ŠKODA SCALA with new interior concept

› New compact model implements emotive interior design language of VISION RS concept
› Ergonomics and modern design meet lots of space and the biggest boot in this class
› Virtual Cockpit and infotainment systems with largest displays in this class 
› Surfaces with specific grain and premium seat upholstery made from Suedia microfibre
› ŠKODA SCALA will celebrate its world premiere on 6 December 2018 in Tel Aviv

Mladá Boleslav, 7 November 2018 – A design sketch provides a first glimpse of the interior of the new ŠKODA SCALA. The new compact model will be the first ŠKODA to feature the latest infotainment generation with a free-standing display positioned high up, in the driver’s immediate field of vision. The optional Virtual Cockpit has the biggest display in its class. In addition to new interior trims and premium materials the ŠKODA SCALA also offers a generous amount of interior space, along with the largest luggage compartment in this segment, at 467 litres.

The new ŠKODA interior concept follows the direction set by the ŠKODA VISION RS concept car. The new ŠKODA SCALA marks the first time this emotive design has been translated into a ŠKODA production model. The completely redesigned instrument panel blends seamlessly with the exciting exterior design. The free-standing display is positioned high up and framed by a design line that echoes the contours of the bonnet; below the display, it also creates an ergonomic wrist rest for operating the touchscreen. The instrument panel’s and door trims’ soft-foam surfaces feature large-scale design textures and a specific new grain. This emulates crystalline structures and will define the ŠKODA brand’s style in future.

Ambient lighting with a choice of white or red light as well as warm hues and contrasting stitching for the seat upholstery ensure a pleasant sense of space in the ŠKODA SCALA. As an option, customers can order seat upholstery made from the sophisticated Suedia microfibre. In typical ŠKODA style, the interior provides a tremendous amount of space. This is due to the car’s long wheelbase of 2,649 millimetres, which allows for a luxurious 73 millimetres of knee room on the rear seats, equivalent to that in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA. Rear headroom, at 982 millimetres, is the largest in its class. At 467 litres, the ŠKODA SCALA also boasts the biggest luggage compartment in this segment. With the rear backrest folded down, its volume increases to 1,410 litres.

The ŠKODA SCALA is also best in class in terms of display size. The customisable Virtual Cockpit for instance, available as an option, measures 10.25 inches and allows drivers to choose between five different views. The available infotainment systems, based on the latest-generation Modular Infotainment Matrix, come with a touchscreen measuring up to 9.2 inches that’s positioned high up on the instrument panel, in the driver’s immediate field of vision.

Thanks to a new generation of ŠKODA Connect mobile online services, passengers will have the option of locking and unlocking the car using their mobile phone and updating the software of the infotainment or maps ‘over the air’. In a first for ŠKODA, all delivered ŠKODA SCALA cars will always be online.

Numerous driver assistance systems, working in combination with a variety of passive safety systems, ensure that the ŠKODA SCALA offers a very high level of safety.

The new hatchback model will celebrate its world premiere on 6 December 2018 in Tel Aviv.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Volkswagen expects an SUV share of 50% by 2025

Volkswagen continues with the largest SUV offensive in the company’s history. By 2025, every second Volkswagen passenger cars sold throughout the world will probably be an SUV. This already applies to every fifth car sold now. The brand expects especially strong growth in SUV sales in North and South America, as well as in China. By 2025, Volkswagen will be offering more than 30 SUV models throughout the world. With the new Polo-sized T-Cross, the brand is rounding off its SUV product portfolio at the bottom in the smallest segment. This Thursday the T-Cross is to make its world debut and will be unveiled at the same time in Europe, China and South America.

“SUVs are becoming increasingly popular with our customers throughout the world,” says Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Sales. “This is why we are consistently pursuing our current SUV offensive. It will be a key contribution to strengthening our core business so that we can invest the necessary billions of euros in mobility and autonomous driving. The T-Cross rounds off our SUV family in the rapidly growing small SUV market.”

With the Touareg in the premium SUV segment, the Tiguan2 and T-Roc in the compact classes and the new T-Cross in the small car segment, Volkswagen has a strong product portfolio that will continue to grow. Further SUV models are due to follow. Volkswagen’s first full-electric SUV, the ID. CROZZ3, is to be launched in 2020. This vehicle segment is part of Volkswagen’s e-mobility offensive, which aims to bring 20 new full-electric models onto the market by 2025.

