Rally – Grand Junction with Volkswagen Crash

Volkswagen unveiled its Passat CC “four-door coupe” for 2009 and beyond. Like the Mercedes-Benz CLS which sparked this emerging segment, the Passat CC seats four, providing easier access to the rear seats than a two-door coupe.
(Click here to use Leftlane’s Price Quote Form to get Volkswagen CC pricing information from a trusted local dealer. Zero obligation)
The car is over an inch longer and 1.5 inches wider than the Passat sedan. Its overall height is over two inches lower, most of which has been subtracted from the car’s roofline to create a much sleeker appearance.
Newly developed for the Passat CC is an electrically actuated Panorama sunroof, which provides a large glass area over the entire front half of the roof.
Both the front and rear seats have been improved for comfort, with the driver and passenger seats gaining active ventilation for heating and cooling.

Engines

Two engine choices are available to U.S. buyers. The first is a 2.0-liter TSI diesel delivering 200 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 206 pound-feet of torque starting from 1800 rpm. with this motor, VW says the Passat CC is capable of reaching 62 mph in 7.6 seconds.
The more powerful engine is a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 FSI, offering 300 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes 6.6 seconds.
The Passat CC 3.6 V6 FSI is offered with full-time 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard equipment. The European version is offered with a DSG dual-clutch transmission, while the North American edition is only available with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic.

Dynamic Drive Control

The CC features VW’s Dynamic Drive Control adjustable suspension that offers “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort” modes. Starting with one of those three basic settings, the suspension constantly adapts to the roadway and the driving situation. DDC also reacts to acceleration, braking and steering inputs.

Lane Assist and Automatic Distance Control

Like many cars on the market today, the Passat CC features a radar-based cruise control system to regulate the distance from cars ahead. “ACC Automatic Distance Control” automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range input by the car driver beforehand.

Another high-tech feature includes the new “Lane Assist” technology, which will automatically (and gently) steer the car back into its lane if it starts to drift out slightly. As long as the driver does not deactivate the system, Lane Assist starts at 40 mph.
It works by detecting lane markings via a camera in the vicinity of the inside mirror or rain sensor. It does not matter whether the lines are continuous or broken as in the case of a center stripe. “Lane Assist” also operates in darkness or fog.

As soon as the system indicates that the car is leaving the ideal line, “Lane Assist” counters by softly steering in the opposite direction.
If drivers take their hands off the steering wheel completely, the system detects this and issues a warning, both acoustic and by vibration, to request that the driver resume control, and then the system switches itself off.
The driver can “override” the “Lane Assist” steering with very little force. The lane keeping assistant does not react when the driver activates the turn signal before crossing over a lane marker.

The Volkswagen Ego is a sporty two-seater. Our definition of driving fun: a car that doesn’t just fit in with the driver and traffic conditions, but also considers the needs of the environment. It will have multitude of sensors that will permanently scan the vehicle surroundings. In addition to radar sensors, there will also be cameras, laser and ultrasound sensors that supply a specific image of the vehicle surroundings.

The Volkswagen One is the ideal car for people with an active, urban lifestyle. With its flexible chassis design, it fits into every parking space and joins together with other ones to form trains during rush hour that can be steered automatically past every traffic jam.

The Volkswagen Room is a car for the whole family. Contains assistants and a manager to support you. Driving assitance systems, intelligent traffic management systems and expanded navigation software can take over driving for you in a certain situations. For example when you’re on the motorway, the car positions itself automatically in the traffic, plans lane and speed changes jointly with other road users and brakes until stationary in emergencies.

Take a look for yourself, and let your voice be heard at www.volkswagen2028.com

The Volkswagen GX3 was a concept car created by Volkswagen. The GX3 was first shown at the 2006 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. It was considered a very unusual concept since it was three-wheeled and sometimes considered more of a motorcycle concept than a concept car.

The design of the GX3 was atypical, with the fact that it used a front double wishbone suspension. The GX3 was made out of a tubular steel spaceframe and laminated body panels. The exterior design was one of a kind, with it being a two-seat, three-wheeled vehicle. It lacked a roof or windshield, and was intended mainly for fair-weather environments, as a “weekend car”. The design of the interior was very minimalist and entirely functional.

There was considerable speculation as to possible production of the GX3; Volkswagen fueled this with the announcement that production would depend on the public reaction to the concept. However, in spite of the energetic and overwhelmingly positive public response to the concept, and intensive chassis development by Lotus Cars for production, Volkswagen later concluded that it would not be able to sell the GX3 without costly and complex redesigns that would alienate VW’s target market and increase price above the proposed US$17,000 base price. The company cited possible safety issues that could lead to product-liability lawsuits and decided that the legal concerns made production as-is impossible.

