LA Auto Show: 2011 Volkswagen EOS

VW has releases the first images and official details for the 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift which will have its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the beginning of next month. Sales in Europe will begin in mid January 2011.

The 2011 Volkswagen Eos facelift comes with BlueMotion technology and a newly developed Start/Stop system that work together to reduce the vehicles fuel consumption and CO2 emissions level. For example, the 2011 Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TDI, that outputs 103 kW / 140 PS, offers now a 4.8 l/100 km fuel consumption, which is 0.7 l/100 km lower than the previous version.

On the styling front, the convertible features redesigned bumpers, modified headlights, a revised grille, and LED taillights. Inside, the cabin boasts a new multi-function display and optional 'Cool' leather seats which reflect sunlight and heat. Tech goodies include Light Assist (which automatically switches between high- and low beams), Park Assist, and Keyless Access.

The 2011 Eos has received multiple equipment additions, such as a multi-function color Premium display, Lights Assist, the second generation of the Park Assist, Keyless Access.
The vehicle’s engine range includes one diesel unit and three petrol units. The diesel is a 140 hp unit that can be mated to a six-speed manual or to a six-speed DSG automatic. The entry-level petrol unit is a 122 hp 1.4 TSI, which is followed by a 160 hp incarnation of the same engine and by a 210 hp 2.0 TSI engine (this is borrowed from the Golf GTI). All the petrol units come with a six-speed manual transmission, while the range-topper can be ordered with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

The interior has been revised to play up the center stack of controls. New materials are said to give the Eos a higher sense of quality. A new steering wheel has been specified, too.

Pricing for the 2011 Volkswagen Eos remains unchanged from the just-superseded version; $46,990 for the Eos 103TDI and $48,990 for the Eos 155TSI, excluding on-road costs.




Press Release

Volkswagen has unveiled the new face of the Eos convertible coupé ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show on 17 November.

The modifications bring the Eos in line with the latest iteration of Volkswagen’s design language as seen applied to the new Polo, Passat and Sharan. Horizontal lines dominate the front of the car with a prominent new grille complete with chrome highlights that create the impression that the Eos is wider and lower than the car it replaces. A set of new headlight units, similar in shape to those fitted to the Golf, features the option of integrated LED daytime running lights to lend the revised Eos an elegant new look.

A revised front bumper featuring new airdams and fog lights is joined by a reprofiled bonnet. At the back of the car a set of new tail lights, drawing on the look of those fitted to the new Passat, creates a distinctive new appearance.

As before, the Eos features an advanced five piece folding roof with an integrated tilt sliding glass sunroof. To go from a closed coupé to an open cabriolet – an operation that can now be undertaken remotely via the key fob if the car is specified with Keyless Entry – takes just 25 seconds while the boot capacity ranges from 205 litres when the roof is down up to 380 litres with the roof closed.

Inside, new trim finishes enhance the interior of the Eos which is both comfortable and extremely well equipped. Highlights include a leather multifunction steering wheel, air conditioning, a powerful eight-speaker CD stereo system and sports seats.

The new Eos will be available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines when deliveries commence in the UK early in 2011. These include a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 122 PS, a 2.0-litre TSI unit producing 210 PS as well as a refined 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 140 PS. This unit, with BlueMotion Technology modifications including automatic Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, can return a combined economy of 58.8 mpg.

Prices and specifications for the new Eos will be announced when ordering opens for the car in November.

VW invites users to help create the Infotainment systems of the future

Open Innovation Contest, "App My Ride", begins on 3rd May

Wolfsburg, 26 April 2010 - Volkswagen is inviting designers, programmers, developers and interested users to help develop applications for the Infotainment systems of the future as part of the Open Innovation Contest, "App My Ride". With this contest, Volkswagen has become the first car manufacturer to use the idea of open innovation for the further development of its products.

In the so-called "App My Ride" competition, users can jointly develop new Infotainment applications with Volkswagen. A jury of experts will select the winner whose creativity will be rewarded with special prizes. "Our aim is to invite the international developer community to take part in designing a future system," says Prof. Dr Jürgen Leohold, Head of the Volkswagen Group Research. So-called apps, also known as application programmes for certain devices which are available through an online shop, have helped to contribute to the smartphone boom. Applications designed by users (User Generated Content) are of central importance to the boom and are made available online by other users. Companies like Apple and Google successfully aid this nearly inexhaustible source of innovation.

"A quiet revolution is taking place right now," explains Dr Johann Füller, CEO of the innovation agency partner to Volkswagen through the "App My Ride" competition, Hyve AG. "The customer-orientated culture of the internet places an enormous power in the hands of the users. Leading organisations are starting to harness this power to develop better solutions and increase their competitiveness." Exactly what the "App My Ride" contest is targeting.

Currently a prototype for Volkswagen's Infotainment system is being developed in which Flash applications designed by different creators can be accumulated. In order to research the potential of apps for the vehicle Infotainment system, Volkswagen is trying to produce the most varied collection of applications possible.

An "innovation community" open to all internet users will be created as of 3rd May 2010 for the competition under the following URL: app-my-ride.volkswagen.com. Here, participants in the competition can log in and either load programmed apps or send in their creative ideas for future ones. "The participants are supposed to imagine what the purpose of their ideal Infotainment system is and how it would work and now they have the opportunity to make it a reality. At the same time, you can analyse the existing apps on our platform and discuss their design, uses and purposes," explains Dr Peter Oel, Head of "Control Designs and Drivers" of Volkswagen Group Research.

To develop an app, the participants must have the following:

- An idea for an app to be installed in a vehicle

- Graphic design of the user interface

- Programming in Adobe Flash / Flex

The purpose, design and logical construction of the app should be geared towards the possible requirements of drivers and other occupants.

The participant's creativity will be rewarded at the end of the competition. The most innovative application will be chosen by the "App My Ride" community and a jury consisting of Volkswagen managers and external experts. Besides cash and non-cash prizes worth up to €14,000, a special prize for students will also be awarded. This involves a placement within Volkswagen Group Research in Tokyo, Shanghai, California or Wolfsburg. Moreover, the winner of the competition can also expect an exclusive trip to take part in an international vehicle presentation which covers the costs of the flight and hotel.

Bugatti 16C Galibier will be launched in 2013

VW has approved the production of the Bugatti 16C Galibier sedan according to a Bloomberg report. It was showcased as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The car itself, has 1,000 hp under its hood and could cost around €1 million ($1.4 million), according to the inside sources.

The 16C Galibier would join the Veyron sports car in Bugatti's lineup. But Galibier production may not start for two to three years while Bugatti retools its boutique manufacturing plant in Molsheim, France.

The 16C will feature the same all-wheel drive set-up and the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as the smaller record-breaking hypercar. Even though the Veyron was built purely as an ultra luxurious speed machine, the larger, more luxurious 16C is set to follow in the same footsteps. It might even break a few records for the fastest production four-door sedan when it hits the road.

CSR Volkswagen Scirocco

CSR Automotive, a German aftermarket specialists, releases their Volkswagen Scirocco upgrade program. The car comes with a turbocharged engine and a custom body kit that includes a single frame grille, new side sills, a rear apron styled by O-Line-Design, upper and lower rear wings, headlight trims and a stainless steel dual tailpipe exhaust system.

The CSR Volkswagen Scirocco comes with a partial, carbon-look foil, and packed the striking new alloys Schmidt Revolution, which measure 20 inches size, Toyo tires (235/30 ZR20 285/25 ZR20 front and rear) and € 3400 .




Press Release

SUCCESSFUL RESUSCITATION by CSR Automotive

After several years of hesitation, VW - not least because of pressure from the customers - has won through to reanimation of its warm Mediterranean wind Scirocco. Good news, because many professional tuners have in the meantime put into action their version of a still further perfected Scirocco. Thus, the company CSR Automotive from Nurnberg is in a good company, but it presents a stunning version of the Mediterranean wind that has no parallels.

Originally from the 2009, Scirocco III was equipped with a turbocharged engine with an in-house body kit consisting of a single-frame front grille, side skirts and a rear apron from the O-Line-Design, the upper and lower rear wings, "bad-look" headlight trims and a stainless steel rear silencer with suitable outlets.

The obvious effect is also provided by a partial foil design in carbon-look.

The alpha and omega of any redevelopment continues to be a successful tire / wheel combination that can never be spectacular enough. And now - once again - Schmidt Revolution (www.FELGE.de) from Bad Segeberg comes into play. Thanks to its rims Cirrus with carbon-look parts (wheel assembly costs 3400 euro) in the dimensions of 8.5x20" with 235/30 ZR20 tires from Toyo at the front or 10.5x20" with 285/25 ZR20 - at the rear axles, Schmidt comes near to the ideal of "perfect footwear" for the Scirocco.

There is only the pious hope to sit in the sports chair and go on. That is quite feasible ...

Volkswagen Bulli Concept

Volkswagen has releases Bulli Concept, which will debut at the Geneva auto show..

The new Bulli measures 3.99 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 1.70 m in height. In relation to its width it has a wide track (1.50 m front and rear), and very short overhangs at the front and back. Its kerb weight is 1,450 kg.

The Bulli is equipped with an electric motor that generates 114 horsepower, along with a lithium-ion battery. VW said the Bulli has a range of 186 miles — surprisingly high versus most EVs. It accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds and has a top speed of 87 mph.

Inside the cabin you will see a removable iPad which serves as the multi-function touchscreen on the center console and handles matters such as navigation. No tachometer is needed and no gear shift is present either. There's a rotary switch on the dash to engage the forward and reverse gears.

via: carscoop




Press Release

• Latest evolution of iconic Microbus brings new ‘Bulli' concept to Geneva Motor Show

• Six-seater (3+3 configuration) gives maximum flexibility within compact bodystyle

• Powered by lithium-ion battery supplying an 85 kW electric motor

• Show concept with two-tone paint echoes design features of original Samba bus

• All-new ‘Bulli' concept makes world debut at Geneva Motor Show, a development of the Microbus from 2001 and a new generation of Volkswagen people carrier

• More compact than the earlier concept vehicle, it is powered by an electric motor and fitted with six seats and infotainment control via iPad. It is front-engined and front-wheel drive

• New Bulli measures 3.99 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 1.70 m in height. Wheelbase is 2.62 metres, slightly longer than that of a Golf (2.58 m). Bulli also has a wide track (1.50 m front and rear) in relation to its body width. Front and rear overhangs are very short.

• Kerb weight is 1,450 kg

• Energy is supplied by a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery concealed in the sandwiched floor behind the sills which powers the Bulli's electric motor

• This engine produces 85 kW of power and 260 Newton metres of torque (115 PS/192 lbs ft). Theoretical driving range is up to 300 km (186 miles) - a high value for an electric car

• The new Bulli can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds, and has a top speed (electronically limited) of 140 km/h (87 mph)

• Concept can also accommodate Volkswagen's efficient petrol and diesel direct injection engines

• Like the original Samba bus, the Bulli presented in Geneva has two-tone paint and a distinctive ‘V' on the bonnet; 18-inch alloy wheels are distinctive with stylised chrome hubcaps - another tribute to the Samba bus

• Bulli has six seats: three on a front bench seat (which can be folded) and three on the rear bench which can be folded flat to maximise loadspace

• When all six seating locations are occupied, a 370 litre loadspace is available; with seats folded, the cargo capacity of the 1.8 metre long interior increases to 1,600 litres

• A removable iPad in the centre console serves as a multifunctional touchscreen. Along with Internet-based applications and the media centre, it also handles phone and navigation functions

• There is no tachometer (unnecessary with an electric motor) nor a centre console, nor gear lever. The latter is replaced by a rotary switch to the right of the driver, which is used to select forward and reverse gears. A push button in the same switch is used to activate and switch off the motor. Another rotary switch to the left of the driver is used to control the lighting functions

• Original design of the Volkswagen bus comes from that of Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon. On 23 April 1947 Pon sketched a compact bus - a simple side view of a radically shortened public omnibus placed over the wheelbase of a Beetle with an ‘m' for ‘motor' written on it. This became the basis for the original Transporter or T1 which was launched in 1950.

Volkswagen has unveiled an all-new concept, the ‘Bulli', at the Geneva Motor Show. It is a development of the Microbus concept which made its debut ten years ago in 2001 and a new generation of Volkswagen people carrier - the first of which broke cover back in 1950 with the production of the first Transporter.

More compact than the 2001 concept vehicle, the new Bulli is powered by an electric motor and fitted with six seats and infotainment control via iPad. It is front-engined and front-wheel drive. On a wheelbase measuring 2.62 metres - slightly longer than that of a Golf (2.58 m) - the new Bulli measures 3.99 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 1.70 m in height. In relation to its width it has a wide track (1.50 m front and rear), and very short overhangs at the front and back. Its kerb weight is 1,450 kg.

This includes the weight of the energy source: a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is concealed in the sandwiched floor behind the sills and powers the Bulli's electric motor. This engine produces 85 kW (115 PS) of power and 260 Nm (192 lbs ft) of torque and the theoretical driving range is up to 300 km (186 miles) - a high value for an electric car. With this electric motor, the new Bulli can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 87 mph. The concept could also accommodate, as an alternative power source, one of Volkswagen's efficient petrol and diesel direct injection engines.

Like the original Samba bus, the Bulli presented in Geneva has two-tone paint and a distinctive ‘V' on the bonnet; its 18-inch alloy wheels with stylised chrome hubcaps are another tribute to the Samba bus.

Inside the Bulli has six seats: three on a front bench seat (which can be split and folded) and three on the rear bench which can be folded flat to maximise loadspace - or turn into a bed in the true spirit of the iconic campervan. When all six seating locations are occupied, a 370 litre loadspace is available; with seats folded, the cargo capacity of the 1.8 metre long interior increases to 1,600 litres.

A removable iPad in the centre console serves as a multifunctional touchscreen. Along with Internet-based applications and the media centre, it also handles phone and navigation functions. There is no tachometer (unnecessary with an electric motor) nor a centre console, nor gear lever. The latter is replaced by a rotary switch to the right of the driver, which is used to select forward and reverse gears. A push button in the same switch is used to activate and switch off the motor. Another rotary switch to the left of the driver is used to control the lighting functions.

Such hi-tech equipment is of course a far cry from the original Volkswagen bus, the design for which came from that of Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon. On 23 April 1947, Pon sketched a compact bus - a simple side view of a radically shortened public omnibus placed over the wheelbase of a Beetle with an ‘m' for ‘motor' written on it. This was to become the basis for the original Transporter or T1 which was launched in 1950 - and is still popular to this day.