Volkswagen AG Archives

VW announces Polo rally contender

Volkswagen has introduced its newest entrant for the world of competitive rallying called the Polo R5 GTI. Based on the sixth generation road car of its namesake, the Polo R5 GTI will be made available as a complete rally version for professional teams and aspiring drivers to enable them to compete in championships across the globe.

“With the Polo GTI R5 we are hoping to transfer our expertise from four WRC titles to customer racing successfully, and offer a first-class racing machine for countless rally championships from national series to the WRC,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets.

“Before the first race outing next year, we will subject the Polo GTI R5 to rigorous testing to make sure it is prepared for the extremely varied track conditions around the world,” he later added.

VW has released a simplified sketch of the car, which isn’t much to go on, but does provide us with a glimpse of what the car might look like. That said, it should resemble the standard Polo with the exception of aerodynamic and safety upgrades as per performance requirements.

Development of the car started earlier this year under the stewardship of Volkswagen Motorsport Technical Director, François-Xavier “FX” Demaison. He was also running the shop when the record winning Polo R WRC rally car was developed and built. As such, Demaison knows a thing or two about creating winning platforms.

Like the road going version, the Polo GTI R5 features a four cylinder turbo engine, which in this case has been tuned to develop 270bhp. It is mated to a 5-speed sequential racing transmission that sends power to all four corners via the AWD system. The car has also been fitted with a comprehensive safety package which is a requirement to compete in the R5 category.

This R5 category was created to give privateers, teams and importers the opportunity to contest national, regional and international championships with cost-effective, powerful rally cars. It allows for a more level playing field and one that isn’t reserved for only factory-backed teams.

Bugatti and Bentley get new CEOs, Winkelmann to head the former

Some changes are a foot at the Volkswagen Group according to an article by Top Gear UK. Bentley and Bugatti, two of its high performance sub-brands will each receive a new CEO. This news comes after Wolfgang Dürheimer who is currently the CEO of both brands, announced his retirement.

Instead of replacing Dürheimer with a single employee, VW has opted to separate both roles by picking Adrian Hallmark as the head honcho of Bentley and Stefan Winkelmann as the head of hypercar maker, Bugatti.

Hallmark previously held various top executive sales positions at Bentley, VW, Porsche and Saab. His appointment as CEO of Bentley is one of several major decisions that will take place over the course of the next few years. This is due to four Bentley board members, including Dürheimer, who are about to reach the retirement age at about the same time.

Stefan Winkelmann, who was elected to lead Audi Sport last year, will now be in charge of ensuring that Bugatti continues to dominate the high end market of luxury supercars. Prior to his appointment at Audi, Winkelmann was at the helm of Lamborghini for about 11 years.

During his tenure at the Italian manufacturer, Winkelmann helped to turn the company’s fortunes around from an ailing automaker into one that has a strong product portfolio and decent cash flow. He also saw the introduction of the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s most successful vehicle to date.

The car was also partly responsible for the Italian automaker’s financial health and relatively steady recovery. It shared quite a bit with Audi’s R8 supercar but was still unique enough to ensure that the essence of Lamborghini was not diluted in anyway.

Now, with the appointment of Winkelmann at Bugatti, the same magic that played a part in Lamborghini’s recovery, could work for the French automaker as well. If true, this would be the best time for it as the company looks to stave off attacks from Koenigsegg who seem hell bent on stealing the hypercar crown.

Source: Top Gear UK

Volkswagen readying EV hill climb racer for Pikes Peak

Volkswagen is currently developing an all-electric race car specifically for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA in June 2018. This all-wheel drive prototype will be VW’s entrant in the world renowned mountain race that is considered a proving ground for manufacturers and daredevils alike.

The annual hill climb race has been one of the source of attraction for many since 1916, due to its challenging turns and steep 4.3km elevation. It’s 19.99km long course starts at a height of 1,440 metres above sea level, which rises gradually to 4,300 metres at the finishing line. US driver Rhys Millen holds the track record for electric prototypes with a time of 8 minutes and 57.118 seconds.

VW wants to break that record on the 24th of June 2018 with its new electric prototype that is being jointly developed by Volkswagen Motorsport and Technical Development in Wolfsburg. The German automaker, sees this competition as a way to challenge itself to reach greater heights. The new Le Mans looking racer has been fitted with massive front and rear spoilers to help it remain planted on Pikes Peak’s changing road surfaces.

“The Pikes Peak hill climb is one of the world’s most renowned car races. It poses an enormous challenge and is therefore excellently suited to proving the capabilities of upcoming technologies,” explains Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Board responsible for Development.