Pure affordable performance: Crossover between sports car and motorcycle. It only takes 5.7 seconds to go from 0-62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the fuel consumption in the city is estimated to be 46 mpg (5.2 l/100 km). GX3 was conceived for the U.S. by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Center in California.
Three wheels, two seats, and off you go in the carpool lane

Wolfsburg / Los Angeles, 4 January 2006. In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen presents the GX3 – a completely new type of motorcycle. The GX3 was conceived by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Center in California, exclusively with the U.S. in mind, to bring an exciting idea to a fully functioning concept. With its three wheels and unique design, this Volkswagen opens up a new driving dimension.

What if you could carve up the back roads and cruise solo in the carpool lane?

A motorcycle with VW features: Light, fast, and environmentally friendly, the GX3 shows that conceptually it is much closer to a motorcycle than to a classic type automobile. This two-seater Volkswagen is one of a kind – bold, young, and affordable. It opens a new driving dimension, turns even the daily commute to work into a small trip to freedom, allows you to cruise in the carpool lane, even if you’re driving solo (the GX3 is a motorcycle, after all!) and with its keen handling it opens up completely new horizons for recreational driving.

What if performance were affordable?

Amazing dynamics for less than $ 17,000: The GX3 will be driven by a VW 1.6 liter engine. The four-cylinder delivers 92 kW / 125 hp. So far, so good. However, the GX3 is a pure driving machine, a motorcycle with two seats positioned side-by-side. And that’s why you can find 125 hp and 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) in a mere 1,257 lbs (570 kg) Volkswagen. This results in a power-to-weight ratio of 10 lbs/hp (4.56 kg/PS). In just 5.7 seconds, the GX3 can reach a speed of 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the possible lateral acceleration reaches 1.25g – values typical of sheer performance cars but delivered from a vehicle under the $17,000 price range. No comparable sports machine in the world, however, can come even close to the low fuel consumption of the GX3: 46 mpg (5.2 l/100 km). Fact is: a production counterpart of the GX3, could be on the market very soon. It all depends on the American driver’s feedback.

Tradition of the exceptional: Conceptually and visually the Volkswagen GX3 differs from anything currently on the roads in the U.S. And that’s a tradition at Volkswagen. It was with exceptional and unique products – today all of them legends – that Volkswagen propelled itself to the top in the USA during the 50’s and 60’s. Whether the Beetle, the Thing (Type 181), or the Microbus, all were the cult cars of their time and still are. In 2006, with the GX3, Volkswagen once again presents something totally unexpected and exceptional, a VW in every sense. VW – Being different.

Moonraker: The GX3 was designed in close collaboration between VW’s Design Center California (DCC) and an international, cross-functional group of young engineers, designers, manufacturing and marketing experts, also based in California. The team started its work in the US in early 2005. The job: To convert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers into mobility. The goal: highest possible customer satisfaction. Background: In addition to the models developed in Germany and sold in the US, in the future Volkswagen will be building more models catering especially to the needs and requirements of U.S. customers. One of the most dramatic and tangible early results: the GX3. Responsible for the design of the new Volkswagen is the Volkswagen Design Studio in Santa Monica. The team there will be working in the future in close cooperation with the product strategy staffs in the U.S. The GX3 offers a look into the exciting and comprehensive spectrum of totally new motor vehicles which are currently being conceptualized by Volkswagen of America for the US market.

What if authenticity had a radical edge?

Design dynamics: The focus for Volkswagen’s design team in California was to create a quintessential and pure driving machine. Inspired by the minimalist design language often expressed in contemporary GP motorcycles and F1 race cars, the GX3 has a true feeling of authenticity. These influences are seen throughout the exterior with an exposed single sided swing arm, aggressive central exhaust, open front wheels and stealthy matte finishes. The progressive dynamic on the GX3 is emphasized with a strong graphic dividing the body as it wraps up to the aggressive forward leaning roll hoops. Anodized gold and black suspension components and LED lighting are further examples of track inspired designs.

The GX3 interior is all about business with nothing to distract from the absolute driving experience. The driver’s cockpit is equipped with five point racing harnesses; ‘moto’ style instruments and a GTI inspired stainless shifter. Most distinctly, the rear boasts a massive single 18′x12′ back wheel dressed with a 315 rubber. The front end proudly displays a bold V graphic consistent with Volkswagen’s vehicle lineup, most notably the GTI. The GX3 in no way denies that it is a motorcycle, but rather plays it up as a unique design advantage.

Space-Frame: The basic structure of this driving machine is formed by a high-density, warp-resistant, steel construction space frame. The paneling of the interior and exterior parts of the space frame is made of high density fiberglass. A 2.83 tf3 (80 liters) trunk is located behind the seats.

What if driving was redefined?

Advanced chassis: The 215/45 R17×8J front wheels are controlled by a double lateral steering axle. While the front axle resembles the layout of an automobile, the rear axle shows more parallels to a motorcycle. The right side of the vehicle also makes use of a monoswing arm. The engine’s power is delivered via 6-speed transmission and chain drive to the rear wheel, which has a tire size of 315/30 R18×12J – a new super bike dimension. And that suits the GX3. A Volkswagen that breaks away from the conventions and that redefines driving fun and freedom of mobility. Drivers wanted. Seriously!

Body
Body framing – Tubular steel frame, laminated body panels
Length – 147.8 in (3,753 mm)
Width – 72.8 in (1,850 mm)
Height – 47.6 in (1,210 mm)
Track – 64.2 in (1,630 mm)
Wheelbase – 106.3 (2,700 mm)
Ground clearance – 5.1 in (130 mm) empty, 3.5 in (90 mm) fully loaded
Weight – approx. 1257 lbs (570 kg) w/o driver
Weight distribution – 59 : 41 (front : rear)
Rollover protection – Aluminum, mounted on frame
Luggage compartment – 80 liters (behind the seats)

Engine
Type of engine / Installation position – 1.6l / 4 cyl./ rear transversal mounted
Power – 125 hp (125 PS/92 kW) @ 6.500 rpm
Torque – 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) @ 3.000 rpm
Power/Weight-Ratio – 10 lbs/hp (4.56 kg/PS)
Fuel mileage – 46 mpg (5,2l/100km)

Power transmission
Gearbox – Six-speed manual
Drive concept – Chain drive to rear wheel

Running gear
Front axle – Double wishbone, coil-over-dampener
Rear axle – Aluminum mono swingarm, coil-over-dampener
Front tires – 215/45 R17×8J
Rear tire – 315/30 R18×12J

Performance
0-62.5 mph / 0-100 km/h – 5.7 s
Lateral acceleration – 1.25g
Top Track Speed – 125 mph (200 km/h)

Proof that Germans do indeed have a sense of humour. The Golf GTI W12 concept has a mid-mounted 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged Bentley engine, rear wheel drive and 642 bhp. That translates into a claimed 202 mph top speed and a 3.7 second 0-62 mph time: and that’s with the engine restricted to just half its full torque output in first gear.

Of course, Volkswagen has no plans to put something so barking mad into production – the W12 was built as a “design study” and has been wowing the crowds at various events, including GTI International in Leicestershire earlier in the year. But unlike most pampered concept cars, which are designed to do nothing more than rotate slowly on a motorshow stand, the Golf is fully driveable. Better than that, it’s even road legal, although the €1,000,000 it cost to build this one-off means that we were invited to test it in the slightly quieter environment of an abandoned ex-Soviet airbase in eastern Germany.

The biggest visual difference is the flared bodywork – the Golf being about six inches wider than the standard car. And it’s not just for show, either – not only do the pumped-up wings give the room necessary for monster 19 inch rims and 295 profile tyres to fit under the arches, they also house some of the most extreme air intakes this side of a jet fighter.

The most impressive cooling / intake ducts are those built into the rear windows, which are cleverly faired in at the back to allow air to get into the separate sealed compartment for the vast engine, with another scoop on the roof helping out too. The car hasn’t been run at anything like it’s theoretical 202 mph top speed (we managed about 100 mph before having to brake, which isn’t too bad), but the various underbody aero mods mean that it should stay stable at mega-speeds.

Not that the driver is likely to. The cockpit has been beautifully trimmed and features extra switchgear and some supplementary instruments – but in deference to the car’s status as a show car, there’s no air conditioning. And with the temperature hovering around 40 degrees Celcius and the heat put out by the engine baking the back of the cockpit bulkhead, getting into the W12 is a bit like climbing into a pre-heated oven.

To a large extent, yes. Not only has the W12 been screwed together properly, it’s also possible to drive it impressively hard for something so rare-groove.

Components have come from all over the Volkswagen group. The front discs are from an Audi RS4, the rear axle comes courtesy of a Lamborghini Gallardo and the twin-turbocharged 6.0 litre W12 engine is direct from a Bentley Continental. Transmission has been donated by a kindly VW Phaeton, with a six-speed autobox called into service as the only gearbox within the group capable of handling the engine’s torque.

In deference to the need to increase life expectancy of the rear tyres, the design team opted to limit the engine to just 50 percent of maximum torque in first and second gears. Hardly a disaster – it’s still got 222 lb/ft with the restriction in place. Basic Newtonian physics ensures the acceleration is always going to be impressive, but the autobox’s slight delay in responding to a full-throttle start means it manages to feel even quicker, launching with the sort of lunge normally only experienced by fighter jet pilots a couple of hundredths of a second after pulling the “eject” lever.

But it’s once you get into third gear, with the engine’s full torque available, things start to get a bit silly – the W12 feels more than up to seeing off almost any of the current crop of supercars on straight-line performance. There’s no doubt that, given a long enough straight, and a brave enough driver, that 202 mph top speed would be alarmingly easy to achieve.

Perhaps more surprisingly, the W12 also manages to put up a credible performance through the corners, too. Memories of the last time a manufacturer did something similar, Renault’s mostly-inexplicable decision to put a mid-mounted V6 engine into the previous generation Clio, mean that expectations weren’t particularly high in this regard. The Clio was a car that could spin faster than a Government press officer sitting on top of a roulette wheel, its short wheelbase and lack of steering lock making it alarmingly easy to exit into the scenery backwards.

