At the 89th Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen is presenting four world premieres, which highlight two areas: Electrification and performance.
ID. BUGGY represents a new implementation on the variable MEB platform developed specifically for electromobility. A modern, open, "clean" and high-tech car for the beach and for the city, the prototype is the modern expression of a design icon, the legendary Californian dune or beach buggy. The reincarnation of an automotive lifestyle with a high-voltage battery built into the floor.
Comfortable, in tune with the digital age and better connected than ever before, the eighth-generation Passat is the latest version of the world's most successful mid-size model. At the same time it is the illustration of technological progress, with world-first applications to showcase. One of these is Travel Assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving in almost all gear ranges in conjunction with an advanced steering wheel that senses the driver's hand contact! The plug-in hybrid Passat GTE now has greater all-electric range.
The T-Roc range, which has emerged since its launch in 2017 as one of the brand's best-sellers, has a new top-of-the-range model, the T-Roc R. This is the high-performance version of the compact SUV, which features a unique sporty look with a redesigned front and rear end. It is an excellent combination of performance, lifestyle and high everyday usability. The T-Roc R has been developed by Volkswagen R, has been tested on the legendary Nürburgring, among others, and is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0 TSI engine with 221 kW / 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
With 900 Nm, the Touareg V8 TDI has a torque level that is only matched by super sport models. With a power output of 310 kW / 421 PS it is positioned at the top of the German-built diesel SUV range, while offering high levels of comfort thanks to its standard air suspension. Its new, high-tech eight-cylinder engine meets Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards.
But, let's take a closer look at Volkswagen's 4 world premieres in Geneva.
Restoring a unique life attitude: ID. BUGGY
- Originally from California: ID. BUGGY brings the philosophy of the legendary dune or beach buggies into the age of electrification
- Genuine driving pleasure: with the ID. BUGGY prototype, Volkswagen shows a new side of electrification, geared towards leisure and fun
- A floating body: The body appears to float above the frame and 18-inch wheels
- Based on MEB: Safety chassis with zero-emission drive system and battery, built on the variable MEB platform specifically for electromobility
- Opportunity for independent manufacturers: ID. BUGGY can be built by start-up companies in a wide range of variants
The common elements between the dune or beach buggies of the past and the new ID. BUGGY compress a period of five decades into the time span of the wink: all the buggies of the 1960s express a high degree of variability. They were based on the chassis of the legendary Beetle and had a four-cylinder boxer engine in the back, while a number of small manufacturers created bodies made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GFRP) that covered the engine and chassis while making automotive history. ID. BUGGY follows this logic in combination with the technological possibilities of the modern era. The basis here is the modern MEB platform, on the floor of which a high-voltage, lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 62 kWh is integrated. It electrically powers a 150 kW / 204 PS electric motor at the rear, ensuring a range of 250 km (WLTP).
The character of the ID. BUGGY matches the electric motor, which delivers 310 Nm of torque from zero rpm. This means that this electric car always has enough power on its rear axle, even for off-road driving. With full acceleration, the prototype reaches 100 km/h after just 7.2 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h. As a complement to rear-wheel drive, an additional electric motor on the front axle can be engaged ensuring four-wheel drive.
The new Passat: The first Volkswagen with semi-autonomous drive at cruising speeds
- World premiere of Travel Assist: the Passat will be the first Volkswagen to feature semi-autonomous driving at cruising speeds
- IQ.LIGHT: following the latest generation of the Touareg, the Passat will also be available with IQ.LIGHT - LED matrix headlights
- MIB3 will be online: the new Modular Infotainment Matrix system with integrated SIM card will be presented for the first time in the Passat
- Zero emissions in the city: the electric range of the new Passat GTE has been increased to around 55 km based on WLTP specifications
Even more comfortable, even more digital and with even more integration possibilities: the highly advanced eighth generation of the Passat is officially presented in Geneva. The launch coincides with the production of the "30,000,000" Passat, making it the world's most successful mid-size model. Its technological upgrade will reinforce its position as one of the best models in the business class.
For the first time in the new Passat, Volkswagen is introducing a new system, Travel Assist, which is activated at the touch of a button on the multifunction steering wheel. The driver must constantly check the system for safety and legal reasons. In order to ensure this, Travel Assist, which is active from 0 to 210 km/h, checks whether the driver has his hands on the steering wheel. In the new Passat this is done in the easiest possible way, as the steering wheel recognises the driver's touch and acts as an interface with systems such as Travel Assist.
All it takes is a simple touch of the steering wheel. The active surface thus recognises that the driver is in control of the car (until now, the driver had to turn the steering wheel just a little). If the driver takes his hands off the steering wheel for more than 10 seconds he will be warned visually, audibly and by activating the brakes. If he or she does not react to these warnings, Emergency Assist will automatically and gradually slow the Passat down, eventually bringing it to a standstill.
Volkswagen T-Roc R: The new top of the range compact SUV
- World premiere of the prototype, which is very close to the production model
- High-performance version with 221 kW / 300 PS and 400 Nm
- 4Motion all-wheel drive and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard
- Sporty "R" look with new front and rear design
- Extended standard equipment: progressive variable ratio steering, sport suspension with driver and race modes, launch control and traction control that can be deactivated
- T-Roc R combines performance and lifestyle
Developed by Volkswagen R, the T-Roc R is capable of impressive performance. The 2,000 cc four-cylinder TSI engine has a power output of 221 kW / 300 PS as well as 400 Nm of torque. 4Motion all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard, and this combination guarantees excellent acceleration without loss of traction. The Volkswagen T-Roc R can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The lowered sports suspension ensures excellent handling. The standard progressive variable-ratio steering plays a key role in ensuring immediate response, while the braking system with 17-inch discs - until recently only available in the Volkswagen Golf R Performance - ensures highly effective deceleration. The driving programs include a special race option, which guarantees a particularly sporty driving experience. At the same time there is also a launch control function that ensures excellent grip during acceleration combined with maximum torque and a responsive stability program. ESC (Electronic Stability Control) can be deactivated by the driver for particularly dynamic driving at the limit. Thanks to its sporty handling and distinctive appearance, the T-Roc R offers the ideal combination of performance and lifestyle.
The most powerful Volkswagen: the new Touareg V8 TDI in Geneva
- Outstanding performance: the new Touareg V8 TDI with 310 kW / 421 PS is the brand's most powerful and top-of-the-range SUV
- Torque equivalent of a supercar: at just 1000 rpm, the new V8 TDI has a torque of 900 Nm
- Clean: The new high-tech eight-cylinder engine complies with Euro-6d-TEMP emission standards
- Designed for premium comfort: the range-topping model and the brand's top-of-the-range model comes with air suspension as standard
- Available in 2019: The Touareg V8 TDI, a prototype of which - very close to the production model - is currently in Geneva, will soon be available in Europe
The new Volkswagen Touareg V8 TDI, with an output of 310 kW / 421 HP (from 3,500 to 5,000 rpm), is the most powerful diesel-powered German SUV. The maximum torque of the high-tech turbo diesel is on a par with that of supercars: 900 Nm (from 1,000 to 3,250 rpm).
Whether in low-speed traffic, on fast journeys or off-road, this power ensures excellent driving characteristics. The special features of the civilised 4.0-litre eight-cylinder engine include two turbos and an additional electric supercharger (compressor). The Touareg V8 TDI shows its dynamic side when it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Like all models in the range, the new V8 version complies with the Euro-6d-TEMP emission standards. The future flagship of the brand will be available in selected countries from the end of May 2019.