“Our electric race car will be equipped with innovative battery and drive technology. The extreme stress test on Pikes Peak will give us important findings that will benefit future development, and it will showcase our products and their technologies,” he later added.

It’s been about 30 years since VW participated in the Hill Climb. The last time it fielded a racer in the competition was in 1987. And back then, it entered a twin-engine Golf that showed a lot of promise, but didn’t manage to finish the race. As such, VW sees the 2018 session as a chance of it to redeem itself and come back stronger than ever.

This Motorsport project is also considered part of the company’s process of transforming into a leading producer of electric vehicles. According to the automaker’s near future business plan, VW wants to be a leading producer of electric vehicles by 2025. And by then, it hopes to be able to offer customers about 23 all-electric models.

VW’s new e-Golf is best EV to convince consumers to switch over

Electric cars have been around for quite awhile, its just that before Tesla burst unto the scene, such vehicles were seen as drab and unpractical alternatives to a hybrid. Though that may have been true before, automakers like Nissan and Volkswagen have been steadily improving their EV designs to allow for better usability.

The Volkswagen e-Golf is one such example and unlike the Tesla Model 3, it does very little to convince you that it is in fact a purely electric vehicle. Instead, lest for a few trim pieces, it vastly resembles the regular petrol or diesel powered Mk7 Golf.

VW introduced the e-Golf to the world in 2013 but only put it into production a year later. It featured an unimpressive range of between 130km to 140km on a single charge, though the actual figure varies depending on traffic conditions.

Now however, the German automaker has released the 2017 version of the car, which is based on the facelifted Golf Mk7 platform and features the same bells and whistles that made the Golf the desired choice of family hatchbacks.

Compared to its predecessor, it has a significantly higher range and can travel up to 290km on a single charge. Though slightly heavier than its predecessor, it is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.6 seconds, which is a marked improvement over its predecessor’s 10.4 seconds.

Unlike other electric vehicles, the e-Golf doesn’t fool you into thinking that it’s anything other than ordinary. At a single glance, one might mistake it for a regular petrol powered Golf that is available for purchase at any VW authorized dealership.

And that is its main selling point, the car is meant to win over the hearts and minds of the fervent followers of the fossil fuel movement. The people who unequivocally believe that personal mobility should involve using fuel that goes ‘bang!’in the engine.

The uncanny similarities between the regular petrol or diesel Golf to the e-Golf, will take the edge of that ‘scary new’ experience that some might feel when faced with an EV. Inside, the switchgear, dashboard and arrangement of its instruments are fairly similar too, which many have become accustomed to seeing in a regular VW.

Though many will see this as a lazy attempt by Volkswagen to enter the foray against Tesla’s dominance in the EV market, from a consumer’s perspective, its pure genius as described by former Fifth Gear co-host Johnny Smith in a video below.

Check out the amazing video that was published by Youtube Channel, Fully Charged where its presenter, Johnny Smith explains the car’s specifications and quirks that make it the practical electric car for the masses. Take the time to look through the channels’s plethora of videos on electric vehicles and renewable energy in general to learn more about this this.

Volkswagen gearing up for reveal of I.D. Crozz concept at IAA

Volkswagen will be revealing a concept vehicle at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt that will showcase the automaker’s advancement in EV technology. Called the I.D. Crozz, the SUV crossover is built on VW’s all-electric architecture with the end goal of creating a clean and powerful design.

Based on the images, the vehicle seems to sport Volkswagen’s current design philosophy that has been retouched to seem more futuristic. The wide bonnet that seems to stretch to the entire width of the car belnds well with the front fenders.

It’s basically a mash of several different Volkswagen cars including a hint of XL1 to produce one that is a culmination of their best parts. The interior features a bright red body colour that is contrasted by high-gloss black for a portion of the hood and entire roof.

Despite sporting car-like looks, the crossover SUV will feature a high tech interior and a lithium-ion battery pack that is fitted under the cabin floor. This will allow for less cluttered switch-gear and more cabin space for all occupants.

It will have an open space concept that resembles a mini-lounge where four adults can sit and converse comfortably. Little less is known at the moment because Volkswagen has decided to save the juicy details for the actual reveal date.

Take a look that the video below and let us know what you think of the upcoming VW concept and whether it will be able to shape the EV Volkswagen of tomorrow.

https://youtu.be/B5j38g-UOKE

Porsche might join F1 in 2021 as an engine supplier

Porsche has made it known that it is mulling over the idea of joining Formula 1 as an engine supplier for the 2021 season. The news was reported by Autosport where it mentioned that changes to engine regulations for that time, will allow the automaker to step in.

