Motor Trend Long Term Arrival - 2009 Infinti FX50S

Motor Trend Long Term Arrival - 2009 Infinti FX50S

Infiniti's FX is not a practical vehicle. It doesn't hold three rows of people, can carry only 25 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, and has minimal off-road capability. No, it isn't practical, but it isn't supposed to be.

Volkswagen launches “60 years of value” anniversary campaign

Quality “made in Germany” for Federal Republic’s anniversary

Brand fans encouraged to actively participate

Wolfsburg, 19 December 2008 - We’ve seen a lot together and we’ve great plans for the future. This is Volkswagen’s claim for a double jubilee next year: the 60th anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany and the handing over of the Volkswagen factory by the British Military Government. “The Beetle, Bulli or the new Golf – Volkswagen stands for the democratization of mobility. No other brand has set its stamp on the history of the country in this way,” Jochen Sengpiehl, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen, commented.

The brand campaign in Germany gets underway on December 20 with TV spots, followed a little later by print ads which will function as an umbrella for product and brand themes throughout 2009. An emotional look back links key national events such as the Wirtschaftswunder or German reunification with highlights from Volkswagen’s product history. The spotlight not only shines on Volkswagen’s classic models, but also on present and future models such as the "New Small Family", because Volkswagen also symbolizes the future capability of Germany as an industrial location.

"We are setting the standard in the development of affordable, environmentally friendly vehicles and technologies. Our young model range gives our customers the right choice of models at the right time. The success of our company is based on a strong brand and the Volkswagen values which also symbolize Germany’s strengths: valuable, innovative, responsible," Sengpiehl added.

One special feature of the campaign is that all customers and fans are being asked to tell their own personal Volkswagen story. This story can take the form of texts, photos or video clips sent to www.volkswagen-60-jahre.de, a website specially set up for the campaign. Volkswagen is also contacting its brand friends through Internet communities such as "YouTube" or "MySpace", thus breaking new and innovative ground in online marketing. "We want to contact people via an online community platform and to thank the brand’s customers and fans for making "60 years of value" possible" Ralf Maltzen, Head CRM and Internet Marketing at Volkswagen, explained.


The communication agency DDB Berlin is responsible for the creative side of the campaign, cooperating with Tribal DDB Hamburg for online activities.

MAN acquires Brazil-based VW Truck & Bus

-Expansion into South American market
-Market leader for trucks in Brazil
-Synergy potential within MAN production network

MAN AG is to acquire VW Truck & Bus, which is based in Resende (Brazil), from Volkswagen AG. The company with an enterprise value of €1,175 million is set to be transferred on January 1, 2009. The executive bodies of MAN and VW have already granted their approval.

Volkswagen Truck & Bus has been producing trucks and buses in Resende since 1996. The company is Brazil’s largest truck manufacturer and leads the market for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than five tons. The vehicles are primarily sold in Latin America and South Africa. Around 47,000 trucks and buses were supplied in 2007. The company has a comprehensive sales and service network in Brazil and neighboring countries. Around 5,000 employees work at the Resende plant – one of the most modern truck production facilities – for VW Truck & Bus and its partner suppliers.

Acquiring the Brazilian company and its strong brand enables MAN to expand into the South American market, one of the fastest-growing regions, thus consistently strengthening its commercial vehicles business.

The CEO of MAN AG, Håkan Samuelsson, sees the acquisition as an important step for the MAN Group: “Having concentrated on our core business units, MAN is now focusing on expansion in all business areas. The acquisition of VW Truck & Bus in Brazil marks another milestone in our international growth in trucks and buses. The new business area with its strong market position will provide MAN with access to the Latin American market. At the same time, we can see considerable synergy potential for our production network. VW Truck & Bus has a strong regional sales network and a state-of-the-art truck and bus plant at its Resende site. We look forward to further strengthening the company’s position together with its President Mr. Roberto Cortes, his management team and the employees.”

Source: MAN AG

Volkswagen sells heavy truck business in Brazil to MAN

Truck business concentrated in MAN and Scania shareholdings

Long-term perspective for further development of VW CO

Wolfsburg, 15 December 2008 - Volkswagen AG is to sell its heavy truck business in Brazil to MAN AG, Munich. MAN will purchase Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus Indústria e Comércio de Veículos Comerciais Ltda (VW CO), Resende, for an enterprise value of €1.175 billion. Volkswagen anticipates that the sale will be completed in the first quarter of 2009.

With the sale of VW CO, the Volkswagen Group is focusing its involvement in the truck business on its existing shareholdings in MAN and Scania and on its own business with light commercial vehicles which is not affected by this transaction. VW CO produces trucks and buses designed for use in developing countries and has become the largest truck maker in Brazil since it was established in 1981. In the 2007 financial year, the fast growing company, with 5,000 employees working in Resende and at partner suppliers, built approximately 47,000 vehicles exported to over 30 countries. The product portfolio comprises medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as urban buses and long-distance coaches.

"This decision is a further logical step for us in the truck business and at the same time brings our Brazilian commercial vehicle activities an attractive perspective in an alliance with a leading truck maker. It is obvious that VW CO and MAN complement each others activities very well and have significant synergy potential. We are convinced that VW CO customers and employees will benefit from this step," Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, commented.

Following the purchase, MAN will continue to conduct this business under the Volkswagen brand name and will cooperate closely with the management and employees in Brazil. The company’s registered office and jobs will not be affected.

Going forward, the Volkswagen brand will be concentrating on its core business with passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. As an independent brand in the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will focus exclusively on light commercial vehicles. "With its present vehicle program and a new robust pickup model range, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will continue on its profitable growth course and develop new markets," Stephan Schaller, Speaker for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, pointed out, adding that the brand’s core competence as a manufacturer of light commercial vehicles would be strengthened.

The shareholdings in MAN and Scania underscore Volkswagen’s strategic interest in the truck business. Volkswagen and its shareholders will continue to benefit indirectly from the future growth and earnings potential of VW CO via the 29.9 percent stake in MAN.

Source: Volkswagen

Can it be Done? via YouTube

Volkswagen of South Africa captures passenger market leadership despite tough conditions - November 2008

During November 2008 a total of 21 943 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa. Total new passenger car sales in November declined by 14.1 per cent when compared to October 2008, and were 33.6 per cent down on November 2007, bringing the market for January to November 2008 to 24.1 per cent below the same period for 2007.

Volkswagen of South Africa captured passenger market leadership in November with 5 113 passenger units sold - a market share of 23.3%. “Sales for the Volkswagen Brand were once again bolstered by significant performances from Citi Golf, with 1 410 units sold, and Polo/Classic, which sold 2 096 units,” said Volkswagen of South Africa Sales and Marketing Director Mike Glendinning.

“In addition, more than 800 units were sold in the premium segment by the Audi Brand,” he added.

Sales of new passenger cars and the selling rate per day of new cars in November 2008 dropped to levels last experienced in 2003, at the very beginning of the boom that took place in the sale of new cars that peaked in June 2006, Mr Glendinning stated.

“The combination of high inflation and interest rates, household financial stress, the stock market meltdown, the global financial crises and rapid deterioration in the exchange rate, a rapidly weakening economy with seasonally adjusted and annualized third quarter GDP growth the lowest since the third quarter of 1998, and recent sharp increases in new vehicle prices - reflecting the fastest rate of new vehicle price increases since June 2003 - are all taking their toll on demand for new passenger cars,” he explained.

“Furthermore, with the full impact of the global financial crises and steadily emerging, possibly deep, global economic recession, yet to fully impact on the South African economy, 2009 - in particular the first half of 2009 - will undoubtedly present challenging trading conditions in the new passenger car market, despite reductions in interest rates and a drop in inflation.

“With 2008 drawing to a close it is probable that the new car market will end up some 24 per cent down on the market recorded last year, and the outlook going forward seems to suggest that the market in 2009 could decline by a further 10 to 15 per cent before some consolidation and recovery possibly occurs in the latter half of the year,” Mr Glendinning concluded.

The first Volkswagen trucks to integrate in a peace mission for United Nations

In January 2009 eleven units of VW Worker 15,210 4X4 are ready for duty from the Port of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to the city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.

The trucks will be used by the Brazilian Military Command who are co-ordinating 6700 soldiers from 16 countries participating in the mission.

The Volkswagen fleet in Haiti in the coming year will reach 40 units; which will be used for transporting troops and equipment/

In September last year Volkswagen Trucks and Buses was the winner of a new contract for the supply of 150 trucks operating with 4X4 for the Brazilian Army.

Most will be used in border areas of difficult access in the North and Centre-West of Brazil as well as missions abroad. The new UN vehicles are part of this deal.

"The trucks will face a situation of war: deteriorated roads and areas of armed conflict; for which we must move with agility and strength.

The 15,210 VW 4X4 was chosen by the Army by bringing together those characteristics and also for having gone through a rigorous testing process for its approval.

The 15,210 VW 4X4 was tested by the Brazilian Army in harsh conditions such as boggy sand, muddy roads and boarding capabilities in air and sea conditions.

The use of biodiesel with B2 blend (2% mixture of the conventional diesel) and ballistic tests which tests resistance to the cabin were also requirements.

The Volkswagen fleet in Haiti will have technical assistance from the Brazilian Army mechanics; who trained together with the Technicians from Volkswagen Trucks and Buses.

With an area of 27,750 square kilometres, Haiti occupies the western third of Hispaniola, the second largest island of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The Dominican Republic occupies the other two thirds of the island.

The United Nations Mission for the Stabilization of Haiti - MINUSTAH - was created by the Security Council of the Organization on April 30, 2004. The main objectives are to stabilize the country, pacify and disarm guerrilla groups and rebels, promote free elections and promoting institutional development and economic.

Brazil took command of operations in Haiti for having the largest military contingent in the operation. Also part of the mission: Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Canada, Chad, Chile, Croatia, France, Jordan, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Turkey and Uruguay.



