Volkswagen of America, Inc. revealed its new Super Bowl XLVI commercial today on its YouTube® channel. Viewers can catch a sneak peek of a special, extended 75-second spot online, with the 60-second version of the ad running in the second quarter of the Big Game. This is the third consecutive year that Volkswagen has advertised on Game Day.

“This is a perfect opportunity for Volkswagen to celebrate with the fans that have made 2011 such a record-setting year for the company,” said Tim Mahoney, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This year’s commercial will build on Volkswagen’s ability to tell human stories simply while continuing to build on the brand’s momentum in the year ahead.”

Volkswagen’s 2012 Game Day commercial, “The Dog Strikes Back,” features a story of an adorable dog named Bolt who is inspired to whip himself into shape by the power and performance of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. The unexpected final moments are a sly wink toward the Star Wars™ theme of Volkswagen’s 2011 Game Day commercial “The Force,” which became a pop culture phenomenon and has nearly 50 million views on YouTube to date. The theme of the commercial is “Back. And better than ever,” which illustrates the success and momentum that the Volkswagen brand is enjoying in the U.S.

Volkswagen’s 2012 Game Day campaign kicked off with a teaser distributed in mid-January, entitled “The Bark Side,” featuring a choir of dogs barking along to Star Wars’ “Imperial March”. The teaser quickly became an Internet sensation, garnering over ten million views to date on YouTube. The “Imperial March” is the same John Williams’ composition used last year in “The Force.”

Following the success of last year’s advertisement, Volkswagen and Deutsch LA teamed up with Lucasfilm again to end the latest spot with a surprise twist. The final 15 seconds take place in the iconic Cantina introduced in Star Wars Episode IV, complete with a special appearance by none other than Darth Vader.

“We believe this spot underscores the Volkswagen brand’s unmatched advertising legacy. It manages to highlight the redesign and performance of the Beetle with the lighthearted touches that viewers expect from the VW brand,” said Mike Sheldon, CEO, Deutsch LA, Volkswagen’s creative Agency of Record.

The new ad is part of a multi-faceted campaign for the Big Game, featuring digital and social media activations such as a takeover of ESPN mobile and the YouTube homepage. In mid-January, Volkswagen launched a “Big Game” tab on Facebook that serves as a one-stop shop for all things related to the game, including The Bark Side teaser, the early online release of the ad, an “Intergalactic Invite” allowing users to send Star Wars themed party e-vites to friends for the Big Game, and more.

- Volkswagen of America

Related posts:

1. Volkswagen returns to Super Bowl XLVI

You're reading The Dog Strikes Back: Volkswagen Super Bowl XLVI Commercial originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Adding to a growing list of awards, the new-for-2012 Volkswagen Passat has earned additional praise from Cars.com for its outstanding value and long list of standard features. Named “Best of 2012,” the Passat captured the third annual award from the popular online automotive source. The Passat’s long list of standard features includes Bluetooth® technology, dual-zone automatic climate control, class-leading rear seat legroom, and Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance program for a starting MSRP of $19,995.

Prior to choosing the “Best of 2012” awards, editors at Cars.com tested more than 65 models released for 2012. Editors picked their top six before selecting the 2012 Passat as “Best of 2012.” The Passat ousted the Subaru Impreza, Range Rover Evoque, Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai Accent, and Audi A7.

In addition to the “Best of 2012” honor, Cars.com named the Passat TDI Clean Diesel model their “Eco-Friendly Car of the Year.” The clean diesel’s 2.0L four-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower and an exceptional 236 pound-feet of torque. Boasting an industry-leading 795-mile range on a full tank, the Passat TDI manual has an EPA estimated 43 mpg on the highway. As the only affordable diesel in midsize sedan segment, the Passat delivers excellent performance while maintaining exceptional fuel economy.

“This recognition is an honor. We set out to bring to market a sedan that appealed to the American consumer in the highly competitive midsize segment and the Passat is quickly earning a spot on the U.S. consumer’s shopping list due to its exceptional value, strong list of standard features, and German heritage,” said Kevin Joostema, general manager of product marketing. “Accolades such as this indicate that we’re succeeding.”

Engineered in Germany and built at Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 2012 Passat has garnered praise from the automotive press since its introduction last fall.

Related posts:

1. Innovation At Work: All-New 2012 Passat

You're reading Volkswagen Passat “Best Of 2012″ from Cars.Com originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Volkswagen is kicking off the year 2012 with two world premieres, both of which showcase innovative design and technological progress: the new Jetta Hybrid is powered by a high-tech petrol engine and a zero emissions electric motor. And the E-Bugster concept demonstrates that the sportiness of the Beetle can also be realized with an electric drive.

“Volkswagen not only stands for emotion and driving fun, but also for sustainable and responsible mobility.”

In the Jetta, propulsion is handled by a combination of a four-cylinder 1.4 TSI (110 kW / 150 PS), a 7-speed DSG and an electric motor (20 kW). A unique feature here: at the press of a button, the Jetta Hybrid can be driven in a pure electric mode up to a speed of 70 km/h and a distance of two kilometres – with zero emissions. The Jetta Hybrid is now the second Volkswagen, after the Touareg, to have a drive module consisting of both a petrol engine and an electric motor under the bonnet.

The E-Bugster radiates a very special dynamism from all viewing angles with flush windows, a low roof and 20-inch wheels. The two-seat speedster draws its power from a lithium-ion battery. The 80 kg light electric motor with a power output of 85 kW enables a minimum driving range of 180 km – with zero emissions. In addition, the E-Bugster has a system for recovering braking energy. As soon as the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal or brakes, the car’s kinetic energy is converted to electricity, which is stored in the battery. This extends the car’s driving range.

“The new Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster are showing once again that Volkswagen not only stands for emotion and driving fun, but also for sustainable and responsible mobility,” explains Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Head of Development for the Volkswagen brand.

- Volkswagen

Related posts:

1. Volkswagen steps up its use of plug-in hybrid technology

You're reading Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster World premieres originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today it will advertise during the Super Bowl® for the third consecutive year. Following the success of last year’s two 30- second spots, Volkswagen will premiere one 60-second spot at the beginning of the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.

The spot will feature the all-new Beetle, which arrived in dealerships in September. The 2012 Beetle was teased as a silhouette in last year’s advertisement, but the iconic redesign is now ready for its Super Bowl close-up.

“Volkswagen is excited to showcase the all-new 2012 Beetle on football’s biggest stage. The Super Bowl is the perfect platform to feature the bold, dynamic, and sportiest Beetle ever made,” said Tim Mahoney, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Volkswagen enjoyed unprecedented success after last year’s Super Bowl spots, “The Force” and “Black Beetle”. “The Force”, which featured the 2012 Passat and mini Darth Vader, quickly became a pop culture phenomenon when it debuted online before the Super Bowl. It was voted the Number One ad of the year by ADWEEK and continues to be a hit with consumers, racking up more than 45 million views on YouTube.

The overwhelming attention from the commercial piqued interest in the 2012 Passat months before it hit the market. This ensured that the car entered the market with momentum, with more sales in its first two months than the last Passat model sold in all of 2010.

“Black Beetle” teased the all-new Beetle’s muscular shape, generating strong interest for the newly redesigned car months before it hit dealerships. The 2012 Beetle is available in two forms: stylish Beetle and sporty Beetle Turbo. All models offer standard technology features such as Bluetooth® and an iPod® interface, heatable front seats, and a ‘kaeferfach’ secondary glovebox.

More details about the 2012 Volkswagen Super Bowl ad will follow, but expect a fully integrated digital, social media, and grassroots campaign to accompany the spot that will run during one of TV’s most-watched events.

Related posts:

1. VW Tops List of Most-Viewed Super Bowl Ads on YouTube

You're reading Volkswagen returns to Super Bowl XLVI originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

In a Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI, Rainer Zietlow and his team have set a new course record in the renowned Carretera Panamericana race with a driving time of just 11 days, 17 hours and 22 minutes. This race runs the entire length of North and South America. As part of his post-race tour, the off-road enthusiast is showing the record-setting vehicle in Wolfsburg today.

Zietlow and his team covered a total of 22,750 kilometers on the route between Tierra del Fuego and Alaska; they passed through 17 countries as well as most of the Earth’s climate and vegetation zones in the record drive, which has been certified by the TUV Nord testing organization. Whether extreme heat, heavy rain, sandstorms or snow – the Volkswagen Touareg proved its efficiency and staying power under challenging course conditions. Zietlow broke the previous world record set in 2006 by four days. In the Touareg, the eco-friendly 3.0l V6 TDI Clean Diesel engine (165 kW/225 PS in the US version) consumes 30 percent less fuel and emits up to 25 percent less CO2 than other vehicles with petrol engines in its class.

Rainer Zietlow has documented his world record drive with extensive video and photographic materials at the following website: www.tdi-panamericana.com.

- Volkswagen AG

Related posts:

1. Volkswagen Touareg TDI tackles the Panamericana Endurance Challenge

You're reading Rainer Zietlow breaks Carretera Panamericana record in Touareg V6 TDI originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

At the Tokyo Motor Show, Volkswagen is showcasing its concept of an SUV of the future: the Cross Coupe. Visually the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid vehicle shows how Volkswagen designers could envisage a crossover between a four-door coupe and a compact SUV. The design team led by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff have created a fascinating study that impressively combines the best of two worlds. Original, strong in character, sculptural and dynamic, the Cross Coupe stands for the future of SUV design at Volkswagen!

Pioneering technologies. Technically too the very sporty Cross Coupe concept car defines a new status, being based on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix (MQB) – the first such model ever to be publicly shown. Features of the Cross Coupe consequently include strikingly short bodywork overhangs. The four-seat SUV is powered by two electric motors (1 x front, 1 x rear) and a direct injection turbo petrol engine (TSI). The Cross Coupe can drive a distance of up to 45 kilometers purely on electric power. The all-wheel drive system with ‘electric drive shaft’ represents an innovation for Volkswagen, with the rear axle being driven by the rear of the two electric motors. In this situation power is supplied to the rear electric motor by the one at the front, which during this phase acts as a generator powered by the TSI engine. In the Cross Coupe the flow of electrical energy thus replaces the conventional transfer of power by means of a drive shaft. And that creates room on board the concept car for another important technology: the centre tunnel, usually the place for the drive shaft, houses the lithium ion battery (tunnel battery) on the Cross Coupe. The low position of the battery and the general layout of the drive systems give the vehicle a very low centre of gravity and facilitate a balanced spread of axle loading. Although equipped with the all-round qualities of an SUV, the concept car therefore demonstrates the dynamic handling of a coupe.

Cross Coupe with long wheelbase and short overhangs

Less upright than other off-road vehicles. At 4,345 mm, the concept car being shown in Tokyo is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. The width of 1,868 mm and height of 1,523 mm also come exactly in between these two bestsellers. In terms of its dimensions, the Cross Coupe is therefore a vehicle in the globally much in-demand A segment. It is also noticeable that at 2,630 mm the concept car has what in relation to its overall length is a very long wheelbase (52 mm longer than the Golf and 26 mm longer than the Tiguan). The bodywork overhangs (855 mm at the front and 860 mm at the back) are correspondingly short. All of the dimensions combined, the overall proportions are extremely snappy. The powerful look is underlined by large wheel tracks of 1,585 mm (front) and 1,613 mm (rear).

Off-road figures like an SUV. Away from made-up roads the Cross Coupe makes its mark with bodywork figures that fall almost into the range of classic SUVs. The front angle of approach, for example, is a good 24.2 degrees and the rear in terms of off-road use an excellent 32.5 degrees. The Cross Coupe also features good off-road ground clearance.

Design gives insight into car front styles of tomorrow

Precisely moulded coupe silhouette. Defining features of the Cross Coupe’s look are the very long bonnet, a completely new front section design, the passenger compartment, which is set way back, and in comparison to conventional SUVs the very low window line. In general the designers have also achieved muscular and athletic, yet very clear contours. The Cross Coupe gives the appearance of a sculpture milled from a solid material: extremely precise and modern. Highly independent, the Cross Coupe shows the direction in which Volkswagen design is developing.

One striking element is a shoulder line, also known as the tornado line, that looks as if it has been cut with a razor blade, which runs just below the frameless windows, extending from the front to the rear wing. Adjacent to the line to the bottom are the clearly flared wings, which create a very powerful sideline and produce a silhouette that – although robustly composed in the style of an SUV – is reminiscent of a sports car. Fitting perfectly into this picture come the 20-inch alloy wheels, equipped with 265/45 tires. To the rear a voluminous coupe-like C column rises up over the wheel arches and in silhouette the entire rear of the car appears to rest on the 20-inch alloys.

The evolution of the Volkswagen front section. The great potential of the Volkswagen design DNA developed by Walter de Silva (Group Chief Designer) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Chief Designer) is shown by the concept car’s front section. In this instance, the characteristic horizontal lines of the ‘Volkswagen visage’ become a link between present and future. Unlike on today’s models, the designers have physically merged the two xenon twin headlamps with the radiator grille’s chrome-plated fins. In detail, it is two chrome bars, one above the other, that link the headlamps. Moreover, the chrome fins that ascend to the sides of the vehicle emphasize its width and are part of an entirely new type of lighting concept; the lower of the two chrome fins contains the daytime running light, and the fin above it contains the direction indicators. The light signature, headlights and grille are all expressed in a unique innovative combination. In the centre of the bumper is an area painted in the vehicle’s color, which by means of a precisely shaped character line extends upwards to form a homogenous unit with the bars of the radiator grille. Right at the bottom of the bumper is another cold air inlet, which is fitted with two additional smaller chrome bars. To the left and right of each inlet are the LED fog lights.

The rear of an SUV coupe. The shallow line of the side windows also influences the rear of the car. Incorporated at a very sloping angle, the rear window is typical of a coupe. To the top rear the hatchback is finished off by a spoiler, which optically extends the roof surface and as a trailing edge technically optimizes the aerodynamics. The rear light clusters are kept slim. In similar fashion to their counterparts on the latest production models, such as the new CC, the rear lights feature a delicate, pale, horizontal bar that makes the lamps look very elegant. Typical of an SUV, meanwhile, is the chunky rear bumper, integrated into the left and right of which are the exhaust pipes.

Multifaceted interior for four people.

The best of two worlds. In the Cross Coupe the worlds of the SUV and the coupe form an exciting alliance. Inside this four-seater this leads to all details having a significantly sportier design than in conventional SUVs. For example, the dashboard: it has the dynamically precise lines of a coupe, yet is raised up like in an SUV. The surface of the dashboard exudes very refined quality, yet at the same time a very robust design. This robustness is also a feature of the controls, handgrips and general feel of things in the car’s interior. For example the centre console: the drive system and air-conditioning functions are controlled quickly and simply via two aluminum rotary switches. Located between the two switches is the button for the electric parking brake and in front of that the gear lever, also in aluminum, for the seven-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). The lever’s strikingly wide grip is not only visually fun, but being made out of one piece also pleasing to the touch. In front of the gear lever is the start button for the engines, while to the left and right of the lever there are two robust but elegant grab handles. On the right there are also the buttons for selecting pure electric power and battery charging. Higher up come the ventilation controls, the centrally positioned hazard warning lights switch and two air vents. Another level higher there is a touchscreen display that shows on- and off-road navigation and all relevant vehicle functions, extending all the way to the sound system.

Programmable instruments. Arranged behind the three-spoke steering wheel is a user-programmable instrument cluster display. A rotary control knob on the centre console can be used to dynamically select between three different display modes: ‘Sport’, ‘City’ and ‘Offroad’. The functional screen contents of the modes vary according to the mode selected, e.g. gyrometer, compass and topographic map in Offroad mode. Each of the three modes has a customized screen layout and different color scheme. Positioned centrally between the round instruments is another multifunction color display, on which vehicle information, the phone menu, audio details and alongside this further navigation data such as a 3D off-road picture can be shown.

Ergonomics for long journeys. The Cross Coupe is fitted with four individual seats, which have all been designed as bucket seats with solidly integrated headrests. These seats have particularly well-balanced ergonomic qualities. The four passengers have ample room to the side, in front and above. The backs of the rear seats and of the front passenger’s seat can be folded fully forwards to load surfboards, paragliders or other bulky gear into the Cross Coupe. A particularly helpful feature here is that the seat backs have an outer synthetic covering, so that when folded down they form a durable surface for such loads. The boot space behind the rear seats has a capacity of 380 liters (up to the window edge). If the 1,724 mm-long vehicle interior is loaded up to roof height and all the way to the backs of the front seats, the capacity increases to 1,230 liters.

Electrically powered rear axle

Three motors in one car. The Cross Coupe has not one but three motors, which work together efficiently as a hybrid system. At the front under the bonnet is a 110 kW TSI petrol engine delivering maximum torque of 210 Nm and an electric motor with an output of 40 kW and 180 Nm of torque. Together or individually these two motors power the front axle. If the Cross Coupe is to be used in all-wheel drive or pure electric power mode, a further electric motor cuts in. This has been integrated as a co-axial drive unit into the rear axle layout. This motor drives the rear wheels. This second electric motor generates up to 85 kW and develops torque of 270 Nm. The overall output of the system (petrol engine + battery) is a maximum of 195 kW.

