VOLKSWAGEN TO DEBUT THE FUEL-EFFICENT BEETLE TDI® AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW
The Beetle coupe range is rounded out by the thrifty TDI Clean Diesel model
The most fuel-efficient 21st Century Beetle, with predicted fuel economy of 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway
Beetle TDI goes on sale this summer as a 2013 model
The first Beetle TDI Clean Diesel model since 2006
Available in three well-appointed trim levels
Choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch DSG® transmissions
Herndon, VA – The Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L and Turbo were launched to great acclaim from
both consumers and the media in 2011. At the Chicago Auto Show, VW will unveil the third
model in the Beetle lineup: the fuel-efficient TDI Clean Diesel model, which has manufacturer
fuel economy estimates of 39 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. The Beetle TDI, the
only Clean Diesel offering in the compact coupe category, will go on sale this summer as a
2013 model. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
Engine and Transmission
The biggest difference between the TDI and other Beetle models lies, obviously, under the
hood. The Beetle TDI uses the company’s 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection Clean Diesel
engine that makes 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen pioneered the
use of turbocharging and direct injection in diesel engines and continues to lead the industry
in this technology.
This isn’t the first Beetle to be sold in the U.S. market with a diesel engine. From 1998 until 2006, the New Beetle was fitted with a 1.9-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. Since then, this engine has been heavily revised to accommodate increasing demand for improvements in exhaust emissions and acoustics. One of the most fundamental improvements was converting the fuel-injection system to a common-rail design, as well as increasing the capacity by 72 cc thanks to a 1.5-mm wider bore.
The current engine features a cast-iron cylinder block and an aluminum-alloy cylinder head. It also utilizes some subtle design elements that contribute to longevity and the reduction of noise, vibration, and harshness. The forged steel crankshaft, for instance, uses just four counterweights, instead of eight, to reduce bearing load and noise emissions. The pistons incorporate annular channels into which oil is sprayed for cooling the piston-ring zone. A pair of counter-rotating balancer shafts is situated below the crankshaft in the oil pan.
Dual overhead camshafts are driven via a toothed belt that also powers the coolant pump and the high-pressure fuel-injection pump. The cams themselves are linked by means of spur gears that have an integrated backlash adjuster that helps to ensure quiet operation. Each cylinder has two intake and two exhaust valves.
The TDI engine’s intake manifold uses flap valves that are powered by a step motor that is in turn activated by the Engine Control Module (ECM). At idle and low engine speeds, the flap valves are closed in order to cause high swirl into the combustion chamber, which results in optimal mixture. During regular driving, the flap valves are adjusted continuously according to load and engine speed to ensure optimum air movement; above 3000 rpm, the valves open fully for maximum filling of the combustion chamber.
The engine’s turbocharger features adjustable guide vanes that maintain the best aspect ratio for low- and high-speed performance. In order to meet current tailpipe emissions standards in all 50 states, the engine makes use of both high- and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation over all engine speeds, as well as an exhaust system that has a particulate filter and no fewer than three catalytic convertors: for oxidation, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and hydrogen sulfide.
The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or VW’s innovative, dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic. DSG combines the comfort and ease-of-use of an automatic, with the responsiveness and economy of a manual. The six-speed, transversely-mounted DSG unit features two wet clutches with hydraulic pressure regulation. One clutch controls the ‘odd’ gears-first, third, fifth and reverse-while the other operates the even gears. Essentially it is two gearboxes in one.
With DSG, the set-up allows the next-higher gear to be engaged but remain on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the Beetle is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision.
Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second. In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a Tiptronic® function to permit manual gear selection.
Design
The latest Beetle is more dramatic, with a stronger masculine design than the New Beetle that was sold between 1998 and 2010. The car breaks free of the design geometry defined by three semi-circles-front fender, rear fender, and domed roof above it. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a development of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005.
The 2012 Beetle is 71.2 inches wide (3.3 inches wider), 58.5 inches tall (0.5 inches lower) and 168.4 inches long (7.3 inches longer). The new focal point is the C-pillar. The development team also increased the car’s track widths and wheelbase. The changed proportions give the Beetle a powerful and dynamic appearance. The TDI differs externally from the 2.5 and Turbo in having unique 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, TDI badging, and a chrome trim line that caps the top of the door’s sheetmetal.
Inside, the car is distinctively styled, with colors and shapes that harken back to the original Beetle’s interior. Three round gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge), providing key information at a glance. A multifunction display is integrated in the speedometer, which is housed in the central position in the binnacle. All TDIs gain a supplementary instrument pod that has oil temperature and turbo boost gauges and a stopwatch. Similar to the original Beetle, the car has an extra glovebox integrated into the dashboard-the kaeferfach or “Beetle bin”. The lid folds upward, while the standard glove box opens downward.
Even though the “cathedral ceiling” dome roof of the New Beetle has been replaced with a sleek and sporty roofline, front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful. The longer roof section results in 0.4 inches more rear-seat headroom. Front legroom is improved, too, by 1.9 inches, and front shoulder room grows by 2.5 inches. Overall, the interior volume has increased from 81 to 85 cubic feet.
The trunk is significantly larger, offering 15.4 cubic feet of space, compared with the New Beetle’s 12.0 cubic feet; with the seats folded, the capacity increases to 29.9 cubic feet. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid ease loading and unloading.
Suspension
Beetle TDI models are fitted with a strut-type front suspension with a lower control arm and a 22-mm-diameter anti-roll bar. At the back, there’s a torsion beam arrangement that has coil springs and telescopic dampers. Like the Beetle Turbo, the TDI uses rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.
All Beetle models have standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBD). The Beetle TDI has 11.3-inch-diameter vented front discs and 10.7-inch-diameter rear disc brakes.
Safety and Security
The starting point in the Beetle’s safety armory is a very rigid body structure that uses ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steels in the crash-load paths and seamless laser welds. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection® airbags in front and rear. The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collision.
The Beetle TDI is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program®. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5000-mile oil change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.
Model Lineup
There are three Beetle TDI Clean Diesel trim lines: TDI; TDI with Sunroof; and TDI with Sunroof, Sound, and Navigation. All three are very well equipped, with standard features such as power windows with one-touch up/down; cruise control; V-Tex Leatherette seating; the kaeferfach secondary glovebox; Bluetooth®; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio controls; three auxiliary gauges; Keyless entry with push-button start; and a Media Device Interface with iPod® cable.
TDI
The base TDI comes with standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, all the equipment listed above, and an interior and exterior chrome package. The standard RCD310 audio system has an AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth®, and eight speakers.
TDI with Sunroof
This version takes the TDI’s standard equipment and adds a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof that is fully 80 percent larger than the one fitted to the New Beetle. The insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy. The model’s Premium VIII audio system has a full-color touchscreen display, a six-disc CD changer, and an SD card reader.
TDI with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation
The topline TDI features the RNS 315 navigation system that has a five-inch touchscreen display. The Fender® Premium audio system that offers concert quality sound is also standard. This has an additional subwoofer, proprietary Panasonic® speaker technology that covers the cabin with directional sound, and 400 watts of output power.