Source: Volkswagen Trucks and Buses
Translation: via google and author

Euro NCAP now also presents innovative head restraint system in the new Golf with award

Wolfsburg, 04 December 2008 - Following the five stars given to the new Golf by Euro NCAP six weeks ago in the classic disciplines, the sixth generation of the bestseller has received further recognition. On this occasion, the independent testers at Euro NCAP have presented the whiplash-optimised head restraint system (WOKS) in the new Golf with an award.

Various different accident-related over-extensions of the neck are referred to as "whiplash syndrome" internationally. With WOKS, Volkswagen has succeeded in developing a seat belt system that considerably reduces the risk of injury in an accident: the defined rate of deceleration for the upper body and head achieves excellent levels of protection.

A decisive element can be seen in the special contours of the head restraint and seat backrest as well as the hardness of the foam used. Volkswagen has applied for a patent for the head restraint contour. The major advantage of this geometrically and dynamically-optimised system is that a level of potential protection has been achieved that was better in tests than the bio-mechanical results of many active systems. WOKS has been fitted as standard in the new Golf since October.

The new Golf was already graded with an excellent rating for safety at the end of October: it achieved 36 of 37 possible points and received five stars for occupant safety. It received four stars for child safety and three stars for pedestrian protection. Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) is an association of European transport ministries, automobile clubs and insurance agencies which has regularly carried out independent crash test programmes since 1997.

Source: Volkswagen

Magic Bus is now available as a miniature Campervan designed by „The Who“ obtainable worldwide

Hannover, 9 December 2008. The iconic campervan „Magic Bus“ is now available as a miniature. The original Volkswagen T1 from 1965 had been restored and designed for a raffle held by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, british charity Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and The Who at the beginning of this year. Meanwhile the german manufacturers Wiking and Schuco have each done a miniature of the „Magic Bus“. The bigger miniature is on a scale of 1:43 and the smaller one on a scale of 1:87. The smallish miniature can be delivered from 15 December, the bigger one is shippable from February 2009. The campervan will be obtainable in selected Volkswagen dealership stores worldwide.

Campervan lovers and fans of The Who, who are interested in the bigger miniature should order now, as this version comes as a limited edition with 1000 pieces.
1 Euro out of the gains for the small „Magic Bus“ and 2 Euro out of the gains of the big one inure to the benefit of Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity supports british children and teenagers suffering from cancer.

The design of the Van is done by Richard Evans, Art Director of The Who. A raffle with the original „Magic Bus“ generated 40.000 Euro for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

HIV activists reached South Africa in Volkswagen California campervans

German Joachim Franz climbs Tafelberg at World AIDS Day

Hannover/Kapstadt, 1 December 2008. 18 men and women, 19 summit ascents and a 24.000 kilometre route: Today german HIV activist Joachim Franz and his team have reached the destination of their current expedition, the “cape2cape”-Tour. A fleet of five Volkswagen California Beach campervans were the official tour vehicles. Franz climbed the Tafelberg on World AIDS Day and placed a flag at the summit showing the estimated figure of unreported cases of HIV infections in South Africa. 18 others flags had been placed in Europe and Africa by the team during the last two month.
German ambassador to South Africa, Dieter Walter Haller, and representatives of several international world health organisations received the team in Kapstadt.

Joachim Franz thanked his partner Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The company has been supporting the team and their projects for more then seven years now.
„Those Volkswagen California are the most reliable vehicles to use for a tour like this. The vans have been essential when it was about the saftey of the expedition“, Franz said.

„cape2cape“ is the current part of the ongoing „aids awareness expeditions“, which the German Joachim Franz started in 2001 to gain attention for the topic of AIDS around the world.

High Quality and Residuals make the Transporter a Double Winner

The Volkswagen Transporter van has been described as ‘head and shoulders’ above its rivals by the judges who chose it as the Best Medium Van in the inaugural Fleet Van Awards 2008, while the latest issue of Commercial Motor magazine has named the Transporter winner of a Medium Van group test against five rivals, with particular praise for its quality and fuel economy.

‘In such a tough category, the winner had to have a supremely strong offering. But there was no doubt in the judges’ minds that one van stood head and shoulders above the rest, with superb build quality, road manners and residual values – the Volkswagen Transporter,’ said the judges of the Fleet Van Awards 2008.

The unsuccessful contenders compared against the Transporter included the Ford Transit, Vauxhall Vivaro, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Citroën Dispatch.

‘In these difficult economic times, this award is a great help to van buyers,’ said Simon Elliott, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. ‘Choosing a van is not just about the purchase price, but also its quality, durability and competitive whole-life costs. Buying a Volkswagen van also includes the reassuring back-up of a dedicated Van Centre network and fully trained, professional staff,’ he continued.

In its group test of medium vans, Commercial Motor magazine praised the Volkswagen Transporter T30 TDI PD 130 PS, saying: ‘It comes as no surprise that its main strength is in the quality of its construction and design – something the manufacturer is noted for – and this is evident not just in the overall build, but in the way everything works together. The interior was the highest scoring in the group. And on fuel economy it also comes top.’

The Transporter range offers load volumes from 5.8 m³ to 9.3 m³, payloads from 802 kg to 1,282 kg, short and long wheelbase, low, medium or high roof and four diesel engines from 84 PS to 174 PS. Basic retail prices start from £14,480 (excluding VAT) with contract hire or finance lease currently available from £205 a month with three years free servicing. It is the best-selling Volkswagen van in the UK and most of Europe, and one of the most popular vans ever with over 10 million produced since 1950.

Bologna Motor Show 2008 - Scirocco Studie R – world premiere

From the Nürburgring race track to the street:

Volkswagen presents street version of the Scirocco GT24

Scirocco Studie R brings race car technology to the streetDesign of the Scirocco Studie R emulates endurance race car

Wolfsburg / Bologna, 03 December 2008
It was a triumphant drive: in May 2008, three Scirocco GT24 cars lined up at the start of the 24-hour endurance race on the Nürburgring track. At the wheel: driving legends the likes of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Carlos Sainz. The teams drove two 238 kW / 325 PS strong race cars to a dual victory at the finish line, first and second in their class. Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the Bologna Motor Show: the Scirocco Studie R. A genuine Grand Tourismo with a 198 kW / 270 PS engine that delivers aggressive propulsive power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, the four-piston brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system with its oval, polished tailpipes.

Visually, in many respects the concept emulates the race car version. Take the front end, for example: here the design adheres to the motto “Form follows function”; it features three large air inlet openings that guarantee optimal cooling of the brakes and engine. The front splitter that was added minimizes aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Also adopted from the racing version is the engine hood with its auxiliary air vents.

The rear end is dominated by an integrated rear wing and distinctive diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These two components reduce lift at the rear axle substantially. Despite the aerodynamic design derived from car racing, a clear stylistic resemblance to the production Scirocco was preserved. Identifying characteristics of its side profile are the new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five sets of triple spokes. The wheels were specially developed for the Scirocco Studie R.

The radiator screen, diffuser and underside of the rear spoiler are treated in high-gloss black, and this provides a strong contrast to the white exterior paint. Supplemented by a “Bologna 08” badge, red and green stylistic elements on a white background create an Italian tricolor. The outside mirrors are also coordinated with this color scheme.

Interior
Italy’s national colors are also represented in the interior. White and black create the basic theme, similar to the exterior car color. The seams of the Recaro racing shell seats, steering wheel, front armrest, gearshift lever trim and floor mat edging are designed in the colors of the tricolor. Inside, nappa leather in “Deep black” and “Berry white” is applied to the uncompromisingly designed racing shell seat.

The shell seats are upholstered with a deep black leather in carbon look. An eye-catching feature here is the conspicuous yet refined contrast of low and high-gloss elements of the carbon structure. Interior accents also consist of genuine carbon composites. The footwell features aluminum pedals specially designed for this vehicle.

Bologna Motor Show 2008 - Golf Plus / Golf Plus Collectors Edition

World premiere of the new Golf Plus: All-around Golf updated – visually and technically

New design of the Golf Plus will launch in early 2009

New common rail engines reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.8 liter

Wolfsburg / Bologna, 03 December 2008
Within just three and a half years, the Golf Plus has made a name for itself as an established product in the Golf lineup. Its brand identity: clever like a van, compact like a Golf. Over this time period, more than 500,000 car drivers across Europe chose a plus in interior and seat heights, a plus in variability, and finally a plus in comfort. This is now being followed up by a Golf Plus that has been improved in many aspects. Volkswagen is presenting it as a world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show (December 03 to 14). European-wide market launch of the new generation Golf Plus will already take place in March 2009.

Visually, the new “Plus” forges a link to the classic body style of the just introduced sixth Golf generation. This is especially apparent at the front end. Also redesigned are the rear bumper and the roof rails. New steel and alloy wheels in a variety of sizes round out the exterior package of visual modifications. Inside, the further improved Golf Plus sports details like new upholstery materials and details also implemented in the Golf such as its instruments, steering wheel options and user interface for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic).

Technically, the Golf Plus also implements details that the new Golf introduced for the first time in this Volkswagen segment. They include the new, fuel-efficient and very quiet common rail turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 90 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS). The common rail TDIs reduce average fuel consumption by up to 0.8 liter per 100 kilometers.