Tunnel battery powerhouse. When the vehicle is being driven purely on electric power, the electric motors receive their current from an 8-module lithium ion battery. The battery holds 9.8 kWh of energy and is located inside the Cross Coupe’s centre tunnel, i.e. where the drive shaft is found in conventional SUVs. An electronic power control module, operating at around 370 volts and integrated into the engine compartment, manages the flow of high-voltage energy from and to the battery and to the electric motors. Meanwhile, the Cross Coupe’s low voltage electrical system is supplied with the necessary 12 volts through a DC/DC converter. The electric drive system causes no space restrictions in the vehicle’s interior. The battery gets charged either via external electricity sources (230-volt connection) or – in motion – via the TSI engine and battery regeneration (both front and rear axles).

Fuel consumption of just 2.7 liters per 100 km. With a full tank of fuel the Cross Coupe weighs 1,748 kg (58% on the front axle, 42% on the rear). It can take a further load of 450 kg and be driven a distance of up to 45 km on purely electric power. In doing so the vehicle produces no emissions. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) the TSI engine’s fuel consumption is just 2.7 liters per 100 km, equating to CO2 emissions of only 62 g/km. With a fuel tank capacity of 55 liters, the theoretical range in hybrid mode is 815 kilometers. Adding in the electric range, the Cross Coupe can do 855 km without stopping for fuel.

Sustainable and yet still dynamic. Despite the focus on sustainability the concept car being shown in Tokyo is still sporty. The Cross Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds and has a top speed of 201 km/h. If forward propulsion is being provided solely by the electric motors, the top speed is regulated down to 120 km/h. Both the consumption figures and driving performance are positively influenced by the Cross Coupe’s aerodynamic properties. The optimally balanced aerodynamics built into the design and the very low overall height (for an SUV) produce a very good drag coefficient of 0.329.

How the hybrid drive system works. Both electric motors help (boost) the petrol engine (TSI) during acceleration. As mentioned above, however, they can also power the concept car on its own for a distance of up to 45 kilometers, depending on conditions. Here, by opening the clutch, the TSI gets disconnected from the drive-train and switched off. The clutch on the gearbox side, however, remains closed and the seven-speed DSG thus remains connected. Cross Coupe drivers can themselves also choose to drive relatively long distances on pure electric power (as long as the battery has enough charge). To do so the driver simply presses the relevant driving mode button on the centre console next to the gear lever. As soon as the TSI needs to be brought back into play due to the battery’s level of charge or any other parameters, the engine starts up – almost imperceptibly for driver and passengers – and smoothly engages with the drive train.

Charging at the press of a button. Whenever the Cross Coupe’s brakes are applied, both electric motors act as a generator, utilizing the braking energy to charge the battery (battery regeneration). The driver can (via another button next to the gear lever) also consciously charge the battery from the TSI engine – for instance, in order to have sufficient electric power to drive later in a regulated zone preserved exclusively for zero-emission electric vehicles. At all times, the current electric range and the Cross Coupe’s overall range are displayed on the instrument panel. The engine controller regulates all energy flow and drive management tasks taking into account the minute-by-minute demands for power made by the driver.

‘Electric power’, ‘Charge’ and three further modes. Based on the amount of drive (for instance, loss of traction on the front axle) or through the driver consciously switching to all-wheel or electric mode, the second electric motor integrated with the rear axle engages it in an instant. In general there are three driving modes available to the driver: City (eco-mode with minimal fuel consumption), Sport (dynamic driving) and Offroad (permanent all-wheel drive).

- Volkswagen

Related posts:

1. World Premiere of the Volkswagen Milano Taxi at the Hanover Trade Show

You're reading World premiere of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Still in a “design study” phase, Volkswagen offers up a look at the Beetle R on U.S. soil. Will it make it to production? Would it sell at a price tag similar to the Golf R’s $34K? One could easily reach these performance levels with APR software and a few add-ons. Do we like it? Yes, and the interior is superb.

At Volkswagen, the letter ‘R’ as an added identifier promises top-notch performance. Currently, this claim is being validated with turbo pressure by the Golf R with 199 kW / 270 PS of power and the Scirocco R (currently only in Europe) with 195 kW / 265 PS. In a USA premiere in Los Angeles, Volkswagen is now showing a third variation of this sporty theme: the Beetle R Concept. It is based on the 21st Century Beetle. Like its two larger siblings, the Golf R and Scirocco R, the R version of the Beetle was also created in the halls of Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen R GmbH. The Beetle R Concept is still a design study. Those who are familiar with the Beetle 2.0 TSI (147 kW / 200 PS) know the dynamic potential of this new car. As an ‘R’, the Beetle could demonstrate a performance potential similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R.

Exterior with 20-inch wheels

Visually, the Beetle R Concept, painted in ‘Serious Grey’, offers a glimpse of what a production version might look like. Outside, the concept is equipped with 20-inch ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels – whose styling is like that of the Golf R and Scirocco R. However, 18- and 19-inch wheels are mounted on those cars. Easy to spot on the Beetle’s wheels, which feature 5 triple spokes, are the blue brake calipers in R design.

Newly sculpted bumpers are wider

Designers completely redesigned the front and rear bumpers that were widened by 30 mm. In front, the bumper module practically consists of 3 air intakes, which are styled in contrasting ‘Black High Gloss’. The middle air intake supplies the engine with oxygen, while the outer two contribute to cooling the brakes. The front spoiler, also painted in ‘Black High Gloss’, is designed as a flat splitter (with a chrome strip); splitters of this kind are typically used in motorsport. To regulate engine temperature within an optimal range, even under extreme conditions, ventilation slots are found on the right and left sides of the engine bonnet.

The rear bumper also has air exhaust slots that are integrated in the aerodynamic concept of the Beetle R Concept. There is also a diffuser that is integrated in the lower bumper area. Together with the rear spoiler – which is significantly larger than the one on Beetle production models with up to 200 PS in power – and its black trailing edge, ideal downforce values are generated at the rear axle. A visual and acoustic highlight is the exhaust system with its 2 sets of dual chrome tailpipes.

On each side, the bumpers transition into the free-standing wings; they were also widened 15 mm per side. The side sills are styled in ‘Black High Gloss’; a high-end chrome trim strip is incorporated here. Also painted in ‘Black High Gloss’ are the roof, the upper part of the bootlid connecting to it, the door mirror housings and door handles.

Interior with Nappa leather sport seat system

As is usual on R models, the interior also makes a customized and sporty impression. In the front, the driver and passenger sit in motorsport shell seats with what are referred to as Ergopads made of gray nubuck leather. The seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather. Embossed on the seats is the R logo. The seat seams and piping are in the color ‘Space Blue’.

The contrast color ‘Black High Gloss’ that was already used on the exterior is used in the interior as well, such as for dashboard accents and decorative elements around the gear shift grip. Interior designers also styled the instruments to be R-specific. Modified here are the central instrument cluster (with tachometer in the middle, in the style of a sports car) and the auxiliary instruments laid out above the centre console. The door sill plates are upgraded with the R logo. Meanwhile, brushed aluminum is used for all pedal caps. Matching the seats with their blue piping are the fabric floor mats with their blue-black double borders.

Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.

- Volkswagen AG

Related posts:

1. VW Beetle R coming with 270 HP

You're reading Beetle R Concept debuts at the LA Auto Show originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Germany’s richest woman, Susanne Klatten, tightened her hold on SGL Carbon, putting herself well ahead of Volkswagen in the race for carbon fibre technology.

Carmaker BMW, in which Klatten and her family are a major investor, said on Friday it had secured a 15.2 percent stake in SGL, adding to the 29 percent stake already held by the German heiress.

Shares in SGL Carbon rose more than 7 percent in early trade and were up 4.2 percent at 44.95 euros by 1244 GMT.

The use of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP), which are 30 percent lighter than aluminum and 50 percent lighter than steel, is one of the hottest trends in the car industry’s drive to lower its carbon dioxide emissions.

• BMW investor Klatten already holds about 29 percent stake
• Lightweight construction to play important role in cars
• BMW, Klatten say not acting in concert
• SGL shares up 4.2 percent

That has led to a mad dash for carbon fibre specialist SGL Carbon, with Klatten, Volkswagen and engineering company Voith snapping up stakes this year.

