2007 L.A. Show: VW To Debut Fuel-Cell Powered Space-Up! Concept

A source of ours tipped us off today that Volkswagen will introduce a third interpretation of the Up! Concept at the 2007 L.A. Show that opens up to the public on Friday, November 16. According to our insider, the concept will be based on the 5-door Space-Up! (click here) prototype that was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Show in mid-October. The main difference between the LA and Tokyo Show concepts concerns the powertrain as the Californian Space-Up! will use a high-tech hydrogen fuel-cell powered motor. We’ll have more on the new Space-Up! Concept later on. (Picture: Tokyo Show Space-Up!)

VW Tiguan SUV by ABT: 1.4-litre TSI With 200 Hp!

Making its debut at the European equivalent of the SEMA Show, the 2007 ESSEN Motorshow, which takes place in Germany from Dec. 1 to 9, the Volkswagen Tiguan by ABT, boasts a series of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. In terms of styling, the German tuner developed an aggressive bodykit that includes among other things, a front and rear spoiler, fender extensions, side skirts and a new grille combined with a new set of alloy rims (available in 18, 19 and 20 inch). -Continued after the jump

To match the looks, ABT is offering power upgrades on all available engines. This means, the power of the 1.4 TSI is increased from serial 150 hp to 200 hp while the 2.0-liter Turbodiesel offers 170 hp instead of 140 hp while the 170 hp 2.0 TDI engine, delivers 200 hp. To complement the engine upgrades, ABT equips the Tiguan with an adjustable sports suspension and a new brake system, measuring 345 x 30 mm.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: ABT

VW Produces 15 Millionth Passat In 34 Years

The 15 millionth Passat produced throughout the world rolled off VW’s assembly line at the Emden plant line today (Nov. 9, 2007). The first generation Passat was unveiled in 1973 and since then, VW has introduced six generations of the mid-size model, the latest in 2005. The anniversary vehicle is a Passat Variant BlueMotion 1.9 TDI in arctic blue silver metallic with 105 HP and it will be donated by Volkswagen to DKMS (German Bone Marrow Donor Center).

Volkswagen: Record Sales For Commercial Vehicles

German automaker Volkswagen has set a new sales record for commercial vehicles with 356,000 units in the first nine months of the year (January to September), an increase of 11.4 per cent compared to 319,650 vehicles sold in the same period in 2006. According to VW, this has increased total turnover by 12.1 percent to €6.6 billion or $9.7 million.

Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: ‘Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is on the fast track to a record year. The strong demand in the summer months delivered additional volume rather than purchases that have been brought forward. We stay optimistic for the rest of the year.’

Volkswagen MicroBus Hotwheels Style

I could have sworn that I used to have one of these as a toy back in my junior years. Looks great, doesn’t it? The Hotwheels themed Volkswagen Microbus turned up at the 60th anniversary of the Bus in Hannover, Germany in early October along with a selection of over 5,000 Transporter vans and campers ranging from the original ‘split-screen’ T1 to today’s fifth-generation models.

SEMA: 2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen

It’s all about diesel models for Volkswagen who not only announced the launch of the Jetta 2.0 TDI racing series (see here) but the German carmaker also showcased a slightly modified version of the 2009 Jetta SportWagen. Powered by a 2.0L Clean Diesel TDI, delivering 140 horsepower and 235 ft.-lbs. of torque, the SEMA Show station is finished in custom paint and graphics.

The SportWagen also sits on 19 inch Sportec Wheels and Yokohama tires wrapped around an upgraded Brembo brake kit while its underpinnings were upgraded by H&R Springs. Nice try, but despite the upgrades, we still can’t digest the duller than dull rear end. -Image gallery after the jump

VW To Bring Diesel-Powered Jetta TDI To North American Race Tracks

Volkswagen is attempting to showcase the power and performance of its new clean diesel technology by bringing diesel-powered Jettas to selected North American race tracks. Starting from May 2008, up to 30 Jetta TDI’s competing in the hands of young drivers will appear in eight major racing venues across North America. Powering the race-prepped Jetta is VW's new 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine rated at 170 Hp and nearly 300 ft.-lbs. of torque in racing trim. The diesel unit is matted to a six-speed automatic DSG transmission.

The race vehicles will be outfitted with electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and ABS racing brakes. -Details after the jump

VOLKSWAGEN TO FEATURE CLEAN DIESEL POWER IN JETTA TDI CUP RACING SERIES

LAS VEGAS – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it will bring TDI clean diesel technology to select North American race tracks starting in May 2008. The Jetta TDI Cup series will be sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing Inc., and will appear at up to eight major racing venues in North America during 2008.

“The Jetta TDI Cup racing series will celebrate Volkswagen’s diesel technology and heritage in motorsports as good, clean fun,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Not only will the young drivers gain real-life track experience in a factory-prepared race vehicle, it will allow them to develop their own mindset of today’s clean diesel technology, and foster increased awareness of its advantages in this new era of environmental sensitivity.”

The Jetta TDI Cup shifts gears from the previously announced GTI program, allowing Volkswagen to showcase the power and performance of its new clean diesel technology, available in the upcoming 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen. With up to 30 Jetta TDI’s competing in the hands of aspiring, young drivers, this unique motorsport offering will highlight a new, exciting platform of racing that does not currently exist – a full field of clean diesel powered vehicles.

“With the Jetta TDI Cup, Volkswagen has created an amazing platform to develop young drivers and expand their knowledge about clean and quiet diesel technology,” said Robert Wildberger, president and CEO, SCCA Pro Racing, Inc. “We look forward to the series in hopes that it will attract more attention to the drivers and advantages of diesel power.”

The Jetta TDI Cup racecars will be optimized for track performance and safety. To focus on the skill of the young drivers and to ensure performance parity, proper maintenance and safety standards, all vehicles will be owned and maintained by Volkswagen. The heart of the Jetta TDI Cup racing vehicle will be the all-new, high-tech 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine rated at 170 horsepower and nearly 300 ft.-lbs. of torque in racing trim. The Jetta TDI race vehicles will be outfitted with a six-speed automatic DSG® transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and four-wheel ABS racing brakes.

Signifying Volkswagen’s environmental commitment, the Jetta TDI Cup series will be certified as CarbonFree by Carbonfund.org. Additional program details will be available at www.vwmotorsportusa.com by mid-November 2007.

2008 VW Touran by ABT Sportsline

Volkswagen Group specialist ABT Sportsline, has released its latest tuning program for the facelifted Touran. ABT’s body package for the compact-sized MPV includes a front spoiler, different grille, a rear wing, twin exhaust pipes and various wheel-tire combos (16 to 19-inch). Inside the Touran can be upgraded with the addition of aluminum or leather gear shift knob, and aluminum sport pedals. -Continued after the jump

In relation to power upgrades, ABT concentrates exclusively on the diesel options with the 90 Hp & 105 Hp 1.9 TDI units delivering 115 & 130 Hp respectively and the 140 Hp & 170 Hp 2.0 TDI units, 170 and 190 Hp respectively.

VW Replaces 1.6 FSI With 1.4 TSI Unit On Golf, Passat & Eos Models

German carmaker Volkswagen has began replacing its 1.6-litre FSI petrol engine (115 Hp & 114 lbs-ft of torque) with the new 1.4-litre TSI unit (122 Hp & 155 lbs-ft of torque) across the Golf, Golf Plus, Golf Variant, Jetta, Eos and Passat and Passat Variant models. The 122 Hp engine is based on the 140 & 170 Hp 1.4-litre TSI units but instead of combining a supercharger and a turbocharger the new unit uses simply a turbocharger. -Continued after the jump

The 122 Hp 1.4 TSI unit (already available in Audi A3 and Seat Leon models), can be combined with a choice of six-speed manual or the all-new seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox. According to VW, the new engine not only produces more power and torque than the 1.6 FSI unit, but it also offers reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

In the UK, VW announced today that all 1.6 FSI powered models will be replaced with the 1.4 TSI unit that will carry a retail premium of around £150 ($307 or €215) over the current 1.6-litre FSI. In the Passat Saloon and Estate models the premium rises to £175 ($359 or €251) for, where the moderate price rise includes the addition of an autohold function for the parking brake which was previously a £50 option.

A full list of retail prices for the new TSI 122 PS models in UK follows:

New TSI model	CO2 emissions, g/km	New on the road RRP, £
Golf S 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 3dr	149	14,152
Golf S 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 5dr	149	14,652
Golf S 1.4-litre TSI 7 spd DSG 5dr*	139	15,982
Golf Match 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 5dr	149	15,287
Golf Match 1.4-litre TSI 7 spd DSG 5dr*	139	16,617
Golf Plus Luna 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 5dr	157	15,302
Golf Plus Luna 1.4-litre TSI 7 spd DSG 5dr*	149	16,607
Golf Plus SE 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual 5dr	157	16,147
Golf Plus SE 1.4-litre TSI 7 spd DSG 5dr*	149	17,452
Jetta S 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual	153	14,952
Jetta SE 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual	153	15,942
Eos 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual	159	19,847
Passat Saloon S 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual	157	15,672
Passat Estate S 1.4-litre TSI 6 spd manual	159	16,792

* available from early 2008

2007 Tokyo: Volkswagen Space-up! Concept

As anticipated, German carmaker Volkswagen presented the second iteration of the “up!” concept that was introduced at the Frankfurt Show in September (click here). The rear-engined “Space-up!” is basically a 4door version of the “up!” with an extended wheelbase (2.56 meter). Accordingly, at 3.68 meters the “Space-up!” is exactly 23 cm longer than its 2-door spouse while at 1.54 meter, the van also gains an extra four centimetres in height. Inside, the “Space-Up!” can seat four passengers with cargo space varying between 220 to 1,005 litres (depending on the positioning and use of the rear seats). As Volkswagen points out in its press release, the development of the production models of both the “up!” and “Space-up!” have already begun. -Press release and high-res image gallery after the jump

The space up! - Key Aspects

space up! – The biggest small Volkswagen since the Beetle

World premiere in Tokyo: space up! – The space wonder from Volkswagen

New Small Family: space up! – The second variant of a new world car

Wolfsburg, 24 October 2007

The “New Small Family” from Volkswagen is gaining speed on its journey to the future. Just six weeks after the world premiere of the up! – the two-door city specialist – Europe’s largest automobile producer is now introducing the second member of the “New Small Family” at the Tokyo Motor Show: The space up! concept car. “The world premiere of the up! at the IAA in Frankfurt served as an initial test to see how the concept of our New Small Family would be received in Europe. And the results of this test were more than favorable,” says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Head of Technical Development. Volkswagen’s chief engineer continues: “The second member of this new family now follows in the space up!. The small van shows that we are consistently exploiting every millimeter of space and creating an emotional design.”

Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen Group, underscores the assessment of the board member heading development: “In formal design terms, one can see that the space up! is fun and at the same time offers maximum space on the smallest of platforms. Our New Small Family brings a smile back to the road. An exceptionally amiable charisma unites the up! and the space up! now being presented in Tokyo. At the same time, it is apparent at first glance that despite all of the emotionality of this car we avoided superfluous gimmicks of any kind. This has created a very straight-lined and confident design.”

The space up! - Concept

The space up! is a small space wonder. On just 3.68 meters length and 1.63 meters width, it offers the space of a considerably larger vehicle. The clever space concept of the space up! is to a great extent attributable to its engine layout: The environmentally-friendly gasoline, diesel and electric powertrains of the future up! family are always located in the rear – just like on the Beetle and the Bulli (Microbus) of the past.

