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Showing posts with label Volkswagen Motorsport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Volkswagen Motorsport. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Modified Jetta breaks the speed record in its class in the USA with 338 km/h

September 19, 2018 0


  •  Jetta proves its potential on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA
  •  The record-breaking Jetta is powered by a modified TSI engine with a power of 608 PS 
  •  After the success of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen has now set a third record within a very short time with the Jetta 


Wolfsburg (D) / Herndon (USA) – Volkswagen of America has demonstrated the potential of the new Jetta at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA. Here a specially equipped Jetta broke the previous world speed record of its class for land vehicles with 338 km/h. Only a few weeks after the success of the electrically powered I.D R Pikes Peak at the “Race To The Clouds” in the Rocky Mountains and at Goodwood Hill Climb in the UK, Volkswagen has secured its third record.

A four-cylinder turbo engine (TSI) from the EA888 series was responsible for the powerful propulsion of the new Jetta1. This engine is also used in other sporty Volkswagen models such as the Golf GTI Performance2 (180 kW / 245 PS). For the record-breaking rides, the power of the sports car engine was increased to 447 kW / 608 PS (at 8,500 rpm). Volkswagen engineers used new connecting rods, pistons, valves and camshafts as well as a larger turbocharger and a new exhaust system. The standard cylinder block and crankshaft remained unchanged.

The powerful TSI engine had an easy time with the new Jetta, as this Volkswagen is extremely aerodynamic. Thanks to a drag coefficient of 0.27, the Jetta raced with particularly low resistance through the dry air at Bonneville Salt Flats in the US state of Utah. It broke the previous record of 335.50 km/h (208.47 mph) with exactly 338.15 km/h (210.16 mph) in the BGC/G class of the Southern California Timing Association.

“The achievement of this speed in Bonneville proves the quality, durability, performance and efficiency of Volkswagen TSI engines and the aerodynamic performance of the new Jetta,” says Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. Woebcken continues: “This record highlights the sporty qualities of our Jetta. It also provides a look into the future of the sedan, as we are using a modified version of the EA888 in the record-breaking car. This powerful TSI will also be used in the new Jetta GLI in the future.”

Achieving speeds of well over 300 km/h on the Salt Flats places special demands on the vehicle. The recording-breaking Jetta therefore features technical details such as a lowered chassis, special wheels and tyres for the Salt Flats, a limited slip differential for optimum traction and two brake parachutes at the rear. The interior was also completely cleared out. Only the controls for driving, a bucket seat with racing belts, a stable rollover cage and a fire extinguishing system remained.

The Jetta was built by Volkswagen of America together with the technicians of THR Manufacturing in Ventura, California (USA), who specialise in record-breaking driving of this type. The Salt Flats veteran Scott Goetz was at the wheel of the Volkswagen. “It was a great experience driving this car on the Salt Flats. Even at top speed, the Jetta provided a safe driving experience and I'm very happy we broke the record.”
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Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Happy Birthday to Dieter Depping from VWNEWSBLOG! - Volkswagen Motorsport Test & Development Driver

August 07, 2018 0



Success factors for the I.D. R Pikes Peak:
Pacemaker Dieter Depping, test and development driver

  • Unsung hero behind the Pikes Peak record – Depping tested the I.D. R Pikes Peak
  • Depping is behind many successful Volkswagen race and rally cars
  • Romain Dumas: “Dieter was my second throttle foot”




He is the unsung hero and secret pacemaker behind the successful Pikes Peak project: Dieter Depping. The man from Hannover (Germany), who celebrates his 52nd birthday today on 7 August, has been a motorsport test and development driver for Volkswagen for 16 years. Without him, the twelve titles in the World Rally Championship (WRC), a further two titles in the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX), the three Dakar victories with the Race Touareg, and the many class wins at the Nürburgring 24 Hours would have been inconceivable. Or, as Romain Dumas puts it: “Dieter was my second throttle foot. Without him, the record on Pikes Peak would not have been possible”. The fact that this quote from Dumas came just moments after the ground-breaking 7:57.148 minutes, in which he had made motorsport and electromobility history, speaks volumes of the key role that Dieter Depping has played in the Volkswagen Motorsport success story.


“The outstanding work that Dieter Depping does for Volkswagen Motorsport is of vital importance,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. “Every one of our successful motorsport projects has received a lot of valuable input from Dieter. From the Race Touareg for the Dakar Rally and the Polo R WRC, which won 43 races in the World Rally Championship, to the Polo R Supercar for the WRX – and most recently the Pikes Peak project: whenever we have entered new territory, Dieter has been a reliable test and development driver and a genuine success factor. He played a decisive role in the development of the I.D. R Pikes Peak.”

The pacemaker
The Volkswagen Polo R WRC, the current Polo R Supercar in the World Rallycross Championship, the Race Touareg, many successful touring cars for young drivers and the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, and now: the I.D. R Pikes Peak. All have won many plaudits. And they all bear the seal “Tested by Dieter Depping”. But how is that possible, when there are such fundamentally different categories of motor racing? “You need a little bit of talent,” laughs Depping. “And you obviously have to focus on the tests and tasks in question, and to acclimatise yourself accordingly. This year, I had to switch between the development of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, the Polo R Supercar for the World Rallycross Championship and the coming Polo GTI R5. It takes me one or two runs – then I can give the engineers the feedback they require.”

The technology pioneer
The 500-kW (680-PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak, in particular, demanded great adaptability, as the Volkswagen Motorsport prototype is the brand’s first fully-electric race car. “All the electronics in the I.D. R are obviously rather special. This primarily affects the engineers, who entered uncharted territory,” says Depping. “However, that also applies, to a certain degree, to the driving. After 30 years of motorsport with some very loud combustion engines, driving with an electric engine is rather silent. As such, you are missing an important sensation, an indicator for your timing and speed when driving.” This was a big change for the 52-year-old: “You only have the throttle, brake, and one single forwards gear. As such, you need a bit of time to get used to this new world. Once you do, however, it is incredible fun. Particularly in the lower section of the Pikes Peak route, up to Glen Cove – it was incredible what cornering speeds the I.D. R was capable of, and how it accelerated out of the tight hairpins.“

Only two drivers have ever completed the full Pikes Peak route with the I.D. R Pikes Peak – Romain Dumas on his record-breaking run, on which he completed the entire route with the prototype in one go for the first time. And: Dieter Depping. During the rare and brief tests on Pikes Peak, he completed one run over the full distance. “That first run was not about the time, but it still yielded a really good one,” says a grinning Depping.

The full throttle mediator
In the course of his development work for Volkswagen Motorsport, Dieter Depping has worked alongside many fantastic drivers: as with Romain Dumas he also cooperated with Carlos Sainz, Giniel de Villiers and Nasser Al-Attiyah, Petter Solberg and Johan Kristoffersson as well as with Sébastien Ogier, Andreas Mikkelsen and Jari-Matti Latvala. So how, as test and development driver, does he cope with these many different driving styles? “I sit down with the drivers and discuss intensely the direction in which we want to develop,” says Depping. “Together with the engineers, we then attempt to use a set-up to develop the handling in a direction that suits these styles. Up to now, we have always found a good basis which the drivers can use to do the fine-tuning.” And his own style? “Somewhere between the smooth style of Sébastien Ogier and the drifting of Petter Solberg,” says Depping, with a mischievous grin.

The marathon man
In his role as test and development driver, Depping has been dedicated to the success of the team. Despite this, he can also look back on a successful career as a competitive driver. The three-time German rally champion (1992, 1993 and 1994) has also caught the eye in Volkswagen colours. First as a rapid assistant to the Race Truck registered in the Rally Dakar, at which he frequently appeared in the intermediate top ten of the overall standings. However, he also demonstrated his ability as a speedy chauffeur when charged with allowing such TV stars as RTL presenter Nazan Eckes to experience the fascination of motorsport. Or as a thoroughbred professional, as in his sixth-place finish with the Race Touareg at the 2009 Dakar Rally. In 2001 and 2002, he set several speed records with the Volkswagen W12 in Nardo. His name also stands behind Volkswagen’s class victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2007. And most recently, in 2017, he made his first appearance in the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX) at Volkswagen’s home race in Buxtehude.

As you can see, Dieter Depping has driven, tested and achieved success with pretty much everything on four wheels. Just one thing is missing from his CV: “I would like to drive a Formula 1 car,” he says with a laugh. In reality, he knows that this will probably not be possible any more – partly because he is needed elsewhere. “I have a very good feeling about the Polo GTI R5. It is a real rally Polo – like its successful predecessor,” says Depping, looking ahead to the first competitive outing of the customer racing rally car, which will make its debut in the WRC2 category at the Rally Spain at the end of October. At Volkswagen Motorsport, Dieter Depping is the man who looks to the future with his hands and his throttle foot.

Here’s to the next 16 years, and Happy Birthday!
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Sunday, July 15, 2018

Volkswagen smashes Electric Record at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018

July 15, 2018 0



The I.D. R Pikes Peak has wrapped up its next record. Romain Dumas (F) set a new record for electric cars of
43.86 seconds in Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Following his record-breaking exploits at the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb just three weeks ago, Dumas beat the previous fastest time for electric cars on the Goodwood Hillclimb, which has stood since 2013, by 3.48 seconds. 

“The I.D. R Pikes Peak has once again proven emphatically that it is a fantastic ambassador for our fully-electric I.D. family,” said Dr. Herbert Diess, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG and Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. “I would like to thank the whole team. After the great success on Pikes Peak, at Goodwood we have shown once again how impressive the performance of an electric racing car can be. That is a very good preparation for our great electric car offensive which is starting next year.”

Volkswagen driver Romain Dumas was delighted: “Goodwood is an absolutely fantastic event and I am more than happy that we won in front of such a great crowd of motorsport enthusiasts,” said the 40-year-old after his latest record-breaking drive. “The hill climb track is short but often dirty and therefore you should definitely not underestimate it. In any case it is a great honour to drive here at Goodwood. You meet so many fantastic drivers, and the cars and motorcycles here span a century of motorsport. It is one of a kind.”





Watch the run here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs1SMr2A5q4
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Monday, July 9, 2018

I.D. R Pikes Peak is making its competitive debut in Europe at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 

July 09, 2018 0


Memories of victory at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb are still fresh: Volkswagen made motorsport history on 24 June, when Romain Dumas (F) and the I.D. R Pikes Peak set a new all-time record of 7:57.148 minutes at the most famous hill climb in the world. From 12 to 15 July, the pursuit of records continues at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The iconic motorsport event is the largest event of its type in the world and is celebrating its 25th birthday this year. More than 200,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to flock to the south of England for this unique homage to motorsport.

The I.D. R Pikes Peak is making its competitive debut in Europe at Goodwood. Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car is the sporty ambassador for the I.D. family. “I am really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the I.D. R Pikes Peak at the Goodwood Festival of Speed,” says Dumas. “The race in Duke of Richmond’s estate is a very special event that is steeped in tradition. The best drivers in the world line up in some legendary racing cars in a great atmosphere. The I.D. R Pikes Peak may still be very young, but the record-breaking run on Pikes Peak has already made it a ‘living legend’.”

“It is a great honour for us to take part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed,” adds Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director. “I still get goosebumps when I think about the magnificent success on Pikes Peak. However, that race is history now. We are looking ahead and looking forward to showing European fans the I.D. R Pikes Peak. Our brand has dedicated itself to electromobility, and we want to show everyone how emotional this topic can be, before the first Volkswagen range with fully-electric drive is launched in 2020.”

Hill instead of mountain: hunting down record for electric cars at Goodwood

Volkswagen and the I.D. R Pikes Peak have their sights set on the next record at Goodwood: the record for electric cars. In 2013, Jonny Cocker (GB) set a new fastest time of 47.34 seconds for the iconic Goodwood Hillclimb in a Lola-Drayson B12 69/EV. The all-time record is held by former Formula 1 driver Nick Heidfeld (D). Back in 1999, he covered the short 1.86-kilometre route in 41.6 seconds at the wheel of a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 car.

For the plan to come to fruition, Volkswagen Motorsport is currently having to perform a logistical tour de force: after the record-breaking run at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the I.D. R Pikes Peak was prepared as quickly as possible for transport to Europe. It only arrived home in Hannover by air freight a few days ago. The electric racing car is now undergoing further preparations in Hannover, before heading to the south of England to take on its latest challenge. A race against time for the Volkswagen Motorsport team.

Also in action at Goodwood: the 1987 Twin-Golf Pikes Peak

Volkswagen Motorsport has plenty to offer visitors to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed: as well as the I.D. R Pikes Peak, the Twin-Golf Pikes Peak from 1987 will also take part in the race on the Goodwood Hill. Hans-Joachim “Strietzel” Stuck and Jochi Kleint will share the driving duties in the 480-kW (652-PS) twin-engine racing car. As with the I.D. R Pikes Peak, the engineers opted for a solution with two drive sources when developing the eye-catching Golf. The I.D. R Pikes Peak features two electric engines, which generate a system performance of 500 kW (680 PS). As well as taking on the hill climb, the two cars will also be on display in the paddock, while the drivers will be available to meet fans and sign autographs. 
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Sunday, June 24, 2018

All time record: Volkswagen makes history with the I.D. R Pikes Peak

June 24, 2018 0

  • 7m 57.148s minutes – Volkswagen’s electric racing car sets a new overall record
  • Romain Dumas betters Sébastien Loeb’s record by 16 seconds
  • I.D. R Pikes Peak: the sporty forerunner to the new, fully-electric I.D. family



Volkswagen and the I.D. R Pikes Peak have made history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Driving the 500-kW (680 PS) I.D. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated a field including cars with conventional drivetrain technology. In doing so, he not only broke the previous record for electric vehicles, but also bettered Sébastien Loeb’s (F) all-time record from 2013 – by a full 16 seconds. Dumas’ new record of 7m 57.148s minutes is now top of the list of Pikes Peak champions, which includes such acclaimed drivers as Loeb, Walter Röhrl (D), Michèle Mouton (F), Stig Blomqvist (S), Nobuhiro Tajima (J) and also Rod Millen and his son Rhys (both NZ).


“The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the sporty forerunner of Volkswagen’s I.D. family. Today, we saw what this technology is capable of”, said Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for “Technical Development”. “Every Volkswagen employee can be extremely proud of today’s result. I congratulate the team from the bottom of my heart. With a combination of outstanding engineering skills, passion and commitment, the team has managed to create a fantastic racing car in just eight months. The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak has now set the fastest time in the history of this hill climb, which spans more than 100 years – that speaks volumes for electric mobility.”
  19.99 kilometres, 156 corners, just one attempt – and a successful one: Romain Dumas claimed his fourth overall victory at the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which has now been held 96 times since 1916. With the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen has created an extraordinary racing car, specifically tailored to the demands of the most famous of hill climbs: a combination of minimum weight, as much downforce as possible, and maximum power, designed to achieve the best possible performance. Including its battery cells, the I.D. R Pikes Peak weighs less than 1,100 kilograms. When evaluating performance, Volkswagen employed simulation software to calculate exactly how to achieve the optimum in energy demand and performance for the record attempt on Pikes Peak. In the matter of aerodynamics, the key was to compensate for the loss of downforce caused by the thin air on Pikes Peak. The result of this endeavour could be seen from afar: the flat, streamlined chassis and huge rear wing.

Volkswagen also struck out in a new direction when it came to charging technology – the goal being to charge the car as quickly as possible with minimum environmental impact. The time was defined by the regulations: In case of the race being suspended, it must be possible to completely charge the car in under 20 minutes. The electricity required was provided by generators at the foot of Pikes Peak. Glycerol, which in chemical terms is a sugar alcohol, was selected as the fuel. A by-product of the manufacture of biodiesel, for example, Glycerol combusts with virtually no harmful exhaust fumes or residues. Glycerol itself is non-toxic and is even permitted as an additive in the food and cosmetics industries.

A mere 250 days passed between the announcement and the start of the Pikes Peak project on 18 October 2017 and the record-breaking run on Pikes Peak on 24 June 2018. This was an extremely sporty remit for the development of a thoroughbred prototype, including innovative fully-electric drive technology, specific demands on the batteries, aerodynamics and chassis. This effort and the tireless work of the Volkswagen mechanics, engineers and many more employees in Wolfsburg, at the motorsport headquarters in Hannover and, last but not least, during the weeks of preparation in Colorado Springs, has now been rewarded with a new record on Pikes Peak.

Volkswagen has had some strong partners on its side for the record attempt on Pikes Peak, in the form of Volkswagen R, ANSYS, Michelin, Integral e-drive and OMP. With Volkswagen R, the I.D. R Pikes Peak received a sporting seal of approval from the outset, which it more than earned on its record-breaking run, if not before. ANSYS also made a vital contribution to the success of the project by providing support with the software simulations. Another key factor was tyre maker Michelin’s years of experience on Pikes Peak, which allowed them to provide tyre technology perfectly tailored to the demands of the hill climb. The I.D. R Pikes Peak’s E-engines, which together generated 500 kW (680 PS), were achieved in collaboration with partner Integral e-drive. OMP put the icing on the cake – for example, with the featherweight racing overall for Romain Dumas, which perfectly complemented the lightweight design philosophy of the I.D. R Pikes Peak.

Reactions from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Romain Dumas (F), Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak #94
“Awesome! We exceeded even our own high expectations with that result. Since this week’s tests, we have known that it was possible to break the all-time record. For it to come off, everything had to come together perfectly – from the technology to the driver. And the weather had to play ball too. That everything ran so smoothly is an incredible feeling, and the new record on Pikes Peak is the icing on the cake. I still cannot believe that Volkswagen and my name are behind this incredible time. The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the most impressive car I have ever driven in competition. The electric drivetrain means that many things are different and I learned a lot during the project. The team did an indescribably meticulous, yet at the same time relaxed, job. Not only did we get the desired result, but the team spirit was also spot on. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of it.”

Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“This is a fantastic day for Volkswagen and one, of which we are very proud. The I.D. R Pikes Peak is the most innovative and complex car ever developed by Volkswagen Motorsport. Every employee involved in the Pikes Peak project has constantly had to push their boundaries and show extreme commitment and dedication. Without this, it would not have been possible to repeatedly overcome new challenges and come up with new solutions. It should actually be impossible to achieve all that and especially the all-time record in such a short time, but our team pulled it off thanks to their passion and commitment. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on the project and showed such fantastic team spirit.”
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Friday, June 22, 2018

Two days to go until the record attempt: kW buzz on Pikes Peak

June 22, 2018 0


  • The I.D. family get-together: I.D BUZZ1 meets the I.D. R Pikes Peak
  • Sven Smeets: “Pikes Peak is unique. You have to experience it for yourself.”
  • Big live event on Sunday in Autostadt, Wolfsburg



At 10:00 local time (18:00 CEST) on Sunday, Volkswagen will begin its pursuit of the record for electric vehicles, which currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes, at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the US state of Colorado. Three-time overall winner Romain Dumas will be at the wheel of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car. The Frenchman set the fastest time in qualifying on Wednesday. Much is new to many of the Volkswagen crew on Pikes Peak, both on and off the track.


I.D. BUZZ meets the sportiest member of the family for the first time: the I.D. R Pikes Peak

It was presented for the first time in Detroit in 2017. The same year, production was announced for 2022 in trendy Pebble Beach to the delight of Bulli fans. Now, Volkswagen’s popular electric van has made the trip to Colorado Springs to offer moral support to its sporty brother during Sunday’s record attempt on Pikes Peak. With plans for the I.D. BUZZ to generate 275 kW (374 PS), it certainly need not hide behind the 500-kW (680-PS) racing car.

US star Tanner Foust supports the Volkswagen team
The Volkswagen team can count on the support of a US star, in the form of local favourite Tanner Foust. The racing driver and TV presenter was born in Denver, about 150 kilometres from Pikes Peak, and currently drives a Volkswagen Beetle Supercar in the Americas Rallycross championship (ARX). The three-time US Rallycross champion and multiple X-Games winner will be a guest of Volkswagen of America on Pikes Peak at the weekend. In 2014, for the TV show “Top Gear USA”, he went head-to-head with his fellow presenters Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood on the famous mountain in the US state of Colorado.
Colorado Springs lives and breathes motorsport

As is tradition, the race weekend kicks off with the Fan Fest in Colorado Springs on Friday evening. About 300,000 motorsport enthusiasts will gather in the city centre to celebrate together and marvel at the racing cars. The Fan Fest was held for the first time in 2002. Since then, it has grown into the largest street event in the city, which has a population of 465,000. Romain Dumas and Tanner Foust will be there to meet race fans and sign autographs.

Three questions for ... Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director

Mr Smeets, Volkswagen is returning to Pikes Peak with the I.D. R Pikes Peak, 31 years after its last appearance there. Why with an electric car?

Our brand has devoted itself to electric mobility. For us, taking part on Pikes Peak is an outstanding opportunity to bring this idea to life with a racing car, before the first range of Volkswagen models with electric drivetrains is launched in 2020. Plus, there is obviously still this blemish in our history, since failing to finish in 1987. We want to return, win and break the record for electric vehicles.

The record currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes. What time is a realistic target for you?

Any time under 8:57 minutes would be a success for us. We are really optimistic about the race. However, we must always bear in mind that we only have one single shot at it. Everything must come together – the driver, the car, the weather, absolutely everything.

In your opinion, what is it that makes the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb so special?

Nowhere else in the world will you find a race like this. It is a public road, which is still open to normal traffic up until the Sunday of the race. That comes with its own challenges. Practice and qualifying take place from 05:30 to 08:30, so you have no choice but to get up early. And then there is the mountain itself, of course: 1,440 metres in elevation and 156 corners, spread over a distance of 19.99 kilometres. You really have to see it for yourself.

Pikes Peak live in Autostadt
Motorsport fans who are unable to make the trip to the USA this weekend can follow the most famous hill climb in the world from Autostadt in Wolfsburg. The iconic hill climb will be broadcast live in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles pavilion from 17:30 on Sunday. With direct links to the Volkswagen Team on Pikes Peak, guests will be able to experience the race atmosphere at first hand. Special guest Jochi Kleint will also be there to recall his Pikes Peak adventure in the twin-engine Golf back in 1987. From 22 to 24 June, Autostadt will be using the record attempt as an opportunity to present the facets of electric mobility through a host of promotions to partake in and try out.

All you need to know about hail, snow and sunshine: the weather
Competitors in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb anxiously look at the weather radar. It is not uncommon for snow, hail and even lightning on the 4,302-metre mountain to bring record attempts to a sudden halt. According to the latest forecasts, the summit should remain dry with a top temperature of around 6 °C on race Sunday. Isolated showers are not expected until about 15:00. By this time, Romain Dumas will already have completed his run in the I.D. R Pikes Peak – and will hopefully have a new electric record to his name.
Impressive display in qualifying

Romain Dumas made an emphatic statement of intent in qualifying for the 96th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The 2014, 2016 and 2017 winner was the fastest of all 64 competitors, with a time of 3:16.083 minutes, and will consequently be first onto the course in the I.D. R Pikes Peak on Sunday. In qualifying for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, each competitor tackles the opening section of the 19.99-kilometre route – from the start to the 8.3-kilometre mark.

Dumas receives support from his family
Romain Dumas will receive a visit from his parents at the weekend. Father Maurice and mother Geneviève regularly travel to events to support their son, and this year gave up their trip to Le Mans to join him for his record attempt on Pikes Peak. Dumas was just six years old when he told his parents that he wanted to be a racing driver, so that he could race at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Maurice Dumas, who still races in rallies to this day, has supported him ever since – as has his mother Geneviève, who occasionally rides with her husband as co-driver.
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Volkswagen Prepares All-New 2019 Jetta For Bonneville Speed Record Attempt

June 22, 2018 0


All-new Jetta is the basis for the Bonneville Jetta, which uses a 2.0-liter TSI® turbocharged four-cylinder engine for an assault on the BGC/G record at Bonneville Speed Week in August



Herndon, VA (June 22nd, 2018) – Volkswagen of America, Inc., announced today that it has prepared a specially-tuned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta to attempt the Southern California Timing Association’s BGC/G class record at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, over August 11-17, 2018. The Bonneville Jetta will be powered by a modified version of Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection four-cylinder engine.

Built by Bonneville preparation specialists THR Manufacturing, based in Ventura, Calif., the Jetta previews the powertrain that will be used in the forthcoming Jetta GLI performance model. Volkswagen is hopeful that it can beat the existing class record of 208.472 mph, showcasing both the potential performance that the EA888 engine can achieve with modifications, and the all-new Jetta’s exceptionally aerodynamic shape, which yields a drag coefficient of just 0.27.

“We are delighted with the reception for the all-new 2019 Jetta in North America,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen. “With the attempt on the Bonneville speed record with the Jetta, we want to underline the Jetta’s sporty credentials and get customers excited for the more performance-oriented Jetta GLI on the way.”

To run at high speed on the salt, the Bonneville Jetta has had many other changes from stock. The suspension has been lowered, special Salt Flat wheels and tires fitted, and a limited-slip differential added to aid traction. The interior has been stripped and outfitted with full safety equipment—such as a roll cage, racing seat and harness—and a fire suppression system. To help slow the car down, the Bonneville Jetta has been fitted with a pair of parachutes.

The Bonneville Jetta’s graphic treatment was the work of Volkswagen’s Southern California Design Center. “This was a truly fun project to be involved in,” said Reto Brun, Director, Volkswagen Design Center California. “We wanted to highlight the sporty nature of the Jetta and give the car design graphics that would make it really stand out on the alien-like environment of the Bonneville Salt Flats. We wish the team luck as they attempt to make this the fastest Jetta—and the fastest production-based Volkswagen—ever seen!”
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Thursday, May 10, 2018

May 10, 2018 0


World première at Wörthersee: Racing-inspired Golf GTI TCR with speeds of up to 264 km/h


Important information – key points of the Golf GTI TCR concept
  • Homage to GTI fans: Volkswagen presents a nearly production-ready concept – the new top Golf GTI model – at the Wörthersee meeting.
  • Strong performance: The GTI TCR1 TSI delivers 290 PS and 370 Nm; power is transmitted to the front wheels via a dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and locking differential.
  • From the racetrack to the road: The Golf GTI TCR is the road version of the 350 PS Golf GTI in the TCR race series.
  • Speed of 250 km/h as standard: Without a limiter (optional) the Golf GTI TCR reaches a top speed of 264 km/h.
  • Racing look: The new bumper design – splitter in the front and diffuser at the rear - is a hallmark of the racing gene.
  • Standard sporty features: A steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock stripe, a new sport seat design and 18-inch forged wheels.
  • Superior braking system: The Golf GTI TCR is equipped with a high-performance braking system as standard.
  • Powerful sound: A titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič is optionally available.
  • Pure Grey: The new special dynamic colour “Pure Grey” was designed exclusively for the début of the Golf GTI TCR.
  • In the starting blocks: The top GTI model will launch this year still in Europe.
Golf GTI TCR – pure sports car doctrine

At this year’s GTI Meeting at Wörthersee (9 to 12 May 2018), Volkswagen will present a new milestone in the history of the cult compact car to Golf GTI fans: the Golf GTI TCR, which has a top speed of 264 km/h and is almost ready for production. The special edition is a road version, derived for the series, of the racing car of the same name and two-time overall winner of the international TCR race series. The successful touring racing car’s specs make the new top model a dominating presence: design, power and performance are intrinsic to the pure sports car doctrine. The 2.0 litre turbo engine of the new Golf GTI TCR delivers 213 kW / 290 PS (at 5,000 to 6,800 rpm). The maximum torque of 370 Nm lies between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm. Power is transmitted to the front wheels as standard via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) and a locking differential. The factory-set maximum speed is 250 km/h, but this can be increased to 264 km/h as mentioned above by opting to remove the electronic Vmax limiter. Wherever the digital speedometer needle (standard Active Info Display) stops, the newly developed roof edge spoiler ensures the necessary downforce at the rear axle. The new Golf GTI TCR is expected to be launched at the end of this year still.

It brakes as well as it accelerates. Numerous individual features add to the Golf GTI TCR’s sporty character and robust look. The new top Golf GTI model has 18-inch “Belvedere” forged wheels from the Wolfsburg plant as standard. the newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels are optionally available. Lurking behind the large alloy wheels are perforated brake discs together with special brake calipers and pads to slow racing fans down just as confidently as the role model on the racetrack.

Stainless steel or titanium exhaust system. To ensure sufficient cooling for the high engine performance, the Golf GTI TCR features two extra radiators in the front, as in the Golf R2/3. The stainless steel exhaust system and end pipes are also tuned for higher performance. Optionally, the Golf GTI TCR exhales with a titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič, which is currently only available for the all-wheel drive Golf R. In the GTI TCR, it replaces the standard system from the particulate filter for petrol engines and bears the logo of the renowned manufacturer Akrapovič on the tailpipe cover. Always on board too: The front-axle locking differential well known from the Golf GTI Performance (optimising traction and handling on fast bends) and the driving profile selection with the modes “ECO”, “NORMAL”, “SPORT” and “INDIVIDUAL”. The latter enables the specific tuning of the steering, engine performance curve and gearbox as well as (optional) Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

Vmax removal and DCC in one package. If desired, particularly enthusiastic drivers can order a package that pushes the performance of the Golf GTI TCR even further towards the racetrack: In addition to removing the Vmax limit and the new 19-inch wheels, it includes a 20-millimetre lower body with sports chassis and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). It allows the features of the electrical shock absorbers to be adjusted at the touch of a button and provides the option to choose between a sporty, comfortable or normal chassis configuration as desired and depending on the situation.

Exterior design - in the racing style. The Golf GTI TCR’s distinctive look is also proof of its outstanding position. The most powerful GTI yet has a new front bumper. What’s remarkable here: the high-shine black applications on the side intakes of the modified airflow (for the extra radiators) and a sharply contoured splitter as a front spoiler, as also used in racing. Also new: the newly designed panel attachment on the side, which is continued in the rear. Here, they join a distinctively designed diffuser and the exterior integrated exhaust system tailpipes on the left and right. Meanwhile, at the top on the rear, the dynamic curve of the roof section joins a spoiler, which provides additional downward thrust on the rear axle.

Exterior equipment - GTI colours plus "Pure Grey". Volkswagen has developed the new colour “Pure Grey”. The other colours have been GTI classics from the start: “Pure White”, “Tornado Red”, “Deep Black Pearl Effect” and “Oryx White Pearl Effect”. Combined with “Pure Grey”, “Pure White” and “Tornado Red”, there is the option to order the roof in the contrasting colour “Black”. Also black: the matt finish wing mirror covers (optional caron look) and the lettering “TCR” above the sills; if desired, with an additional distinctive honeycomb pattern in the GTI style to the side of the vehicle. The Golf GTI TCR has a particularly inviting effect when opening the front doors: The TCR logo is then projected on to the asphalt. The stainless steel sill panel trim is personalised by means of a red illuminated element.

Interior - the GTI is in a class of its own. Drivers and passengers benefit from top sports seats, whose microfibre/fabric covers were crafted specifically for this version. The door inserts and gear stick cover are also in microfibre. The seat centre sections are in the contrasting colour “Flash Red”, which serves as a bridge to the red contrasting stitching on the sports steering wheel – the latter is not the only element to mimic the interior of a race car, either: the leather cover is specially imprinted at 3 and 9 o’clock and features a red 12 o’clock stripe. With their red edges, the seatbelts also incorporate this typical GTI colour scheme, like the gear lever with red stripes.

International series. As mentioned, the 290 PS-strong Golf GTI TCR will be launched in Europe at the end of the year. Volkswagen is planning to offer the new GTI top model on other continents as well, giving the super-fast series version of the TCR racing car an international presence on par with the eponymous touring car category.

TCR – the successful race series. The TCR series born in 2015 combines top-class racing with series-based technology. 4- and 5-door vehicles with 2.0 litre petrol or diesel motors are permitted, driven exclusively by private teams. Besides the worldwide “TCR International Series”, numerous national racing associations host TCR race series. The competition model Golf GTI TCR won the worldwide series (which was awarded the title of FIA World Touring Car Cup “WTCR” in 2018) in 2016 and 2017 and has already won twelve national titles. Volkswagen Motorsport has built more than 100 specimens of the racing car, manually and on a small scale, and delivered them to customer teams since 2016. This year’s Golf GTI TCR racer delivers 257 kW/350 PS and a torque of 420 newton metres – on the front axle.

Technical specifications – initial values

 
Golf GTI TCR (road version)
Engine
2.0 TSI
Power
213 kW / 290 PS
At 5,000 to 6,800 rpm
Torque (max)
370 Nm
At 1,600 to 4,300 rpm
Gearbox
7-gear DSG
Drive
Front axle with locking differential
Vmax limited
250 km/h
Vmax unlimited
264 km/h
Wheel sizes
18 inch (series) and 19 inch
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Friday, May 4, 2018

The sound of I.D. R Pikes Peak

May 04, 2018 0

Wait for the end ;)
 
 
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Monday, April 23, 2018

The Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak - Motorsport driving electromobility to the top.

April 23, 2018 0



A new era for Volkswagen in motorsport: The brand unveiled its fully-electric super sports car, the I.D. R Pikes Peak, on Sunday. With 500 kW (680 PS), 650 Nm of torque and weighing less than 1,100 kg, the super sports car will take on the iconic Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado Springs, USA, on 24 June 2018. The goal: To beat the existing record of 8:57.118 minutes for electric cars at the “Race to the Clouds”. To achieve this, the I.D. R Pikes Peak will positively sprint into the future: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.25 seconds is faster than Formula 1 and Formula E cars. The I.D. R Pikes Peak was unveiled in Alès, France, before taking to the racetrack for the first time at its roll-out.

“Volkswagen’s goal is to reach the pinnacle of electromobility with the I.D. family. As such, Volkswagen’s involvement on Pikes Peak not only sets the trend for our future in motorsport, but is also of great symbolic significance in the truest sense,” said Volkswagen Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Development, Dr. Frank Welsch. “Customers have always benefitted from the findings made in motorsport, and we expect to take these findings and use them as a valuable impetus for the development of future I.D. models. The hill climb on Pikes Peak will definitely be a real acid test for the electric drive.”

“The car looks fantastic and has already been attracting a lot of interest from the media and on social media channels for a few weeks,” said Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for ‘Sales, Marketing and After Sales’. “This project shows once again that Volkswagen is on the right track with its major E-mobility strategy and the introduction of the I.D. family. The I.D. R Pikes Peak and the start at the most iconic hill climb in the world offers Volkswagen the magnificent opportunity to charge the topic of E-mobility, both emotionally and from a sporting perspective.” 

Wiry model athlete, no beefcake: The I.D. R Pikes Peak

The top goal when developing the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak was to find the ideal balance between energy capacity and weight. The focus was not, as is usually the case with racing cars, on maximum performance. Volkswagen’s prototype for Pikes Peak justifiably bears two quality seals in its name. The “R”, which is synonymous with performance cars. And the “I.D.” – the symbol of Volkswagen’s smart E-technology.

“As with the Volkswagen brand’s production vehicles, fully-electric racing cars will also play an increasingly important role for us in the future,” said Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director. “The cooperation within the group really helped us, particularly given the tight schedule. For example, we received support from the Volkswagen battery plant in Braunschweig and worked together with the technical development department in Wolfsburg.”

As with the sensational twin-engine Golf that took on the Pikes Peak challenge in 1985, 1986 and 1987, the engineers have opted for a solution with two power units. The I.D. R Pikes Peak features two electric engines, generating a system capacity of 500 kW (680 PS).

A smart power source: The battery technology

As in production vehicles with electric drive, lithium-ion batteries are used as the energy storage system. There is great demand on the battery cells: Their power density is the crucial factor for the system when producing high voltage. Unlike in the manufacturing of production vehicles, the goal of the motorsport engineers was not maximum range, but the highest possible power output on the way to the Pikes Peak summit.

Roughly 20 per cent of the electric energy required is generated during the 20-kilometre drive. The key here is energy recovery: When braking, the electric engines, which in this case operate as generators, convert some of the braking energy into electricity and feed this into the battery.
Test programme starts now – I.D. R Pikes Peak enters its crucial phase

It is one of the peculiar challenges on Pikes Peak: Testing on the 19.99-kilometre route of the hill climb in Colorado Springs is only very limited, and only possible on certain sections. For this reason, the bulk of the testing is not done on the actual route, but at racetracks. Volkswagen’s Pikes Peak programme enters the next phase with the unveiling of the car in Alès.
The driver: Le Mans winner and Pikes Peak conqueror, Romain Dumas

World-class driver and defending Pikes Peak champion, Romain Dumas, will be at the wheel of the Volkswagen I.D. R Pikes Peak for the attempt to break the existing record for electric cars. The 39-year-old Frenchman loves this kind of challenge: As well as three victories on Pikes Peak, he has also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice. Incidentally, Dumas, who names motorsport legend Jacky Ickx as his idol, was born in Alès. 

The big day: 24 June 2018!

Start at 2,862 metres above sea level, 1,440 vertical metres of climbing, 156 corners, 100 per cent asphalt, and just one single attempt – not only must the technology and driver be on top form as they attempt to set a new record for electric cars on 24 June 2018, but the external conditions must also play ball. It is not unheard of for the 4,302-metre summit of Pikes Peak, which also represents the finish, to experience temperatures below freezing point at the end of June.






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Tuesday, March 20, 2018

New Polo for driving thrills: The Volkswagen Polo R Supercar

March 20, 2018 0


  • Unveiling of the new Polo R Supercar for the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX)
  • Fit for the title defence, thanks to systematic improvements
  • Volkswagen R new partner of the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team
  • World champions Johan Kristoffersson and Petter Solberg out to defend titles


The stage is set for the title defence: Volkswagen Motorsport's new Polo R Supercar has been unveiled in Autostadt Wolfsburg. The 570-hp four-wheel drive powerhouse for the FIA World Rallycross Championship (WRX) has a new look. As well as optimised aerodynamics, it also showcases a new strategic partnership: Volkswagen R, home of Volkswagen's most powerful and sporty production models, is partner of the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team in 2018 and is intensifying its cooperation with Volkswagen Motorsport. The new WRX season gets underway on 14/15 April in Barcelona (E).

With reigning Rallycross world champion Johan Kristoffersson and team owner and Rallycross superstar Petter Solberg watching on, the new Polo R Supercar was unveiled by Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets, PSRX team principal Pernilla Solberg and Jost Capito, managing director of Volkswagen R.

"There is no question about it, the new season promises to be very exciting. The opposition will do everything in their power to take our title," said Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director. "Our goal is obviously to provide Johan and Petter with a good car, which will allow them to challenge for the world title. I am confident that we will achieve this, and that the new partnership with Volkswagen R will give us even more power."

Jost Capito, managing director of Volkswagen R GmbH, is looking forward to the partnership in the FIA World Rallycross Championship: "Volkswagen R has always drawn inspiration and passion from motor racing. We will now actively build on these qualities in close cooperation with our colleagues at Volkswagen Motorsport and the PSRX team. The FIA World Rallycross Championship will be really exciting and we are looking forward to working with our partners." 

The new exterior makes this year's Polo R Supercar easy to distinguish from its predecessor. "The most important changes compared to last year's model have been made at the front of the car," explained Fabrice van Ertvelde, technical project manager for Volkswagen in the WRX. The engine cooling, which is a particularly sensitive area in Rallycross races, has been redesigned, with emphasis on aerodynamics. This will make the 2018 Polo R Supercar far more efficient. A second important aspect was design of a new rear wing, which creates more downforce and allows a wide range of new set-up options. There has also been a lot of attention to detail when further developing what goes on under the bonnet of the Polo, in order to be ideally equipped for the short, close and spectacular races in the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

Johan Kristoffersson, who starts with the world champion's number 1 on his car: "The initial tests with the new Polo R Supercar have been very good. The development department of Volkswagen Motorsport has done a magnificent job. As world champion, I am obviously particularly under pressure – but I don't mind that. On the contrary, I am looking forward to some spectacular and hopefully exciting battles with the opposition."

The FIA World Rallycross Championship is held over twelve rounds on three continents. The season gets underway in Barcelona (E) on 14/15 April and ends with the grand finale in Cape Town (SA) on 24/25 November. The WRX circus travels to the re-designed circuit in Silverstone (GB) for the first time, while the race in Austin marks the series' first outing in the USA. 15 cars and drivers are currently registered for the top class, the RX Supercar Series. They include big names from the world of motorsport, including the Volkswagen drivers Petter Solberg and world champion Johan Kristoffersson as well as rally star Sébastien Loeb and DTM champion Mattias Ekström.



 
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Monday, March 19, 2018

The latest member of the I.D. family: the I.D. R Pikes Peak

March 19, 2018 0



 
The latest member of the I.D. family: the I.D. R Pikes Peak

  • I.D. R Pikes Peak, the sportiest forerunner of the I.D. family
  • Electric racer the technological ambassador for electromobility
  • Volkswagen R and Volkswagen Motorsport intensify their cooperation
  • Most famous hill climb gets underway on 24th June 2018 in Colorado, USA


Volkswagen's latest motorsport project has been named: I.D. R Pikes Peak1 is the title of the all-electric prototype racing car, with which Volkswagen will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24th June 2018 in Colorado, USA.

The four-wheel drive sports car combines its ambassadorial role for the future, electric I.D. family with the sportiest range of Volkswagen products, the R GmbH models. At the same time, it is also the first step towards an intensification of the cooperation between Volkswagen R and Volkswagen Motorsport. The Volkswagen brand plans to offer more than 20 fully-electric cars by 2025. Manufacturing of the first production model in the I.D. family is scheduled to start at the end of 2019 in Zwickau, in the Saxony region of Germany.                 
                                                           
"We want to be at the forefront of electromobility with Volkswagen and the I.D. family," explained Volkswagen Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Development, Dr. Frank Welsch. "Competing in the most famous hill climb in the world with the I.D. R Pikes Peak not only has symbolic meaning, but is also a valuable test for the general development of electric cars."
Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, added: "Pikes Peak is without question the most iconic hill climb in the world. For Volkswagen, it represents a fantastic opportunity to charge the topic of E mobility, both emotionally and from a sporting perspective, thanks to the I.D. R project."

The international Pikes Peak hill climb – also known by aficionados as the "Race to the Clouds" – has been held since 1916 near Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains. The 19.99-kilometre route runs from the start at 2,800 metres to the summit at 4,300 metres above sea level. Volkswagen last entered the Pikes Peak hill climb in 1987 with a spectacular dual-engine Golf, which generated an impressive 652 hp. However, the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer narrowly missed out on success.

"It is about time we settled the score," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director, Sven Smeets. "The I.D. R Pikes Peak represents an extremely exciting challenge for us, to show what is possible with an electric engine in motorsport. The entire team behind our driver Romain Dumas is highly motivated to set a new record for electric cars." The record in the electric prototype class currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes and was set in 2016 by New Zealand's Rhys Millen (e0 PP100).


 
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