Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Night Owls Volkswagen Lead From The Off In Wales

  Ogier first, Latvala third – Volkswagen opened its account at the Rally Great Britain in impressive fashion. The Wolfsburg-based manufacturer won two of the first three stages, which were held in the pitch-black Welsh night. Newly-crowned World Rally Champions* Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) were responsible for the two stage wins and lead the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) after 25 kilometres of the 300-kilometre rally. Their team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) are third overall after a hat-trick of top-three times, while the third Polo R WRC pairing of Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (N/FIN) are also in touch with the leaders in sixth place.The opening three stages of the Rally Great Britain demanded perfect interaction between driver and co-driver. As all three stages through the Welsh forests – 'Gwydyr', 'Penmachno' and 'Clocaenog' – had not featured on the route for the past two years, accurate pace notes were the key to success in the dark on Thursday evening. 

Quotes after day one of the Rally Great BritainJari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7

 'After qualifying, I opted to start first – and this decision appears to have been the right one. I was able to match the pace of Sébastien Ogier and Thierry Neuville, who had decided to start later. The three of us at the front of the field have been involved in a really close tussle so far. The night stages were quite tricky: sections with good grip alternated with some very slippery spots. Finding the right rhythm for these conditions and pacing yourself intelligently is the key to being successful here in Great Britain. The first two stages went really well for us, but it was a bit more slippery on the third. Despite this, I think starting first will still be a good decision come tomorrow.' 

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8

'A great start to the Rally Great Britain for us. It didn't take me long to find my rhythm after qualifying. Whatever happens here, I can take a very relaxed approach. The Rally Great Britain is not normally one of my favourites. It is very easy to make a mistake and crash out. For this reason, it is particularly important to adopt the mindset that the rally is not over until the very last stage. It was not easy in the dark today, and it is extremely slippery on the muddy gravel roads. The coming days will definitely be a real challenge – particularly on Saturday and Sunday, when we are on the road all day without a midday service. This puts a lot of strain on the car and tyres.' 

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9

'For me, the start of the Rally Great Britain is like returning home. This is where I started my career. I really like the countryside in Wales and feel right at home here. However, the conditions are also particularly difficult and I must adapt my driving style in the Polo R WRC to suit the slippery sections. I love night stages and they are quite simply a fantastic experience in a World Rally Car. I am happy with the start I have made here in Wales, although I did pack too much information into my pace notes. This resulted in me losing time, particularly on the second stage. However, I am already looking forward to the next three days of rallying.' 

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

'Any team always like to get off to a good start at a rally. And we made almost the perfect start today thanks to impressive performances from Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala. Sébastien and Jari-Matti both showed their class with first and third places in particularly testing conditions and on slippery surfaces. Over the next few days, we will see an exciting battle develop between them and the drivers from Citroën and Ford for victory at the final rally of the season. As a rally fan, you cannot ask for more than that.' 

And then there were ......

 Nikolaus and the ferrets. The low-pressure area that subjected the opening day of the Rally Wales to extremely volatile weather, with driving rain and strong gusts, goes by the name of Nikolaus. For this reason, the Volkswagen Team's winter parkas have made their first appearance since the Rally Sweden. With their fur collars, these are lovingly known by the team as their 'ferrets'.

Rally Great BritainJari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7

Even the fog and mud could not stop Volkswagen in Wales. Nine special stages, seven stage wins, and two Polo R WRCs out in front: the Manufacturers' World Champions* remain on track to bring the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) to a successful conclusion. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) extended their overall lead on day two of the Rally Great Britain, with team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) their closest rivals. The World Champions* take a lead of 20.1 seconds into the third day on Saturday. With 160.81 of the 311.15 kilometres of special stage behind them, Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula (N/FIN) find themselves well placed in sixth overall in the third World Rally Car from Wolfsburg.Day two of the Rally Great Britain could best be described as 'typically Welsh'. The 'Hafren', 'Sweet Lamb' and 'Myherin' stages, each of which was run twice on Friday, were characterised by deep puddles, a whole lot of mud and temperatures approaching freezing point. The Volkswagen drivers were on top form in these testing conditions: Ogier/Ingrassia won four of the six stages, with Latvala/Anttila adding a fifth. Volkswagen even completed a clean sweep the second time the drivers tackled the 'Hafren' stage, with the three works duos finishing first, second and third.

