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Into thin air - Volkswagen motorsport breaking new technological ground with the aerodynamics of the I.D. R Pikes Peak

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At first glance, it is clear to see that the I.D. R Pikes Peak has been developed for extreme conditions. The aerodynamic aspect of Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car is also uncompromisingly designed to tackle the most famous hill climb in the world. “The start line is located at an altitude of almost 2,900 metres, with the finish at 4,300 metres above sea level. The low air pressure up there means that the aerodynamic conditions are different to those at a racetrack on flat land,” explains François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport and the man responsible for developing the I.D. R Pikes Peak as project manager. The relatively open regulations gave the engineers far more leeway, with which to design the chassis and rear wing of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, than in other racing disciplines.


During the winding 19.99-kilometre drive to the summit of Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs (USA), a top speed of around 240 km/h is reached – this is relatively low for a prototype like the I.D. R Pikes Peak, as it could theoretically do far more than this. “For this reason, we concentrated mainly on achieving optimal cornering speeds. The entire chassis is designed to generate as much downforce as possible, without causing too much aerodynamic drag,” says Demaison, summing up the task facing his team.


The most visually striking result of this strategy is the seemingly oversized rear wing on the I.D. R Pikes Peak. “The altitude on Pikes Peak means that the air we are driving through is on average 35 per cent thinner. As a result, we lose 35 per cent of our downforce compared to a racetrack at sea level. The huge rear wing allows us to compensate for some of this lost downforce,” explains Willy Rampf, technical consultant to the project and a man with years of Formula 1 experience. “The imaginative aerodynamic development means that we will still achieve maximum downforce greater than the weight of the car during the hill climb.”


Precision work in the Porsche wind tunnel

Volkswagen Motorsport used a scale mode (1:2) to test a host of different variants of the Pikes Peak racer in the wind tunnel. The final touches were then put to a full-size chassis in the Porsche development centre in Weissach. “It was greatly beneficial to be able to use resources from within the group,” confirms Demaison.


New components were often produced in quick time on a 3D printer. “We printed about 2,000 parts. In doing so, we saved a lot of time,” says Dr. Hervé Dechipre, who, as a CFD engineer at Volkswagen Motorsport, is responsible for the aerodynamics on the I.D. R Pikes Peak.


Little need to cool electric engines benefits aerodynamics

The electric engine on the I.D. R Pikes Peak does need to be cooled efficiently. However, the need for fresh air is far less than in the case of a combustion engine. Furthermore, it is not necessary to guide any intake air to the two electric engines, which together generate 500 kW (680 PS). This made it possible to reduce the size of the necessary inlet ports in the chassis, which are always a big drawback from an aerodynamic point of view. In contrast, the thin air at altitude has a negative effect on the efficiency of the cooling.


Simulation software provided by technology partner ANSYS is used to calculate the ideal compromise. “We could not manage this solely with the data from the wind tunnel, where it is not possible to recreate the thin air, for example,” says Demaison. “The simulation was a great help in determining the dimensions required for the cooling system.”


In the meantime, the findings from the development phase have been optimised in great detail in comprehensive tests. The first test run on the original route in the USA is planned for the end of May. Driver Romain Dumas and the Volkswagen Motorsport team then begin the final phase of their preparations for the “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018” on 24 June. The goal is to break the record in the class for electric prototypes, which currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes.


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk



Electric offensive: Volkswagen trains top experts for the production of the I.D. family

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  • “Future Electronic Engineer Program” (FEEP) launched with 100 young engineers
  • Participants are to be trained especially for work with the modular electrification toolkit (MEB)
  • Objective: excellent, trouble-free launch of 27 MEB models throughout the world

The Volkswagen brand is moving ahead with preparations for its major electric offensive and launching a comprehensive e-mobility competence program. Within the framework of the “Future Electronic Engineer Program” (FEEP), 100 young engineers and skilled workers throughout the world will be trained as top production experts. As start of production specialists, they will occupy future-oriented positions in planning, the pilot hall, the e-mobility model group, the pre-series center and electronics development. The first participants to complete the three-year program will support the run-up phase of the I.D. family, the new generation of full-electric vehicles based on the modular electrification toolkit (MEB) in Zwickau.

 

The new training program has been initiated by the Volkswagen brand pilot hall in Wolfsburg, which forms part of the Production and Logistics Board of Management division. Plants in China, Brazil, Argentina, the USA and Mexico are also participating in the program, which is supported by Volkswagen’s volunteering initiative and local universities. From June onwards, young specialists from Germany, China and the Americas will be participating in the program.

Oliver Wessel, Head of the Pilot Hall, who is responsible for the product creation process of all Volkswagen models together with his team, ensuring that series production of the models starts in the optimum way, aims to provide one of the most comprehensive specialist training schemes in the industry with the FEEP. “This year and next year, we will have to master about 80 starts of production. The vehicles have more digital intelligence on board than ever before. These are severe challenges. And the situation will become even more challenging with the MEB models. We need start of production specialists who can provide local support at our plants when the need arises and ensure a good start of production. We intend to implement outstanding volume production that meets our high quality requirements.”

The successful FEEP trainees will act as “midwives” for the new electric cars to be launched on the market as part of Volkswagen’s major electric offensive. Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the brand Board of Management responsible for E-Mobility, outlines the dimensions: “Within three years, Volkswagen will be starting production of a total of 27 electric car models for four brands in three regions of the world. At the Zwickau plant alone, models of three Group brands will roll off the production lines. In future, our MEB plants throughout the world will need young engineers who are thoroughly conversant with the requirements for production of the new vehicle architecture and also have considerable practical experience.”

Participants entering the program in fields such as vehicle informatics or data logistics will normally have completed a practically oriented course of studies. Initially, they will be provided with basic training on commissioning at the Volkswagen brand pilot hall in Wolfsburg and will work on current vehicle projects such as the first compact I.D. Following this stage, they will receive intensive seminars – for example during specialist training as programmers – and will work on projects with gradually increasing requirements. They will then complete an assignment to another country where they will work on starts of production and benefit from practically oriented support by highly qualified mentors and senior experts working on a volunteering basis.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com

Volkswagen tests quantum computing in battery research

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  • Volkswagen experts want to simulate the chemical structure of batteries on quantum computers
  • They have already successfully modeled key molecules such as lithium-hydrogen and carbon chains on quantum computers
  • The objective is the “tailor-made battery”, a configurable chemical blueprint ready for production
  • Volkswagen is presenting quantum computing at CEBIT (June 12-15)

For the first time, Volkswagen experts have succeeded in simulating industrially relevant molecules using a quantum computer. This is especially important for the development of high-performance electric vehicle batteries. The experts have successfully simulated molecules such as lithium-hydrogen and carbon chains. Now they are working on more complex chemical compounds. In the long term, they want to simulate the chemical structure of a complete electric vehicle battery on a quantum computer. Their objective is to develop a “tailor-made battery”, a configurable chemical blueprint that is ready for production. Volkswagen is presenting its research work connected with quantum computing at the CEBIT technology show (Hanover, June 12-15).

