Volkswagenpedia.org » Pictures

Volkswagen Polo – Headed to North America?

admin — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:35:52 +0000

You’ve already seen the new European-spec Volkswagen Polo – but now the Polo Cup Race Version has come to India. Could this be a prelude to some possible North American VW Polo? From the Volkswagen’s in Toronto to the Golf/Rabbits in the Golf Coast, VW hatchbacks have taken over the roads of American & Canada. And while Polo might just be renamed as Golf in ‘Merica, we’d still love to see the Polo Cup variant to bowwow for a test run.

VW Polo Cup made a huge splash at the New Delhi International Auto Show – and why not, look at these stats: 15″ alloy wheels, petrol and diesel variant (with respective 1.2 liter engine with an output of 75HP @ 5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @ 3750 rpm / 1.2 liter engine with an output of 75HP @ 4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm, 5-speed manual gear box & a ton of interior storage spaces. A little racer with lots of torque and hidden compartments – not bad for the 2010 – 2011 model. Check out full details in the press release below.

Volkswagen unveils the new Polo at the tenth Auto Expo in New Delhi

New Delhi, January 5, 2010: Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker unveiled its much awaited premium hatchback the new Polo at the New Delhi Auto Expo today. The company also showcased the Race Polo for the Volkswagen Polo Cup which will commence in India with the inaugural race event on June, 2010.

Speaking about the showcasing of the new Polo, Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen A.G, with responsibility for Group Production said, “The Volkswagen brand plays an important role in our success story. The new Polo is a key player in our ongoing strategy. It is an outstanding model in the exceptional range of the Volkswagen Group.”

He further added “The Polo stands for German engineering and top technology. It is a lively young and cosmopolitan car. This particular model has been designed with the expectations and wants of our customers in mind, making the Polo a new benchmark in the compact segment and even creating its own class -the Polo class” he concluded.

Commenting on the new Polo, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd said “The new generation Polo offers our brand’s core values of innovation, value and responsibility. It is designed to offer the very best in comfort and drivability. It features all new interiors and its pure and powerful design makes the new Polo a bold styling statement.

The good news is that this hatchback from Volkswagen will be ready for sale at all our dealerships from March this year.”

The new Polo:

The new Volkswagen Polo will be available with a petrol and diesel variant. The petrol variant is equipped with a 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @ 3750 rpm.

The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm.

It will be available in three trim levels including Trendline, Comfortline and Highline and is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box.

The interior is equipped with storage compartment in front doors for 1 litre Bottles, sunglass storage inside glove box, single folding rear seat backrest and the dashboard are proof of the sure instinct of high design quality which interprets the classic elements of the Polo in a contemporary way.

In exteriors too, the new Polo offers body coloured bumpers with green tinted heat absorbing glass, halogen headlights and galvanized Body with 6 years Anti Corrosion Warranty.

The Polo highline has large 15″ alloy wheels, ensconced in their flared arches; give it a higher and more commanding stance.

In safety it is equipped with Advanced occupant safety with Dual airbags, driver and passenger side, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and electronic Anti theft immobilizer.

On comfort the car has a number of unique, thoughtful touches. It is equipped with CD MP3 Player changer with 4 speakers, power steering for better drivability, central locking with unique boot opener in company logo, height adjustable driving seats with a steering wheel tilt which improves the drivability of the passenger.

The new Polo will establish a leadership position in its class with category defining attributes of space, style, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. It will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s Chakan plant with an annual capacity of 110,000 cars and will be available through Volkswagen’s 40 dealerships across the country.

The Source: WorldCarFans

2010 Golf VI – One Cool Family Wagon

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:46:51 +0000

2010 VW Golf VI Press Release: Front end of Golf Estate now follows new Volkswagen “Design DNA” (whatever that means)

Wolfsburg, 21 May 2009 – Volkswagen will begin accepting advance orders for the new Golf Estate this Friday. In the sixth generation of the world bestseller, after the 2-door and 4-door Golfs and the latest Golf Plus, this is the fourth body version to be launched. The estate is one of the most successful models on the market, particularly in the company car market. The extensive redesign of this Estate should ensure that the all-around talent further extends its position as a business estate car and as a first car for families as well. The base price of the new Golf Estate in Germany, including ESP, six airbags, daytime running lights, roof railing, power windows all around, upshift indicator, power and heated outside mirrors, 1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear bench seat and seatback, central locking with RF remote control, climate control and 1,495 litres of cargo capacity is € 18,500.

The front end of the Golf Estate was completely redesigned. Its visual appearance follows today’s Volkswagen “Design DNA”. From now its appearance is defined by clear horizontal lines and bold headlight styling. The car’s engine lineup was adopted directly from the Golf 2-door and 4-door models. In the interior, the high-end instruments of the current Golf set the tone. In Europe, first units of the new Golf will be delivered in September.