A brief comparison: The space up! is exactly 23 centimeters longer than the up! shown at the IAA in Frankfurt; accordingly, its wheelbase is also larger (2.56 meter). At 1.54 meter, the van exhibits a height gain of four cm.

In contrast to the two-door up!, the space up! has four doors. And in actuality there are even six. That is because the van concept car does not have a classic tailgate, but instead a two-part rear door. Hidden behind this door are 220 to 1,005 liters of cargo space, four seat positions that are multivariable in design, and an exceptionally innovative cockpit concept. Numerous functions are controlled via a touch-screen with 3D graphics and proximity sensors.

The space up! - Exterior design

Volkswagen is introducing the space up! as the second model variant of the “New Small Family”. The up! concept car presented at the IAA in Germany and the space up! now being shown in Japan are unified by a common design philosophy. The cars are characterized by a simple, clear language of forms. The designers consciously omitted any superfluous gimmicks. Like the up!, the space up! is characterized by a completely new harmony between technical layout, on the one hand, and emotional design on the other.

Front end: Distinguishing the front end of the “New Small Family” are the headlamps that take an inward diagonal line, between them the horizontally integrated air inlets (minimized aperture optimizes aerodynamics), the VW logo arranged on the front hood (as the only exterior detail kept in chrome) and the smooth-surfaced bumper with a lower segment. An important new aspect when it comes to the headlamp design of the space up!. Here they extend far into the fender, and this also affects the side profile.

Side profile: On its sides, the concept car – like the “Bulli” in earlier days – exhibits a long extended window section and a clearly distinctive, powerful C-pillar whose form is typical of Volkswagen. The A-pillar is positioned far forward. The space between the A and C pillars is spanned by the line of butterfly doors with opposing hinges. Both the front and rear doors are opened by door handles at the height of the B pillars. Since they open in opposition, in the style of the legendary Samba bus, and extend across nearly the entire space between the wheel housings – i.e. the entire sill length – all four seating positions are exceptionally convenient to access. A key concept here is wheel housings: Hidden under them are the self-confident and large 18-inch wheels with size 165/50 tires. Distinctive in this area are the short front and rear overhangs. The front overhang, from the axle hub to the outer skin of the bumper measures just 53 centimeters; in the rear it is 59 centimeters. The result: Crisp proportions.

Rear end: Also unmistakable are the design features of the rear end. Take the example of the rear door: It fills out practically the entire car area above the bumper. Similar to the smaller up!, the door – split 1/3 to 2/3 here – consists of a transparent material. Integrated beneath it are the taillights. Fully opened, the door offers a cargo width of 101 centimeters. The bumper itself was designed to match its counterpart at the front end.

Thanks to the wide track width of 1.42 meters the outer edges of the wheels are in line with the wheel housings. The effect is that the entire vehicle width of 1.63 meters seems to consist of axles plus tires and wheels. Meanwhile, the only details that boldly jump outside of the vehicle width are the round-shaped outside mirrors, like the ones on the up!

The space up! - Interior design

The space up! is a full-fledged four-seater. In the rear, a bench seat is implemented with two integrated child seats. To convert them from adult to child seats, the seating surfaces are simply folded over, and two shoulder supports are folded out on each side. Finished. But not only will children travel comfortably in a production version of the concept car. The reason: The cushions of the four seats – for driver, front and rear passengers – consist of an airflow foam that automatically adapts to individual anatomies. In addition, the seating position is pleasantly high, making it extremely comfortable.

With the exception of the driver’s seat, all seats can also be folded and removed. If the seats are “only” folded, this creates a level cargo area with a capacity of up to 1,005 liters. With four people on board, cargo capacity up to window level height is still 220 liters. Since the low-profile engine of the space up! is located in the rear, objects with a maximum length of 2.8 meters can be stowed in a pass-through to the front cargo space. Remember: The concept van is just 3.68 meters long and thereby 15 centimeters shorter than the Fox, which is the most compact Volkswagen today.

