VW Up! Lite (2009) first official pictures

VW Up! Lite (2009) first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

02 December 2009 18:30

Here's our best look yet at what a Euro-spec VW Up microcar could look like. This VW Up! Lite concept car was shown at today's 2009 LA auto show – to preview a productionised baby VW, with a diesel-electric powertrain for a stunning 116mpg economy figure.

The Up Lite! is openly based on many of the production parts of the forthcoming 2011 Up range, dubbed New Small Family. Originally, the Up had been engineered to be rear-engined and rear-drive, but the matrix has swapped to a more conventional front-engine, front-drive layout.

This particular Up is also the biggest one yet: at 3840mm long, it's only 14cm shorter than a Polo. Hence there's space for four seats, wrapped up in the long-tail three-door bodystyle.

How come the new VW Up! Lite is so clean?

Remember the L1 car from the 2009 Frankfurt show? This takes many of that car's innovations, puts them through a more rational, production feasible filter and spits out what could pass for a showroom Volkswagen a few years hence.

The powertrain is chiefly responsible for the 116mpg combined economy figure. There's a new 800cc two-cylinder TDI diesel engine (also seeen in the L1, and heading to a showroom near you) developing 50bhp and mated to a 10kW electric motor, which acts as a starter, alternator and power source for zero-emissions running.

Driving through a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch box tuned for lazy economy, the Up! Lite is claimed to emit just 65g/km of CO2. No wonder VW calls it the world's cleanest four-seater.

That's some claim!

True, but then a tiny diesel hybrid set-up in a small city car is going to be clean, isn't it? The Up Lite! can operate over short distances on electric power alone, topping up the lithium ion battery with regenerative braking. Start-stop stems the exhaust emissions at a standstill.

And the structure of the Up! Lite concept car is admirably low on calories too. It's efficient at a 0.237 drag coefficient and its 695kg kerb weight is surely the major key to its efficiency. There's aluminium and clever use of thin steels, but less reliance on fanciful composites like on the L1.

Such a flyweight mass is also a recipe for spritely performance. It'll top 100mph and hit 60mph in 12.0sec. Not bad for an 800cc mini.

Remind me, when can I buy a real VW Up?

From autumn 2011, in selected territories. And judging by the recent concepts we've seen, we'd have to say it still promises to be one of the most techincally interesting small car projects currently underway at any European car maker.

There will be a production Up electric vehicle on sale by 2013, VW R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg told CAR this evening. Prototypes are already on the road and he revealed that Skoda and Seat would also be given access to the EV tech – meaning they can sell the car if they can make the figures stack up.

Will some of the more outlandish details make production? Probably not. But VW is keen to talk about the active aero on this car (radiator grille flaps that open or shut depending on cooling needs), low-drag cameras instead of mirrors and iPod style touchscreens to control many cabin functions. Come 2012, many of these could be affordable even on mass-market small cars.

VW Amarok pick-up (2010) first official pictures

VW Amarok pick-up (2010) first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

02 December 2009 09:53

VW has unveiled its first UK-bound pick-up for a generation, the new Amarok. It's coming here in September 2010 in the double-cab bodystyle pictured; a single-cab variant will follow in 2011.

The new VW Amarok has workmanlike figures, with a 1.15-tonne payload, a 2.52 sq m cargo bed and a 2.8-tonne towing capacity. But it's also one of the slickest looking pick-up trucks around, with the latest VW design features in evidence - especially around the face.

Numerous drivetrain options will be available, including rear-wheel drive, and switchable or permanent 4wd. All based on a trad ladderframe chassis for hard knocks.

The Amarok is built in VW's Argentinian factory, but UK-bound models will have a Euro-friendly 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine - available with 161bhp or 120bhp.

VW Scirocco Cup (2010) first pictures

VW Scirocco Cup (2010) first pictures

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

28 October 2009 13:15

Volkswagen is launching what it believes is the world’s most eco-friendly one-make race series. But rather than a bunch of electric-powered Up! superminis, the grid will be made up of 220bhp natural gas-guzzling Sciroccos.

And just how will these VW Scirocco Cups stake their claim as the most eco-friendly one-make championship in the world?

The engine (of course) is key. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot is the same basic unit you’ll find in the road-going Scirocco, but tweaks including stainless steel pipes and specials valves allow it to run on Bio-CNG. And as the compressed natural gas is made from renewable resources like refined biological waste, VW claims an 80% CO2 reduction.

But VW has also tuned the blown engine to produce extra power. Compared to the regular Scirocco the torque figure has dropped four points to 203lb ft, but instead of 197bhp the CNG-fuelled now manages 220bhp. And there’s a push-to-pass button that provides an extra 30bhp for short bursts for increased overtaking opportunities.

The Scirocco Cup remains front-wheel drive and sends its power to the track via a paddleshift-equipped six-speed DSG gearbox and a proper mechanical diff. Inside there’s a sturdy roll cage to protect the driver and 22-litre fuel tank, and the suspension gains Sachs dampers and H&R springs, while the outside gets the latest bodykit from the new Scirocco R. The Scirocco Cup will replace the Polo Cup as the DTM’s support series in 2010.

VW L1 diesel-hybrid concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

VW L1 diesel-hybrid concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

15 September 2009 10:30

This slender concept car is VW’s new L1, a diesel-electric hybrid unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Made from aluminium and carbonfibre it weighs just 380kg, and is capable of 189mpg while emitting just 39g/km CO2.

Take that Toyota Prius! How does the VW L1 achieve these incredible figures?

Let’s start with the aerodynamics. The L1 is as low as a Lamborghini and a mere 1200mm wide so it has a drag co-efficient of just 0.195 – the slipperiest production car on sale today is the Mercedes E-class Coupe, and that manages just 0.24Cd. But the streamline shape also means the L1’s two occupants have to sit in tandem, and enter through an electrically operated canopy.

The kerbweight is kept low (380kg) by the use of carbonfibre and aluminium in the construction, while power comes from an ultra-efficient 800cc two-cylinder common-rail diesel engine. It produces 29bhp, plus 74lb ft at 1900rpm, or just 27bhp at 4000rpm in a special ‘eco’ mode, and is effectively half of the four-cylinder engine that’s under the bonnet of the new Golf Bluemotion (see below).

There’s also a 14hp electric motor that allows zero-emissions running over short distances, and produces 40% extra torque when the L1 is accelerating.

The performance figures aren’t startling though – 0-62mph takes 14.3 seconds and it’s a brave person who’ll push the L1 to its 99mph top speed – but that lack of grunt does mean the incredible 189mpg and 39g/km CO2. And although the fuel tank is a tiny 10-litres, the L1 still has a range of 416 miles.

And inside?

The two occupants sit in tandem, with the driver seated on a thin carbon bucket and the rear passenger ensconced on a seat built into the monocoque. The main controls are grouped around the steering wheel, while two LED screens display images from the external cameras that have replaced the door mirrors.

This concept is called the L1, but wasn’t there an original one-litre car from VW?

There was, and its claimed figures of 0.159Cd, 285mpg and 290kg were even more impressive that the L1. Ferdinand Piech unveiled it in 2002 (see bottom row of pictures, right), but at the time the carbonfibre-reinforced body wasn’t economically viable for production. But VW says the modern production processes now make large-scale manufacture of such a structure possible, so what this space…

What about the Golf Bluemotion then?

Alongside the L1, VW also unveiled three new Bluemotion cars at Frankfurt, based on the Polo, Golf and Passat, and all featuring TDI engines, intelligent decoupling alternators and stop/start systems.

The Polo Bluemotion is powered by a 74bhp 1.2-litre TDI engine, and manages 85.6mpg while emitting just 87g/km, enough – VW claims – to cover 851 miles between fill ups. The Golf and Passat Bluemotion both use a 104bhp 1.6 TDI, but while the Golf achieves 74.3mpg and 99g/km, the Passat lags behind with a pathetic 64.2mpg and planet-killing 114g/km.

VW Golf R at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Barry

First Official Pictures

15 September 2009 10:30

We’ve seen it lapping the Nürburgring disguised as a 2.0-litre TDI, but at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show Volkwagen officially revealed the fastest ever production Golf: the Golf R. And it’s coming soon! British dealers will take orders in October, with the first owners snaffling the keys in January 2010.

VW Golf R? Shouldn’t that be R32?

Actually, no. The Mk4 and 5 range-toppers were both badged R32 on account of their 3.2-litre V6 engines. The Mk6 iteration loses two cylinders and 1200cc to become a 2.0-litre four pot, and VW presumably didn’t see any benefit in bringing our attention to the smaller engine – hence the R-only branding.

But fear not, it’s not only leaner and cleaner than its predecessor, but quicker too.

Spill the beans, then

The Top Trumps stats are as follows: 267bhp, 258lb ft, 0-62mph in 5.5sec and a top whack limited to 155mph. The old R32 trails with 246bhp, 236lb ft, 6.3sec and, you guessed it, 155mph.

The four-pot is 35kg lighter than the old six-pot to the benefit of agility, and much more efficient: the manual does 33.2mpg and emits 199g/km, the DSG 33.6mpg and 195g/km. That compares with 26mpg and 257g/km for a manual R32.

Is it still four-wheel drive?

Yes, the familiar Haldex system is retained and there are, once again, three- or five-door bodystyles to choose from. The rest of the upgrades over the GTI are familiar too: more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a larger rear spoiler, 20mm lower suspension, standard 18s or optional 19s, GTI-spec seats upgraded with cloth centres and Alcantara bolsters (leather is optional, Recaro buckets around £2k extra) and double barrel tailpipes. There are also LED running lights up front, LED taillights and gloss black highlights.

Prices are yet to be finalised, but expect to pay £27-28k with a £1300 premium for the DSG six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

VW E-Up! electric concept at 2009 Frankfurt motor show

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

14 September 2009 19:30

This is Volkwagen’s latest Up! concept car, unveiled on the eve of the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Called the E-Up! it’s VW’s fourth Up! concept – after three versions were unveiled in 2007 – and unlike the previous trio this one is front-wheel drive.

What’s the powertrain in this new VW E-Up! concept?

After the three original Up! concepts, this is VW’s fourth iteration. The previous three were rear-engined, rear-wheel drive 21st century recreations of the Beetle, but as VW moves closer to producing the Up! in 2011 it has revealed this Mk6 Golf-inspired facelifted front-drive concept. It also means all production Up! cars will be front-engined.

Power in the E-Up! comes from an electric motor that can deliver peak power of 80hp – but a constant 53hp – and 154lb ft. It means the E-Up! can hit 62mph in 11.3 seconds and reach 84mph flat out. The total weight, including 240kg of lithium-ion batteries, is 1085kg

The batteries have a 18kWh capacity, which should allow for an 80-mile range, while VW reckons a charging station could give the E-Up! an 80% charge in 60 minutes, or five hours from a domestic plug. The batteries are housed under the floor of the E-Up!, and a solar panel in the roof also help increases the charge.

What about the interior?

Inside the E-Up! is a iQ-style 3+1 seating arrangement, meaning the front passenger seat is mounted 50mm ahead of the driver’s seat. There’s an 80-litre boot, which increases to 320 litres when the seats are folded. And like the miniamilast exterior, the cabin is kept clean and simple, with manual controls for the windows and mirrors, and one touchscreen to control the E-Up!’s main systems.

The first Up!s will be built in 2011 at the Volkswagen Group’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia, and VW, Seat and Skoda will all produce three- and five-door versions.

At the unveiling of the E-Up!, VW Group Chairman Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn also dropped heavy hints at a production electric version. 'Cars with pure petrol and diesel engines – which in the foreseeable future will continue to be unbeatable for mid- to long-range distances – will be supplemented by cars like the E-Up! in coming years,' said Winterkorn. 'And that will happen starting in 2013. The concept now being presented in Frankfurt very realistically shows how we envision such a Volkswagen with pure electric drive technology, visually and in terms of size.'

>> Click 'Add your comment' below and let us know what you think of the new VW E-Up! Would you buy one over a Toyota iQ now it's reverted to a conventional front-drive layout.

VW Polo GTI and harder Golf GTI Wörthersee 09

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

20 May 2009 16:34

Volkswagen today unveiled two hot hatch surprises at the 2009 Wörthersee hot hatch festival: a potential Polo GTI and a harder, faster Golf GTI, likely to give clues to the R model tipped by CAR for launch later this year. Both models pictured here are concepts at this stage.

The Golf GTI Wörthersee 09 edition gains cosmetic and modest engineering mods. That flame-red paintjob, 19in alloys and new LED rear lights are paired to the standard 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 207bhp.

This one-off is therefore little faster than the standard Golf GTI Mk6, with 0-62mph in 6.9sec and 148mph. The chassis is lowered and a new sports exhaust jazzes up the soundtrack. We’d expect the forthcoming Golf R to use the higher-power 261bhp blown four-pot witnessed in the Scirocco R, also unveiled today.

And the Polo Wörthersee 09?

Ah yes, this is our first glimpse of a hotter, faster Polo. It uses the 1.4-litre petrol engine sporting a mild 85bhp – rather less than the flame-red exterior, 18-inch alloys and black rally stripes promise.

A production Polo GTI is pencilled in for sales in 2010

VW Scirocco R (2009): first official photos

VW Scirocco R (2009): first official photos
By Tim Pollard
First official pictures
20 May 2009 00:01

Volkswagen has issued the first official details of the new Scirocco R. We've been scooping it as the anticipated Scirocco R20T – and while our technical information was spot-on, the name has been changed at the last minute we're informed. So it's farewell R20T (and, presumably, R32 and R36 elsewhere in VW's range) and hello R. It seems likely that all future hot VWs will be badged simply R and ditch the numerals. Which neatly avoids highlighting that the industry is downsizing frantically, as well as simplifying the range of go-faster Volkswagens produced by Wolfsburg's Individual department responsible for all performance models, body kits and Bluemotion versions.VW Scirocco R: the inside lineThe first photo of the new Scirocco R reveals a pumped-up coupé, complete with typically subtle Germanic polish. The odd ride height drop here, some gently chiseled sills there. Eighteen inch rims are standard, 19s optional.Under the bonnet lies a familiar recipe: the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the outgoing Golf GTI, breathed on by a higher-pressure turbocharger to swell peak power to 261bhp and torque to 258lb ft. So this Scirocco will be fleet of foot:• 0-62mph 6.5sec (6.4sec with DSG)• Top speed 155mph (limited on both models)• Kerbweight 1333kg (1353kg with DSG)• Combined economy 34mpg (34.5mpg with DSG)• CO2 194/g/km (192g/km with DSG)What? They've used the old GTI's engine?Yep. It's not the new EA888 four-pot seen in the Golf and other Sciroccos, but the EA113 unit from the Mk5 hot hatch. There's a new, bigger turbo huffing and puffing at up to 1.2 bar of boost, plus a new more efficient intercooler. The fabric of the block is new, too, with a reinforced block, stronger pins, conrods and bearings, and a new ally head.We put some questions to a high-up at Individual to understand more about the Scirocco's positioning. Click 'Next' to read the full lowdown on the Scirocco R.