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Nov 27 2003

Volkswagen at the 2003 Essen Motorshow

Posted by: kak in Volkswagen

Volkswagen presents an innovative spectrum of new models and technologies at the 2003 Essen Motorshow. For the first time at Essen, Europe’s most successful automobile manufacturer presents a further luxury class highlight: The Phaeton as chauffeur version. The wheelbase of the new model grew approximately 120 millimetres to three metres. The rear passengers benefit exclusively from the obvious increase in leg room. With the introduction of the long wheelbase version, the luxury class limousine is available in eight different engine, gearbox and body configurations and, is also now available in the USA.

The long-wheelbase Phaeton will be available in Germany with V8 (246 kW / 335 PS), V10 TDI (230 kW / 313 PS) and W12 (309 kW / 420 PS) engines. The extended rear doors and a newly designed radiator grille characterise the car’s exterior. In addition to the already comprehensive level of standard equipment, the long-wheelbase Phaeton comes with an even more extensive range of standard equipment. The Volkswagen Individual GmbH programme allows the almost limitless individualisation of all Phaeton cars.

Touareg

- Four powerful Touareg engines R5 TDI also available with six-speed automatic
- Power range from 174 PS to 313 PS

Generally, the luxury class off-road Touareg represents not only an optical, but also a technical vehicle concept that treads new ground conceptually in the upper echelons Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. Unlike other well-known vehicles in this segment, the Touareg combines the traits of a high-quality off-road vehicle with the distinct comfort of a luxury class limousine and the dynamics of a sports car in a new vehicle philosophy.

For the market launch in 2002, the Touareg, equipped with 4XMOTION-all wheel drive, was supplied with either a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine and or a five-litre V10 TDI. The V6 engine produces 162 kW / 220 PS and develops up to 305 Newton-metres of torque. One of the world’s most fascinating diesel engines, in the form of the V10 TDI, is available, the 230 kW / 313 PS Bi-Turbo engine develops an impressive 750 Newton-metres of torque at a mere 2000 rpm. The Touareg V10 TDI is equipped as standard with the CDC-Air Suspension with closed loop damper regulation; which is available as option for all other models.

In 2003, and as third choice of engine for the Touareg, Volkswagen introduced the equally cultivated and sporting 4.2-litre V8 producing 228 kW / 310 PS. Since spring the newly developed 2.5-litre TDI (R5 TDI) supplements the engine range for the Touareg; the five-cylinder produces 128 kW / 174 PS.

The 400 Newton-metre powerful five-cylinder TDI engine developed, within a short space of time, to become the most popular power unit in Germany. The optionally available six-speed automatic gearbox changes gear via DSP (Dynamic Shift Programme) depending on the individual driving style. The driver can change gear manually with the Tiptronic shift paddles.

Phaeton

- Luxury limousine available in two lengths New long wheelbase Phaeton available with V8, V10 TDI and W12
- Phaeton launched during November 2003 in USA

Volkswagen expanded the Phaeton model range in November with a particularly exclusive, extended chauffeur’s version. The wheelbase of the new model grew approximately 120 millimetres to three metres. The rear passengers benefit exclusively from the obvious increase in leg room. With the introduction of the long wheelbase version, the luxury class limousine is available in eight different engine, gearbox and body configurations.

The long-wheelbase Phaeton will be available in Germany with V8 (246 kW / 335 PS), V10 TDI (230 kW / 313 PS) and W12 (309 kW / 420 PS) engines. The extended rear doors and a newly designed radiator grille characterise the car’s exterior. In addition to the already comprehensive level of standard equipment, the long-wheelbase Phaeton comes with an even more extensive range of standard equipment. Example Phaeton V8: The leather interior trim “Vienna Modern Style” plus heated front seats, a rear control panel for the 4-zone air conditioning system and manual roll-up sun screens on both the rear screen and rear side windows complement the long wheelbase version.

In combination with the four seat version, a rear control panel for the front passenger seat completes the equipment range. The 8, 10 and 12-cylinder models are always equipped with features such as the refined wooden trim interior “Eucalyptus”, front and rear central arm rests, multi-function steering wheel, audio system including 8-channel amplifier and 6-way CD changer, cruise control, multi-function communication centre with 7-inch colour display, multi-function display with 5-inch colour display, automatic dimming rear view mirror, rain sensor, Xenon headlights and paintwork with either metallic or pearl finish.

The Phaeton V8 and V10 TDI versions are equipped with 12-way front seat adjustment; an 18-way system is fitted as standard in the Phaeton W12.

Additionally the limousine can be further enhanced with special equipment. For this purpose details such as the navigation system, factory fitted telephone, a TV module, the automatic distance regulation ADR, various steering wheel configurations, steering wheel heating, the lock and start system Keyless Access or the largest solar sliding/tilting sunroof in on the market are available.