 

Martin Hofmann, CIO of the Volkswagen Group, says: "We are focusing on the modernization of IT systems throughout the Group. The objective is to intensify the digitalization of work processes – to make them simpler, more secure and more efficient and to support new business models. This is why we are combining our core task with the introduction of specific key technologies for Volkswagen. These include the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, as well as quantum computing."

The objective is a “tailor-made battery”, a configurable blueprint
Using newly developed algorithms, the Volkswagen experts have laid the foundation for simulating and optimizing the chemical structure of high-performance electric vehicle batteries on a quantum computer. In the long term, such a quantum algorithm could simulate the chemical composition of a battery on the basis of different criteria such as weight reduction, maximum power density or cell assembly and provide a design which could be used directly for production. This would significantly accelerate the battery development process, which has been time-consuming and resource-intensive to date.

Florian Neukart, Principle Scientist at Volkswagen’s CODE Lab in San Francisco, says: “We are working hard to develop the potential of quantum computers for Volkswagen. The simulation of electrochemical materials is an important project in this context. In this field, we are performing genuine pioneering work. We are convinced that commercially available quantum computers will open up previously unimaginable opportunities. We intend to acquire the specialist knowledge we need for this purpose now.”

On this project for the simulation of electrochemical materials, IT is co-operating closely with Volkswagen Group Research. The Volkswagen experts have already successfully simulated key molecules such as lithium-hydrogen and carbon chains, on a quantum computer. They are now working on more complex chemical compounds. In the experts’ opinion, they are only at the beginning of their development work.

Volkswagen and quantum computing
Highly specialized IT experts from Volkswagen, including data scientists, computer linguists and software engineers, are working together at the IT labs in San Francisco and Munich to develop the potential of quantum computers for applications which will be beneficial for the company. The main focus is on the programming of algorithms on quantum computers. These are subject to different laws than in the case of conventional computers.
In the field of quantum computing, the Volkswagen Group is cooperating with the technology partners Google and D-Wave, who provide the Volkswagen experts with access to their systems.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com

I.D.R Every Gram Counts

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It started with simulations. “Before we actually assembled the I.D. R Pikes Peak, we used computers to analyse a multitude  of different configurations,” says Willy Rampf, technical advisor to the project and a man with a wealth of Formula 1 experience, recalling the start of the development of the car for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “It was clear to us that we would not have time to build multiple test vehicles. We had to get it right at the first attempt.”


The trials focused on finding the optimal compromise between performance and weight. Both factors are even more dependent on each other in an electric car like the I.D. R Pikes Peak than in a racing car with a conventional combustion engine. The simple rule of thumb is: The greater the performance, the heavier the batteries required. However, every single gram is unwanted weight – particularly at a hill climb. On Pikes Peak, the cars must overcome a difference in altitude of more than 1,400 metres – from the start at 2,862 to the finish line at 4,302 metres above sea level. 


Romain Dumas, at the wheel of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, will also be faced with a series of hairpin turns, where a heavy car would be a disadvantage when braking and accelerating out of corners.

As such, the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers decided on the following strategy: The I.D. R Pikes Peak was to be as light as possible, while still maintaining a very high level of performance. The framework for this strategy was provided by the regulations for the most famous hill climb in the world, which literally offer virtually limitless freedom in the “Unlimited” class.


Being given the proverbial blank sheet of paper and told to develop a new racing car from scratch is a dream for any engineer. “To develop a car solely for this 20-kilometre hill climb is a very special task. There were virtually no bounds to the innovation shown by the engineers,” says François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport.


“Simulation played a major role in achieving the low weight of the car,” explains Rampf. For example, computers were used to design chassis parts in such a way that they are able to cope with the anticipated loads without any problems, and without appearing oversized – or overweight. However, the development team almost completely dispensed with the standard but extremely expensive materials commonly used in top-class motor racing, such as titanium. “The chassis, wheel suspensions and safety structure of the I.D. R Pikes Peak are almost completely made of steel and aluminium,” says Demaison.


Despite this, and whilst still generating a top performance of 500 kW (680 PS), the car, complete with driver, weighs less than 1,100 kilograms – a lightweight compared to previous record-breaking cars in the Pikes Peak category for electric cars. The relatively low performance allowed the battery blocks for the I.D. R Pikes Peak to be made so compact that they could be positioned next to and behind the driver, thus ensuring perfect weight distribution. They provide the energy for an electric engine on both the front and rear axles, while torque distribution is managed electronically.


The I.D. R Pikes Peak’s chassis and aerodynamic components are made of an extremely light carbon fibre/Kevlar composite. One of the tasks faced during the design phase was to integrate design elements from the I.D. family – Volkswagen’s future range of fully-electric vehicles – in the exterior of the Pikes Peak racing car. “During this phase of development, we worked particularly closely with our Volkswagen colleagues in Wolfsburg,” recalls Willy Rampf.

The cockpit of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, a monocoque structure, is also made of ultra-light carbon fibre. The extent to which the engineers were willing to go to reduce weight is exemplified by the driver’s equipment.


Technology partner OMP made driver Dumas’ fire-resistant race overall, as well as the seat padding and six-point harness, from particularly light material. Even the sponsors’ logos are printed onto the overall, to save the weight of conventional patches.


However, the lightweight perfectionists at Volkswagen Motorsport did have to give in on one point: The regulations of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb stipulate that each driver must wear a large event emblem, roughly 40 cm² in size, on their race overall. The plan was to have this logo printed on Dumas’ overall too. “That was rejected. According to the regulations, it has to be sewn on. The thread used for that weighs almost as much as the entire overall,” says Technical Director Demaison with a wink.


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Order Books Open for Touareg: Volkswagen's Flagship SUV

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Boasting the latest assistance systems, some of them appearing for the first time in a Volkswagen, the Touareg also offers the option of the new Innovision Cockpit which comprises an intuitive digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit that can be fully personalised.

 

Boasting the latest assistance systems, some of them appearing for the first time in a Volkswagen, the Touareg also offers the option of the new Innovision Cockpit which comprises an intuitive digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit that can be fully personalised.


The 2018 Touareg is the latest milestone in the largest product offensive in Volkswagen’s brand history. The global SUV range, led by the new car, now consists of the new T-Roc, the Tiguan, the new Tiguan Allspace, the new Atlas (USA) and its new sister model Teramont (China).


Meanwhile the T-Cross compact SUV – shown in concept form as the T-Cross Breeze – is also due to make its global debut in 2018. A zero emission model has already been decided upon, too, in the shape of the I.D. CROZZ – the first fully electric SUV from Volkswagen. It will be launched in 2020.


Debuting with efficient and potent V6 turbocharged engines the Touareg comes with an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. In the UK, the car will initially be offered with a 286 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel unit or, from the autumn, a 231 PS version of the same engine. A 340 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine will be available to order in the UK in late 2018, with deliveries of that powertrain beginning in 2019.


In addition a plug-in hybrid drive with a system power of 367 PS is first planned for introduction in China. The exact launch date of the Touareg with plug-in hybrid drive in Europe has yet to be set.

With a torque peak of up to 600 Nm, the 286 PS 3.0 V6 TDI also showcases the new Touareg’s extensive towing capacity. Capable of hauling braked trailer weights of up to 3.5 tonnes, the new car also boasts the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s handy Trailer Assist technology to facilitate simple slow-speed manoeuvring.

