Wolfsburg / Munich, July 2018: The new T-Cross1 is on the way. With compact dimensions and an intelligent design it is at home in the city, and ready for adventures both inside and outside the urban jungle.

The T-Cross will have its official world premiere in the autumn. However Volkswagen is today providing an exclusive first look at the almost series-ready SUV. The T-Cross will further extend Volkswagen’s range of Sport Utility Vehicles with a new entry-level model. T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg will now be the five SUV formats of the brand in Europe. The T-Cross features a charismatic design, has front-wheel drive in all versions, is functional throughout and offers a host of individual configuration options. “I am more” is the slogan for the launch of the new SUV. This reflects the philosophy behind the T-Cross: a concept of offering more than others. But without costing more.

“I am more”. The slogan is clustered in four characteristic areas: “I am practical” – more space and variability; “I am cool” – masculine design and maximum individuality; “I am intuitive“ – digital and connected; “I am safe” – one of the safest cars in its class. The most compact Volkswagen SUV has a length of 4,107 mm and a height of 1,558 mm. That makes the T-Cross larger than a Polo. At the same time, the T-Cross and Polo belong to the same segment: A0. For reference: Golf and T-Roc are in the A segment. The T-Cross and Polo are both in the class below. One segment, separated into two independent vehicle types. This separation enriches both the range of vehicles offered and the mobility types. The T-Cross is a perfect example of this – a practical and yet trendy SUV, simple to drive, and safe. Equipped with up to 18-inch wheels, the T-Cross is powered by a choice of four turbocharged engines. The petrol engines (TSI) are combined with a petrol particulate filter; they deliver 70 kW / 95 PS1, 85 kW / 115 PS1 and 110 kW / 150 PS1. The diesel engine (TDI) has a power output of 70 kW / 95 PS1.

“I am practical.” The new SUV offers a surprising amount of space inside. The modular transverse matrix, or MQB for short, is a key reason for this. This innovative platform moves the front axle forward, thereby lengthening the wheelbase, creating more space in the interior and increasing the available storage space. The latter is also variable: depending on situation, the rear bench seat can be moved forward or back as standard – for more legroom or more space in the luggage compartment (385 to 455 litres). The T-Cross’s maximum load-space volume is a class leading feature in the segment. The fold-down front passenger seat backrest offers additional flexibility. The high seating position in the T-Cross is typical of an SUV: 597 mm at the front and 652 mm at the rear; the elevated view from the T-Cross is realised via higher ground clearance, allied to the car’s seating system.

“I am cool.” T-Cross design is distinctive. The front end is conspicuously tall and incorporates a large grille with integrated LED headlights as charismatic features. The bonnet also contributes to the pronounced height. The lower part of the front end stands out with details such as fog lights with eye-catching trim surrounds. The daytime running lights are integrated in the fog light module on the T-Cross versions with H7 headlights; on models with LED headlights, the daytime running lights are located at the top of the headlight housing. At the side, a sharply cut character line divides the areas. It forms a powerful shoulder section at the rear and highlights a new Volkswagen design element there: the reflector strip running across the rear end and framed by a black panel. Two-colour dash pads and twelve exterior colours (optionally also two-tone) link the fresh style with the exceptionally spacious interior. Songs from a smartphone media library or streaming services can be optionally played via the “Beats” sound system.

“I am Intuitive.” It is too early to go into all the new technical details of the interior but one thing is clear: the T-Cross will be optionally available with a digital cockpit with a latest-generation eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and “Active Info Display” (instrumentation). The focus here is on intuitive operation. Four USB ports (two at the front, two at the rear) and wireless charging ensure optimum connectivity and sufficient power for smartphones. The optional keyless locking and starting system "Keyless Access" makes access to the T-Cross more convenient, while the also optionally available “Light Assist” main-beam control automatically ensures that the driver is always supported with main beam whenever possible.

“I am safe”. The modular transverse matrix has a positive influence on all areas of the T-Cross. Thanks to MQB, the SUV will be launched as one of the safest vehicles in its class. This is guaranteed by excellent crash properties and a particularly wide range of assist systems. Standard across the range are important safety features such as the “Front Assist” area monitoring system and the “Lane Assist” lane keeping system. Other available assist systems include the “Blind Spot Monitor” (warns about vehicles in the blind spot) with “Rear Traffic Alert” (warns about vehicles approaching from the side behind the T-Cross), “City Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring” and the “Proactive Occupant Protection System” (reacts just before an accident by closing the windows and sunroof, tensioning the seat belts and building up brake pressure, among other things).

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

• T-Cross will expand the SUV program underneath the T-Roc
• Innovative spacious passenger compartment offers maximum flexibility
• Thanks to MQB: A range of assistance systems available in higher vehicle classes to enter the small vehicle segment

The T-Cross1 is set to launch a new form of SUV from the Volkswagen brand. Presented in 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show as a much-anticipated study, the series version is now making its way in the direction of actual production. With the T-Cross, Volkswagen is expanding the spectrum of Sport Utility Vehicles to include a small model. “I am more than one thing” – that is the claim with the introduction of the T-Cross. “More” is thus to be understood as a program: offering more, but nevertheless not costing more. The world première of the new T-Cross will take place in the autumn. Until then, Volkswagen will shorten the waiting time with a first look at the future SUV in the small vehicle class.