 

Quotes after day two of the Rally Great BritainJari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #7 

'It was not very easy to judge the surface conditions. Some places we thought would be slippery actually offered good levels of grip, while quite the opposite was true of other spots. As the first car out onto the route, we did not have any braking marks to use as orientation. As such, it was difficult to find a good rhythm right from the word go. I lost a little time here and there, but hope to be able to push hard again tomorrow morning. We are only halfway through, so a lot can still happen.

 

'Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #8

 

 'It is another typical Rally Great Britain, that much is certain. You can easily make a mistake and find yourself flying off the road. I have experienced that often enough in the past. The conditions are difficult, particularly on the 'Myherin' stage, where the grip level changed so often. For this reason, we did not risk everything all the time. Even I was surprised by my time this morning – fortunately it was a nice surprise. There was a great atmosphere on 'Sweet Lamb', and I'm sure the many spectators there were having great fun. You can see almost the entire route, which features a lot of spectacular jumps and the water crossing.

 

'Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9'

 

All in all it was a good day for us. The conditions were not easy today, as the special stages were very slippery. I struggled with understeer and had to work really hard with the handbrake to keep the car on track. That obviously cost time here and there. However, we couldn't quite match the absolute best times – even on those stages, on which we were clean, quick and error-free. Messieurs Latvala and Ogier are quite simply doing a fantastic and impressive job at the moment. Respect.' 

 

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

 

 'A fantastic day for Volkswagen. To be first, second and sixth about halfway through such a demanding rally as the one here in Wales is a stunning team result. Sébastien Ogier was once again outstanding today, and produced another master class. However, Jari-Matti Latvala was right up there with his team-mate and also consistently clocked really quick times. And Andreas Mikkelsen is also well placed. All in all, I am proud of our guys. We are looking forward to the next couple of days, during which the new start order – based on the overall standings – will add a bit of extra spice, with the best drivers starting at the back of the WRC field tomorrow.' 

 

And then there was ...... the first heavy braking manoeuvre of the day. At 05:57 on Friday morning, the Volkswagen van transferring the Volkswagen drivers and co-drivers from the hotel to the Service Park was forced to make an unscheduled stop. World Champion* co-driver Julien Ingrassia had suddenly realised he was minus a very important piece of equipment: his pace notes for day two of the rally. Having woken at the crack of dawn, 'Juju' had mistakenly packed the pace notes for one of the other days. Without further ado, Ingrassia climbed into the second car, carrying the medical team, and headed back to pick up the correct pace notes while his team-mates continued on to the Service Park. It goes without saying that all three Volkswagen pairings were ready and waiting come start time. 

* Subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA.

 