Features and engines

At its market launch – in parallel to advance sales that are now starting – the successful Estate (more than 95,000 new vehicle registrations in 2008) will be offered in the three equipment versions Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The latter replaces the previous Sportline version as the top equipment line. Engines available for selection when advance sales begin are a TSI (boosted gasoline direct-injection engine) with 90 kW / 122 PS and two very quiet common rail turbo-diesels (77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS). Other engines will follow in stages: two Multipoint engines (59 kW / 80 PS and 75 kW / 102 PS) and another TSI gasoline engine (118 kW / 160 PS). All six engines fulfil the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

Exterior details of the new Golf Estate

In front, the new Golf Estate can be recognized by its new bumper, radiator grille and engine hood styling and its modified fenders and headlights, which were all adapted 1:1 from the estate’s 2-door and 4-door counterparts. In contrast to the previous model, the front-end design is no longer defined by a chrome radiator grille, rather by a black, horizontally layout of the grille and front bumper painted in car colour. In the lower area, the Estate has an additional large air inlet too. Starting with the mid-level equipment version (Comfortline), chrome inserts are integrated in the radiator grille and the lower air inlet. In the top Highline version, this also applies to the frames for the front fog lights with new static turning light function that are a standard feature here.

At the rear, the independent design of the previous model has been upgraded in the new generation by modified, more elegant taillights and bumpers fully painted in car colour in the lower area. From now on, TDI and TSI versions can also be recognized by their tailpipes, which are no longer covered by the bumper. In addition, Volkswagen developed a new wheel lineup for the new Golf Estate.

Interior details of the new Golf Estate

At the time of its presentation last fall, the sixth generation Golf received excellent marks, especially for its high-end quality. In the interior, it was especially in the styling of the gauges that the Golf crossed boundaries to the next higher class and still does. The same gauges and instruments, including a standard multifunctional display and upshift indicator, are now being used in the new Golf Estate too. Also adopted from the Golf was the new generation of three-spoke steering wheels, which celebrated their debut in the Passat CC in 2008.

In this context, controls for the new Golf climate control system were integrated in the Golf Estate as well. Volkswagen also adapted its line of different seat covers (Trendline: “Roxy”; Comfortline: “Scout”; Highline: Alcantara/fabric “Merlin”) to the entire model series. The same applies to features ranging from the radio and navigation systems up to the interfaces for MP3 players and Bluetooth mobile telephones. Two driver assistance systems are also available as options for the first time in the Golf Estate: “ParkAssist” (automatic parking assistant) and “Rear Assist” (rearview camera). Another feature being offered is the panorama sunroof that is popular among many Golf Estate buyers.

Euro-5 engines of the new Golf Estate in detail

Volkswagen is launching the new Golf Estate on the market with four gasoline and two diesel engine options; they all meet the limits of the new Euro-5 standard. The entry level continues to be marked by an 80-PS gasoline engine, followed by a 102-PS version. The two most powerful gasoline engines (TSI with 122 PS and 160 PS) and the two turbo-diesels (TDI with 105 PS and 140 PS) may be ordered with an optional automatic DSG dual clutch transmission.

Entirely new to the Golf Estate’s engine lineup is the 105 PS common rail TDI. Like the larger 2.0-liter TDI, the 1.6-liter four cylinder is also characterized by noticeably comfortable noise levels, low emissions (119 g/km CO2) and an extremely low average fuel consumption (4.5 litres per hundred kilometres). Compared to the previous model of the same power, fuel consumption was reduced by 0.7 litre.

The 2.0 TDI was adopted from the previous generation of the Golf Estate; it also has a highly advanced common rail direct injection system. The 140 PS strong and 210 km/h fast Golf Estate 2.0 TDI consumes 5.0 litre (132 g/km CO2), which is impressively low considering its power. The TDI engines may be ordered together with any of the three equipment versions.

As already noted, the gasoline engines of the Golf Estate have power levels of 80 PS (MPI), 102 PS (MPI), 122 PS (TSI) and 160 PS (TSI). The base engine with 80 PS is available with the Trendline equipment line; the 102-PS version may be ordered as a Golf Estate Trendline or Golf Estate Comfortline. The TSI engines can each be ordered together with the Comfortline or Highline equipment versions.

Just how efficiently the current gasoline engines from Volkswagen perform is well-illustrated by the TSI. Its 6.3 litre (122 PS) and 6.4 litre (160 PS) fuel consumption values place their average fuel consumption on par with the already economical base engine with 80 PS. When shifted by a DSG transmission, fuel consumption is even reduced to 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres (139 g/km CO2) on the 122-PS TSI and 6.1 litres (143 g/km CO2) on the 160-PS version. With this engine lineup, the new Golf Estate is one of the most economical and cleanest estate cars in Europe.

First Look – 2010 VW Polo BlueMotion

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:40:55 +0000

2010′s Volkswagen Polo is a diesel powered hatchback that may rival other VW brands and even make a diesel-impression on North America, which is not an easy task to accomplish south of Canada’s Border. But for now Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion is only going to be sold in Europe – and what a perfect testing ground for a 2400-lb 1.2 liter three-ply turbo diesel “city car” by VW. A Polo TDI will also be available with a full 4-cylinders.

Sure, it doesn’t have much of a motor, but BlueMotion is a “frugal” and green (forgive the color name-play) direction for the German auto maker. I mean come on, if you don’t get with green today you’re not going to sell many cars (ahem, Chrysler, cough).

Polo-Blue (as I like to call it) kicks up with only 75 horse power available at 4000 rpm. It’s no race car, though with a top speed is an ungoverned 107 mph, and VW claims a 0-to-62-mph run of 13.6 seconds. Now get ready for this – VW Polo has a combined MGP of around 71 mpg. Yes, 71 miles to the gallon – we’re not making that number up.

There are rumors circulating America will get the Polo at one point – either in a 4-door conversion or the three-door hatchback. The Euro-price converts to around $22,000 USD – keeping it in line with smaller European-type American/Japanese models like Chevy’s Aveo and Nissan Versa. Stay tuned to see if the United States will be blessed by another VW vehicle on its roads.

via Car & Driver

The Official Volkswagen Up! Release

admin — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:22:42 +0000

Last week Volkswagen introduced the Up! concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor/Auto Show. We’re excited, and pleased at crowd reaction in Germany, but what do you think? We want to hear from our faithful Volkswagenpedia readers – Do you think the Up! will be a success? Will it ever see production on a mass scale, especially in North America? Take a look at the official Volkswagen press photos and release – tells us what you think in our comment section below!

[nggallery id=4]

We will launch a zero emissions Up! on the market in 2013
Wolfsburg / Frankfurt, 14 September 2009 – Volkswagen is presenting a pioneering fleet of new sustainable automobiles at the 63rd International Motor Show (IAA) – an update on the future. The range of IAA premieres extends from the world’s most fuel-efficient production passenger car (BlueMotion) to hybrid technology and an electric car developed from the ground up – the E-Up! that is being presented in a world premiere in Frankfurt.

Plain text – E-Motor plus TDI and TSI shape the future

Altogether, these Volkswagens are revising milestones on the timeline between present and future. “One of the basic milestones on this timeline,” says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group, “is the mass produced electric car. Yet, to be a genuine success such an electric car must be affordable to a broad customer base and must be uncompromisingly practical in everyday driving. Only then, in high volumes, and ideally on all continents, can one truly speak of the beginning of the electric age in automobiles and a perceptible reduction of their environmental impact.” The Group chief continues: “Nonetheless, until the production numbers of a purely electric car approach the success curve of a Polo, its schedule will indicate the year 2020 at the earliest. That is why our highly efficient TDI and TSI engines are the most important waypoints of the present. They will continue to be a dominant force for decades. And they are what allow us to make the step-by-step transition to the future. Cars with pure petrol and diesel engines – which in the foreseeable future will continue be unbeatable for mid- to long-range distances – will be supplemented by cars like the E-Up! in upcoming years, especially in the city. And that will happen starting in 2013. The concept car now being presented in Frankfurt very realistically shows how we envision such a Volkswagen with pure electric drive – technically, visually and with regard to a practical size.”

The zero-emissions concept car designed under the leadership of Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand, and Head of the Development business area, is based on modules of the New Small Family anticipated in the year 2011, but at a length of 3.19 meters it is even more compact. It also offers an innovative 3+1 seating concept. In its styling, the powerful and clearly drawn lines of the E-Up! body follow the new Volkswagen “design DNA” par excellence and show cult potential. That is because never before has an ultra-compact vehicle – which does not aim to be retro but forges new paths instead – brought such appealing, timeless, class-independent and dynamic qualities to light. Inside, the smallest Volkswagen ever also astonishes with its impressive space utilisation.

Drive unit – battery and integral drive

The 135 km/h fast 3+1 seater is driven by an electric motor with a peak power output of 60 kW (continuous power: 40 kW). The motor of the front-wheel drive car, which is mounted in front, develops a maximum torque of 210 Newton-meters right from rest. The driver activates forward or reverse gear via a rotary knob in the centre console. The fact that the E-Up! will also quite clearly offer driving enjoyment is demonstrated by a look at the car’s classic 0 to 100-km/h sprint time: 11.3 seconds. The E-Up! develops even greater responsiveness in the intermediate sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in city driving: 3.5 seconds. This dynamic performance is based first on the electric motor’s excellent torque characteristic and second on the low kerb weight of the E-Up!, which is just 1,085 kilograms.

Lithium-ion battery: The car’s low weight is quite astounding, given the fact that 240 kilograms are taken up by the lithium-ion battery. The implemented battery’s energy capacity of 18 kilowatt-hours (kWh) enables driving distances of up to 130 kilometres, depending on driving style – enough for the city and the drives of most commuters. The E-Up! will be “refueled” in the garage at home, in a parking structure or on the road at one of the future municipal recharging stations that will be enabled by chip card. Depending on the available charging infrastructure and the battery’s momentary charge state, the storage battery could be charged to up to 80 percent of its total capacity within an hour.

If the batteries are recharged in a home garage, for example, by plugging it into a 230-Volt household outlet, this would take a maximum of five hours. Generally, off-peak night-time electric rates are very inexpensive. So refueled at night the E-Up! could be driven 100 kilometres for just two Euros in electricity costs (about 14 Euro cents / kWh).

The batteries themselves are housed in the underbody of the E-Up! To optimally distribute the weight of the battery system, it is housed in a special, crash-protected tray in the underbody frame. Air cooling ensures a constant heat balance within the batteries. The fans and heat exchangers needed for this are housed in the front section of the underbody.

Integral drive: The teams of Concept Development (headed by Ralf-Gerhard Willner) and Engine Development (headed by Dr. Jens Hadler) integrated all important drive assemblies and auxiliary assemblies in the engine compartment at the front end. The design of an integrated form of the electric drive made a key contribution toward reducing weight and space requirements for the drive unit. Background: All components important to the powertrain are unified in compact form in the so-called integral drive. In this unit, the electric motor, together with the transmission and differential, form the centrepiece of this drive. Energy is supplied via a high-power pulse-control inverter, which is combined with the 12-Volt electrical system DC/DC converter and the charger to form the compact integral drive. At 140 kilograms, the integral drive is also very lightweight. To summarise its advantages: low space requirement, ideal acoustic comfort, high torque and power development and strong driving performance in the city. So the system fulfils the requirements of an innovative electric drive in a nearly ideal way.

