Modular Transverse Matrix (Modularer Querbaukasten) or MQB for short, is the name Volkswagen’s new paltform that will underpin various models from VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat.

Technical details of the system are catastrophically boring, but it results in a significant cost saving for VW group.The first cars to use this system are the successor to the Audi A3 and the next generation Golf, the Mk7

At the Volkswagen brand alone, it will cover Polo, Beetle, Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan, Passat and Volkswagen CC. MQB enables the manufacturer to practically build all these models on the same production line. They might differ in wheelbase and track width, but the flexibility of this technology makes it possible to produce all models together.

Within the Group, the MQB developed under the auspices of the Volkswagen brand is supplemented by the Modular Longitudinal System (MLB) from Audi, the Modular Standard System (MSB) with Porsche as the competence centre and finally the ‘New Small Family’ – the most compact vehicle model series with the Volkswagen up!, SEAT Mii and ŠKODA Citigo.

Now buckle up for some deep technical details. We tried to read it all, but we nodded off half way thorough!

One of the prominent characteristics of the Modular Transverse Matrix is the uniform mounting position of all engines. Two systems integrated in the MQB strategy which play a key role here are the modular petrol engine system (MOB) with the new EA211 engine series (60 to 150 PS) – this range includes the world’s first four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation (ACT) – and the modular diesel engine system (MDB) with the new EA288 engine series (90 to 190 PS). In one fell swoop, the new engine series will reduce the Group’s engine and gearbox variants in the MQB system by approximately 90 per cent, without a detrimental effect. On the contrary; in addition to standardising conventional internal combustion engines, the MQB also enables an identical mounting position for all current alternative drive concepts without limitations – from natural gas and hybrid versions to the pure electric drive. Volkswagen has already announced the launch of the latter within the MQB in 2013 in the new Golf Blue-e-Motion.

The MQB opens up new opportunities at the Volkswagen Group, allowing it to produce high-volume and niche models at the highest quality and extremely competitive costs over the long term and worldwide – vehicles that are individually tailored to the requirements of very diverse markets such as Europe, China and America, as well as emerging markets such as India. In parallel, the Volkswagen Group will significantly reduce vehicle weights with the launch of the first MQB model series and will introduce 20 innovations in the areas of safety and infotainment, which until now were reserved for higher vehicle segments.

They include the new multicollision brake; after an initial collision, it helps to reduce the intensity of secondary collisions by automatically initiated braking. Very recently, ADAC awarded this system the ‘Yellow Angel’ award for innovations. The multicollision brake will be standard equipment in the next generations of the Audi A3 and the Golf.

Nope, we didn’t believe it either when we first heard about this Mk2 Golf. How the hell a 1.8 liter engine, no matter how big its Garrett GTX4202R turbo might be, can make 900 hp? But when we watched it in action and witnessed how it takes off the line like a stabbed rat, our jaws dropped, hard! Whoever made this thing is a genius. The car does 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and that’s Veyron territory. Driving this Golf is definitely more fun than the Veyron.

Videos after the jump.

via: Autoblog

The British customer of Volkswagen who order a Golf GT, GTI, GTD or R model from today will be getting free leather upholstery, previously a £1,890 option.

To make the offer even more interesting, VW also throws in a free Bluetooth system, previously a £255 option, meaning customers benefit from over £2,000-worth of extra value.

The leather upholstery you will be getting is the luxurious black ‘Vienna’ version The driver’s seat comes with electrical adjustment, while both passenger and driver get electrically operated lumbar support and heated seats, which should receive a warm welcome in the coming winter months.

It of course varies form model to model. The GT, GTI and GTD all feature sports seats with bolsters to hold occupants securely in place, while the sports seats in the Golf R have even deeper bolsters, as befits the R’s extra performance.  Recaro sports seats remain an option for Golf R customers.

This upgrade is offered for just £140 on GT models, and for no extra cost on GTD, GTI and R, meaning GT prices now start at £21,310, GTD at £24,635, GTI at £25,305 and R at £31,420.

For those who might think the Edition 35 Golf GTI is not ‘special’ enough, tuner B&B has a kit that might be satisfying.

The car is obviously distinguished over the normal GTIs, what with the new tailpipes, diffuser, side skirts, BB stickers, wheels and other aero parts. But where it’s really different than the standard GTi is under the bonnet.

The tuner offers three stages of engine tuning. The first one offers 310PS and 420Nm, and includes bigger turbocharger, intercooler, sport exhausts, ECU remap and oil cooler. The second plan offers 326PS and 450Nm by increasing the turbo boost, and the third plan will be good for 362PS nad 510Nm. The modifications on the last one is a bit deeper and includes optimized turbo, intercooler and exhausts.

Obviously you do want to get the most powerful version, but that program is very expensive at €8950. Stage 2 costs €2798 and stage 1 €1198. If you want to spend even more you can order suspension and braking system upgrades as well.

Volkswagen is still reluctant to join the horsepower war in the hot hatch segment, and is preparing only a mild power boost for the next generation golf GTI.

The current 2.0 liter turbo four-banger will be get a light tweak up to 220 bhp. Instead of adding loads of power to their car, like Ford and Opel do, VW is seeking performance through lightness and precise engineering. So the next-gen GTI will feature a new type of electronically-controlled locking differential that makes the best of that 220  horses.

Fighting off cars like Ford Focus, or Vauxhall Astra OPC is a job for the Golf R. The R Golf will soon get a cabrio version as previewed a the Worthersee event earlier this year. They get the 261 bhp turbo four-cylinder, and while it’s good power, it is still no match for the 300+ hp Fords.

One other significant change that will affect the Golf lineup is the modifications VW is going to make to the 1.4 liter twin-charged engine. It apparently loses its supercharger and will rely on its turbocharger alone to make 150 hp. There has been some complaints about this engine’s smoothness. Well, this change should solve the problem!

via: Autocar

Britain’s lovely summer is the perfect time to sell open-top cars! And this year there’s no shortage of new and exciting models.

Volkswagen just released the pricing details of the new Golf Cabrio as the order books open, but the car won’t reach customers until September, or at the end of summer. That’s a bit odd, but anyway, the Cabrio with its folding fabric roof is a fine vehicle all year round.

Pricing for Golf Cabrio ranges between £20,720 to £26,595. What all models have in common include active rollover protection system is employed, ABS, ESP and front and side head/thorax airbags, 50:50 split/folding rear seat and Easy-Entry function ensure maximum practicality and good access to the rear, and a 250 liter boot.

The new Golf Cabriolet will be available with a choice of three engines: a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS.  A further petrol and two diesels will be offered later in the year.  DSG automatic transmission will be offered while BlueMotion Technology modifications will be applied to the diesel engines to ensure high efficiency and low emissions.

Three trim levels will be offered – S, SE and GT – and all will have a high level of standard specification, featuring 16-inch alloy wheels, and Bluetooth among other items.  Moving up to SE, features such as 2Zone climate control, cruise control, parking sensors and automatic lights are added, while at the top of the range, GT adds a number of new highlights including sports suspension, Alcantara upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Golf Cabriolet model line-up and pricing

* BlueMotion Technology

After all the rumors, concepts and a few official pictures that we didn’t like all that much, we’ve decided to play around a bit and create 2 versions of the soon to be expected Volkswagen Golf Cabrio. A green one that tries to replicate a very successful color of some past VW’s and a rather pinkie one, as we can only imagine this as a girl’s car…

Check out the renderings after the jump and let’s hope that at least these alloy wheels are an option…

A few hours after revealing the Golf R Cabrio, Volkswagen released first pictures of the Golf GTI Cabrio, making its debut at the 2011 Worthersee GTI meet.

While details of the car are yet to be announced, it takes no genius to realize the GTI Cabrio is a cheaper, less powerful version of the R. In many ways, we prefer the GTI Cabrio to the R Cabrio. For starters, it looks better than that blue-blooded model (that said, it’s a concept model and things might change), and it’s not that much weaker to make a real differene. The R has 270 hp, the GTI – if it remains loyal to the specs of the hatchback version – 210 hp (235 hp for Edition 35 models).

If anything, the GTI Cabrio is closer to a proper sportscar than the heavier, four-wheel-drive R. It will be more affordable and at the end of the day more fun!

We will be adding official details of VW Golf GTI Cabriolet here as soon as we got them.

Volkswagen’s other surprise for 2011 Worthersee event, besides the Golf GTI Edition 35, is the Golf R Cabriolet , revealed as a concept.

With 270 PS, 350 Nm of torque, top speed of 250 km/h and a sub 6-second 0 to 100 km/h acceleration, the R Cabrio is a full-blooded sportscar, even though it seems a bit heavy and kinda fat! The car’s also packed with high-end features, at least in its concept form. It gets 17-inch ventilated brake discs fitted inside 19-inch “Talladega” alloy wheels with size 235 tyres.

Meanwhile inside the cabin you get motorsport shell seats in dark blue carbon leather, combined with high-end Nappa leather in Pure Grey with piano black seat shells, plus lots of carbon fiber and aluminum accents.

While the car is not much of a looker with the roof up, it looks great with it down. It is sporty and discrete and fun, all at the same time. We’re waiting for VW to announce the pricing of the produciton version of the Golf R Cabriolet. If it’s a reasonable price tag, then we have a total winner here. That said, it’s still hard choosing between this and the Scirocco R.

Apart from the R Cabrio, VW also revealed two concept versions of the Golf R hatchback. Here’s the details on those two:

The first version of the Golf R Concept attracts attention with mid-tone “Velvet Grey Metallic” exterior, polished 19-inch “Talladega” alloy wheels, orange painted brake callipers and carbon mirror caps.The driver and front passenger have the pleasure of sitting on perfectly ergonomic motorsport shell seats. Their outer segments are upholstered in black Nappa leather; anthracite-coloured Nappa leather (“Light Anthracite”) is used towards the inner surfaces in the area of the lateral seat supports and towards the head section. The cross-stitched centre panels of the seat and seatback gets an even lighter Nappa leather (“Pure Grey”). The back shell glistens in black piano paint. The piping on the side sections of the seat and head section provide a fine contrast: the orange of the brake callipers is repeated here. Meanwhile, interior accents match the look of the mirror caps: carbon. The same material is also used for the steering wheel, gear shift lever and the door sill plates. Black piano paint characterises the panels behind the inside door handles, the trim of the window controls and the trim of the gear shift grip.

The second model of the Golf R Concept is painted in the sophisticated “Aplomb Blue”. The 19-inch “Glendale” wheels that are new to the Golf line-up shine in “Brilliant Silver”. Once again, the exterior mirror caps, various interior accents and the door sill plates are made of carbon.

Parts of the back shells of the motorsport shell seats also feature carbon. Black Nappa leather covers the outer areas of the seat and seatback surfaces. Meanwhile, the ridge of the seats – a continuous stripe that runs along the lateral seat and back supports – consists of blue leather. The sport leather steering wheel’s inner segments and grip recesses were upholstered in “carbon leather”; characteristic of this lightweight material is its woven structure. Even the floor mats have a carbon look. The decorative seams here, as in the area of the parking brake lever, are styled in blue.

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2011/06/volkswagen-golf-r-cabrio-concept/feed/ 1 http://www.motorward.com/2011/03/video-vw-golf-cabrio-commercial/ http://www.motorward.com/2011/03/video-vw-golf-cabrio-commercial/#comments Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:53:43 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=20878

The Spring is just around the corner and the weather is lustrous! So it’s the perfect time for Volkswagen to release a romantic commercial for the new Golf Cabrio. VW has always been good at making TV spots. Even when they use cliches it is still fascinating. Check out this Golf Cabrio ad, it shows you a young couple playing on the beach and cruising mountain roads in the Golf. That image is at least 70 years old, and yet it works. I mean I got half a mind buying the new Golf Cabrio watching this! And it’s a genuinely good car as we’ve explained before.

Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is officially back! The soft-top funster will first stop at Geneva to make its debut and then goes on sale just in time for Summer.

As mentioned the new Golf 6 Cabrio features a fabric top that goes up and down using electricity in 9.5 seconds. Adding a folding metal roof would have been cooler, but it also adds a fair bit of weight, so the soft-top is the better option specially as you can operate it while on the move up to 18 mph.

Despite being a four-seater, the Golf Cabrio maintains its compact size at 4,215 mm in length, 1,424 mm in height and 1,779 mm in width. VW has also managed to turn the Golf into a open-top car without tuning its design. It looks just as good as a normal Golf. At least when the roof is down! Inside the Golf Cabriolet’s appearance matches very closely that of the hatchback, adopting the same high-quality materials and design. It offers 250 liters of boot space with the roof down.

The car is offered with six turbocharged direct-injection engines whose power outputs range from 77 kW / 105 PS to 155 kW / 210 PS – three from launch (a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS, 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS and a 1.6-litre 105 PS TDI) and a further three later in the year (a 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS, 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS and a 2.0-litre TDI with 140 PS).

Four of the petrol engines (TSI) and one diesel (TDI) are available with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox; while three of the engines are available with energy-saving BlueMotion Technology. The BM 1.6 TDI averages 4.4 liter per 100 km.

2011 Golf Cabrio is also generously equipped with standard safety features such as automatically deploying roll-over bar, front airbags, side head/thorax airbags, knee airbag for the driver and ESP, as well as reinforced window frame and structural modifications to the underbody, side panels, cross-members and doors.

You may know pre-order the car in Germany for 23.625 Euro.

The Golf24 is the hottest version of the lovely hatchback ever made. The only problem is that it’s a racing car! It is Volkswagen’s main contender for this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour race. It is powered by VW’s 2.5 liter five-cylinder Turbo engine which churns out 440PS and it’s very light and comes with a full-on aerodynamic kit with the splitter, diffuser, wings and stuff, so it’s a serious performer on the track. Speaking of which, check out the car flexing muscle down at the Vallelunga circuit.

Instead of making yet another pointless concept car celebrating Golf GTI’s 35th anniversary, Volkswagen prepared the Golf 24 which is an actual racing version of the hot hatch for competing in this year’s Nurburgring 24-hour race.

this is the best way possible to pay tribute to a legendary performance machine. The Golf 24 is powered by the same 2.5 liter 5-cylinder turbo engine that runs half of VW group’s cars, tweaked specially for this touring car to generate 440 hp and 540 Nm of torque. The power is transferred to all four wheel via a semi-automatic sequential 6-speed gearbox with paddle shifters.

The car is currently undertaking different test sessions and there’s still some work to do before it’s fully prepared for the big event.

“With the new Golf24 we are continuing our successful commitment at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. The event enjoys huge popularity, is one of the true classics in motorsport and, due to its extreme distance and unique race track, also represents a very big technical challenge,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “With our spectacular Golf we want to provide an additional highlight in front of a large audience – right in time for the 35th anniversary of the GTI.”

The Brits are famous for their love of hot hatchbacks. That’s why they always get the hottest and most special editions before every one else! This year Top Gear magazine picked Volkswagen Golf R as their Hot Hatch of the Year. Last time Top Gear awarded a Golf was the GTI in 2009.

The Golf R really deserves this title since it’s one of the most complete hot hatches you can buy today. And that is exactly the point of hot hatches, they must be able to do everything you throw at them. Top Gar describes the Golf R as ‘extraordinarily good at so many things’.

An with a a 2.0-litre TSI engine developing 270 PS and 350 Nm (258 lbs ft) of torque, a sophisticated 4MOTION system and a six-speed DSG gearbox as well as the practicality of a normal Golf, the R is ready for every occasion. To match the extra power, the Golf R features a series of upgrades to its springs, dampers, gearbox software, braking system and styling to ensure that it both looks and feels sharper than the standard car.

Of course it’s not the cheapest hot hatch out there, but it certainly delivers great value for money.

On hand to collect the Award was Dr. Hendrik Muth, Head of Marketing and Communications at Volkswagen R – the special projects wing of Volkswagen tasked with designing and developing R products.

Dr. Muth commented: ‘This is the third generation of Golf R and the fastest and most focussed yet; we designed it to appeal to keen drivers exactly like the judges at TopGear.  On behalf of Volkswagen and Volkswagen R it’s a real honour for the Golf to be recognised with such an award.’

Volkswagen has always been bloody good with their commercials, specially the one they made for the Golf. Here’s a new one which is hilarious as always. The Golf in this commercial is old, like its owner, but that is the whole point of it. Actually, forget about points, it’s just a giggle. If only all grannies were so cool!

Volkswagen asked Karl Lagerfeld, the famous designer and photographer, to promote their new STYLE package for VW Polo and Golf. The STYLE is a value-added package which adds a couple of extra goodies to the hatchbacks, including new alloy wheels, lightly tinted windows, and fog lights and some badges.

As for the price, The Polo STYLE currently available in Germany starts from €14,075 and the Golf STYLE from €18,825. More optional features along with customization possibility for all variants are also available.

Although with 275 bhp the Volkswagen Golf R qualifies as a hot hatch, but there are enough 300+ hp options out there to make it look like a loser! Now APS of Brackley has come up with tuning package for the R that kinda solves the issue by raising the output of its 2.0-litre TFSI engine to 350 hp. But it doesn’t end there.

APS actually offers three stages of power upgrade, first a remapped ECU good for 308 hp which costs £445.00 including VAT, and then the 320-330 hp package, including a Milltek large bore turbo down pipe, high flow sports catalyst and a choice of Milltek stainless steel sports exhausts, featuring a switchable electronic exhaust valve, 2.75 inch bore tubing and dual 100mm ceramic black tailpipes.

It’s very pricey though, at £1999.00 fitted including VAT. If you want the full fat 350 hp package you are going to have to wait a bit more for APS to finish it!

In addition to the power upgrades, APS’s has a range of chassis upgrades for the VW Golf R include:-

• Three way adjustable Haldex Gen4 four wheel drive controller
• Sports lowering springs
• KW height and damping adjustable coilover suspension
• Uprated suspension bushes
• Brembo GT big brake kits
• 18 and 19 inch Sportec Mono 10 forged alloy wheels with Toyo tyres

The VW Golf blue-e-motion is the all-electric version of the hatchback daddy, the Golf, which is due to be launched in 2014. This car is powered purely by electricity, and it has no internal combustion engine, not even as a range extender. It relies totally on its electric motors and batteries.

The blue-e-motion Golf comes with a front-mounted electric motor with a maximum power of 85 kW / 115 PS and a continuous power output of 50 kW / 69 PS, and peak torque of 270 Nm. That’s the same sort of power a normal 1.6 liter petrol engine delivers these days.

Lithium-ion batteries of this car have energy capacity of 26.5 kilowatt-hours. Currently, they provide a driving ranges of up to 150 kilometres, considering you drive responsibly, but the final figures will be confirmed closer to launch.

Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion is also desgined very aerodynamically (Cd value: 0.295), but it offers a top speed of only 135 km/h. Any faster would drain the batteries in a jiffy! The zero to 100 km/h takes 11.8 seconds, which is acceptable for its powertrain.

It also has a “Sail” mode. “Sailing” occurs whenever the driver – adopting an anticipatory style of driving – releases the gas pedal, or rather the electric pedal. The motor is then controlled to the zero-torque curve so that the car can coast with the least possible drag. In this mode of driving, the VW Golf blue-e-motion even recovers kinetically generated energy by battery regeneration.

The concept car’s 30 battery modules – consisting of 180 lithium-ion cells (energy capacity: 26.5 kWh) – were installed in spaces adapted to the vehicle architecture. They can be found in the floor of the bootspace (fully usable cargo capacity: 275 litres), under the rear bench seat and in the centre tunnel of the underbody (between the front seats). A separate air cooling system ensures a constant thermal environment in the battery compartment. The battery modules weigh a total of 315 kilograms.

The Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion is charged via a plug connector behind the folding VW logo on the radiator grille. A pictogram of a plug connector in the multifunction display indicates that the charging cable is correctly inserted and locked. During active charging an LED also flashes in the charge state indicator, and the charge level shown in the indicator is continually updated.

The car also features a solar roof to help charge the batteries.

The Volkswagen Golf blue-e-motion offers the three profiles “Normal,” “Comfort+” and “Range+.” In the “Comfort+” profile, the full 85 kW of power is available; in this mode the Golf blue-e-motion can attain the specified top speed of 135 km/h. When the driver activates the “Normal” mode, power is reduced to 65 kW and top speed is lowered to 115 km/h. In the “Range+” mode the engine controller limits power to 50 kW; in this case, the car can reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h. At the same time, the air conditioning system is completely deactivated. The selected profile is shown in the multifunction display.

VW Golf blue-e-motion Concept – Technical Data

• Dimensions
  • Length: 4,199 mm
  • Width: 1,786 mm
  • Height: 1,480 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,575 mm
• Motor
  • Motor type: Electric motor
  • Power (max. / continuous): 85 kW / 50 kW
  • Max. torque: 270 Nm
• Gearbox / Tyres
  • Gearbox: EQ 210 (1-speed transmission)
  • Drive type: Front-wheel drive
  • Tyre size: 205/55 R16
• Driving performance
  • 0-100 km/h: 11.8 s
  • Top speed (Comfort+ mode): 135 km/h
  • CO2 emissions with electricity generated from renewable resources: Negligible

The owners of Volkswagen Golf MKV powered by the 140 PS 1.4 TSI direct injection, turbo / supercharged engine, engine can now get w hole lot more power thanks to Superchips new ECU remap program. When the modifications are applied on the car’s Bosch MED17 ECU, it will churn out an extra 52 bhp and 56 Nm.

Superchips promises their upgrade kit delivers a driveable, progressive increase in performance, although they admit it has a slight effect on the car’s fuel consumption, but that’s a small price to pay given the extra umpf.

Golf MKV TSI owners have two choices for installing the Superchips ECU remap. Firstly, they can visit one of approximately 80 Superchips performance centres, where trained technicians can undertake the remapping procedure. Or they can use Superchips market leading Bluefin ‘Plug and go’ handset, which simply plugs into the car’s OBDII diagnostics port.

Available for all Golf 1.4 TSI (140) models produced between 2004-2008, this package is priced at £445.

To make the Golf more reachable for more people, VW launched a new entry-level model in the UK called the Golf Twist. It has a starting price of just £12,995 which makes the most affordable variant of the car in the market. The car is powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 80 PS and 97 lbs ft of torque, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

As for the performance, the zero to 62 mph takes 13.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 107 mph.  These are not great numbers, but on the other hand you get combined cycle economy figure of 44.1 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 149 g/km.

This being a value-for-money kind of car, it offers £700 of additional equipment over the Golf S on which it is based. The Twist comes with 16-inch ‘Atlanta’ alloy wheels, RCD 310 radio system with MDI multimedia connectivity and a front centre armrest to the comprehensive list of standard equipment.  As with all models in the Golf range, the Twist is fitted with a host of safety features including ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and seven airbags.

Along with all models in the Volkswagen range, the Golf Twist is available with a fixed-price servicing package for retail customers.  A one-off highly competitive payment of just £250 covers servicing needs for three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Alternatively, the Golf Twist is offered through Volkswagen Solutions and is eligible for the existing finance offer available on all Golf models, with 7.9 per cent APR typical.  This includes free servicing for three years or 30,000 miles helping to reduce the cost of ownership.