World premiere in Potsdam: Volkswagen eT! – the reinvention of the delivery vehicle
eT! is electrically powered and drives semi-automatically on command
Driver can steer the eT! by ‘drive stick’ from passenger’s side as alternative
Wolfsburg / Potsdam, 18 November 2011 – For over 60 years now, commercial vehicles from Volkswagen have maintained a visual presence on the world’s streets. They are helpers in everyday life, which bring us people goods, services, postal deliveries and occasionally emergency assistance as well. Volkswagen Group Research, which is responsible for the world of tomorrow, together with the German Post Office (‘Deutsche Post AG’), which is one of the largest customers of lightweight commercial vehicles – as well as the University of Art at Braunschweig – formed a think tank on future transport and mobility issues. Finally, these research activities led to a completely new vehicle concept for the delivery and logistics field: eT!
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research: “We analyzed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term. In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semi-automatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today.”
The eT! research vehicle could someday actually revolutionise the world of lightweight commercial vehicles. Completely reconceptualised, driven with zero emissions, thought through to the last detail and driving semi-automatically if necessary! Just how wide-ranging the significance of this research project could be for sustainability in the transportation field is underscored by the support for the eT! project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. “The eT! research vehicle,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, “unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future importance, specifically for logistics businesses. In particular, the possibility of driving the car semi-automatically – and electrically – in downtown areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever. As a vision of the future, the eT! is showcasing what is the maximum feasible technology for electric vehicles in the commercial market today with a special design that systematically addresses future customer needs.”
“eT! is a pure electrically powered transporter that systematically transfers E-mobility to the area of commercial use,” says Dr. Rudolf Krebs, Group Manager for Electric Traction at Volkswagen AG. And continues: “As a transport specialist, the eT! is advancing to become the automotive building block for an innovative, future-oriented logistics concept, which not only drives with zero emissions in urban areas – thanks to its electric wheel hub motors – but also offers maximum freedom in manoeuvering and turning as well as optimal utilisation of the vehicle’s interior space. If ‘refuelled’ with electricity generated from renewable energy sources, the eT! can indeed be operated with zero emissions. Naturally, the eT! is not a vehicle which – unlike the Golf or up! with an electric motor – could become available very soon. But we must make plans today for what the world of lightweight commercial vehicles might look like starting in the second half of this decade, including with regard to electrical drives.”
To make the working world of mail delivery personnel and courier drivers simpler and safer, to optimise the logistics of delivery and to shorten delivery times, eT! can be operated semi-automatically in certain situations. The car can follow the delivery person from house to house (“Follow me”), or the car can return to the delivery person on command (“Come to me”) – driverless! As an alternative, the driver can direct the car’s movements via a ‘drive stick’ from the passenger’s side that also offers a standing seat and quick access to the vehicle. On the passenger’s side – the side that faces the sidewalk and therefore the working area of the delivery person – there is therefore an electrically opening sliding door that opens to 2 different stages; this enables extremely quick entry into the vehicle as well as quick access to the mail parcels. This makes unnecessary walking movements around the vehicle a thing of the past.
Variants of this lightweight transport vehicle could be implemented for all conceivable business uses. And these derived concepts are also the focus of research activities. Meanwhile, the eT! concept shown in a world premiere at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types. The research vehicle will now be integrated in a driving test study and further analysed.

