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Press releases
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Breathtaking nature, fascinating technology: The ID.R’s record drive on Tianmen Mountain on video and in a digital booklet
The fifth sensational record of the ID.R: more than a week ago at Tianmen Mountain (China), Volkswagen has once again demonstrated its expertise in the field of electro-mobility and in motorsport. With the fully electric powered ID.R, the pioneer and ambassador of the brand’s ID product family, Volkswagen has set records worldwide on unique roads resp. circuits and underlined the performance capabilities of electric drive. A 56-page digital media booklet now summarizes these records and a gripping video clip looks back on the recent trip to China. -
Automotive Brand Contest 2019: Passat, T-Cross and ID. ROOMZZ are the “Best of Best”
Volkswagen scores highly in all categories of vehicle design in this year’s Automotive Brand Contest. The Volkswagen brand secured a total of six awards in the “Concepts”, “Interior” and “Exterior Volume Brands” categories, in each case taking the “Best of Best” first prize. -
7:38.585 minutes to reach “Heaven’s Gate” in China: Volkswagen sets first record on Tianmen Mountain with the ID.R
An extraordinary drive on the limit, with spectacular images and the first record on Tianmen Mountain: Volkswagen has achieved a major milestone with the ID.R in China – one that literally helps drive electromobility to new highs. Romain Dumas (F) completed the 99 tight corners on the Tianmen Mountain road in 7:38.585 minutes – faster than ever before. The ID.R currently holds the records on Pikes Peak (USA) and at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (GB), the electric lap record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (D), and now the fastest time for an ascent of Tianmen Mountain in China. The car is the motorsport ambassador for the new, fully-electric range of vehicles from Volkswagen, the ID. family, the first of which – the ID.3 – will have its world premiere on 10 September at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). -
Storming the summit for e-mobility: Volkswagen targets record on Tianmen Mountain
10.906 kilometres, 99 corners, one aim: another groundbreaking record with the Volkswagen ID.R. On Monday, 2 September, Volkswagen will literally push electro-mobility to new peaks on the mythical Tianmen Mountain in China. The breathtaking Big Gate Road near Zhangjiajie is one of the most dramatic in the world. In the important growth market of China, the ID.R will serve as the first ambassador of the fully electric powered ID. family on the roads of the People’s Republic. -
Jürgen Stackmann: “Electro-mobility is emotive and fascinating: this is the clear message the ID.R is sending”
On 02 September, the ID.R will face a very special kind of challenge on Tianmen Mountain in China: record-chaser Romain Dumas (F) will set a benchmark behind the wheel of the ID.R against which the competition will be able to try their luck. So far, no one has dared to master the extremely winding route up the mythical mountain in a racing car. With the ID.R, the racing ambassador of the future ID. product family, Volkswagen demonstrates its competence in the field of electrically powered vehicles – using motorsport as a test-field and stage. In just one year, Volkswagen set new records with the all-electric ID.R at Pikes Peak (USA), the Nürburgring Nordschleife (D) as well as the Goodwood Festival of Speed (GB). In this interview, Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Passenger Cars, with responsibility for ‘Sales, Marketing and After Sales’, explains why the challenge in China is emblematic of the mobility change at Volkswagen. -
Record attempt by the Volkswagen ID.R supports the electric model offensive in China
Tianmen Mountain is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. The 1,519-metre mountain in the south of the country is believed to be a gateway to heaven. As such, Volkswagen’s project – to take the fully-electric ID.R and set a record for ascending the almost eleven-kilometre road to the summit, via no less than 99 corners – is of great symbolic importance. With the spectacular outing of the zero-emission ID.R, Volkswagen brand is supporting an extensive electromobility offensive in China. -
ID. BUGGY at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance
For the first time the Volkswagen ID. BUGGY hits the roads and beaches of California. The concept car will also be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week. Since its world debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the ID. BUGGY has created buzz about the future possibilities of e-mobility. -
Efficiency record in the “Green Hell” – The Volkswagen ID.R’s ground-breaking lap of the Nordschleife in figures
The electric record on the iconic Nordschleife with a remarkably low amount of energy: Exactly two months ago, Volkswagen achieved an electromobility milestone with the ID.R. The fully-electric ID.R raced through the 20.8-kilometre “Green Hell” in a time of just 6:05.336 minutes and at an average speed of 204.96 km/h – and all whilst using just 24.7 kWh of energy. This meant the ID.R was not only significantly faster than a GT3 sports car, but also consumed only a quarter of the energy over the course of one lap. The ID.R is the sporty forerunner and prototype for the ID.R family, with which Volkswagen will bring E-mobility to the streets for everyone from 2020. Technology used successfully during the record attempts with the ID.R will be incorporated in production vehicles. -
Volkswagen ID.R: Records in the rear-view mirror, sights set on Chinese challenge
Their names alone are enough to send shivers down the spine of any automobile fan: The legendary hill climb on Pikes Peak, the famous Nürburgring-Nordschleife, and the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed. The fully-electric Volkswagen ID.R holds spectacular records at each of these prestigious motorsport venues. But that’s not all. The sports car will take on its next record attempt in September: The ID.R will set a target time on Tianmen Mountain in China. The goal for this extraordinary outing in the Far East is to set a milestone for electric cars and, in doing so, to support Volkswagen’s e-strategy in China, which is really picking up speed this year. By 2035, Volkswagen intends to increase the percentage of e-cars within its annual deliveries in China to 50 percent. -
Dr. Frank Welsch: “The ID.R is an important ambassador for Volkswagen”
Volkswagen has added two more chapters to the ID.R’s success story: the lap record for electric powered vehicles on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife was followed by the absolute track record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This once again impressively demonstrated the performance capabilities of electro technology. But the ID.R is more than a record holder – it is the racing spearhead to the ID. family of fully electric powered production vehicles, which will appear on the market from 2020. In an interview, Dr. Frank Welsch, Chief Development Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, speaks about the significance of the records for the brand’s electro-mobility offensive. -
Faster than Formula 1: New record for the Volkswagen ID.R in Goodwood
The first electric race car to beat Formula 1: The Volkswagen ID.R has made motorsport history again by setting a new all-time record at the ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’. Romain Dumas completed the 1.86-kilometre track in the south of England in just 39.90 seconds. In doing so, the 500-kW (680-PS) electric race car broke the previous record, which had stood for 20 years, by 1.7 seconds. He also took victory in the Sunday Shootout. The previous record at the famous hillclimb was set in 1999 by Nick Heidfeld in a 574-KW (780-PS) McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 with a combustion engine. -
Goodwood Festival of Speed: Volkswagen ID.R electric race car sets sights on Formula 1 record
It is a battle of the technology concepts at the “Goodwood Festival of Speed” (04 to 07 July 2019) – electric drivetrain versus petrol engine. Volkswagen travels with the ID.R electric race car to the famous motorsport revival in southern England, where it will take aim at the course record, which has stood for exactly 20 years. Back in 1999, Nick Heidfeld (D) set the fastest time of 41.6 seconds in a Formula 1 car, the McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13, driven by a V10 naturally-aspirated engine generating roughly 574 kW (780 PS). Only last year, the ID.R, which has a system performance of 500 kW (680 PS), set a new record for electric cars in Goodwood. Romain Dumas (F) was at the wheel of the ID.R, the sporty spearhead of the fully-electric ID. family of production vehicles. In doing so, he also set the third fastest time in the history of the event. -
ID. BUGGY singled out at Concours d’Elegance
The ID. BUGGY made its first big appearance at the "Chantilly Arts & Elegance, Richard Mille" after its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. Together with an haute couture creation by the Belgian fashion designer Ann Demeulemeester, it ventured onto the catwalk and bagged the audience award at the Concours d'Elegance. Volkswagen chief designer Klaus Bischoff, who took part in the parade, is thrilled: "It is a sensational achievement for our design team that international automotive enthusiasts chose the ID. BUGGY at such a top-class event. It shows that our vision of e-mobility has struck a chord." -
Volkswagen ID.R returns to Goodwood to defend its title
The Volkswagen ID.R is set to defend its title at the “Goodwood Festival of Speed” (4 to 7 July). Last year, Romain Dumas, at the wheel of the fully-electric race car, set a new record for electric vehicles at the prestigious race in the south of England. The Frenchman completed the 1.86-kilometre route of the Goodwood Hillclimb in just 43.86 seconds – the fastest time for 15 years. A mere five weeks after breaking the lap record for electric vehicles on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, the ID.R – the sporty spearhead of the ID. family of fully-electric production vehicles – is ready to take on its next challenge. -
6:05.336 minutes – Volkswagen ID.R sets new electric record on the Nürburgring
Volkswagen has achieved another milestone in electro-mobility: The ID.R, powered by two electric motors, lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 6:05.336 minutes – faster than any electric vehicle before it. Romain Dumas (F) beat the previous record set by Peter Dumbreck (GB, NIO EP9) in 2017 by 40.564 seconds. With an average speed of 204.96 km/h, the ID.R once again underlined the impressive performance capabilities of Volkswagen’s electric drive. This 500 kW (680 PS) emission-free race car is the racing flagship of the future fully electric ID. product family from Volkswagen. -
A vessel for technology beyond motorsport – the charging of the ID.R system
It is a science in itself: the ID.R charging system. Only with optimally charged batteries can the pursuit of the lap record for electric vehicles on the 20.8-kilometre Nürburgring-Nordschleife succeed. To this end, driver Romain Dumas (F) will also have to deploy the full system performance of 500 kW (680 PS) on the three-kilometre ‘Döttinger Höhe’ section at the end of the Nordschleife, which is nearly dead straight. -
Volkswagen ID.R on the Nordschleife: High-tech meets tradition
20.832 kilometres, 73 corners, many changes in elevation: the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Volkswagen has chosen one of the most iconic racetracks in the world for its next record attempt with the fully-electric ID.R. A lap record on the rollercoaster track in the Eifel region of Germany is a prestigious accolade for any race or production car. The current record for electric vehicles stands at 6:45.90 minutes and was set by British driver Peter Dumbreck in a NIO EP9 in 2017. -
Volkswagen ID. R completes its first test on the Nordschleife
One day after the world premiere for the new ID. R at the Nürburgring, Romain Dumas drove the first test laps on the Nordschleife in the fully electric race car. On the 20.832-kilometre-long circuit, the Frenchman completed an extensive testing programme, driving two alternative ID. R chassis to make optimal use of the available time. In doing so, Volkswagen Motorsport began the final preparation phase for the attempt to set a new lap record for electric vehicles on the tradition-steeped track in the Eifel with the 500 kW (680 PS) race car. -
Electric to the max: 56 pages on the ID. R and the electro-mobility strategy from Volkswagen
Volkswagen Motorsport presents its new digital booklet, “Electric to the max – the record-chasing ID. R.”, with all the information on the continuously developed version of the first fully electric race car from Volkswagen. Over 56 pages, there are interesting facts, exclusive insights and explanations on how the ID. R, as the racing flagship for future electric production vehicles from the ID. family, combines Volkswagen’s technical competence in relation to electric drive with the emotions and fascination of motorsport. -
Motorsport with electric drive: Double world premiere for the new Volkswagen ID. R
Volkswagen has presented the continuously developed version of the ID. R, the fully electric race car. The racing flagship of the future fully electric product family from Volkswagen is to set a new lap record for electric vehicles on the 20.832-kilometre-long Nordschleife. In order for driver Romain Dumas to undercut the until-now best time of 6:45.90 minutes, Volkswagen Motorsport has consistently and continuously developed the ID. R. On 25 April, the ID. R is to complete its first test on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Virtually speaking, the ID. R will already drive its first laps from today; for the first time, a race car will also be presented at the same time in a near-reality computer simulation that can be downloaded free of charge. -
Bring on the Nürburgring – ID. R ready for its record attempt on the Nordschleife
The ID. R has completed the next series of tests in preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. After working on the aerodynamics in the wind tunnel, the most recent tests at the racetracks in Le Castellet and Alès (both France) focused on the energy management software. The objective was to establish the ideal set-up for the electric drivetrain ahead of the record attempt on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. In the summer of 2019, the ID. R, sporty forerunner of the ID. family of fully-electric production vehicles from Volkswagen, will be aiming to set a new record lap time for electric vehicles at the historic Eifel circuit, with Romain Dumas at the wheel. -
Volkswagen ID. R uses Formula 1 technology for optimal aerodynamics