The 3.0 V6 TDI with 286 PS (2,967 cc) generates its punchy torque peak of 600 Nm from only 2,250 rpm, and offers 42.8 mpg* on the combined cycle. 0-62 mph takes 6.1 seconds, and the Touareg’s top speed is 146 mph.


The new third generation Touareg is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) mated to an eight-gear automatic Tiptronic gearbox with ‘shift by wire’ functionality.


A centre differential lock with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution acts as a transfer box for the flow of forces between the front and rear axle. A maximum of 70 per cent of the drive force reaches the front axle and up to 80 per cent can be sent to the rear axle.


Offered here in three comprehensively specified trims: SEL, R-Line and new R-Line Tech, the five-seat Touareg sits on the Volkswagen Group’s modular longitudinal matrix (MLB).


Wider and longer than before, the luxurious new SUV’s dimensions are 4,878 mm long (+77 mm); 2,193 mm wide (including wing mirrors, +44 mm) and 1,702 mm high (-7 mm). Together these create significantly more dynamic proportions and, allied to all-new styling, endow the Touareg with an imposing yet lithe style.

The five-door, five-seat Touareg offers a 1,051 mm load length and maximum load capacity of 810 litres (seats up) or 1,800 litres (seats down). Kerb weight is 2,070 kg for the launch car.


Technology made simple

One of the many technical innovations in the new Touareg is the option of the Innovision Cockpit. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster – Active Info Display – merges with the 15-inch TFT touchscreen of the new Discover Premium infotainment system to form a new digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit.


The Innovision Cockpit is the control centre of a new era – an interactive interface in which the information and settings of all essential comfort, assist and infotainment systems converge in one simple-to-use matrix.

Thanks to a separate eSIM mobile data connection, the new SUV is also “always on”. Indeed, never before has a Volkswagen interior of this type been digitalised and extensively linked to the vehicle functions and outside world to such an extent.


More broadly, today’s Touareg features a new generation of assistance, driving dynamics and comfort systems includes technologies such as Night Vision (thermal imaging camera); Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist (partly automated steering and lane departure warning up to 37 mph, acceleration and braking); Front Cross Traffic Assist (responds to traffic crossing in front of the Touareg); active all-wheel steering; and a new roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars.


Comfort, space and grace

New technology aligns with conventional premium car values of space and cosseting comfort inside the new Touareg, too. The car’s optional electrically adjustable front seats, for instance, offer a new, pneumatic massage function with no fewer than eight programs available. The intensity of the massage functions can be continuously adjusted via individual air cushions.


The car’s flexibility is demonstrated by the flexible rear seat system. The position of the rear seats can be shifted by 160 mm fore/aft to create more space in the rear if required. Meanwhile the angle adjustment of the rear seat backrests is also variable in three stages, and by up to 21 degrees.

Natural light comes in through the optionally available panoramic sliding roof – the largest yet offered by Volkswagen. The transparent roof section is 1,270 mm long and 825 mm wide (inner dimensions), and the front half can be continuously opened and electrically moved back by almost half a metre (495 mm) and raised.


Meanwhile night driving is now more pleasant than ever thanks to a newly developed optional LED ambient light system. Using the ambient light, the atmosphere on board the Touareg can be personalised via 30 different light colours whose brightness can be adjusted.


Welcoming the arrival of the new Touareg to Volkswagen Retailers nationwide Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The new Touareg signals yet another important development in Volkswagen’s growing SUV line-up.


“Our suite of new models, headed by Touareg, arrives on the market as SUV sales continue to accelerate in the UK and I’m confident our new flagship model will make a big impact here.”


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk


All time record: Volkswagen makes history with the I.D R Pikes Peak

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Volkswagen and the I.D. R Pikes Peak have made history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Driving the 500-kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated a field including cars with conventional drivetrain technology. In doing so, he not only broke the previous record for electric vehicles, but also bettered Sébastien Loeb’s (F) all-time record from 2013 – by a full 16 seconds. Dumas’ new record of 7m 57.148s minutes is now top of the list of Pikes Peak champions, which includes such acclaimed drivers as Loeb, Walter Röhrl (D), Michèle Mouton (F), Stig Blomqvist (S), Nobuhiro Tajima (J) and also Rod Millen and his son Rhys (both NZ).

 

“The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the sporty forerunner of Volkswagen’s I.D. family. Today, we saw what this technology is capable of”, said Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for “Technical Development”. “Every Volkswagen employee can be extremely proud of today’s result. I congratulate the team from the bottom of my heart. With a combination of outstanding engineering skills, passion and commitment, the team has managed to create a fantastic racing car in just eight months. The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak has now set the fastest time in the history of this hill climb, which spans more than 100 years – that speaks volumes for electric mobility.”

 

19.99 kilometres, 156 corners, just one attempt – and a successful one: Romain Dumas claimed his fourth overall victory at the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which has now been held 96 times since 1916. With the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen has created an extraordinary racing car, specifically tailored to the demands of the most famous of hill climbs: a combination of minimum weight, as much downforce as possible, and maximum power, designed to achieve the best possible performance. Including its battery cells, the I.D. R Pikes Peak weighs less than 1,100 kilograms. When evaluating performance, Volkswagen employed simulation software to calculate exactly how to achieve the optimum in energy demand and performance for the record attempt on Pikes Peak. In the matter of aerodynamics, the key was to compensate for the loss of downforce caused by the thin air on Pikes Peak. The result of this endeavour could be seen from afar: the flat, streamlined chassis and huge rear wing.

 

Volkswagen also struck out in a new direction when it came to charging technology – the goal being to charge the car as quickly as possible with minimum environmental impact. The time was defined by the regulations: In case of the race being suspended, it must be possible to completely charge the car in under 20 minutes. The electricity required was provided by generators at the foot of Pikes Peak. Glycerol, which in chemical terms is a sugar alcohol, was selected as the fuel. A by-product of the manufacture of biodiesel, for example, Glycerol combusts with virtually no harmful exhaust fumes or residues. Glycerol itself is non-toxic and is even permitted as an additive in the food and cosmetics industries.

A mere 250 days passed between the announcement and the start of the Pikes Peak project on 18 October 2017 and the record-breaking run on Pikes Peak on 24 June 2018. This was an extremely sporty remit for the development of a thoroughbred prototype, including innovative fully-electric drive technology, specific demands on the batteries, aerodynamics and chassis. This effort and the tireless work of the Volkswagen mechanics, engineers and many more employees in Wolfsburg, at the motorsport headquarters in Hannover and, last but not least, during the weeks of preparation in Colorado Springs, has now been rewarded with a new record on Pikes Peak.

 

Volkswagen has had some strong partners on its side for the record attempt on Pikes Peak, in the form of Volkswagen R, ANSYS, Michelin, Integral e-drive and OMP. With Volkswagen R, the I.D. R Pikes Peak received a sporting seal of approval from the outset, which it more than earned on its record-breaking run, if not before. ANSYS also made a vital contribution to the success of the project by providing support with the software simulations. Another key factor was tyre maker Michelin’s years of experience on Pikes Peak, which allowed them to provide tyre technology perfectly tailored to the demands of the hill climb. The I.D. R Pikes Peak’s E-engines, which together generated 500 kW (680 PS), were achieved in collaboration with partner Integral e-drive. OMP put the icing on the cake – for example, with the featherweight racing overall for Romain Dumas, which perfectly complemented the lightweight design philosophy of the I.D. R Pikes Peak.

 

Reactions from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Romain Dumas (F), Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak #94

 

“Awesome! We exceeded even our own high expectations with that result. Since this week’s tests, we have known that it was possible to break the all-time record. For it to come off, everything had to come together perfectly – from the technology to the driver. And the weather had to play ball too. That everything ran so smoothly is an incredible feeling, and the new record on Pikes Peak is the icing on the cake. I still cannot believe that Volkswagen and my name are behind this incredible time. The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the most impressive car I have ever driven in competition. The electric drivetrain means that many things are different and I learned a lot during the project. The team did an indescribably meticulous, yet at the same time relaxed, job. Not only did we get the desired result, but the team spirit was also spot on. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of it.”

 

Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

 

“This is a fantastic day for Volkswagen and one, of which we are very proud. The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the most innovative and complex car ever developed by Volkswagen Motorsport. Every employee involved in the Pikes Peak project has constantly had to push their boundaries and show extreme commitment and dedication. Without this, it would not have been possible to repeatedly overcome new challenges and come up with new solutions. It should actually be impossible to achieve all that and especially the all-time record in such a short time, but our team pulled it off thanks to their passion and commitment. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on the project and showed such fantastic team spirit.”


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The new T-Cross – “more than one thing”

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  • T-Cross will expand the SUV program underneath the T-Roc
  • Innovative spacious passenger compartment offers maximum flexibility
  • Thanks to MQB: A range of assistance systems available in higher vehicle classes to enter the small vehicle segment

The T-Cross1 is set to launch a new form of SUV from the Volkswagen brand. Presented in 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show as a much-anticipated study, the series version is now making its way in the direction of actual production. With the T-Cross, Volkswagen is expanding the spectrum of Sport Utility Vehicles to include a small model. “I am more than one thing” – that is the claim with the introduction of the T-Cross. “More” is thus to be understood as a program: offering more, but nevertheless not costing more. The world première of the new T-Cross will take place in the autumn. Until then, Volkswagen will shorten the waiting time with a first look at the future SUV in the small vehicle class.

T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg will now be the five SUV formats of the brand in Europe. But, the new T-Cross will enrich the SUV range in China and South America, as well. The 4,107-mm-long Volkswagen is designed with charisma, always front-driven, functionally conceptualised, and cleverly constructed. At home in the city, and ready for the small and large adventures both inside and outside the urban jungle.

The modular transverse matrix (MQB) creates a surprising amount of room. For example, the back seat can be adjusted lengthwise – for more knee room or more room for luggage. The positive influence of the modular transverse matrix affects all areas. Thus, the T-Cross is entering the market as one of the safest vehicles of its class, guaranteed through excellent crash properties and a large spectrum of assistance systems. Standard on board: the “Front Assist” (ambient traffic monitoring system) and “Lane Assist” (lane departure warning system). “I am more than one thing” – the new T-Cross.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com

Five tips for relaxing summer holidays with the car

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  • Prepare routes and destinations on the PC and send this information directly to the car
  • Set a comfortable interior temperature before setting off
  • Use your smartphone to easily find where your car is parked

A relaxing holiday starts with a pleasant journey. These days holidaymakers use their satnav and smartphone for a safe and stress-free journey. When these devices work as a team, they greatly enhance the holiday experience. The Volkswagen Car-Net is the key here. These five tips help drivers reduce stress levels when on holiday.

 

1. Plan routes at home and send them directly to the car
Whether you’re heading for the North Sea or the Côte d’Azur, whether you need a special tip for a pizzeria in Rimini or a rustic restaurant in the Alps, many drivers use their laptop or tablet to check routes and places to go before they set off. Once this is done, there is no need to enter these addresses in the satnav later. Intelligent networking of your computer, smartphone and infotainment system make this possible. The Volkswagen Car-Net 'Guide & Inform' function allows car drivers to plan their holidays at home and simply send the data directly to their car.

2. Easily find cheap petrol stations or free parking spaces
Why prolong the journey unnecessarily? The aim is to get you to your holiday destination faster without wasting time searching for cheap fuel or a free parking space. The Car-Net’s Guide & Inform navigation function tells you via the Infotainment display where the next multi-storey car park is, and depending on the availability of local information, it can even tell you the number of free parking spaces and what they cost. Not only does it show you the route to take for the nearest petrol station, it also shows you the price of petrol there, leaving you to decide if you want to go there or not.

3. Is the sunroof still open? The Car-Net app knows.
Did I lock the car and switch off the headlights? Who hasn’t asked themselves this after they have sat down in a restaurant, stretched out their legs and ordered a drink? Clever holidaymakers use the app provided by the Car-Net 'Security & Service' function to confirm that all doors and the boot are locked and the headlights are off.

4. Now where did I park the car? Car-Net knows where it is.
When you’re exploring unknown territory, it’s easy to get lost. But you can rest assured that you’ll find the car again. Car-Net’s Security & Service app can locate exactly where the car is parked. The smartphone app shows the location and the route quickly and easily without the user having to enter any information.

5. A perfect interior temperature when you get in the car
Good fun is guaranteed when the sun shines. But only if the car hasn’t heated up to an unbearable temperature. You can avoid this quite simply by switching on the air conditioning system before you get in the car. Thanks to Car-Net, drivers of an electric or hybrid vehicle are even able to set the temperature using a computer or mobile phone before they set off.

Better summer holidays with Car-Net on board
Volkswagen Car-Net helps to make the journey a pleasant one by providing real-time traffic news and the remote functions of the Car-Net app. Users can adapt the Car-Net functionality of service packages such as Guide & Inform and Security & Service to their needs.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com


The T-Cross – a new class of Volkswagen

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Wolfsburg / Munich, July 2018: The new T-Cross1 is on the way. With compact dimensions and an intelligent design it is at home in the city, and ready for adventures both inside and outside the urban jungle.

 

The T-Cross will have its official world premiere in the autumn. However Volkswagen is today providing an exclusive first look at the almost series-ready SUV. The T-Cross will further extend Volkswagen’s range of Sport Utility Vehicles with a new entry-level model. T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg will now be the five SUV formats of the brand in Europe. The T-Cross features a charismatic design, has front-wheel drive in all versions, is functional throughout and offers a host of individual configuration options. “I am more” is the slogan for the launch of the new SUV. This reflects the philosophy behind the T-Cross: a concept of offering more than others. But without costing more.

