The new Golf can help drivers to prevent accidents, thanks to its innovative Car2X technology, allowing it to wirelessly connect with other vehicles and the traffic infrastructure. The Euro NCAP consortium gave special recognition to the traffic hazard alert function with the Advanced Award for ground-breaking safety fea-tures. The German automotive association ADAC tested the new technology and declared it a “technical milestone”.

“This is an exciting area of safety,” explains Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General at Euro NCAP. “Volkswagen are to be congratulated for making the technology standard in vehicles selling in high numbers like the Golf.”

The new Golf is the first car on the European market to come standard-equipped with Car2X technology, which is based on the Wi-Fi p wireless standard. This type of Wi-Fi is specifically tailored to local communication between vehicles and does not use the mobile phone network, which means it provides blanket coverage within the limits of the system. Within a radius of up to 800 metres, connected vehicles directly exchange positioning data and information with one another. This allows them to warn each other of danger or make contact with the traffic infrastructure within a matter of milliseconds.

The German automotive association ADAC tested Volkswagen’s Car2X technology, during which it sent the new Golf into eight typical hazardous situations in which a driver, without being warned, would not be able to react at all, or would only be able to react much later. In all eight situations, the vehicle warned the driver reliably and in time, often even 10 or 11 seconds before the impending accident. ADAC assessed Volkswagen’s new technology (certified by TÜV), declaring it a “technical milestone”, comparable to systems such as ABS or airbags.

In the initial development stage, which Volkswagen is introducing with the new Golf, Car2X technology is active at speeds over 80 km/h. In future, it should also be able to improve safety in city traffic. It also offers major advantages if the car communicates with nearby traffic lights – in this way being better able to control traffic flow and protect the environment.

Car2X technology facilitates swarm intelligence in a local environment and improves as more and more participants connect. For this reason, Volkswagen is now rolling it out on a broad scale: After the Golf, other new models of the brand will feature the technology as standard. Other car manufacturers are also working on this topic.

The Euro NCAP Advanced Award recognises ground-breaking safety features. It was introduced in 2010 but has not been awarded since 2014. Volkswagen has now received the award five times for its innovative driver assist and safety systems. The award for the traffic hazard alert function using Car2X technology now takes the already impressive safety performance of the new Golf to the next level. Indeed, the compact car received the top score of five stars in the traditional Euro NCAP test at the end of 2019. The Euro NCAP organisation intends to incorporate Car2X technology into this rating in future.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The ID. CROZZ showcar evolves into its series production version, the ID.4: Volkswagen is forging ahead with its electric mobility strategy by providing a detailed insight into the brand’s first all-electric SUV during a webcast following the cancellation of the Geneva Motor Show. The new ID.4 will be launched this year. Following in the tracks of the ID.3, the countdown has already begun for the second model based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB). “Just like the ID.3, the ID.4 will also come onto the market as a carbon-neutral vehicle”, explains Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer of the Volkswagen brand. “We will produce and sell the ID.4 in Europe, China and the U.S..”

The design of this zero-emission SUV is particularly aerodynamic. Ralf Brandstätter: “The outstanding aerodynamics reduce the drag coefficient, and it will boost the ID.4’s range to up to 500 kilometres, depending on the drive package.”

The ID.4 will initially be launched with rear-wheel drive, while an electric all-wheel drive version will be added to the portfolio at a later date. The high-voltage battery is positioned near the center of the underbody to create a low centre of gravity and an optimum in terms of driving dynamics, along with an extremely well-balanced axle load distribution. Just like all other MEB models, the ID.4 offers plenty of interior space thanks to its compact, electric drive technology. The fully digital cockpit of the zero-emission SUV has been clearly structured. It is operated primarily using touch surfaces and intelligent, intuitive voice control.

For Volkswagen, the ID.4 and ID.3 represent important milestones in the brand’s bid to become entirely carbon-neutral by 2050 – in line with the Paris climate agreement. Plans have been put in place to reduce the Volkswagen fleet’s CO2-emissions by a third by as early as 2025. Volkswagen is currently investing one billion euro to electrify its model range while also offering an increasing number of hybrid vehicles. This is based on the fact that, just like electric powertrains, new mild and plug-in hybrid drives in large-scale product lines such as the all-conquering Golf will significantly help to reduce fleet emissions in the future.

This is why the company’s focus during the webcast is not only on ID. models, but also on new Volkswagen models with hybrid drive. These include the new Touareg R. As a result, the most powerful Volkswagen model will in future also be powered by an efficient plug-in hybrid system. The alliance between an electric drive motor generating 100 kW (136 PS) and a V6 turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with an output of 250 kW (340 PS) develops a system output of 340 kW (462 PS). The battery capacity of the Touareg R with a top speed of 140 km/h in all-electric E-MODE has been designed so that most average daily commuting distances can be covered with zero emissions.

The same applies to the new Golf GTE – its plug-in hybrid drive has been geared towards performance and consists of an electric drive motor with 85 kW (115 PS) and a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) generating 110 kW (150 PS). As a unit, the electric drive motor and the TSI develop a system output of 180 kW (245 PS). The new Golf GTE’s top speed in all-electric mode is 130 km/h. Further Volkswagen highlights include the new Golf GTD, which generates significantly lower nitrogen oxide emissions compared with its predecessor thanks to innovative twin dosing technology, plus the eighth generation of the Golf GTI, produced more than 2.3 million times. The most recent version is powered by a 180 kW (245 PS) 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine. The maximum torque is 370 Nm. The four-cylinder engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. A 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) is optionally available for the new GTI.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

At some point in March motorists begin to feel the urge to take to the roads in a convertible. Volkswagen has recently added a lifestyle-oriented version to its range – the T-Roc Cabriolet will celebrate its official market launch in German dealerships from March 20th onwards. In the run up to the big day, Volkswagen is providing comprehensive information material, photos and footage at www.volkswagen-newsroom.com.

The open-top version of the successful T-Roc represents a dynamic vehicle concept – with a slightly raised seat position, a bold design and a perfect compromise between modern technology, comfort and driving pleasure. The central feature is the vehicle’s fully automated soft top which opens in just nine seconds, even when travelling at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

The T-Roc Cabriolet comes in two equipment lines – the designer “Style” version and the sporty “R-Line”(((T-Roc Cabriolet 1.5 TSI, 110 kW - fuel consumption in l/100 km (NEDC): urban 6.9–6.7 / extra-urban 5.0–4.8 / combined 5.7–5.5; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 130–125, efficiency class: B, A.)))(((T-Roc Cabriolet 1.5 TSI DSG, 110 kW - fuel consumption in l/100 km (NEDC): urban 6.7–6.5 / extra-urban 5.3–5.0 / combined 5.8–5.6; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 132–127, efficiency class: B.))). The “Style” line itself features a full range of standard equipment including 17-inch Mayfield alloy wheels, white ambient lighting, an air conditioning system, lane keeping system Lane Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist, Driver Alert System, Composition radio system and much more. On request, the T-Roc Cabriolet can be fitted with a Digital Cockpit and the top-of-the-line “Discover Media” Infotainment system.

Two efficient TSI engines are available for the open-top T-Roc – the 1.0 TSI with 85 kW/115 PS(((T-Roc Cabriolet 1.0 TSI, 85 kW - fuel consumption in l/100 km (NEDC): urban 6.6–6.3 / extra-urban 5.1–4.8 / combined 5.6–5.4; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 129–123, efficiency class: A.))) and a 1.5 TSI with 110 kW/150 PS(((T-Roc Cabriolet 1.5 TSI, 110 kW - fuel consumption in l/100 km (NEDC): urban 6.9–6.7 / extra-urban 5.0–4.8 / combined 5.7–5.5; combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 130–125, efficiency class: B, A.))). The latter can (optionally) also be combined with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG). A boot capacity of 280 litres, folding rear seat backrests and the optional towing bracket highlight the versatility of the new convertible.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The ID.3 from Volkswagen enters the new era of e-mobility – quietly but with full power. After all, the typical properties of the electric drive system change the way in which power is transmitted. The powerful APP310 e-drive unit transmits power to the driven wheels using an extremely compact gearbox. The ID.3’s single gear is able to cope with all driving situations. The mechanism used has only a small number of cogs. This 1-speed gearbox is part of the electric drive system for the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) and is manufactured by Volkswagen Group Components at the Kassel plant. But why is a single gear enough for the drive motor?

How power is transmitted to the wheels

The traction, i.e. the force that allows movement, and speed of a motor vehicle depend on the rotational speed of its drive system. As the speed of the drive system increases, the force transmitted to the wheels – the torque – can vary. With a vehicle with a combustion engine, the torque increases along with the engine speed and then falls again. With an electric drive system, however, the maximum torque is available immediately and remains constant over a wide range of speeds. The use of a multi-speed gearbox to achieve the desired speed or the necessary torque along the speed curve is therefore not absolutely necessary.

One gear for every situation

That is why a 2-stage 1-speed gearbox is used in the Volkswagen ID.3. When reversing the car, the direction of the electric drive system is simply reversed. In addition to various other components, power electronics is responsible for this and for the power characteristics of the drive system. In order to achieve the maximum power of 150 kW, the electric drive unit must rotate at high speeds. In order to provide a high level of torque, a 10x transmission ratio is used. To save space, the gearbox has a two-stage design with two smaller cogs instead of one big one. As a result, the electric drive motor in the ID.3 provides the maximum torque of 310 Nm constantly over a wide range of speeds. The maximum speed of 160 km/h is reached at a maximum of 16,000 rpm. For the ID.3 which is optimized for maximum range, the use of a single gear for all driving situations is perfectly adequate.

Precision manufacturing makes the e-vehicle particularly quiet

Because an electric drive system is very quiet, the level of noise in an e-vehicle is very important. Even the tiniest sources of noise can suddenly be heard. The parts for the 1-speed gearbox must therefore be manufactured with great precision to ensure that they do not cause any additional noise. At the end of the production line, not only the power characteristics of the electric drive system are checked – the relevant noise values are too. All drive systems for European and North American e-vehicles based on the MEB – including the 1-speed gearbox – are manufactured at the component plant in Kassel. Other important parts are produced at the component plants in Salzgitter, Poznań and Hannover.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com