Source: Conceptcarz.com

Volkswagen Shows Crossblue Coupe Concept At Auto Show

  Five-seat SUV concept is based off the new MQB architecture and features a plug-in V6 gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain• Concept features dramatic new interpretation of Volkswagen design DNA
• 415-horsepower gasoline-hybrid concept is capable of 70 MPGe
• The vehicle can travel up to 13 miles as an EV
• Top speed of 147 mph; 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds
Los Angeles, November 2013 — Volkswagen is giving a spectacular glimpse at the future and at a new era of SUV design with the U.S. debut of the CrossBlue Coupé concept at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.  Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, says: 'The disproportionate growth in the SUV segment gives designers the opportunity to implement an even greater diversification of models. The CrossBlue Coupé shows the potential of our Volkswagen design DNA and will undoubtedly have an influence on future SUV models.'The CrossBlue Coupé has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that is as fuel-efficient as it is sporty. A turbocharged direct-injection (TSI) V6 gasoline engine works together with two electric motors to produce as much as 415 horsepower. This SUV can thus perform like a sports car, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph.Despite its impressive performance, the CrossBlue Coupé has a manufacturer estimated combined fuel consumption of 70 MPGe. In hybrid mode, it allows for a theoretical range of around 570 miles.The CrossBlue Coupé can be driven as a zero emissions EV for up to 13 miles at a maximum speed of 75 mph: to intentionally use this eco-friendly mode in urban areas, the driver simply pushes a button. The concept vehicle is based off the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) and could, if it were produced, be fitted with conventional four- and six-cylinder engines running on a variety of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and CNG. Equipped with five comfortable seats and a spacious trunk, the CrossBlue Coupé definitely belongs to the SUV avant-garde.Dynamic exterior designThe CrossBlue Coupé is exactly 192.5 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and 66.1 inches high. The vehicle thus has a confident, low slung, and four-square stance that is enhanced by the wide tracks (67.3 inches at the front, 68.0 inches at the back), the relatively long 117.3-inch wheelbase, and large 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that are shod with 285/40 tires that were specially designed for the concept car.Sporty side profile. The concept features a long and broad hood, a very short frontal overhang, and a long roofline. The concept's sporty stance is further improved by a very short A-pillar and a very 'fast' (swept back) C-pillar, as well as a distinctive character line. The designers have combined a dominant line—one that starts in the upper area of the rear lights and runs at the height of the door handles—with a second line that begins beneath the rear lights and ends in the front fender. The space between the two lines narrows towards the front and ends beneath the A-pillar in a stylized chrome air outlet. These lines significantly reduce the SUV's visual center of gravity.The 22-inch polished aluminum-alloy wheels also feature a new design, with five V-shaped dual spokes that have a matte finish on their inner surfaces. Five trim pieces that are painted in the 'CrossOrange Metallic' body color surround the central VW badge, presenting yet another design element.Despite the dynamic styling, practicality is central to this vehicle's mission.

An example is the way that the doors open wide for optimal entry and egress, as well as extending down into the sill area. The ports for the gas tank and battery were uniformly integrated into the design of the CrossBlue Coupé. The fuel filler neck is located under a lid on the right side of the vehicle, with the electrical outlet cover opposite it on the left side. This consists of one socket for charging the high-voltage battery and another for connecting electric devices; this 230V/16A interface allows the CrossBlue Coupé to act as an emergency generator.3D Front End. A key element of Volkswagen design DNA is the predominance of horizontal lines. The front end of the CrossBlue Coupé follows this to perfection, yet the designers have created a new layout by integrating the lighting architecture into the grille area. The key elements of the front-end design are the free-standing LED headlights, LED light signature, and radiator grille trim.The radiator grille trim, consisting of two polished aluminum struts and the VW logo, is now a 3D element extending into the headlights. The lateral ends of the upper strut are used for the Daytime Running Lights, creating a unique and very special 'eyebrow' light signature. Meanwhile, the lower cross strut is a pure aluminum element that extends from beneath the free-standing LED headlights into the fenders. The entire grille unit is surrounded by a high-gloss black frame. The lines of the LED light signature extend into the lower area of the bumper, bordering the side intakes and the central radiator inlet. Skidplates are fitted under the bumper to protect the underbody.Exclusive rear section. As with the front end, the designers sculpted a 3D look, again using aluminum elements. The upper area of the rear lights extends from the center of the trunklid right into the fenders, carrying the side character line into the rear of the vehicle. The rear lights are highlighted by an aluminum strip, under which two more lighting elements are integrated on each side.The prominent stainless-steel tailpipes are integrated into a polished aluminum trim panel that runs horizontally. The rugged looking anthracite-colored area on the lower edge of the rear bumper is repeated on the front bumper, on the sills, and on the wheelarch trim, giving another styling feature that runs around the entire vehicle. As at the front of the car, there are skidplates integrated into this anthracite-colored piece.High-tech interiorAn especially prominent feature of the elegant and clean interior is a horizontal dashboard graphic that extends into the side door trims. Upscale materials abound in the cabin: velvety soft Nappa leather in 'Anthracite Pearl' and 'Asphalto'; chrome surfaces that are polished on top and sandblasted in a matte finish on their chamfered edges; dark aluminum; naturally-treated wood accents; and 'Graphite' colored Alcantara® for the roof pillars and headliner.

