VW – Page 13 – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen eT!

The eT! research vehicle could someday actually revolutionise the world of lightweight commercial vehicles. Completely reconceptualised, driven with zero emissions, thought through to the last detail and driving semi-automatically if necessary! Just how wide-ranging the significance of this research project could be for sustainability in the transportation field is underscored by the support for the eT! project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.

“We analysed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term. In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semiautomatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today.”, commented Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research.

“The eT! research vehicle unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future importance, specifically for logistics businesses. In particular, the possibility of driving the car semi-automatically – and electrically – in downtown areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever. As a vision of the future, the eT! Is showcasing what is the maximum feasible technology for electric vehicles in the commercial market today with a special design that systematically addresses future customer needs.”
explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Variants of this lightweight transport vehicle could be implemented for all conceivable business uses. And these derived concepts are also the focus of research activities. Meanwhile, the eT! concept shown in a world premiere at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types. The research vehicle will now be integrated in a driving test study and further analysed.

Source: Volkswagen

November 18, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Passat CC

The Passat CC was extremely successful vehicle. It featured a unique style both inside and outside at decent price and some of the clients, who wanted Mercedes-Benz CLS went to get Passat CC, because it looked rather the same.

Now however, there is a new version of the 4-door coupe – 2012 Passat CC, which will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

The new highlights are modified radiator grille, new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a reprofiled bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured winglets that frame the fog lights.

At the rear, the car is completely redesigned, with more emphasis on horizontal lines and a reworking of the characteristic chrome strip. There are new taillights with LEDs and LED numberplate lights.

An interesting thing is that the “Passat” has been dropped from the name. Rather radical idea, but we like it, because this is completely different car.

The standard equipment list is huge, but some of the safety features include driver alert system and front head restraints with four-way adjustment. A lot of option extras are now available – High Beam Assist, Side Assist, ane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

The engine range includes 1.8 liter TSI with 160PS and 2.0 litre TSI with 210PS. The diesel range includes 2.0 liter engine with either 140 or 170 PS. All models with 170 PS or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

The CC will make its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show before going on sale in the US in early 2012.

Source: Volkswagen

November 6, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Up Price – £7 995

Volkswagen hits the UK market with the all new 2012 Up. The small city car is priced at just £7 995 and will be available in the spring of 2012.

2012 Volkswagen Up was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. This is a small four-seater will highly efficient engines. There will be three trim levels and two 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol engines as well as a BlueMotion Technology version. A five-door version is expected to join the line-up in the second half of 2012.

The entry level Take Up! is priced at just £7 995 with 1.0 liter 60PS engine. The standard equipment includes include body-coloured bumpers, daytime running lights, front and side head/thorax airbags, the new RCD 215 CD radio with aux-in, rear ISOFIX points, and 14” steel wheels.

The second trim level – Move Up! is priced at £8 970. It adds remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows, easy-entry seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, variable-height load floor and 60:40 split/fold rear seats. Outside, the Move up! gains body-coloured door mirrors and handles. If you add just £360 more, the BlueMotion Technology adds a Stop/Start system that reduces urban fuel consumption by up to six per cent, battery regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres.

The top-of-range High Up! is priced at £10 390 and it comes with 1.0 liter 75PS engine. It also includes heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake grip, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, the Maps & More personal infotainment device and a choice of dashboard colour. From the outside, the High up! is distinguished by its front fog lights and 15” alloy wheels.

Options list:

Sensor pack (£350): parking sensors, cruise control, multifunction computer
Driver’s assistance pack (£400): City Emergency Braking, ESP, passenger airbag deactivation switch
Comfort pack (£350): remote central locking, electric front windows, height adjustable driver’s seat
Winter pack (£350): front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors
Chrome pack (£250): chrome door mirror caps and side strips
Sports pack (£450): 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and tinted glass from the B-pillar backwards
Sound pack (£100): four additional speakers (two front, two rear)
Leather-look pack (£650): leather-look seats, leather-covered steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake, plus carpet mats

Volkswagen Up! pricing:

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO₂, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR
Take up!	1.0-litre 60 PS 5 spd manual	105	62.7	7,995

Move up!	1.0-litre 60 PS 5 spd manual	105	62.7	8,970
Move up!	1.0-litre BlueMotion Technology 60 PS 5 spd manual	97*	67.2*	9,330

High up!	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	10,390

up! black	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	11,180
up! white	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	11,180

Source: Volkswagen

October 10, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Golf VI GTI Price – £25 305

Volkswagen now offers more goodies for the latest GT, GTI, GTD or R models. From today, the leather upholstery will be offered as standard as well as Bluetooth phone preparation. This means that customers benefit from over £2 000-worth of extra value.

Luxurious black ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery was previously a £1,890 option, and offers more than just a fine hide seat covering. Both passenger and driver get electrically operated lumbar support and heated seats, which should receive a warm welcome in the coming winter months.

The GT, GTI and GTD all feature sports seats with bolsters to hold occupants securely in place, while the sports seats in the Golf R have even deeper bolsters, as befits the R’s extra performance. Recaro sports seats remain an option for Golf R customers.

Bluetooth phone preparation was previously a £255 option, which integrates compatible mobile telephones with the Golf’s in-car entertainment system, allowing users to access many of their phone’s features using buttons on the radio or via the standard leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel.

This upgrade is offered for just £140 on GT models, and for no extra cost on GTD, GTI and R.

2012 Golf VI GTI is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol delivering 210PS (154 kW) at 5300RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) at just 1700RPM. 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph)

The price list starts from just £21 310 for 2012 Volkswagen Golf VI GT. The GTD model costs £24 635 and the GTI is a bit pricy £25 305.

However, if you want the top-of range Golf VI R, you’ll have to pay £31 420.

Source: Volkswagen

October 4, 2011

Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30

Volkswagen Caddy Edition 30 boasts a roof painted in brilliant gloss black, roof railing also in high-gloss black and high-end machine-polished 17” alloy wheels.

The vehicle has signatures on the sliding doors, the back of the vehicle and the door sills. There are five bodywork colours available, all going well with the black roof – Candy White, Reflex Silver, Salsa Red, Primavera Green or Sunny Yellow.

The interior features either 5-seat or 7-seat configuration. Caddy Edition 30 boasts Alcantara upholstery, multi-function steering wheel, leather-trimmed gear stick and handbrake lever, semi-automatic (Climatic) climate control and tinted windows combining to create a pleasant ambience.

It is available with four different engine specifications: three diesels from 75 to 125 kW and as a petrol (TSI) version with 77 kW.

At the 2011 IAA in Frankfurt you can see Caddy Edition 30 with the most powerful engine ever installed in a production Caddy: the 170 PS (125 kW) and 350Nm 2.0 TDI with DSG.

Source: Volkswagen

September 14, 2011

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion at 2011 EcoVelocity

Volkswagen will exhibit several vehicles from the BlueMotion range at the 2011 EcoVelocity held from 8 to 11 September. The visitors will be encouraged by Volkswagen to “Think Blue”, as they get up close and personal with some of the company’s latest BlueMotion products, both on the stand and on the track.

The BlueMotion range includes Touareg Hybrid and Scirocco BlueMotion as well as the small Polo BlueMotion. Golf VI BlueMotion will also be at the event.

2012 Volkswagen Scirocco BlueMotion is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS diesel engine. It comes with a Stop/Start system to save fuel when the vehicle is stationary, along with battery regeneration, which recovers energy which would otherwise be lost to recharge the battery.

The Touareg Hybrid combines a 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine and 47PS (34.3 kW) electric motor and can travel on electric drive alone at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31mph).

Golf BlueMotion can return up to 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 99 g/km of CO2.

The new Polo BlueMotion comes with an advanced 1.2-litre TDI three-cylinder common rail diesel engine developing 75 PS (55 kW) and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 13.9 seconds and a top speed of 171 km/h (107 mph). It achieves an impressive 80.7 mpg on the combined cycle. This grants the new Polo BlueMotion a theoretical range of over 800 miles on one tank of diesel.

2011 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is priced at £14 445 RRP on the road for the three-door, and £15 045 for the five-door model.

“We’re delighted to have Volkswagen at EcoVelocity as it is one of the game-changing brands that really started the movement towards no-compromise ultra-low carbon motoring. Its BlueMotion range set the industry benchmark and we look forward to getting a further insight into their ground-breaking technology at EcoVelocity in September.”, commented Giles Brown, EcoVelocity Director.

Source: Volkswagen

July 28, 2011

B&B VW Golf GTI Edition 35

B&B has announced several performance packages for VW Golf GTI Edition 35.

The tuning company offers three different power leves – 310PS, 326PS and 362PS. The results are thanks to a lot of improvements – a larger turbocharger, a special sport exhaust system with larger downpipe and high-performance catalyst. There are also ECU re-maps and a revised air intake system is installed and an optimized intercooler. Finally, the tuner installed a special Slim-Line oil cooler system.

Level 1 includes a slight increase in boost pressure. The result is 310PS and 420Nm of torque from the 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The price is just €1198.

