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Volkswagen has unveiled a special birthday balloon as part of its ongoing celebrations to mark 50 years of the Volkswagen Golf. The uniquely designed hot-air balloon launched just after 06:00 local time on Sunday (1 September), joining hundreds of balloons in the world-famous Cappadocia dawn skyline.

Flanked by an original Golf Mk I and the newly launched and significantly revised Golf Mk 8, the Sultan Series PH-370 balloon took to the skies above Love Valley, Cappadocia, with 16 passengers onboard and in full view of the thousands of tourists who gather in the region every morning to see the ‘bucket-list’ attraction.  

A small group of the world’s media will also be taking flights in the balloon during the course of the week, while also experiencing test drives of every generation of the Volkswagen Golf from the original Mk I, through to the new Mk 8 – all with a backdrop of birthday balloons.

Legendary designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, penned the original Golf Mk I design that debuted in 1974 – a model that has evolved over eight generations and over 50 years to become Volkswagen’s most successful car to date, with more than 37 million units sold globally. Few cars can claim to define their own model segment in the same way as Golf, let alone become the benchmark in that class while remaining true to the original styling and design philosophy.

Mike Orford, Head of PR and Communications at Volkswagen UK, said: “The Golf is celebrating a major milestone this year – a phenomenal 50 years of production. So what better way to celebrate such a significant moment than with a sky-full of giant birthday balloons?

“Very few manufacturers can claim to have such an iconic model that has evolved and innovated over eight generations, so we thought it was definitely something worth celebrating in style.”

Articlce source: www.vwpress.co.uk

Volkswagen has entered into a cooperation with the German start-up Revoltech GmbH from Darmstadt. The aim is to research and develop sustainable materials based on industrial hemp. These could be used as a sustainable surface material in Volkswagen models from 2028. The material made from 100% bio-based hemp uses residues of the regional hemp industry. It can be produced on existing industrial plants and recycled or composted at the end of its service life in an automobile. The first presentations of the innovative material have already received a very positive response and feedback from customers.

Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development: “In our search for new materials, we are very open to new ideas from many different industries. At Technical Development, we place a strong focus on innovative, creative and sustainable solutions for holistic, resource-saving vehicle development.”

Andreas Walingen, Head of Strategy at the Volkswagen brand: “The sustainable use of resources is a key pillar in our ACCELERATE strategy and is therefore firmly anchored in our mindset and our actions. Our clear goal is to fuse customer wishes, sustainability requirements and corporate interests.” He added that the cooperation between Revoltech and Volkswagen was a good example of the benefits for start-ups and established companies to be gained from the targeted combination of their respective strengths – with the goal of getting new features ready for use in automobiles as swiftly as possible.

Lucas Fuhrmann, CEO and co-founder Revoltech GmbH:
“Our innovative surface material called LOVR™ that we are developing and testing for the automotive industry in cooperation with Volkswagen is scalable and groundbreaking for sustainability in the automotive sector.”

100% bio-based leather alternative from industrial hemp
Together with the Revoltech GmbH start-up, the predevelopment team at the Volkswagen brand is working on a material innovation as a substitute for imitation leather. This material made from what is known as industrial hemp cultivated for the food industry is an all-natural, 100% biological single-layer surface material called LOVRTM (the letters stand for leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based) that is being developed specifically with the automotive industry in mind. The hemp fibers and a fully bio-based adhesive are combined using a special technology and processed to become a surface material. This truly circular material is sourced from regional hemp fields and is fully recyclable or compostable once it has reached the end of its service life. It is produced from residues of the hemp industry that have no further use. In addition, it can be manufactured on existing industrial plants, thus enabling swift scalability – and is therefore also suitable for use in large-scale production. 

Volkswagen’s Materials Technology, Design, and Components Development departments, Volkswagen Group Innovation and the Revoltech GmbH start-up are bundling their know-how to include as many perspectives as possible in the development work. Potential applications are being identified in collaboration with Components Development. Possible use in vehicle projects from 2028 is envisaged. The material has received very positive feedback in customer surveys.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen presents the ID.3 GTX02 FIRE+ICE at the ID. Meeting in Locarno, Switzerland. Developed in collaboration with BOGNER, the Munich-based luxury sports fashion brand, the car is reminiscent of the legendary Golf Fire and Ice03, which became a surprise success in the 1990s and has since achieved cult status among fans. With an exclusive 3-layer paint finish with glass bead effect and numerous details in the interior, the vehicle pays tribute to its predecessor and transfers its design idea into the all-electric modern age.

Andreas Mindt, Head of Design at Volkswagen: “With the ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE, we are emphasizing how highly emotional our sporty top model is. Our design team had incredible fun reinterpreting the iconic 90s design and thus developing it further.”

Close co-operation with BOGNER. The idea for the vehicle came from employees in Technical Development. As with the Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice, the designers from Volkswagen and BOGNER worked together. Tom Becker, Director of BOGNER FIRE+ICE: “The combination of our performance brand FIRE+ICE with the sporty ID.3 GTX is BOGNER's modern interpretation of the iconic Golf Fire and Ice. The special thing is that we were able to integrate many of our original materials and accessories into the interior of the vehicle.”

Individualised exterior design. The ID.3 GTX FIRE+ICE stands out above all thanks to its exclusive 3-layer paint finish with glass bead effect. The Electric Violet pearl effect colour was specially developed for this unique model and is a reinterpretation of the Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice exterior paint. In addition to the dark blue base coat, the three-coat paint contains special glass beads, which create a special colour effect and extraordinary character. Depending on the incidence of light, the colour changes from dark blue to violet or even black. The roof frame strip adds a sporty accent with the powerful red anodised paint Flaming Red. The sides of the vehicle are dominated by foiling with the geometric FIRE+ICE pattern in transparent matt. Another special feature are the 21-inch rims, which emphasise the dynamic appearance with a blue anodised paint finish with a glossy twist. The original FIRE+ICE logo from the 1990s adorns the B-pillar and the roof edge spoiler.

Surprising details in the interior. The interior is divided into two colours. While the accent colour Flaming Red for ‘FIRE’ predominates on the seats and seams on the driver's side and the seat behind, the seats and interior on the passenger side are characterised by design elements in ice blue (‘ICE’). The stainless steel accelerator pedals have a special ‘FIRE+ICE’ design instead of the Play/Pause design known from the ID. family. Accelerate with the ‘FIRE’ logo - brake by stepping on the ‘ICE’ logo. The upper part of the instrument panel and the floor mats have also been customised with a laser-engraved ‘FIRE+ICE’ pattern. Inspired by the BOGNER FIRE+ICE collections, numerous colours, fabrics and elements were used. The seats are quilted and reflect the design of the current FIRE+ICE down jackets, including the iconic B-zippers. If you open these on the seats, the original FIRE+ICE fabric from the 1990s appears underneath. Webbing from bags from the FIRE+ICE collection was also used behind the front seats.

ID.3 GTX Performance - powerful motor, large battery and high charging capacity. The FIRE+ICE version uses the most powerful Volkswagen electric motor to date in the ID.3 GTX Performance with an output of 240 kW (326 PS) and a maximum torque of 545 Nm. This electric motor accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 200 km/h. The GTX-specific chassis, which is equipped with stronger stabilisers and Sport DCC adaptive chassis control, is also tuned to the very high performance of the drive system. The electrical energy is supplied by a 79 kWh lithium-ion battery (net), which can be charged at DC fast-charging stations with up to 185 kW04. With this power, the battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in around 26 minutes. The combined WLTP range is up to 601 km05.

A look back to the 1990s. With the “Fire and Ice” special model, Volkswagen presented an exclusive version of the Golf Mk2 in 1990 that was both sporty and comfortable. Its design was created in collaboration with fashion designer and director Willy Bogner. With its extravagant appearance - a dark violet pearl effect paint finish, alloy wheels, front spoiler and body extensions - and the powerful engine with between 90 and 160 PS, the Golf Fire and Ice, especially the GTI version, quickly became a sought-after rarity. It became a surprise success. A total of 16,700 units were sold. Originally, only 10,000 units were planned.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

02. ID.3 GTX Performance - Combined power consumption 16.5-14.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

03. Golf Mk2 Fire and Ice - The vehicle is no longer offered for sale

04. Maximum possible charging capacity. The charging behaviour of different charging stations can differ, even if their kW capacity is the same. In addition to a charging station’s kW output, the maximum charge current also influences the amount of energy that flows. Furthermore, the ambient temperature, battery temperature and charge level influence the maximum possible charging capacity. The specified maximum charging capacity is calculated under WLTP conditions at a temperature of approx. 23 °C and a charge level from five per cent. If these variables change, the charging capacity may deviate from the specified standard value

05. Range determined on the rolling road test bed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the most range-favourable equipment variant. The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load, topography and the ageing and wear process of the battery

The sportiest Golf models from Volkswagen can now be ordered in a new look and with a host of additional features. Customers can choose between the front-wheel drive Golf GTI Clubsport and three all-wheel drive versions: the classic Golf R, the spacious Golf R Variant and the exclusive Golf R Black Edition special model. All four models offer the perfect mix of extreme sportiness, comfort and everyday usability. The Golf GTI Clubsport is available from 48,075 euros in Germany and the Golf R from 53,795 euros. The Golf R Variant can be configured and ordered from 55,065 euros. Prices for the exclusive Golf R Black Edition, which is completely in black, start from 58,440 euros.

The new models are based on the eighth generation of the Golf, which was significantly upgraded this year. The new Performance versions feature a sharpened and distinctive exterior design (including an illuminated VW badge at the front) as well as an enhanced interior. They additionally offer an intuitive operating concept (including ChatGPT), powerful drive systems with impressive performance values and high-end sports suspension. Optional equipment packages05 are available for motorsport enthusiasts that allow special driving profiles to be selected for the race track and the top speed to be increased, for example, or that offer features such as GPS lap timer and G-meter.

Most powerful GTI – with front differential lock as standard. The new Golf GTI Clubsport was unveiled a few weeks ago as part of the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. This clearly shows that this Volkswagen is also at home on the race track. Its turbocharged engine delivers a torque of 400 Nm and an output of 221 kW (300 PS), and this power is transferred to the road by the electronically controlled front differential lock equipped as standard. The top speed of the most powerful GTI is electronically limited to 250 km/h. However, this limit can be lifted with the Race package05 – which raises the top speed to 267 km/h. A large roof spoiler at the rear ensures maximum downforce. In addition, the Golf GTI Clubsport comes as standard with the selectable Special driving mode, which ensures optimum performance on the Nürburgring and optimises the engine, gearbox and suspension for fast laps on the Nordschleife.

Golf R models with R-Performance torque vectoring. The all-wheel-drive models Golf R, Golf R Variant and the Black Edition special model impress with optimised driving dynamics, exclusive standard equipment and an output of 245 kW (333 PS). This is an increase of 10 kW (14 PS) compared with the predecessors. The times for the classic sprint from 0 to 100 km/h have thus been shortened to 4.6 and 4.8 seconds (Variant) respectively. The top speed of 250 km/h can be boosted to 270 km/h with the R-Performance package05. This makes these Golf R versions the world’s fastest Volkswagen production models, alongside the Arteon R Shooting Brake06.

Dynamic Chassis Control for driving comfort and dynamics. In addition to power and rich sound, the Golf R models offer maximum performance – and also convey a genuine motorsport feeling. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) – fitted as standard in vehicles sold in Germany – is a technology that continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation, while taking account of various elements including steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres. DCC therefore always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics. Up to seven driving profiles are available to choose from. With the Special driving profile, which is specially designed for driving on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the DCC is also adapted to the conditions of this legendary race circuit. All those who want to drift on secured terrain can activate the special Drift mode.

The exclusive Black Edition special model. Elegant, sporty and unmistakeable: as the name suggests, the new Golf R Black Edition comes with a consistently black design, including darkened headlights, Volkswagen badges and R logos, black exhaust tailpipe trims and a dark wheel profile. The model is equipped as standard with the R-Performance package and IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. A larger roof spoiler through which the air flow is routed, providing additional downforce.

Also available for the Golf GTI Clubsport, Golf R, Golf R Variant and Golf R Black Edition: the optional titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič, which ensures an even more individual sound.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

01. Golf GTI Clubsport - combined energy consumption: 7.8-7.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 178-171 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G-F. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment

02. Golf R - combined energy consumption: 8.5-8.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 193-184 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment

03. Golf R Variant - combined energy consumption: 8.5-8.2 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 193-185 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment

04. Golf R Black Edition - combined energy consumption: 8.5- 8.2 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 193-186 g/km; CO₂ class(es): G. Information on consumption, CO2-emissions and CO2 classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment

05. Optional equipment

06. Arteon R Shooting Brake - combined energy consumption: 8.9-8.6 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 203-195 g/km; CO₂ class: G. Where ranges are stated, the values for consumption and CO₂ emissions depend on the selected vehicle equipment

07. Golf GTI - combined energy consumption 7.3-7.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 167-162 g/km; CO₂ class: F. Information on consumption, CO₂ emissions and CO₂ classes in ranges depending on the selected vehicle equipment