The space up! - Intuitive interface

Since the car’s cockpit was conceived as a module to be applied across all models of the “New Small Family”, the cockpit unit was copied from the up! concept car presented in Frankfurt, with slight modifications. It is a cockpit with a great future. In detail, the space up! has two central displays: In the cockpit, an 8-inch monitor displays information such as vehicle speed, fuel level and range as well as momentary CO2 emissions. In the middle of the instruments a 7-inch monitor shows how future human-machine interfaces might look and operate. Here all conceivable functions are controlled via a touchscreen that – using proximity sensors – reacts to gestures as well, i.e. specific hand movements.

Menuing was retooled and reorganized so that people without computer science educations would be able to operate the system. The developers intentionally separated “display” and “control” levels from one another. Always shown on the screen is a control bar with standard functions such as climate control or audio volume control. Developers packaged functions of other higher-order systems – navigation, telephone, radio, Internet, images, films, etc. – on a display level that has been referred to internally as the “main menu carousel” – a type of virtual carousel. It consists of the icons of different system functions (telephone, navigation, etc.). When the user touches the “main menu carousel” it can be rotated by touchscreen. Visually, this control is just as spectacular as it is intuitive. When the desired function appears on the main menu carousel – such as the telephone – the user just needs to move his or her hand to the display to switch to the telephone menu thanks to proximity sensor technology. It was true on the up! and it also applies to the space up!: The new type of user control is fun, easy to understand in any cultural environment and very safe. That is precisely what is typical of Volkswagen. Toward the end of this decade, the first Volkswagen customers might be able to enjoy this new generation of intuitive controls aboard the New Small Family. The development of production models has already begun…’

Breaking: EU Overrules "VW Law" – Porsche Set To Acquire VW!

The European Court of Justice ruled today (Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007) that Germany’s so-called “VW Law”, which shielded car maker Volkswagen AG from hostile foreign takeovers is illegal. The Court found that the Federal Republic of Germany failed to fulfil its obligations in respect of the free movement of capital in the European Union. The termination of the law allows Porsche, Volkswagen’s biggest shareholder the same voting rights as the German state of Lower Saxony, the company’s second-largest shareholder.

Porsche has made no secret of its desire to fully acquire control of the Volkswagen Group . Just the other week, Porsche’s CEO Wendelin Wiedeking revealed in an interview on the Sunday Times (click here) that his company is prepared to take control of the company, if the “Volkswagen law” was ruled illegal. Well, Mr. Wiedeking, here’s your chance. -EU Court press release after the jump

PRESS RELEASE No 74/07

23 October 2007

Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-112/05

Commission of the European Communities v Federal Republic of Germany

THE VOLKSWAGEN LAW RESTRICTS THE FREE MOVEMENT OF CAPITAL

By maintaining in force the provisions of the Volkswagen Law concerning the capping of voting rights at 20% and the fixing of the blocking minority at 20%, and the right of the Federal State and the Land of Lower Saxony each to appoint two representatives to the supervisory board, the Federal Republic of Germany has failed to fulfil its obligations

On 4 March 2005, the Commission brought an action against Germany on the ground that the Volkswagen Law¹ adversely affects the free movement of capital and the freedom of establishment.

In particular, the Commission criticises the following points:

• The right of the Federal State and the Land of Lower Saxony each to appoint two representatives to the undertaking’s supervisory board, on condition that they hold shares in the company;

• the limitation on the exercise of voting rights to 20% of the share capital in the case where the holding of a shareholder exceeds that percentage; and

• the increase to 80% of the shares represented for the majority required to pass resolutions of the general assembly of shareholders, which, under the Law on public limited companies, require only a majority of 75%.

In its judgment delivered today, the Court grants the Commission’s application in so far as it invokes a breach of the free movement of capital. As regards the breach of the freedom of establishment alleged by the Commission, the Court dismissed the action by reason of the Commission’s failure to make specific arguments on this point.

Restrictions on the free movement of capital

¹ Law of 21 July 1960 on the privatisation of equity in the Volkswagenwerk GmbH (BGBl. I, p. 585, and BGBl. III, p. 641-1-1), amended on 6 September 1965 (BGBl. I, p. 461) and 31 July 1970 (BGBl. I, p. 1149).

The Court holds that the Volkswagen Law, as an expression of the Federal State’s legislative power, constitutes a national measure. The disputed provisions of the Law are attributable to the Federal State since it alone can amend those provisions in its capacity as legislator.

The Court points out that the EC Treaty prohibits any restriction on movements of capital between Member States. A national measure which is liable to deter direct investments by limiting the possibility for shareholders to participate in the company with a view to establishing or maintaining lasting and direct economic links with it which would make possible effective participation in the management of that company or in its control constitutes such a restriction.

The Court finds that the provisions at issue are liable to have such a deterrent effect.

The capping of voting rights at 20% and the fixing of the blocking minority at 20%

The Court does not exclude the possibility that those two provisions, taken individually, may operate both to the benefit and to the detriment of any shareholder in the company. However, it points out that, when the Volkswagen Law was adopted, the Federal State and the Land of Lower Saxony were the main shareholders in the recently privatised company, in which they each held 20% of the capital, and that the Land of Lower Saxony still retains an interest in that amount. The Court holds that, taken together, the provisions in question enable the Federal State and the Land of Lower Saxony to exercise considerable influence over the affairs of Volkswagen on the basis of a lower level of investment than would be required under general law. This situation is liable to deter direct investors from other Member States.

The right to appoint two representatives to the supervisory board

The possibility for the Federal State and the Land of Lower Saxony, on condition that they are shareholders in the company, each to appoint two representatives to the supervisory board places those public shareholders in a privileged position as compared with that under general company law, under which they would together be entitled to appoint only a maximum of three representatives. Furthermore, on condition that they hold shares in the company, they enjoy the right of appointment irrespective of the level of their shareholding. It is thus possible for the Federal State and the Land of Lower Saxony to exercise influence which exceeds their levels of investment and thus to reduce the influence of the other shareholders to a level below that commensurate with those shareholders’ own levels of investment.

The restrictions on the free movement of capital are not justified

The Court points out that the free movement of capital may be limited by national measures that are justified by legitimate interests. However, the Federal Republic of Germany, beyond setting out general considerations concerning the need for protection against a large shareholder which might by itself dominate the company, has in the present case failed to explain why the provisions at issue are necessary to protect the interests relied on.

First of all, it has been unable to explain why, in order to meet the objective of protecting workers, it is appropriate and necessary for the Federal and State authorities to maintain a strengthened and irremovable position in the capital of Volkswagen.

Secondly, it has also failed to demonstrate why such a position has to be maintained in order to protect the general interests of minority shareholders.

Finally, the Federal Republic of Germany has not explained why the provisions of the Volkswagen Law are appropriate and necessary to preserve the jobs generated by Volkswagen’s activity.

The Court accordingly finds that the Federal Republic of Germany has failed to fulfil its obligations in respect of the free movement of capital.

VW MicroBus Limousine

This 60’s MicroBus limousine made a special appearance at the VW Bus Exhibition in Hanover earlier this month (October 5 to 9) to celebrate the Microbus’ 60th anniversary. We don’t know any specific details about the MicroBus stretched limo but it certainly goes down as one heck of a cool car in our books. Can you imagine what it would be like owning a vehicle like the MicroBus limo in 70’s; totally orgylicious to say the least… -More images after the jump

Video: Stupid Car Park Crash

Normal people usually lift their foot off the gas pedal and start applying some pressure on the brake pedal before they park. But not this driver (we’ve no idea if it’s a he or she) who continued going on until the building in front put a stop to the VW Golf’s course… -Video after the jump

Via: Bilfeber