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The ID.R electric racing car and the new ID.3 will meet at the Essen Motor Show (30 November to 08 December 2019). The prototype for the racetrack and the large-scale production model for road use will be presented to the public in Hall 3 of the largest tuning fair in Europe. At first glance, the two electro pioneers represent two vehicle concepts that could hardly be more different. However, the ID.R, which has been setting records around the world since 2018, and the Volkswagen ID.3, which was presented for the first time in September, share more than just the electric drivetrain. The development of the ID.R and its appearances have provided valuable information for the series development of the ID. family. At the same time, production development supported the Volkswagen Motorsport team with know-how gained during large-scale production.

Common ground: Maximum efficiency

The development of both models focused on a shared philosophy: maximising the efficiency of the electric drivetrain to ensure optimum usage of available energy - on the racetrack and on the road. The objective for the ID.R, a racing car that operates at the absolute limit, was peak performance on defined routes, while the ID.3 production module requires the most efficient usage of battery capacity in everyday operation and the ability to achieve the greatest range possible. To develop the batteries, Volkswagen Motorsport worked with the laboratories that are also involved in researching the technology for the ID. product family. The cells are integrated into the vehicle floor in the ID.R and in the ID.3 - producing a low centre of gravity that has a positive effect on handling properties. There are also parallels to be found in the charging strategy – for external charging with a rapid charging system and also during brake energy recovery (recuperation) while the vehicle is in motion. One shared feature, which is clear to everyone, are the aero rims on both cars. These have been optimised specifically to improve the cw value. The 20-inch alloy wheels on the ID.3 not only improve aerodynamic efficiency, but their flatness also fits perfectly into the new design language of the ID. family.

Technology transfer between Volkswagen Motorsport and series production

“The entire development of the ID.R led to reciprocal technology transfer between Volkswagen Motorsport and series development,” explains Dr. Frank Welsch, Chief Development Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “This primarily concerned the field of electric drive, as well as technologies such as lightweight design and high-efficiency aerodynamics. For example, motorsport benefited from the production development know-how in building battery cells and handling high-voltage components in the vehicle. On the other hand, the production developers watched how the motorsport team dealt with rapid charging technology and the strategy it used to optimise energy deployment and recuperation while driving.”

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets adds: “We are proud to have supported the development of the ID. production models with the development of the ID.R and its record-breaking appearances. The spectacular performances of the ID.R have also prompted a significant increase in the popularity of the new ID. family and shown that electric cars are not just environmentally friendly, but also fast and fascinating.”

The new Golf will shortly come to market with a revolutionary cockpit that is clearer, neater, completely digitalised, and connected online, and that will make operating this bestseller more intuitive than ever.

The Digital Cockpit, which comes as standard, includes the instrument cluster, an infotainment system, and a multifunction steering wheel. Together, these form the first functional level, in which virtually all of the displays and controls are digital. Touch sliders enable quick and intuitive access to temperature and volume controls, while a touch island under the infotainment system also provides direct access to additional air conditioning functions, the assistance systems, and – depending on the equipment included – driving modes and parking assistants. In a second touch island, the light and vision functions have also been repositioned and brought together: the light, along with the windscreen and rear window heating, is now operated using a digital panel arranged higher up on the dashboard to the left of the instruments, even further improving the brand’s characteristic straightforward drive experience.

A high-end cockpit: the optional Innovision Cockpit is now also available in the Golf

It’s possible to enhance the digital driver’s workplace even further; in combination with the 10-inch Discover Pro top navigation system, the Innovision Cockpit offers an even larger range of functions. On request, a windscreen head-up display will be added to create the ideal cockpit, with information such as speed, navigation information, etc. being projected into the driver’s field of vision.

This advanced functionality is also evident in the centre console, which is now clearer than ever – particularly with the inclusion of the shift-by-wire gear knob for the automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which is significantly smaller than previously. The theme continues to flow across the new roof console, where operation has also been digitalised. Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof example (optional): just swipe your finger back or forward over a slider, to open and close the transparent roof. It doesn’t get any simpler or more logical than this.

Intuitive operation in the Golf01 can also be supported by new, natural voice control on request. The system is simply activated by saying “Hello Volkswagen” or pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The Golf reacts to intuitive voice commands such as “Take me home” (navigation) or “I’m cold” (automatic air conditioner). The new, digital microphones, mean that not only is voice recognition and voice quality (for phone calls) perfect, but they can also locate the person who is speaking (driver or front passenger) and respond accordingly, for example by identifying which interior zone’s temperature needs adjusting.

Digitalisation opens up the opportunity for each driver to adapt the Golf exactly to their own taste. The customised settings can be saved in the vehicle and in the cloud, so they are still available even with a change of driver or vehicle. These settings include (depending on the equipment included) the Digital Cockpit and Innovision Cockpit displays, the seat position, settings for exterior mirrors and air conditioning system, the practically stepless control of the ambient lighting (up to 30 colours) and the Coming Home and Leaving Home functions.

Connectivity via the cloud is enabled by an online connectivity unit (OCU) with an integrated eSIM, to which all infotainment systems in the Golf are coupled as standard. The OCU is also the interface with the ever-growing range of online-based functions and services from We Connect (with no time-related use restrictions as standard) and We Connect Plus (time-limited use is free of charge in Europe). In addition, the optional We Connect Fleet service has been developed for companies, for digital fleet management.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen’s T-Cross gets its most powerful engine yet. The compact SUV is now available to order with a 1.5-litre TSI with 110 kW/150 PS. The new power unit adds a unique, sporty option to the existing T-Cross engine range. Prices for the T-Cross with the new top-of-the-range engine start at €25,690 in Germany.

The T-Cross converts its power into traction both dynamically and efficiently to boast combined consumption figures of 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The new engine provides a maximum torque of 250 Nm between 1,500 to 3,500 rpm. The T-Cross accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. The most powerful power unit for the T-Cross is exclusively available with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).

The T-Cross – anything but small

For almost a year now, Volkswagen’s T-Cross SUV has been a highlight of the compact segment in the company’s model range. And this compact model is hugely versatile, be it in terms of more legroom for passengers or more space in the luggage compartment – the rear seat bench can be moved by 14 centimetres so any plan can be put into action with no hassle. This expands the loading volume of the small SUV from 385 to 455 litres and, if you completely fold down the rear seat backrest, even up to 1,281 litres.

And the T-Cross is well connected too. It features wireless charging so you can keep your phone fully charged without the need for any cables. You can use the four USB ports (two up front, two in the rear) to connect your smartphone to the car with ease. The optional digital cockpit featuring a latest-generation, eight-inch Infotainment touchscreen and Active Info Display sets new standards in connectivity.

The T-Cross also comes with a range of assist systems which were previously reserved for higher vehicle categories. Standard features include “Front Assist” Autonomous Emergency Braking with “Pedestrian Monitoring” and City Emergency Braking System, the “Lane Assist” lane keeping system, Hill Start Assist as well as the “Blind Spot” Monitor lane change system which warns the driver about vehicles located in the blind spot, with integrated Rear Traffic Alert. 

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The Volkswagen Touareg has once again enjoyed success at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s annual Towcar of the Year Awards, triumphing in its category at the club’s prestigious event.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club tested the Touareg in 3.0-litre V6 TDI 286 PS R-Line Tech guise, equipped with the power folding towbar as well as Volkswagen’s critically-acclaimed Trailer Assist system, which takes the stress out of reversing when hitched up.Volkswagen’s luxury SUV won its award for the second year running, with the Touareg pulling home the award in the ‘Caravan Weight over 1,700 kg’ category – the heaviest category in contention. The judging panel praised the Touareg’s smooth and powerful diesel engine, labelling it “nothing short of outstanding”, while further applauding the SUV’s stability when towing.

The brand is no stranger to success at the Towcar of the Year Awards – at last year’s 2019 awards event, the Touareg won the same title, while the Polo won the lightest, ‘1,100 kg or lighter’ category. In the previous year, the Golf Alltrack won its ‘£30,000 - £33,000’ price category, while in the 2017 awards, the Passat Alltrack won the overall title of ‘Towcar of the Year’, in addition to its ‘£32,000 - £35,000’ price and ‘All-wheel drive under 1,800 kg’ categories. The Passat and Touareg also won their respective categories in the 2016 event.

The judging panel said: “The boot offers 810 litres of very usable space and, even with all the equipment nicely stowed, there was still plenty of room under the load cover. The large Volkswagen was praised for its level attitude when hitched and the ease with which mirrors and electrics were attached. And with an exceedingly generous noseweight limit of 140 kg, this car really does have everything going for it.”

Brian Luckie, Product Manager for the Touareg Volkswagen UK, said: “With another big win at the Caravan Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards, Volkswagen has proven once again that its hallmark quality ownership experience doesn’t just end at the rear bumper.

“The fact that the Touareg has won for the second year running demonstrates its huge list of strengths in an ever more competitive segment, and solidifies its reputation as a hugely capable all-rounder, as well as a class-leading towing choice.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk