Category: Volkswagen

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen gives new Scirocco R more power

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Volkswagen has released details for its updated Scirocco range. In Australia we only need to focus on the Scirocco R, pictured above with its refreshed styling.

For European markets, at least, the Scirocco R now has 206kW (280PS), up from 195kW in the previous model. Although, for Australia’s “hot climate” conditions the Scirocco R was detuned to 188kW. It’s unclear if we’ll see the full 206kW when the new Scirocco goes on sale here.

The most noticeable changes to the styling of the Scirocco R are with the headlights and tailights. Up front the new bi-xenon lights now include LED daytime running lights in the main cluster. The rear lights get the LED treatment as well.

In addition to those changes the front and rear bumper sections have been restyled with a more aggressive look. New Cadiz alloy wheels from the Golf R are fitted in 18″ as standard and can also be optioned in 19″ sizing.

The Scirocco R now has larger 17″ brakes as standard. Also included now is Volkswagen’s XDS diff lock, which aims to help keep the front wheels and their 206kW under control.

Inside it’s much the same as before, although slightly restyled, of course. The steering wheel from the Mk7 GTI has been used and there are now three auxiliary gauges atop the central dash. The boost gauge and oil temp will be the most welcome.

The new Scirocco goes on sale in Europe next month and the press release tells us Australia will follow “soon afterwards”.

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Seat Video Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R v Seat Leon Cupra 280

Volkswagen Golf R v Seat Leon Cupra 280

Take two Volkswagen Group products to the track, in this case the Golf R and the Leon Cupra 280, thrash them about and see if you can come to a conclusion as to which is best.

The circuit in question is the tight and twisty Cadwell Park and Autocar scribe Steve Sutcliffe is telling the story. The Golf has a bit more power but thanks to its 4motion all-wheel drive system has a bit more weight than the Leon. Both cars share a 6-speed DSG. Remember, the Leon Cupra 280, for a brief moment, held the FWD lap record at the Nürburgring.

What do you think will happen next?

[Thanks to Mark for the tip]

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Audi Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen

Mercedes v Volkswagen: Four-cylinder warfare

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG engine

Mercedes-Benz has returned serve to Volkswagen in the increasingly public battle for four-cylinder supremacy.

Recent concepts from Volkswagen and Audi have shown the Volkswagen Group is looking to push beyond the 300kW (400hp) mark with a revised version of its familiar EA888 2.0 litre.

Jochen Martin Schmid, AMG Powertrain Development engineer, has boldly stated Mercedes will win this battle.

“We cannot, and will not, let them get ahead of us,” Schmid declared. “If that means the start of a new power war for four-cylinder cars, then it’s the start of a new power war for four-cylinder cars.”

Schmid gets specific, too, saying the 2.0 litre used in the A45 AMG has more development potential.

“Theirs is based on the EA888, right? That’s a pretty old engine now and ours is a completely new concept with room for development,” he said.

The cause of these power games can be traced back to Volkswagen’s recruitment of Friedrich Eichler, the man who oversaw the introduction of AMG’s first four-cylinder engine, used in the A45. With 265kW/450Nm it currently holds rank as the world’s most powerful production-based four-cylinder engine.

Despite Schmid’s dismissal of the EA888 engine, Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi Chief Technical Officer, is showing faith in his product.

“For production, we have to change the cylinder-head, because in the EA888 it has the exhaust manifold in the cylinder-head now,” Hackenberg explained when talking about the 309kW/450Nm TT quattro sport concept. “With this engine and its output, it produces too much heat in the head to keep it like that, so we have to change it.

“But, apart from swapping in some stronger parts, it can still be made within our production system.”

The net result of all this is the fact it’s looking like the A45 AMG Black Series, or whatever Mercedes has up its sleeve, will have to push beyond 310kW (415hp) if it’s going to win this war.

You know, it’s not all that long ago we used to salivate over the 309kW/430Nm 4.2 litre V8 in the B7 RS4. And soon we’ll be having that sort of power in a Golf-sized hatch. Keep fighting Mercedes and Volkswagen, keep fighting!

[Source: motoring.com.au | Thanks to John for the tip]

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Safety Issues Volkswagen

Keep your eyes on the road

Volkswagen eyes on the road advertising campaign

Volkswagen has produced this excellent piece to warn of the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving. It was presented to cinema goers in Hong Kong and employs a clever use of technology and shock value to get its message across.

[Thanks to Mick for the tip]

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Volkswagen

VIDEO: Golf R400 at Wörthersee

Volkswagen Golf R400

The very damn cool GTI Roadster wasn’t the only fancy pants Golf making waves at the Wörthersee show, the very damn cool Golf R400 was also trotted out by Volkswagen’s top brass. Here’s a couple of amateur videos bringing us a little bit closer the most awesomest Golf ever.

Nice detail on the exhaust tips, too.

[Thanks to John for the tip]

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Wörthersee 2014: Volkswagen GTI Roadster

Volkswagen GTI Roadster

The fearsome GTI Roadster has just been wheeled out at the Wörthersee show and, oh boy, what a beast it is! Just look at the key stats. It’s powered by a 3.0 litre V6 biturbo pumping out a staggering 370kW (503PS). Peak torque is 560Nm and is on tap between 4000–6000rpm. Mind, 500Nm of that torque is all yours from just 2000rpm.

That power is sent through a 7-speed DSG and 4motion all-wheel drive system and Volkswagen says its 1420kg concept can reach 100km/h in 3.6 seconds. Keep your foot planted and you’ll top out at 309km/h.

In a case of life imitating art the GTI Roadster began as nothing more than a virtual creation for the Sony Playstation game Gran Turismo 6. After being asked by Sony to create a car for Gran Turismo’s fifteenth anniversary Volkswagen launched an internal design competition.

Judged by Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen Head of Design, and Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of Gran Tursimo, the winners were Malte Hammerbeck and Domen Rucigaj (exterior) and Guillermo Mignot (interior). They became informally known as the Vision GTI-GT6 taskforce.

The taskforce was joined by other designers and their visual creation was developed entirely by computer, including the 3D modelling. The press material below doesn’t offer any detail on the production of the model you see in the photos, though. But there are some very cool cutaway images for you after the break.

Freed from the reality of real-world production constraints the GTI Roadster is described by Volkswagen as the “most spectacular GTI ever” and it’s pretty hard to disagree with that claim.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen plans to raise the roof at Wörthersee

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI Roadster concept

Last year Volkswagen rocked up to Wörthersee with the Design Vision GTI, which was powered by a 370kW (500hp) 3.0 litre turbocharged VR6 engine. Very tasty, indeed. This year, we’re told they’ll be stuffing that engine into a GTI Roadster concept, which first began life as nothing more than a fantasy project for Gran Turismo 6.

A few UK outlets have got the scoop right now, but when we get our mitts on the official details we’ll be sure to pass them on.

[Source: Autocar]

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Audi Jaguar Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen

Ringing it with Audi, Jag, Mercedes and VW

Mercedes-AMG GT prototype

Regardless of what the new owners will have in store for the Nürburgring when they takeover next year it’s clear the industry pool is still in full swing.

Here’s four videos thanks to Dale from Bridge to Gantry which show a Mercedes AMG GT, an Audi R8 of some description (possibly turbocharged), a Jaguar XE Saloon and a VW Golf R Wagon being put through their paces.

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon!

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Citroen Ford Hyundai Volkswagen WRC

Jari-Matti Latvala wins 2014 Rally Argentina

2014 WRC Rally Argentina

It’s another belated WRC update, but this time we just wanted to make sure the rest of the field had crossed the line, such was the dominance shown by Jari-Matti Latvala en route to his second win for 2014.

Latvala enjoyed a trouble-free event and finished almost 90 seconds ahead of Sebastien Ogier. But even that doesn’t tell the full story as Ogier had put the cue in the rack around half way through the rally, figuring a secure and safe second place was better than risking a DNF in the chase for victory.

After Mads Ostberg crashed early on Day 1 Citroën’s charge was left to Kris Meeke. This would have given the team cause for concern following Meeke’s big crash in Portugal. However, the Northern Irishman delivered a solid drive and was very relieved to finish on the podium.

Andreas Mikkelsen finished fourth for Volkswagen and but for a slipped alternator belt on the opening day he would have likely given Volkswagen a clean sweep of the podium. In the end he did well to fight back from a five minute time penalty to keep Meeke on his toes.

Hyundai will be pleased with Thierry Neuville’s fifth place, bringing home some valuable points and more experience for his team.

Robert Kubica finished the rally! Even better for the former F1 star, he was the best placed Ford driver and came home in sixth place. The conditions in Argentina were treacherous at times, thanks to heavy rain in the lead up to the event, so it was no mean feat for any of the drivers, let alone the inexperienced Kubica, to get through the rally unscathed.

Ogier maintains a healthy lead in the drivers’ championship, ahead of Latvala. Mikkelsen and Ostberg are currently tied for third place. Similarly, with five wins from five events, Volkswagen has streaked away to a massive lead in the constructors’ race. The team already has more than twice the points of its nearest challenger, Citroën, with M Sport (Ford) further behind.

Latvala’s win and Ogier’s cautious approach breathes new life into the 2014 championship with the first genuine signs that Ogier’s drivers’ title is up for grabs.

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Volkswagen

“More than 400 horsepower!”

Volkswagen Golf R400 Concept

The recently previewed Volkswagen Golf R400 has us excited. It may have you excited too. Well, get ready to put your super-dooper excitement pants on because Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen’s R&D boss, has been recently quoted as saying the R400, “could make more than 400 horsepower.”

Say that again.

MORE THAN 400 HORSEPOWER!

Adding some credibility to Neusser’s comment is the fact it was made Vienna engine symposium where car makers meet to talk engines and stuff. Also within earhshot of Neusser when he uttered those words, “more than 400 horsepower,” were his bosses Ferdinand Piech, Volkswagen’s really, really big boss aka chairman of the board, and the company’s CEO Martin Winterkorn.

Even if the R400 only becomes an R401 that’s still a crap load of power to stuff into a Golf VII chassis and deliver through a Haldex V all-wheel drive-DSG combo. Even if it’s a rubbish handler it’ll still be batshit fast and that alone should make it a class-leader in smile inducing grins.

See, we told you you’d need those super-dooper excitement pants.

[Source: Car & Driver]

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Volkswagen

Sub-4 sec Golf R400 set to raise hot hatch bar

Volkswagen Golf R400 Concept

Every now and then a car maker just says, “F@#k it, you know what, let’s just do it!”

We saw that a few years ago when Renaultsport thought plastic windows in a Megane was a good idea. And again when Audi figured a stupidly overpriced limited edition A1 made perfect sense.

Now, thanks be to the hot hatch god, Volkswagen is going to turn this R400 concept into reality. First shown at the Auto China show in Beijing on the weekend the R400 has created something of a ripple since it was announced.

What is this R400 thingy then? It’s a 400PS (294kW) Golf R on steroids and VW reckons it can reach 100km/h in under four seconds (3.9 to be exact). We sort of knew it might be coming, thanks to earlier reports of a Golf R Evo. But now that it’s here in some sort of official capacity we’re a little bit excited, and we just can’t hide it!

The R400 gets its mojo from the familiar EA888 turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine. In March, we saw Audi claim the wick could be turned up to 309kW/450Nm in the TT quattro sport concept.

To achieve that extra power and torque Volkswagen says:

The Golf R 400 features a newly developed turbocharger with a higher maximum charge pressure and reinforced crankcase. A water-cooled exhaust gas feed to the turbocharger integrated in the cylinder head helps to reduce full-load fuel consumption, while variable valve control with dual camshaft adjustment improves economy and performance.

Weighing in at 1420kg (the same as a standard Golf R), the R400, is fitted with a 6-speed DSG and features model specific bodywork. In addition to the obvious styling tweaks, there’s a 20mm increase in width, thanks to flared guards said to be inspired by the Mk2 Golf G60 Rallye.

Engine development has been overseen by Franz Eichler, the former AMG Exec poached by Volkswagen after he guided the 265kW A45 AMG; powered by what is currently the world’s most powerful 2.0 litre production engine.

We can’t get enough of the R400 and really hope the confirmation of production sign-off claimed by Car and Driver is 100% accurate.

There’s a couple of press releases from Volkswagen for you after the break. Start your drooling now!

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Australia wants satisfaction

Volkswagen Golf VI 118TSI

Volkswagen Australia boss John White has admitted the brand has an issue with customer satisfaction and has vowed to improve.

Speaking to Go Auto, White explained his theories behind the company’s image problem: “Number one was the recall situation, and we’re working our way out of that. Those problems we had with those cars are going away.

“From a network development perspective I think really part of the root cause we have had is our sales went up at a very high rate over the five years to last year and the infrastructure didn’t keep up.”

In our opinion Volkswagen Australia was unfairly targetted in a campaign by Fairfax Media last year which used the death of Melissa Ryan to gain exposure for ongoing customer dissatisfaction with the brand. There was never any reasonable link between the two stories.

The Victorian Coroner found there was no evidence to suggest any mechanical or technical issue from Ryan’s car, a Mk5 Golf GTI with a 6-speed manual gearbox, contributed to her death after she was hit from behind by a B-double semi trailer.

However, while Volkswagen was rightfully cleared in that instance, its response to and handling of the poor publicity collated by Fairfax was amateur at best and woefully embarassing at worst. Most of the complaints concerned the 7-speed DSG (DQ200) gearbox and eventually VW took its head out of the sand and issued a voluntary recall, which affected almost 26,000 vehicles.

But it was too little too late and the damage to its brand was well and truly done. It will take a long time and a committed effort from all Volkswagen Australia staff to win back the trust of the wider motoring public.

“It’s not one silver bullet but there are a lot of things you need to do to improve,” White added. “I fundamentally believe that the only way that we’re going to grow to the next level is to move up in terms of customer satisfaction, because from a loyalty perspective we’re fortunate because we still have high customer loyalty, but to retain them consistently over time you need to move up.”

White has established a customer satisfaction committee with his dealerships and imported staff from China to help implement the cultural change required.

A reduction in product offerings may also ease the burden on dealerships. A decision has been made to stop selling the Up and the Eos and Scirocco are likely to be next in the firing line.

[Source: Go Auto]