The article also reported that, Lutz Meschke, deputy chairman of Porsche’s executive board and member of the board for finances and IT, met with a number of key people in the Formula 1 fraternity.

His meeting was with Ross Brawn and a number F1 boses at the Italian Grand Prix to help gauge the feasibility of getting involved this late in the game. Porsche has not been directly involved in F1 since the early 1990s but has played a smaller roll in the sport.

This decision to participate was probably due to the F1 governing body moving to simpler and more affordable engines for the start of the 2021 season. Cost is a serious concern for less established teams, which means the new ruling could be beneficial to all.

The Stuttgart based automaker will be pulling out of the LMP1 class of the World Endurance Championship at the end of 2017 citing poor return on investment. It will however, have a works team in Formula E for the 2019/2020 season.

At the moment, Porsche has no plans to field a works team in F1, rather it will be content with supplying engines to teams who are looking for a business partner that will allow them to remain competitive.

Teams like Williams and Red Bull are considered potential customers for Porsche but nothing has been set in stone as yet. Though this may seem like exciting news, the automaker hasn’t given a definite answer of its involvement in the sport.

Source: Autosport

Porsche may lead development of Lamborghini Urus

According to recent reports, Lamborghini is looking to ‘one up’ Ferrari at its own game by certain restructuring strategies. But out of the lot, we are most interested in the plans of launching its first ever SUV.

Based on an article published by automobilemag.com, there has been some talk of the production of the automaker’s upcoming hyper-SUV, the Urus, which is slated for launch next year. It is said to be based on the third generation Cayenne, and will sport a number of engine options including a 458bhp plug-in hybrid V6 and a 660bhp 4.0-litre V8.

That isn’t breaking news, but what is however, is the idea that Porsche instead of Lamborghini might be running the show. Audi, acquired Lamborghini in 1999 and the former, is owned by Volkswagen who also owns Porsche. (It’s complicated family tree)

Perhaps the powers that be, hope that with Porsche at the helm of the project, things would progress smoothly as opposed to having the Italian automaker calling the shots. Mind you, this isn’t the first time that the Germans have abruptly stepped in.

The Gallardo, Lamborghini’s most popular vehicle, and which has accounted for a significant portion of the brands sales growth over the yers, shared the same platform as the Audi R8. This had many purists up in arms because they feared that the move had diluted the appeal.

However, they were sadly mistaken and the Gallardo went on to sell like hot cakes in the 10 years that the model was kept in production. And this same strategy could work for the Urus as well.

As a side note, Lamborghini are also working on a Huracan that can do some mild adventure-like activities. Unlike the regular car, this one will have an increased ride height to allow for improved ground clearance. This Huracan will probably be fitted with bigger tyres as well as wider fenders to compensate for them.

Based on this, we can surmise that no automotive manufacture, regardless of heritage, can resist the allure of the SUV. It’s a product line that is in constant demand, especially when they are made by luxury brands.

Source: automobilemag.com

Škoda brings family together through touching reunion

Being away from your family can be tough, especially if it has been about a couple of years. Such is the case of an Australian expat named Robbie Smith, who left his home to seek better opportunities in the UK.

Home sick, Smith felt that though modern technology such as video chats and phone calls allowed him to connect with his family, he missed the physical contact. Upon hearing this, Skoda decided to step in an reconnect the Smith family in a very creative way.

The automaker released a video detailing the entire process of reuniting Smith and his immediate family. This short film portrays the planning that was done by the Skoda team, as well as the subtle hints that were left for the 32-year-old Australian while he was on his daily commute.

Though not jarring, they were obvious enough to pick up on, should you be paying attention. Smith, was completely oblivious of this and only came to the realization of what was actually going on when he approached a local cafe.

The clues that he missed included a graffiti mural of photos with his loved ones and an entire cinema decorated with posters of his life. He even walks past Skoda brand ambassador Sir Bradley Wiggins mistakenly thinking that he was a regular Londoner holding a newspaper.

In case you didn’t know, Sir Bradly Wiggins is a former British professional road and track cyclist who won several races including the Tour de France, in 2012. He competed in professional competitions between 2001 to 2016, and is a well-known celebrity in the UK.

Both shocked and delighted, Smith was over the moon to find out what Skoda had done just for him and that he got to be with his entire family for a signifcant amount of time. Speaking of this reunion, Smith said:

“I am still so shocked. I was just walking my normal route and had no idea that my family would be waiting for me at the end. I can’t believe all the clues I missed along the way; it wasn’t until I noticed the cinema posters and saw my face that I realised something wasn’t quite right.”

Skoda connected Smith and his family to celebrate the launch of its Kodiaq, the automaker’s first ever SUV. Built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, the vehicle is closely related to the VW Tiguan and SEAT Ateca. A number of engine options have been made available with the vehicle including 3 petrol and 2 diesels.

Through this video, Skoda wants to inspire others to reconnect with what matters most to them with the launch of the Škoda Reconnect Fund ( www.skoda.co.uk/reconnect-me). The automaker will be facilitating the re-connection, big or small, of people and what they love to do including meeting an old friend by enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience together.

Volkswagen T-Roc is a crossover that slots below the Tiguan

The wait is over, Volkswagen has finally revealed its newest crossover/SUV, the T-Roc. As such, we now know what to expect when it hits showroom floors. Meant to slot below the Tiguan, VW’s latest offering sports looks that are a combination of several different models.

Built on the same modular transverse matrix (MQB) archtecture as the Atlas, the T-Roc is said to offer 445 litres of cargo space when the vehicle is fully occupied. There’s also the option of folding down the rear backrests in a 60/40 split allowing for that space to be increased to 1,290 litres.

It is the first SUV from the company that will feature a two-tone paint scheme, which include the roof being painted in a colour that best contrasts that of the rest of the bodywork. It’s prominent louvered grille stretches from edge to edge and integrates with the projector headlights quite nicely to form a unified look.

Judging from the side and rear, the T-Roc seems to have taken quite a bit of its design inspiration from the Mk7 Golf, which isn’t a bad thing. The proportions, especially when it comes to the rear, are car-like and seem to complement the sporty look even further. The placement of scuff plates for the front and rear allow for better offroad functionality.

Inside, you get the usual meticulously neat array of dials and switch gear that we are used to seeing from VW. But the The interplay between the Active Info Display and the specific infotainment system provide for a digital and interactive cockpit.

Another noteworthy feature that is being offered with VW’s latest model is the “Security & Service” package (including Emergency Service, Automatic Accident Notification and Roadside Assistance). This may seem like a Godsend especially if you live sketchy parts of town.

Marketed as a five-seat SUV, the T-Roc will be made available with a front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration. The latter is called the 4Motion AWD and will feature the 4Motion Active Control as standard.

Complementing these systems will be the choice of three different petrol and diesel turbocharged engines. As for transmissions, buyers can choose between a manual or the 7-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox.

And like most other VWs, the T-Roc will come with a whole load of safety tech which include, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, the active lane keeping system (Lane Assist) and the Front Assist area monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking.

Also available as optional extras are systems such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), Rear View reversing camera, Lane departure system including Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Assist, Park Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist.

Common to a number of sporty VWs is the adaptive chassis control (DCC) and progressive steering that alter vehicle drive ability based on the selected mode. This feature has become increasingly useful in recent years because owners want their vehicle to be the Jack-of-All-Trades.

The German automaker has yet to announce when production for the T-Roc will commence and has also chosen to keep mum on when we can begin to see these new VWs roll onto showroom floors. All we know at the moment is, that the T-Roc will be on public roads, eventually.

VW to build direct descendant of the original Bus

Fans of the original VW Bus can rejoice because the automaker has decided to put the I.D. Buzz concept, a vehicle that’s loosely based on the ever popular people mover, into production. According to a recent article on Road and Track, The German automaker has seen it fit to give the project the green light.

The vehicle will utilise VW’s modular platform for electric cars or MEB and like Tesla, will have its battery pack stored underneath its floorpan. Interior space is said to be revolutionary with Volkswagen touting total volume to be similar to that of an SUV.

This was achieved through the clever use of space as well as the ability of the rear seats to be moved and adjusted to suit the occupants needs. Volkswagen will also be offering this people carrier as a cargo van too, which should make it a favourite among delivery companies.

As far as styling is concerned, the I.D. Buzz bears more than just a passing resemblance to the original Bus because the German automaker probably intends on the former being a reincarntion of the latter.

It sports the same tubular design with maximum emphasis placed on passenger and cargo space. Though the original had a rear mounted air cooled engine, the new one may have a central motor or individually mounted wheel motors.

Like most of the current line-up, the I.D. Buzz should feature a whole host of safety tech from pedestrian warning to emergency city stop systems. In addition to these, is the ability to drive without human intervention. That’s right, VW will be outfitting the car with autonomous driving.

If all this has you excited and anxious for its impending release, we’ve got bad news for you. Reports say that VW will only begin building it as late as 2022, which is still quite a long way off. But that said, we are thrilled that VW will eventually get around to building this amazing vehicle.

Source: Road and Track