Volkswagen presents the first facts and pictures of the new T-Cross: The car comes to customers with its revamped design, enhanced standard equipment, new technology features and a newly designed high-quality interior. Pre-sales are scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2023. In just four years, the T-Cross has captured a top position among compact SUVs: around 1.2 million people have already chosen this versatile Volkswagen. With an average of 300,000 units produced every year, the T-Cross, which is also offered outside Europe under the names Tacqua and Taigun, is currently one of the most successful Volkswagen models worldwide.

Modern exterior design and fresh new colours. From the outside, the updated T-Cross is immediately recognisable by the new design of its front and rear with new integrated LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED taillight clusters. The IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are a completely new Volkswagen development and are offered for the first time on the T-Cross. Three new, fresh colours have been added to the model range: the solid colour Grape Yellow (a crisp, sporty yellow), Clear Blue Metallic (an elegant and friendly light blue) and Kings Red Metallic (a vivid, striking red).

New infotainment system generation and high-quality interior. The central element in the interior of the new T-Cross is the free-standing infotainment display. The standard touchscreen measures 20.3 cm (eight inches) across the diagonal; the top-of-the-range version has a 9.2-inch display with a diagonal of 23.4 cm. In addition, all versions of the four-door five-seater will now be fitted with digital instruments as standard. The dash panel in the T-Cross has also undergone a complete redesign: as in larger VW models, the dash panel features soft-upholstered and significantly higher-quality surface materials. The same applies to the front door trims of the Style and R-Line versions. A manual air conditioning system is on board as standard, and the Air Care Climatronic automatic air conditioner with back-lit touch sliders is available as an option.

Well thought-out and variable, transport of e-bikes is now possible. The T-Cross has always had one of the most spacious and versatile interiors of all compact SUVs. It impresses with its proven operating concept, well-arranged space for up to five people, a rear bench seat that can be moved by 140 mm and an extremely flexible luggage compartment. When all the seats are occupied, the T-Cross offers a luggage compartment capacity of between 385 and up to 455 litres when loaded up to the height of the rear bench seat. When the rear bench seat is folded down (60:40 split), this creates a flat load area with a stowage volume of up to 1,281 litres (loaded up to the height of the front seat backrests). The front passenger seat can additionally be folded down as standard from the Life specification package and up. The continuous load area from the rear to the front is then 2,398 mm long and can stow everything from surfboards to paragliders.

Volkswagen has also increased the drawbar load of the T-Cross by a considerable margin: from 55 to 75 kg. This additional 20 kg increases the maximum load that can act vertically on the removable towbar (optional). The new T-Cross therefore offers greater scope towing a heavy trailer. At the same time, the maximum permitted weight of bicycles that can be transported on a carrier mounted on the towbar is increased – something that is particularly important for transporting e-bikes.

Travel Assist offers significantly improved comfort. The new T-Cross is one of the only vehicles in its class in the world to be optionally equipped with Travel Assist for greater longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Depending on the traffic ahead and the permitted speed, the T-Cross can control the vehicle’s speed with automatic acceleration and braking. Within the system limits, Travel Assist can also include speed limits, bends, and roundabouts in its control interventions. At the same time, Lane Assist can help to keep the vehicle in its lane. The new T-Cross can automatically perform stop-and-go operations when fitted with the DSG.

LED headlights, LED taillights and "Digital Cockpit" as standard. The significantly upgraded basic version of the T-Cross will now include features such as the new LED headlights (instead of halogen), new LED taillight clusters, a multifunction camera, Dynamic Road Sign Display, the Digital Cockpit, and a new, free-standing infotainment display for all versions. The next step up is the Life version, which includes, for example, new 16-inch alloy wheels and a leather multifunction steering wheel. The top versions are the Style (for more elegance) and R-Line (with sporty accents) specification packages. The new T-Cross models are powered by the well-known, efficient TSI engines from Volkswagen.

Availability of the new T-Cross. Pre-sales and activation of the online configurator for compact SUV will start in the fourth quarter of 2023. The market launch for dealers will begin in the first quarter of 2024. Despite the extensive enhancements, the new T-Cross will still be offered at a very attractive base price.

The production of the bestseller in its current version is already sold out in many European markets for 2023 and will be available in Germany for a short time. New vehicles that Volkswagen customers configure and order after the final sales based on the current model will already be part of the new T-Cross generation when they are delivered in the first quarter of 2024. Volkswagen is therefore giving customers and media an early glimpse of this major T-Cross update.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

As part of final test drives, the Volkswagen brand is announcing the first details of its currently best-selling model: The third generation of the new Tiguan will be available with a newly developed active suspension control system and full-size features such as HD Matrix headlights. It is based on the new generation of the modular transverse matrix, MQB evo. With plug-in hybrid drive, the new Tiguan will achieve electric ranges of up to 100 kilometres in the future. The world premiere will take place in autumn, and the bestseller will be launched on the market in 2024.

The Tiguan has been the Volkswagen brand's best-selling model worldwide for years. Since its debut in autumn 2007, more than 7.4 million people around the world have chosen this SUV.Now Volkswagen is completely relaunching the successful model.