“This is a power struggle that’s going on without any economic logic,” one German analyst said, who asked not to be named, adding there were a number of SGL competitors who could supply carbon fibres just as well.

SGL’s stock has gained more than 60 percent so far this year, while Germany’s midcap index has declined by more than 5 percent.

VW declined to comment on Friday, while Voith said it was a positive sign that SGL was opening up more to carmakers.

Logical Step

BMW did not say how much it paid for its stake in SGL, but the current market value of the shares is close to 450 million euros ($608 million).

“Lightweight construction will play an increasingly important role in the automobile industry in the future,” BMW finance chief Friedrich Eichiner said in a statement.

“Our stake-holding in the SGL Group is a logical step that will further strengthen our successful cooperation.”

In October 2009, SGL struck a cooperation deal with BMW on lightweight carbon parts for its i3 electric vehicle, also known as the MegaCity project, a few months after Klatten emerged as a major shareholder in SGL.

“Just strategically, this is a very good step. But really, BMW is turning up late to the party, it should have done this a year ago,” said Daniela Bergdolt, who represents small BMW shareholders for association DSW.

Klatten, whose estimated $15 billion fortune made her the target of a blackmail plot in 2007, this year secured a blocking stake of about 29 percent in SGL, giving her the right to veto strategic decisions.

Klatten holds 12.6 percent in BMW, while her family owns a combined 46.7 percent of the carmaker.

If Klatten and BMW were considered an investor pool, their combined stake would now have risen above 30 percent to about 44 percent, which would trigger a mandatory full takeover offer for SGL under German regulation.

But Klatten’s investment vehicle Skion said it was not involved in BMW’s decision to take a stake in SGL and said it had no plans for a full takeover of the carbon fibre maker.

A spokesman for BMW also said the carmaker was not acting in concert with Klatten.

- Reuters

Related posts:

1. Perform Carbon Fiber Magic on your Apple accessories

You're reading BMW, Klatten steal march on VW in carbon fibre race originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

After the Goggomobil had reached its limits, the German Postal Service commissioned Volkswagen to design a postal van. At their request, the vehicle needed to have 71 cubic feet of storage, a payload of up to 882 pounds and meet a length of 12.3′, a width 4.7′ and height of 5.6′. In addition two sliding doors were needed.

This was 1961. After working with the Beetle Cabriolet in the designs VW moved over to the Type 14 Karman Ghia platform ending up with the Type 147 “Fridolin” Kleinlieferwagen. The odd appearance was due to the combined use of the Type 1 Beetle, Type 14 Karmann Ghia, Type 2 Transporter and Type 3 VW 1500 in its creation. Mass production started in 1964 at Westfalia with over 6000 produced until 1971.

For over 60 years now, commercial vehicles from Volkswagen have maintained a visual presence on the world’s streets. They are helpers in everyday life, which bring us people goods, services, postal deliveries and occasionally emergency assistance as well. Volkswagen Group Research, which is responsible for the world of tomorrow, together with the German Post Office (‘Deutsche Post AG’), which is one of the largest customers of lightweight commercial vehicles – as well as the University of Art at Braunschweig – formed a think tank on future transport and mobility issues. Finally, these research activities led to a completely new vehicle concept for the delivery and logistics field: eT!

Prof. Dr. Jurgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research: “We analyzed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term. In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semi-automatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today.”

The eT! research vehicle could someday actually revolutionize the world of lightweight commercial vehicles. Completely re-conceptualized, driven with zero emissions, thought through to the last detail and driving semi-automatically if necessary! Just how wide-ranging the significance of this research project could be for sustainability in the transportation field is underscored by the support for the eT! project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. “The eT! research vehicle,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, “unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future importance, specifically for logistics businesses. In particular, the possibility of driving the car semi-automatically – and electrically – in downtown areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever. As a vision of the future, the eT! is showcasing what is the maximum feasible technology for electric vehicles in the commercial market today with a special design that systematically addresses future customer needs.”

“eT! is a pure electrically powered transporter that systematically transfers E-mobility to the area of commercial use,” says Dr. Rudolf Krebs, Group Manager for Electric Traction at Volkswagen AG. And continues: “As a transport specialist, the eT! is advancing to become the automotive building block for an innovative, future-oriented logistics concept, which not only drives with zero emissions in urban areas – thanks to its electric wheel hub motors – but also offers maximum freedom in maneuvering and turning as well as optimal utilization of the vehicle’s interior space. If ‘refueled’ with electricity generated from renewable energy sources, the eT! can indeed be operated with zero emissions. Naturally, the eT! is not a vehicle which – unlike the Golf or up! with an electric motor – could become available very soon. But we must make plans today for what the world of lightweight commercial vehicles might look like starting in the second half of this decade, including with regard to electrical drives.”