Level 2 is priced at €2798 and includes a special downpipe, optimised air induction and airflows. The boost pressure is increased about 0,25 bar and the injection map tuned to these new changes. The result 326PS and 450Nm.

Level 3 boasts 362PS nad 510Nm. The power has a price – €8950. The package includes a B&B Special turbo, a modified intake system, optimizing the intercooling system and a sport exhaust system with appropriate electronic adjustment.

The tuning company also offers sports springs for €298, which lower the ride height by about 30 mm. Furthermore, you can order adjustable coilover suspension and B&B stabilizers for front and rear axle.,

The performance brake system includes special 4 or 6-piston calipers starting from €3795.

All parts are tested and approved.

B & B VW Golf GTI Edition 35 — B&B VW Golf GTI Edition 35

Source: B&B

July 26, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Price – £21 085

Volkswagen will put on sale the new revised Tiguan on 1 July. The prices start from £21 085 and rising to £28 020 for the top-of-range 2.0 TSI 210 PS 4WD DSG 7 Spd model. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in both two- and four-wheel drive.

There are four trim levels: S, SE, Sport and Escape. The standard equipment includes – 16” alloy wheels, Climatic air conditioning, DAB radio and alarm.

SE adds 17” alloys, 2Zone electronic air conditioning, Park Assist, iPod and Bluetooth preparation plus Fatigue Detection system.

The Sport versions benefit from a multi-function steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity, plus chrome plated roof rails, heat insulated and tinted glass from the B-pillar back, sport seats, front fog lights and sports suspension.

The new Escape model features comfort and convenience features including Bluetooth and multi-function steering wheel.

The engine range includes: a twin-charged 1.4-litre TSI with 160 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI with 180 PS and a 2.0-litre TSI with 210 PS. The diesel variants are: a 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS and a 2.0-litre common rail TDI with 140 and 170 PS.

Both the 2.0-litre TDI 110 and 140 PS models, as well as the 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS with two-wheel drive are designated BlueMotion Technology models. As such they feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions.

The options list features: Keyless Entry and Start System, the RNS 315 satellite navigation system, Lane Assist and Light Assist. Also available as an option is XDS electronic differential lock.

Check out the price list, below!

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan line-up:

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO₂, g/km	Price, £ RRP OTR
S	1.4 TSI 160 PS 2WD BMT 6spd man	156	21,085
S	1.4 TSI 160 PS 4WD 6spd man	178	21,990
S	2.0 TDI 110 PS 2WD BMT 6spd man	139	21,730
S	2.0 TDI 140 PS 2WD BMT 6spd man	139	22,280
S	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT 6spd man	150	23,280
S	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT DSG 7spd	158	24,775

SE	1.4 TSI 160 PS 2WD BMT 6spd man	156	23,450
SE	1.4 TSI 160 PS 4WD 6spd man	178	24,355
SE	2.0 TSI 180 PS 4WD 6spd man	199	25,185
SE	2.0 TSI 180 PS 4WD DSG 7spd	199	26,675
SE	2.0 TDI 140 PS 2WD BMT 6spd man	139	24,645
SE	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT 6spd man	150	25,645
SE	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT DSG 7spd	158	27,170
SE	2.0 TDI 170 PS 4WD 6spd man	158	26,325

Sport	1.4 TSI 160 PS 2WD BMT 6spd man	156	23,920
Sport	1.4 TSI 160 PS 4WD 6spd man	178	24,825
Sport	2.0 TSI 180 PS 4WD 6spd man	199	25,655
Sport	2.0 TSI 210 PS 4WD 6spd man	199	26,530
Sport	2.0 TSI 210 PS 4WD DSG 7 Spd	199	28,020
Sport	2.0 TDI 140 PS 2WD BMT 6spd man	139	25,115
Sport	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT 6spd man	150	26,115
Sport	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT DSG 7spd	158	27,640
Sport	2.0 TDI 170 PS 4WD 6spd man	158	26,795

Escape	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT 6spd man	150	25,840
Escape	2.0 TDI 140 PS 4WD BMT DSG 7spd	158	27,335

Source: Volkswagen

June 30, 2011

Volkswagen’s Temporary Auto Pilot

Volkswagen has introduced the Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP), which includes some semi-automatic functions.

“Above all, what we have achieved today is an important milestone on the path towards accident-free car driving,” commented Leohold at today’s final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit in the Swedish city of Boras.

“Nonetheless, the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control,” continues Leohold.

“The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it.”, he finished.

