Volkswagen Golf (2009)

The Volkswagen Golf is a phenomenon, regardless of its particular generation. Positioned in the compact class, this style icon defies all automotive and social class distinctions. No other car in this price segment has even come close to reaching as large a cross-section of people. The Volkswagen Golf is the only one that always fits right, and the new one is even better fitting.

It was perfected in every detail. It is also the quest for perfection that has elevated the styling of the Volkswagen Golf to a new level. The team headed up by the Group's chief designer, the Italian Walter de Silva, has succeeded in giving the Volkswagen Golf a presence, a sharpness, a power that generates even more fun. Fun to look at and fun to drive. An intelligent car. Data such as an average fuel consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers for a 110 PS TDI put fuel prices in their place. Upon request, the VW Golf can park itself nearly automatically in the city thanks to "Park Assist", it can maintain an ideal gap on the freeway by distance control (ACC), and at the push of a button it can transform itself from a cruiser to a sports car when the new "DCC Adaptive Chassis Control" system is on board.

Body

The design targets for Volkswagen Design could not have been set any higher: "Our challenge is to create the iconic cars of the future." This memorable sentence was spoken by Italian Walter de Silva as he assumed overall design leadership at Volkswagen AG in February 2007. It indicated just how conscious the team around de Silva was of its responsibility to take world successes like the Golf forward into the future.

DESIGN - REALIGNED AND SHARPENED

In 2008 came the Golf, one of the first cars to receive its final touches under the new leadership of de Silva. The team retooled one of the most popular automotive designs in the world for contemporary times. The powerfully and clearly designed Golf completes the circle begun by the especially influential Golf generations I (1974 to 1983) and IV (1997 to 2003). The unique character of the overall design and orientation of the headlamps, taillights and side profile are also a reflection of the realignment of the overall design of all Volkswagen models.

The VW Golf is part of a strategy that will sharpen the brand's design in all classes. That is because all of the most successful European car brand's design criteria were completely redefined under the orchestration of Walter de Silva.

In the process, Walter de Silva, Flavio Manzoni (Group director for creative design) and Klaus Bischoff, (design chief for the Volks­wagen brand), have not by any means jettisoned the powerful design details of days past. On the contrary: "We have assembled a selection of core elements, which can be described as 'historical DNA'. Successful new Volkswagen designs - such as the one now realized on the Volkswagen Golf - will take on this DNA to create both a familiar impression and yet new feeling in the eye of the beholder", says Walter de Silva.

Anyone looking at the new Golf quickly recognizes what this signifies. The sixth generation does not exhibit any radical break from previous models; instead it clearly remains "the Golf" from any perspective. An original. Unique. Stable, timeless and class-free, reliable and with universal appeal. "Volkswagen's formal design language as realized on the Golf", says Klaus Bischoff, "creates a new feeling in product design. It is easy to understand, yet very difficult to recreate." So far, the logic of this design has not been mimicked by any VW Golf class competitor, nor have they matched the car's continual advanced development or success over more than three decades.

The layout of Volkswagen Golf styling follows the Volkswagen DNA rearranged by de Silva, Manzoni and Bischoff. A key aspect here is an extremely high level of value; this image is reflected par excellence in the new Golf: "We have cast the Golf's core components in a precise, new mold", explains Walter de Silva. And he emphasizes this: "The Golf is the global icon of car making. So the architecture and styling of new model must also be absolutely clear and unique." Truly an icon of the future. At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: "It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses." And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen brand, adds: "Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value."

Especially in a direct comparison of generations V and VI, it becomes clear just how much the new Volkswagen Golf has changed. The team headed up by de Silva, Manzoni and Bischoff crystallized out the Golf's essential DNA and sent it on a trip into the future. Style details include the clarity of the front end of the first generation and the C-pillar perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests - similar to the new Scirocco - on a prominently contoured shoulder section. Responsible for this is a dominant curved line that - like a muscle trained down to the last fiber - extends from the headlights back to the taillights. This side profile line - which Volks­wagen Design calls the "character line" - also gives the Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a lateral perspective.