Two-color configurable ambient lighting is matched to the vehicle drive mode: in 'Eco', it matches the 'CrossOrange' exterior paint and switches to red in 'Sport'. The interplay of forms, colors, and materials makes a typically masculine SUV statement, combined with an urbane ambience.At the very top, the dashboard is framed by 'Anthracite Pearl' colored leather with dark contrasting seams. Below it, a dark aluminum panel integrates the central 10.1-inch infotainment display, air vents, and 12.3-inch instrument screen display. There is a delicate chrome strip on the center of this panel, with chrome surrounds on the air vents and screens.On the next level down, an anthracite-colored spruce wood inlay extends into the door panels as well as down the center console. Below the wood inlay, there are panels covered in lighter 'Asphalto' Nappa leather, with the ambient lighting running in a narrow line between the wood and leather on the dashboard.Five comfortable seats. The seats are also upholstered in elegant Nappa leather. The individual seat panels are designed in either the dark 'Anthracite Pearl' or the contrasting 'Asphalto'. The shading visually emphasizes the sculpting of the seats themselves. The rear bench seat offers fore-and-aft adjustment, three backrest positions, and folds in a two-thirds/one-third fashion.The car comes to life. As soon as the driver's door is opened, the controls come to life. When the 'Engine' (start) button is pressed, the switches for the climate control and headlights instantly lift from rest. At the same time, all of the display layouts appear on the monitors and the ambient lighting is activated.The uppermost level of the center console contains the buttons for the seat heaters and air circulation as well as the hazard lights switch. Beneath these, there are three knobs for the four-zone climate control: the left and right ones control the temperature, and the middle knob adjusts the fan level.Arranged conveniently on the right side, next to the shift lever grip, are the buttons for ESC deactivation (used when driving in deep snow, for example) and for the drive modes:

'Sport', 'Eco', 'Offroad', 'Charge', and 'EV' (electric driving). The shifter for the six-speed transmission has very short throws, thanks to a new drive-by-wire logic. Like a joystick, the lever continually returns to its middle position; the 'D', 'R' and 'N' positions are activated by a short flick and 'P' by a separate pushbutton that is integrated in the lever.Infotainment touchscreen. The central 10.1-inch touchscreen has proximity sensors and is used to control all the infotainment and entertainment functions, as well as to access the status of the hybrid system. The type of representation changes according to the driving mode. For instance, when the 'Sport' mode is selected, buildings that are shown in the navigation display are 'suppressed' in the 3D map representation, receding for a clearer and less busy image during fast driving. On the other hand, an animated 3D representation is shown in the 'Eco' mode, in which buildings rise up on the horizon like the structures in the movie Inception.Programmable instrument cluster. The instrument cluster is designed with analog gauges but is underpinned by user programmable software. The type of information changes between the 'Eco' and 'Sport' modes. In 'Eco' mode, the 'Powermeter' and battery status are two of the items shown in the left gauge, while the right-hand one displays speed and fuel level. The center dial is used to access functions such as gear selection, driving range, date and time, the weather, and navigation functionality such as distance to destination and points of interest. In 'Sport' mode, the left-hand instrument shows the tachometer and displays torque and battery status at its center.A mobile mini iPad® has been integrated in each of the head restraints of the first seating row, so that passengers in the rear seats can also fully enjoy the audio, video, and online programs. Meanwhile, a Dynaudio® sound system delivers crystal-clear audio.Sophisticated drive technologyThe CrossBlue Coupé is based on Volkswagen AG's new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). While certain aspects of the MQB vehicles, such as the orientation of all the engines, are uniform, there is considerable scope for variation in dimensions such as the wheelbase and track widths. All new MQB models are designed so that they can be built with natural gas, hybrid, or electric powertrains as well as diesel or gasoline engines.In this concept car, the following mechanical elements are featured: the MQB front suspension and four-link rear suspension; electro-mechanical MQB steering; a 295-horsepower EA390-series V6 TSI engine; and a six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The vehicle's electrical architecture includes a lithium-ion battery mounted in the center tunnel as well as a pair of electric motors: 54 hp at the front and 114 hp at the back.The innovative plug-in hybrid system enables the vehicle to achieve a manufacturer estimated 70 MPGe, yet the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 147 mph. The V6 engine develops 369 pound-feet of torque from as low as 1800 rpm, a figure that is boosted to 516 lb-ft when the two electric motors are engaged.Zero emissions whenever possible. The default drive program is 'Eco' or hybrid mode; it optimally manages use of the drive sources. The electric motors are used for propulsive power as often as possible in this case. The driver can switch to the Sport mode by pressing a button; in this case, the vehicle exploits the maximum power of the drive system. There is also an Offroad mode (permanent all-wheel drive), EV mode (driving with zero emissions), and a Charge mode (battery charging).EV mode. Powered by its lithium-ion battery, the CrossBlue Coupé can cover a distance of up to 13 miles in pure electric mode; top speed is limited to 75 mph. In EV mode, only the 114-hp rear electric motor provides propulsion.