ROLL UP, ROLL UP… ORDER BOOKS OPEN FOR NEW VOLKSWAGEN up!

New city specialist packs big car space and features into a compact body

• Three doors; four seats; three trim levels plus special edition from launch
• BlueMotion Technology version expected to return 67.2 mpg and 97 g/km*
• Open for ordering today with prices starting at £7,995 RRP OTR

The new Volkswagen up! is now available to order, ahead of the city specialist arriving in UK showrooms in spring 2012. While the up! might have the interior space and features of a larger car, its prices are in keeping with its small footprint, starting at £7,995 (RRP OTR), and rising to £11,180.

Shown in production form at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the up! is an entirely new vehicle that offers space for four, the latest technology and highly efficient engines. From launch, the up! will be available with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine options as well as a BlueMotion Technology version; it will have three doors and three trim levels – Take up!, Move up! and High up! – plus a special edition, the up! black and up! white. A five-door version is expected to join the line-up in the second half of 2012.

Take up! The range starts with the £7,995 1.0-litre 60 PS Take up!. Key items of specification include body-coloured bumpers, daytime running lights, front and side head/thorax airbags, the new RCD 215 CD radio with aux-in, rear ISOFIX points, and 14-inch steel wheels.

Move up! For £8,970, customers can upgrade to the Move up!. This brings a host of comfort-oriented features, including remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows, easy-entry seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, variable-height load floor and 60:40 split/fold rear seats. Outside, the Move up! gains body-coloured door mirrors and handles.

For just £360 more, the Move up! BlueMotion Technology adds a Stop/Start system that reduces urban fuel consumption by up to six per cent, battery regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres. These measures enhance combined fuel economy to an expected 67.2 mpg*, and reduce CO2 emissions from 105 g/km to a forecast 97 g/km* – making it exempt from road tax.

High up! The £10,390 75 PS High up! model is perfect for sophisticated urbanites, coming as it does with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake grip, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, the Maps & More personal infotainment device and a choice of dashboard colour. From the outside, the High up! is distinguished by its front fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.

up! black and up! white For the sybaritic, the special edition £11,180 up! black and up! white models are based on the High up!, but add even more style, from the deep black pearl or pure white metallic paint to the chrome door mirror caps and door side strips to the 16-inch alloy wheels with body-coloured centre sections. Inside there is a body-coloured dash, special ‘stripes’ upholstery and carpet mats.

Options will be kept simple, with a choice of eight packs available, as detailed below.

Sensor pack (£350): parking sensors, cruise control, multifunction computer
Driver’s assistance pack (£400): City Emergency Braking, ESP, passenger airbag deactivation switch
Comfort pack (£350): remote central locking, electric front windows, height adjustable driver’s seat
Winter pack (£350): front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors
Chrome pack (£250): chrome door mirror caps and side strips
Sports pack (£450): 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and tinted glass from the B-pillar backwards
Sound pack (£100): four additional speakers (two front, two rear)
Leather-look pack (£650): leather-look seats, leather-covered steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake, plus carpet mats
Details of finance, maintenance and insurance packages designed especially for the up! will be released nearer the car’s UK launch.

Order books for the up! open on 7 October, with the first customer deliveries expected in spring 2012. For more information please visit your Retailer or www.volkswagen.co.uk.