Styling – the Beetle of the 21st Century

The E-Up! emphatically demonstrates that emission-free Volkswagens will be anything but lacking in emotion. Responsible for this, once again, is the team led by Group Chief Designer Walter de Silva. Together with Klaus Bischoff (Chief Designer, Volkswagen Brand) and Flavio Manzoni (Head of Creative Design, Volkswagen Group), he developed a layout for the E-Up! that reflects the visual bandwidth of the future New Small Family. The E-Up! bears a resemblance to previously presented concept vehicles of this new model series – the Up! (city specialist), Space-Up! (microvan) and Space-Up Blue! (fuel cell powered van) – it represents a design stage that reflects the future production car even more closely.

“The E-Up!”, says Klaus Bischoff, “is characterised by a reduced, very clear and yet highly emotional design.” And that is certainly no coincidence. The car’s lines consistently follow Volkswagen’s new era “design DNA” that was developed by de Silva, Bischoff and Manzoni. Its key stylistic traits: Simplicity, purity, durability and perfection of its technologies and quality. Bischoff: “The new concept is therefore very much in harmony with its stylistic ‘siblings’ of the New Small Family, the Roadster BlueSport and the new Polo.” Dimensions of the E-Up! are 3.19 meters (length) x 1.64 meters (width) x 1.47 meters (height). Its wheelbase is 2.19 meters.

Front end: Although E-Up! styling was developed from the Up!, the electric car differs from conventionally powered models in the new model series. Consider the front end: It fits in perfectly with the brand’s new family face, yet at the same time it refers back to one of the greatest icons in automotive history in the area of the engine bonnet: the Beetle. Nonetheless, the E-Up! does not reveal the slightest hint of retro styling; instead, designers created new and unmistakable styling tools that would carry the small Volkswagen far into the future.

Fitting in with this image are the headlights with their facet-like lenses – cut like diamonds – that extend over the entire width of the lens cover. Another interesting detail: the fog lights. At first glance they can hardly be recognised as such. The designers have configured them as C-shaped, chrome-trimmed elements in the headlight housings. Also style-defining is the black line running in a circular pattern in the bumper – a typical characteristic of the New Small Family. “In the interplay of all elements, the bumper, headlights and engine bonnet,” explains Klaus Bischoff, “the E-Up! really appears to smile. And that is how it should be.” Conspicuous: There are hardly any openings at the front end, since there is no need for separate cooling of the drive unit.

The VW logo on the V-shaped engine bonnet of the E-Up! is more than just an homage to the Beetle. Hidden behind the folding logo is the integrated port for charging the batteries. The advantage of positioning the plug port here is that it makes it easier to recharge the E-Up! from stations on either the left or right sides of the street or directly in front of the car.

Side profile: “In keeping with Volkswagen’s “design DNA” the side sections also exhibit a high level of stylistic purity, following the Bauhaus principle created in the 1920s in Germany that ‘less is more’,” says Flavio Manzoni. This car’s visual identity is very intentionally created by just a few graphic elements that blend together to form a new unit in the classic Bauhaus approach to creative art and innovative technology. These defining elements of the E-Up! side profile include its side glass and shoulder styling line above the door handles known as the tornado line. The side profile styling is further defined by the car’s short body overhangs, the confident outward shaping of the wheel housings and unique C-pillar. Flavio Manzoni explains the special presence of the C-pillar: “Visually, the vertically aligned C-pillar is positioned above the rear wheel, which conveys a feeling of balance and solidity. These properties are indispensable for a Volkswagen. Last but not least, the prominent and powerful wheel styling gives the car a perfect ‘demeanour’”.

Rear end: The basic graphic forms of the tailgate and rear bumper follow those of the very first Up! However, the once again completely glazed tailgate now exhibits significantly larger taillights in dark smoked glass look. Running through the taillights is a line trimmed in chrome that extends across the tailgate. The circular chrome line unites the two taillights in a vertical direction. These accents are also reflected in the matching graphic element of the front and rear bumpers.

Solar roof: The roof of the E-Up! is equipped with solar cells over an area measuring 1.4 square meters. This area – between the rear part of the roof edge spoiler and the front windscreen – can be enlarged to 1.7 square meters in total by folding down the sun visors that are also equipped with solar cells. The solar cells continuously supply energy to the car’s electrical system, and while the vehicle is parked they help to cool the interior by supplying energy to the car’s ventilation system.

Interior I – Instruments and controls

Flavio Manzoni: “The interior was designed in complete harmony with the car’s exterior styling, and it exhibits a similar aesthetic with a technical-purist influence.” To improve the electric car’s energy economy by avoiding unnecessary loads, actuators such as mirror adjustment and window lifts were designed to be manually operated. Nonetheless, the highly innovative E-Up! makes its appearance with an impressive array of future generation high-tech displays and controls. They are all quite self-explanatory, and the car’s controls are intuitive, making driving and life with this Volkswagen as simple and stress-free as possible.