As on the classic Golf, the conventional automatic transmission was also eliminated on the Golf Plus and replaced by 6-speed and 7-speed dual clutch transmissions (DSG) that are as fuel efficient as they are agile. Also new aboard the Golf Plus are the optional “Adaptive Cruise Control” (ACC), “Park Assist” parking assistant and rearview camera. Last but not least, the equipment lines were restructured too (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline as top version).
Visual appearance in style of the new “Volkswagen design DNA”

The Golf has always exhibited an unmistakable and linear design. And this not only applies to the original form of the classic car; it is also true of the “specialists” on the Golf team – successful Volkswagens like the “GTI”, “Variant” and certainly the “Plus” as well. With the recent launch of the sixth generation of Golfs, this model series is experiencing a new level of maturity in its timeless and confident styling and design. This is based on the newly developed “Volkswagen design DNA”. A key aspect here is the car’s extremely high level of value. Key elements of the design language developed by the team led by Walter de Silva are now characteristics of the new Golf Plus too. And indeed in the car’s front area:

New front end
Dominant here is the horizontally aligned band of the radiator grille between the new headlight design (with standard daytime running lights); it consists of two high-gloss black cross-bars in which the VW logo is integrated. On the Highline version, each of these bars has a narrow strip of chrome at its upper end. The lines of the new bumper match those of the radiator grille. In the space below the bumper, designed in black, there is another air inlet and the fog lights that are worked into the outer areas as well as a chrome surround around the inlet screen. The fog lights also assume the new function of static turning lights being introduced on this model. This much is certain: the new front end design and distinctive headlights give the Golf Plus a significantly more dynamic and high-end appearance.

Modified rear end
In the rear, designers have restyled the bumper. The results: a plus in dynamics and precision. The bumper is now completely painted in car color. The only exception is the lower area, where there is a high-gloss black segment in the center giving the visual effect of a diffuser. High-visibility reflectors were also integrated in the lower section of the bumper. The taillights with their LED technology were styled in a new dark red (“Cherry red”).

Side profile with new roof rails
The side profile of the Golf Plus has remained largely unchanged. However, new roof rails were integrated more harmoniously into the car’s overall line. Compared to its predecessor, this car is lower in profile, more refined, and it is painted silver starting with the Highline (Trendline and Comfortline: black). In its side profile, the new wheel designs are also conspicuous. Even the base version gets new full wheel covers. In the upscale direction, the lineup of wheel-tire combinations is rounded out by the new 18-inch “Bilbao” alloy wheel design from Volkswagen Individual.

Interior
The Golf Plus, always offered as a four-door with a large hatch is one of the most variable and practical vehicles of its class. Some ways in which these qualities are realized: the slightly elevated and very upright seating position, rear bench seat (split 40:60 and folding, seatback split 40:20:40) with 160 millimeters of longitudinal adjustment, optional folding front passenger seat, variable cargo floor, a storage concept that has been thought through to the last detail and ample space for passengers and their luggage.

New instruments and automatic climate control
The instruments now have the same look as those in the new Golf, Passat and Passat CC. Dominant here are the two round instru­ments in brushed chrome surrounds that are even supplied in the base equipment version. Instru­ment scaling is backlit in white (regardless of whether the headlights are on or off); pointer gauges are designed in red. Also configured in white are the graphics of the multifunctional display (MFA) located between the tachometer and speedometer – standard in all equipment versions effective immediately. Analogous to the Golf and Passat, a new generation of steering wheel is making its way onto the Golf Plus, perfected in touch and appearance.

If the Volkswagen is ordered with automatic climate control (Climatronic), a new user interface developed for control of temperature and ventilation is included.

New technologies I – innovative engines
The new Golf Plus will be offered with five gasoline engines (59 kW / 80 PS to 118 kW / 160 PS) and four new turbo-diesel engines (66 kW / 90 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS). All engines are four-cylinder, all engines are charged starting at 90 PS, all engines fulfill the Euro-5 emissions standard. And with the exception of the base variants, any of the gasoline and diesel engines may be paired with a 6-speed or 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) – this signifies the retirement of the classic automatic with torque-converter lockup clutch in the Golf Plus and its replacement by DSG technology.

For a better understanding of just how efficiently the DSGs work, consider the 90 kW / 122 PS strong Golf Plus TSI (1.4 liter displacement) with 7-speed DSG: This 200 km/h fast Volkswagen is satisfied with just 6.3 liters fuel per 100 kilometers (146 g/km CO2).

New Common Rail TDI
After the Golf, in early 2009 Volkswagen will also fully convert the Golf Plus over to common rail engines with four valves per cylinder. The TDIs output 66 kW / 90 PS, 77 kW / 105 PS, 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Right at the car’s market launch, TDIs will be available with 110 PS and 140 PS. Always on board with all diesels: a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Besides being fuel efficient and dynamic, the new TDI engines are also characterized by noticeably good low-noise properties.

Also pioneering are the car’s low fuel consumption values: the 189 km/h fast Golf Plus TDI with 110 PS consumes just 5.1 liters fuel per 100 kilometers on average. CO2 emissio­ns of the 2.0 liter TDI are just 134 g/km.

Running at an equally excellent level underway is the Golf Plus TDI with 140 PS. In this 2.0 liter version, exactly 5.1 liters of diesel flow to the common rail injection per 100 kilometers on average: that is 0.8 liter less than on the TDI with pump-nozzle technology, which was already very efficient. In parallel, Volkswagen has reduced CO2 emissions on the 204 km/h fast Golf Plus TDI from 153 to 135 g/km!

New technologies II – Park Assist
For the first time on the Golf Plus, the updated model generation offers the parking assistant “Park Assist”. The system enables nearly automatic reverse parking parallel to the roadway. The driver only needs to actuate the gas pedal, brake and clutch. Meanwhile, the Golf Plus steers into the premeasured parking space, controlled by sensors.

New technologies III – Rearview camera
Also new aboard the Golf Plus is the optional rearview camera – “Rear Assist”. The camera is located in the VW em­blem in the hatch. As soon as reverse gear is engaged, the VW logo swivels upward, together with the camera, to scan the space behind the Golf Plus from this position. The system may be ordered in combination with the RCD 510 and RNS 510 touchscreen radio and radio-navigation systems. Camera images are transferred directly to the touchscreen.

New technologies IV – Visual Parking Assistant
If the Golf Plus is ordered with “ParkPilot” or “Park Assist” – together with one of the radio or radio-navigation systems RCD 310, RNS 310, RCD 510 or RNS 510 – a new visual display may be accessed as an alternative to the rearview camera. The “Visual Parking Assistant” shows a bird’s eye view of the vehicle in the display and symbolically represents potential obstacles in the front and rear areas, precisely where they are actually located.

New technologies V – Adaptive Cruise Control ACC
Another new assistance system on the Golf Plus is “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)”. When “ACC” is activated, the Golf Plus automatically brakes and accelerates based on laser measurements. The driver preselects a speed between 30 and 210 km/h. Important: “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” not only maintains the preselected speed, but also the preselected distance to the next vehicle in traffic.

Golf Plus Trendline
Volkswagen will offer this high-roof version of the Golf in the three equipment lines “Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Highline”. “Highline” replaces the previous top version “Sportline”.

The entry-level “Trendline” is anything but a spartan version. Standard equipment includes safety fea­tures such as six airbags, crash-active head restraints, and ESP on board. Comfort is perfected by such details as a climate control system (Clima­tic), power windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat, new and appealing fabric seat covers (“Flow”), longitudinal adjustment of the rear bench seat, multifunctional display (MFA), a rear window antenna, chrome bezels on the air vents, power steering with speed-dependent control, green tinted glass and central locking. The outside mirrors, door handles and bumpers are also painted in car color. The standard roof rails are kept in black.

Golf Plus Comfortline
The Golf Plus Comfortline is equipped with even more features. Standard equipment supplemental to the Trendline version includes 16-inch wheels with size 205 tires, side guard strips also in car color, chrome accents on the radiator grille, a storage compartment in the roofliner, folding tables and pockets on the seatbacks of the front seats, special seat covers (“Porch Studio F”), comfort seats and height adjustable front passenger’s seat, bag hooks in the cargo area, center armrest in front, cruise control (GRA), ParkPilot in front and rear, leather steering wheel, gearshift knob and parking brake lever, dual cargo floor and the new RCD 210 radio-CD system.

Golf Plus Highline
“Highline” – the top version of a model series – is an equipment designation with a great tradition at Volkswagen. Similar to the Golf, it was adopted again for this model series, to retire the previous “Sportline” versions in parallel with a restructuring of equipment lines. The Golf Plus Highline furnishes additional details such as sport seats (center panels in Alcantara), fog lights with static turn lighting, center armrest in front, Multifunctional Display Plus, automatic climate control (Climatronic), silver painted roof rails, winter package (including heated seats, headlight cleaning system), RCD 210 radio-CD system, multi­functional steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels (“Porto” type).

Also available as options on all versions are details such as bi-xenon headlights with curve lighting, multifunctional steering wheels, eight different types of alloy wheels (15 to 18 inch), a sport package (including sport chassis, tire pressure monitoring and tinted side windows), nine metallic and pearl effect colors, three radio-CD and two radio-navigation ­systems, several hands-free systems, a sound system, Mobile Device Interface (MDI) as an interface for audio devices with USB connector and a digital receiver module (DAB) for the radio systems. So this all-around car not only offers a plus in space, but also a plus when it comes to individualization.

Golf Plus Collectors Edition
On a concept car based on the new Golf Plus, Volkswagen Individual is providing a demonstration of just how limitless the hidden possibilities of individualization are: the Collectors Edition.

This concept car is outfitted with the exclusive “White pearl effect” body color. Providing the necessary contact to the road are size 225/40 tires on new 18-inch “Bilbao” alloy wheels. Inside and out, the Golf Plus Collectors Edi­tion exudes a kind of lounge ambiance. And not only because of the espresso machine integrated in the center console. The interior is trimmed in high-end nappa leather in “Titanium black” and “St. Tropez” (cream white) – this creates a very contemporary and urbane ambiance. Perfection right down to the last detail is evident in the decorative “Viaggio” seams between the individual sections of nappa leather trim.

Furthermore, it is the contrasts between low and high gloss surfaces that define the interior. All accents, for example, are in high-gloss black piano paint, which encounters the silky matte of the nappa leather in the instrument panel area.

Bologna Motor Show 2008 - Golf BiFuel – world premiere

First Golf with factory-installed auto gas drive:
Golf BiFuel is economical and low-emissions

100 auto gas kilometers cost just €6.35* with the Golf BiFuel

New Golf BiFuel is safer and more durable than aftermarket solutions

Wolfsburg / Bologna, 03 December 2008
In a world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting the first Golf ever to be factory-equipped for operation with auto gas (LPG). The biva¬lent drive – a simple switchover and it can be driven with gasoline – reduces costs and emissions. When the new Golf BiFuel is powered by LPG (liquified petroleum gas), its environmental impact compared to a gasoline engine: a greater than 10 percent reduction in CO2 emissions
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Safer and more durable than aftermarket solutions

Compared to aftermarket auto gas systems, the system now being presented in the Golf BiFuel offers significant advantages. For one, the car together with its fuel tanks – and this is not the case with aftermarket solutions – is crash tested as a total system; so it is very safe. Second, the engine was specially configured for LPG operation, and so it is more durable than engines originally tuned as gasoline engines. The long-term quality of the Golf BiFuel has been verified in extensive durability testing. A full factory warranty and access to the large Volkswagen service network are pluses too. All of this is being offered at the same price as an aftermarket retrofit.

In LPG mode, the 72 kW / 98 PS strong 1.6 liter four-cylinder of the Golf BiFuel consumes 9.2 liters of LPG per 100 kilometers (149 g/km CO2) on average. The bottom line for these 100 kilometers based on average LPG prices in Germany: just €6.38. In gasoline mode, the Golf BiFuel consumes a still economical 7.1 liters of Super per 100 kilometers (169 g/km CO2). Costs for gasoline operation are based on prices at the same date in Germany: €8.60.

1,100 kilometer range
In addition, the auto gas tank (41 liter effective volume at storage pressure of 8 to 10 bar) – with its space-saving installation in the spare wheel recess – and the gasoline tank (55 liter) together propel the car to a theoretical range of greater than 1,100 kilometers. In pure LPG mode, the car’s range is about 420 kilometers. The network of LPG filling stations is tightly interwoven across Europe; in Germany alone there are about 4,500 filling stations. Incidentally, the filling tube for the LPG is easy to access right next to the familiar location of its gasoline counterpart.

* = Average price of LPG in Germany on November 18, 2008

Volkswagen at the Essen Motor Show 2008 - Eos "White Night"

Eos "White Night"

Wolfsburg, 28 November 2008 – The 41st Essen Motor Show will open the gates today to the biggest German tuning Fair. Volkswagen presents itself with two exclusive models - in shiny white, with exclusive and high quality equipment details.

The study Eos "White Night" is the passion of the convertible fans awake. The Eos surprised with an elegant black-white contrast. This is the body in "Candy White" painted, the roof, the grille and mirror caps, are among other details in "Deep Black Pearleffect".

Also inside is the contrast continued: black Nappa leather with bright ornamental edgings meets moldings in "Campanella white". The study Eos "White Night" is a complete and equipped with a 3,2 l V6 184 kW (250 hp ) motor.

In 2009 Volkswagen again features wide-ranging motorsport programme

When the Dakar Rally starts in Buenos Aires on 3 January 2009 with four Volkswagen Race Touareg vehicles it will also give the starting signal for a wide-ranging Volkswagen motorsport programme next year.

In 2009 the brand will extend its activities in Formula 3 and start competing in Great Britain as well. In addition, a Scirocco Cup will be launched in China. Two weeks after its unveiling in China the new competition vehicle – alongside the Race Touareg 2 for the "Dakar”, the Scirocco GT24 that was victorious in the 24 Hours at the Nürburgring and the Formula 3 racing car "powered by Volkswagen” – will be showcased on the Volkswagen stand at the traditional Essen Motor Show (29 November to 07 December).

Besides cross-country rally racing, Formula 3 and the Scirocco Cup in China, Volkswagen Motorsport again plans to enter the Scirocco GT24 in the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring. In addition, the commitment encompasses the promotion of young talent in Germany with the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup and the ADAC Formula Masters powered by Volkswagen, the fielding of the Baja Race Touareg TDI in the USA as well as further one-make cups in various countries.

"Volkswagen can look back on a successful 2008 season in motorsport and can already look forward to a varied year of 2009,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "From junior projects for rookies in formula or touring car racing, professional commitments like the Formula 3 engine programme, all the way to top-calibre sport in cross-country and off-road rally racing as well as at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring Volkswagen will again prove its motorsport expertise in 2009. There is hardly another manufacturer who has such a wide and varied offering for junior drivers, customer teams and professional racers as Volkswagen had in 2008.”

Volkswagen with many different exploits in the 2008 season that just ended

In the season that just ended Volkswagen Motorsport delivered a convincing performance with numerous different exploits. The highlights: with the Race Touareg the brand achieved two second places with three starts, five further podium positions and 18 of 22 possible stage victories. At the Scirocco’s racing debut, which preceded the sport coupe’s market launch, Volkswagen celebrated a one-two class victory in the 24-Hour Race at the Nürburgring.

In the first full Formula 3 season Edoardo Mortara (I) and the Signature team immediately clinched the "vice champion’s” title in the drivers and teams standings in the Formula 3 Euro Series; three victories and 13 podium positions went to the two-litre engine from the Volkswagen Group. At the world finale in Macau (CN) in November Mortara was victorious in the sprint race and finished the main race as the runner-up. The Formula 3 tally is complemented by two wins and a total of nine podium positions achieved by Laurens Vanthoor (B/Van Amersfoort Racing) in the German ATS Formula 3 Cup.

Dakar Rally’s first round in South America: new year kicks off with season’s highlight

By tackling the 2009 Dakar Rally Volkswagen takes up one of the biggest challenges motorsport has to offer. The world’s longest rally is also considered the most demanding one. At its debut in Argentina and Chile four 280-hp diesel-powered prototypes of the brand will cross the starting ramp of this acid test, which in 2009 – more than at any previous edition – will be marked by the "Dakar” principle, "Expect the Unexpected”. In addition to extremely rough terrain, the Volkswagen pairings Carlos Sainz/Michel Périn (E/F), Giniel de Villiers/Dirk von Zitzewitz (ZA/D), Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA) and Dieter Depping/Timo Gottschalk (D/D) will have to master challenges like extreme altitudes, the world’s most arid desert and endless sand dunes during the cross-country marathon covering 9,578 kilometres, 5,656 of which are timed. Kris Nissen: "Our goal has not changed, we continue shooting for the first overall diesel victory in ‘Dakar’ history.”

Complementing its cross-country rally activities, Volkswagen contests select events in the SCORE off-road series. Following the successful debut of the Baja Race Touareg TDI – a vehicle that fundamentally differs from the Race Touareg for the "Dakar” and is fitted with a 550-hp TDI engine from the Volkswagen Group featuring a Clean Diesel concept - in November 2008, the 2009 programme includes the brand’s participation with two vehicles in the world famous Baja 500 and Baja 1000 off-road events.

Formula 3 "powered by Volkswagen” to compete in Great Britain as well

The high level of confidence which Formula 3 teams have in Volkswagen technology – not least due to the quick exploits achieved – is documented by the great interest they show in contesting the 2009 season "powered by Volkswagen”. In 2009 Volkswagen Motorsport’s commitment will involve three series: the Formula 3 Euro Series, the ATS Formula 3 Cup in Germany as well as – for the first time – the British Formula 3 Championship. In the United Kingdom, a total of six vehicles will start from the grid with Volkswagen engines, two of them to be fielded by the T-Sport team. In the Euro Series the Signature partner team will enter three vehicles powered by the 210-hp Volkswagen engine, the newly formed Kolles & Heinz Union team will run two vehicles in the races and a third team will field two vehicles as well. In the German Formula 3 Cup the Performance Power team will join Van Amersfoort Racing as an additional member of the Volkswagen family.

Another successful junior programme will start to its second round in 2009: the ADAC Formula Masters "powered by Volkswagen”. The inaugural season of the series featuring identical cars to which Volkwagen supplies a 1.6-l four-cylinder FSI engine that immediately delivered convincing reliability was won by the Portuguese Armando Parente.


Diverse offering for young international touring car drivers

The "touring car school” success formula will enter its twelfth season in 2009. The ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup will again be staged as the DTM’s partner series in nine races at seven events. 27 drivers from seven nations who have successfully completed the evaluation programme of the one-make cup for rookies will start from the grid in 150-hp Racing Polo cars that are centrally fielded. In 2008 the cup concept proved to be a resounding export success. The Jetta TDI Cup was the first American one-make cup to establish Clean Diesel technology in motorsport and in a sporting sense, as well, the new cup turned into a guaranteed success, as confirmed by over 1,700 applications for the 2009 season.

Debut in China: Cup Scirocco with 200 hp

2009 will see a further expansion of the talent promotion programme that is marked by utmost equality of opportunity. In China, centrally entered Scirocco cars developed by Volkswagen Motorsport in Germany will be used in a one-make cup for the first time. The 200-hp touring car fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI engine was unveiled at the Guangzhou International Motor Show following initial tests at Oschersleben. 30 vehicles are being built as a mini-series for contesting six races in China.

This enhances Volkswagen Motorsport’s "international student exchange” by yet another attraction. In addition to the one-make cups in China and Germany, the championships in Japan, South Africa and the USA participate in the programme which offers the best young touring car drivers the chance of gathering worldwide racing experience. Kris Nissen: "This student exchange is unique in its form and documents Volkswagen’s global promotion of young talent in a special way. No doubt, this is always a plum experience for the drivers.”

Touring car highlight: the Scirocco on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife

The Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 made a successful debut in 2008. The 330-hp touring car celebrated its premiere at the legendary 24-Hour Race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife even before the official presentation of its road-going counterpart. And it was a successful maiden race at that. In the ultra-competitive SP3T class for 2-litre touring cars the Scirocco GT24 immediately clinched a one-two victory. The three factory-entered and factory-prepared vehicles saw the chequered flag at this circuit endurance race in first, second and fifth place in class. In the overall classification the best Scirocco with drivers Jimmy Johannson (S), Florian Gruber (D), Thomas Mutsch (D) and Hans-Joachim Stuck (D) finished the classic in a strong eleventh place – surrounded by more powerful GT sports cars. In 2009 the GT24 will return to the venue of its first ever exploit. Volkswagen will again contest the race with the car that became a favourite with the audience.

Source Volkswagen Motorsport & www.vau-max.de

Los Angeles Auto Show 2008 - Volkswagen Press Conference in Full

Mark and Ryan talk about the 2008 Baja 1000 in the Clean Diesel Baja Touareg

A short video of Mark and Ryan talking about the debut and challenge of the Volkswagen Baja Clean Diesel racer at the Baja 1000.

First time with Clean Diesel technology: Volkswagen masters Baja 1000

At the maiden race of the Baja Race Touareg TDI Volkswagen mastered the extreme rigours of the famous Baja 1000 straight away.

After more than 1,000 kilometres through the rough terrain of the Mexican peninsula California the drivers, Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero (both USA), safely brought the newly developed prototype home to the finish in Ensenada. For the first time in the 41-year history of American off-road racing a vehicle with innovative Clean Diesel technology thus successfully contested the demanding Baja 1000 in the fiercely competitive top class of the high-performance Trophy Trucks.



“Our aim for our first Baja 1000 was to finish the event with our all new Touareg TDI – and we managed to do that. That’s why we’re really satisfied,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “It was the toughest Baja I’ve ever driven, the track simply was mercilessly rough,” commented Mark Miller, a multiple Baja winner, after arriving at the finish early Saturday morning (22 November). “At our very first running we immediately showed that the Touareg and the clean TDI technology are a powerful package.” In the field of the 26 Trophy Trucks that started to the rally Volkswagen finished 13th; altogether, 369 participants from 24 countries contested the Baja 1000 in the various car, motorcycle and quad classes. Overall winners in the car category were the Americans Roger Norman/Larry Roeseler.



Defective seal causes major time loss
The Touareg TDI, which is powered by a 550-hp 5.5l V12 diesel engine from the Volkswagen Group, was running almost perfectly across the entire distance. Merely a defective seal on the gearbox caused a loss of time at an early stage and, subsequently, even required the gearbox to be exchanged. “Ultimately, a simple seal had an enormous effect with a big loss of time. This defect surprised us because it had never occurred before,” said Don Tebbe, Project Manager for the Arciero Miller Racing (AMR) team which, in close collaboration with Volkswagen Motorsport, is responsible for the development and fielding of the Baja Touareg. “Shortly before the finish we also exchanged the rear differential just to be on the safe side. From tests we knew that this part might possibly be at the limit. Work on an improved version is already in progress,” Tebbe added.



At the start in Ensenada on Friday morning (21 November) 35-year-old Ryan Arciero from Los Angeles/California had taken the wheel, navigated by Benny Metcalf jr. (32) from San Clemente/California. “After the intensive preparation it was a good feeling to start to this unique rally with this great vehicle,” said Arciero. “The Touareg was really good to drive in this tough terrain,” added Arciero, who at nightfall turned over the wheel to 46-year-old Mark Miller from Phoenix/Arizona and co-driver Willie Valdez jr. (34) from Los Angeles/California. “I caught many slower vehicles but on the narrow trails, and particularly in the darkness, I had to go about overtaking very cautiously. I really didn’t want to take any risks.”



Fielding of the Baja Race Touareg TDI in the 2009 American SCORE rally series
Just on Wednesday, two days before this unusual rally, the Baja Race Touareg TDI had been unveiled at the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles by Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board for Technical Development of the Volkswagen brand. The prototype featuring a Red Bull livery is built on a space frame; it has rear-wheel drive and a chassis with extremely large suspension travel which is indispensable in this rough terrain. Visually, the vehicle impresses with a plastic body that has been enlarged to 110.5 per cent of that of the production Touareg.

“At the presentation in Los Angeles and particularly at its premiere in the toughest of all off-road rallies in America the Baja Touareg and Clean Diesel technology caused a sensation and immediately inspired enthusiasm,” said Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager of Volkswagen of America. “Drawing on the experiences of the maiden race we’ll continue improving the vehicle. We’re already looking forward to participating in select rallies of the 2009 American SCORE series including the Baja 500 and, of course, the Baja 1000.”

Source: Volkswagen Motorsport

Los Angeles Auto Show 2008 - Baja Touareg TDI

Volkswagen sends another TDI to most extraordinary rally race in the world

World premiere of the 550 PS strong Baja Touareg TDI in Los Angeles

Starting gun of the Baja 1000 sounds on November 20 in Mexico

Wolfsburg / Los Angeles, 19 November 2008

If the Dakar Rally is the world’s toughest rally, then the Baja 1000 in Mexico is its most unusual event: 630 miles – a little more than 1,000 kilometres – without any interruptions, constantly against the clock, on the most brutal terrain. The rules of engagement: there are but a few. The field: it ranges from the production VW Beetle to the 800 PS Trophy Truck in the Unlimited Class, added to which are two-wheeled vehicles and quads. Volkswagen will contest the Baja 1000 on 21 November 2008 for the first time with a specially designed Baja Touareg TDI in the top class of the Trophy Trucks. Mark Miller, who is also part of Volkswagen’s "Dakar" factory line-up, and his American compatriot Ryan Arciero will take turns at the wheel of the 550 PS off-road prototype – after all, 14 hours of driving time have been calculated for this distance. "We’re extending our motorsport activities in North America by a pillar in off-road sport this way," says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "By contesting the Baja 1000, we’re committing ourselves to yet another discipline within the circle of the world’s toughest motorsport events."


The origins: Volkswagen marks the beginning of the Baja 1000
41 years ago, on 19 April 1967, the Baja 1000 started to its inaugural round on the Mexican peninsula Baja California. The first winners: Vic Wilson/Ted Mangels in the Meyers Manx Volkswagen, the forefather of all dune buggies. It took the two Americans 27 hours and 38 minutes to cover the distance, which broke the existing motorcycle record on the route from Tijuana to La Paz by several hours. This marked the beginning of two legends: the Baja 1000 evolved into America’s most important off-road competition, comparable to the later fame acquired by the Dakar Rally in other parts of the world. And it marked the beginning of a long, successful tradition of Volkswagen products and assemblies at the Baja 1000. The technology of the robust Beetle in the hand of privateers fighting for class victory has since remained unrivalled as many as 13 times – and continues to make its mark to this day. No less than eight vehicle classes today are still open to Volkswagen chassis, engines or complete vehicles from any model year and, to some extent, even expressly prescribe the use of this technology. This is good reason for Volkswagen to complement its factory commitment by an attractive promotional programme: in November 2008 some 100,000 U.S. dollars in prize money will be offered to the best drivers of these traditional vehicle designs.


The objective: "Clean Diesel Racing" on the important U.S. market
Volkswagen continues its motorsport tradition in the USA and, since 2006 with "Clean Diesel Racing", has been proving its claim of technological leadership. In 2006 and 2007 production Touareg V10 TDI vehicles fitted with additional safety equipment contested the famous Pikes Peak hillclimb race and clinched class victory in 2007.

In June 2007, two "Dakar version" Race Touareg vehicles powered by 2.5-litre TDI engines tackled the Baja 500, the Baja 1000’s "little sister". Without a refuelling stop, the two factory drivers Mark Miller (USA) and Giniel de Villiers (ZA) completed the 420-mile distance (676 km) and achieved a spectacular one-two class victory as well as places eleven and 16 overall among 273 vehicles in the field. 2008 saw the inception of a circuit racing programme featuring the Volkswagen Jetta TDI as the first diesel-powered one-make cup in the USA.

The development of the Touareg TDI for Baja off-road racing represents the new peak of the programme for a key region: along the U.S. West Coast, off-road or sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are extremely popular. There is also a sizable aftermarket for SUV accessories. The Baja 1000 on the Baja California peninsula has acquired cult status with off-road vehicle enthusiasts. This fame has been nourished across decades by the participation of many big names in the event: Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Sébastien Bourdais, Oriol Servià, Jimmy Vasser, Danny Sullivan, Michel Jourdain jr., Gunnar Nilsson, Roberto Guerrero, Parnelli Jones or Robby Gordon. The rally is so famous in the USA that in 2005 a documentary about the Baja 1000, entitled "Dust to Glory", hit the cinemas.


The event: mammoth proportions, improvisation and an "invisible" rival
Whether the 24 Hours at the Nürburgring with the new Volkswagen Scirocco or the 14 days of the Dakar Rally with the Volkswagen Race Touareg: the Baja 1000 has something of everything but is even more condensed, unconventional and, ultimately, does not compare with anything else; it is a unique and tremendously big challenge for man and material. The basic rule: the rival is not sitting in the next vehicle – the rival is the track itself. The extreme Baja route has to be overcome and finished, but this is managed by just very few. Year after year Sal Fish, who has been President of the organiser, SCORE, since 1973, and his team come up with a different route. It always starts south of California on the other side of the U.S. border. The rally is staged on the Baja California peninsula, which encompasses two federal states of the United Mexican States.

The track: scree slopes, washed out river beds, trial sections, sand. And silt, which is the worst type of soft ground of all: a powdery material which can put a pitiful end even to the propulsive power of 800 PS Trophy Trucks. Start and finish of the course are in the coastal town Ensenada. For the 629.74 miles (1,013.47 km), a maximum driving time of 31 hours has been set. This track distance equates to roughly two typical stages of the Dakar Rally. Stops in terms of interruptions of the timed classification (such as between the individual legs of the Dakar Rally) or established locations for service are not provided for. Every stop made for the purposes of refuelling, driver change or repairs is counted as overall driving time. There is no official time-taking at the six control points to be passed. This means that rivals often remain "invisible" – the positions of the contenders only become clear at the finish. The route in 2008 includes many sections which have not been used for the rally in two decades.


The challenge: to perform a masterful feat on the ground and in the air
Planning for the Baja is up to the teams themselves. The technical rules: in the Trophy Truck class vehicle development is almost unrestricted, only turbo petrol engines are prohibited. Sporting regulations: practice with so-called "pre-runners" (special practice vehicles) is permitted as soon as the route has been announced, service points along the route as well as chase cars on the rally tracks are allowed. Volkswagen uses eight Touareg vehicles as so-called chase cars – the robust production vehicle with superb off-road capabilities is ideally suited for transporting mechanics, tools and spare parts. The chase cars may follow the competition vehicle on the route in the direction of travel, but may not drive in the opposite direction.

Helicopters are permitted as well. Like all top teams, Volkswagen will deploy a helicopter. The aircraft are only allowed to warn and navigate but may not transport spare parts or mechanics. In addition, a night-time flying ban for helicopters is in effect in Mexico. The number and locations of the stops are based on the following factors: the range of one fuel tank filling, the exchange of worn-out spare tyres, the scheduled driver changes as well as any repairs. Another logistical challenge: access to the track is highly limited due to trying topographical conditions – many a rough passage cannot be overcome by any wheeled vehicle in the world attempting to access the route from normal roads. Instruments for navigation (compass, GPS) and communications (radios, mobile and satellite phones) – in stark contrast to the Dakar Rally – are not limited at the Baja 1000. However, a limit emerges in a completely different way: even the most advanced technology is useless in the frequently encountered areas without coverage.


The answer: the Volkswagen Baja Race Touareg with a V12 TDI engine
The surprising success achieved with the "Dakar" Touareg sparked an ambitious programme by Volkswagen of America specifically geared to the Baja rallies. In close collaboration with the team of Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero an innovative prototype for the Trophy Truck class was created. For the first time, an automobile manufacturer dares to tackle this class with diesel technology. The rear-wheel driven Baja Touareg TDI’s power of more than 550 PS is supplied by a 5.5-litre V12 diesel engine from the Volkswagen Group. The efficient and fuel-saving TDI engine, together with a gearbox operated by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, promises to develop its power in a clearly better, and thus tyre-saving, way than spark-injection engines do. Whereas the fuel tank capacity of the petrol-powered vehicles is unlimited and typically designed to handle 120 to 130 gallons, the diesel vehicles must settle for 65 U.S. gallons (246 litres).

The chassis, with a tubular frame and a rigid rear axle with an enormous suspension travel of 75 centimetres, follows the typical principles of Trophy Trucks. The Baja Touareg TDI is prepared and fielded by Arciero-Miller-Racing in the USA; the engine is prepared in Germany. Visually, the Baja Touareg TDI will resemble the production vehicle. However, in all of its proportions the prototype is slightly ten per cent bigger than its production role model; it is practically an XL-sized Touareg.

Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero are two proven experts in the cockpit. Both have won several Baja 1000 and Baja 500 competitions as well as off-road titles in the USA. 46-year-old Mark Miller from Phoenix / Arizona is navigated by 34-year-old Willie Valdez jr. from Los Angeles. Ryan Arciero hails from Los Angeles and is 35 years old. He comes from a family that has been active in racing for over 50 years and for whose teams the likes of Dan Gurney, Phil Hill, Michael Andretti and other well-known names have driven. Arciero’s co-driver is 32-year-old Benny Metcalf jr. from San Clemente/California. The decision about the time and place for the driver change will be taken after the track inspection and strategy planning.

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen and Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager of Volkswagen of America, agree about the objective," At the Volkswagen Touareg TDI’s maiden race we want to master the route of the Baja 1000 and reach the finish. At such a tough and unusual event this would be a first success and a promising starting base for the first full off-road season in 2009."

Los Angeles Auto Show 2008 - Touareg TDI with Clean Diesel

New Touareg V6 TDI – World premiere with innovative Clean Diesel

Touareg V6 TDI is one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest SUVs in the world

New Volkswagen SUV reduces fuel costs drastically

Wolfsburg / Los Angeles, 19 November 2008

In early 2009, Volkswagen will already be bringing a new Clean Diesel to the American market in the form of the Touareg. Never before was a Touareg more fuel efficient, never before so clean in emissions and never before so inexpensive to refuel. The 165 kW / 225 PS (at 4,000 rpm) strong Touareg V6 TDI fulfills the strictest emissions standards in the world, including the BIN5 of the states of California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine. So just like the Jetta TDI already, the new Touareg V6 TDI will be available in all 50 states of the USA.

The high-tech engine of the all-wheel drive Touareg is making its debut with a fuel economy of 18 mpg (City). On the highway it even attains 25 mpg. The Touareg V6 TDI defines a completely new generation of extremely fuel efficient and low-emission SUVs. One of its technical trademarks: the SCR catalytic converter. The Touareg V6 TDI is one of the first SUVs in the world to have this type of catalytic converter on board. It reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90 percent! An oxidation catalytic converter and a particulate filter are integrated in the emissions system too. So if anyone wishes to hold the infamous white handkerchief in front of the Touareg’s tailpipe, they will find that it stays white.

The fact is that more any other of today’s affordable drive technologies, especially in America, economical turbo-diesels like the V6 TDI are making a bigger contribution toward reducing oil consumption and reducing the generation of climate-damaging greenhouse gases. Compared to an SUV with a gasoline engine, overall fuel costs are significantly lower too.

In parallel, the V6 TDI satisfies even the highest expectations when it comes to dynamic response and comfort: the turbo-charged V6 TDI is about as quiet as a gasoline engine, yet it is far more powerful. It develops a torque of 550 Newton-meters starting at a low 1,750 rpm. So it is no wonder that despite its fuel economy, the Touareg V6 TDI – shifted by a six-speed automatic – accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.5 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (210 km/h).

The sensationally good ratio of power and dynamic response to fuel economy and low emissions is enabled by a technological concept that is the most advanced of its kind in the world. The car is built around a 3.0 liter displacement V6 turbo-diesel with exceptionally efficient third generation common rail injection. This type of injection and a special noise damping package ensure that the V6 TDI will impress as a whisper-quiet diesel; acoustically, it is hardly possible to differentiate it from a gasoline engine in the interior. A key component on the quest toward extremely low emissions and fuel consumption values – besides the high-end exhaust gas recirculation system (AGR) – is the SCR catalytic converter. The powertrain and emissions control technology of the new Touareg V6 TDI in detail:


SCR catalytic converter converts nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water

The acronym SCR stands for the internationally recognized term "Selective Catalytic Reduction". "Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter performs a very special task. Its job is to convert nitrogen oxide (NOx) components of the exhaust gas into nitrogen and water without forming any undesirable side products. It was developed precisely for this highly specialized task. That is why the new Touareg V6 TDI is also equipped with an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter to reduce the entire bandwidth of emissions. First, exhaust gases flow through the oxidation catalytic converter, then the particulate filter and finally the SCR catalytic converter.

The nitrogen oxides are converted in the SCR catalytic converter using a synthetically produced aqueous solution of urea (AdBlue) that is transported on the Touareg V6 TDI in a 4.0 gal. (17.5 liter) auxiliary tank. To protect against freezing of the AdBlue solution, the tank is heated in the winter (starting at 12.2 degrees Fahrenheit / -11 degrees Celsius), and to save space it is located under the spare wheel. AdBlue consists of 32.5 percent urea and is continually sprayed into the exhaust gas stream upstream of the SCR catalytic converter. It is metered according to the mass flow rate of the exhaust gas; the engine management system provides for precise control based on information from a NOx sensor downstream of the SCR catalytic converter.

Finely atomized by a screen, the urea is transformed in the hot exhaust gases upstream of the catalytic converter. In the SCR catalytic converter, it reacts with the nitrogen oxides and splits them into nitrogen and water. The aqueous AdBlue additive is nontoxic, odorless and biodegradable. On average, AdBlue consumption is about 1.0 liter per 620 miles (1,000 kilometers). Service garages can easily handle refilling of the very inexpensive AdBlue. As an alternative, the driver can refill small quantities of AdBlue solution underway without any great difficulties using a practical drip-free spare bottle.


Internal engine modifications

Beyond the SCR catalytic converter, Volkswagen engineers have come up with an entire bundle of innovative modifications. Combustion chamber sensors are being implemented for the first time, which monitor pressure conditions in the cylinders. Meanwhile, a new third generation common rail system with 2,000 bar injection pressure atomizes the fuel so that it is exceptionally fine. The targeted ideal combustion enhances quiet running and reduces raw emissions in general. Another technical highlight is the integrated intercooler for the turbocharger. A total of two intercoolers are used here. When the engine is cold, an automatic bypass door isolates the coolers from the system to ensure that the V6 TDI reaches its ideal operating temperature even quicker and attains optimal efficiency.

In general, however, reducing emissions, especially NOx raw emissions, takes the form of internal engine modifications such as lower maximum temperatures in the combustion chambers and reduced oxygen concentration by exhaust gas recirculation. The nitrogen oxides that are still produced despite these modifications reach the new SCR catalytic converter where they are removed, as already described.


Combustion chamber sensor and common rail injection

As engineers began to develop the V6 TDI, their first goal was to further optimize all aspects of combustion. The result is that a world’s first is celebrating its entry into high-volume production in the Clean Diesel: the combustion chamber sensor. Integrated in the glow pencil, the sensor continually measures pressure conditions in the cylinder and reports the data to engine management.

This enables perfect control of injection and combustion for each cylinder; it is even possible to compensate for fluctuating fuel qualities. Ideal combustion helps to reduce raw emissions. It also optimizes quiet running and noise behavior.

The common rail injection system that has undergone intensive advanced development serves the same purposes. With a new high pressure pump design (CP 4.2), the system builds up a pressure of 2,000 bar – this is new too. The piezo injectors also appear in a significantly modified form. Their smaller eight-hole nozzles inject fuel into the combustion chambers in miniscule volumes. This new design and its higher pressure make injection even more precise and dynamic – detailed work that in sum has produced one of the most fuel efficient and cleanest six-cylinder diesel engines in the world.

To the Point: Los Angeles Auto Show 2008

World premiere of the Touareg V6 TDI:
Volkswagen SUV with Clean Diesel protects environment and pocketbook

Wolfsburg / Los Angeles, 19 November 2008 - Touareg V6 TDI drastically reduces fuel costs with high-tech engine

- Clean diesels from Volkswagen will be sold in all 50 states of the USA

- Jetta and Touareg take the lead in VW Diesel Offensive in USA

- Volkswagen opens window to the future with fuel cell vehicles

- Baja 1000 – Volkswagen at the starting line with the new Baja Touareg TDI


Volkswagen is presenting an innovative lineup of extremely economical and low-emissions drive technologies at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It extends from the most advanced internal combustion engines of the present to the fuel cells of the future. Take the Clean Diesels, for example: the TDI engines from Volkswagen. Many experts consider these diesel engines to be the most advanced of our times. The reasons could not be clearer: high fuel efficiency and extremely low emissions combined with maximum performance. It is precisely this formula that has already won over millions of car drivers in Europe and a growing number of people in America.

It is in this context that the new Touareg V6 TDI is debuting as a world premiere in Los Angeles with its powerful 165 kW / 225 PS Clean Diesel. The high-tech engine is taking the stage with a city fuel economy of 18 mpg. On the highway it even attains 25 mpg. The Touareg V6 TDI is defining a completely new generation of extremely economical and low emissions SUVs. Since the Touareg V6 TDI is equipped with the most advanced catalytic converter system in the world, it impressively fulfills the BIN5 emissions standard, and with it the legal requirements of all fifty states in the USA. In parallel, the V6 TDI will satisfy the highest expectations in dynamic response and comfort: the turbocharged V6 TDI is just about as quiet as a gasoline engine, but it is far more powerful. Starting at a low 1,750 rpm – the ‘cellar’ of engine speed – it already develops its empowering maximum torque of 550 Newton-meters.

The magnitude of the potential of TDI engines from Volkswagen is also reflected in "Clean Diesel Racing". In the US Cup by the same name, it is the racing version of the 125 kW / 170 PS strong Jetta TDI that is exciting car racing fans. Also legendary is the Baja 1000 – possibly the most spectacular rally race in the world. Volkswagen is presenting the new Baja Touareg TDI for this classic race as a world premiere in Los Angeles. Competing for fame and honor in the king’s class of "Trophy Trucks" on November 21, this is a powerful 550 PS yet fuel efficient turbo-diesel off-roader of superlatives.

Since August, the Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI have been marketed as Clean Diesels in the USA. They too are taking the stage at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Their 103 kW / 140 PS strong four-cylinder turbo-diesel is so fuel efficient (30 mpg city / 41 mpg highway / manual transmission) and clean that a 1,300 dollar tax credit is being offered on these models. That is because from the very first day they are driven, cars like the Jetta TDI make a contribution toward drastically reducing emissions. Compared to gasoline engines of similar power, the fuel efficiency of the Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI is up to 35 percent better! That helps the environment. Immediately. All across America.

The Clean Diesel Offensive of the third-largest carmaker in the world is part of a powertrain and fuel strategy that starts in the present and extends far into the future. This much is certain: The paths that tomorrow’s mobility will take are being set in our times. It is also certain that today’s technologies such as Clean Diesel TDIs, the gasoline engines from Volkswagen that are just as successful and extremely fuel efficient and the world’s most efficient automatic transmission, the DSG dual clutch transmission, will remain dominant for a long time. It is also clear that internal combustion engines, hybrid systems, pure electric drives and vehicles with fuel cells will exist side-by-side in the future. Volkswagen is working toward attaining a balanced mix of these systems.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen is taking a hands-on approach in showing just how the future will "drive". This is being accomplished with no less than three fuel cell prototypes: the Tiguan – a compact, sporty SUV; the Touran – a minivan that is similarly compact, and the Passat Lingyu – a sedan customized for use in China. In Germany, the Tiguan and Touran are by far the most successful cars in their class. The same is true of the Passat Lingyu in China. All three zero emissions vehicles can be test driven by journalists at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Tiguan and Touran with on-board fuel cells were developed in Germany. They are driven by an electric motor with 100 kW (Tiguan) or 80 kW (Touran) of power. The fuel cell supplies the energy. Both vehicles are currently being tested in a durability study conducted as part of the California Fuel Cell Partnership. In parallel, other prototypes are running in Germany. For test purposes, an infrastructure of hydrogen filling stations is being built between the large metropolises of Berlin and Hamburg. The 87 mph (140 km/h) fast prototypes are capable of ranges of up to 125 miles (approx. 200 kilometers) on a tank of fuel, without emitting even one gram of CO2 or any other noxious emissions. All that comes out of the tailpipe is some water and oxygen.

Also ahead of its time is the zero emissions version of the Passat Lingyu. The prototype, developed in China together with scientists at the Tongji University, clearly reflects Volkswagen’s long-standing practice of working together with the most creative minds of all the world’s continents to develop new solutions for a clean future. And it has begun with technologies like Clean Diesel.

Rolling Internet: Volkswagen Group Research tests mobile Internet access in the Tiguan

"auto@web" project presented at the International Suppliers Fair

Wolfsburg, 30 October 2008 - Volkswagen presents its vision of the car of tomorrow with Internet access at the International Suppliers Fair (IZB), which is being held from 29 through 31 October at the Allerpark in Wolfsburg. The centre of attention will be a Tiguan prepared by Volkswagen Group Research and a WLAN network created by the research cooperative "Wireless Wolfsburg". The interaction of the pair provides the driver with selected information pertaining to life in the city directly in the display of the navigation system.

In the research cooperative "Wireless Wolfsburg", Volkswagen, Wolfsburg AG, the AutoUni and WobCom together with a group of partner companies have set up a WLAN network for testing mobile Internet access. The Tiguan with the name "auto@web" is in constant contact with the Internet portal, which provides it with current, pertinent information. This all happens unnoticed by the driver. The city's events calendar and various search machines serve as additional sources of information.

The spectrum of information is broad: from the cultural programme to interesting destinations in the city of Wolfsburg, the Tiguan receives a constant overview of the subjects "City Life", "Travel" and "Wellness". This selection of information appears neatly in the display of the navigation system.

The auto@web and the "Wireless Wolfsburg" portal have still more innovative features: you can check, for example, whether the car's doors are locked or if the tank is full from your PC at home or your iPod. Furthermore, it is possible to load a map for your walking route from your parking space to your final destination on your mobile device or display the place where your car is currently parked.

The Phaeton in Model Year 2009:

Perfected Controls Concept with New Infotainment System

New infotainment system with touchscreen and up to 1,000 Watts of music power

New V6 FSI gasoline engine with greater power and fuel efficiency

All engines of upgraded Phaeton already satisfy Euro-5 emissions standard

Efficient V6 TDI of the Phaeton consumes just 9.0 liters of diesel on average

Wolfsburg, 07 November 2008 - The Phaeton – the Volkswagen flagship – has new technical features on board starting right now. An entirely new generation of infotainment systems (RCD 810 and RNS 810) is being introduced. The systems – equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen – offer significantly extended functionality, quicker access to infor¬mation and a nearly self-explanatory user interface logic. Another new design on this model is the control unit for the standard four-zone automatic climate control system. The RCD 810 or RNS 810 and climate control share a common module in the center console area. The center console itself has a completely new look. As an option, the RNS 810 radio-navigation system can be extended to include a new 1,000 Watt strong high-end sound system from Danish hi-fi specialist Dynaudio.


Upgrades for the 2009 model year extend to the powertrain as well. New to the Phaeton engine lineup is a considerably more efficient V6 gasoline direct-injection engine (FSI) with 206 kW / 280 PS. Compared to the previous engine, the V6 FSI offers a performance gain of 39 PS, on the one hand, yet it consumes 0.4 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers on the other. A common feature: All four gasoline and diesel engines on the Phaeton (176 kW / 240 PS to 331 kW / 450 PS) fulfill the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

Other changes to the 2009 model year car now being launched include: three new types of alloy wheels (17, 18 and 19 inch), a slightly modified radiator grille, three new car colors ("Silver leaf metallic", "Beryllium gray metallic" and "Mocca-anthracite pearl effect"), the new leather color "Corn silk beige", the new wood accents "Poplar grain latte macchiato" and "Vavona", white switch illumination instead of red, accent and switch trim in the new "Warm gray" color, an upgraded car key, makeup mirror in the rear on the long version, dampers optimized for low-friction, ceramic brakes (front) on the Phaeton W12 as well as a rearview camera (Rear Assist).


Redesigned user interface for climate control and infotainment

The most in-depth revision on the current Phaeton is its completely new center console design. A key component here: the new standard RCD 810 infotainment system (radio variant) and the RNS 810 (optional navigation system variant) with central 8-inch touchscreen, also new.