TAP always offers the driver an optimal degree of automation as a function of the driving situation, acquisition of the surroundings and driver and system states. It is intended to prevent accidents due to driving errors by an inattentive, distracted driver. In the semi-automatic driving mode – referred to as Pilot Mode, for short – TAP maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle’s central position with respect to lane markers.

The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits, which is kind of stupid, because it can be crucial in some situations, when you need to go really fast to prevent accident.

Stop and start driving manoeuvres in traffic jams are also automated. With TAP, it is possible to drive at speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour on motorways or similar roads. Drivers must still continually focus their attention on the road, so that they can intervene in safety-critical situations at any time.

In contrast to previous research vehicles such as “Junior” and “Stanley”, TAP is based on a relatively production-like sensor platform, consisting of production-level radar-, camera-, and ultrasonic-based sensors supplemented by a laser scanner and an electronic horizon.

“One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations, e.g. in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited,” said Leohold.

Source: Volkswagen

June 23, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle US Price – $18 995

Volkswagen US has priced the new 2012 Beetle at just $18 995 for the entry-level model featuring 2.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 172PS (127 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque.

It offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. The gearbox choice is between 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. The engines returns 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, respectively for manual and automatic.

The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable 17” alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. The options list includes additional glovebox, Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol TSI has a decent power of 203PS (149 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and DSG dual-clutch is available as an option. The fuel economy rating is 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.

2012-Volkswagen-Beetle

The second level of equipment adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard and alloy pedals.

In 2012, Volkswagen Bettle will be available with 2.0 liter TDI engine with 142PS (104 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The pricing will be revealed close to launch. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. It also features 3-year/36 000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.
2012 volkswagen beetle

Source: Volkswagen US

June 8, 2011

To SUV or not to SUV?

So, what is actually the SUV? According to the manufacturers this is a “Sport Utility Vehicle”. It is 4 wheel drive, or maybe not? It can take you off-road, or maybe not? What is the difference between a crossover and a SUV?

How it all began? The SUV was actually extremely popular in the 1930s for many years on. They were mostly bought by rural people who were able to take advantage of the good off-road capabilities of these vehicles.

During the late 1990s when these vehicles were gaining popularity, they used to be based on pick-ups. However in the beginning on 2000s the prices of oil, gas and maintenance pushed towards using automobile platforms and Crossovers started to take over.

What is the situation today? In Europe these cars are losing popularity more and more. They are gradually replaced by crossovers because of their lower maintenance fees, better mpg figures and smooth design. In North America people are still using SUVs for farms or in case the family owns something that needs hauling like trailers, caravans etc..

The father of all SUVs Chevrolet Suburban 1937

In Europe, however, the SUV vehicles seem to be doomed. Not too many manufacturers bother developing new models anyway. At least not in the way we know SUVs. VW for example has the TIGUAN. It is based on the VW golf platform and shares the same engines and transmissions. Having 17” alloys and low profile tires, despite the optional 4motion all it will not take too far away from the tarmac roads. Being higher than the golf and heavier than the Golf, it does worse MPG wise. So basically you could get a VW Golf Variant with better dynamics, better MPG figures and better price and only lose the great possibility of climbing small curbs in the city.

So, what is the conclusion? Is it cheaper, not really. Is it comfortable, maybe, if you love boats. Just get yourself a nice saloon or a huge van. It is better to have one or two features right, rather than having all wrong.

June 7, 2011

CFC VW NEW Beetle

The foil specialist CFC from upper Bavarian Weilheim city created a nice version of the New Beetle to show car, according to the rules of the art.

CFC has focused on visible details of the car, starting with the front apron and the front wings and ending with the rear wings, including side sills and the rear car area. They has also applied sticker bombing, as well as velvet foil. Sticker bombing with its high quality digital printings and high quality cottonized polyamide fibers “velvet” has been provided for individual vehicle design.

The price of this pleasure is 2200 Euro for foil, including the mounting.

Furhtermnore, the new Beetle can be fitted with nice 8.5J x 19” oxygen rims in sparrow black full polish for only 339 Euros each. This kind of oxygen rim rings is available as self-colored or as matching the CFC foil color for 11.90 euros each.

The tires for the new rims are Kumho Ecsta SPT in 225/45 ZR19 for 159 Euro each. So, the whole set is 2039.60 Euro.

For an adjustable wheel spacer from SCC by 15 mm disk thickness in LK 5×100 (57.1 mm center hole / 66.5 mm center hole rim) for 167 Euro per axle.

Last, but not least, there is a stainless steel coilover version 1 from KW for 919 Euro with a stabilizers tuning kit for 179 Euro.

CFC VW NEW Beetle