Street legal Race Touareg 3 Qatar |  |
- Street legal Race Touareg 3 Qatar
- Volkswagen Touareg “24-Carat” Gold Edition
- Lamborghini presents the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore
- Bugatti presents the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in Qatar
- VW plans to debut next Golf in late 2012 to early 2013
- Porsche sees VW merger on right track, shares up
- Volkswagen XL1 makes world debut in Qatar
| Street legal Race Touareg 3 Qatar Posted: 26 Jan 2011 05:51 PM PST
This is a genuine Rally motorsport vehicle, like the one that was still touring South America in the Dakar Rally two weeks ago and was built to withstand the toughest rally race in the world. The vehicle now being shown in Qatar is a version of the Race Touareg 3 – an SUV that can sprint to 100 km/h in less than six seconds – that is legally approved for use on public roadways. The just over two meter wide body was slightly modified for road use. Instead of 16-inch wheels, new 18-inch wheels from BBS with a gold look are being used. The “Race Touareg” signature – also in a golden color – stretches the entire length of the vehicle’s sides. In turn, it is perfectly coordinated with the exterior paint in “Magic Morning,” a white that has a slight gold shimmer to it. The interior was completely redesigned; all that remained unmodified was the safety cage. Without compromises also means an interior that offers easy controls and is ergonomic. The interior has an extremely well-organized appearance with focus on the driving machine, and it is equipped with Recaro racing bucket seats. Designers created an interior in so-called “Stealth look” that is reminiscent of the aircraft of the same name. In tribute to the Dakar Rally, the Dakar victories are etched in the anodized aluminum of the centre console, right next to the “Race Touareg” signature. Other trim elements are treated in Matt Carbon. Tuned to this is the roll cage in “Serpentino Grey Metallic.” Interior designers have upholstered the seat side supports and the door trim panels with Nubuk leather in “Black” and “Pure Grey,” while the centre seat panels are made from perforated Nappa leather in “Titan Black.” Additional accents include the two-tone seams and silver piping on the seat covers and safety-related items painted in “Tornado Red.” The only other ingredient that is needed is some time to explore the world on a “360 degree route” in this uncompromising car.       - Volkswagen Related posts: Street legal Race Touareg 3 Qatar
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volkswagen Touareg “24-Carat” Gold Edition Posted: 26 Jan 2011 05:31 PM PST
Volkswagen Group has been on a tear in the past few days in Qatar. Bugatti shows the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, Lamborghini and their Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore and now the Touareg Gold Edition complete with 24-carat gold inside and out. The V8 is even dusted with a bit-o-gold. The Touareg Gold Edition would certainly be able to handle a journey around the world – but bear in mind, this car should only be parked where there is good surveillance. That is because – living up its name – certain areas of this SUV are upgraded with 24-carat gold. On the outside, they include the custom designed 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and parts of the air intake frame, “Touareg V8″ signature and boot sill trim. Like the Race Touareg 3 Qatar, this SUV is also painted in “Magic Morning” body color. Inside, 24-carat gold also adorns many of the car’s accents and switches, making the entire car unique. The interior design itself has a pleasant, bright appearance in the “Luna” trim color. The Alcantara roof-liner shows this color as does the Nappa leather of the seats, which is decorated with ornamental stitch detailing. On the other hand, the dashboard is trimmed in a natural brown leather; contrasting seams in “Magnolia” color perfect the color scheme. Natural brown with leather inserts in “Luna” adorn the floor mats. Automotive craftsmanship at its finest is reflected in the Walnut Burr accents with genuine gold marquetry – also crafted into an ornamental pattern. This is in keeping with the general image of the Touareg, which – in the “normal” production version – is one of the most sophisticated SUVs in the world.       - Volkswagen Related posts: Volkswagen Touareg “24-Carat” Gold Edition
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lamborghini presents the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore Posted: 26 Jan 2011 07:56 AM PST  Just a month before the world debut at Geneva Motor Show of its V12 replacement for the Murciélago, Automobili Lamborghini is presenting at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show a highly exclusive and appealing vehicle making its world premiere: the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore, a Special Edition supersports car which will be produced for the European and Asian-Pacific markets, while for the American market it will be only available in the version LP 550-2. As its name implies, this special series features an exclusive two-tone finish with matching interior, and offers a full range of standard equipment. A refined contrast between the black roof and the color of the rest of the body (available in a choice of five shades) further emphasizes the sharp, dynamic lines of the Gallardo LP 560-4, while simultaneously enhancing its sportiness and adding a touch of elegance to an extremely prestigious model in the field of automotive design. The most successful super sports car in Lamborghini's history captures the imagination with the brutal power of its 560 hp V10 engine, the absolute grip of its permanent all-wheel drive and the razor-sharp precision of its chassis. Every kilometer in the Lamborghini Gallardo is an intense experience of explosive dynamics and absolute control. Its breathtaking performance is indicated by the 3.7 seconds it takes to reach 100 km/h and its top speed of 325 km/h. "With the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore, Lamborghini demonstrates once again the extreme, uncompromising and unmistakably Italian nature of our brand. The super sports cars from Lamborghini combine volcanic energy with design that is as unique as it is stylish," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. Unique design DNA The success of Lamborghini's unequalled design DNA lies in the beauty of highly-concentrated power and precise function. The Gallardo is the sheer essence of form with a purist approach, so the body shell is crisply sculpted and completely free from decoration. A timeless piece of design and an uncompromising driving machine – the Lamborghini Gallardo is both. Even more extreme, thanks to a personalized appearance With its new Bicolore model, Lamborghini is now setting a further design highlight in the ten-cylinder model series. The colored exterior finish matched with the black on the upper area of the body gives the Gallardo a new, more aggressive personality that looks even wider, even more extreme and innately adhered to the road. From the window-line upwards (including pillars, roof, engine hood and rear spoiler), the vehicle is decorated in Noctis Black – a pastel black that contrasts perfectly with the lower area of the body, available in a choice of five colors: Giallo Midas, Arancio Borealis, Grigio Telesto, Bianco Monocerus and Blu Caelum. The exterior appearance is enhanced by Skorpius aluminum-alloy rims with 15 thin spokes that are forged to minimize unsprung weight and are finished in titanium gray enamel. And, the air intakes and front spoiler have a high-gloss black finish, as does the upper section of the rear diffuser. Top-quality and highly individual interior The contrast between black and color is repeated in an understated, elegant manner in the interior of the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore. The instrument panel, seats, door panels and other elements in the passenger compartment are upholstered in the finest "Nero Persus" leather, with a refined contrast provided by precise stitching that is colored to match the exterior paintwork: yellow, orange, blue and gray (also used on the Bianco Monocerus version). The bezel of the e-gear transmission on the center console is in Nero Noctis, just like the upper area of the vehicle. Obviously, the interior is finished in the Lamborghini tradition using only the materials of the very highest quality, which are crafted with undisputed professionalism and fine Italian workmanship. V10 like a work of art in a glass display The complete range of standard equipment includes the fast e-gear automated transmission controlled by paddles on the steering column. A lifting system enables the front axle to be raised for safer travel onto ramps and over humps in the road, and the engine hood in tempered glass provides a stunning view of the heart of the vehicle: a 5.2 liter, 90° V-10 engine with stratified direct injection. From a satellite navigation system to a rear-view camera, from a brake system with carbon-ceramic discs to heated power seats, a long list of optional equipment and accessories allows the vehicle to be adapted to the personal requirements of any client. Unique success for a super sports car Well over 10,000 Gallardos have left the production facility at company headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese – a unique success story in the world of super sports cars. The Bicolore Special Edition is particularly intended for the enthusiast who desires a supercar with an exclusive appearance and remarkable design. In any event, he or she will own a Lamborghini that is altogether distinguished by an extremely dynamic character, maximum driving excitement, yet an ability to be driven daily. Individual characters in one model range The Gallardo Bicolore completes Lamborghini's ten-cylinder model range, which is enjoying enormous resonance worldwide with its broad spectrum of individual characters. While the Gallardo LP 560-4 is already a highly trained, extreme athlete, the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera takes the notion of thoroughbred high performance even further. Thanks to its extensive experience in carbon-fiber lightweight engineering, Lamborghini succeeded in reducing its weight by a further 70 kilograms. At 2.35 kilograms per hp, the power-to-weight ratio of the Superleggera is the best in its class, with breathtaking performance guaranteed. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, on the other hand, offers a very different kind of extreme driving pleasure – every trip with the roof down is a journey with a hurricane, yet with maximum protection. This can only be bettered – in true Lamborghini style – by the Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante. Its purist carbon-fiber lightweight engineering, according to Lamborghini's tradition, adds an even sharper edge to the dynamics.          - Lamborghini Related posts: Lamborghini presents the Gallardo LP 560-4 Bicolore
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bugatti presents the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in Qatar Posted: 26 Jan 2011 06:38 AM PST
France’s legendary automotive marque, Bugatti, is presenting the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport – the world’s fastest, most powerful and most exclusive open-top car – at the Qatar Motor Show. Developing the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport presented the marque renowned for impeccable automotive solutions, aesthetics and driving dynamics with a whole new set of challenges. Significant modifications to the vehicle’s complex structure were needed to enable open-top driving. Incorporating a host of new and innovative safety and equipment features, the world’s fastest and most exciting roadster is even greater than before. It is immediately recognizable by its slightly higher windscreen, stylized daylights and lightweight, transparent polycarbonate roof. The main challenge when developing the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport with its removable hard-top roof resulted from the unique structure of the Veyron. An optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering ensured an extremely strong but very lightweight passenger cell. As the roof was an integral part of the vehicle’s structure, removing it meant the load paths had to be completely redesigned to maintain the vehicle’s rigidity and safety during crashes – and the car needed to offer additional protection from side impacts and rolling. As a result, the monocoque structure was reinforced around the side skirts and the transmission tunnel. The doors of the Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam. In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre-wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection in the event of a roll. The panorama roof gives both the driver and passenger a comprehensive all-round view and creates the impression of a spacious interior. In warmer climates, the polycarbonate roof offers protection against solar radiation. When the roof is on, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport can reach a top speed of 407 km/h, while speeds of up to 360 km/h are possible with the roof off. Should it rain, an innovative soft-top roof, like an umbrella, stored in the luggage compartment, can be opened up easily at any time. When this soft-top roof is on, the car can travel at up to 160 km/h. The interior features moisture-resistant backstitched leather and a range of new equipment, including a reversing camera with a 2.7-inch monitor integrated in the rear-view-mirror, and a “Puccini” sound system with digital signal processor, especially developed for open-top driving. More than just an open-top Veyron “When I had the chance to test-drive the new Grand Sport for the first time, I was filled with excitement,” said Pierre-Henri Raphanel, Bugatti’s pilote officiel, “as soon as I shifted into second gear, I immediately knew this was a completely different car. Even with the roof on, the driving experience was more intense – I could feel it in my fingertips and at the base of my spine. The car was more precise with less understeer, almost as if you had taken some filters away from the suspension and the steering.” The former Le Mans winner has probably driven more kilometres in a Veyron than anyone else, presenting the car to numerous customers and the press. “I never imagined that the driving experience could be improved so much,” he said. When the roof is off, the sound of the engine, mixed with the sound of the road and the wind, creates more excitement and gives the driver the unique cabriolet feeling. “And when you hear the air intakes sucking heavily with a slurping sound behind your neck, you think you’re about to be launched out of the car!” he laughs. The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport 16.4 will be assembled by hand at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim, France over the next few years. The standard version costs 1.4 million euros (excluding taxes and delivery). Bugatti offers many ways to customize it.                                            - Bugatti Automobiles Related posts: Bugatti presents the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in Qatar
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VW plans to debut next Golf in late 2012 to early 2013 Posted: 26 Jan 2011 05:50 AM PST
Volkswagen AG will begin selling the seventh generation of its best-selling VW Golf hatchback at the “end of 2012 or early 2013,” a company spokesman said on Saturday. The next Golf will be the first Volkswagen brand model to be based on the cost-saving modular transverse architecture, known by its German abbreviation “MQB,” that will eventually be used to build millions of vehicles groupwide every year. The company has said it expects savings in the double-digit percentage range thanks to a production process that differs from the previous vehicle platforms, which only offer synergies across brands using the same underpinnings rather than synergies across both brands and models. The first vehicle to use MQB-based modularity will be the new Audi A3 due in the summer of 2012. The VW spokesman’s comments follows a report in Automotive News Europe sister publication Automobilwoche. Automobilwoche, citing a person close to VW CEO Martin Winterkorn, said that the new Golf, Europe’s top-selling car, would arrive in showrooms in November 2012. However, the VW spokesman said no specific month had yet been targeted for the launch. - AutoNews Related posts: VW plans to debut next Golf in late 2012 to early 2013
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Porsche sees VW merger on right track, shares up Posted: 26 Jan 2011 05:27 AM PST Porsche’s (PSHG_p.DE) planned merger with Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) is on “the right track,” a senior family member said on Wednesday, sending shares in both automakers higher. Porsche supervisory board and family member Wolfgang Porsche also said the automaker expected to hear next week whether hedge funds will appeal the dismissal of their U.S. lawsuit against Porsche. “We are improving. We’re on the right track,” he said of the merger, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in the Qatari capital. Volkswagen and Porsche shares rose 3 percent and 5.2 percent respectively, partly on Porsche’s comments on the imminent merger. “This is certainly being perceived as positive by investors,” a Frankfurt-based trader said. Porsche SE is to be subsumed into the Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) empire with shareholders trading in their holdings for stock in Europe’s largest carmaker once their company is debt-free as part of a planned merger. Wolfgang Porsche later told Reuters that Qatar is unlikely to boost its 10 percent stake in Porsche though the two sides are in talks for cooperation in several areas. The tiny Gulf Arab state’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority, bought a 10-percent stake in Porsche for $10 billion in September 2009. “They (Qatar) will stay with us until the merger comes through, but more than 10 percent is not in question,” he said. “We are in a lot of talks, but no decisions made.” LEGAL ISSUES Earlier this month, a U.S. judge dismissed a lawsuit seeking more than $2 billion in damages, saying hedge funds could not maintain securities fraud claims based on Porsche’s tactics when it tried to take over VW in 2008. [ID:nLDE7020OF] - Reuters Related posts: Porsche sees VW merger on right track, shares up
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volkswagen XL1 makes world debut in Qatar Posted: 25 Jan 2011 08:08 PM PST
Future mobility is one of the most stimulating topics of our time. The key question here: Just how much could the energy consumption of cars be reduced if all the stops were pulled out for efficiency? There is now an answer to this question, and Volkswagen is delivering it in the form of the new XL1. Combined fuel consumption: 0.9 l/100 km. No other hybrid car powered by an electric motor / internal combustion engine combination is more fuel efficient. The prototype will be unveiled in a world debut at the Qatar Motor Show (26 – 29 January). Conceptually, the XL1 represents the third evolutionary stage of Volkswagen’s 1-litre car strategy. When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, who is today Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, formulated the visionary goal of bringing to the market a production car that was practical for everyday use with a fuel consumption of 1.0 litre per 100 km. In the new XL1, Volkswagen is demonstrating that this goal is now within reach. The new Volkswagen XL1 attains a CO2 emissions value of 24 g/km, thanks to a combination of lightweight construction (monocoque and add-on parts made of carbon fibre), very low aerodynamic drag (Cd 0.186) and a plug-in hybrid system – consisting of a two cylinder TDI engine (35 kW / 48 PS), E-motor (20 kW / 27 PS), 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and lithium-ion battery. The results: with fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km, the new Volkswagen XL1 only emits 24 g/km CO2. Since it is designed as a plug-in hybrid, the XL1 prototype can also be driven for up to 35 kilometres in pure electric mode, i.e. with zero emissions at point of use. The battery can be charged from a conventional household electric outlet. Naturally, battery regeneration is also employed to recover energy while slowing down and store as much of it as possible in the battery for re-use. In this case, the electric motor acts as an electric generator. Despite the very high levels of efficiency, developers were able to design a body layout that offers greater everyday practicality, incorporating side by side seating rather than the tandem arrangement seen in both the first 1-litre car presented in 2002 and the L1 presented in 2009. In the new XL1, wing doors make it easier to enter and exit the car. Further progress has been made by manufacturing body parts from carbon fibre reinforced polymer parts (CFRP), a technique used in Formula 1 car construction. Once again, Volkswagen has successfully achieved significant reductions in production costs– an important step forward to make viable a limited production run of the XL1. Background: together with suppliers, Volkswagen has developed and patented a new system for CFRP production in what is known as the aRTM process (advanced Resin Transfer Moulding).
Most efficient car in the world The new XL1 shows the way forward for extreme economy vehicles and clean technologies. It also demonstrates that such cars can also be fun. The feeling when driving the XL1 is truly dynamic – not based on pure power, rather on its pure efficiency. Two examples: 1) To travel at a constant speed of 100 km/h, the prototype only needs 6.2 kW / 8.4 PS – a fraction of the performance of today’s cars (Golf 1.6 TDI with 77 kW and 7-speed DSG: 13.2 kW / 17.9 PS). 2) In electric mode, the XL1 needs less than 0.1 kWh (82 Wh/km) to complete a one kilometre driving course. These are record values. When the full power of the hybrid system is engaged, the Volkswagen prototype accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.9 seconds; its top speed is 160 km/h (electronically limited). Yet these numbers alone do not tell the whole story: Since the XL1 weighs just 795 kg, the drive system has an easy job of propelling the car. When full power is needed, the electric motor, which can deliver 100 Newton metres of torque from a standstill, works as a booster to support the TDI engine (120 Newton metres torque). Together, the TDI and E-motor deliver a maximum torque of 140 Newton metres in boosting mode.
Plug-in hybrid concept With the new XL1, Volkswagen is implementing a plug-in hybrid concept, which utilises the fuel efficient technology of the common rail turbodiesel (TDI) and the dual clutch transmission (DSG). The TDI generates its stated maximum power of 35 kW / 48 PS from just 0.8 litre displacement. The entire hybrid unit is housed above the vehicle’s driven rear axle. The actual hybrid module with electric motor and clutch is positioned between the TDI and the 7-speed DSG; this module was integrated in the DSG transmission case in place of the usual flywheel. The integrated lithium-ion battery supplies the E-motor with energy. The high voltage energy flow from and to the battery or E-motor is managed by the power electronics, which operates at 220 Volts. The XL1’s body electrical system is supplied with the necessary 12 Volts through a DC/DC converter. Interplay of E-motor and TDI engine: The E-motor supports the TDI in acceleration (boosting), but as described it can also power the XL1 prototype on its own for a distance of up to 35 km. In this mode, the TDI is decoupled from the drivetrain by disengaging a clutch, and it is shut down. Meanwhile, the clutch on the gearbox side remains closed, so the DSG is fully engaged with the electric motor. Important: The driver can choose to drive the XL1 in pure electric mode (provided that the battery is sufficiently charged). As soon as the electric mode button on the instrument panel is pressed, the car is propelled exclusively by electrical power. Restarting of the TDI is a very smooth and comfortable process: In what is known as “pulse starting” of the TDI engine while driving, the electric motor’s rotor is sped up and is very quickly coupled to the engine clutch. This accelerates the TDI to the required speed and starts it. The entire process takes place without any jolts, so the driver hardly notices the TDI engine restarting. When the XL1 is braked, the E-motor operates as a generator that utilises the braking energy to charge the battery (battery regeneration). In certain operating conditions the load shared between the TDI engine and the electric motor can be shifted so that the turbodiesel is operating at its most favourable efficiency level. The gears of the automatically shifting 7-speed DSG are also always selected with the aim of minimising energy usage. The engine controller regulates all energy flow and drive management tasks, taking into account the power demanded at any given moment by the driver. Some of the parameters used to realise the optimum propulsion mode for the given conditions are: accelerator pedal position and engine load, as well as the energy supply and mix of kinetic and electrical energy at any given time. Two-cylinder TDI uses mass production technology: The 0.8 litre TDI (35 kW / 48 PS) was derived from the 1.6 litre TDI, which drives such cars as the Golf and Passat. The 0.8 TDI exhibits the same data as the 1.6-litre TDI common rail engine in terms of cylinder spacing (88 mm), cylinder bore (79.5 mm) and stroke (80.5 mm). In addition, the XL1’s two-cylinder and the mass produced four cylinder share key internal engine features for reducing emissions. They include special piston recesses for multiple injection and individual orientation of the individual injection jets. The excellent, smooth running properties of the common rail engines were transferred to the two cylinder engine. within addition, a balancer shaft that is driven by the crankshaft turning at the same speed optimises smooth engine running. Meanwhile, the TDI’s aluminium crankcase was constructed to achieve high rigidity and precision, which in turn leads to very low friction losses. With the goal of reducing emissions, exhaust gas recirculation and an oxidation catalytic converter as well as a diesel particulate filter are used. Equipped in this way, the 0.8 TDI already fulfils the limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard. Also designed for efficiency is the vehicle’s cooling system. Engine management only cools the TDI by activating an externally driven electric water pump when engine operating conditions require it. This cooling system includes an automatically controlled air intake system at the front of the vehicle to reduce cooling system drag. This thermal management strategy also contributes towards reduced fuel consumption. A second electric water pump, which is also used only as needed, circulates a separate lower temperature coolant loop to cool the starter generator and power electronics.
CFRP body is a technical masterpiece The development team made extraordinary strides in designing the CFRP body – in terms of its lightweight construction as well as its aerodynamics. A comparison to the Golf illustrates just how innovative the body concept of the new XL1 is: The drag coefficient of the highly successful Golf is very good for the compact class: Cd (0.312) x A (frontal area 2.22 m2) equals a total drag figure of 0.693 m2 (Cd.A) providing this car with benchmark aerodynamic credentials in its class. Meanwhile, the XL1 exceeds this performance with a Cd value of 0.186 and a frontal area of 1.50 m2. The product of these two parameters yields a total drag, or Cd.A value of 0.277 m2 which is 2.5 times lower than that of the Golf. Design for a new era: The new XL1 is 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,156 mm tall. These are extreme dimensions. The Polo has a similar length (3,970 mm) and width (1,682 m), but it is significantly taller (1,462 mm). The height of the new XL1 is about the same as that of a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (1,184 mm). So, it is easy to visualise just how spectacular such a Volkswagen would appear on the road – as long and wide as a Polo, but with a low profile like a Lamborghini. The wing doors of the new XL1 are also reminiscent of a high-end sports car. They are hinged at two points: low on the A-pillars and just above the windscreen in the roof frame, so they do not just swivel upwards, but slightly forwards as well. The doors also extend far into the roof. When they are opened, they free up an exceptionally large amount of entry and exit space. Visually, the new XL1 also adopts the styling lines of the L1 presented in 2009; however, the new prototype has a more dynamic appearance thanks to its greater width. The design of the entire body was uncompromisingly subjected to the laws of aerodynamics. In front, the new XL1 exhibits the greatest width; the car then narrows towards the rear. Viewed from above, the form of the XL1 resembles that of a dolphin; especially at the rear, where the lines optimally conform to the air flow over the car body to reduce the Volkswagen’s aerodynamic drag. In side profile, the roofline reflects styling lines that trace an arc from the A-pillar back to the rear. The rear wheels are fully covered to prevent air turbulence; the air flows here are also optimised by small spoilers in front of and behind the wheels. Observers will look for door mirrors in vain; replacing them on the wing doors are small cameras which take on the role of digital outside mirrors that send images of the surroundings behind the car to two displays inside the vehicle. The front end of the new XL1 no longer exhibits the typical radiator grille; however, it still reflects the styling of the current Volkswagen “design DNA” with a predominance of horizontal lines. Specifically, there is a black cross-stripe (in the area where there is no longer a radiator grille) that combines with the energy-efficient dual LED headlights to form a continuous band. The actual air intake for cooling the TDI engine, battery and interior is located in the lower front end section and has electrically controlled louvres. The narrow turn indicators are also designed in LED technology; these form an “L” shape which vertically follows the wheel housing and horizontally a line beneath the headlights. This creates a front end, which – although it is completely redesigned and extreme in its dimensions – can immediately be recognised as a Volkswagen design by its clean lines. At the rear, the design takes an entirely new path, reinterpreting the brand values of precision and quality. A new dimension of Volkswagen styling was created here. Four characteristics are discernible: 1. Once again, the dolphin body form that narrows towards the rear with very precise trailing edges for perfect aerodynamics. 2. The coupé-shaped roofline without rear windscreen. Merging into the roofline is the large rear boot lid that covers the drive unit and 100 litre luggage space. 3. A strip of red LEDs that frames the rear section at the top and on the sides. Integrated in this LED strip are the reversing lights, rear lights, rear fog lights and brake lights. 4. A black diffuser, which exhibits nearly seamless transitions to the completely covered underbody. Lightweight construction: more systematic than ever: Large sections of the new XL1’s body consist of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) – which is as lightweight as it is strong. Specifically, the monocoque with its slightly offset seats for driver and passenger and all exterior body parts are made of CFRP. The layers of carbon fibre, which are aligned with the directions of forces, are formed into parts with an epoxy resin system in the aRTM process. This material mix produces an extremely durable and lightweight composite. For a long time, it was considered impossible to manufacture a body of CFRP, like that of the new XL1, to industrial standards. Nonetheless, Volkswagen successfully found a cost-effective way to mass produce CFRP parts in sufficient volumes as early as 2009 – in the framework of the XL1 development project. Now this process has been further perfected. CFRP is the ideal material for the body of the new XL1 because of its light weight. The XL1 prototype weighs only 795 kg. Of this figure, 227 kg represents the entire drive unit, 153 kg the running gear, 80 kg the equipment (including the two bucket seats) and 105 kg the electrical system. That leaves 230 kg, which is precisely the weight of the body – produced largely of CFRP – including wing doors, front windscreen in thin-glass technology as in motorsport and the highly safe monocoque. A total of 21.3 percent of the new XL1, or 169 kg, consists of CFRP. In addition, Volkswagen uses lightweight metals for 22.5 percent of all parts (179 kg). Only 23.2 percent (184 kg) of the new XL1 is constructed from steel and iron materials. The rest of its weight is distributed among various other polymers (e.g. polycarbonate side windows), metals, natural fibres, process materials and electronics. Lightweight construction: safer than ever: The new XL1 is not only lightweight, but very safe as well. As mentioned, this is due in part to the use of CFRP as a material. In the style of Formula 1 race cars, the Volkswagen has a high-strength monocoque. In contrast to Formula 1, however, this safety capsule is enclosed on top – for safety. Depending on the type of collision, the load path may be directed through the A- and B-pillars, cant rails and sills, all of which absorb the impact energy. Additional side members and crossmembers in the front and rear perfect the car’s passive safety.
Running gear with ESP utilises high-tech materials The running gear is equipped with anti-roll bars at the front and rear and is characterised by lightweight construction with maximum safety. In front, a double wishbone suspension is used, while a semi-trailing link system is employed at the rear. The front and rear suspension are both very compact in construction and offer a high level of driving comfort. The running gear components mount directly to the CFRP monocoque in key areas. Running gear weight has been reduced by the use of aluminium parts (including suspension components, brake calipers, dampers, steering gear housing), CFRP (anti-roll bars), ceramics (brake discs) magnesium (wheels) and plastics (steering wheel body). Friction-optimised wheel bearings and drive shafts, as well as an entirely new generation of optimised low rolling resistance tyres from MICHELIN (front: 115/80 R 15; rear: 145/55 R 16), contribute to the low energy consumption of the new XL1. Safety gains are realised by an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stabilisation programme (ESP). That is because sustainability without maximum safety would not really be a step forward. The new XL1 shows how these two parameters can be brought into harmony.                                 Volkswagen XL1 – Technical data
Notes: - Volkswagen AG Related posts: Volkswagen XL1 makes world debut in Qatar
|
| You are subscribed to email updates from oneighturbo To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