In all-electric driving, the V6 TSI engine is decoupled from the drivetrain by opening the clutch, and the engine is shut off. As soon as there is a need for gasoline power—because of the battery charge or other parameters—it is coupled to the drivetrain again, jolt-free, within fractions of a second.In all-electric driving, the electric motors are supplied with energy from the eight-module9.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that is housed in the center tunnel. The power electronics unit—integrated in the engine compartment and operating at around 375 volts—manages the flow of high-voltage energy to and from the battery and the electric motors. Meanwhile, a DC/DC converter supplies the body electrical system with the 12-volt electrical power it requires. The electric drive system does not impose any limitations on interior space whatsoever. The battery can be charged either by external power sources (230-volt connections) or while driving.Charging: The driver can intentionally switch over to a charging mode by pressing another button on the center console. The TSI engine charges the battery while driving in order to store enough electrical energy for EV operation later in the journey—for instance, in an urban area.There are also a number of other specific modes that automatically come into play, depending on the circumstances.Coasting: As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the engine and electric motors are decoupled from the drivetrain and the engine is shut off, provided that the battery is sufficiently charged. This is referred to as 'coasting.' No emissions are generated.Battery regeneration: Whenever the driver releases the accelerator pedal or applies the brakes, and the battery is insufficiently charged, the two electric motors act as generators and feed energy recovered from the brakes into the lithium-ion battery. In this case, the TSI engine is also shut off and decoupled from the drivetrain to ensure maximum regeneration.Boosting: When very sporty performance is required, the electric motors form an alliance with the TSI engine known as 'boosting': in this mode, all four wheels are driven.Offroad ('propshaft by wire'): All four wheels are also driven whenever Offroad mode is intentionally activated. In this case, however, the front electric motor—which is now supplied with energy by the TSI engine—operates exclusively as a generator and a power source for the electric motor at the rear. Since the energy for driving the rear wheels is electrical rather than mechanical, this is referred to as 'propshaft by wire'. Because the TSI engine drives the front wheels in off­road mode, the four-wheel-drive system is still operational even when the battery doesn't have much charge.About Volkswagen of America, Inc.Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.

VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 630 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com

Volkswagen Shows New Twin Up XL1

Volkswagen introduced the XL1, the world's most fuel-efficient production car, to the streets in 2013. This plug-in diesel hybrid for two people is being produced in a limited volume and has a European combined fuel consumption figure of 261 mpg as well as a carbonfiber body and chassis.

Now, Europe's largest carmaker is applying the experience it gained from this technological showpiece and is applying it to a high-volume production vehicle. Volkswagen is presenting this new car at the Tokyo Motor Show: a plug-in hybrid version of the up!, called the twin up! concept car. This four-seater shares certain parts of its drive system with the XL1—including its diesel engine, electric motor, and DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Source: Conceptcarz.com

2013 Volkswagen Design Vision GTI

At the 2013 Wörthersee Tour event Volkswagen is unveiling a Golf GTI Concept with a design that adopts all the GTI trademark styling cues taking them to the extreme.



Source: Internet

2013 Volkswagen Amarok Power-Pickup

At the 2013 Wörthersee Tour Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has presented the Amarok Power-Pickup, a concept based on the Amarok single cab and designed as a rolling workshop.









Source: carstyling.ru