 

“I am more”. The slogan is clustered in four characteristic areas: “I am practical” – more space and variability; “I am cool” – masculine design and maximum individuality; “I am intuitive“ – digital and connected; “I am safe” – one of the safest cars in its class. The most compact Volkswagen SUV has a length of 4,107 mm and a height of 1,558 mm. That makes the T-Cross larger than a Polo. At the same time, the T-Cross and Polo belong to the same segment: A0. For reference: Golf and T-Roc are in the A segment. The T-Cross and Polo are both in the class below. One segment, separated into two independent vehicle types. This separation enriches both the range of vehicles offered and the mobility types. The T-Cross is a perfect example of this – a practical and yet trendy SUV, simple to drive, and safe. Equipped with up to 18-inch wheels, the T-Cross is powered by a choice of four turbocharged engines. The petrol engines (TSI) are combined with a petrol particulate filter; they deliver 70 kW / 95 PS1, 85 kW / 115 PS1 and 110 kW / 150 PS1. The diesel engine (TDI) has a power output of 70 kW / 95 PS1.

 

“I am practical.” The new SUV offers a surprising amount of space inside. The modular transverse matrix, or MQB for short, is a key reason for this. This innovative platform moves the front axle forward, thereby lengthening the wheelbase, creating more space in the interior and increasing the available storage space. The latter is also variable: depending on situation, the rear bench seat can be moved forward or back as standard – for more legroom or more space in the luggage compartment (385 to 455 litres). The T-Cross’s maximum load-space volume is a class leading feature in the segment. The fold-down front passenger seat backrest offers additional flexibility. The high seating position in the T-Cross is typical of an SUV: 597 mm at the front and 652 mm at the rear; the elevated view from the T-Cross is realised via higher ground clearance, allied to the car’s seating system.

 

“I am cool.” T-Cross design is distinctive. The front end is conspicuously tall and incorporates a large grille with integrated LED headlights as charismatic features. The bonnet also contributes to the pronounced height. The lower part of the front end stands out with details such as fog lights with eye-catching trim surrounds. The daytime running lights are integrated in the fog light module on the T-Cross versions with H7 headlights; on models with LED headlights, the daytime running lights are located at the top of the headlight housing. At the side, a sharply cut character line divides the areas. It forms a powerful shoulder section at the rear and highlights a new Volkswagen design element there: the reflector strip running across the rear end and framed by a black panel. Two-colour dash pads and twelve exterior colours (optionally also two-tone) link the fresh style with the exceptionally spacious interior. Songs from a smartphone media library or streaming services can be optionally played via the “Beats” sound system.

 

“I am Intuitive.” It is too early to go into all the new technical details of the interior but one thing is clear: the T-Cross will be optionally available with a digital cockpit with a latest-generation eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and “Active Info Display” (instrumentation). The focus here is on intuitive operation. Four USB ports (two at the front, two at the rear) and wireless charging ensure optimum connectivity and sufficient power for smartphones. The optional keyless locking and starting system "Keyless Access" makes access to the T-Cross more convenient, while the also optionally available “Light Assist” main-beam control automatically ensures that the driver is always supported with main beam whenever possible.

 

“I am safe”. The modular transverse matrix has a positive influence on all areas of the T-Cross. Thanks to MQB, the SUV will be launched as one of the safest vehicles in its class. This is guaranteed by excellent crash properties and a particularly wide range of assist systems. Standard across the range are important safety features such as the “Front Assist” area monitoring system and the “Lane Assist” lane keeping system. Other available assist systems include the “Blind Spot Monitor” (warns about vehicles in the blind spot) with “Rear Traffic Alert” (warns about vehicles approaching from the side behind the T-Cross), “City Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring” and the “Proactive Occupant Protection System” (reacts just before an accident by closing the windows and sunroof, tensioning the seat belts and building up brake pressure, among other things).


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

KESSY Locking and Starting System, electronic

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The KESSY electronic locking and starting system offers you convenient and secure access to your car. The system has two components: the transmitter and the starter module. You just carry the transmitter - the starter module is built into the dashboard. Within a radius of 1.5 metres around the car rolling codes are exchanged between the key and the car and the transmitter switches the system to 'Open'. By the time you're behind the wheel the steering lock has been released and the electrical system activated. If the key has been left inside the car by mistake, the system will refuse to lock it.

 

 

Provided the driver has the key on their person while inside the car, the engine can be started simply by pressing the starter button down fully. But the car key can also be used like a conventional key to operate the central locking. When leaving the car, you simply need to press the small locking button on the door handles in order to lock the vehicle. For certain models, Keyless entry offers even more comfort and convenience for the saloon. The contactless Easy Open function uses additional sensors in the rear of the vehicle to open the luggage compartment lid simply by flicking your foot. These sensors identify the key, and the system automatically opens the luggage compartment lid.


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

I.D. R Pikes Peak makes Germany debut at Classic Days

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  • Electric racing car comes to iconic event in Jüchen as a double record holder
  • Autostadt presents I.D. R Pikes Peak along with numerous racing legends
  • Video: development history of the I.D. R Pikes Peak – from the idea to the record-breaking drive

From 03 to 05 August the time has come: the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak will make its debut in Germany at the 13th Classic Days at Schloss Dyck. The Autostadt in Wolfsburg will present Volkswagen’s first all-electric powered racing car at their “Passion | Pace | Performance” exhibition. With around 40 exhibits, ranging from the 1920s Bugatti to the current Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, the motorsport brand diversity of the Volkswagen Group will be presented, focussing on the past, present day and future. The 500 kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak is the sporting forerunner of the I.D. family, the series of all-electric powered production cars that Volkswagen will be launching as of 2020.

 

Not least due to its successes, the I.D. R Pikes Peak impressively embodies the present and with its electric drive, the mobility of the future. Volkswagen has already set two records with the electric racing constructed in just eight months. At the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June, Romain Dumas (F) not only improved on the previous record for electric racing cars, but with a time of 7:57.148 minutes also set a new all-time record at the most famous hill climb in the world. Just three weeks later, the 40-year-old set a new electric record at the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed in the I.D. R Pikes Peak, of 43.86 seconds – 3.48 seconds faster than the previous record set in 2013.

Visitors to the 13th Classic Days can look forward to seeing the twin-engine Golf “Pikes Peak” of 1987. The former German rally pro and European champion Jochi Kleint contested the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for Volkswagen Motorsport in this Golf 31 years ago. At Schloss Dyck, Kleint will line up for Volkswagen Classic in the 480 kW (652 PS) Golf. In the “Racing Legends”, classic racing cars relive historic motorsport on a 2.8-kilometre circuit.

The Classic Days originated in 2006, in memory of Wolfgang Graf Berghe von Trips, who was killed in an accident in Monza in 1961. The 13th edition, which is expected to draw a crowd of around 40,000 spectators, is another automobile garden party and motorsport festival with more than 7,000 classic cars and 120 historic racing cars.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com

New engine joins all-new Volkswagen Touareg range

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Volkswagen Retailers are today, Thursday 9 August, making available to order a new turbo diesel engine to the all-new Touareg range. The 3.0-litre V6 TDI unit has an output of 231 PS and joins the 286 PS TDI engine that the Touareg launched with in June.

 

Both engines are available on the new model’s three trims – the Touareg SEL, Touareg R-Line and Touareg R-Line Tech. This enhances customer choice and results in a lower starting price for the car. The all-new Touareg SEL with the new 231 PS V6 TDI engine is priced at £48,995 (RRP OTR).

 

The 231 PS engine delivers maximum power from 3,250 rpm to 4,750 rpm. Peak torque is 500 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 3,000 rpm and the new engine maintains the same CO₂ figure (173 g/km) and the same towing capacity (3,500 kg) as the 286 PS unit.

 

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Success factors for the I.D. R Pikes Peak: reduced weight thanks to on-board power generation

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For a fully-electric racing car like the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, the weight of the battery is especially important: it is the heaviest individual component – and each increase in weight has a detrimental effect on the car’s performance. It was logical for the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers to keep the batteries as small and light as possible in the record-breaking car. In addition to the sophisticated, weight-saving lithium-ion design, they are relying on technology that is already implemented in numerous electrically-driven production models: recuperation.

In a conventionally-driven car, much of the energy generated by braking is converted into heat and is lost. In an electric car, this energy flows back into the battery packs. The I.D. R Pikes Peak itself produces part of the electrical energy required for the two engines, which generate 500 kW (680 PS). “This allowed us to reduce the dimensions of the batteries and keep the vehicle weight, with driver, well under 1,100 kilograms,” explains Piotr Wrzuszczak, Head of Research and Development Concepts at Volkswagen Motorsport.

However, the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers had not yet had any experience with recuperation. They were supported by the technical departments for e-mobility at the parent company in Wolfsburg and at the Volkswagen Preproduction Center (VSC) in Brunswick. “The cooperation with our colleagues from series development was a big help and saved us a lot of time,” says Wrzuszczak.

Golf GTI TCR touring car as development agent 

To make the learning process easier, Volkswagen Motorsport first installed an electric drivetrain in a Golf GTI TCR from touring car racing. This experimental vehicle was used a mobile laboratory at the Volkswagen test site in Ehra-Lessien. The focus was on recuperation. “As we were not able to test on the original circuit at Pikes Peak, we compared the data harvested from the converted TCR race car with the data produced in the simulator at Volkswagen Motorsport. We had programmed the whole track as a model in the computer,” explains Wrzuszczak. 

The simulations were used to answer an important question: what portion of the energy required during the race will be produced by the on-board systems in the I.D. R Pikes Peak? A high percentage requires large generators, while big batteries need a correspondingly lower percentage – both options mean extra weight on board. “We finally settled on a value of 20 per cent as ideal,” recalls Wrzuszczak.

Recuperation must not affect the driving experience 

The engineers also worked on another challenge in the simulator and during test drives. Regardless of whether it’s a race car or a production vehicle: the driver should barely notice the recuperation process and it should not have any effect on braking. The balance between the mechanical brake and the braking effect of the electric motors, which work as generators during deceleration, is decisive. 

“The interplay between recuperation and braking is controlled by the on-board computer in the I.D. R Pikes Peak,” explains Wrzuszczak. Racing cars have far more extreme objectives than production cars, and the software is programmed much more aggressively. However, the production car also has to deliver the best braking feeling for the driver, make use of coasting phases and ensure that the battery recharged effectively without surges.

“One factor to be taken into account was limiting recuperation with a fully-charged battery right after the start,” adds Wrzuszczak. Energy management towards the end of the 19.99-kilometre race was also a complex task: with a racing car that uses a combustion engine, weight concerns mean that crossing the line with a near-empty tank is ideal. “We had a different task with the I.D. R Pikes Peak,” says Wrzuszczak. “Batteries that have nearly completely discharged do not perform as well. That is why our strategy was to avoid the charge level dropping below 30 per cent, even just before the finish line.” 

This plan worked perfectly at the “96th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” on 24 June 2018: the I.D. R Pikes Peak delivered a great performance for Volkswagen driver Romain Dumas during the final kilometres leading up to the 4,302-metre summit – vital for the new track record of 7:57.148 minutes. 

Recording record times on the racetrack is not the objective for the vehicles in the I.D. Family, which Volkswagen will be bringing to market from 2020. The recuperation strategy applied during the record-breaking performance of the I.D. R Pikes Peak provided plenty of data for the development of the first fully-electrically driven production cars for this brand.

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

German Premièr of the Golf GTI TCR Concept at "GTI Coming Home Wolfsburg 2018"

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For the second year in a row, the GTI “Coming Home” meet will take place in Wolfsburg. GTI fans and visitors will be able to access the event area in the Volkswagen Arena and the Autostadt from 10 am on 1 September 2018.


To bridge the gap until the next GTI meet in Wörthersee (Austria) in May 2019, Volkswagen is once again inviting fans to join the company in Wolfsburg at the end of the summer. In addition to a varied supporting programme for the whole family, a very special GTI procession is also planned as a highlight. Fans can drive their own GTIs through the Volkswagen plant where the first Golf GTI rolled off the production line in 1976.


“Last year’s event received incredible feedback from the fans. It was really exciting!” says Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Sales. “The GTI family has an amazing fan base all over the world, some of whom will be travelling to our main plant. We can’t wait to say a big hello to our GTI fans!”

Volkswagen is also hosting the German première of the Golf GTI TCR Concept1. The vehicle was first presented at Wörthersee in May. With 290 PS and a top speed of 264 km/h, the concept vehicle is one of the fastest GTIs.


The 500 kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen’s first purely electric racing car, will also be showcased at GTI Coming Home Wolfsburg 2018.


Volkswagen has already set two records with the electric racing car, which was constructed in just eight months. On 24 June, Romain Dumas (F) not only improved the previous record for electric racing cars at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018, but also set a new all-time record for the world-famous hill climb at 7:57.148 minutes. Just three weeks later, the 40-year-old Frenchman drove the I.D. R Pikes Peak to set a new electric vehicle record of 43.86 seconds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed – 3.48 seconds faster than the previous record set in 2013.


The event area opens at 10:00 am with the programme scheduled to start with the official welcome on the main stage of the AOK Arena at 11:00 am.


J.P Performance will be hosting the proceedings on stage. The day’s agenda includes events such as a motorcade and fan drives. To keep fans fed and watered, refreshments will be available from Wörthersee-style food trucks. This year’s event will also be partnered by the Autostadt, who will be presenting the Autostadt Tuning Award for customised Volkswagens. If you would like to take part, simply drive through the Photo Drive in the short-stay car park from 9:00 am. Professional photographers will be on hand to take shots of private vehicles alongside sporty icons such as the GTI W12-6502 Concept2. The well-known tuning expert Lina van de Mars will be hosting the photo shoot and introducing cars and their owners.


Participants will be given a link where they can download a copy of their photos. Any photos uploaded to Instagram with the hashtag #autostadttuningaward will also be entered into the Autostadt competition. The winner will be the photo with the most likes.


The main prize is a weekend at the Autostadt with an action-packed programme: the highlights include a meet & greet with Lina van de Mars and a trip in a Golf MkI GTI from the ZeitHaus collection.


Historic Golf and Beetle buses will travel between the Volkswagen Arena and the Autostadt, providing visitors access to both areas. The Autostadt event arena will open at 9:00 am and close at 4:00 pm.


The GTI procession through the plant that is planned for the afternoon will pass through the east gate via the central route down Mittelstrasse to Südstrasse, past the Brand Tower and on to the Kraftwerk. Vehicles will be required to register on site to take part in the procession, which will be open to up to 250 vehicles. If there are more people interested than places available, the time of registration on site will be used as the determining factor for participation.

 

Parking spaces right next to the stadium will be available exclusively for GTI drivers. Further will be signposted in the vicinity of the arena. Parking will be free and will be available on a “first come, first served” basis.


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Beetle Sunshine Tour to Wolfsburg 2018: Community celebrates the 20th birthday of the New Beetle

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The Beetle Sunshine Tour is the largest meeting of the Beetle, New Beetle and Käfer community in Europe. For the first time, the festival in 2018 will not take place in Lübeck, but in Wolfsburg and thereby in the heart of the Volkswagen world. For good reason, because the New Beetle presented in 1998 is celebrating its 20th birthday and because it was the impetus for the first Beetle Sunshine Tour in 2004. The organisers have therefore moved the meeting to the Autostadt without further ado. That's why the motto is "Beetle Sunshine Tour to Wolfsburg". It starts on 8 September at 10:00 a.m. Highlight: a convoy of all participating Beetles, New Beetles and Käfer right through the centre of the Volkswagen plant.

 

The Beetle Sunshine Tour has its origins in the Lübeck district of Travemünde, directly on the Baltic Sea. Gaby Kraft, the inventor and organiser of the Beetle Sunshine Tour, lives there in Schleswig-Holstein. Fourteen years ago she initiated the first tour with 60 participating vehicles. Gaby Kraft: "It was quite easy. I bought myself a Beetle back then. I asked myself: I can't be the only one who's enthusiastic about this car. There must be others. So let's try to organise a meeting up here in the north." And that's how it happened.

Although it remained informal, the Beetle Sunshine Tour has long since taken on another dimension. In 2017, there were more than 700 registered Beetles, New Beetles and Käfer and around 4,000 participants. The organisers limited this enormous number of vehicles to 200 cars in 2018, as otherwise the convoy would have exceeded the organisational limits of the planned plant procession. In less than three hours after the online announcement of the Beetle Sunshine Tour 2018, all of the available starting places for this year's tour were allocated.

But as always with the Beetle Sunshine Tour, the same applies in 2018: All fans of the water-cooled or air-cooled cult-status vehicles and the Volkswagen brand are welcome to visit the festival grounds right next to Autostadt Wolfsburg. Just follow the parking guidance system, park your car and make a pilgrimage to the site. Participants and visitors mingle and make up the Beetle, New Beetle and Käfer community. With their attractive design and classless status, all three generations of this Volkswagen appeal to people who share a cosmopolitan and positive attitude to life. So if you have a desire to see lots of Beetles and nice people, you should travel to Wolfsburg on Saturday, 8 September. The focus there will be on the birthday child, the New Beetle. 

The series production version was presented to the world by Volkswagen at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 1998. And this was the beginning of Beetlemania – from a former means of transport during ‘the economic miracle’ to a timeless lifestyle icon.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com



Volkswagen Motorsport presents Polo GTI R5 to first customers

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After the Polo R WRC comes the Polo GTI R5. With the World Rally Car version of the Polo, the Volkswagen works team won four FIA World Rally Championship titles between 2013 and 2016. The production-based successor model was developed according to category R5 regulations and is intended exclusively for customer racing

 

Volkswagen Motorsport presented the new rally car to customers shortly before homologation. Representatives of the privateer teams visited the headquarters in Hannover, where they experienced the 200 kW (272 PS) four-wheel drive together with test driver Dieter Depping (D) at a test centre in nearby Sulingen. “The Polo GTI R5 has completed around 9,000 test kilometres to date, half of which were on gravel and half on asphalt,” explained Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. “The entire development team has worked hard and delivered a first-class result, which has been confirmed by the initial reactions of customers.”

 

“The feedback from this introductory session was extremely positive,” added Juliane Gründl, head of sales at Volkswagen Motorsport. “Almost all the teams already have definite plans in place for using the car in the 2019 rally season and cannot wait to get their hands on their Polo GTI R5.”

 

Competitive debut at WRC event in Spain at the end of October

The homologation of the Polo GTI R5 is planned for 01 October 2018. Before being licensed for motorsport, the Polo GTI R5 will have completed around 10,000 test kilometres in total. In addition to the WRC2 category of the FIA World Rally Championship, the new customer racing rally car will also be in action in interregional championships such as the FIA European Rally Championship and numerous national championships.

 

“When defining the specification, we took great care to ensure that it would be easy for professional privateer teams to master the technical support of the Polo GTI R5,” said Jan- Gerard de Jongh, technical project manager for the Polo GTI R5 and former race engineer of World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier.

 

Before the first customer cars are delivered, further test drives and the competitive debut are scheduled. At the Rally Spain from 25 to 28 October 2018, the Polo R5 GTI will take on its rivals in the WRC2 class at world championship level for the first time. And for the Volkswagen Motorsport team, it will be a mini comeback after the final race in Australia 2016, since Volkswagen Motorsport will be taking care of the car at the debut. “We will compete at the Rally Spain with two cars from our own team,” said Smeets. “The aim is to demonstrate the competitiveness of the new Polo GTI R5 at the highest level and on different surfaces.”

 

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Addition to the SUV family in the Middle East: Volkswagen launches new seven-seater Teramont

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Volkswagen will launch its new Teramont SUV in the Middle East. As a seven-seater, it is the first Volkswagen of its kind in this region. Its American counterpart – named Volkswagen Atlas – has already won several awards. Since 2017, the large SUV has also stirred great interest among customers in China. This titan of the road is now forging ahead as part of Volkswagen's SUV success story.

Large, comfortable and spacious: the new Teramont has the look and feel of a practical family SUV. This modern SUV is an absolute novelty for the brand in the Middle East. No Volkswagen seven-seater has yet been offered here. "Welcoming the Teramont to our market is a delight, as we are confident this car will be perfect for this location. Size matters, especially for families in this region and this is exactly what we offer now," says Andrew Savvas, Brand Director Volkswagen for the Middle East region. 

One of the advantages of the new SUV is the enormous amount of space inside. Whether for the big weekend shopping expedition or a holiday with the family, up to 2,741 litres of luggage can fit into the car, depending on the seating arrangement. Even when all seven seats are occupied, people can sit comfortably in the rear. But the interior is not the only strong point: "The Teramont is the boldest and one of the biggest models Volkswagen has ever built and still expresses the true Volkswagen style and quality finish - delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we’re known for, now with room for seven. This year we have been busy ramping up our SUV range and having this 7-seater means we have a complete line up in place and can offer the perfect car for every type of family", explains Savvas.

SUV family forges ahead on the road to success

This SUV is currently available in the USA and Canada as the Volkswagen Atlas and as the Teramont in Russia among others, and from local production in China. In the USA, the American model has opened up an important segment for the brand. The newly developed SUV is tailored to American needs. There, it has already received awards among them “Best of 2018” by Cars.com. 