Yet the Golf is far better – accurate steering, decent amounts of grip and even the ability to transgress the limits slightly without finding yourself sliding towards point “X” on the accident form. It certainly needs to be treated with a fair measure of respect – but this is definitely the best-driving show car we’ve experienced so far.

Specification

Make and model:
Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 Design Study
On sale in the UK: n/a
Price: €1,000,000
Engine: twin-turbocharged 5998 W12.
Power: 642 bhp at 6000 rpm
Torque: 553 lb/fty at 4500 rpm.
Top speed: 202 mph
0-62 mph: 3.7 seconds.
Economy: n/a
CO2: n/a

The prototype consumes a mere 3.4 liters and has a maximum speed of 230 km/h. The EcoRacer is a Coupé, Roadster and Speedster all at the same time. At the Tokyo Motor Show (October 22nd – November 6th), Volkswagen presents an incredibly economic sports car. The EcoRacer’s average fuel consumption is as low as 3.4 liters and it reaches a maximum speed of 230 km/h.

Thanks to its carbon fiber body, the middle motor sports car weighs a mere 850 kilograms and accelerates in only 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h. This sports car is powered by a 100 kW turbo diesel of the next generation and stands for a trend setting synthesis of rock-solid economy and an abundance of sportiness. 230 km/h, 6.3 seconds, 3.4 liter – a data combination that is as rare as it is fascinating.

Here’s a car that takes some of the doom out of one doomsday scenario. If oil prices rise to heretofore unseen heights, the Volkswagen EcoRacer shows that sports cars can still be fun-even if they’re powered by a diesel engine that gets 80 mpg.

The EcoRacer uses a carbon-fiber monocoque worthy of a Formula 1 machine. The engine, mounted amidships, is an early version of a new common rail diesel due in 2007. The result is a two-seater that pushes the sports-car envelope one full step beyond the likes of Lotus, Westfield, Caterham, and Ariel. Not only does it accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and top out at 143 mph, according to VW, it also averages a miserly 80 mpg. The only reason to sniff at the EcoRacer is the scent of diesel exhaust, which adds pungence to the open-air driving experience. We took the orange-metallic head turner for a spin on the Pau Arnos circuit in the south of France.

The EcoRacer isn’t as pretty as forerunners such as the Concept R design exercise, but the hardware beneath the skin is spot-on. The weight distribution of the 1874-pound machine works out to 39/61 percent front to rear. The control-arm front suspension is made of lightweight aluminum, and the body structure can be had in three material alternatives. VW has also incorporated several production Golf parts, such as steering, brakes, rear suspension, and wheel bearings.

The engine, though, is all new. The 1.5-liter, turbocharged direct-injection, four-cylinder diesel develops 134 hp and a maximum torque of 184 lb-ft, which is available between 1900 and 3750 rpm. The particulate filter- equipped common rail turbo-diesel is mated to a six-speed, twin-clutch DSG transmission.

Unfortunately, the packaging of the most radical Volkswagen this side of the memorable one-liter car is as painful as a live act in a bondage show, both because of the belts that strap you tight to the bucket seat and because of the confined cabin space. With the roof in place, your hairstyle gets squashed flat; with the top removed, your coiffure switches to shock-headed.

The engine behind the cockpit starts at the push of a button, the gearbox responds promptly to paddle-shift inputs, and the accelerator offers instantaneous response. The cockpit layout is ultrasimple, and the shift lever meets your hand with a pleasant blend of leather and aluminum.

Although the EcoRacer is a handmade prototype, it drives as well as a preproduction car. The steering is light and eager and full of feedback. The brakes have bite and balance. The chassis bypasses the typical understeer intro and dives straight into a long, neutral dialogue with the road. Even with the stability control system switched on, there is never any doubt about which end of the car will come unstuck first. Like the Lotus Elise, this VW can play the games of turn-in and lift-off or power-on and unwind with as many variations as the driver wishes to induce. Like the Porsche Boxster, it squats and hugs the tarmac with rare tenacity when you accelerate out of a third-gear bend. And like the Renault Sport Spider, it pushes dimples into your cheeks above 60 mph. Responsive and balanced, firmly planted and light-footed, intuitive and totally pragmatic, this VW leaves a lasting impression.

There are downsides, however: The ultra-stiff ride, the cement-mixer sound track, and (with the three roof panels in place) the submarinelike visibility. But what the heck-the EcoRacer is more fun than a fleet of Golf R32s. So get your act together, Volkswagen, and figure out a way to make such a car financially feasible and more appealing cosmetically. The time is right for a fuel-sipping sports car.

Volkswagen’s EcoRacer sports car has successfully completed its racetrack debut: 34 journalists from nine countries gave the concept car from Wolfsburg a thorough test on the racetrack in Pau in the South of France.