• Prepare routes and destinations on the PC and send this information directly to the car
• Set a comfortable interior temperature before setting off
• Use your smartphone to easily find where your car is parked

A relaxing holiday starts with a pleasant journey. These days holidaymakers use their satnav and smartphone for a safe and stress-free journey. When these devices work as a team, they greatly enhance the holiday experience. The Volkswagen Car-Net is the key here. These five tips help drivers reduce stress levels when on holiday.

Volkswagen and the I.D. R Pikes Peak have made history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Driving the 500-kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated a field including cars with conventional drivetrain technology. In doing so, he not only broke the previous record for electric vehicles, but also bettered Sébastien Loeb’s (F) all-time record from 2013 – by a full 16 seconds. Dumas’ new record of 7m 57.148s minutes is now top of the list of Pikes Peak champions, which includes such acclaimed drivers as Loeb, Walter Röhrl (D), Michèle Mouton (F), Stig Blomqvist (S), Nobuhiro Tajima (J) and also Rod Millen and his son Rhys (both NZ).

“The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the sporty forerunner of Volkswagen’s I.D. family. Today, we saw what this technology is capable of”, said Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for “Technical Development”. “Every Volkswagen employee can be extremely proud of today’s result. I congratulate the team from the bottom of my heart. With a combination of outstanding engineering skills, passion and commitment, the team has managed to create a fantastic racing car in just eight months. The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak has now set the fastest time in the history of this hill climb, which spans more than 100 years – that speaks volumes for electric mobility.”

19.99 kilometres, 156 corners, just one attempt – and a successful one: Romain Dumas claimed his fourth overall victory at the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which has now been held 96 times since 1916. With the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen has created an extraordinary racing car, specifically tailored to the demands of the most famous of hill climbs: a combination of minimum weight, as much downforce as possible, and maximum power, designed to achieve the best possible performance. Including its battery cells, the I.D. R Pikes Peak weighs less than 1,100 kilograms. When evaluating performance, Volkswagen employed simulation software to calculate exactly how to achieve the optimum in energy demand and performance for the record attempt on Pikes Peak. In the matter of aerodynamics, the key was to compensate for the loss of downforce caused by the thin air on Pikes Peak. The result of this endeavour could be seen from afar: the flat, streamlined chassis and huge rear wing.

Volkswagen also struck out in a new direction when it came to charging technology – the goal being to charge the car as quickly as possible with minimum environmental impact. The time was defined by the regulations: In case of the race being suspended, it must be possible to completely charge the car in under 20 minutes. The electricity required was provided by generators at the foot of Pikes Peak. Glycerol, which in chemical terms is a sugar alcohol, was selected as the fuel. A by-product of the manufacture of biodiesel, for example, Glycerol combusts with virtually no harmful exhaust fumes or residues. Glycerol itself is non-toxic and is even permitted as an additive in the food and cosmetics industries.

A mere 250 days passed between the announcement and the start of the Pikes Peak project on 18 October 2017 and the record-breaking run on Pikes Peak on 24 June 2018. This was an extremely sporty remit for the development of a thoroughbred prototype, including innovative fully-electric drive technology, specific demands on the batteries, aerodynamics and chassis. This effort and the tireless work of the Volkswagen mechanics, engineers and many more employees in Wolfsburg, at the motorsport headquarters in Hannover and, last but not least, during the weeks of preparation in Colorado Springs, has now been rewarded with a new record on Pikes Peak.

Volkswagen has had some strong partners on its side for the record attempt on Pikes Peak, in the form of Volkswagen R, ANSYS, Michelin, Integral e-drive and OMP. With Volkswagen R, the I.D. R Pikes Peak received a sporting seal of approval from the outset, which it more than earned on its record-breaking run, if not before. ANSYS also made a vital contribution to the success of the project by providing support with the software simulations. Another key factor was tyre maker Michelin’s years of experience on Pikes Peak, which allowed them to provide tyre technology perfectly tailored to the demands of the hill climb. The I.D. R Pikes Peak’s E-engines, which together generated 500 kW (680 PS), were achieved in collaboration with partner Integral e-drive. OMP put the icing on the cake – for example, with the featherweight racing overall for Romain Dumas, which perfectly complemented the lightweight design philosophy of the I.D. R Pikes Peak.

Reactions from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Romain Dumas (F), Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak #94

“Awesome! We exceeded even our own high expectations with that result. Since this week’s tests, we have known that it was possible to break the all-time record. For it to come off, everything had to come together perfectly – from the technology to the driver. And the weather had to play ball too. That everything ran so smoothly is an incredible feeling, and the new record on Pikes Peak is the icing on the cake. I still cannot believe that Volkswagen and my name are behind this incredible time. The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the most impressive car I have ever driven in competition. The electric drivetrain means that many things are different and I learned a lot during the project. The team did an indescribably meticulous, yet at the same time relaxed, job. Not only did we get the desired result, but the team spirit was also spot on. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of it.”

Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

“This is a fantastic day for Volkswagen and one, of which we are very proud. The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the most innovative and complex car ever developed by Volkswagen Motorsport. Every employee involved in the Pikes Peak project has constantly had to push their boundaries and show extreme commitment and dedication. Without this, it would not have been possible to repeatedly overcome new challenges and come up with new solutions. It should actually be impossible to achieve all that and especially the all-time record in such a short time, but our team pulled it off thanks to their passion and commitment. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on the project and showed such fantastic team spirit.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk