Fast forward 30 years and this weekend, 3-4 June, GTI International is moving to a new home at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire. Affectionately known as ‘Inters’, GTI International comprises a dynamic line-up of activities and events that offer something for everyone – from families to confirmed Volkswagen enthusiasts. 

Tonight (Friday 2 June) a DJ will entertain the event’s camping visitors, and the live music continues on Saturday night. During the day the Show ‘n’ Shine area will be packed with some of the most pristine examples of Volkswagen cars on display anywhere. Judging will take place across a variety of categories that cater for numerous Volkswagen models, including the Polo, Scirocco and Beetle. 

Adjacent to the Show ‘n’ Shine area is the Drag Strip, which will feature quick cars and determined drivers. Called ‘The Sprint’, it allows drivers to test their car’s 0-60 mph time on the one-eighth mile stretch of tarmac, and any road-going or race car can take part. 

Rockingham Motor Speedway is Britain’s only oval circuit but it also includes a twisting interior section of track, known as the Rockingham National circuit. This will be open to everyone on Saturday and Sunday, and offers the chance for drivers to put their car through its paces on the track. This will be managed as a regular track day and drivers and passengers will need to attend one of the safety briefings that will run through the day. They must also wear a crash helmet, which can be hired. 

Some of Britain’s most skilled professional drivers will be displaying their talents at Rockingham. On Saturday Terry Grant will thrill the crowds with his unique display, while Paul Swift will follow him with his jaw-dropping endeavours on Sunday. 

Exhibitors have filled the dedicated Trade Area that can be found in the pit garages of the circuit, as well as the large paddock area at the venue. 

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The Arteon is a gran turismo, ideal for long distances. The new, optionaly available "adaptive cruise control ACC" with predictive speed control gives enhanced comfort over long distances. The further developments in "ACC can integrate speed limits for the first time.

So far, the assistance system was known purely as cruise control: adjust the desired speed, that's all. Within system limits, "adaptive cruise control ACC" can take over braking and acceleration. So far, so good. However, anyone who has ever driven a car with "ACC" will have wished that the system could "think" and also take into account bends and speed limits, thus adding even more comfort. The Arteon is the first Volkswagen to do just that: within system limits, it reacts to bends and speed limits and integrates them into the adaptive speed control.

Here's how it works: "ACC" uses a radar sensor (for the cruise control), a camera in the windscreen and the route data of the navigation system. The Arteon can "see" speed limits using the camera and the associated traffic sign recognition. These are adopted by the "ACC". The route data can even be predictively forwarded to the navigation system. This "speed assistant" represents a clear comfort gain especially on long-distance motorways with constantly changing speed information. A "bend assistant" is active at the same time: Using the route data of the navigation system, the car can recognise its position within system limits and adjust the speed on approaching bends, roundabouts and intersections. Local entry and exit signs can also be detected. The "Front Assist" surroundings monitoring system including "City Emergency Braking System" is always integrated in the "ACC". In combination with the automatically shifting DSG, the Arteon can also automatically start up again with "ACC" – for example, in stop & go traffic.

The "adaptive cruise control" is active in a range from 0 to 210 km/h (130 mph; with DSG); starting at 30 km/h (18 mph) ACC is able to keep the desired speed constantly. Thanks to the predictive speed control system, the system can increase comfort as outlined; at the same time, though, the new "ACC" generation can also contribute to the reduction of fuel consumption thanks to the predictive braking and acceleration functions.

In essence: The "adaptive cruise control ACC with predictive speed control" helps the driver within system limits, but it is the driver who retains overall control at all times for the car and the current situation. The semi-automatic system can be "overridden" at any time by switching it off, braking or accelerating.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

The red stripe in the radiator grille, the black double stripes across the side sills and behind, the black stripe on the tailgate immediately identified this Volkswagen as a GTI. Its 110 PS powered a kerb weight of just 810 kg and accelerated it to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. Top speed: 182 km/h. The colours for the market launch: "mars red" and "diamond silver". Later, white and black also became established as GTI colours.

The new up! GTI continues the creed of the lightweight and no-frills sports car with a compact format – from outside and inside similar in size to the original GTI. It is driven by a turbocharged engine (TSI) with powerful 230 Nm torque. The key data do indeed read like a Golf GTI MkI catapulted into the present day. Weight: 997 kg (significantly high-strength steels and more airbags). Vmax: 197 km/h. 0-100 km/h: 8.8 seconds. Colours: classic once again and typical of the GTI – the plain colours "tornado red" and "pure white" and the metallic colours "dark silver", "black pearl" and – as a new GTI colour – "costa azul" (blue).

The most powerful up! to date is immediately recognisable with its typical GTI insignia. At the front for instance the red stripe across the radiator grille with honeycomb pattern. Integrated above it is the GTI logo. Here the up! cites the archetypal GTI with features such as the double stripes across the wide side sill panels. The exterior mirror caps are in high-gloss black; the 17-inch alloy wheels have also been completely redesigned. They have a particularly dashing look in the wheel housings because the up! GTI features sports running gear, lowering the body by 15 mm. GTI features also characterise the rear: here, among other things, a red strip as well as a larger roof edge spoiler provides for greater downforce on the rear axle for optimised handling performance at higher speeds. The interior includes features as a leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, a GTI gear knob and the legendary "clark" seat pattern. The fact is: this GTI does not just look like one – it also drives like one. A new original.

¹)up! GTI: This vehicle has not yet gone on sale and therefore Directive 1999/94 does not apply.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk

Seats with air conditioning and a massage function offer luxurious comfort, relaxation and bonus points for physical health and safety.

Air conditioning: 
heating and cooling by means of the ventilated seat backs and cushions deliver a high feelgood factor and prevent cramped posture. There is no further need for movement-restricting winter clothes thanks to the heated seats. Consequently the seat belts fit better and offer better protection. This also means, for example, that the restraint systems work more effectively.

Massage function: 
the massage function takes the strain off the spine and contributes to physical fitness. Once activated by a pushbutton, it moves the lumbar support with a massaging action for ten minutes. The advantage of this mechanical system over pneumatic solutions lies in the more effective movement of the spine, which provides natural relaxation of the back muscles.

Article source: www.volkswagen.co.uk