Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label variant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label variant. Show all posts

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Volkswagen joins in the fun with their take on the Euro 2016 Football - this is their line-up.

  • Variable and versatile – the Golf Variant is the perfect team player
  • Technology, speed and stylish colours make a major impression
  • An all-rounder with good looks too
For some time now, football fans have been debating which line-up their national team should use for the Euro 2016 tournament.


Volkswagen, for its part, has a great line-up for its Golf Variant model series: from the rapid striker Golf R Variant¹ with 300 PS to the untiring playmaker Golf GTD Variant² and the reliable and experienced Golf Variant Highline³ – our finely tuned team is sure to get you to the stadium or a public screening safely.
The Golf Variant all-rounder also looks good – and not just in the colours of the tricolour. All of our team members stand out through their exceptional sporty nature. They also offer plenty of room for a trip to an away match as well – not to mention sufficient space for a barbecue grill, beverages and much more.
Volkswagen wishes all football fans an exciting and thrilling Euro 2016 tournament.

Friday, 25 March 2016

The Volkswagen Gold R takes one of the seven places for Automobile Magazine All-Star List of cars.

Lauded for its performance and value, the Golf R joins Automobile’s list of the seven outstanding model year 2016 vehicles
Volkswagen of America, Inc., is pleased to announce that the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, commended for its “practicality and punch,” was named today to Automobile’s “2016 All-Star” list. Automobile,a leading automotive lifestyle print and online brand, selects exceptional vehicles each year to its prestigious list based on style, class, importance, and desirability. This is the first time that the Golf R has been named anAutomobile “All-Star”.

“The Golf R has won the hearts of enthusiasts and everyday drivers since its introduction last spring, and we are honored that it has earned a coveted spot on Automobile’s ‘2015 All-Star’ list,” said Vinay Shahani, Vice President, Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This award is a testament to the Golf R’s stellar combination of performance and value.” 
“Volkswagen Golf R wowed us with its potent performance on both road and track,” said Mike Floyd, Editor-in-Chief, Automobile. “But more than that, it’s also an incredibly practical package that can haul the mail as well.”
Automobile chooses its “All-Star” contender list from the entirety of all-new, heavily revised, or newly significant variants on sale or otherwise available in the U.S. in the 12 months preceding the publication’s fall test. 
Editorial staff and contributors cast private ballots for their favorite vehicles, including passenger cars, sports cars, sport-utilities, minivans and trucks. Winners are determined solely by staff preferences.
The latest Golf R, introduced for 2015, is the most powerful version of the Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market. It redefines the hatchback category with enough space for five adults and more trunk space than most mid-size sedans. 
It features an even more advanced version of Volkswagen’s EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® 2.0-liter engine that’s fitted to the Golf GTI, which was named anAutomobile “2015 All-Star.” 
Boasting 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the R model is also fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission. 
The 2016 Golf R features a suite of new connectivity features that includes USB and VW Car-Net® App-Connect technology, as well as a number of newly available driver assistance systems. 
The Golf R comes standard with Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the DCC and Navigation model is available with the Driver Assistance Package, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and Park Distance Control (Park Pilot). 
The 2016 Golf R (along with the Golf, Golf GTI and Golf SportWagen models), earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Pricing for the 2016 Golf R starts at $35,650.

Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Volkswagen starts to "fix" the issues surrounding the Diesel emissions irregularities, and about time too.

  • German Minister of Transport, Alexander Dobrindt, and Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand,
    Dr Herbert Diess, heard more about the practical implementation of the measures
  • An important step towards resolving the NOx emissions issue in Europe
  • The first model is the Volkswagen Amarok, the Passat will follow shortly afterwards
In December 2015, the Volkswagen Group presented specific technical measures to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) for the EA189 engines affected by the NOx issue. As agreed, Volkswagen began implementing the measures at the end of January for engines with a capacity of 2.0 litres. 
Over the next few months, the measures will also be implemented on the engines with 1.2 and 1.6-litre capacities. 

Today, German Minister of Transport, Alexander Dobrindt, and Chairman of the Board of Management Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand, Dr Herbert Diess, met in Berlin and in the workshop of a Volkswagen dealership found out more about the practical implementation of the software update for the 2.0 TDI engine. 
Volkswagen is starting with the Amarok, with the Passat to follow shortly.
“The start of the recall is taking us a great step forwards”, says Dr Herbert Diess. “Our customers are getting a good technical solution for their car and can also rely on quick implementation of the modification.”
Customer-friendly solutions were an important aspect in developing the technical measures. For efficient implementation the affected vehicle models have been put into several groups. 
Only once the KBA has checked and confirmed the proposed measures are the customers affected being contacted and informed about the recall. In a second letter the vehicle owners will be requested to arrange an appointment with a Volkswagen partner. In terms of time, the implementation of the measure will extend across the whole of 2016.
A software update is planned for the 1.2-litre, 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre EA189 engines. The pure labour time for this will be less than half an hour. For the 1.6-litre engine a flow rectifier will additionally be fitted in the intake duct with expected labour time, inclusive of software update, of just under 45 minutes.
The recall has now begun with the 2.0 TDI engine in the Volkswagen Amarok. The installation of this new engine control software means that the Amarok now meets the limits required to comply with the EU5 emissions standard. 
The aim of Volkswagen was always to ensure that these measures do not result in a change to the fuel economy figures, performance figures or CO2 or noise emissions of the vehicles affected. In the case of the Amarok, the Federal Motor Transport Authority has confirmed that this objective has been fully achieved.
Following in a few weeks’ time, in addition to the variants of the Passat, will be other models with the affected 2.0 TDI engines as well.Modification of the 1.2-litre engines affected is scheduled for the end of the second quarter. Completing the recall, the measures for vehicles with a 1.6-litre engine will be carried out from the third quarter of 2016.
At the same time the implementation of the technical measures will commence in other European countries in agreement with the responsible authorities and in accordance with the national requirements.
The vehicles continue to be technically safe and roadworthy and can therefore continue to be driven in road traffic without any limitations.

Tuesday, 9 February 2016

Volkswagen delays end of year results and postpones the AGM until further notice.

  • Timing of report clarifying background of diesel emissions issue not affected
  • Before special items Volkswagen anticipates the Operating Result for the Group at the level of the prior year
Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft will set a new date for the publication of the annual accounts for fiscal year 2015 due to remaining open questions and the resulting valuation calculations relating to the diesel emissions issue. 

Consequently, new dates for the Annual Press Conference (previously planned for March 10, 2016) as well as the Annual General Meeting of shareholders, (previously planned for April 21, 2016) will be announced as soon as possible.

In this regard, Volkswagen will achieve the best possible transparent and reliable outcome for its shareholders and stakeholders.
Before special items Volkswagen anticipates the Operating Result for the Group at the level of the prior year within the expected range for fiscal year 2015.
The timing of the report clarifying the background and responsibilities connected to the diesel emission issue is not affected by this decision. Volkswagen is sticking to the timing and plans to publish the findings in the second half of April.

Friday, 21 November 2014

USA - VW launches their version of the new Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle, the Golf Sportwagen HyMotion.

  • Golf SportWagen HyMotion transfers fuel cell technology to high-volume production
  • Golf is the world's first car to offer all drive types that can be implemented today
Volkswagen has presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show the world premiere of the Golf SportWagen HyMotion – a progressive research vehicle with a fuel cell drive.

As the power source of the future, hydrogen andoxygen are combined in the fuel cell to form pure water. Energy is released in this "cold combustion" process – drive energy for an electric motor that turns with zero emissions. 

The front wheel drive Golf SportWagen HyMotion accelerates to 62 mph in 10.0 seconds. The hydrogen is stored safely in four high-tech carbon-fibre tanks, which are located in a space-saving way in the underbody. Their fuel capacity enables a driving range of 310 miles. Refilling ofthe fuel tank of the concept car takes just three minutes.

The key drive components of the Golf SportWagen HyMotion were developed by Volkswagen Group Research in Germany. The fuel cell system, which hasa driving power of 100 kW, was conceptualised at the Volkswagen Technology Centre for Electric Traction. 


In addition, the concept car has a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which stores the kinetic energy recovered from regenerative braking, assists in the starting phase of the fuel cell and adds a dynamic boost to the maximum acceleration of the Golf SportWagen. The fuel cell andbattery drive an electric motor adapted from the e-Golf.

The mechanical design for this innovative car build is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) which was developed by Volkswagen and is used throughout the Group. Thanks to use of MQB, the current Golf hatchback versions and the new Golf SportWagen have advanced to become the world's first vehicle model series that can host all conceivable drive types. 

Today, the Golf is already offered with petrol engines  (TSI), diesel engines (TDI), a natural gasdrive (TGI)1, an electric drive (e-Golf)2 and a plug-in hybrid drive (Golf GTE)3. No other car offers such a variety of drive types.

Volkswagen is showing the Golf SportWagen HyMotion to demonstrate for the first time how a hydrogen fuel cell could be implemented based on the MQB as soon as research and development work has been completed and a solution could be developed whose price would be acceptable to new car buyers. 

Before market launch, a hydrogen infrastructure must first be created. This means not only a broad network of hydrogen fuel stations, but also the production of the hydrogen itself, because hydrogen only makes sense as a source of drive energy if the primary energy used to produce it comes from renewable energy sources.

Unlike many of its competitors, Volkswagen is following the strategy of implementing its alternative drives in high-volume production vehicles. Just as the all-electric e-Golf and the Golf GTE that is equipped with a plug-in hybrid drive are integrated in a production model that has everyday practicality, so future fuel cell drives would also be integrated into production models that have been optimally engineered and are offered at an attractive price. 

It was with this objective in mind that several research vehicles were built based on the American Passat, in which the same drive components from the Golf SportWagen HyMotion are used. The fleet of Passat HyMotion vehicles is currently being tested on the streets of California.

Tuesday, 18 March 2014

The new Vauxhall/Opel Vivaro, best in class engines and great design.

  • Award-winning Vauxhall sculptural design language introduced in van class
  • Improved cargo/occupant space reinforces Vivaro’s popularity
  • Advanced BiTurbo diesels ensure top performance with low fuel consumption
The new Vauxhall Vivaro combines the functionality of a light commercial vehicle with the comfort and design flair of a passenger car. Coming to market this summer, the second generation of Vauxhall’s best-seller delivers an impressive ‘wow’ factor by bringing Vauxhall’s award-winning ‘sculptural artistry meets technical precision’ design philosophy to the light commercial vehicle segment for the first time.

Complementing its new, eye-catching looks are state-of-the-art technologies and many practical, innovative features, both under the bonnet – diesel engines ensure strong pulling power with advanced BiTurbo propulsion – and in the cabin, making the Vivaro an extremely attractive competitor in this key vehicle class.
Approximately 500,000 vehicles are sold annually in West and Central Europe in this segment, with the Vivaro accounting for nearly ten per cent of this total.
“The second generation Vauxhall Vivaro distinguishes itself with its superb practicality and quality. After 13 successful years on the market, we wanted to make the new Vivaro’s packaging even more attractive while raising the standard of its core capabilities,” says Mark Adams, Vauxhall Design Vice President. “The new Vivaro showcases Sculptural Artistry and technical precision with sweeping sculptural design accents, bold proportions and premium accents. This gives it a sharpened and more refined character, making it the ideal mobile business card.”
Simply unmistakable: New Vauxhall Vivaro is robust yet elegant
The new Vauxhall Vivaro’s exterior is now even more elegant and modern. With a large, prominent grille, distinctive headlamps and the flowing blade side feature from Vauxhall’s multi-award-winning design language, it includes the characteristic forms of the brand’s passenger car models.

The headlamps are executed in high-gloss black mouldings with embedded chrome accents that enhance their jewel-like effect. The daytime running lights come with signature Vauxhall wing graphic design and modern, crisp LED technology, giving the Vivaro an unmistakable look. In all its elegance, with its wide face and clean, practical rear, the Vivaro clearly communicates the robustness that customers demand from the van during its everyday use. Its side design brings sculptural artistry to the van segment, with the signature Vauxhall blade feature flowing from under the side mirrors back to the rear wheel-arches in the same style found on the Insignia family and Astra GTC models.
Depending on how the new Vivaro is to be used – as a robust van or a comfortable large-capacity combi – customers can choose between two body design trim levels.
The Vivaro variant (first trim level) is strong and practical with the front bumper, grille, side mirror housings and the vertical rear mouldings presented in a durable, black textured plastic material. For the Sportive trim level all body elements including the front bumper, side mouldings, vertical rear bumper corners and the side mirrors are painted in the vehicle’s body colour and the grille has chrome accents.
The new Vivaro colour palette comprises eleven standard colours, with five solid and six two-coat metallic finishes. Right from market launch, further specific colours will be available for special-use vehicles. So customers can order their new Vivaro in the perfect outfit for every business and commercial need.
Four-way practicality: Vivaro with two lengths, two roof heights and even more room
The versatile Vivaro is the right vehicle for almost every customer need. The new edition continues the successful concept of diverse variants and is available in various configurations in two overall lengths and two heights as a panel van, Combi and double cab. In fact, the new Vivaro is now even more suitable for transport needs than its predecessor, because in both lengths – 4,998 and 5,398 mm – it is 216 mm longer, for cargo and occupants.

Two diesels: Newest turbo technology for the Vivaro
The new Vivaro is an all-round, heavy-duty workhorse thanks to its modern powertrain technology. It comes with two all-new turbo diesel engines: a 1.6 CDTi, as well as an advanced 1.6 BiTurbo CDTi with sequential turbocharging and a twin-cooler system. Powered by two turbochargers working together, this engine combines excellent performance with high fuel economy. Combined cycle fuel consumption of 47mpg (preliminary data) with the new turbo diesel units is considerably improved. This gives the new edition of Vauxhall’s successful all-rounder top value in its vehicle class.
All the new Vauxhall Vivaro’s standard roof variants are built at the Luton plant in England. Different versions of Vauxhall/Opel’s LCV bestseller developed together with Renault, have been rolling off the assembly line there since 2001. To date, over 900,000 units have been produced. In 2009, a vehicle conversion centre for specialist variants, such as platform cabs, was also opened at the plant, which will further expand its manufacturing activities with the new generation Vivaro. This will enable ex-works delivery of the new Vivaro in many conversions, enlarging the field of Vivaro capabilities for very specific professional uses. Of course, all vehicle modifications meet stringent Vauxhall quality standards.
Further information on the new Vauxhall Vivaro’s state-of-the-art technologies, flexible interior configurations will follow shortly.