Tópico Volkswagen - ID. Code Concept

[topspeed]

Não quero ser desmancha prazeres mas temo que o scirocco vai cair na banalidade do resto da gama, o que por sua vez irá fazer com que a procura dos sciroccos actuais aumente bastante.

Lá vão esses sacanas estragar-me o esquema

[JRodrigues]

XL1 Concept

[JRodrigues]

Vision becomes reality – Volkswagen's "Formula XL1": Volkswagen XL1 prototype consumes just 0.9 l/100 km!
XL1's world debut at the Qatar Motor Show (26 - 29 January)

Two-seat XL1 brings vision of the 1-litre car close to production maturity
Wolfsburg / Doha, 25 January 2011 - Future mobility is one of the most stimulating topics of our time. The key question here: Just how much could the energy consumption of cars be reduced if all the stops were pulled out for efficiency? There is now an answer to this question, and Volkswagen is delivering it in the form of the new XL1. Combined fuel consumption: 0.9 l/100 km. No other hybrid car powered by an electric motor / internal combustion engine combination is more fuel efficient. The prototype will be unveiled in a world debut at the Qatar Motor Show (26 - 29 January).

To the point
Conceptually, the XL1 represents the third evolutionary stage of Volkswagen's 1-litre car strategy. When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, who is today Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, formulated the visionary goal of bringing to the market a production car that was practical for everyday use with a fuel consumption of 1.0 litre per 100 km. In the new XL1, Volkswagen is demonstrating that this goal is now within reach.

The new Volkswagen XL1 attains a CO2 emissions value of 24 g/km, thanks to a combination of lightweight construction (monocoque and add-on parts made of carbon fibre), very low aerodynamic drag (Cd 0.186) and a plug-in hybrid system - consisting of a two cylinder TDI engine (35 kW / 48 PS), E-motor (20 kW / 27 PS), 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and lithium-ion battery. The results: with fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km, the new Volkswagen XL1 only emits 24 g/km CO2. Since it is designed as a plug-in hybrid, the XL1 prototype can also be driven for up to 35 kilometres in pure electric mode, i.e. with zero emissions at point of use. The battery can be charged from a conventional household electric outlet. Naturally, battery regeneration is also employed to recover energy while slowing down and store as much of it as possible in the battery for re-use. In this case, the electric motor acts as an electric generator.

Despite the very high levels of efficiency, developers were able to design a body layout that offers greater everyday practicality, incorporating side by side seating rather than the tandem arrangement seen in both the first 1-litre car presented in 2002 and the L1 presented in 2009. In the new XL1, wing doors make it easier to enter and exit the car. Further progress has been made by manufacturing body parts from carbon fibre reinforced polymer parts (CFRP), a technique used in Formula 1 car construction. Once again, Volkswagen has successfully achieved significant reductions in production costs– an important step forward to make viable a limited production run of the XL1. Background: together with suppliers, Volkswagen has developed and patented a new system for CFRP production in what is known as the aRTM process (advanced Resin Transfer Moulding).

Quantos anos faltarão até vermos um veículo destes na estrada??

[xeLa]

Volkswagen hits Qatar with a pair of special Touaregs

Race Touareg 3 Qatar:












Press release:

Key aspects: Volkswagen presents world exclusive Touareg in Qatar

• Race Touareg 3 Qatar: street legal version of the Dakar Rally race car
• Touareg Gold Edition: 24-carat gold makes this SUV one-of-a-kind

Wolfsburg / Doha, 26 January 2011 - At the first Qatar Motor Show (26 - 29 January), Volkswagen is presenting two exclusive SUV concept cars for the first time. The common denominator of these all-wheel drive vehicles: No compromises! Show car number 1 is a slightly tamer version of the Touareg 3 that started in the Dakar Rally at the beginning of January; this 228 kW / 310 PS Volkswagen could very well be the world's most talented street-legal SUV. Show car number 2 is the Touareg Gold Edition - many of its parts have been upgraded with 24-carat gold; this 265 kW Volkswagen (360 PS) is debuting as one of the highest quality SUVs ever. The cost of these concept cars? Priceless. Yet...

Race Touareg 3 Qatar

This is a genuine Rally motorsport vehicle, like the one that was still touring South America in the Dakar Rally two weeks ago and was built to withstand the toughest rally race in the world. The vehicle now being shown in Qatar is a version of the Race Touareg 3 – an SUV that can sprint to 100 km/h in less than six seconds – that is legally approved for use on public roadways. The just over two metre wide body was slightly modified for road use. Instead of 16-inch wheels, new 18-inch wheels from BBS with a gold look are being used. The "Race Touareg" signature – also in a golden colour - stretches the entire length of the vehicle's sides. In turn, it is perfectly coordinated with the exterior paint in "Magic Morning," a white that has a slight gold shimmer to it.

The interior was completely redesigned; all that remained unmodified was the safety cage. Without compromises also means an interior that offers easy controls and is ergonomic. The interior has an extremely well-organised appearance with focus on the driving machine, and it is equipped with Recaro racing bucket seats. Designers created an interior in so-called "Stealth look" that is reminiscent of the aircraft of the same name. In tribute to the Dakar Rally, the Dakar victories are etched in the anodised aluminium of the centre console, right next to the "Race Touareg" signature.

Other trim elements are treated in Matt Carbon. Tuned to this is the roll cage in "Serpentino Grey Metallic." Interior designers have upholstered the seat side supports and the door trim panels with Nubuk leather in "Black" and "Pure Grey," while the centre seat panels are made from perforated Nappa leather in "Titan Black." Additional accents include the two-tone seams and silver piping on the seat covers and safety-related items painted in "Tornado Red." The only other ingredient that is needed is some time to explore the world on a "360 degree route" in this uncompromising car.

Touareg Gold Edition

The Touareg Gold Edition would certainly be able to handle a journey around the world – but bear in mind, this car should only be parked where there is good surveillance. That is because – living up its name - certain areas of this SUV are upgraded with 24-carat gold. On the outside, they include the custom designed 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and parts of the air intake frame, "Touareg V8" signature and boot sill trim. Like the Race Touareg 3 Qatar, this SUV is also painted in "Magic Morning" body colour.

Inside, 24-carat gold also adorns many of the car's accents and switches, making the entire car unique. The interior design itself has a pleasant, bright appearance in the "Luna" trim colour. The Alcantara roofliner shows this colour as does the Nappa leather of the seats, which is decorated with ornamental stitch detailing.

On the other hand, the dashboard is trimmed in a natural brown leather; contrasting seams in "Magnolia" colour perfect the colour scheme. Natural brown with leather inserts in "Luna" adorn the floor mats. Automotive craftsmanship at its finest is reflected in the Walnut Burr accents with genuine gold marquetry – also crafted into an ornamental pattern. This is in keeping with the general image of the Touareg, which – in the "normal" production version – is one of the most sophisticated SUVs in the world.

Fonte: Autoblog

[xeLa]

Touareg Gold Edition:

[dysplay21]

Acho que precisa de um bocado mais de "dóirádo"

[oXavier]

Como se chama o Xeque que pediu tal coisa?

[crash]

o touareg gold edition é mesmo... hum ... uau...
22". Fará sucesso no Qatar e no parque automóvel por lá.
Um chinés encomenda um fiat 500 de 500 000€ e agora a VW apresenta este... "concept"... um mega-Suv doirado....
às vezes este mundinho até parece dois.

Eclipsa completamente o Race Touareg civil.
E contrasta violentamente, mas violentamente ao nivel dos round-kicks do Chuck Norris, com o super-eficiente e rasteirinho e tentativa heróica de mostrar possibilidades para um futuro melhor XL1.

Esquizofrenia anda em grande, e aparentemente, a cocaina ainda é a verdadeira senhora que toma todas as decisões.

[ssmnp]

Este Race Touareg 3 é uma versão para estrada do modelo vitorioso de competição com poucas alterações, vem com um turbo-diesel de 2,5 litros com 310 CV, aceleração dos 0 aos 100Km/h abaixo dos 6 segundos.

As jantes desta versão civil têm 18 polegadas ao contrário da versão de competição com 16, a carroçaria tem componentes em fibra de carbono.

No interior mantém-se a safety cage...

[xeLa]

2012 vw t5

Fonte: CarsSpyPhotos

[xeLa]

VW planning shock and awe in Geneva with seven concept debuts

Concept debuts will come from the Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW brands

Volkswagen is determined to overtake Toyota and General Motors in becoming the world's top-selling automaker by 2018. As a sign of design and financial strength the Volkswagen Group will premier up to seven concept vehicles at next month's Geneva Motor show.

VW Group design boss Walter de' Silva in a recent interview with Automotive News Europe said that the concept debuts will come from the Seat, Skoda and VW brands, “plus one – if not two – for Audi.” Additionally, two concept cars from the Italdesign Giugiaro design firm, which the VW Group acquired last spring, will also be unveiled.

Concept studies are quite fickle though. They come and go with every major motor show - some never to be heard from again. However, with an approved 2011 to 2015 budget of 51.6 billion euros (almost $71 billion) slated for vehicle development, Volksagen has the financial and production muscle to make all of these concepts become reality.

The Geneva Motor Show will be a decisive event for the world's No. 3.

Fonte: WorldCarFans

[xeLa]

Não sei se isto é para aqui, mas...

Que será isto?

Here is a new strange Skoda/VW mule spotted in Sweden. From the looks it’s a Skoda Octavia body with a VW Golf front but underneath is something completely new, the question is just what? As we can read on a sticker on the dash this mule has the new MQB platform (or IS3-MQB-A as the sticker says).

And we can also see that the rear fenders are wider than a standard Octavia. So, is it a mule for the new Skoda Octavia? Or can it be a mule for the upcoming Audi A3 sedan? We already know that Audi are running mules for the A3 hatchback under wider VW Golf bodies.

Fonte: CarsSpyPhotos

[oXavier]

Golf Sedan.

[MrCeedSW]

Golf Sedan.

Mas a versão sedan do Golf não é o Jetta??

Aquela traseira a Octavia!!!!

[crash]

não vale a pena discutir mulas...

Aparentemente está a servir para testes à nova plataforma MQB. Nada mais. Pode nem sequer dar em nada como modelo e apenas servir mesmo e só para testes

[xeLa]

Galeria de fotos

NEWS RELEASE

35 Years of Thunder: VW Golf GTI 1976 - 2011
The Special Model from GTI35.com with 260 hp / 191 kW, 360 Nm,
255 km/h Top Speed, 19-Inch OZ Wheels and Exclusive Equipment

Most legends have one big drawback: They normally are long dead. But one automotive legend turns 35 this year and is as alive and well as ever: the VW Golf GTI! To celebrate this anniversary GTI35.com has designed an exclusive titanium-colored special model based on the current sixth generation of the GTI. The German tuning experts from WUNSCHEL SPORT equip this car with a performance-tuned engine with 260 hp / 191 kW of power and a peak torque of 360 Nm. Custom-tailored 19-inch OZ Racing Quaranta wheels and a ride-height lowering calibrated to the high-performance tires further contribute to the improved driving dynamics. A thrilling GTI35.com outfit with a racing-look decor kit, lightweight aluminum key chain, GTI35.com parking sign and a GTI35.com T-shirt and dog-tag for the driver rounds out the special model. The two- or four-door edition car starts at EUR 32,800 (including 19% VAT in Germany). More information is available at GTI35.com - Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The first VW Golf GTI invented the class of sporty compact cars in 1976. Today, 35 years later, the sixth generation still sets the class standards. For the anniversary there now is an exclusive special model from GTI35.com, for which WUNSCHEL SPORT served as highly competent tuning partner.

Because power is not a sin, particularly in a GTI, the professionals from Röslau in Bavaria add another 50 horsepower to the power output of the four-cylinder turbo engine. A newly calibrated engine management system bumps power output of the direct-injection engine from standard 210 hp / 154 kW to 260 hp / 191 kW at 5,700 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque jumps from 280 Nm to 360 Nm, available on a plateau between 2,600 and 5,100 rpm.

Driving performance benefits accordingly: With a sprint time from 0 - 100 km/h of 6.4 seconds the GTI35.com speedster with six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission bests its production brethren by approximately half a second. Top speed increases to 255 km/h. This means the anniversary model is not just some 15 km/h faster than the production car; it also shames much more expensive sports cars and luxury sedans.

GTI35.com emphasizes not only speed but also more driving fun through even more agile handling. Formula 1 supplier OZ Racing contributes its brand-new Quaranta wheel in size 8.5Jx19. With this alloy wheel the Italian manufacturer celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2011. These wheels are mounted with size 235/35 ZR 19 high-performance tires and make perfect use of the available space in the wheel wells.

The OZ wheel is also the perfect visual fit for this car thanks to its especially innovative styling featuring an offset combination of five-spoke and cross-spoke designs. It is painted exactly the same titanium shade as the exterior of the GTI. The precisely matched color scheme is rounded out perfectly with titanium-colored body parts such as the inner sections of front and rear spoiler and the rocker panel trim, which are matte black on the production car.

A lower center of gravity, high-performance tires and a wider track all contribute to improved driving dynamics. The WUNSCHEL SPORT springs are calibrated to the production shocks and lower the ride height of the special model from GTI35.com by some 25 millimeters.

In addition to the king-size OZ wheels the GTI35.com is further distinguished by a décor with a true racing look that further increases the eye-catcher effect of this exclusive special model. The starting-number design featuring the number 35 on the hood, doors and liftgate commemorates three-and-a-half decades of the Golf GTI.

Other special-edition features are the GTI35.com lightweight aluminum key chain and the GTI35.com parking sign that reserves the parking space for this unique automobile at home. The owner of this car also receives a high-quality GTI35.com T-shirt and a GTI35.com dog-tag.

The special model from GTI35.com is sold as a complete car starting at EUR 32,800 (including 19% VAT in Germany). All tuning components and the GTI35.com accessories are also available separately. To find out where to purchase, please visit GTI35.com - Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

GTI35.COM - A PROJECT OF ROXXITY LIMITED, LLC.
108 WEST 13TH STREET
WILMINGTON, DE 19801
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
REGISTRATION NUMBER 4826551
PHONE: +1 / 302 / 476 2595
WEBSITE: GTI35.com - Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf GTI
E-MAIL: SALES@GTI35.COM

EUROPEAN CONTACT:
SUITE 444, 22 NOTTING HILL GATE
LONDON W11 3JE
UNITED KINGDOM
PHONE: +44 / 700 / 5 94 22 88
FAX: +44 / 700 / 5 94 75 40

Fonte: Autoblog

[oXavier]

vai continuar a ser fwd? então cá por exemplo, qual vai ser a razão para ter um, visto que o golf r está ali ao lado e é bem melhor e com mais potencial para loucuras?

[xeLa]

Apunta en tu agenda: 5 de mayo, anuncio importante de VW

Ese día la casa de Wolfsburgo comunicará en una rueda de prensa en el Rally de Cerdeña sus planes para el mundial de rallyes. Y es que esperábamos el anuncio oficial a finales del mes pasado, pero las cosas se torcieron por no contar con la aprobación escrita del comité de administración de la compañía, así que se tuvo que retrasar todo.

Con un poco de suerte, durante el anuncio se darán a conocer más detalles del proyecto, como por ejemplo los plazos y la implicación de Carlos Sainz como potencial director deportivo, el modelo utilizado para desarrollar la versión WRC. Esperando estamos.

Fonte: Autoblog en Español

[crash]

Surpresa em Shangai por parte da VW
scooter eléctrica

[xeLa]

Essa scooter é um tanto ou quanto esquisita...

[xeLa]

Polo R WRC com 1.6 TSI com cerca de 300 cv entra em competição em 2013









Mais fotos aqui...

Press release:

Wolfsburg (05 May 2011). "We have invited you to join us here in Olbia to announce Volkswagen's entry in the World Rally Championship starting in 2013." - These were the words used by Volkswagen Management Board Member Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg as he declared Volkswagen's entry into the most versatile of the four automobile world championships (World Rally Championship, WRC).
In front of 200 journalists he unveiled the concept of the Polo R WRC, the car with which Volkswagen will compete from 2013 onwards, together with Luca de Meo, Head of Marketing of Volkswagen AG, and Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. Luca de Meo: "Almost exactly two years ago, in May 2009, the most recent model of the Polo was presented here in Sardinia. Today we are proud to show you the hottest Polo of all time - the Polo R WRC." For Kris Nissen and his team the World Rally Championship entry marks a new commitment. "We look forward to this new challenge and are working on this project with the same passion with which we won the Dakar Rally in the past three years," said Kris Nissen.

After three consecutive victories at the Dakar Rally, Volkswagen has set itself new aims in top-calibre sport. With three car corporations currently involved in the championship and global media coverage, the WRC offers an attractive, highly competitive environment for Volkswagen. By 2013 the Wolfsburg-based brand will develop a near-300-hp rally vehicle with a 1.6-litre TSI engine and four-wheel drive based on the Polo.

Universal technological challenge, new rules

The World Rally Championship offers the most diverse technological challenge in worldwide car racing to the manufacturers involved. Various types of ground have to be considered during the concept design of a WRC vehicle such as all manner of gravel, scree, tarmac, ice, snow and mud. The calendar this season features 13 WRC rounds on four different continents. Hence a world rally car has to function in extremely different climatic conditions, from the blazing heat of South America to the icy ride in Scandinavia.

In addition, new technical rules have come into effect in the WRC this year. For the first time, engines with a maximum displacement of 1,600 cc, direct injection and turbochargers are prescribed.

"The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen's philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles," says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division. "Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us."

Proven squad, new aims: Volkswagen Motorsport's factory commitment

Volkswagen will prepare and enter the Polo R WRC as a factory commitment. In doing so, the Wolfsburg-based squad can build on structures which have been established over the past few years. The World Rally Championship is a new ambitious aim for the team that has won the "Dakar" in the past three years. "We can draw on an experienced and proven squad which has done an outstanding job in top-calibre sport in the past few years," says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "Even though the WRC is new territory for us and involves learning in many areas the team already meets some important prerequisites now as it brings an unwavering professional attitude and resolve to deliver absolute perfection to this commitment."

Volkswagen in the WRC: a success story

Volkswagen looks back on a small yet impressive rally tradition. Production-based vehicles from Wolfsburg celebrated rally racing successes in the middle end of the 1980s. The most important one: In 1986 the Swede Kenneth Eriksson and his German co-driver Peter Diekmann in the Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V claimed the world champion's title in the newly incepted Group A. In addition, Volkswagen vigorously promoted young rally talent through the Golf Rally Cup. The fielding of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC from 2013 onwards closes the loop: Today's WRC vehicles are still based on the philosophy of the Group A introduced back then, which enables rally sport to be conducted with vehicles based on production models.

Fonte: WorldCarFans

[MrCeedSW]

i like!!!

[rubenfjsantos]

Eu acho bem que eles entrem no WRC, mas para mim o carro que lá deviam por era o Scirocco R. Senão em vez do Polo qualquer dia está o Up!

[miguelsantos]

Eu acho bem que eles entrem no WRC, mas para mim o carro que lá deviam por era o Scirocco R. Senão em vez do Polo qualquer dia está o Up!

a citro tambem baixou para o c3

a ford para o fiesta

etc

as novas regras quase que assim o obrigam

[xeLa]

[xeLa]

Híbrido plug-in confirmado para 2013

Press release:

32nd International Vienna Motor Symposium: Volkswagen steps up its use of plug-in hybrid technology

Wolfsburg / Vienna, 06 May 2011 - At the Vienna Motor Symposium, the Chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, announced that the Volkswagen Group will be going into production with a range of important models with plug-in hybrid technology starting in 2013/14.

"The electric car will impact the future of individual mobility in crucial ways - and Volkswagen is spearheading this technology. Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential, because it combines the best of two worlds in one vehicle," said Winterkorn. The plug-in hybrid offers precisely what many customers expect: unlimited internal combustion engine performance combined with attractive electric mobility ranges in everyday driving. Moreover, Winterkorn noted that there are no limitations to the vehicle's speed, climbing or towing abilities. He also stated that plug-in technology has excellent potential for reducing CO2 emissions.

"Electric mobility is the task of the century for the automotive industry and the European industrial community as a whole. Manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians - everyone must step up to the plate here," said the Volkswagen chairman. Winterkorn spoke in support of more targeted research funding, especially in the field of electro-chemistry for battery technology.

At the Vienna Motor Symposium Volkswagen also showcased two new engines which will be available shortly: the 1.4 l TSI Motor E 85 and the new 2.0l TDI, which already fulfils stringent BIN5/ULEV emission laws in the USA. Volkswagen's advanced development of its twincharged 1.4 l TSI with 118 kW for use with E 85 ethanol fuel, illustrates how the company is extending its line-up of eco-friendly engines and further contributing towards reducing CO2 emissions in internal combustion engines. In the Passat saloon, the combination of the new TSI with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) in E 85 operation yields a fuel consumption value of 8.8 litres per 100 km in the NEDC driving cycle, which is equivalent to 144g CO2/km.

This represents a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an engine operated with Super petrol fuel. The engine is slated for use in the Passat and Passat CC, initially in Sweden and Finland, where E 85 fuel has been widely available for many years now.

Unlike the European automotive market, the share of passenger cars with diesel engines is still quite small in the USA. In recent years, just a few carmakers - notably Volkswagen and Audi - have been able to sell appreciable volumes of vehicles with diesel engines. By introducing the new 2.0 l TDI, the Volkswagen Group is reaffirming its conviction that diesel engines still have great potential in passenger cars in the USA.

The 2nd generation 2.0 l TDI, familiar from Europe, was modified and further engineered for the new Passat to be produced in Chattanooga exclusively for the North American market. To satisfy BIN5/ULEV emission regulations in the USA, it was necessary to reduce the engine's raw emissions and install an SCR (selective catalytic reduction) emissions control system.

The 2.0 l TDI produces 103 kW (140 PS) and has 320 Nm of torque. It accelerates the Passat from 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 113 mph. The car's diesel fuel economy is 35 mpg (miles per gallon), which is equivalent to about 6.7 litres per 100 km.

Fonte: WorldCarFans

[JRodrigues]

Entrevista com o chefe de design da VW

World Exclusive Interview with Klaus Bischoff

Hannah Macmurray | 13 May 2011
GCD caught up with Klaus Bischoff, Executive Director of Volkswagen Design, at the New York International Auto Show 2011. As a series of projects designed by his tight knit design team are coming to the foreground revealing a new emotional side to VW we wanted to get to know the man behind the change. Unlike most of his counterpart designers that migrate from one car company to the next in search of top pay and power, Bischoff is a rare man in that once he set eyes on Volkswagen he never turned back. As he tells us his story you can tell that VW was love at first site; he speaks with words such as honour, heart, and trust. VW had lost its fun factor and lost many die-hard customers but by reviving its icons, Bulli, Beetle, and new Golf, Bischoff has put VW design back on track. There is no-one so uniquely qualified as himself to bring VW into the future nor is there anyone so passionate about VW’s heritage to imbue their new creations with green. Meet Mr. Bischoff!



Green Car Design : How did you come to be a designer?

Bischoff : Oh, I was always drawing and drawing…for me it was my kind of language. I was always drawing boats, and all kinds of mobile stuff, cars of course. In school it was my favourite hobby, and my father was an architect so I had a surrounding that was always creative.

GCD : What kind of design did you study?

Bischoff : First I studied product design in a University close to Wolfsburg, in Braunschweig, and my goal was to become a car designer.

GCD : So you were clear!

Bischoff : It was a clear vision, this was something that came from inspiration that I saw about car designers. It was a dream of mine to become a car designer. I also had a close relationship to cars because my parents had VWs and my own first car was a Beetle, and I studied in the town near VW. My target was to make an internship there and for this I had to deliver nice results in a project where the prize was an internship through my school, Braunschweig University of Art. And I won! I got my foot in the door in the design studios of VW, from then on I did all my studies within VW design and when I graduated the design chief at the time said “oh well now we have to take you!”. A dream came true, I was inside this job, I was in VW, it was 1989. From then on I have been with the brand in all possible positions from interior design, to being responsible for a small studio to feasibility. Then in 2007 finally Dr. Wintekorn became the head of the group and the brand VW and Walter da Silva joined VW as head of design of the group and at that time I became head of design for the VW brand. As you can imagine that was a very special time for me because I worked very hard to achieve that goal and that dream. Now it is very nice, the cars that my team have done with me over the last few years are finally coming out.

GCD : Yes, we can tell something is changing, it seems like the tension in the lines are letting go, if looks like you are having fun again!

Bischoff : This year is the year of products that are much more emotional and sympatic, we started with the Bulli in Geneva and now the second hit is Shanghai, Berlin, New York with the Beetle and the next thing is the Up!, the new small segment car that will come later in the year in Frankfurt.



GCD : What will happen with the XL1?

Bischoff : That will be put into series production, a small series, but a series nonetheless. This will be in the next 2-3 years before it will be on sale. It is a very special product, involving a lot of hard tasks and technology. It was very special to do this kind of car with a target of 1 litre fuel efficiency per 100 km where design is not the top priority. We did our utmost to create a car that although design is not the priority we tried to design a car which is outstandingly beautiful and in the end we managed to do something, from an aesthetic point of view, very balanced and nice.



GCD : Tell us about the Beetle, it must be a cool project?

Bischoff : This is something really coming from the heart of the design team, from the heart of my wishes also. To keep that icon alive, you really have to do the right thing. It is very easy to fall into a trap to do something that is stupid. You have to carefully develop such a design. In the end with all the changes that we fought for, we designed the car in a way that was subtle and honest and true to the core of the original design from ‘38 but a lot more sporty and full of character; not many cars can say about themselves that they still have so much presence after 70 years of existence, its an honour for me, a real dream.

GCD : Do you think that green cars should be completely redesigned or should cars evolve as they are?

Bischoff : Its like two pairs of shoes, its our task to combine this. Although the new 2012 Beetle is much more greener and efficient than before, to go into electric drive trains or as extreme as the XL1 you have to change the architecture dramatically. The Bulli is an example of how you can connect an icon from the past with a task of the future, it is well combined because to make electric cars producible you have to stack batteries in a very compact dimension and also the same type, the best is that they are sitting very low and close to the ground. This makes batteries more affordable and cheaper, in the Bulli the architecture and the shape of the car fits with the technology and its doable. If we are talking about the XL1 its all about aerodynamics and a very compact engine, the occupants are sitting very close to each other, one slightly after the other (he makes an off-centre gesture) to get the shoulders across to optimise the footprint of the car in respect of the aerodynamic coefficient. The weight is completely different; it is still a combustion engine that can travel large distances.



GCD : As a designer do you have an ‘aha’ moment?

Bischoff : For this I have to talk about something different…one of the most important cars for the brand VW is the Golf. It is also an icon, but you are a bit more free and have to change in a more dynamic way with stronger cuts and harder measures but also without changing the identity. If you created an identity and the identity is successful better don’t change it, because people won’t recognise the product anymore. This is something that you have to learn and sometimes you learn it the hard way, and for me the point where I would say that I got it…that we put something on the road that was truly VW, was the Golf VI, you will see in the near future…the design team designed this car for the next generation. We are showing a much more emotional facet of the brand, with strong characteristics…you need something for the heart, and its an honour to deliver this.

GCD : What is your design obsession?

Bischoff : To be creative is like a flash, I like very much when you are coming together with the team, together with the designers, you discussing, you are drawing and you have different opinions and then out of this discussion comes something new. This creative moment, when you have an idea (he snaps his fingers), its common sense, and you are puyting something onto a model or on to paper that is new! That is the best moment you can achieve.

GCD : For those people who want to be good car designers what are your tips?

Bischoff : Draw, draw, draw, draw, draw…think, consider what you are doing taking respect for heritage. Try to understand what you are doing, don’t avoid conflicts with engineers, conflict is the potential to do something better. You have to be open-eyed and ready for compromises if you want to do car design. Be strong be creative, don’t copy!

GCD : Do you talk about green within your team?

Bischoff : If you design cars efficiency is a huge topic and has always been in VW. If you remember we already had a very fuel-efficient product the Lupo 3litres. We missed that one a little bit because we were not able to bring it to the right price point as a company, not from a design standpoint. We always talk around the weight of the car, air intakes, and aerodynamics, around all the possible parameters whilst designing a project like this. The interesting point for me is that people need to show off that they have purchased a product that is more expensive than others because its green. At the moment that is a given fact, if you take into consideration that batteries are extremely expensive then the car cost is higher, so our job then is to give the customer a car they can identify with and something that they can show off to their neighbours, to their friends, to the public that they did a good and responsible decision…so you have to make something very identifiable. We are currently working on something like this. People need a super sign for electro-mobility.

GCD : What do you think of personal mobility design?

Bischoff : I am curious to see how this develops. A few years ago there was a lot of this stuff from the Japananese designers and in the motor show and now it has disappeared. For the moment we are staying with the concept of having cars. Maybe sometimes we are only seating two, it seems to be the minimum. Cars that are only for one, I would rather take the bike or something like the Segway. This is something that we will see more often, electrified personal mobility like electric bikes…this is useful.

GCD : Where do you want to be in 5 years?

Bischoff : One thing is clear, I want to stick to the brand! A lot of projects are coming true, I will be honoured that VW will trust me with this job. My dream is to continue to shape this unique brand.

GCD : You are very rare…designers move around…

Bischoff : I am not interested in hopping around…you need time to understand the brand. It a lifetime journey, and a tough one!

http://www.greencardesign.com/site/i...klaus-bischoff

[xeLa]

[Zer07]

vai continuar a ser fwd? então cá por exemplo, qual vai ser a razão para ter um, visto que o golf r está ali ao lado e é bem melhor e com mais potencial para loucuras?

Há pessoas para quem o FWD não e tudo. Um R é bem mais caro.

[oXavier]

um gti com alguns extras fica-se pelos 45, o r já traz quase tudo, tem mais 60cv e 4wd, é melhor em tudo e custa 55