HMI: The concept car has a touch-screen based HMI (Human Machine Interface) with intelligent E-Up! specific indicators and assistance functions. During navigation, the system continually monitors the momentary load state of the batteries, for example, as well as activated energy consumers such as lights and air conditioner, momentary traffic data, elevation profiles of potential routes and the locations of available charging stations. The driver can display these “filling stations” at any time; available charging stations may be reserved within a defined reservation time period.

The charging process can also be precisely planned to the minute via the HMI. This lets users charge the E-Up! during a specific time period in which electricity is available at special low rates. The charging process can be activated at any time via an intuitively operated application installed on an iPhone or similar mobile device, even from outside of the vehicle. Even more: From the application users can query the momentary charge status and vehicle location (the latter via map display) or simply check whether the car is locked. Moreover, to preserve vehicle battery power the program lets users pre-condition the E-Up! interior. This involves cooling or heating the car’s interior as long as the car is still connected to the charging station and is drawing its electrical power from the electrical grid.

Interior II – 3+1 seating concept

The generous space implemented over a total vehicle area of just 5.1 square meters is absolutely astounding. Several factors are responsible for this clever packaging. First, there is the reduced size of the instrument panel, which was shifted further forward than usual toward the engine compartment. This was enabled, among other things, by optimising the components within the instrument panel. Second, the small Volkswagen is a 3+1 seater. This means that the front passenger seat is located 50 millimetres forward, thanks to the instruments being shifted further forward. This layout increases leg room in the rear behind the front passenger tremendously. As a result, two adults can sit comfortably on the passenger’s side. Stepping into the vehicle is also simplified by an Easy-Entry feature, which allows the front passenger’s seat to be pushed up to 270 millimetres away from the rear bench. There is less leg room behind the “normally” positioned driver’s seat; the space here was designed as a spare seat.

Additional freedom of movement is provided to rear passengers by lowering the centre tunnel in front of the rear bench seat; it serves as an additional footrest. This enables use of an electric handbrake in the style of the Passat, so that no lever mechanism obstructs the footwell.

Cargo area: The clever packaging solutions do not end there: To optimise comfort in the rear, the rear seat backrest is split 40/60. When the backrest on the driver’s seat is folded down (40 percent section), stowage capacity is increased from 85 to 180 litres (with loading to the upper edge of the front seat backrest). This stowage space can be enclosed by a load barrier that folds down out from the folded backrest. When the entire rear seating backrest is folded down, a stowage capacity of 320 litres is created. It is even 520 litres when loaded to the roofliner. To transport long objects, the front passenger’s backrest can also be folded to a pass-through position. In this configuration, the E-Up! can handle objects up to two metres in length.

This high degree of variability will also certainly characterise the affordable production version of an Up! powered by an electric motor. That is because electric cars, as Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn insists and therefore wrote into the specification for this future Volkswagen, must be truly affordable and offer uncompromising everyday practicality.

Micro-mobility in the city – made by Volkswagen

Volkswagen is comprehensively addressing implementation of this everyday practicality. These efforts not only encompass the vehicle itself, but the entire environment around the car driver. In the city, for example, this includes the realisation that after parking the E-Up! people will want to cover shorter distances without a car – from the job to lunch, to the fitness studio, another meeting, whatever is on the day’s schedule. For these shorter trips, the Volkswagen “Micro-mobility in the city” concept team has invented clever zero-emission micro-vehicles. The Kickstep, for example, which is an ultra-compact folding scooter. And the electrically powered Microbully, a scooter that also fits easily in the E-Up! load space. There is also the ped-tric, a folding bike with electric motors built into the wheel hubs that could also make the trip to the city aboard the E-Up! And even the VW_1M, a large electric moped – the size of a carry-on case when not in use – that could be stowed in the E-Up! without even needing to fold down the rear bench seat. Such micro-mobility solutions were created at the Volkswagen Design Center in Potsdam. So the E-Up! will be putting many things into motion. In 2013 this will become a reality for the first time.

2010 Volkswagen T5 Van – From California to Frankfurt

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:16:38 +0000

The Next Generation of the Transporter, Multivan, Caravelle and California: New versions of the best-selling VW Van series begins in Autumn 2009! The Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California – A few weeks after the Multivan and California are premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt in September 2009, a new generation of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle’s successful models will hit the roads. The new perfected version gives out even fewer emissions as well as being more efficient, economical, comfortable, elegant, intelligent and safer than ever before. Advance sales for all four basic versions will start at the IAA.
[nggallery id=3]

Refinement and high-tech features fit for a bestseller

The bestseller’s body design is now in line with Volkswagen’s new Design DNA. The new front design shows off the series in an even more elegant light. The series, which is known as the T5 by Volkswagen employees, has also been given a huge technical boost. Take the engines for example: the new Turbo diesel engines (TDI) are more efficient, exceptionally quiet and now fitted with a Common Rail Injection system. Thanks to the new TDI, fuel consumption levels have decreased by up to 1.9 litres and CO2 emissions have dropped by 52 g/km, so that all engines now fulfil the EU5 emission standards. What’s more, the new versions come with an optional 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG) – an international first for this class of vehicle! As another optional extra, you can have the new four-wheel drive function (4Motion with 4th generation Haldex coupling), which allows you to drive off-road. Another revolutionary highlight from the new models is that, from the start of the year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be offering a 4Motion version in conjunction with DSG. Safety features have been further improved thanks to the standard hill-start assistant, refined ESP, a new hazard warning light for the brake lights (emergency brake lights) and new optional driver assist systems. In addition, the interior is fitted with new instruments, steering wheels, radio/navigation systems and textures on top of ergonomic perfection.

