GTI DNA running through it. It is a great value, brilliantly fun package.

To win the ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ award, though, is something else entirely. This recognises every car we offer, from the up! itself to the Touareg luxury SUV, and includes hot-off-the-press models like the newly-introduced ID.3, the upcoming ID.4, updated Tiguan, and a raft of exciting R models to set pulses racing. It also recognises the level of investment we are making, compared with other car brands, in the field of e-mobility. I am really pleased and proud for Volkswagen to receive this prestigious accolade.”

November 6, 2020

A double win for Volkswagen: new golf and ID.3 take victory in their categories at the German car of the year awards

Video: Electric mobility for all: Volkswagen Golf eHybrid

The judges had to choose between no fewer than 72 new models, split into five different categories: compact cars with a basic price of up to EUR 25,000 (Compact), premium models with a basic price of up to EUR 50,000 (Premium), more expensive vehicles in the luxury segment (Luxury), vehicles with alternative drive systems (New Energy), and sports cars (Performance). “Both the new Golf and the ID.3 won over our judges in their respective segments – though they faced some very tough competition,” says co-organizer Jens Meiners, a reporter for the German and US motoring press. Given the restrictions required due to the pandemic, Meiners had to deal with some unique challenges this year: “running a test event has never been more demanding. However, the program was never called into doubt. We believe that cars are still important, even during the coronavirus crisis – in fact, they may be more important than ever.”

“The new Golf and the ID.3 have already come out on top in a number of relevant comparison tests. The fact that the two top-of-the-range models were rewarded by the jury primarily for their environmentally friendly designs and innovations is also a very special form of recognition for all of us here at Volkswagen,” says Klaus Zellmer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars with responsibility for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, in response to the journalists’ decisions. “Environmentally friendly design and innovation are the most important cornerstones of our “Way to Zero” strategy, which aims to deliver zero-emissions mobility for all. With its highly efficient engines, the Golf plays just as an important role during the transformation phase as the fully electric and already carbon-neutral ID.3.”

November 2, 2020

Volkswagen Golf Estate R Line

2021 Golf Estate R Line1

World premiere for the new Golf Estate: the compact estate is now even more spacious, dynamic, and digital than ever before. The greater amounts of available space, comprehensive standard features, and new drive types with mild hybrid and twin dosing technology represent pioneering characteristics. The new Golf Alltrack as the all-wheel-drive Golf Estate with SUV genes is also making its debut. In Germany pre-sales for the Golf Estate will start tomorrow, 10 September, while further European countries will gradually follow.

Member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board of Management responsible for Sales, Jürgen Stackmann: “as a compact, spacious model, the Golf Estate has already impressed more than 3 million customers since its debut in 1993. The latest generation inspires with its beautiful design and, with the most advanced cockpit in its segment, takes a giant step towards digitalization.

In addition, it scores high marks with efficient drives, maximum safety, and significantly more space – the perfect family car. And those who are looking for something more sporty will love the new Golf Alltrack. As a crossover between the Golf Estate and an SUV, it offers the perfect combination of space, innovation, and fun even off paved roads thanks to its all-wheel drive.“

Appealing vehicle exterior. In comparison with its predecessor, the new Golf Estate’s exterior design has become more clear-cut and dynamic. The front end clearly shows its close relation to the new Golf. Further back, the Estate shows its typical uniqueness featuring a roof section that becomes flattered towards the rear as well as a coupé-type, angled rear window. The new generation is 4,633 mm long and now boasts a wheelbase of 2,686 mm (respectively a 66 mm increase compared with its predecessor). This increase in length rearranges the proportions and makes the Golf Estate appear more elongated and flatter. The headlights and taillight clusters always feature LED technology.

Spacious vehicle interior. The increased exterior length and wheelbase benefit the vehicle interior of the Golf Estate. Five passengers can be accommodated in comfort in the new Golf Estate as the additional wheelbase length is used almost entirely for the interior. The interior length increases by 48 mm to 1,798 mm. As the legroom thereby also increases by 48 mm, the extra space has a particularly noticeable positive effect, especially in the rear. Passengers can stow their luggage in a generously dimensioned luggage compartment: when loaded up to the top edge of the rear seat backrest, it offers 611 liters of stowage space (6 liters more compared with the Golf Estate 7). With the vehicle loaded up to the roofline with an integrated luggage compartment net and the front seat backrests, the volume increases to 1,642 liters (an increase of 22 liters). If both hands are busy holding shopping or luggage, the optionally available, electrically operated rear boot lid can alternatively be opened using the sensor-controlled luggage compartment opener – by means of a foot gesture in front of the Golf Estate’s rear bumper.

New drive systems offer pure efficiency. Take the eTSI with 48 V technology and 7- speed dual-clutch gearbox, for example a 48 V belt-driven starter-alternator, 48 V lithium-ion battery, and the TSI engine merge to form a new mild-hybrid drive system. The benefits of the new eTSI include a significantly lower consumption, as the Golf Estate switches off the turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine whenever possible to coast along without generating any local emissions. For this reason, all eTSI engines have been paired up with an automatic dual-clutch gearbox (7-speed DSG) as standard. Without DSG the imperceptible changeover between coasting phase and TSI drive would not be possible. Moreover, the 7-speed DSG shifts gear very economically to thus also preserve energy. Innovative TDI engines are also available for the Golf Estate: in this case, so-called twin dosing – dual AdBlue® injection featuring two SCR catalytic converters (Selective Catalytic Reduction) – significantly cuts nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) to make the soon-available TDI engines some of the world’s cleanest and most efficient diesel engines in the world.

New equipment lines and comprehensive standard features. Volkswagen has reconfigured the Golf Estate’s equipment matrix: above the basic “Golf” version, there will now be the “Life”, “Style” and “R-Line” equipment lines. The basic model’s enhanced standard features already include the Lane Assist lane departure warning system, Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, the new oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, XDS electronic differential lock, the Car2X traffic hazard alert, the keyless comfort start system Keyless Start and automatic lighting control. Always as standard in the vehicle interior: Digital Cockpit Pro (digital instruments), Composition online infotainment system with 8.25-inch touchscreen, We Connect and We Connect Plus online services and functions, a multifunction steering wheel, Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioner, and a Bluetooth telephone interface.

Independent model variant: the new Golf Alltrack. The second generation of the Golf Alltrack will also be launched together with the new Golf Estate. As a so-called crossover between the Golf Estate and the SUV world, the new Golf Alltrack features permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) as standard, increased ground clearance, an all-terrain look including specific bumpers, and a custom interior. With this equipment, the vehicle also proves to be a true all-rounder beyond paved roads, and thanks to permanent all-wheel drive it is suitable as a towing vehicle with a maximum trailer weight of 2,000 kg. In all other respects, the Golf Alltrack technically corresponds to the new Golf Estate: in addition to the digitalized cockpit, features include optional assist systems, such as Travel Assist (assisted driving up to 210 km/h) and the new IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights.

Successful model. The Golf Estate has formed a permanent part of the Golf product range since 1993 with around 3 million units sold. To this day, a total of five generations of the model have been launched, each based on the hatchback version platform of the respective Golf generation. The models aiming to satisfy global demands are currently produced at the Wolfsburg site in Germany.

September 25, 2020

2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI comes with enhanced drivetrain system and sexy new looks!

2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI Golf GTI is considered an icon all around the world. And there’s a fine reason for that – this best-selling model has been changing the motorsport world since its launch 45 years ago. Now, Volkswagen launches its eighth Golf GTI generation and tries to make it the most digital of all previous versions. Additionally, engineers have added new gadgets and technical solutions, so there’s a lot to be reviewed! Let’s hop in!

Exterior design

2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI

As expected, the body language embodies every aspect of the Golf GTI DNA. The vehicle showcases a clean and minimalistic design with numerous straight lines and flat surfaces. As it seems, along with making it technologically advanced, the Volkswagen team has aimed a futuristic aesthetics. Engineers have achieved this result via incorporating a clean and aggressive front face, accompanied by sexy wheels and a tight and expressive rear-end.

Furthermore, the design adopts a LED strip in the headlights mirrors in the red line, which runs across the front of the vehicle when the daytime running lights are activated, or when the driver approaches with the key. Another instantly recognizable feature is the large and single-peace honeycomb grille. The optional foglights are now in the form of X and integrated into the grille. Neat!

The mentioned wheels are 17-inch Richmond aluminum-alloys and can also be specified in an 18-inch variant set. Furthermore, there are also different designs that are available in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch sizes. These all are accompanied by sexy red brake calipers and bespoke spoiler that extends the roofline – and all together contribute to that aggressive and sporty stance.

Interior design

2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI

As with the exterior design, the interior features tons of GTI styling cues, all along with next-gen technologies.

The sporty steering wheel has been transformed into a new multifunctional wheel with touch controls. Also, the three silver spokes have been retained, with a red outline on the lower spoke. The plaid seat design is now being called Scalepaper and features red seams with grey and black plaid with all the decorative seams and edges are in red. Neat!

Furthermore, the digital display starts up as soon as the doors are opened. The entire cluster is comprised of the well-known Digital Cockpit and the Infotainment system suite. There are an 8.25-inch screen and a larger 10-inch Discover Pro monitor available as an optional feature. Regardless of which system is fitted, the visual and functional fusion of internal technologies creates a consistent and pretty impressive digital architecture.

Drivetrain system

2020 Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI

New Golf GTI features a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager control system, which controls the XDS electronic differential lock, the VAQ electronically-controlled, and torque-sensing limited-slip differentials, and also the optional DCC adaptive damping system.

Additionally, the vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection EA888 TSI power unit that generates a total of 242hp and 370Nm of torque. This unit is mated to a standard six-speed gearbox or the optionally available dual-clutch automatic one.

Additionally, vehicle’s control arm bearings, springs and bump stops on the front suspension have been completely revised, as well as the damping hydraulics. The rear axle also features a new bearing and spring setup, with reconfigured helper springs and damper bearings. As with the front axle, the rear one also features new damping hydraulics.

And last, but certainly not least, the progressive variable-rate steering system is now a standard feature in the latest Golf GTI. This system is different from a standard one because of the variable steering rack and the pinion gearings. Also, the system has been further enhanced with a more direct ratio and new software and software algorithms. The variable-ratio on the steering reduces the effort required when maneuvering and parking, but on winding roads the steering is more direct. From lock to lock there are exactly 2.1 turns. Sweet!

Source: Volkswagen

May 18, 2020

Volkswagen Group makes further investments in automobile battery supplies

2020 Volkswagen Group The joint venture between Volkswagen Group and the Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt AB is gaining momentum! Both teams have decided that VW will erect the buildings and infrastructure for the “Northvolt Zwei” factory, which will produce lithium-ion batteries. There are about $500m USD invested in the project and it is expected that the joint venture will then rent the factory space. Furthermore, battery cell production is scheduled to commence in early 2024 with an initial production capacity of 16-gigawatt hours. Neat!

Back in September 2019, VW and Northvolt established a joint venture in order to prepare for the large-scale production of lithium-ion batteries in Germany. Volkswagen’s endeavor to erect the structures and infrastructure is of key importance. Construction work at the site is scheduled to commence before the end of the year.

As you might know, Volkswagen Group is amassing technological expertise in the field of battery cell production and technologies as part of brand’s electrification process. Furthermore, VW maintains its strategic relations with numerous producers in order to retain its battery supplies in all world areas. At the moment, these suppliers are LG Chem, Samsung, and SKI for Europe as well as CATL for China and Europe. Additionally, SKI will also supply battery cells for the US market. In Europe alone, VW expects annual demand of over 150-gigawatt hours from 2025 onwards with demands in Asia at a similar level.

May 11, 2020

Volkswagen ARVW: the story of the most aerodynamic VW so far!

1970s Volkswagen ARVW Aerodynamics are still a vital part of every contemporary vehicle. The less drag there is, the less energy the automobile consumes. Also, it is quieter, which becomes a kind of a luxurious feature in the era of information.

Throughout the years, automakers have experimented with extreme and peculiar shapes in order to demonstrate the bond between drag and power output levels. However, few have been more radical than the Aerodynamic Research Volkswagen of 1980, a single-seater with the shape of an arrow. This design remains the most aerodynamic automobile VW has ever built!

1970s Volkswagen ARVW

Prompted by the oil crises of the 1970s, the ARVW was meant to showcase how aerodynamics and lightweight could generate enhanced speeds and power output even from an everyday-use automobile. First, the main challenge was to squeeze the driver, the engine, and the four wheels into a body that can feature the smallest profile possible. With its 33 inches of length and 43.3 inches of width, the ARVW’s form was optimized in every way in order to reach the next level of aerodynamic standards.

1970s Volkswagen ARVW

The ARVW is built from an aluminum frame under a fiberglass-and-carbon-body. Additionally, the power is generated from a 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline-six power unit, which is capable of producing a total of 177hp and is placed right behind the driver and gives power to the rear wheels via a chain drive. Furthermore, by using an onboard water tank, the engine cools itself by using numerous cooling vents positioned in the nose to let air flow freely over its radiator and exit on top of the world.

Overall, all these approaches result in a coefficient of drag of 0.15, a number that is still far sleeker than any other production vehicle. In October 1980, a small team of VW engineers and a top-tier open-wheel racing driver went to the Nardo test track in Italy in order to demonstrate what the ARVW was capable of. The ARVW has managed to hit the outstanding 221mph and eventually topped out at 225mph, setting two world speed records.

The notable shape of the ARVW would later influence the radical and Europe-exclusive XL1. This design concept will also play an essential role in the upcoming ID. electric vehicle model.

1970s Volkswagen ARVW

Source: Volkswagen

May 8, 2020

Tag: Volkswagen

Exterior design

Interior design

Drivetrain system