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.

Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI Specifications

Powertrain

Engine - 5.5 Liter, 90 degree V-12 TDI Twin Turbo Diesel

Valve train - 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC

Induction - Dual Garrett TR 30 R with dual 43.5mm air-restrictors, 2.94 bar (absolute) pressure

Emissions - Dow Automotive Diesel Particle Filters (2)

Horsepower - 550 HP (405kW)

Torque - 625 ft-lb (850Nm)

Layout - Mid-engine, rear wheel drive

Transmission - Xtrac 6 Speed Sequential

Rear Axle - Custom Built solid 9” Rear Axle


Suspension

Front - Double A-Arm Suspension – 25” wheel travel (63 cm)

Rear - 4-Link Rear Suspension – 30” wheel travel (76 cm)

Front Shocks - Fox Racing Shocks - 3.0 Coil-over with 3.0 Bypass/Multi-adjustable
Dampener

Rear Shocks - Fox Racing Shocks - 3.0 Coil-over with 3.0 Bypass/Multi-adjustable Dampener

Springs - Eibach Coils


Wheels

Wheels - KMC 17” Custom Forged Beadlock

Tires - BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17


General

Owner - Volkswagen of America Inc.

Chassis Design - Arciero Miller Racing

Body Design - Volkswagen Design Center California

Dimensions

Wheelbase - 125 in. (317 cm)

Overall Length - 213 in. (541 cm)

Track Width - 92 in. (233 cm)

Overall Height - 78 in. (198 cm)

Weight - 5650 lbs. (2562 kg)

Brakes - Brembo 6 Piston Calipers

Steering - Lee Manufacturing


Interior

GPS - Lowrance 9200 system
Seats - Sparco Carbon Fiber Racing seats


Fuel Cell

65 Gallon (240 Liter) Capacity, designed by Harmon Fuel Cells


Sponsors

Sponsored by Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels, Fox Shocks.

Volkswagen to Unveil purpose built Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck at L.A. Auto Show

Chassis

First turbo-diesel Trophy Truck in historic SCORE series

HERNDON, Va. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. will unveil its purpose-built Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck, powered by a clean diesel TDI engine, during a news conference at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The news conference is scheduled for 10:45 to 11:10 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at the Volkswagen stand.

The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck that will run the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class is powered by a 5.5 liter V-12 clean diesel engine that produces 550 horsepower and 625 lbs.-ft. of torque.

Staying true to the off-road prowess that the Touareg is best known for, the purpose-built Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck takes the Touareg’s off-road tenaciousness to a whole new level.

With a double A-Arm front suspension that allows 25 inches of wheel travel, and a 4-link rear suspension that allows 30 inches of wheel travel, combined with Fox Racing Shocks, Eibach Coils and BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 off-road tires the Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck should have little difficulty maneuvering the highly difficult and technical 634 mile Baja 1000 course.

Chassis design and production was handled by Arciero Miller Racing located in Foothill Ranch, California. The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck features a wheelbase of 125 inches, overall length of 213 inches, width of 92 inches, an overall height of 78 inches and weighs 5650 pounds. The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck Body was designed by the Volkswagen Design Center located in Santa Monica, California.
The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI is sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Inc., Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels and Fox Shocks.



Chassis


Interior

Source Volkswagen and www.race-dezert.com

Volkswagen Enters New Clean Diesel TDI Trophy Truck in 41st SCORE Baja 1000

First turbo-diesel Trophy Truck in historic SCORE series

HERNDON, Va. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the all new Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI, powered by a clean diesel TDI engine, will enter this year’s 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class. Volkswagen will unveil its purpose-built Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck during its news conference at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The news conference is scheduled for 10:45 to 11:10 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2008.

“We’ve had success running our clean diesel TDI powered vehicles at the Dakar Rally, Baja 500, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and also in our Jetta TDI Cup series,” said Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This entry of a new, purpose-built Touareg TDI Trophy Truck is the next step in the evolution of our motorsport program and showcases our commitment to racing clean diesel vehicles and to SCORE International.”

The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI will roll off from the 14th position when the race starts on Friday, November 21, the positions were announced at a drawing held October 11 in Temecula, California.

“The first 10 starting positions are reserved for the top 10 series point’s leaders competing in the SCORE Trophy Truck class,” said Campbell. “With this being our first time competing in the SCORE Trophy Truck class, drawing 14th actually gives us a very good starting position.”

The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI will be driven by the Baja veterans Mark Miller, Cave Creek, Ariz. and Ryan Arciero, Foothill Ranch, Calif. Arciero and Miller have seven career SCORE Trophy-Truck race wins between them, including three wins driving together. Willie Valdez Jr. a seasoned off-road racer and Baja competitor will be navigating for Miller and Benny Metcalf Jr. a veteran of off-road and SCORE series racing will navigate for Arciero.

The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI is sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Inc., Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels and Fox Shocks.

VW Netherlands releases the Transporter T-Edition

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in the Netherlands have released this special edition Transporter the T-Edition.

The T-Edition comes fully equipped with T-Edition badging on the tailgate, leather seats and the gearknob; visually what sets it apart from other Transporters is the Miyato alloy wheels, Multivan front bumper which come with chrome inserts around the grill and Multivan rear bumpers that includes standard rear parking sensors.

Source youtube.com

Videos from the VW Stand at 25th Sao Paulo Motor Show