Four new Common Rail TDI and dual clutch gearboxes

With the new four-cylinder diesel engines with Common Rail Injection, the best-selling series in both Germany and Europe sets new benchmarks for both its economy and its kindness to the environment. The TDI (1,968 cm³) comes as either 62 kW / 84 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 103 kW / 140 PS or 132 kW /180 PS. The 140 PS engine is boosted by a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, while Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has fitted a two-stage charger with bi-turbocharger in the top of the range 180 PS. This form of downsizing means that, for the first time in the Volkswagen Group, a compression ignition engine is being used in a vehicle of this performance range.

The greatest feature is the fuel-saving capacity. It is the first time in the world that a transporter, van or touring vehicle has been equipped with a 7-gear dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which allows fuel consumption in the 180 PS version to drop by up to 1.9 litres when compared with the previous 6-gear automatic. In the meantime, the 85 kW / 115 PS petrol engine will be carried over and now complies with EU5 emission standards. Compared to previous generations, Volkswagen were able to decrease CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels by an average of 10 percent across the whole range. In vehicles with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption levels* range from 7.2 litres / 190 g/km CO2 (84 PS and 102 PS) to 7.5 litres / 190 g/km CO2 (180 PS): that’s up to 0.9 litres less than ever before.

All four diesel engines respond extremely quickly and almost as soon as you have left idling speed as well! Even the smallest TDI engine with 84 PS has a maximum torque of 220 Newton metres from just 1,250 rpm. The 102 PS version goes to 250 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm, the 140 PS TDI hits a high of 340 Newton metres from 1,750 rpm while the 180 PS TDI propels into the crankshaft with an impressive 400 Newton metres from 1,500 rpm. And of course all versions are fitted with a particle filter.

The Multivan and Co. on track with the new Volkswagen Design DNA

Alongside other new design features, the new generations really stand out with a completely modified front end. Clear, horizontal lines give the series a timeless, elegant appearance. The ribs on the radiator grille are all black. In the Transporter (panel van, kombi, drop-side), Caravelle Trendline and California Beach the ribs are in matt black. Whereas the Caravelle Comfortline, Multivan (recreational and business van) and the California Comfortline (touring van) all feature black, high gloss ribs, each highlighted with a chrome stripe. The top stripe is visibly extended so that it stretches into the newly designed headlights. Also, for the first time, the newly designed fog lights in the rear bumper will act as static cornering lights as well. The rears of the Caravelle, Multivan and California have changed since the previous versions as they now have new rear lights which are in keeping the current Design DNA.

New driver assist systems and additional standard equipment

Depending on the vehicle’s equipment level, the new models are decked out with new 17″ and 18″ alloy wheels as well as new exterior mirrors, refined for improved aerodynamics. And for the first time, the exterior mirrors house the entire antenna system. As another ground-breaking feature in this class, the best-selling vehicles are now available with the Side Assist lane change assistant. As seen in the Touareg, this system uses LEDs in the exterior mirrors to warn the driver of any vehicles in the blind spot. What else is new: the tyre monitor display (TMD). The TMD constantly analyses how quickly the tyres are rotating. By comparing the different speeds, the system detects when the tyre pressure has dropped.

More new features: the Multivan Comfortline now comes with 16″ alloy wheels. The Multivan Highline is now equipped with new 17″ alloy wheels as well as chrome trims on the sides and rear.

The interior which crosses the bridge to passenger vehicles

The models’ interiors have been completely re-worked. Take the instruments for example: With a new design, they are lit in white from behind and highlighted by a chrome frame. Each of the new generation’s models will come with a gear shift recommendation display. The entire collection of radio and navigation systems has also been updated. The new top of the range device is the RNS 510 with touch screen and hard-drive navigation. The optional Dynaudio sound system delivers magnificent concert-hall acoustics. The USB interface, Media-IN, allows you to connect any devices, such as MP3 players, quickly and easily. New features on board are the controls for the semi- and fully-automatic air conditioning systems and the three-spoke steering wheels. Many of the versions have had some additions to their standard equipment. The Multivan Startline has seen some great improvements: for example, compared to the previous model, the new basic model now has a full trim interior and side and curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger. The finished bumper, which comes as standard, highlights the fact that the Startline is a member of the Multivan family.

Last but not least, the Transporter can be ordered with a new double front passenger seat bench which includes an integrated folding stowage compartment. And all this is coming soon: the new generations will be launched in the middle of October.

Source: VW Press Release

2010 VW Polo is a 3-door Masterpiece

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:14:44 +0000

Volkswagen has spent the last year attempting to accomplish two things – make a deal with Porsche and build a new 3-door hatchback. Well, they certainly achieved their second goal. The 2010 VW Polo is half Bug, half Rabbit/Golf, and all German Engineering. Polo won’t make its official debut until the Frankfurt Motor show, but already details about this little wonder are hitting the web: power everything, 15″ alloy wheels and 6 (that’s right – SIX!) separate engines, at least in Europe – three diesel and three gasoline. The motors will range from a basic 44 kW engine to well over 100 kW. 2010′s Polo three-door will launch in the fall, with prices starting at €12,150 (in Germany). More details in the Volkswagen Press Release below.

[nggallery id=1]

Press Release

Polo Three-Door – Initial Facts

World Premiere of Bestseller at the IAA:

* Volkswagen adds dynamic three-door to the Polo model range
* New Polo base version can be bought in Germany starting at 12,150 Euros1
* Three-door will also be available as BlueMotion model with 3.3 litre fuel economy

Wolfsburg, 26 August 2009 – Bestseller with new entry-level version: As a world premiere, Volkswagen is presenting the youngest offspring of the Polo family at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA, September 17 to 27): an agile three-door. Its longer doors compared to the five-door version, new styling of the row of side windows and the dynamic lines of the sporty C-pillars give the car a nearly coupe-like appearance in its side profile.

At its market launch this Fall, the extremely elegant and safe three-door will be available in six engine versions (from 44 kW / 60 PS to 77 kW / 105 PS) and three equipment variants (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline). The model’s entry-level version will now be the three-door Polo 1.2 Trendline with ESP at a price of 12,150 Euros1. The new Polo BlueMotion will also be available as a three-door and five-door model; the production version is also debuting in Frankfurt. The world’s most fuel-efficient car in its class (55 kW / 75 PS) has a fuel consumption of 3.3 litres diesel per 100 kilometres (equivalent to 87 g/km CO2). The Polo range is gaining tremendous momentum here. Our declared goal: successes in the Polo class on the same magnitude as those of the Golf.

Unmistakable proportions in styling

The three-door Polo marks the entry of another model into the Volkswagen range that follows a new “design DNA” 1:1. This “DNA” was developed by Group Design Chief Walter de Silva. The brand’s characteristic new face is a key aspect of this styling that exhibits a strong horizontal orientation of basic surfaces and a clarity of forms that de Silva refers to as “La Semplicità”. The overall design is characterized by sharp, precise lines.

In this process, high priority is given to the car’s proportions. Walter de Silva: “A ‘bella automobile’ has perfect proportions. The Polo confirms this to be true.” Striking in this context are the short body overhangs, the car’s broad width in proportion to its height, its prominent wheel housings and powerful shoulder sections. Style defining is the side profile of the three-door Polo. As on every Volkswagen designed under the leadership of de Silva, there are just two key lines here: the upper character line and an additional, supportive lower line. Resting atop the dominant character line between the upper borders of the headlights and taillights is the roof. The strong shoulder section is also developed from the character line. Even more: The upper and lower lines generate an exciting interplay of light and shadow, and despite the design’s simplicity they also create a very muscular modulation of surfaces.

Overall, the three-door Polo has an appearance that is lower to the ground and stretched. The reason: The practically invisible B-pillar and more slender C-pillar gives the row of windows a longer visual appearance. This effect is reinforced by the similarly longer upward curve of the row of side windows from the B-pillar back. This results in an even more dynamic overall feeling.

The body dimensions of the three and five-door versions are identical with a length of 3,970 millimetres, width of 1,682 millimetres and height of 1,485 millimetres. The same applies to the interior space and cargo capacities (280 to 952 litres).

Generous standard features

Even the base version – the Polo Trendline – is being launched with an extensive package of safety and convenience features. A standard feature in all large EU countries is the electronic stabilization program ESP. Other standard features include daytime running lights, power-assist steering, electric windows in front, central locking, cargo area lighting, warning buzzer for light left on, height adjustment on driver’s seat, vanity mirrors and tinted windows.

Identifying features of the mid-line equipment version, the Comfortline (starting at 14,150 Euros1 and 51 kW / 70 PS), are car-coloured door mirrors and door handles, H7 dual headlights, chrome trim inserts in the radiator grille and 15-inch wheels. On the convenience side, it is supplemented by standard features such as an air conditioning system, electrically heated and adjustable door mirror, Easy-Entry System (three-door), height-adjustable front passenger’s seat, storage drawers under the front seats, various accents in aluminium look, split folding rear bench seat/backrest, dual cargo floor, storage pockets on the backs of the front backrests and RF remote central locking.

The exclusive Polo Highline (starting at 15,900 Euros1 and 63 kW / 85 PS) is characterized by wide-ranging individualization. On the exterior, it is distinguished by additional chrome trim on the lower air intake, 15-inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps from the Comfortline equipment version. Inside, the Polo Highline is upgraded by details such as a three-spoke leather steering wheel, front centre armrest, multi-function display and tyre pressure indicator, height-adjustable sport seats and leather-trimmed handbrake grip and gear knob.

Advanced engines are sustainable engines

At this time, six engines will be offered on the three-door and five-door Polo: three petrol and three diesel. The petrol engines are available at the power levels 44 kW / 60 PS, 51 KW / 70 PS and 63 kW / 85 PS. As an option, Volkswagen is also offering the Polo with an automatic 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) for the first time. The 85-PS petrol engine may be paired with DSG as an option. Already in the starting blocks for the Polo is a fourth petrol engine, a new TSI, which is a fuel-efficient yet sporty turbo direct-injection engine with 77 kW / 105 PS. It too will be offered in a DSG version.

On the diesel side, Volkswagen is exclusively offering new common rail TDI engines with particulate filters on the Polo three-door and five-door cars. They output 55 kW / 75 PS, 66 kW / 90 PS and 77 kW / 105 PS. The 90-PS version may be ordered with DSG. The fourth TDI to be offered is the new 1.2-liter TDI of the Polo BlueMotion that will be introduced at the beginning of 2010 (advance sales already begin in 2009).