All body surfaces are more relaxed, more athletic. As mentioned, in front the new car adopts the horizontally aligned radiator grille of the first Golf generation; the grille itself is in high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is a section with another air scoop. Also presented over a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

The rear too is marked by a predominance of horizontal lines. The taillights - now very wide - are marked among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically, the crystal-clear line of turn signal and backup lamps bears a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the new Golf - in the interplay of all of its design characteristics - gives the appearance of a significantly wider, low-profile and higher end car.

Articles By : netcarshow

2009 , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270 Concept (2007)

The Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270 is a concept car. It makes it unmistakably clear how much potential lies in the Golf Variant, both in its design and basic technology. RaVe 270 stands for 270 PS, for a completely modified design in race car style, a very sporty interior and techno music from a powerful 1,400 Watt high-end sound system.

The basis for this unique system is the new RNS 510 radio-navigation system. A total of 13 loudspeakers are supplied via three powerful output amplifiers. A strong 880 Watt subwoofer and two other 250 Watt subwoofers in chrome are responsible for the distinctly "palpable" sound. The 880 Watt subwoofer - just like the output amplifiers - is located so that it is visible on the cargo floor. Also integrated in the rear were two 12-inch monitors, so that the music of the best bands could not only be heard but seen too.

The Golf Variant RaVe 270 was developed and built by Volkswagen Individual GmbH. The idea behind this car: to transfer GTI and R32 feeling to a Golf Variant for the first time. So the RaVe 270 was made faster by a performance-enhanced version of the Golf GTI engine and the 4Motion all-wheel drive of the Golf R32. Forces between the engine and all-wheel drive are distributed by the DSG dual clutch transmission.

After just 5.8 seconds, the Volkswagen Golf Variant RaVe 270 is already moving at 100 km/h. Not until 250 km/h is reached do the electronics stop further acceleration. Despite its awesome driving performance, average fuel consumption of the Golf Variant RaVe 270 is just 9.1 liters of Super gasoline (95 ROZ) per 100 kilometers.

Volkswagen developed a new design line for all add-on body parts. The bumpers, radiator grille, side skirts, taillights, headlamps, and even the mirrors - everything was modified. Take the front end, for example: the classic Golf radiator grille is used here. Directly below it is a completely modified bumper with three large air inlets, like those typically used in car racing. The xenon headlamps of the RaVe 270 got a new look by extending the engine hood and fenders and adding new special caps. Integrated here: daylight running lamps in LED technology. At the rear end, there are two twin-fluted tailpipes on the left and right. Between them is a diffuser that provides for additional traction. In its side profile, details like the 19 inch alloy wheels of the "Zaragoza" type give the concept car a distinctive character in combination with the sport chassis that was lowered by 20 millimeters.

Among other features, the upgraded interior is characterized by leather sport bucket seats with R-Logo and painted door handle recesses.

Articles By : netcarshow

2007 , Concept , Golf Variant RaVe 270 , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 Concept (2007)

Daring to create something unique, leaving conventions behind and awakening passion - these have been at the heart of the GTI concept since its inception. To date, more than 1.67 million car drivers have fallen under its charm. The VW Golf GTI has been an icon for a long time now. A brand in itself. A label of sportiness. To drive a GTI is to make a statement; across the globe. Since 1982, its greatest fans have been celebrating it every year at the Wörthersee in the Austrian state of Kärnten. Thousands come for this event. Five days of Mardi Gras in May. For this occasion, Volkswagen has put a Golf on wheels that is like no other: The VW Golf GTI W12-650 Concept. This sports car is a tribute to our GTI friends at the Wörthersee, car fans who made the GTI a legend. It is a concept that was designed just for them.

No Golf has ever been more powerful, or wider, or faster. The GTI W12-650 gives the appearance of having come directly from the racetrack. A Golf that could be the pace car for the 24 hour race at Le Mans. Its name is its mission: W12 cylinders, 650 PS (477 kW at 6,000 rpm). A showcar, no more, no less. At the same time it demonstrates the enormous potential that such a car can offer.

3.7 seconds, 325 km/h, 750 Newton-meter

Its 6.0-liter bi-turbo engine is longitudinally mounted directly behind the driver and front passenger. This transforms the GTI into a classic mid-engine sports car. A six-speed automatic transmission hammers the maximum torque of 750 Newton-meters (at 4,500 rpm) to the rear axle. It catapults the GTI to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. The bi-turbo propels drivers who keep their foot to the gas pedal well beyond the 300 km/h barrier. The speedometer needle does not pause until it reaches 325 km/h. The Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650 Concept outpaces nearly all other cars of this world.

1.88 meters wide, 235 tires in front, 295 in back

Under the broad 1.88 meter (production: 1.76 meter) width and low 1.42 meter (production: 1.50 Meter) height of its body, engineers and designers have brought together automotive technologies not seen in this combination on any other car. Each component is sourced internally. That in particular is a tribute to the unequaled breadth of technology at Volkswagen AG.

The chassis components of this showcar, for example, were adapted directly from a super sports car. Mounted on the front axle are 235 tires in 19-inch format, while in the rear there are 295 tires. Naturally, alloy wheels are also used: Due to the gigantic tire dimensions, the brightly machined "Detroit" GTI wheels are "dished" in the direction of the wheel hub and are custom built; the pitch circle with the wheel nuts lies much deeper than the rim circle.

70 millimeters lower, 160 millimeters wider

The axles were "pushed" 70 millimeters further into the body; the wheel well cutouts and gigantic wheel arches are part of the shoulder section, as in a coupe. Klaus Bischoff, Director of Volkswagen Design: "In the rear, the showcar is 80 millimeters wider on each side. However, the body of the GTI easily takes this in. We already have a strong shoulder section here on the production model. We were able to draw it outward even more distinctly, like on a sports car."

The chief designer continues: "Our goal was clearly defined - despite the somewhat dramatic engineering changes, it was very clear that the GTI was to remain a classic GTI. The design of the Golf is like a fingerprint. If it is erased, the entire character of the car is ruined. That could not be allowed to happen under any circumstances." That is also why as many components as possible, such as the headlamps, the doors - newly hung due to the wide side skirt - front hood and taillights were taken from the Golf.

C-pillars as part of air duct for engine cooling

"Our greatest challenge", says Klaus Bischoff, "was to provide the six-liter mid-engine with sufficient air, without watering down the GTI's side profile. In addition, provisions had to be made for sufficient downforce at the rear axle on such a fast type of car. But for aesthetic reasons we did not want to put an enormous rear spoiler on the car."

In both cases a trick helped. Klaus Bischoff: "The strongest Golf design elements are the C-pillars. But it is precisely here that we needed air ducts for engine cooling air. Therefore, the C-pillars were redesigned on short order to assume this function of routing air to the engine. In doing so, we simply made the rear windows turn inward. This created two ducts between the windows and the C pillars, on the left and right, through which air flows for engine cooling. We got the rest of the cooling air in front via the gigantic radiators and the ducts connected to them, as well as on the sides via air inlets on the side skirts." Expressed differently: At first glance all parts of the rear section look like a production GTI, but it was actually redesigned intensively.

Carbon-fiber roof is a diffuser

Innovative body construction has also prevented the lines of the Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650 Concept from being ruined by a roof-mounted wing. Klaus Bischoff: "This GTI carries its wing internally. The roof is part of an enormous diffuser that supplies sufficient downforce to the rear axle. It consists of a carbon-fiber material and directs the air over and under the rear spoiler to achieve road grip, like in car racing."

The bumpers of the showcar are powerful and at the same time coherently designed. In the rear, as in the front, the GTI W12-650 is characterized by enormous air inlets and outlets. Two dual chrome-plated tailpipes frame the air outlet in the rear. At the front of the car, the eye-catching straight-line grille between the headlamps, with its red frame, is reminiscent of the first GTI.

Interior with racing ambitions

Every modern-day GTI driver would feel at home right away in this interior. The leather Alcantara covers for the race car bucket seats are newly designed. Three round gauges in the middle of the instrument cluster are also reminiscent of the original GTI. Details taken from car racing, on the other hand, include the transparent "flip-up switch covers" for important functions such as ESP deactivation. To prevent accidental switch activations, the transparent covers are "flipped up" with the index finger before activating the switch underneath. Another reference to car racing is the integrated fire extinguisher in place of a glove box. For weight reasons, the door trim was completely "stripped"; only screens are used, which quite intentionally offer a view of the internal workings of the door mechanisms.

Articles By : netcarshow

2007 , Concept , Volkswagen , Volkswagen Golf