In three days, the motor sport journalists covered over 1200 kilometres, mainly at high speed, in the yellow two-seater. The EcoRacer proved that it is versatile and dynamic in the guise of a coupé, a roadster and a speedster. The EcoRacer will be on display at the KonzernWelt in the Autostadt in Wolfsburg as of 17 December.

Volkswagen made a static presentation of the EcoRacer at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The concept car was well received by journalists and trade visitors. The idea of testing the mid-engine sports car on a racetrack was developed in Tokyo.

Matthias Rabe, head of Group Research at Volkswagen AG: ‘We took this unusual step to let people see for themselves that fascination, sportiness and excellent handling can be combined with fuel efficiency. The EcoRacer impressively passed this test without any breakdowns at the racetrack in Pau. This concept car proves that fuel economy and sportiness are not mutually exclusive.’

The EcoRacer weighs just 850 kilograms thanks to its carbon fibre body. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The newly developed 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 100 kW /136 PS has a top speed of 230 km/h and an average fuel consumption of just 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

However, not only the technology fulfilled the expectations of the Volkswagen engineers. The design of the vehicle was also presented well at the racetrack. Volkswagen designer Cesar Muntada: ‘It is a wonderful experience to see your new vehicle on the road for the first time and to see the reactions to it. I am particularly pleased about the emotions the EcoRacer stirred up on the racetrack.’

New-Generation TDI Engines

Just as unique from the point of view of design as the entire body is the EcoRacer’s TDI engine. It reflects the future of the diesel engine. Clean, powerful and very versatile. The 1.5 TDI is still under trial. Like the new twin charger (TSI) among the direct-injection petrol engines, the turbo-diesel direct injection engine is characterized by greatest agility at lowest consumption. The Volkswagen developers refer to it as a highly charged downsizing concept.

The EcoRacer can be viewed in the Autostadt in Wolfsburg until 9 January 2006.

WOLFSBURG, Germany
— Volkswagen has announced that it will unveil its new minivan, the Routan, at the Chicago auto show in February. VW says the Routan, jointly developed with Chrysler, is intended “especially for the U.S. market.”

The name “Routan” is intended to connect the new model to VW’s European vans, the Touran and Sharan, while containing what the German automaker calls an English word: “route.” The minivan will be built at Chrysler’s Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant. Although it was designed with Chrysler, VW says the look both inside and out “of course” is in line with its own “clear design concept.”

The seven-passenger minivan is about 197 inches in length and is intended to be “splendidly adapted” to U.S. minivan drivers’ needs in terms of space and functionality, VW says. Images and full specs were not released.

Volkswagen is targeting sales of 800,000 vehicles in the U.S. market by 2018, in part by introducing such new U.S.-tailored vehicles as this one and the Passat CC, which made its debut this week at the Detroit auto show.

Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Routan, an all new seven-passenger minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.

The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and contemporary, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function.

Second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan.

The Routan comes with a host of unique features, including:

• Conversation Mirror
• Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control
• Dual power sliding doors with power windows
• Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive
• Power lift gate with flood lamp
• Thirteen cup holders

Volkswagen delivers a competitively priced entry into this high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000. The Routan will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario.

With Routan, Volkswagen dealers add a vehicle that will provide additional, incremental growth in the market. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners.

At the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, Volkswagen showcased the W12 Coupe, a mid-engined, rear wheel drive super car powered by a 6 L W12 engine producing 600 hp. A week before, the W12 Coupe broke the world 24 hour endurance record. A total distance of 7085.7 kilometers (4402.8 miles) was covered at an average speed of 295.24 km/h (185.45 mph), breaking the old record by 12 km/h (7.5 mph). Production of the W12 Coupe was considered but is currently canceled.

Volkswagen Group currently produces W12s based on two of its narrow-angle VR6 engines. The narrow angle of each set of cylinders allows just two camshafts to drive each pair of banks, so just four are needed in total. Note that this design differs from the W18 engine that Volkswagen produced for its Bugatti concept cars of 1998 and 1999. Due to this distinction, the VW Group’s W12 engine is sometimes described as a “WR12″.

Volkswagen is presenting a further highlight of its product offensive in the top segment at the 35th Tokyo Motor show: the production standard design study of the W12 Coupe with a 440 kW / 600 bhp (at 7,000 rpm) 12-cylinder engine. Having been adapted to suit individual requirements, the W12 engine will also be used in the Volkswagen luxury saloon in the future and in a premium off-road vehicle.

The six-liter, large twelve-cylinder engine is mid-mounted in this new concept vehicle which weighs just 1,200 Kilo. At 5,800 rpm it develops a maximum torque of 620 Newton meters. With a top speed of more than 350 km/h and an acceleration of less than 3.5 seconds to 100 km/h, the W12 Coupe is one of the most exclusive and fastest sports cars in the world.

The technology of the twelve cylinder engine integrated in the design study W12 Coupe: with a length of 513 millimeters, a height of 715 millimeters and a width of 710 millimeters, the engine is particularly compact. The capacity of the W12, which weighs just 239 kilograms, is 5,998 cm³. The basic layout of the W12 engine is made up of two very thin V6 four-valve modules which are configured at an angle of 72 degrees with a joint crankshaft with seven main bearings to make up a V-V arrangement, i.e. a “W”. The cylinder angle is just 15 degrees within the two V6 banks. This makes the construction, which is very compact in comparison to V12 engines, possible. All the other construction details of the W12 engine are also an indication of top-level design. The variable intake and exhaust valve timing has a decisive influence on power development: the inlet camshafts can be continually adjusted through 52 degrees and the corresponding value for the exhaust camshaft is 22 degrees.

It is no wonder, when considering this technology, that a high priority was given to the performance of all materials in the development phase of the W12 engine. Volkswagen only uses engine oils of the Shell Helix family for the W12 Coupe, for example. The enormous power of the engine is transferred to the rear axle via a sequential and thus very fast shifting six-speed gearbox located behind the engine. This layout is very favorable for a classic sports car layout. The contact to the road is made via specially developed 19″ magnesium wheels with 255/35 ZR front tires and 275/40 ZR rear tires.

The sophisticated front and rear axle with double wishbone suspension, numerous electronics modules, an ideal weight distribution of nearly 50:50 and an extended wheelbase of 2.63 meters ensure that the W12 Coupe is both fast and safe. The electronic stability program ESP and the traction control system TCS can be switched off for use in motor sport conditions. Ventilated Brembo brake discs with a diameter of 318 millimeters are fitted at both the front and rear. The electrically activated handbrake has been set up for an easy integration in standard production.

The long and flat body of the Coupe, with the restrained styling of the rear spoiler which automatically extends as of 120 km/h, transports the timeless elegance of Volkswagen design into the dynamic sector of the ultimate sports car. With a length of 4.55 meters and at more than 1.92 meters wide, the design study W12 Coupe has a very impressive appearance due to its dimensions alone. This is further underlined by the height of the two-seater vehicle – just 1.1 meters.

The design study drafted by Ital design has been further refined in comparison to its two predecessors; newly designed headlights and rear lights echo even more strongly the characteristics of the future top class models from Volkswagen.

The sports car, finished in orange pearle scent, has two wing doors that open to the front and roof centre part made of special glass which extends from the windscreen through to the end of the engine compartment. The first glance of the W12 with its double V construction can be made through the transparent bonnet.

Leather, aluminium and carbon dominate the design of the new concept for the interior of the W12 Coupé. Seats, fittings and door trims have been finished, for example, with a black/grey suede and a colour coded smooth leather.

Furthermore, the red aluminium elements in the interior are eye-catchers. Volkswagen has used a new chemical process to achieve this tone and surface coating.

The layout of the instruments is classic. Two round main displays show the most important information such as speed and revs. The functions of the air conditioning system, the navigation system, the on-board computer and the car telephone are controlled via a colour display in the centre of the dash panel.

There is no doubt – all the details of the W12 Coupe are fully-functional and the concepts are close to production standards, as the second W12 Coupé being shown in Tokyo impressively demonstrates. It set many new international speed records on the high-speed course in Nardo, Italy during a long distance test.

Specifications
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: n.a.
Tires F-R: 255/35 ZR19 – 275/40 ZR19
Engine
Displacement cu in (cc): 366 (5998)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 598(440) / 7000
Redline at RPM: n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 458(620) / 5800
Type: W12
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 214.2 × 75.6 × 43.3
Weight lb (kg): 2645 (1200)
Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s: 3.5
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h): 214 (350)

Germany’s specialist automotive show at Essen next month is to stage the public debut of Abt’s re-worked Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, which will in standard VW guise be launched early next year. The tuned Tiguan is styled by an aggressive bodykit and underpinned by an impressive range of power upgrades.Exterior modifications include most strikingly the new Abt-developed two-toned bodykit, featuring new front and rear spoilers, more pronounced wheel arches, new side skirts and new grille – all the features of which include new graphite panels for a fresher, more aggressive face. New alloys are available with the choice of 18″, 19″ or 20″ rims.

But a purely cosmetic procedure was not the result of treatment by tuner Abt. Venturing under the skin, power upgrades are significant, with power from the 1.4 turbocharged FSI unit climbing to 200 hp from 150. The two 2.0-litre turbodiesel units increase in power from 140 and 170 hp in standard guise to that of 170 and 200 hp respectively. Adjustable sports suspension and an enhanced braking system aid upgrades in power. Performance figures are as yet unknown.

Stay tuned for more information on the Abt Tiguan ahead of its debut at Essen. The German tuning show runs from 1st to 9th December and focuses on tuners, motorsport, classic cars and automotive accessories.

The SUV family from the Allgaeu region gets a sleek increment. The new Abt Tiguan is more than the “small” brother of the successful Touareg. The car presents itself very self-contained in technology and form. “With its straight lines and curves at the right place it is a very likeable car,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing director of the successful Allgäu-based company is convinced that the Abt Tiguan will become a big hit. Actually the designers from Kempten tailored a body kit for the newcomer which underlines the dynamical car body and the powerful appearance of the many-sided automobile. The single components perfectly harmonize with each other. Front spoiler and front grille accentuate the impish face and let it look considerably more aggressive. Thanks to the fender extensions the Abt Tiguan appears even more brawny, the door strip attachments in the entry area take up the hip bend of the serial car. Rear skirt and rear wing form a suitable rear view of the overall successful car. Both perfectly harmonize with the 4-pipe rear muffler, also optimized in sound for the Diesel so that the self-igniting engine sounds really aggressive and sporty.

Recommendable as perfect completion are the noble wheels from Abt Sportsline. If the owner of a Tiguan decides for the classic AR or the new BR wheel with its expressive, corresponding spokes, is a matter of taste. And so is the size of the wheels, available in 18, 19 and mighty 20 inch. Of course, also complete wheel-tyre sets can be ordered.

But the Abt Tiguan not only looks powerful, its riding qualities authorize it to be a sporty car for all opportunities. No matter which motorization the Tiguan driver chooses, in the Allgäu one always gets a significant power increase. This means, the power of the 1.4 TSI will be increased from serial 150 hp (110 kW) to 200 hp (147 kW). And the Turbodiesel with two liters cubic capacity then offers 170 hp (125 kW) instead of 140 hp (103 kW). If more is demanded, Abt Power S with the new Abt Turbo comes into consideration. Then, in the 2.0 TDI (147 kW) engine, 200 Diesel horses come into force, noticeably pushing the car. Thanks to the suspension springs and the adjustable sports suspension from Abt, the Tiguan brings its power onto all lanes and offers a lot of driving pleasure, especially on curvaceous country roads. Due to the fact that such an active car must remain controllable in every situation, the team from Kempten installed the Abt brake system, measuring 345 x 30 millimeters, in their compact SUV.

VW Glof:

Like its predecessor the Volkswagen Beetle, the Golf has proved to be influential. In continuous production since 1974, the Golf was one of the first widely successful front wheel drive hatchbacks. In the USA, the Rabbit would spark another generation of VW-alike American compacts, such as the Omni, Escort and Cavalier in the 1980s, just as the Beetle inspired Falcon and Corvair in 1960s and subcompact Vega and Pinto in the 1970s. The Golf’s performance also defined the hot hatch before youth started tuning their imports.

Replacing the Beetle was a vital goal for Volkswagen’s continued survival. By the early 1970s, the company had fallen into financial woe. The novelty of the Beetle had worn thin. Sales were in terminal decline. The front-engine, rear drive small cars like the Toyota Corolla were refined enough to woo customers away from Volkswagen’s noisy underpowered engines and dated styling. The Type 3 and Type 4 fastback and squareback failed to attract much interest, whilst the NSU-developed K70 was a failure.

The solution arrived with Auto Union. They had attracted a small following with their technologically advanced Audi front wheel drive medium sedans. Volkswagen had acquired the Ingolstadt-based company in 1964 from Daimler-Benz. Audi’s expertise in water-cooled engines and front-wheel drive would be essential in developing a new generation of Volkswagens. FWD offered more performance with lighter weight and more room in a smaller package. The Audi technology in the Golf would regain for Volkswagen the engineering lead over rear drive cars that Ferdinand Porsche had bestowed on the original Beetle over its large conventional peers. The small Golf had to succeed in replacing the high volume Volkswagen sedan. The upmarket Dasher/Passat would be VW’s first front wheel drive car, and it was relatively well received for its lower volume market. The Golf would adopt an efficient “two-box” layout with a steep hatch rather than a formal trunk, which would be later added in the Jetta. The water-cooled engine would be mounted transversely in the front. Work on the Golf began in 1969, shortly after Kurt Lotz became head of Volkswagen.

Toyota Celica:

The Toyota Celica name has been applied to a series of popular coupes made by the Japanese company Toyota. The name is ultimately derived from the Latin word coelica (IPA [selika]) meaning “heavenly” or “celestial”.[citation needed]

Throughout its life span the Celica has been powered by various four cylinder engines. The most significant change occurred in 1986, when the car’s drive layout was changed from rear wheel drive to front wheel drive. During the first three generations, American market Celicas were powered by various versions of Toyota’s R series engines. A four-wheel drive turbocharged model (designated All-trac in the US or GT-Four in Japan and Europe) was produced from 1986 to 1999. Variable Valve Timing came in late 1997 Japanese models, and became standard in all models from 2000 on. Through seven generations, the model has gone through many revisions and design forks, including the Toyota Celica Supra (later known as the Toyota Supra). The Celica was available as notchback and liftback coupes, as well as a convertible.

Variations of today’s stock cars are different. It doesn’t mater if it’s an engine modification or styling, the result is still a change. It’s not a crime of course, We can look at tuning modifications as a sort of art. But we need to differentiate what is a tuning and what isn’t.

Because nowadays, we can meet a lot of people that decorate their car with some ballast and they think they have cool car. But the real tuning isn’t about randomly placed plastic accessories, but it’s about thinking. Every part has to be on its own place. Maybe that new shiny 19“ 10-spoked rims can be great on Toyota Supra, but your old VW Jetta isn’t suitable for that.

The tuning is about rational changes – no chocolate-box art but something unique should be created. I think everybody knows a 5th generation VW Golf GTI – a strong, dynamic car with a great design.

But for somebody it isn’t enough. So we found its great brother on this year’s SEMA Auto Show – VW Golf R GTI.

Now it’s a 3-doors VW Golf 5 R GTI that is and will be the only in the world. The letter „R“ is used to approach to the top-model Golf R32 . I beg to inform you that they‘ve created an amazing and unique car. A fusion of great but not wild design with the perfect performance – that can’t be seen everyday. And remember that’s still VW Golf. Creators really enjoyed the creation of this baby. But let’s start from the beginning.

A first sight reveals a distinctive black paintwork combined with a “honeycomb“ vinyl. The honeycomb is the one of main characteristics of this modification. It’s right, that a black color hides interesting details, but in many cases it’s a symbol of sporting soul that wants to be hidden and surprise when nobody expects. And add tinted Windows and lots of carbon used on Golf’s chassis.

A salient feature of front part is its front bumper that is different from GTI‘s. Primarily thanks to a big central opening that is used for an air-intake to the engine. The opening is surrounded by a stylish red border and filled with a honeycomb grill. Two openings for an air-intake to brakes with integrated lights are situated at the sides of front bumper. A carbon diffuser (a carbon is used also in case of the front grill and hood) is mounted under the front bumper.

Very interesting element on a front mask (that creating unit with a big central opening in a front bumper) is nothing else than the “R” symbol with a checkered flag under the GTI logo.

It’s truth that designers could made bigger modifications on the exterior, but they knew that this isn’t the way of GTI. It’s not about an extreme exterior, but the image is most important – decent, but aggressive, silently waiting for the right moment. And this is the way of VW Golf 5 R GTI.

Volkswagen Golf 5 R GTI
No important changes were made on the side of Golf, but also the little ones reflect whole styling of car.

To be specific, we’re talking about door back mirrors (similar design as the vinyl’s structure) made of carbon, of course. I can’t understand why also doorsteps aren’t made of carbon as other parts, they’re quite discreet and designed in a honeycomb style.

A rear part is again decent but striking. The proof of designer’s inspiration by R32 is dark tail-lights and double exhaust tips in the middle of bumper. These tips remind me Jenkins three-wheel concept GX3. Also the rear bumper was modified for this version.

They added a carbon diffuser and the surrounding area is made again in a hexagonal style. New is also a “R“ logo on a trunk which is again made of carbon as well as a decent sporting spoiler.

Volkswagen’s Iroc sports car concept, newly revealed in Berlin, harks back to the Scirocco, which was itself introduced back in 1973. Like the Scirocco, the Iroc is a low-slung coupe based on the Golf hatchback, and it even shares the same Viper Green metallic colour scheme which was briefly available on the older car.

Volkswagen Iroco 01.

The Iroc is fractionally larger than the Golf in most dimensions though its roofline is 79mm lower. The honeycomb-like structure of the radiator grille is an obvious reference to the current Golf GTI, but in other respects the Iroc seems to have little resemblance to other VWs.

However, Volkswagen refers to the concept as having a “‘face’ which is not yet common to other vehicles in the range”, which suggests that it is a sign of things to come.

Volkswagen Iroco 02 – Interior.

Inside, there are four seats and a luggage capacity of 300 litres, with more available when the rear seats are folded. This all sounds very practical, but there are sporty connotations here too; the front seats, for example, are in the classic motorsport “bucket” style, and they are fitted with integrated five-point harnesses with a central buckle.

The Iroc’s engine uses Volkswagen’s recently-launched TSI super/turbocharged engine technology, as found in the new Golf GT (see road test). The GT uses a 1.4-litre unit producing 170bhp, but Volkswagen says the Iroc pumps out 210bhp, and also points out that lower-spec TSIs with “under 150bhp” might also be used.

Volkswagen Iroco 03 – Rear.

There is no talk of production just yet. On the other hand, Volkswagen has made some teasing comments, referring to the Iroc as “a possible series-production vehicle” which would be “attractively positioned in price”.

Straight from Europe’s Extreme TV Gumball series delve right into the madness, fury and comedy of the Gumball Rally. This is a must see for all Gumball fans.

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The Volkswagen Iroc is a concept car to be presented at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Featuring a three-door hatchback body style and about as large as the Golf, it is a prefiguration of the future Volkswagen Scirocco. The name itself is a play over Scirocco, since its name consists of the central letters of the word Scirocco. It is powered by a 210 hp version of VW’s TSI twincharged engine.