The SUV offensive announced by Volkswagen in 2015 is a success story. The compact Tiguan is now among the 10 best-selling cars in the world, with almost five million units sold. The introduction of the second generation in 2016 heralded the expansion of the Volkswagen SUV portfolio. The country-specific models Atlas for the USA and Teramont for China are enjoying sales success in their respective markets. The Touareg, which was the brand’s first SUV and has now reached its third generation, is also recording outstanding sales figures. Volkswagen expects global sales since the introduction of the first generation to reach the figure of 1 million units in the near future.

The relatively young T-Roc, the SUV in the Golf class, also got off to a good start. Since the model was launched at the end of last year, almost 130,000 cars have been sold.

Now the brand’s smallest and most compact SUV is ready to be launched –the first SUV offered by Volkswagen in this vehicle class. The new T-Cross is a real all-rounder, which is reflected by features such as the wide variety of assistance systems previously only available on cars in higher segments. The standard equipment includes the Front Assist ambient monitoring system with Pedestrian Monitoring and City Emergency Braking function, the lane keeping assistant Lane Assist, The Proactive Occupant Protection System and the lane change assistant Blind Spot Detection. At the same time, the T-Cross offers more space, variability and individuality thanks to its sliding rear seat. With its digital cockpit and its outstanding connectivity with the outside world, the T-Cross is the ideal car for its time.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

That feeling of freedom included as standard: the Tiguan OFFROAD has just become the newest addition to the successful compact SUV range

Volkswagen has just added the new Tiguan OFFROAD1 to its range of successful compact SUVs. When it comes to the Tiguan OFFROAD, the name and visual lines say it all: The characteristically designed front not only looks stylish and robust, but also stands out with a larger ramp angle and integrated engine skid plate. In addition, the 4Motion four-wheel drive with 4Motion Active Control fitted as standard ensures good traction at all times. The Tiguan OFFROAD is available to order now.

An all-terrain all-rounder 

The OFFROAD variant takes the all-round talentsTiguan2 one step further: while its dynamic qualities continue to impress in the urban jungle, the model has also been optimised for use further off the beaten track. In addition to the characteristic off-road look, the newly-designed front bumper with its silver applications also boasts a ramp angle of 24 degrees. The larger ramp angle is just as important for moderate all-terrain use as the skid plate for the mechanical units. 

Four-wheel drive with Active Control

The technical features of the Tiguan are also perfect for trips into the great outdoors: it comes with 4Motion four-wheel drive with 4Motion Active Control and driving mode selection as standard, and the system is operated via a multifunction switch in the centre console. The driver uses this switch to activate “Onroad”, “Offroad” and “Snow” driving modes. Depending on the driving mode selected, all drive and assistance systems are adapted to suit the respective terrain and the drive situation, ensuring optimum traction.

OFFROAD specification package

Besides the characteristic bumper, the visual lines also impress with door trim components with an off-road look, a bumper middle section in matt Reflex Silver with blackened chrome trim strips, and the black roof rails and black exterior mirror covers. The model also features a distinctive OFFROAD sign on the B-pillar. 

The new Tiguan model is available in six different colours: Pure Grey, Pure White, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, Tungsten Silver Metallic and Oryx White Pearl. It is also available in a two-colour look with a black roof in combination with the “OFFROAD Plus” package, which is available as an optional extra. This results in a total of twelve different colour combinations for customising the Tiguan OFFROAD.

The package also includes the comfort seats in the front with a centre storage compartment in “Austin” fabric, a black headliner, the Active Lighting System, Dynamic Light Assist and the dynamic cornering light. The OFFROAD variant comes with black 18-inch Sebring alloy wheels as standard. Customers can also choose between the optional 19-inch “Auckland” and “Victoria Falls” wheels and the 20-inch “Kapstadt” wheel. Also standard are the multifunction steering wheel and the gear knob in leather, aluminium decorative inserts, pedals and foot rest in brushed stainless steel, and rugged rubber floor mats. 

Customers can also choose from a wide range of optional extras such as the “Active Info Display” digital instrument cluster, “Discover Pro” navigation system, “Trailer Assist” trailer manoeuvring system, and DCC adaptive chassis control.

Four-wheel drive and DSG as standard 

The Tiguan OFFROAD range starts at the powerful 110 kW/150 PS1 diesel, equipped with 7-gear DSG and 4Motion four-wheel drive, priced at 40,925 euros. The range will include various other diesel and petrol engines. All variants available in Germany are equipped with four-wheel drive and DSG transmission as standard.

The Tiguan: a model for success

The Tiguan was launched in 2007 and is a global bestseller for the Volkswagen brand. The second generation of this vehicle was launched in 2016 and was the first Volkswagen SUV to be based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). 2017 then brought the Tiguan Allspace, almost 22 centimetres longer and with up to seven seats. 

The Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace3 are important pillars of the Volkswagen SUV offensive. The two variants of the Tiguan sold over 600,000 units by the end of September 2018, with over 4.6 million vehicles in total sold since 2007. The Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace are now produced in four countries (China, Germany, Mexico and Russia) and are available all over the world.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Maximum light for maximum safety: Volkswagen relies on ultra-modern LED headlights

Wet conditions, fog, deer crossing – drivers face particular challenges in autumn and winter. The latest lighting systems which almost perfectly illuminate the road are proving helpful. Volkswagen has been focusing on the evolution of light for decades. The technical highlight of this development is the “IQ.-Light - LED matrix headlights” used on the Touareg.

Modern LED lighting systems ensure that driving in the dark in autumn and winter is much safer. The Touareg, for example, has the optional “IQ.Light - LED matrix headlight” which includes a poor weather light that reduces back-glare and cross-glare on wet roads. Here the distracting reflections of the headlight on the reflective road surface directly in front of the vehicle are reduced by the “IQ.Light” that reduces illumination intensity in this area.

These kinds of intelligent controls are becoming increasingly popular. The Arteon as an example: the Gran Turismo is fitted with the optional “Active Lighting System”. The LED double headlights perfectly illuminate the course of a bend before actually driving on it. The new feature is that this is done proactively and independently of the steering angle based on the front camera images and the route data of the navigation system. This enables the Arteon to illuminate the course of a bend before the driver turns into it. The driver now looks into a brightly illuminated curve up to two seconds earlier – sometimes a crucial two seconds.

The first Volkswagen LED headlights made their international debut in autumn 2013 as standard equipment in the electrically powered e-Golf1. Since then, this powerful and economical lighting technology has been used in an increasing number of vehicle classes. Today, in addition to the Golf, Arteon and Touareg, the Polo, T-Roc, Touran, Tiguan and Passat series are also available with LED headlights.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

ŠKODA VISION RS

With the ŠKODA VISION RS, the Czech brand combines its sporting tradition with a sustainable future. At the Paris Motor Show 2018 in October, the striking concept study – with its dynamic design language and efficient plug-in hybrid drive – provides the first insights into the next evolutionary stage of ŠKODA’s sporty RS models and the design of a future compact vehicle. ŠKODA also demonstrates a high level of environmental awareness with the use of sustainably produced Vegan materials.

Sharp lines. Smooth surfaces. Defined edges. The Vision RS is a clear nod to the racing genes it has inherited over ŠKODA’s 117-yr Motorsport history. Every exterior detail like the slim headlights, rear diffuser and the roof spoiler contributes to the car progressing like a bullet.

The sporty DNA of the Vision RS finds a futuristic expression in the interior design. There’s carbon everywhere. The space frame design, seemingly floating seats and cut-crystal details make the racy intentions of the car clear from the onset.

Brilliant white paint and carbon create striking contrasts: 
Xirallic crystal sparkle effect paint make the brilliant white finish of the ŠKODA VISION RS shimmer with a subtle blue effect. Organic components in the paint reflect heat, thereby reducing the interior temperature. Numerous black carbon elements affixed to the body create distinctive contrasts to the white paint. The high-tech material widely used in motorsport is featured in the redesigned radiator grille, front and rear spoilers, exterior mirrors, side sills, air inlets and outlets, and the rear diffuser.

Vegan materials, sustainable production and special surfaces: 
A carbon textile made from 100% recycled polyester thread is used for the upper part of the floating Alcantara® covered seats which bear signature Czech flags on their side bolsters celebrating Czechoslovakia’s foundation 100 years ago. Another example of sustainability are the floor mats which use Piñatex textile in a carbon weave; the high performance material extracts its fibres from the leaves of a pineapple tree. The sports steering wheel with a distinctive centre marking - similar to those seen in motor racing - has a centre pad featuring the same distinctive grain consisting of tiny triangles seen in the rest of the interior, carrying ŠKODA’s DNA into the brand’s future models.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com

World premiere in Paris: new evolution of Audi R8 LMS for customer racing

Audi Sport customer racing presents its fourth new model in just four years: Following on from the radically new second-generation Audi R8 LMS (2015), the Audi RS 3 LMS TCR touring car (2016) and the Audi R8 LMS GT4 sports car (2017), the evolution of the Audi R8 LMS GT3 was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 2, 2018. Michael-Julius Renz, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, and Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport customer racing, revealed the model with the international exhibition visitors looking on. The new version of the model, successful worldwide in sprint and endurance racing, is tailored closely to the customer requirements regarding technology and operating costs.

 

Bathurst, Daytona, Dubai, Laguna Seca, Nürburgring, Sepang and Spa: Ever since the Audi R8 LMS made its debut in 2015, it has engraved its name in the winners’ lists of the major endurance races. Worldwide championship titles, plus international success in the FIA GT World Cup and Intercontinental GT Challenge complete the track record for the young winning car. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement for Audi Sport: “In developing the evolution of the car, we’ve put even greater focus on our customers and their needs,” says Chris Reinke. “The pre-design stage for the second evolution of our current model generation centered on many discussions with our teams.” In addition to the pros who are successful with the race cars, amateur drivers have also clinched class victories or overall titles in America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
During the development project of the latest evolution, Audi Sport concentrated on providing these customers with an even better technical base than before. Optimization of the aerodynamics and cooling give greater consistency under various dynamic driving conditions. Durability of the power transmission elements is another focal area. For the teams, the evolution package of the Audi R8 LMS pays off both in terms of racing and economy: Moderate modifications of the overall concept and longer service intervals for the clutch and transmission represent sensible investments promising success in racing and optimally support amateurs. Whether the teams already own a second-generation Audi R8 LMS or buy a new model: the changes benefit everyone and are also suitable for retrofitting to existing race cars.
Following the world debut in Paris, Audi Sport will deliver the first customer race cars in November at a sales price of 398,000 euros (plus VAT). The evolution kit for retrofitting older model generations costs 28,000 euros (plus VAT). Following FIA homologation, the race cars will be battling internationally for points, victories and titles starting in January.
Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC

ŠKODA is upgrading its range of eco-friendly CNG vehicles. The ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC now boasts a new, more powerful 1.5 TSI engine with an output of 96 kW (130 PS). Exclusively available with a COMBI body and the Active, Ambition or Style equipment lines, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC achieves a range of 480 kilometres in its more eco-friendly pure CNG mode. This is based on three tanks holding a total of 17.7 kilograms of CNG. An additional 11.8-litre petrol tank safeguards mobility in regions without CNG filling stations.

The new 1.5-litre engine in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC has an output of 96 kW (130 PS) – 15 kW (20 PS) more than its predecessor. Thanks to variable intake valve timing with Miller cycle operation, it is also very efficient. In CNG mode, CO2 emissions are reduced even further, by around 25 per cent compared to petrol, with considerably lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) output and no particulate emissions. As a result, the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC complies with EU6d-TEMP, the most stringent current emissions standard, making it an eco-friendly alternative to cars running on conventional fuels.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) has a higher energy content than petrol or diesel. It is cheaper and burns more cleanly and silently. Using biogas from wastewater or agricultural production or synthetic gas instead of CNG achieves an even more favourable environmental footprint. Further improvements can be made when power from renewable sources is used in gas production. Natural gas thus acts as a bridge between fossil fuels and electric mobility. Moreover, a vehicle running on CNG is as quick and easy to refuel as a petrol or diesel model.

The three CNG tanks in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC have a total capacity of 17.7 kilograms. The tank positioned in front of the rear axle is made of steel. The other two tanks, situated under the luggage compartment, are fashioned from a new composite material that combines ultimate safety with low weight. When operated on CNG alone, the OCTAVIA G-TEC can cover a range of around 480 kilometres. Should the CNG supply run out, the car will automatically switch to petrol mode, using 11.8 litres of petrol carried in an additional tank.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA G-TEC 1.5 TSI is available with the Active, Ambition and Style equipment lines, in COMBI format only, and comes with a seven-speed DSG transmission. The ŠKODA Connect online services for the G-TEC also include the Emergency Call and Care Connect. The ŠKODA Connect app, for example, shows the driver the remaining CNG, petrol and overall range.

Article source: www.skoda-auto.com