Volkswagen up! model line-up and pricing

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO2, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR
Take up!	1.0-litre 60 PS 5 spd manual	105	62.7	7,995
Move up!	1.0-litre 60 PS 5 spd manual	105	62.7	8,970
Move up!	1.0-litre BlueMotion Technology 60 PS 5 spd manual	97*	67.2*	9,330
High up!	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	10,390
up! black	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	11,180
up! white	1.0-litre 75 PS 5 spd manual	108	60.1	11,180

IAA 2011 – NILS

Electric vehicle for commuters: NILS travels like an arrow into the urban future

Lightweight 460 kg single-seater with electric drive was specially designed for commuters
NILS research project is supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport
Wolfsburg / Frankfurt, 13 September 2011
Volkswagen AG is presenting a car for the urban world of tomorrow at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA): NILS. The single-seat electric vehicle reflects a new, fascinating form of minimalist mobility. The concept car – with its progressive aluminium space frame, wing doors and free-standing wheels – exhibits a high level of dynamic performance, yet travels with zero emissions and silently towards the future. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development.
Technically realistic and economically feasible. “NILS is a vehicle that anticipates the future. It looks as though someone has projected it back from the year 2030 to the world of today. This study melds sustainability, design and lifestyle in a new way. A high-tech vehicle from the Volkswagen company with an electric drive, but very realistically conceptualised,” says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management and Head of Development for the Volkswagen Brand. Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research explains the project from the research perspective: “In the context of the growing influence of electric mobility, cutting edge vehicle concepts like these – which are based on intensive analyses of future and vehicle research and on strong networking ties to Marketing – will play an increasingly important role. That is because new, very target group specific requirements will be placed on cars with the advent of electric mobility. These new vehicle concepts – together with the electrification of existing models – will help to advance electric mobility to a breakthrough.” In this context, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg explains further: “The goal of the NILS project is to work out a technically concrete and economically feasible vehicle concept for micro-mobility, which restructures individual transportation to make it more efficient and environmentally compatible based on electric drive technology.” Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold adds: “Therefore, Group Research intensively analysed all facets of commuter transportation with the goal of making it sustainable for the future. The results of these analyses were made available to individual vehicle development departments. And so, all of the company’s brands – from A for Audi to V for Volkswagen – are benefiting from the think tank of Group Research.”

Networked know-how. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg comments: “The close cooperation with Group Research has meant that we at Volkswagen are really able to put cutting-edge vehicle projects in motion. We benefit from the networked know-how of the company here. This also includes the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam. There, under the leadership of Thomas Ingenlath, an entirely new interpretation of Volkswagen design was accomplished in NILS. Those viewing this concept car can look far into the future of our brand and of the automobile itself. NILS is anything but a dry-run exercise; it is very realistic. Despite its compact dimensions, the concept fulfils all safety requirements for contemporary vehicles, for example. Commuters would not only drive in an eco-friendly way, but would also be very safe in this car.”

With a range of 65 kilometres, the 130 km/h NILS would certainly be the ideal vehicle for the majority of commuters in Germany. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, 73.9 per cent of all commuters residing between Berlin and Munich cover less than 25 kilometres on their way to work. So, NILS is designed to be a reflection of a new era.

NILS defines new segment

Electric traction changes mobility. Automobiles have always been mirrors of the times with their design styles and technological standards reflecting the status quo of a particular era. Consider Volkswagen: at the turn of the century, the age of downsizing gained momentum in the powertrain area. At the same time, a new quality of styling took hold, which today is still marked by maximum clarity and precision. Currently, we are experiencing yet another developmental thrust: the long-term breakthrough of electric traction. Many Group models in the higher vehicle classes are already available with hybrid drives, where the electric motor supports the conventional drive system. This emissions-reducing drive technology is now breaking into high-volume segments.

Golf with E-drive debuts in 2013. The first high-volume models with a pure electric drive will soon reach production readiness; the Golf, the best-selling car in the world, will debut with an electric drive (Blue-e-Motion) in 2013. In addition, electric traction will lead to entirely new concepts; they will result in vehicles that fulfil specific needs profiles more than ever. One of these needs profiles is that of commuters who commute to their jobs in their millions every day in the world’s urban areas. For a long time now, public transportation has not always been the first choice of commuters for various reasons. In Germany, for example, about 60 per cent of all commuters travel by car according to the Federal Statistical Office; of these, over 90 per cent travel alone. Zero emissions vehicles like NILS will offer these frequent drivers a new eco-friendly mobility solution.

NILS leaves a small footprint in traffic

Narrower, lower, shorter, different. The concept is a very compact car that requires extremely little space in traffic. NILS is only 3.04 metres long, making it about 50 cm shorter than the new Volkswagen up! model. The width of the NILS, from wheel to wheel, is 1.39 metres; the body itself measures only 0.86 metres wide. The concept car is 1.2 metres tall. By means of comparison: a Porsche 911 is taller at 1.31 metres.

Design was created in Potsdam. More important than its dimensions is the layout of its body. NILS shares the same basic body layout as a Formula-1 race car: driver in the middle, engine in back, aluminium wheels outboard and free-standing. The 17-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 115/80 (front) and 125/80 (rear) tyres optimised for low rolling resistance. The clean, distinctive styling of the NILS car has its origins at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam. Designer Thomas Ingenlath, the centre’s director, comments on the research vehicle: “NILS was designed to make a visual statement and transport a vision of the automotive future to the present. The car had to visually highlight the theme of sustainability, while showing a future-oriented look and simply being fun. I think that we have successfully integrated both of these aspects. Although our mission here was to come up with an entirely new body concept for the brand, NILS matches the Volkswagen design DNA 1:1.” Consider the bumpers: it is no coincidence that they remind one of the bumpers on the new up! with their black borders around the impact surfaces. Thomas Ingenlath continues: “I am especially pleased that we managed to implement the concept of the 2 glass wing doors. This allowed us to create large transparent surfaces and simultaneously make entering and exiting the vehicle very comfortable, even in the most cramped of parking spaces.”

NILS is tailored to commuting distances

65 km and 130 km/h. Although, or even because, NILS is so compact and lightweight (460 kg), it is a lot of fun to drive. It is an agile car with a top speed of 130 km/h, and it can accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds. This is accomplished by an electric motor with a reasonably small 15 kW nominal power and short-term peak power of 25 kW. A lithium-ion battery supplies the electric motor with energy. The battery capacity (5.3 kWh) enables driving ranges of up to 65 km, depending on the style of driving. A battery of this size is relatively inexpensive, and its capacity is sufficient for this type of car. The research vehicle can be charged either via a conventional 230 Volt electrical outlet (maximum charging time 2 hours) or at an electric vehicle charging station. The plug port is located at the back underneath the rear lighting module.

Electric motor is a lightweight 19 kg. In setting up the electric drive system, engineers made use of the great wealth of experience Volkswagen has acquired in developing other concept cars such as the L1 and XL1 as well as future production vehicles like the Golf Blue-e-Motion or up! Blue-e-Motion. The centrepiece of the drive unit is the lightweight 19 kg electric motor together with its transmission and battery. Energy management is via a high-voltage pulse inverter, which – together with the 12 Volt DC/DC converter for the vehicle electrical system and the charger – forms an integral drive unit. It is the rear axle that is driven. All drive unit components are located compactly in an aluminium housing. The unit, including the drive shafts, is integrated at the rear of NILS.

Space for shopping. The motor, battery and all other components are so compact in their construction that there is still space for a small but practical bootspace above the drive unit. As on the Golf, for example, the bootlid is unlocked via the VW logo; in this case, the body-coloured area above the rear lighting module swings upwards. The space is laid out so that users can conveniently stow items from a classic shopping trip – a case of drinks and a bag, for example.

NILS is sporty and agile

Optimal weight distribution. With a vehicle like NILS, the customer target group would not only commute to work with zero emissions, but as described would also have a lot of fun doing it. That is because the lightweight NILS drives like a sports car with its pure mechanical steering and centrally positioned shell seat; from a standstill, the electric motor produces a maximum torque of 130 Nm, which is transferred to the rear axle via a one-speed transmission. For wheel control and suspension, there are double-wishbone suspensions front and rear; the ESP electronic stabilisation programme ensures that with all of its agile performance, NILS will still stay on course. The car’s very good weight distribution between the front and rear axles contributes towards the ESP having to do as little as possible.

NILS brakes and accelerates automatically upon request

Innovative City Emergency Braking. Another important electronic assistant in NILS is City Emergency Braking. The continually active system uses a laser sensor (in the front VW logo) to detect the risk of an imminent collision, and at that moment it automatically brakes the car. Depending on the car’s speed and the driving situation, City Emergency Braking can reduce the speed at impact and might even prevent an accident.

Automatic Distance Control. City Emergency Braking is a software extension of the automatic distance control system (ACC). Its full range of functionality is available in NILS. The ACC system also uses a laser sensor to measure the distance and relative speed to the vehicle ahead in traffic – parameters to which NILS automatically adjusts its speed. Beforehand, the driver preselects the desired following distance and vehicle speed, similar to a cruise control system. The automatic distance control system has intuitive controls with 3 new multifunction keys in the steering wheel. Two arrow keys are used to vary the vehicle speed (in open driving) and the distance to the vehicle in front. Another key between the 2 arrow keys is used to activate or deactivate the ACC system. The system itself can be used over the entire speed range of NILS; in addition, the system can even automatically brake the car to a stop, depending on the situation. Not only are the four disc brakes used to brake; electric traction by electric motor and battery regeneration can be used to brake as well, depending on the driving situation. Last but not least, Front Assist is integrated in the ACC system. This continually active system warns the driver of a potential collision; at speeds below 30 km/h, automatic braking can avoid a collision under some circumstances.

Digital instruments

TFT display as instrument cluster. The instrument cluster was tailored to the electric vehicle. The main feature here is a 7-inch TFT display. The vehicle’s speed is shown digitally in the middle. Energy flow is visually represented by bar elements. Another graphic display offers information on the driving range.

Clever touchscreen. The second central instrument is a mobile multifunctional system like the one used in a similar form in the new up!: the Portable Infotainment Device (PID). It is snapped onto the A-pillar to the right of the instrument cluster. Via touchscreen, the driver controls functions related to “Navigation”, “Radio”, “Media”, “Telephone”, “Trip computer” and – to preconfigure the driving range – “Eco”. At the start of the drive, the PID computes the expected driving range, then it not only displays the route on the map display, but also the radius and thereby the destinations that can be reached using the current battery charge.

Simple where it makes sense. To save on weight and costs, certain functional elements and controls are operated without electrical assistance. The side mirrors, for example, are adjusted manually, which is not really an inconvenience in an interior that is only 0.61 metre wide. There is no power assistance for steering either; however, this is no problem on a vehicle weighing less than 500 kg. Meanwhile, the heating and ventilation system has fully electronic control. The driver sets the temperature and blower setting via 2 controls in the form of electronic sliders; 2 additional sliders are used for the ventilation flap position (air flow direction) and seat heating. Located to the right of the steering column is the motor start-stop switch; this round, handy switch is also used to select the position of the single-speed transmission (D, N or R).

NILS relies on aluminium space frame body

Safe like a big car. The aluminium space frame body was designed to be a highly effective safety cell. The body-in-white – i.e. the basic structure without add-on parts or glass – is produced from extruded aluminium parts, cast aluminium and sheet aluminium. The roof frame, together with the wing door mounts, a sturdy roll bar behind the driver, the bootspace and the front bulkhead consist of high-strength sheet aluminium. Also extremely sturdy are the extruded aluminium parts; they are used in the area of the side sills, the transverse profiles and the crash-optimised longitudinal profiles (front and rear car sections). The housings for the drive unit and other elements consist of cast aluminium parts. All add-on body parts are made of plastic and aluminium. The front and rear side body parts are manufactured in aluminium. Parts made of high-strength plastic include the bumpers and the trim panels on the side sills.

Wing doors from 3 parts. The 2 wing doors are a work of art in their manufacture. Their frames consist of 3 main elements: an inner section, a crash reinforcement section and an exterior part. When they are closed, they offer optimal crash safety. The door windows are made of lightweight, scratch-resistant, layered polycarbonate. The front window is made of laminated safety glass.

See and be seen. Xenon and LED elements are used for the headlights, rear lights and indicators. In front, 2 bi-xenon modules handle the job of the dipped and main beam headlights. The indicator lights and daytime running lights are implemented as white and yellow LEDs. The daytime running lights are mounted on the front wheel trim panels, and these lights also serve as position lights for parking. In the acrylic glass of the rear lights – which are integrated in the rear section like small wings – the light generated by LEDs is routed via transparent semiconductors. Their electrical power consumption? Minimal. Which is just what you need with an electric vehicle.

The Beetle as sports car: World debut of the design study Beetle R Concept

Beetle R Concept has customised front and rear sections and 20-inch wheels
Sport seat system of Beetle R Concept is upholstered in luxurious Nappa leather
At Volkswagen, the letter “R” as an added identifier promises top-notch performance. Currently, this claim is being validated with turbo pressure by the Golf R (199 kW / 270 PS) and Scirocco R (195 kW / 265 PS). In a world debut at the IAA, Volkswagen is now showing a third variation of this sporty theme: the Beetle R Concept. It is based on the 21st Century Beetle. Like the Golf R and Scirocco R, the R version of the Beetle was also created at Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen R GmbH located near to Wolfsburg. The Beetle R Concept is still a design study. Those who are familiar with the Beetle 2.0 TSI (147 kW / 200 PS) know the dynamic potential of this new car. As an “R”, the Beetle could demonstrate a performance potential similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R.

Exterior with 20-inch wheels

Visually, the Beetle R Concept, painted in “Serious Grey”, offers a glimpse of what a production version might look like. Outside, the concept is equipped with 20-inch “Talladega” alloy wheels – the same design used on the Golf R and Scirocco R. However, 18- and 19-inch wheels are mounted on those cars. Easy to spot on the Beetle’s wheels, which feature 5 triple spokes, are the blue brake callipers in R design.

Newly sculpted bumpers are wider

Designers completely redesigned the front and rear bumpers that were widened by 30 mm. In front, the bumper module practically consists of 3 air intakes, which are styled in contrasting “Black High Gloss”. The middle air intake supplies the engine with oxygen, while the outer two contribute to cooling the brakes. The front spoiler, also painted in “Black High Gloss”, is designed as a flat splitter (with a chrome strip); splitters of this kind are typically used in motorsport. To maintain temperature regulation of the engine within an optimal range, even under extreme conditions, ventilation slots are found on the right and left sides of the engine bonnet.

The rear bumper also has air slots – air exhaust vents – that are integrated in the aerodynamic concept of the Beetle R Concept. There is also a diffuser that is integrated in the lower bumper area. Together with the rear spoiler – which is significantly larger than the production models with up to 200 PS in power – and its black trailing edge, ideal downforce values are attained at the rear axle. A visual and acoustic highlight is the exhaust system with its 2 sets of dual chrome tailpipes.

On each side, the bumpers transition into the free-standing wings; they were also widened: 15 mm per side. The side sills are styled in “Black High Gloss”; a high-end chrome trim strip is incorporated here. Also painted in “Black High Gloss” are the roof, the upper part of the bootlid connecting to it, the door mirror housings and door handles.

Interior with Nappa leather sport seat system

As is usual on R models, the interior also makes a customised and sporty impression. In the front, the driver and passenger sit in motorsport shell seats with what are referred to as Ergopads made of gray nubuck leather. The seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather. Embossed on the seats is the R logo. The seat seams and piping are in the colour “Space Blue”.

The contrast colour “Black High Gloss” that was already used on the exterior is used in the interior as well, such as for dashboard accents and decorative elements around the gear shift grip. Interior designers also styled the instruments to be R-specific. The central instrument cluster (tachometer in the middle, in the style of a sports car) and the auxiliary instruments laid out above the centre console are both modified here. The door sill plates are upgraded with the R logo. Meanwhile, brushed aluminium is used for all pedal caps. Matching the seats with their blue piping are the fabric floor mats with their blue-black double borders.

buggy up! – the up! for endless summer

Freedom. A buggy is more than just a car; it is an automotive lifestyle feeling. It was born in California in the 1960s and was based on the Beetle, which provided the engine and the chassis. The rest was created by buggy pioneers such as American Bruce Meyers: out of GRP, or glass-reinforced plastics. Buggies have had a cult following that continues to today. That is reason enough for Volkswagen to now present a 21st century buggy concept based on the new up!: the buggy up!. This buggy is not made of GRP, but instead of strong, high-tech, lightweight construction steels. Yet, the conceptual approach for developing the two-seater, as original as it is, still follows the lead of historic models from California.

Openness. The (reinforced) underbody, running gear and drive technology of the up! were kept, while the roof-less exterior skin of the body was completely redesigned, and the ride height was lowered by 20 mm. Nonetheless, the design of the buggy up! with its headlights, the position of the VW badge – and signature trait of the front bumper that appears to smile – all tie the car to the two-door up!. Yet, everything is different: the bonnet is built much flatter, the bumpers show an independent character, the roof is not just clipped off, rather it takes its idea from small convertible sports cars. The rear section was also completely redesigned. This is logical, because the buggy up! does not have a boot like the “normal” up!, nor does it have any C-pillars. However, it is immediately recognisable as an up! by its rear lights, which are like a reflection of the headlights. Practical: the bootlid is constructed of two pieces; the main part of the lid lifts upward like a classic bootlid, but the section above the bumper folds down, like the tailgate on a pick-up. And this makes it extremely easy to stow even heavy and bulky items. On top of the lid, there are also tie-down straps for a set of luggage.

Safe. The designers also made this up! a purebred buggy in its side profile. Of course, it has no doors, but in their place it has extensive body reinforcements and a sturdy roll bar behind the two seats. Especially cool: the open side sills. This makes the experience of open-air driving even more exciting than in a conventional convertible.

Snappy. At 3,584 mm, the buggy up! is somewhat longer than the production up! with a hard top (+44 mm), and its width of 1,672 mm is somewhat wider (+31 mm). As might be expected, the height of the buggy up! comes in significantly lower at 1,288 mm (-190 mm). The minimalistic overhangs, front and rear, show sharp styling. Filling the wheel housings are 18-inch alloy wheels – enormous for a vehicle of this size – which have 205/40 tyres.

Colourful. The area above the bumper and the open side sills are in the colour “hot orange”, which was specially created for this vehicle; those who think back to the buggies of the 1960s when they hear this colour name are right on track. The bumpers and side sills are designed in a matt and rugged “metallic grey” colour. The same colour schemes dominate in the interior.

Waterproof. As is proper for a beach vehicle, the new interior styling is completely waterproof. Drains in the vehicle floor and the open side sills prevent flooding. Even the neoprene coated shell seats have water drains, so that no water accumulates in the vehicle after a swim in the ocean. If it should rain for a longer period of time, it is possible to stretch a sail between the window frames and the roll bar.

Sound. The controls for the infotainment system also sport a waterproof design. Among its features, the system has an iPod/iPhone dock. The entire module can be removed – including the integrated active loudspeakers – so that it can be used as a sound system for parties on the beach.

Go-kart. Compared to the two-door up! the buggy up! has a lower seat position – in keeping with the lower vehicle height. The specially designed seats were lowered by 58 mm compared to the production model. To ensure that everything makes ergonomic sense for the driver, engineers reduced the basic angle of the height-adjustable steering wheel by 4 degrees to an angle of 21 degrees. The result is a go-kart feeling. A sturdy handle is installed on the dash panel for the front passenger – just as it once was in the Beetle – because one never knows what lies over the next dune. In essence, the buggy up! is pure emotion, but it is easy to drive and very safe. A car that would not only be good to drive in California. One thing should be made up!solutely clear at this point: the New Small Family is just beginning to grow …

Nice to know you can do more – the new ABT Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is the bestseller of its class in Germany. The brand new version of the versatile compact car continues this impressive story. At ABT Sportsline the car also sets benchmarks as underlined by CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt: “In our SUV range the Tiguan marks the starting point, it is a real lasting success story.” Even on its debut in 2007 the ABT Tiguan showed its sporty nature with a powerful and elegant design. “With the new Tiguan we are also focussing on decent but confident style elements”, says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The world’s largest tuner of vehicles from the Volkswagen group also attaches the upmost importance to the “S” in SUV, as each ABT Tiguan is a bit quicker than the series standard model.
In line with the motto “nice to know that you can do more”, the Bavarians present an engine range which has power in abundance. The specification book stated that the characteristics of the Tiguan had to be supported. In plain talk this means that the car should have maximum reliability, enjoyable driving characteristics on almost all surfaces and agility – and the engineers at ABT have done a good job: the successful 2.0 TDI version now offers strong 170 HP/125 kW (series standard: 140 HP/103 kW) or 195 HP/143 kW (series standard: 170 HP/125 kW). With the economical turbo petrol engine with 1.4 litre cubic capacity a dynamic 210 HP (154 kW) is available instead of the standard 160 HP (118 kW). The fact that the fuel consumption does not increase as a result is a matter of course at ABT Sportsline. The sportiest Tiguan is the one with the 2.0-TSI engine. The machinery is currently undergoing extensive testing but the technicians have already revealed that – depending on the series performance – either over 210 HP (154 kW) or as much as 250 HP (184 kW) will be reached.

It is of course clear that the SUV from Bavaria can manage a bit more. “We stand for a confident and classy appearance”, explains Hans-Jürgen Abt. The prominent front grill, the door strips, the rear wing set with the pronounced rear muffler and the rear wing give the vehicle optical traction and underline its harmonic design. ABT recommends the new DR alloys which suit the design of the Tiguan, as well as other light metal wheel creations such as the CR which also looks extremely good on the car. It goes without saying that all alloys are also available in combination with high-performance tyres.

The new Tiguan is part of the SUV family of ABT – and like the Touareg, the Q7 and the Q5, as well as the Q3 which is currently still in the starting blocks, the driver can look forward to the fact that his/her car can do a bit more.

The new ABT Tiguan – data and facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 ccm capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 195 HP/143 kW (standard: 170 HP/125 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 1.4 TSI, 1.390 ccm capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 160 HP/118 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: > 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 180 HP/132 kW)

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 ccm capacity

Performance tuning: ABT POWER

Performance: 250 HP/184 kW (standard: 210 HP/154 kW)

ABT AERODYNAMICS

ABT front grill

ABT door strip attachements

ABT rear skirt set with exhaust system

ABT rear wing

ABT SUSPENSION

ABT suspension springs

ABT WHEEL TECHNOLOGY

ABT designer light alloy wheels in 18 to 20 inch

Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tyres