To integrate the Phaeton’s new infotainment systems in a style that is as balanced as the prior model’s solution, the center console was fully redesigned. This also involved changing controls of the four-zone automatic climate control system (Climatronic): the temperature is now set by a dial and continuously shown on a digital display above the control panel. The keys and controls for operating the climate control system and individual ventilation functions were also redesigned. The entire climate control panel – intuitive and easy to read – is now located beneath the infotainment system. Before it was integrated above the system monitor.

Also redesigned was the central color display in the instrument cluster between the speedometer and tachometer. The multifunctional steering wheel can be used to control numerous functions in the Phaeton, and important information and instructions can be viewed there.


RCD 810 and RNS 810 in detail

The RCD 810 and RNS 810 infotainment systems were redesigned for the Phaeton with high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen in 16:9 format. Consider the RNS 810: it unites a very quickly responding navigation system with numerous multimedia functions such as an MP3 player, auxiliary hybrid TV tuner (option) and "Premium" prep for Bluetooth mobile telephone that can be ordered as an option. The navigation system loads the map data it needs from a 30-Gigabyte hard drive integrated in the RNS 810. In parallel, the hard drive is used to save MP3 songs too.

Furthermore, modifying general vehicle settings via the touchscreen monitor is both easy and convenient. Higher-level menus are selected by eight keys added to the left and right sides of the touchscreen. The signal from the optional rearview camera is also transmitted to the screen.

The integrated DVD drive can read out all commonly used audio formats and – when the vehicle is stationary – videos can also be played back over the monitor in brilliant image quality. There is also a slot for SD memory cards on the front of the unit. External MP3 players and similar data media find a suitable interface in the form of the MEDIA-IN (MDI) media socket.

As mentioned, the new RNS 810 unit’s functionality can be extended with a hybrid TV tuner. It enables reception of both analog and digital broadcasting stations (DVB-T). Its digital reception enables an especially high image quality. In addition, the latest news can be called up via the integrated video text feature.

When paired with a mobile telephone prep such as the "Premium" Bluetooth system, the RNS 810 also makes telephoning easier. It is conveniently operated by pressing the "Phone" key to the left of the 8-inch display. The touchscreen can be used for further user control, such as scrolling through the phone number memory or direct dialing via the 10-key numeric keypad shown on the screen. As an alternative, the telephone may be operated with ease with the multifunctional steering wheel, by voice control or from an auxiliary mobile unit.

As an option, a high-end sound system can be added to the RNS 810: the Dynaudio Temptation". The system with its 1,000 Watts of acoustic power output via its twelve-channel digital amplifier and digital signal processor (DSP) provides for an exceptional sound experience of the superlative class. The sound system includes twelve Dynaudio loudspeakers with practically perfect equalization.


New V6 FSI; Euro-5 standard thoroughly satisfied

A new V6 gasoline engine being used in the new Phaeton is an FSI engine (direct gasoline injection) with 3.6 liter displacement and 206 kW / 280 PS. It replaces the 3.2 liter V6 with 177 kW / 241 PS. The smooth FSI develops a maximum torque of 360 Newton-meters that is constantly available between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm and guarantees impressive high-torque performance. The maximum power of the twenty-four valve six-cylinder engine is available at 6,250 rpm.

Powered in this way, the luxury class sedan with 6-speed automatic, 4Motion all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled air suspension impresses with its agile driving performance. The Phaeton V6 FSI reaches the 100 km/h mark from a stop in 8.6 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The car’s average fuel consumption is 11.7 liters Super per 100 kilometers. It was possible to lower CO2 emissions from 288 g/km to 273 g/km.

Besides the new 3.6 liter FSI, the two even more powerful V8 and W12 gasoline engines with 246 kW / 335 PS and 331 kW / 450 PS, respectively, now fulfill the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in September 2009. The especially fuel efficient V6 TDI with its 3.0 liter displacement and common rail direct injection (171 kW / 233 PS) was one of the first engines in the world to conform to this standard at the beginning of 2007. On average, the 239 km/h fast Phaeton V6 TDI consumes just 9.0 liters of diesel per hundred kilometers.


Phaeton considered one of the best sedans in the world

Since its market introduction, many aspects of the Phaeton have been further developed. The level of technology and the quality offered on the large Volkswagen are generally considered the best that car-making has to offer worldwide. Just recently in October the German Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung (GTÜ; German Society for Technical Inspection) rated older vehicles in the model series too as having above-average quality. In the high-end and luxury class, the older Phaetons – up to three, four and five years in age – exhibited the fewest defects in the entire competitive field.

In 2007, the model went through an extensive facelift. Besides making visual touch-ups to the impressive classic body – which were intentionally restrained – innovative technologies were added, which more than ever have made the Phaeton one of the best long-distance sedans. Technical innovations on the Phaeton include Front Assist that reduces braking distance and was integrated in the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the Side Assist lane changing assistant. In addition, a new tire pressure monitoring system offers an even higher standard of safety and operating convenience.


Front Assist in detail

The braking distance reducing Front Assist is part of adaptive cruise control (ACC). ACC relieves the driver of active braking and acceleration tasks. And this enhances driving convenience – especially on longer freeway drives. Simultaneously, it prevents the distance to the next vehicle from dropping below the legally prescribed minimum gap.

Front Assist goes one step further: the purpose of this ACC extension is to help prevent front-end collisions. The system uses a radar sensor to monitor the distance to vehicles in traffic ahead of the Phaeton. When this distance is too short, the driver is informed in two stages. Simultaneously, the vehicle is prepared for possible hard braking by the driver. In advance of certain situations, Front Assist preventively puts the brakes in a preconditioned status, which otherwise would not happen until the brake pedal is actuated. So the new system acts as a braking distance reduction system (AWV).

As part of adaptive cruise control, the system is operated by dedicated keys on the multifunctional steering wheel. For the most part, its operation is similar to control by the cruise control system (GRA). When ACC is activated, the sedan automatically brakes (if necessary to a full stop) and accelerates within a speed range the driver inputs beforehand.

ACC may be activated within a vehicle speed range between 30 and 200 km/h. The system uses radar to acquire traffic over an angle of 12 degrees and up to 200 meters in front of the Phaeton. An ON/OFF switch on the left side of the multifunctional steering wheel is used to activate or deactivate ACC. Furthermore, all driver assistance systems – including ACC – may be activated or deactivated simultaneously by a central pushbutton on the turn signal stalk; the button must be held in a pressed position longer than one second. In addition, ACC is temporarily deactivated as soon as the driver actuates the brake pedal.

Basic information on adaptive cruise control can be read off the screen of the multifunctional display, quickly and conveniently. Besides the activation state, it also displays the preset target speed, target and actual gap distances (5-stage control) or an "acquired object" in front of the Volkswagen detected by radar.

In some driving situations, it is also necessary to brake the Phaeton manually to maintain an adequate safe distance to the vehicle ahead or to avoid a frontal collision in extreme situations. When adaptive cruise control (ACC) detects that the safe distance cannot be maintained, because its deceleration – legally restricted to 0.4g – is inadequate, the system asks the driver to resume manual control. This is done by optical and acoustic warning.


Side Assist in detail

Another assistance system in the Phaeton is the lane changing assistant (Side Assist). Starting at 60 km/h, this system monitors the area in back of and next to the Phaeton via radar sensors in the rear bumper (one sensor for the area to the left of the vehicle, and one for the right) and signals a potential risk of collision via a warning lamp in the rearview mirror housing. The monitoring range of the sensor spans a distance of about 50 meters to the rear and 3.60 meters to the sides of the sedan.

If Side Assist detects a critical situation to the left or right of the Phaeton, the warning lamp in the mirror housing lights to indicate the special traffic situation – provided that the driver has not set the turn signal to indicate a lane change. However, if the driver activates the turn signal for turning into an occupied adjacent traffic lane, the lamp makes the driver aware of the potential hazard by quickly flashing four times. The brightness of the warning lamps can be controlled over five stages from the multifunctional display. Interesting networking of systems: the momentary ambient light level detected by the sensor for the rain and light detection function automatically flows into calculations of lighting intensity.

Two control modules are responsible for Side Assist functionality. One of them (Master) sets the tone. The Master control module and right-side radar sensor form one unit, the second control module (Slave) meanwhile is associated with the left sensor. The Master and Slave control modules are identical in their layout. The main component of each module is an electronic PC-board with a digital signal processor as the central computing unit. One of its functions is to acquire and track objects detected by sensors. The control modules themselves are located in the rear bumper, on the left and right, i.e. in the immediate vicinity of the radar sensors. By the way, "radar" stands for "Radio Detection And Ranging" – target detection and ranging by electromagnetic waves.


All-wheel drive and air suspension are standard

The driver assistance systems supplement the Phaeton’s extraordinarily large potential for safety and comfort. Background: All versions of the sedan have the combination of all-wheel drive & air suspension as standard equipment. Consider the all-wheel drive: behind the 4Motion label is a system that – besides offering excellent dynamic response and ride comfort properties – also guarantees a maximum of active safety even under the harshest driving conditions. Consider the 4-corner air suspension with continuously adjustable damper control (CDC): it perfects comfort on all roads and enables lowering of the car body starting at a vehicle speed of 140 km/h. That optimizes driving properties and reduces average fuel consumption.

So the latest version of the Phaeton too – equipped with standard 12-way power front seats (or 18-way depending on the version) – can be highly recommended as an impressive, comfortable and safe cruiser for long distances and a stress-free zone between the meetings of a fully scheduled day.

The specialists at Volkswagen Individual can further refine the Phaeton’s equipment very specifically. Features covered by Phaeton individualization include the "Sensitive Classic Style" leather interior in specially developed colors and color combinations, an "Alcantara package", a wide variety of interior accents, the "high-end multimedia system" with LCD monitors on the backs of the front seat headrests, a refrigerator in the rear and many types of alloy wheels such as the 19-inch "Omanyt" wheels. Furthermore, the Phaeton is offered in 4 and 5 seat interior versions as well as with an optional extended wheelbase.