Volkswagen is displaying the potential of its flagship Golf R hatchback in the muscular form of the Golf R 400 concept. If the ‘400’ in the name doesn’t give the game away that this is a seriously powerful machine, then the body and bumper modifications and flared wheel arches should give more than a hint.

Based on the standard Golf R hatchback, which with its turbocharged 300 PS engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive is hardly a shrinking violet, the Golf R 400 ups the ante considerably, with 400 PS and an extra 70 Nm of torque, making for 450 Nm in total, available from 2,400 to 6,000 rpm. 

Developed by Volkswagen R GmbH, the arm responsible for high-power and customisation projects, the Golf R 400 uses a modified version of the engine found in the Golf R: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Type EA888). The extra power of the 400 helps propel this six-speed DSG-equipped model from rest to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, a whole second faster than its 300 PS sibling. Its top speed is 174 mph (governed). 

To achieve the increase in power, 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.

At 1,420 kg, the Golf R 400 weighs the same as the standard Golf R, but its appearance has been substantially altered. The body is 20 mm wider on each side, with flared wheelarches that are reminiscent of those on the 1988 Rallye Golf G60. These arches, like most of the body, are painted in ‘Silver Flake’ metallic, and contrast with the gloss black roof and carbon door mirror caps. New sill extensions seamlessly bridge the gap between the widened arches. Filling those arches are 19-inch alloy wheels on an increased offset. A development of the Golf R’s standard ‘Cadiz’ wheels, these are highly modified, with high-gloss back inserts that act as air vanes, helping to cool the reinforced braking system. The tyres are 235/35 R19s.

At the front, the bumper has been completely redesigned to take into account the greater cooling requirements of the R 400. A carbon fibre splitter and aerodynamic ‘wing element’ help to push air towards the honeycomb mesh of the grille – one of many aspects influenced by motorsport. The ‘R’ badge on the gloss black radiator grille sits on a ‘Lemon Yellow’ background, while the horizontal stripe across the grille (which, like the chrome strip on the Golf R, continues into the bi-xenon headlights) is also ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The redesigned rear bumper includes vents on each side, and the Golf R’s four tailpipes have been replaced with two centrally mounted items, like those on the 2002 Golf R32. These 110 mm diameter items are 200 mm apart, and point slightly upwards, displaying a honeycomb mesh. A black double spoiler with LED brake lights atop the tailgate finishes the look. Inside are motorsport shell seats with integrated head restraints and belt openings. These are upholstered in cross-quilted panels covered in Alcantara, and ‘carbon leather’, as are the two individual rear seats. Stitching throughout the interior is in contrasting ‘Lemon Yellow’.

The Golf R 400 is only a concept at this stage, with no production plans.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

  • No unlawful change to the stated fuel consumption and CO2 figures found to date
  • Only a small number of the model variants of new cars will have the catalogue figure slightly adjusted

Wolfsburg, 9 December 2015 –Just a month after questions relating to the CO2 figures measured on some of the Group's models arose, Volkswagen has largely concluded the clarification of the matter. Following extensive internal investigations and measurement checks, it is now clear that almost all of these model variants do correspond to the CO2figures originally determined. This means that these vehicles can be marketed and sold without any limitations. The suspicion that the fuel consumption figures of current production vehicles had been unlawfully changed was not confirmed. During internal re-measurements slight deviations were found on just nine model variants of the Volkswagen brand.

These model variants will be re-measured by a neutral technical service under the supervision of the appropriate authority by Christmas. In cases where the correctness of original figures is confirmed, there will be no consequences. These cars can be offered for sale by dealers without any reservations. In the case of any deviations, the figures will be adjusted in the future in the course of the normal processes as required.

Volkswagen presented these results to the investigation commission of the Federal Government and the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). The figure of approximately 800,000 vehicles under suspicion originally published by the Volkswagen Group has not been confirmed. The deviations found in the figures for only nine model variants amount to a few grams of CO2 on average, corresponding to increased cycle consumption in the NEDC of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres. With an annual production of approximately 36,000 vehicles, these model variants correspond to around only 0.5 per cent of the volume of the Volkswagen brand. The list of the nine model variants can be found at www.volkswagen-media-services.com.

The Group's subsidiaries Audi, SKODA and SEAT have also agreed a similar procedure with the approval authorities responsible for the vehicles initially considered.

Customers' real-world consumption figures do not change and neither are any technical vehicle modifications necessary. Against this background, the negative impact on earnings of €2 billion that was originally expected has not been confirmed.

Whether we will have a minor economic impact, depends on the results of the re-measurement exercise.