Parallel to the debut of the new bodywork version in November, the exclusive limousine made its arrival in the USA. Between New York and San Francisco, the Phaeton, as exclusive long wheelbase version with the V8 and W12, went to the start.

All long wheelbase Phaeton versions have the same performance as their standard length counterparts. They each achieve the electronically regulated maximum speed of 250 km/h. The V8 and V10 TDI Phaeton versions accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds from a standing start; the Phaeton W12 reaches the 100 km/h mark after 6.1 seconds. Fitting particularly well with the characteristics of the long-haul limousine, designed with uncompromising comfort in mind, are the unrestrained torque values of all three engines (430 to 750 Newton-metres).

The 3.2 litre V6 forms the excellent basic engine for the Phaeton with standard wheelbase. It produces 177 kW / 241 PS, and a maximum torque of 315 Newton-metre, which is available at a mere 2,400 rpm. The Phaeton V6 reaches a maximum speed of 245 km/h. In standard equipment form, the power is transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. As option, a five-speed automatic (Tiptronic) is also available; the maximum speed with this configuration is 242 km/h.

The four-wheel air suspension including infinitely adjustable electronic dampers fitted as standard completes the picture of a car gliding effortlessly along the road. The Phaeton is also equipped as standard with 4MOTION all-wheel drive in combination with the V8, V10 TDI and W12 engines.

Volkswagen Individual GmbH: upon request your Phaeton is transformed into a unique vehicle

The Volkswagen Individual GmbH offers the possibility of transforming the Phaeton into a personally unique example. For example, “Rear Seat Entertainment System”: Concealed beneath this feature for the rear passengers is a multi-media system consisting of a 6-way DVD changer, two LCD monitors (6.5 inch) mounted in the front headrests and two pairs of headphones specially designed for in-car use. The DVD changer, an AV connection (for video and game consoles) and the TV aerial serve as moving picture sources.

Example rear refrigerator: The refrigerator, integrated in the rear bench seat, has a dedicated chiller compressor. The refrigerator’s volume is 17.5 litres. Example external paintwork: In addition to numerous metallic and pearl-effect finishes, heliochrome-paint is being used, which fascinates depending on the angle of view fascinates by creating a varying colour effect. Also offered in the range: Special piano lacquer for optimum brilliance and maximum scratch resistance. Example wood: Also in this case, the most exquisite materials of manufacturing quality are used. The different wooden trims are created from quality Californian plantation wood and are hand-crafted. They can be further refined by the addition of inlays. Example leather: The smooth Nappa leather “Sensitive” - with which, for example, the complete instrument cluster can be upholstered - is regarded as the highest quality leather used in the automobile industry.

Golf

- Fifth Generation advancing towards bestseller status High quality bodywork of new Golf bridges class divide

The Golf, Germany’s most successful automobile of all time with more than 22 million units produced, and now in its fifth generation, has been on sale since 17 October 2003. Design and technology available as two and four door Golf, presents itself even more refined and dynamic than ever before.

The plus in dynamic is also reflected without loss in the technical features of the Golf. The more surefooted suspension (including ESP) with a new multi-link rear axle and extensively optimised front strut, the new electro-mechanical steering, the efficient technology of direct injection (FSI and TDI engines), advanced five and six-speed manual gearboxes or the six-speed automatic gearbox (torque converter automatic and direct shift gearbox “DSG”) unrivalled in this market segment, tread the innovative path.

Four engines with between 75 PS and 140 PS available during start phase: four additional engines, including two FSI, coming soon. All meeting EU-4 standards

In detail: The new Golf is available during the start phase with two petrol engines (1.4 with 55 kW / 75 PS and 1.6 FSI with 85 kW / 115 PS) and two TDI engines (1.9 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS and 2.0 TDI with 103 kW / 140 PS). All engines comply with the Euro4 standard. Four additional engine specifications are to follow shortly: Two FSI-engines (1.4-litre FSI with 66 kW / 90 PS and 2.0-litre FSI with 110 kW / 150 PS), a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 75 kW / 102 PS and a diesel-direct injection (2.0-litre SDI with 55 kW / 75 PS). Furthermore, the top sporting motorisation will be available in the third phase.

Parallel to power unit and suspension development, innumerable additional technical innovations identify the new Golf. Counting among them, and used for the first time on a mass produced volume car, are the modular assembled doors, which are therefore economical to repair in the event of damage, the almost draught free functioning automatic air-conditioning system (Climatronic) with automatic re-circulation circuit when reversing and ventilation-pause after activation of the windscreen wiper-wash system, and, fitted for the first time to a vehicle in this class, 4-way adjustable lumbar support (integrated in electrical seat), and an optional collapsible reclining passenger seat back and the factory fitted parking heater.

In addition to design and space, the unique Golf features are completed by the component space to again create a convincing package. The body is wider (1,759 mm / + 24 mm), higher (1,483 mm / + 39 mm) and longer (4,204 mm / + 55 mm), and offers particularly in the rear (+ 55 mm legroom / + 24 mm rear head room and + 8 mm front headroom) and luggage compartment (350 litre / + 20 litre) much more room (+ 54 mm interior length). This perceptible plus bridges the divide to the next higher class. With regard to the safety and quality of the new Golf, these flaws have been completely eliminated. Example: With an increase of 80 percent in the static chassis stiffness, the Golf achieves an unrivalled level.

The best Golf of all time has all the necessary assets with which to continue the successful route forged by its predecessor: Even in the fourth quarter of 2003, according to current planning, 135,000 units of the new generation Golf should be produced. From 2004 - the first full sales year - sales of over 600,000 units of the most important German car are expected.

Golf GTI study

- Fifth Generation GTI launch in autumn 2004 Golf study embodies GTI philosophy in purest form
- FSI-turbo engine produces 147 kW / 200 PS

The Golf GTI is regarded the icon among all sporting compact cars. Not only that: The abbreviation GTI has become the symbol for an entire breed of car and the epitome of precise handling. At the 2003 Essen Motorshow, Volkswagen now presents - after the world premiere at the IAA - the next stage in the evolution of this icon of driving pleasure: A fifth generation Golf GTI-Study.

It embodies the pure GTI philosophy. Powered by a completely new FSI-Turbo engine with 147 kW / 200 PS, the two-door GTI revisits the roots, both conceptually and visually, of the legendary original vision of the Grand Tourisme Injection: The Golf GTI of the year 1976. The GTI-Study presented in Essen consciously draws influence from the first generation GTI. Therefore it must be red; it must have a black radiator grille, and with distinctive modifications it must stand out from the crowd of other models in the range. After all, the independent appearance characterised the first GTI.

Study combines traditional GTI features with the design of a new generation

The production based GTI-Study combines traditional GTI features with the front design of a future generation. In parallel to the Roadster study, concept R, presented in September, the GTI front end design is dominated by a striking V-motive. The bonnet features an arrow shaped bulge, whose lines flow into the front skirt area to form a frame for the shield-like highly polished, black radiator grille. In true GTI style, the lower area of the car features pitch-black body parts such as the side skirts and the front and rear valance end elements. The rear-end turns heads in true GTI fashion with its strikingly accentuated roof spoiler and the chrome plated twin pipe exhaust system.

A considerably tauter, but nevertheless comfortable sports suspension, in keeping with the high performance and GTI philosophy, is used. Newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels, sporting wide tyres provide impressive contact to the road and ensure that the upgraded brake system, with its red brake calipers, is suitably accommodated. The exhaust system with twin-end pipes is also new.

GTI feeling in the cockpit: The door tread plates, pedals and floor panels are produced from brushed aluminium. The aluminium framed rubber strips acts as anti-slip device. The new leather sports seat system (contoured single seats are also fitted in the rear) appear ergonomically perfect and inviting. Sitting in them confirms their looks. In particular the very high back rests and the natural integration of the adjustable headrests create an atmosphere of extraordinary sporting functionality.

Like the original GTI generation of 1976, the GTI-Study of 2003 is also characterised by the three-spoke steering wheel with aluminium inlays. The integrated moulded grips are covered with suede, similar to that used in motorsport. The instruments have also been redesigned. Their graphic layout conveys a picture of the highest technical precision. Each of the three round main instruments is framed in a machined aluminium ring.

The question inevitably follows, when can the first customer take the gearlever of the innovative direct shift gearbox (DSG) in his right hand? Let’s just say: GTI fans can look forward to autumn 2004.

Polo FUN

- Lifestyle-compact with the robustness of an Off-roader Robust: higher ground clearance, distinctive bumpers, silver roof rails
- Style conscious: new colours, new interior and standard equipment

With the Polo FUN presented in Essen, Volkswagen expands the range of the successful compact car (more than eight million units produced so far) with an extremely attractive lifestyle-model that sets new trends in this segment. An attractive, life-style oriented model that makes automobile life more colourful and simpler due to numerous practical details.

The new exterior colour “Limette” visually accentuates the progressive styling of the Polo FUN, although the entire lower body contour is finished in a contrasting dark matt colour. The striking bumpers, with integrated round front fog lamps and an aluminium cross beam in Touareg Sport style, have been completely redesigned.

The Polo FUN ground clearance raised by 20 millimetres; the silver roof rails serve as basis support for various sporting equipment

Thanks to the robust form of the bumpers, and the increased ground clearance (plus 20 millimetres) the Polo FUN looks like a small “Off-roader”. This impression is further emphasised by the quality 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with low-profile 215/40 ZR 17 tyres. Another striking detail: The silver roof rails, which, in combination with the colour-coded exterior mirror housings, and used as basic support for various sports equipment, rounds off the distinctive overall impression of the Polo FUN.

