ACT is active over an engine speed range between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm and torque outputs between 25 and approx. 100 Nm – a range that covers nearly 70 per cent of all driving states in the EU driving cycle! If the driver presses the accelerator pedal hard, both cylinders begin to work again without a noticeable transition. The high efficiency of the system has no negative effects on smooth running: even with two cylinders the excellently balanced the 1.4 TSI engine of the Polo BlueGT runs very quietly and with low vibration.

All mechanical switchover processes take place within one-half of a camshaft rotation; depending on engine speed this takes between just 13 and 36 milliseconds. Accompanying interventions in ignition and throttle valve processes smooth the transitions. What’s more, thanks to an accelerator pedal sensor and intelligent monitoring software, the system can also detect irregular driving profiles – such as during a drive through a roundabout or in sporty shifting on a highway. In such cases, cylinder shut-off is deactivated. The driver is aware of whether two or four cylinders are active by a related indicator in the multifunction display between the speedometer and tachometer.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The 2017 Volkswagen Enthusiast Fleet features specially-designed show vehicles customized for all different tastes and styles. One car that received the most attention was the Golf Alltrack Country Concept.

Inspired by the third-generation Golf Country special edition, the Golf Alltrack Country Concept features  a number of modifications to turn the Alltrack into the ultimate camping weekend getaway.

The stock Golf Alltrack is already equipped with 4Motion® all-wheel drive and has more ground clearance than the Golf SportWagen, but the Golf Alltrack Country Concept features a further 2-inch suspension lift and 15-inch wheels fitted with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. Additional fog lights are integrated into the lower cooling grill and a hitch-mounted Thule T2 Pro XT bike rack carries two Trek Stache 9.6 mountain bikes.

Off-pavement adventure continues with a roof-mounted tent system that can comfortably accommodate two adults. A curved LED light bar and solar-heated shower are also mounted atop the car. In the trunk, an integrated entertainment system complete with media computer is mounted into the spare wheel well, all powered by a solar panel affixed to the top of the tent box. A custom, 3-D printed LED light bar is integrated into the liftgate for additional visibility.

A custom topography graphic wrap finishes the Golf Alltrack Country Concept. With its well-crafted customizations, this vehicle is ready to keep up with the demands of even the most daring weekend adventurer.

Article source: www.vw.com

The concept I.D. kicks off a new generation of innovative concept electric vehicles. The I.D. is based entirely on a new architecture developed specifically and exclusively for all-elec­tric vehicles. Freed from the constraints of the combustion engine or the challenges that come with plug-in hybrid vehicles, in the future, the I.D. could operate on a different level. Powered by a 125 kW (170 PS) electric motor, the concept I.D. could make zero-tailpipe emission driving more widely available.

When Volkswagen unveiled the I.D. concept car at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, it also showed how it is looking beyond 2020 toward a future that includes automated driving. Those goals include futuristic ideas such as a steering wheel that can retract into the instrument panel at the push of a button. This could give the driver an entirely different sense of space. The feeling of space is already evident in the design, with a generous interior made possible by placing the motor on the rear axle and the high-voltage battery in the floor.

But perhaps the smartest features are the connectedness and intuitive usability that can engage with the driver’s own preferences. Future potential I.D. drivers would have their own Volkswagen ID so they could unlock and start their cars with a compatible smartphone, and store personal settings such as seat position, navigation settings, temperature control, and playlists.

Article source: www.vw.com

Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre houses the smart new Volkswagen store. With an annual footfall of 36 million people, and situated in the heart of the UK’s second largest city, the Bullring is an ideal location for Volkswagen to develop this exciting new retailing venture.

Partnering Volkswagen in the project is Johnsons Cars, which was formed in 1999 and has run Johnsons Volkswagen Retailers in the Birmingham area since 2004. The company will bring its experience in automotive retailing to the new Johnsons Volkswagen Bullring Birmingham store.

Consumer behaviour continues to change and that evolving landscape has inspired Volkswagen’s move into this new area of retail. Convenience is at the heart of the store concept, and it opens up the opportunity for customers to conduct everything from initial enquiries to the purchase of a new or pre-owned Volkswagen car while they are in the shopping centre.

A clear focus on meeting customers’ changing needs was central in the design and development of the store. Volkswagen and its retail design agency Dalziel & Pow wanted to create an experience that made the process of buying and owning a car as easy and straightforward as possible. The result is a refreshing design that creates another ‘landmark Retailer’ for the Volkswagen brand, alongside its flagship Volkswagen West London site.

Shoppers popping into the Bullring store will encounter a variety of displays that highlight Volkswagen’s advanced in-car technology. They will also be able to experience the cars first hand by sitting in the various Volkswagens that will be on display in the store. The vehicle selection will be refreshed frequently in order to keep the new store right up to date.

Test driving a new car is as important as ever and Volkswagen has ensured that this is easy to do at the Bullring Birmingham. The dedicated test drive area for the store is located just a brief walk away. Once there, the customer will be shown around the vehicle before setting off on their drive.

As well as ordering a new car, customers can opt to purchase a used car from Volkswagen’s ‘Das WeltAuto’ Approved Used car scheme at the store. The brand’s award-winning Blended Retail system provides the basis for the Das WeltAuto vehicles to be shown to customers.

Blended Retailing combines the digital and physical elements of car sales and allows a customer to begin the purchase decision either online at the award-winning www.volkswagen.co.uk or in store.

Motability sales, as well as Volkswagen’s comprehensive vehicle accessories and official merchandise, will also feature in the new Bullring store.

Alison Jones, Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “Setting up Johnsons Volkswagen Bullring Birmingham has been an exciting project and we can’t wait to open the doors to the public next month. The store allows us to try out new ways of bringing our cutting edge products and technologies to the public in their usual retail environment.”

Alison added: “The store is very much a long-term pilot that we will learn much from. It is all about presenting our cars and services to the public in a place that is really convenient for them, and it will sit alongside the wide network of Volkswagen Retailers across the UK that represent the heart of our business.”

Mike Berwick, Operations Director of Johnsons Cars, said: “This is a completely new retail format and way of going to the market, and so it is exciting for us to work with Volkswagen on this project. This store will complement our existing five Volkswagen retail locations and the combination will allow us to expand our customer service offers both in sales and aftersales.”

Mike added: “We have set a very competitive ‘no haggle’ pricing model. This will remove the stress experienced by some from the typical showroom visit and will allow us to speed up the enquiry and sales process, therefore delivering a better experience for shoppers.”

Michaela Moore, General Manager of Bullring Birmingham, said: “Volkswagen joining the centre is a real coup for us. We were excited by the new store concept and, with their additional offering of onsite test drives, we think it will be a real hit with our shoppers.”

Johnsons Volkswagen Bullring Birmingham will open its doors to the public on Friday 7 July. It will be open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk