Volkswagen is celebrating the world premiere of the new Touareg V8 TDI at the Geneva International Motor Show (7–17 March). Its output of 310 kW / 421 PS makes it the most powerful SUV with a diesel engine from a German manufacturer. The maximum torque of the high tech turbo diesel engine reaches the level of a super sports car: 900 newton metres. Whether cruising at low speeds, moving fast or going off-road – this power provides superior drive characteristics. The new flagship vehicle will come on the market at the end of May.

The 250 km/h-fast Touareg V8 TDI demonstrates the potential of its dynamics as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Like all Touareg models, the new V8 version also complies with the Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard. Those purchasing the top model will have the choice between the standard Elegance design package or the Atmosphere package. Elegance stands for a technical interior design dominated by metal and cool colour tones; Atmosphere is a warm interior environment where wood and natural tones prevail.

The seat system and door trims of both versions have a leather finish (“Vienna” type) as standard. The interior of the Touareg V8 TDI thus creates both an exclusive and an avant-garde comfort zone. The screens of the Innovision Cockpit (digitised display and controls) with their glass covered surfaces, tanned leathers and aluminium and chrome details allow the extraordinarily high quality of the Touareg V8 TDI to be seen and felt. The wood applications are particularly elegant. An example of the Atmosphere design package: a narrow wing made of “curved beam wood” extends over the entire width of the dash panel here – a wood application curved as one part and made of ash that follows the shape of the dash panel.

Compared to the models with V6-engines, the Touareg V8 TDI additionally includes air suspension, a boot lid that opens and closes electrically, comfort seats, an anti-theft alarm system, stainless steel pedals and the “Light & Sight” package (including automatically dimming exterior mirrors and automatic headlights) as standard. The Touareg V8 TDI also comes with 19-inch Tirano alloy wheels instead of 18-inch wheels.

The equipment range also includes state-of-the-art driver assist and running gear systems. Some of the features that increase safety include “Night Vision” (detects people and animals in the dark using a thermal imaging camera), “Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist” (partly automated steering and lane departure warning, acceleration and braking, up to 60 km/h) and “Front Cross Traffic Assist” (responds to cross traffic in front of the Touareg). Technologies like the active all-wheel steering system (makes the Touareg as easy to handle as a compact car) and a roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars further perfect handling and comfort. One of the best lighting systems in the world provides additional safety and comfort at night: the interactive “IQ.Light – LED matrix headlight”.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

At the Geneva International Motor Show (7 to 17 March 2019), Volkswagen is presenting the new top model for the crossover series successfully launched in 2017: the T-Roc R. The powerful Volkswagen R vehicle not only convinces with impressive performance data. The sporting characteristics of the Volkswagen T-Roc R are accentuated by the unmistakable “R”-specific exterior and interior design.

At the end of 2017, Volkswagen expanded its range to include a completely new crossover in the compact class: the T-Roc. Crisp dimensions outside, high functionality inside. A stylish all-rounder that combines the sovereignty of an SUV with the dynamics of a compact hatchback. The T-Roc is just as at home in the urban world as it is on the most beautiful routes in the world.

The harmonious concept of the T-Roc is the basis of its success and has already inspired many customers. Since its market launch in November 2017, it has been sold around 200,000 times worldwide. The new T-Roc R now expands the broad spectrum of the compact crossover with an emphatically sporty variant and appeals to individualists who attach as much importance to a stylish appearance as to outstanding driving performance.

The new T-Roc R was developed and tested by Volkswagen R, for example, at the legendary Nürburgring. The development of the vehicle was also supported by the racing driver expertise of WRX World Champion Petter Solberg and Volkswagen works driver Benjamin Leuchter. 

Volkswagen R is a 100% owned independent subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. The letter R has stood for racing since the first model, the Golf R32, and expresses the close connection to motor sports.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The race car-inspired Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR is now open for order in the UK, with a starting price of £34,135 RRP OTR for the 290 PS flagship of the GTI range.

The latest evolution of a true motoring icon, this front-wheel drive performance hero is the latest in a long line of sporting Golfs that have become the measure by which all others in their class are calibrated. Inspired by, and derived from, the race car of the same name – twice the overall winner of the international TCR (Touring Car Racing) series – the new Golf GTI TCR tops off the current GTI range in the UK, with the first examples arriving in March.

Indeed, the new model takes the GTI nomenclature up a notch in terms of power and performance. Its 290 PS power peak – a full-time peak here, unlike the ‘boost’ peak available in the former GTI Clubsport Edition 40 – is channeled through a seven-speed DSG (dual clutch) gearbox and carries this new model from rest to 62 mph in a spirited 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of as much as 164 mph.

The new GTI’s performance is as accessible as it is impressive. The 290 PS maximum power figure arrives at 5,400 rpm while all 380 Nm of torque is on offer from a mere 1,800 rpm, and remains available until 5,300 rpm. Indeed, a meaningful 200 Nm is on tap at just 1,000 rpm – essentially at little more than idle speed.

Together with the almost instant shifting nature of the standard-fit DSG, these power and torque profiles combine to make the GTI TCR feel as willing and responsive as its headlining figures imply.

Fitted with 18-inch 'Quaranta' alloy wheels as standard, with 225/40 R18 tyres, the GTI TCR is marked out by its distinctive front and rear bumpers, matte black exterior mirrors and TCR motif on the rear quarter panel. On the inside exclusive TCR seats feature, as well as a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with a track-inspired red marker at the 12 o’clock position. The gear gater is finished in Alcantara to match the door inserts, and the TCR logo is projected onto the street below when the door is opened.

Helping to stop the GTI TCR as impressively as it accelerates are upgraded brakes: the newcomer is equipped with a high-performance braking system as standard, with perforated discs and special brake pads. Improved cooling also features, with two extra water radiators in the front – as with the 300 PS, 4MOTION all-wheel drive Golf R.

A £2,000 option pack comprising 19-inch Reifnitz alloy wheels, suspension lowered by 20 mm and fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control and the top speed restriction removed – allowing a maximum speed of 164 mph – further reinforces the GTI TCR’s sporting appeal. Also available is a Pure Grey paint colour – a first for any GTI – which can be complemented by exclusive optional honeycomb decals on the side of the car, and an optional black roof.

The efficiency of the four-cylinder 16-valve engine combined with a petrol particulate filter is assured. Combined consumption1 is 42.2 mpg and official CO2 emissions are 153 g/km.

Geraldine Ingham, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “The arrival of any new Golf GTI is always a big moment but, with the debut of this exclusive and track-inspired car, I think we are seeing the debut of a future GTI icon.

“The GTI TCR’s 290 PS front-wheel drive set-up and stunning looks, along with the established quality, reliability and engineering excellence that Volkswagen brings to all of its cars, promise to make this hot hatch a ‘must-have’ for discerning buyers.” 

Currently, Volkswagen has four cars in its revered GTI range, starting with the up! GTI city car, Polo GTI supermini and Golf GTI Performance, with the range now topped by the motorsport-inspired GTI TCR. For more information about all of these models, visit volkswagen.co.uk/gti.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Production record for the debut of the new Passat: the bestseller will pass the 30 million mark this spring. This makes it the most successful mid-size model worldwide. One thing is certain: the 30 millionth Passat will come from the progressively enhanced 8th generation. A major technical update – a Passat that incorporates the latest brand innovations. The new Passat will make its trade fair debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Pre-sales will start in the first countries in May. The market launch will take place in September (Germany).

“Travel Assist” is celebrating its world premiere in the Passat. Making a parallel debut with saloon and estate versions, the Passat will be the first Volkswagen that is capable of partially automated driving at any speed (0 to 210 km/h) with this new IQ.DRIVE system. In addition, the new Passat will also be the first brand model worldwide with a capacitive steering wheel. This detects touch by the driver, providing an interactive interface to systems such as Travel Assist. Another new feature in the Passat is “Emergency Steering Assist”, which increases safety when performing evasive manoeuvres by means of braking interventions. The new, interactive “IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights” turn night into day – this is an innovative light technology that has been exclusively available for the current Touareg so far.

The third generation of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) also has its debut alongside the new Passat. App Connect – the interface for integrating smartphone apps – therefore offers wireless integration of iPhone apps via Apple CarPlay™ for the first time at Volkswagen. If desired, the Passat can from now on be permanently online via MIB3, because the new Infotainment systems come with an integrated SIM card as standard. As well as improved navigation-related services with real-time information, this encompasses new technologies and offers, music streaming services, Internet radio, natural (online-based) voice control, seamless use of “Volkswagen We” online services and future cloud-based portable vehicle settings. It will also be possible to use the first smartphones as a “mobile key” for opening and starting the Passat.

The MIB3 is closely integrated with the new Digital Cockpit. The digital instruments have been considerably enhanced compared to the previous system (Active Info Display). The enhanced high-contrast graphics display is clear and high-quality. The range of functions has been lifted to a whole new level. Three different display configurations can now be customised via the new multifunction steering wheel with just one button.

The drive range has also been enhanced. A perfect example of this is the Passat GTE1) – the plug-in hybrid model in the model line: It will have a considerably extended electric range. This is now up to approximately 55 km3) in the new WLTP cycle, corresponding to around 70 km3) according to the NEDC. At the same time, the combination of the electric motor and turbocharged engine (160 kW / 218 PS system power) means the Passat GTE provides the benefits of a comfortable, safe long-distance vehicle. The Passat GTE already achieves the limits set out in the Euro 6d emission standard, which applies to new vehicles from 2021. All other TSI and TDI units fulfil the requirements of the Euro 6d-TEMP emission standard. In addition, every new Passat – whether a petrol or diesel engine – is equipped with a particulate filter.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com