Volkswagen has further developed the modular transverse matrix for the new Tiguan. The new generation is called MQB evo. Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Technical Development: "State-of-the-art technology components interact perfectly in the MQB evo: a new generation of plug-in hybrid drives with electric ranges of up to 100 kilometres, probably the best active chassis control in its segment, premium interior quality and an equally new and intuitive infotainment system deliver what drivers expect from Volkswagen."

Some new features at a glance

IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights. The Tiguan will be one of the first vehicles in its class to be available with optional HD matrix headlights. The IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlight technology was developed jointly for the Tiguan and Touareg. Based on the top-down principle, the lighting technology of a premium-class model will now be used in the mid-sized Tiguan.

New display- and operating concept. The interior of the Tiguan has been revamped and designed.Volkswagen has taken specific customer requirements into account for intuitive operation. For example, the Tiguan comes onto the market with a newly developed cockpit and a new infotainment system. A screen with a diagonal of up to 38 centimetres (15 inches) clearly displays important functions such as navigation, music and climate control and can be customised with quick access. The center console also houses the Driving Experience Control. The rotary control with its own mini-screen can be used to control drive mode, radio volume or ambient lighting colours. High-quality materials, newly developed seats and effective noise insulation increase value and comfort. In particular, in conjunction with a new "acoustic package" (optional), the Tiguan is designed to provide premium-class noise comfort. The centre consoles also offer more space for storage.

In future, the Tiguan will be offered exclusively with an automated shift gearbox (DSG). Like on the Volkswagen ID. models, the gear position is now changed by means of a steering column switch on the right of the steering wheel with a self-explanatory operating principle. The switch is turned forwards to “D” to drive forwards and backwards to “R” to reverse, while the parking brake is activated by pressing the side of the switch. In addition, paddle shifters are available behind the steering wheel.

Electronically controlled suspension for more comfort and dynamics. The MQB evo provides the starting point for a new generation of the adaptive suspension control DCC: the optional DCC Pro with two-valve shock absorbers. The new model is now additionally equipped as standard with a vehicle dynamics manager – an MQB system that made its debut in the current Golf GTI. The system controls the functions of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers in the DCC Pro system. Thanks to the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which performs wheel-specific braking interventions and wheel-selective adjustments of the shock absorber hardness, the handling characteristics are more neutral, stable, agile and precise. This progress will be noticeable on board through increased comfort as well as significantly improved performance in dynamic cornering.

TDI, TSI, eTSI and eHybrid. Thanks to MQB evo, different drive types are possible for the Tiguan. It will be offered with turbodiesel engines (TDI), turbocharged petrol engines (TSI), mild hybrid turbocharged petrol engines (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid systems (eHybrid). The electric range of the new plug-in hybrid drives has been increased to up to 100 kilometres compared with the predecessors, depending on equipment. In addition, AC charging will be faster in all eHybrid versions, and DC charging will also be possible as standard for the first time.

Premium-class seats. The Tiguan will be optionally available with ergoActive front seats. Among other things, these seats come with pneumatic four-way lumbar support adjustment and a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage function in the backrests – features that are usually found in premium-class models. They are also equipped with seat heating and ventilation.

Larger luggage compartment in the Tiguan. The new Tiguan grows in length by around three centimetres. Height, width and wheelbase remain almost identical to the predecessor. The luggage compartment capacity of the new generation shows just how good the use of space is: although the SUV is only slightly longer, its luggage compartment capacity has increased by 33 litres to 648 litres (when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests).

Articles source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Volkswagen starts pre-sales for the new Touareg R eHybrid. The flagship model of the premium series launches on the market as a plug-in hybrid with the most powerful drive system of all standard Volkswagen models on the market. With an optimised suspension setup and enhanced high-tech systems, the Touareg R fulfils its role as an electric top-of-the-line SUV model of the Volkswagen brand. The performance model has also been fundamentally redesigned at the front and rear, with a more comfortable interior and an even more intuitive Innovision Cockpit. Prices start from €93,870.

Peter Jost is Head of Marketing & Sales at Volkswagen R, Volkswagens premium performance brand. He says: "The Touareg R eHybrid is our absolute top model. No other model offers as much performance, travel comfort, driving dynamics and customised equipment as this model. In addition, it impresses with its off-road capabilities and, with a trailer weight of 3.5 tonnes, it is the perfect towing vehicle for demanding tasks.”

Superior drive system, new suspension generation. The new Touareg R eHybrid features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbocharged engine and electric drive motor with a system output of 340 kW (462 PS) as well as torque of 700 Nm as standard. This makes it possible to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h. In addition, the new model has a roof load sensor that is networked with the suspension electronics. The further development of the suspension and control systems in the Touareg R eHybrid ensures even greater stability and precision in both dynamic and comfort-oriented driving situations.

Numerous innovations – standard and optional. The standard highlights of the premium model include the redesigned, even more intuitive Innovision Cockpit with a central touchscreen (display diagonal: 38 centimetres, or 15 inches) and the new IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights. Their more than 38,000 interactive LEDs project a light carpet exactly onto the driving lane and illuminate the road more precisely than ever before. A further optional high-tech feature is available for the Touareg R eHybrid: Park Assist Pro prepared for remotely controlled parking. It enables control of the process of driving in and out of parking spaces from a smartphone (via Volkswagen App) and can also be used in very tight parking spaces.

In addition, the new Touareg R eHybrid stands out with the following standard features:

• Differentiated design in Black Style for a sporty look (including R-specific front bumper inserts, black tailpipes and glossy black roof rails)
• Blue brake calipers with R logo
• VW logo in the rear illuminated in red
• R logo projection via exterior mirror housings as surround lighting
• Blue accents in the interior
• Leather seats in the Vienna design with Crystal Grey stitching (sustainable Puglia leather with blue stitching optional)
• 21-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels in combination with air suspension
• Sill panel mouldings with illuminated R logo
• Vehicle key with leather-covered cap and R logo
• Panoramic sliding sunroof
• 4-zone air conditioning system

The flagship model can alternatively be fitted with additional 21-inch and 22-inch alloy wheels on request. In addition to the traditional Lapiz Blue metallic R colour, the Touareg R eHybrid can now be ordered in the optional matt paintwork, Silicon Grey matt.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

The ID.7 is the first electric model from Volkswagen for the upper mid-sized class. With a range of up to 700 kilometres (WLTP), the Volkswagen limousine is an efficiency champion. In addition to a new drive generation, sophisticated aerodynamics contribute to the ID.7’s long ranges. The aerodynamically favourable basic form, low drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.23 and frontal area of 2.46 m² are the result of close cooperation between the Design and Development departments.

With limousines like the ID.7, the body shape accounts for about 50 per cent of the Cd value. The wheels and tyres influence about 30 per cent, the underfloor 10 per cent, and the functional openings through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end, for example, also 10 per cent. The fact that the new ID.7 is the most aerodynamic ID. model so far can be seen at first glance when looking at the silhouette of the vehicle, which is almost five metres long. Volkswagen designer Daniel Scharfschwerdt says: “When designing the ID.7, there was a greater focus on aerodynamics than for practically any other model. This can be seen in the low front end, the flowing transition into the bonnet, and the fast windscreen. The coupé-like roof form and the tapering rear end are also designed for ideal aerodynamic performance.”

Even in the early stages of product development, intensive work was carried out on the exterior design, as well as on the underbody, wheels and other fine details. The prerequisite for optimal results is close collaboration between developers and designers. Stephan Lansmann, project engineer responsible for ID.7 aerodynamics: “We strive for ideal solutions in an iterative process, which includes regular consultation between the Development and Design departments. There are many small steps here that pay off in the end. Numerous computer simulations for flow calculation are complemented by tests in a wind tunnel as part of this process.”

The aerodynamic strengths of the ID.7

The ID.7 has an almost completely closed underbody. This is supplemented by newly developed wheel spoilers on the front wheels. These guide the air along the wheels under the vehicle with minimum turbulence. Air curtains at the sides of the front bumper direct the air around the vehicles front end with minimum loss. The flared side sills prevent the air from flowing into the underbody area and shield the rear tyres from air flowing onto them. In addition, small spoilers and trim panels guide the flow of air on the underbody.

“On electric vehicles, the wheels make a greater contribution to good aerodynamics, and we therefore focused on them in particular,” says Lansmann. “When designing the wheel rims, the primary focus was on the aerodynamics, which we also had to match to the cooling requirements of the brakes,” explains the expert. “The resultant wheel rims are more closed and therefore have especially good aerodynamic properties.” Flow simulations were also used when designing the tyre contours. This meant it was already possible to optimise variants with less good aerodynamic characteristics during the concept phase.

Other areas were also taken into account in the holistic aerodynamic development process. These include the functional openings at the front, for example, through which air flows to the radiators in the vehicle front end. In the ID.7, the air flow is actively controlled by a radiator roller blind in order to reduce the drag. The electrically operated roller blind opens only when targeted cooling of the power units and battery is required. At the rear, aerodynamic efficiency is ensured by the ideally shaped tailgate and the design of the diffuser and side separation edges.

From computer to wind tunnel

The initial focus is on computer simulations. “Work only takes place virtually in the first year of development, with updates about every two weeks,” says Lansmann. The design team supplies CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. Several thousand processors then calculate the air flow values, also for numerous details like the flush-recessed door handles and the aerodynamically designed mirrors of the ID.7. “We go into the wind tunnel only when the design is stable. That can take a good one and a half years from the start of development,” says the development engineer.

The team used Volkswagen clay models in the original size of the ID.7 in the wind tunnel. The new findings are implemented on the model using a milling cutter with millimetre precision – for example, in the event of changes to the rear and to the separation edges. With the help of the prototype parts from the 3D printer, Stephan Lansmann’s team tested numerous variants – also for the aerodynamically shaped exterior mirrors, for example. On the ID.7, this process allowed them to optimise the upper and lower mirror housing sections and mirror base to achieve a lower drag coefficient with outstanding aerodynamic properties. The result of this detailed work is a Cd value of 0.23, the best drag coefficient of the entire Volkswagen ID. family.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com