The interior also exudes joie de vivre. The progressive interior trim (in a choice of either Space Limette or Space Grey), the front sports seats, the perforated-leather covered 4-spoke steering wheel, the gear lever knob with engraved FUN logo, the combination instrument with chrome rings and the pedals in sporting aluminium look. Also included as standard equipment on board: The radio system “beta”, or as an option for the time an MP3 radio, the central locking with remote control, electric windows front and rear and the electric sliding/tilting sun roof.

The Polo FUN is available with seven different engine versions. Both the 1.2-litre three-cylinder versions with 40 kW / 55 PS and 47 kW / 64 PS serve as economical entry level units. Next in line are the 1.4-litre four-cylinder with 55 kW / 75 PS, 74 kW / 100 PS and a powerful 63 kW / 86 PS petrol direct-injection (FSI). It goes without saying, that the Polo FUN is also available with a choice of two diesel engines, the 1.4-litre three-cylinder TDI (55 kW / 75 PS) and the powerful 74 kW / 100 PS 1.9-litre TDI.

Drivetrain innovations

- New Direct Injection and the triumphant advance of DSG Touran with new 2.0 FSI (150 PS) and TDI with Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
- New Passat 2.0 TDI with particle filter (136 PS) and 6.1 litre/100 km/h consumption

Volkswagen continues to expand their range of engines and gearboxes. Europe’s most successful automobile manufacturer favours the direct injection, and that in both the diesel and petrol range. Backing this up is a long history of research and development: Volkswagen began a new chapter more than a decade ago with the introduction of the particularly efficient and dynamic diesel direct injection power units. Today, the SDI and TDI engines cover a range, considered inconceivable a few years ago, between 44 kW / 60 PS and 230 kW / 313 PS.

Of similar importance now are the petrol direct injection units, the FSI engines. Direct injection represents the future for efficient and economical petrol engines. FSI and TDI form an alliance in order to bring both engine worlds, the petrol and diesel, to the limits of technical feasibility, until new power systems, independent of fossil fuels, open a new era of mobility.

Touran as technological pioneer: new 2.0 FSI with 110 kW / 150 PS, 1.9 TDI now with Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)

The next step in the future of FSI engines has already arrived: Since late autumn, Volkswagen has fitted the new two-litre direct injection with 110 kW / 150 PS as new top-of-the-range engine for the successful compact Van Touran. The new 2.0 FSI will also be available for the Golf. In respect of this common denominator, the Touran assumes a pioneering role for the innovative module strategy. Furthermore, this engine forms the basis for the next stage of FSI evolution: The FSI turbo engine of the future Golf GTI with 147 kW / 200 PS. The four-valve direct injection will be offered, without charge, in the Touran with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A combination that guarantees sports performance (maximum speed 201 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds) with extremely favourable fuel consumption values averaging only 7.9-litres/100 km.

The direct shifting six-speed automatic gearbox “DSG” fitted for the first time in the Golf R32, is now available to partner the 1.9-litre TDI engine fitted to the Touran. It combines the agility and pleasure of a manual gearbox with the comfort of a conventional automatic, and all without the inferior fuel consumption: The maximum speed of the Touran 1.9 TDI DSG remains unchanged at 177 km/h; the average fuel consumption at circa 6.0 to 5.9 litres is almost identical to that of the model with manual shifting. The 2.0-litre TDI with DSG will be available during the first quarter of 2004. And not only in the Touran.

Passat 2.0 TDI with particle filter: 136 PS, 211 km/h maximum speed, 6.1litre/100 km average consumption

Simultaneously, Volkswagen combats exhaust emission control of the diesel power plants very efficiently. Innovative example: The Passat 100 kW / 136 PS, 2.0 TDI. This engine version is equipped as standard with a remote, additive supported particle filter. A new silicon bound filter material (Si-SiC) is used in the particle filter mounted to the vehicle underside. Therefore, in addition to the reduction of exhaust back pressure, greater flexibility for filter regeneration is also achieved. The use of an iron based additive reduces the ash-fouling while simultaneously increasing the safety of regeneration and therefore guaranteeing increased performance.

The new Passat 2.0 TDI is not only very clean but, with its 335 Newton-metres available at 1,900 rpm, actually produces more torque than the well-known 1.9 TDI with 96 kW / 130 PS. The maximum speed of the Passat 2.0 TDI Limousine is 211 km/h (Variant 205 km/h). The consumption of the model, equipped as standard with a six-speed gearbox is approximately 6.1 litre per 100 kilometres (Variant 6.3 litres).

[source: volkswagen-media-services.com]