To make the working world of mail delivery personnel and courier drivers simpler and safer, to optimize the logistics of delivery and to shorten delivery times, eT! can be operated semi-automatically in certain situations. The car can follow the delivery person from house to house (“Follow me”), or the car can return to the delivery person on command (“Come to me”) – driverless! As an alternative, the driver can direct the car’s movements via a ‘drive stick’ from the passenger’s side that also offers a standing seat and quick access to the vehicle. On the passenger’s side – the side that faces the sidewalk and therefore the working area of the delivery person – there is therefore an electrically opening sliding door that opens to 2 different stages; this enables extremely quick entry into the vehicle as well as quick access to the mail parcels. This makes unnecessary walking movements around the vehicle a thing of the past.

Variants of this lightweight transport vehicle could be implemented for all conceivable business uses. And these derived concepts are also the focus of research activities. Meanwhile, the eT! concept shown in a world premiere at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types. The research vehicle will now be integrated in a driving test study and further analyzed.

- Volkswagen

Related posts:

1. Volkswagen Amarok will be official support vehicle for Dakar Rally

You're reading Volkswagen eT! is today’s Kleinlieferwagen originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Volkswagen is pressing U.S. regulators to change a proposal to double auto fuel efficiency, arguing the plan puts it at a competitive disadvantage and unfairly de-emphasizes clean diesel engines.

Volkswagen did not sign onto an agreement backed by virtually every other major U.S. and overseas car company that underpinned the Obama administration proposal on Wednesday to boost efficiency targets to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Europe’s largest automaker said it remains hopeful changes will be made to reduce incentives in the plan that favor the biggest pickups — a staple of U.S. automakers General Motors, Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler Group.

It also wants some benefit for clean diesel, which bolsters fuel efficiency efforts in Europe and is featured on Volkswagen’s mid-size Passat TDI, which gets 43 mpg on the highway and is built in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Volkswagen’s U.S. sales grew 40 percent in October to 28,000 units, the biggest gain for any manufacturer, and are up nearly 25 percent for the year through last month. In recent months, diesel-powered models have accounted for as much as 22 percent of the automaker’s sales.

“A lot of good work has been done, but there is room and a need for some improvements to keep a level playing field for all automakers to attain the challenging new goals,” said Jonathan Browning, chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America.

David Geanacopoulos, Volkswagen America’s general counsel, told Reuters that company officials have met with transportation and environmental regulators as well as officials at the White House and said the company’s principal concern is fairness.

“We don’t know whether changes will be made, but we’re hoping that our views will be taken into account. There is a need for improvement. We’re optimistic,” he said.

Obama administration officials said they were open to hearing different views from car companies during the 60-day public comment period but stood by their decision to push incentives for gasoline/electric hybrids and other electric vehicles.

“We’re optimistic about about significant improvements in combustion and diesel engines,” said Margo Oge, director of EPA’s transportation and air quality office.

“On the other hand, electric powertrain is a new technology. The cost effectiveness is not there yet, but there is a huge potential for reducing oil imports.”

President Barack Obama wants 1 million electric cars on U.S. roads by 2015, a goal auto insiders say is overly ambitious considering that hybrids, which have been around for a decade, and newly arriving plug-in electric cars make account for less than 3 percent of the U.S. sales.

Japanese manufacturers dominate the hybrid market while GM’s Chevy Volt is the most heavily promoted plug-in electric available in U.S. showrooms.

Volkswagen has four clean diesels on display at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, including the Jetta, Golf and the TDI. Mercedes, BMW and Audi, a unit of Volkswagen, were also set to showcase diesel technology.

Volkswagen’s Touareg hybrid is among 35 hybrid and plug-ins rolled out for the show. Seven fully electric cars are on display, including the Ford Focus BEV prototype, the Nissan Leaf and the Toyota RAV4.

- Autonews

Related posts:

1. Panamera Diesel excels at long distance fuel economy

You're reading VW seeks changes in tougher fuel economy rules originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.