Please note: This text and the overview of vehicles to be adjusted in future with new CO2 figures, model year 2016, can be found at www.volkswagen-media-services.com. The information contained in this press release does not apply to products and services from the Volkswagen Group of America or Volkswagen Canada.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Volkswagen has achieved outright victory in the prestigious Green Apple Awards for one of its most highly praised new models – the Volkswagen Golf GTE.

The Green Apple automotive awards – now in their fifth year – are bestowed by The Green Organisation, a not-for-profit group which invites entries from across the industry. As has become the custom, the awards were this year once again presented at the Houses of Parliament in London.

The innovative Volkswagen Golf GTE triumphed in its class – ‘electric hybrids or pure electric vehicles’ – as well as taking the overall title of Green Apple Champion 2015 in the influential awards, voted for by automotive experts from the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

The Golf GTE is powered by a combination of petrol engine and electric motor. Capable of returning up to 166 mpg, and with CO2emissions measured at just 39 g/km, the innovative plug-in hybrid model has already scooped a series of prominent automotive industry awards including the Green category in the annual BusinessCar Fleet Technology Awards.

Priced from £33,755 (OTR RRP), excluding Government Plug-In Car Grant, it offers up to 204 PS for genuinely spirited performance, merging GTI dynamics with e-Golf electric credentials. At the touch of the ‘GTE’ button, the electric motor and 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine combine to deliver a 0-62 mph time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 138mph, where the law permits. Maximum torque of 350 Nm is available from just 1,600 rpm and, when fully charged in all-electric mode, the Golf GTE has an electric range of up to 31 miles**. When electric and petrol combine, the total range is 580 miles**.

One Midland Group judge said of the winning Golf GTE: “It’s engineered like a Volkswagen, feeling solid and safe, while the hybrid system returns some superb figures when driven like a hybrid should be. For those days where there’s an empty country road it turns into a proper GTI, handling the extra weight with aplomb and proving you don’t need to make many compromises to produce a viable green choice.”

Welcoming the success of the Golf GTE in the 2015 Green Apple Awards Alex Smith, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The Golf GTE is a clear winner, with an unbeatable mix of spirited GTI-style performance and exceptional economy. The car showcases Volkswagen’s progress in the area of plug-in hybrid technology and stands as a real testament to the engineering strength and driving appeal of our cars.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The ‘kerb appeal’ of Volkswagen’s exhilarating Scirocco sports coupé has never been in doubt: the distinctive silhouette and wide, low stance of this third generation model – revealed just last year – continue to turn heads.

Now Volkswagen is boosting the Scirocco’s desirability yet further with the UK launch of two special edition versions – both available to order in dealers now – that add not only extra style but also enhance the four-seat coupé’s already-strong value proposition.

The debut of two new Scirocco Black Edition models: the Scirocco GT Black Edition and Scirocco R-Line Black Edition, sees the addition as standard of black painted alloy wheels, a black painted contrast roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler, and 90% tinted rear windows. Together, they significantly enrich the visual appeal of this already dynamic-looking coupé.

The Scirocco GT Black Edition boasts 18-inch Black Lisbon alloy wheels, while the R-Line Black Edition benefits from arch-filling 19-inch Black Lugano alloy wheels. Priced from £23,135 (RRP OTR) for the GT Scirocco Black Edition 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology – a premium of £550 over the equivalent GT and R-Line trims – the new models offer great value for money, too. As an example, the 18-inch Lisbon alloy wheels alone would otherwise be a £610 option on the GT trim, while the cars’ 90% tinted windows are a £70 option.

The third generation Scirocco made its global public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014 – 40 years after the original debuted – and comes with a range of advanced engines that offer up to 280 PS yet also promise both impressive performance and fuel efficiency.

Styling highlights include eye-catching headlight and LED tail light designs, a front bumper featuring aerodynamic ‘blades’ in the outer section and, inside, a dashboard containing an auxiliary instrument cluster above the centre console consisting of chronometer, charge pressure and oil temperature gauges.

Under the Scirocco’s purposeful bonnet lies one of six turbocharged direct-injection petrol or diesel engines, all of which meet EU6 emissions standards and return between 67.3 and 35.3 mpg.  Every model in the range except the R feature BlueMotion Technology additions, meaning they come as standard with Stop/Start and brake energy recuperation systems.

In new GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition guise the petrol range comprises a 1.4-litre 125 PS or a 2.0-litre 180 PS unit while two diesel engines, both 2.0-litre, offer either 150 PS or 184 PS.  The 1.4-litre TSI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Performance over the 0-62 mph sprint ranges from 9.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds, depending on engine and transmission choice, while top speeds, where legal, range from 126 mph to 155 mph (limited).

Standard equipment across the entire Scirocco range includes the Composition Media system with 6.5-inch colour touch-screen, Bluetooth telephone and audio connection, DAB digital radio receiver, MDI (Multi Device Interface) via USB connection, SD card reader and single CD player along with air conditioning; automatic headlights and wipers; an auto-dimming rear view mirror; height-adjustable sports seats and a multifunction leather-covered steering wheel (with paddleshifts on DSG models).

The Scirocco GT features, in addition to the Composition Media system, Discover Navigation offering branded points of interest, dynamic navigation based on TMC+, preloaded European navigation data and Fast, Short and Eco route options as well as 2Zone climate control; dark-tinted rear windows; front fog lights; front and rear parking sensors; a black roof lining; ‘chequered flag’ dash inserts and aluminium-look pedals and cloth and part Alcantara-trimmed upholstery.

The R-Line model comes with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts; R-Line scuff plates; an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever; ‘carbon-look’ dash inserts; and heated, electrically adjustable ‘Vienna’ leather sports seats.

Top-of-the-range Scirocco R models add a host of sporting and luxury features including Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC); Unique ‘R’ sports suspension lowered by around 10 mm; Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting, automatic range adjustment, static cornering function and headlight washers; black brake calipers with ‘R’ logo; LED daytime running lights set into the front bumper (in lieu of front fog lights); a bespoke ‘R’ styling pack; Gloss Black decorative interior trim inserts; leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel Vienna leather upholstery and front sports seats with embossed ‘R’ logo.

Volkswagen Scirocco GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition models are available to order now, with first registrations due in January 2016. For more details visit: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Wolfsburg (15 November 2015). 26 podiums from 13 rallies, including twelve wins – the 2015 season will go down in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) history books asVolkswagen’s most successful to date. Three-time world champions* Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) claimed their eighth win of the season with the World Rally Car from Wolfsburg. Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene finished third to round off a positive end to the season. This was their ninth podium of the year – only Ogier/Ingrassia rackedup more. The closing Power Stage went to Jari-Matti Latvala /Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) in the third Polo R WRC, who came away from an otherwise difficult rally with three bonus points – enough to secure second place in the World Championship. In extremely tricky conditions in the Welshforests, and whatproved to be a real mud bath, 15 of a possible 19 stage wins went to Volkswagen. This took the total to 504 of 717 stages since the 2013 season.

Mud marathon in gale-force winds: extreme challenges in Wales

The Rally Great Britain formed an extremely challenging end to the WRC season: gale-force winds, torrential rain and the typical, ubiquitous Welsh mud awaited the drivers on the 19 special stages. The 309.87 kilometres against the clock really put the world’s best rally drivers through their paces. The ever-changing grip levels meant the crews had to be on the ball at all times – despite marathon days with special stages from the daybreak into the night. The Rally Great Britain in North Wales also posed a challenge for the Volkswagen mechanics: Storm Abigail tore through the service park in Deeside, making life difficult for the Volkswagen technicians, particularly during the flexi service on Saturday evening.

The bottom line: the Polo R WRC’s impressive record

400 and 500 – Volkswagen celebrated reaching yet more milestones at the Rally Great Britain. With 34 of a possible 39 victories, the Polo R WRC remains the car with the highest win ratio in the history of the World Rally Championship. The 318-hp World Rally Car from Wolfsburg also racked up stage win number 500 in Wales. After three full seasons, Volkswagen has now won 504 of the 717 special stages since the Polo R WRC made its debut at the 2013 Rally Monte Carlo. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia also passed a personal milestone: victory in Wales was the 32nd of their careers, the 25th in Volkswagen colours, and also yielded stage win number 400.

Podium regulars: Ogier and Mikkelsen

Podium finish number ten for Sébastien Ogier, and number nine for Andreas Mikkelsen: the two drivers, who ended the 2015 season with the most top-three results, once again flew the flag for Volkswagen on the podium in Wales. Volkswagen duos have cracked open the Champagne on the rostrum on 26 occasions this year – a new personal best for the team. Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia now have 45 podium finishes to their name, 31 of which have come with Volkswagen. Incidentally: during their three World Championship-winning years – 2013, 2014 and 2015 – they have not recorded a single third place. Andreas Mikkelsen has finished on the podium 14 times in the 25 rallies since last year’s Rally Sweden, including 13 times with Ola Fløene. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila have contributed eight podiums, including three wins, to Volkswagen’s impressive record.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk