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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

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.

1. Plan routes at home and send them directly to the car
Whether you’re heading for the North Sea or the Côte d’Azur, whether you need a special tip for a pizzeria in Rimini or a rustic restaurant in the Alps, many drivers use their laptop or tablet to check routes and places to go before they set off. Once this is done, there is no need to enter these addresses in the satnav later. Intelligent networking of your computer, smartphone and infotainment system make this possible. The Volkswagen Car-Net 'Guide & Inform' function allows car drivers to plan their holidays at home and simply send the data directly to their car.

2. Easily find cheap petrol stations or free parking spaces
Why prolong the journey unnecessarily? The aim is to get you to your holiday destination faster without wasting time searching for cheap fuel or a free parking space. The Car-Net’s Guide & Inform navigation function tells you via the Infotainment display where the next multi-storey car park is, and depending on the availability of local information, it can even tell you the number of free parking spaces and what they cost. Not only does it show you the route to take for the nearest petrol station, it also shows you the price of petrol there, leaving you to decide if you want to go there or not.

3. Is the sunroof still open? The Car-Net app knows.
Did I lock the car and switch off the headlights? Who hasn’t asked themselves this after they have sat down in a restaurant, stretched out their legs and ordered a drink? Clever holidaymakers use the app provided by the Car-Net 'Security & Service' function to confirm that all doors and the boot are locked and the headlights are off.

4. Now where did I park the car? Car-Net knows where it is.
When you’re exploring unknown territory, it’s easy to get lost. But you can rest assured that you’ll find the car again. Car-Net’s Security & Service app can locate exactly where the car is parked. The smartphone app shows the location and the route quickly and easily without the user having to enter any information.

5. A perfect interior temperature when you get in the car
Good fun is guaranteed when the sun shines. But only if the car hasn’t heated up to an unbearable temperature. You can avoid this quite simply by switching on the air conditioning system before you get in the car. Thanks to Car-Net, drivers of an electric or hybrid vehicle are even able to set the temperature using a computer or mobile phone before they set off.

Better summer holidays with Car-Net on board
Volkswagen Car-Net helps to make the journey a pleasant one by providing real-time traffic news and the remote functions of the Car-Net app. Users can adapt the Car-Net functionality of service packages such as Guide & Inform and Security & Service to their needs.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com

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

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.

T-Cross, T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg will now be the five SUV formats of the brand in Europe. But, the new T-Cross will enrich the SUV range in China and South America, as well. The 4,107-mm-long Volkswagen is designed with charisma, always front-driven, functionally conceptualised, and cleverly constructed. At home in the city, and ready for the small and large adventures both inside and outside the urban jungle.

The modular transverse matrix (MQB) creates a surprising amount of room. For example, the back seat can be adjusted lengthwise – for more knee room or more room for luggage. The positive influence of the modular transverse matrix affects all areas. Thus, the T-Cross is entering the market as one of the safest vehicles of its class, guaranteed through excellent crash properties and a large spectrum of assistance systems. Standard on board: the “Front Assist” (ambient traffic monitoring system) and “Lane Assist” (lane departure warning system). “I am more than one thing” – the new T-Cross.

Article source: www.volkswagen-media-services.com

Boasting the latest assistance systems, some of them appearing for the first time in a Volkswagen, the Touareg also offers the option of the new Innovision Cockpit which comprises an intuitive digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit that can be fully personalised.

The 2018 Touareg is the latest milestone in the largest product offensive in Volkswagen’s brand history. The global SUV range, led by the new car, now consists of the new T-Roc, the Tiguan, the new Tiguan Allspace, the new Atlas (USA) and its new sister model Teramont (China).

Meanwhile the T-Cross compact SUV – shown in concept form as the T-Cross Breeze – is also due to make its global debut in 2018. A zero emission model has already been decided upon, too, in the shape of the I.D. CROZZ – the first fully electric SUV from Volkswagen. It will be launched in 2020.

Debuting with efficient and potent V6 turbocharged engines the Touareg comes with an eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. In the UK, the car will initially be offered with a 286 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel unit or, from the autumn, a 231 PS version of the same engine. A 340 PS 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine will be available to order in the UK in late 2018, with deliveries of that powertrain beginning in 2019.

In addition a plug-in hybrid drive with a system power of 367 PS is first planned for introduction in China. The exact launch date of the Touareg with plug-in hybrid drive in Europe has yet to be set.

With a torque peak of up to 600 Nm, the 286 PS 3.0 V6 TDI also showcases the new Touareg’s extensive towing capacity. Capable of hauling braked trailer weights of up to 3.5 tonnes, the new car also boasts the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s handy Trailer Assist technology to facilitate simple slow-speed manoeuvring.

The 3.0 V6 TDI with 286 PS (2,967 cc) generates its punchy torque peak of 600 Nm from only 2,250 rpm, and offers 42.8 mpg* on the combined cycle. 0-62 mph takes 6.1 seconds, and the Touareg’s top speed is 146 mph.

The new third generation Touareg is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) mated to an eight-gear automatic Tiptronic gearbox with ‘shift by wire’ functionality.

A centre differential lock with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution acts as a transfer box for the flow of forces between the front and rear axle. A maximum of 70 per cent of the drive force reaches the front axle and up to 80 per cent can be sent to the rear axle.

Offered here in three comprehensively specified trims: SEL, R-Line and new R-Line Tech, the five-seat Touareg sits on the Volkswagen Group’s modular longitudinal matrix (MLB).

Wider and longer than before, the luxurious new SUV’s dimensions are 4,878 mm long (+77 mm); 2,193 mm wide (including wing mirrors, +44 mm) and 1,702 mm high (-7 mm). Together these create significantly more dynamic proportions and, allied to all-new styling, endow the Touareg with an imposing yet lithe style.

The five-door, five-seat Touareg offers a 1,051 mm load length and maximum load capacity of 810 litres (seats up) or 1,800 litres (seats down). Kerb weight is 2,070 kg for the launch car.

Technology made simple

One of the many technical innovations in the new Touareg is the option of the Innovision Cockpit. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster – Active Info Display – merges with the 15-inch TFT touchscreen of the new Discover Premium infotainment system to form a new digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit.

The Innovision Cockpit is the control centre of a new era – an interactive interface in which the information and settings of all essential comfort, assist and infotainment systems converge in one simple-to-use matrix.

Thanks to a separate eSIM mobile data connection, the new SUV is also “always on”. Indeed, never before has a Volkswagen interior of this type been digitalised and extensively linked to the vehicle functions and outside world to such an extent.

More broadly, today’s Touareg features a new generation of assistance, driving dynamics and comfort systems includes technologies such as Night Vision (thermal imaging camera); Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist (partly automated steering and lane departure warning up to 37 mph, acceleration and braking); Front Cross Traffic Assist (responds to traffic crossing in front of the Touareg); active all-wheel steering; and a new roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars.

Comfort, space and grace

New technology aligns with conventional premium car values of space and cosseting comfort inside the new Touareg, too. The car’s optional electrically adjustable front seats, for instance, offer a new, pneumatic massage function with no fewer than eight programs available. The intensity of the massage functions can be continuously adjusted via individual air cushions.

The car’s flexibility is demonstrated by the flexible rear seat system. The position of the rear seats can be shifted by 160 mm fore/aft to create more space in the rear if required. Meanwhile the angle adjustment of the rear seat backrests is also variable in three stages, and by up to 21 degrees.

Natural light comes in through the optionally available panoramic sliding roof – the largest yet offered by Volkswagen. The transparent roof section is 1,270 mm long and 825 mm wide (inner dimensions), and the front half can be continuously opened and electrically moved back by almost half a metre (495 mm) and raised.

Meanwhile night driving is now more pleasant than ever thanks to a newly developed optional LED ambient light system. Using the ambient light, the atmosphere on board the Touareg can be personalised via 30 different light colours whose brightness can be adjusted.

Welcoming the arrival of the new Touareg to Volkswagen Retailers nationwide Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen UK, said: “The new Touareg signals yet another important development in Volkswagen’s growing SUV line-up.

“Our suite of new models, headed by Touareg, arrives on the market as SUV sales continue to accelerate in the UK and I’m confident our new flagship model will make a big impact here.”

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

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