With the Teramont, Volkswagen is forging ahead with the success story of the SUV portfolio. Volkswagen has been expanding its SUV range since 2017. In addition to successful models such as the Tiguan and the new T-Roc, Volkswagen has also launched the latest-generation Touareg.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

 

New Touareg receives five-star top rating in Euro NCAP

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Top marks for Volkswagen's Touareg: the European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP has awarded the new luxury class model the maximum possible rating of five stars. In the eyes of the independent crash test experts, the SUV performed excellently in all categories.

 

The Touareg is amongst Europe's safest cars

The five-star rating received during the demanding testing methods of the “European New Car Assessment Programme” – or in short: Euro NCAP – underlines that the Touareg can be considered a particularly safe choice within its vehicle category. One of the most impressive aspects of the new Touareg is its comprehensive safety package consisting of an optimised body structure, a belt, seat, and airbag network, and innovative assist systems. The SUV scores very good results in all four individual Euro NCAP categories. In the “Adult occupant safety” category, the vehicle scores 89 percent of the maximum mark. The Touareg also scores 86 percent for “Child occupant safety”, 81 percent in the “Safety assist” category and 72 percent in terms of “Vulnerable road users”.

Important benchmark for vehicle safety in Europe

Euro NCAP has been a stringent benchmark for the safety level of new vehicles in Europe for the last 20 years. Over the past few years, the test programme’s criteria have become increasingly strict and it currently includes elements, such as different collision scenarios (including front- end collisions with an aluminium barrier at 64 km/h and a 40 percent overlap, side impact at 50 km/h into the vehicle's side structure, bollard side impact at 32 km/h) and more stringent demands in terms of standard driver assist systems.


Touareg continues on SUV range's path to success

Following its launch in spring 2018, the Touareg has become the new flagship of the Volkswagen brand, characterised not just by its safety features, but also by its trailblazing fusion of assist, comfort, lighting and infotainment systems. Consequently, the Touareg launches with the widest range of assist, driving dynamics and comfort systems that has ever been integrated in a Volkswagen.

This includes technologies such as Night Vision (detects persons and animals in the dark using a thermal imaging camera) Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist (assisted steering and lane departure warning up to 60 km/h, acceleration and braking), Front Cross Traffic Assist (responds to traffic crossing in front of the Touareg), a new roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars, IQ.Light – LED Matrix headlights (interactive dipped beams and main beams controlled by a camera) and a head-up display projected directly onto the windscreen (windshield head-up display).


About the Volkswagen brand: “We make the future real”

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets throughout the world and produces vehicles at over 50 locations in 14 countries. In 2017, Volkswagen delivered 6.23 million vehicles, including bestselling models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta or Passat. Currently, 198,000 people work for Volkswagen across the globe. The brand also has over 7,700 dealerships with 74,000 employees.

Volkswagen is forging ahead consistently with the further development of automobile production.

E-mobility, smart mobility and the digital transformation of the brand are the key strategic topics for the future.


Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Volkswagen and Siemens make crossroads safer

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Volkswagen and Siemens want to further improve road safety especially at crossroads. . To achieve this, new functionalities have been developed for the local exchange of information between vehicles and digital transport infrastructure. The overall system uses the Car2X technology WLANp (ITS-G5) and is currently undergoing tests on Wolfsburg roads.

In a joint project, the city of Wolfsburg, Volkswagen and Siemens are currently setting up a test section on a main road in Wolfsburg in which ten traffic signal systems will transmit the traffic light phases in the vicinity via WLANp (ITS-G5). Future Car2X vehicles will be able to process that information and inform the driver for example, when all traffic lights in succession are on green. That way, they can avoid braking or accelerating unnecessarily. In the near future, assistant functions will be able to do this without driver intervention.

The forward-looking traffic light functions in the vehicle improve the flow of traffic in built-up areas. It is hoped that this project will also contribute to road safety in general. To do this, two crossroads in Wolfsburg are being equipped with modern sensor technology to detect pedestrians and cyclists. Manfred Fuhg, Head of Siemens Mobility Germany, says, “Crossroads equipped with radar sensor technology are able to significantly increase accuracy in the detection of pedestrians and cyclists. Information that vehicles are not able to detect themselves is provided at complex intersections and accident black spots in particular.”

Technology is constantly expanding

To distribute the sensor object data from the traffic infrastructure to the vehicle, the Car2X technology WLANp, to be introduced by Volkswagen next year, will be supplemented with additional messages. The addition enables cooperative security functions to be implemented. They intervene in situations in which the driver or vehicle cannot recognise the surrounding road users with their own senses/sensors or can only do so at a very late stage. In particular, road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, who are often involved in accidents, should be better protected by this. “Based on systems with artificial intelligence in traffic signal systems, intelligent control methods can provide vehicles with much more precise information on red and green phases than was previously possible,” says Manfred Fuhg.

From today’s perspective, the use of transport infrastructure, particularly in towns and cities, offers crucial advantages over other Car2X approaches, explains Gunnar Koether, Head of Vehicle Safety at Volkswagen: “Unlike the relatively inaccurate position data of a smartphone, the use of sensors analogous to the vehicle offers highly accurate data for a critical area. An essential condition for avoiding false warnings. In addition to the technical hurdles, privacy is another aspect which could put people off using their personal smartphones.” 

Working together to reach the goal

A number of partners are currently working to expand the existing WLANp standards. With the pilot project in a real traffic environment, this should be completed even faster. One thing is certain: Cooperative functions can only be effective if the transport infrastructure and all road users are speaking the same language. That is why Volkswagen and Siemens are supporting the European Union’s objective of establishing a binding framework for networked driving across Europe in the near future. 

Klaus Mohrs, Mayor of the City of Wolfsburg, welcomes the initiative by Volkswagen and Siemens: “The city of Wolfsburg and Volkswagen have set themselves the objective of becoming a digital model city with #WolfsburgDigital. When traffic lights and cars communicate, the benefits of digitisation become tangible for many people.”

 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The new T-Cross – “I am safe”: standard Pedestrian Monitoring will make the city safer

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Volkswagen is set to unveil the new T-Cross12 for the first time in a trailer entitled “I am safe”, two weeks ahead of the world première of the new SUV. At the end of the 14-second clip, the most compact of all Volkswagen Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) automatically activates emergency braking via the City Emergency Braking System, including Pedestrian Monitoring, to protect a distracted smartphone user who walks out into the road. “I am safe” is one of four focus areas that describe the most important properties of the T-Cross. The launch starts in spring 2019.

The T-Cross will be launched with the slogan “I am more” – positioning and pledge at the same time. This message is split into four focus areas “I am practical”, “I am cool”, “I am intuitive” and “I am safe”. A trailer has been created for each of these areas. The fourth clip, “I am safe”, can now be seen here.


“I am safe” underlines the fact that the T-Cross is entering the market as one of the safest vehicles in its class – guaranteed through excellent crash features and a large spectrum of assist systems. The Lane Assist lane keeping system and the Front Assist area monitoring system with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring are always included as standard. Other assist systems include the Blind Spot Sensor (warns of vehicles in the blind spot) including Rear Traffic Alert (warns of vehicles approaching from the side behind the T-Cross), the proactive occupant protection system (closes windows and sunroof, tightens seat belts and increases brake pressure in the event of an accident) and Adaptive Cruise Control (brakes and accelerates automatically using a radar system).

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

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