2011 New Beetle – Less Bug Than Before?

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:12:27 +0000

Spy Shots of the 2011 Beetle have filled the internet since late last year. And with the release of VW’s Up! concept it seems the Beetle will not look very Bug like for much longer. Judging from these concept drawings (below) the New Beetle will remain with the front end look it’s had since 1950 – but the rest will be redesigned.

Both hard-top and rag-top conversions have been spied, so all those cabrio fans out there will be able to ride top-down to the beach every summer. VW has confirmed it will import a version of the sixth-generation Golf as well, built on the same frame, with a price tag of $15,000. Also headed to fan in 2011 – a hybrid Beetle!

No official price yet for the 2011 Beetles – but at least they’ll keep a dashboard vase in every model.

VW Pickup Gets a Name – Amarok – What The Hell is That?

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:30:20 +0000

Volkswagen has finally decided on an official name for their 2010 Pickup truck, originally called The Robust, and it shall be Amarok. Now, what the hell is an Amarok? It’s actually pretty interesting…

Amarok is a name that means “wolf” in the Inuit language spoken by native Eskimos in Northern Canada and Greenland.

The Amarok will be built at Volkswagen’s Pacheco plant outside Buenos Aires, Argentina, and will be powered by VW’s next-generation of common-rail diesel engines. Slated for launch in 2010, first in South and Central America in the first part of the year, expect to see Amarok in Europe, Russia and possibly the US by summertime. The Amarok will also (eventually)come out in Australia and Africa, though no word on exactly when.

VW Press Release:

VOLKSWAGEN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ANNOUNCES NAME OF NEW PICKUP

The new Volkswagen pickup, showcased as a concept last year and due to be launched in Europe in 2010, is to be called the Amarok.

The new name means ‘wolf’ in the language of the Inuit, one of the Eskimo people who live in northern Canada and Greenland who highly regard the wolf as king of the wilderness and a figure of robustness, endurance and superiority. It translates into ‘he loves stones’ in the languages spoken in South America.

‘This name fits the characteristics of our pickup perfectly, which will set new standards in its class,’ says Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. ‘We took great care selecting this name, which can be used globally and is meant to invoke positive associations in all relevant international markets. The Amarok is a powerful and robust vehicle with great stamina – just like the wolf,’ he continued.

Developed from scratch, the Amarok will be launched as a double-cab pickup with four-wheel drive, while a single-cab version will be introduced later. It will be powered by Volkswagen’s powerful yet efficient, next generation common rail turbo diesel engines which will achieve class leading fuel consumption and emissions.

The Amarok is an important new model in the strategic growth plans for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and will be produced at its Pacheco plant near Buenos Aires in Argentina. It will be launched first in South America in early 2010, followed by Central America in Spring 2010, then Russia and Europe in the summer, as well as Africa and Australia. Prices, specifications and on-sale dates for the UK will be announced next year.

2008 Volkswagen Golf R32 Review, Pictures and Video

admin — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:56:58 +0000

Consumer demand for the 2004 R32 repeats itself with the latest 2008 Volkswagen Golf R32. These once again limited- 5,000 cars -edition of the R32 is already holding its appeal of Volkswagen fans. This “super” GTI stands out with its 250-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder, 18-inch wheels and 4Motion all-wheel drive. This will be available only as a two-door.

According to Volkswagen, the R32’s narrow-angle V-6 engine allows for the driver to reach from zero to sixty miles in just 6.5 seconds. The Volkswagen 32 also encompasses leathery upholstery, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium sound system with six-CD changer. Written on the metallic trim of the dashboard and steering wheel is the number R32 of the 5,000 that you bought.

Costing just over $30,000, the 2008 Volkswagen R32 is available in four different colors: tornado red, deep pearl blue, candy white and metallic gray.

Though the R32 has not earned any rewards for outstanding safety, they still include the standard safety features. Some of features include antilock brakes, six airbags with an electric stability system, side curtains and site torso airbags in the front seats.

The spacious interior is fitting on straight roads just as easily driving through canyons. This fast, distinct Volkswagen is a vehicle that is taken seriously in the professional world.

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Review, Pictures and Video

admin — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:50:39 +0000

The all new re-designed Jetta has improved even more for 2008. With an engine that pumps out 170 horsepower and gets up 29 mpg highway, you can’t go wrong. The interior has been enhanced with six standard airbags, 60/40 rear seat folding capability to store that extra bit of cargo, the Immobilizer III theft deterrent program, smart blinker feature, and of course a sweet stereo system that’s MP3 compatible and contains 6-disk CD changer.

It has over 40 safety features to keep you and your passengers safe, including little things you wouldn’t notice that make a big difference, such as auto-locking doors that lock when you hit 8mph and auto-unlocking doors that unlock when the airbags are deployed so you can get out easier, or so rescue workers can get in faster.

When test driven, the 2008 Jetta performed beautifully, responding with the slightest touch in both the steering and power. It comes equipped with hydraulic and engine brake assist, which helps in those quick stops. The navigation system and SIRIUS satellite radio were a delight to have access to and proves that technology, great and small, can make a ride that much more enjoyable. Overall, if you’re looking for a great car riddled with technology, comfort, fuel efficiency and is just plain fun to drive, the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is a surefire bet for you.