Volkswagen has set itself a new challenge with the ID. R this year – the Nürburgring-Nordschleife instead of Pikes Peak. A race track instead of a hill climb. Full-throttle sections instead of hair-pins. Because of this, the fully electric-powered ID. R has been continuously developed with respect to its aerodynamics. -
Volkswagen launches model offensive in China
Volkswagen plans an extensive model offensive in China. The brand will have doubled its SUV range by 2020. Volkswagen announced during the Auto Shanghai 2019, that the share of SUVs is expected to rise to up to 40 per cent. It is targeting the tradiotional part as well as the growing e-mobility sector. The Volkswagen brand presented five new SUV, four of them as world premieres. SAIC VOLKSWAGEN showed the T-Cross and the soon to be launched Teramont X, FAW-VW the SUV Coupé Concept and SMV Concept. Besides the four models of the joint ventures the latest member of the ID. Family celebrated its world premiere: the ID. ROOMZZ. -
World première of the ID. ROOMZZ in Shanghai
Volkswagen has today presented the newest member of the ID. Family – the ID. ROOMZZ – at the “Brand SUV Night” in the run-up to Auto Shanghai. The multivariable all-rounder is a zero-emission SUV of the five-metre class which is tailored to both family and business requirements. The series version is to be initially launched on the Chinese market in 2021. The ID. ROOMZZ’s bodywork design follows the clear, homogeneous lines of the rest of the ID. family. The concept car also breaks new ground in the full-size SUV segment thanks to multiple details. -
Computer simulations accelerate the continuous development of the ID. R
The continuous development of the ID. R is in full swing. The prototype, powered by two electric motors with a 500 kW (680 PS) system performance, will in summer 2019 hunt down the lap record for electric vehicles on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with Romain Dumas at the wheel. As well as extensive test drives and the work in the wind tunnel, Volkswagen Motorsport is also strongly relying on computer simulations in the preparation phase. These digital tools not only represent essential support for the engineers, they also save time and costs. -
The continuing development of the Volkswagen ID. R to make the record on Nürburgring-Nordschleife possible
The next challenge for the ID. R awaits: in summer, a new record is set to be delivered on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The team from Volkswagen Motorsport are therefore working intensively on the continuing development of the purely electric-powered race car. The focus of the testing and development phase is on increasing the efficiency of the vehicle. The ID. R, powered by two electric motors with system performance of 500 kW (680 hp), is the racing forerunner to the ID. product family, the future range of purely electric-powered production vehicles from Volkswagen. -
The ID. family is growing: In Shanghai a new concept car shows the electric full-size SUV of the future
The Volkswagen Brand celebrates the world premiere of the ID. ROOMZZ at Auto Shanghai, one of China’s biggest car shows. The multi-variable all-round model is the next member of the ID. family and gives you a taste of what is to come in the upcoming series version of the zero-emission SUV that will hit the Chinese market first in 2021. Auto Shanghai will have its doors open from April 16th to April 24th 2019. -
“China Challenge”: The Volkswagen ID. R on the “Road to Heaven”
The fully-electric Volkswagen ID. R will take on another special challenge in September 2019. Romain Dumas (F) will be back at the wheel of the 500-kW electric sports car for the “China Challenge” on the Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road – a unique stretch of tarmac, featuring 99 corners, which winds its way up Tianmen Mountain, located roughly 1,500 kilometres southwest of Beijing. As no official record exists for the eleven-kilometre mountain road, which is not accessible to public transport, Volkswagen China will run a competition prior to the record attempt, in which participants can set their own virtual time on the Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road. Dumas will then attempt to better the time of the fastest participant under real conditions in September. -
Comeback of an attitude towards life: The world premiere of the electric ID. BUGGY in Geneva
Volkswagen presents the ID. BUGGY at the Geneva International Motor Show. On the evening prior to the first press day, the concept car will celebrate its world premiere at the Volkswagen Group Night. The ID. BUGGY is a zero-emissions high-tech vehicle for summer, on the beach or in the city, based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB). “The ID. BUGGY demonstrates the broad spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the MEB within the Volkswagen brand. But we want to open up the platform for third-party suppliers”, explains Ralf Brandstätter, COO of the Volkswagen brand. -
Successful start to the ID. R electric race car test programme
The countdown has begun: at the sun-drenched “Circuit de Almería” in Andalucía, the purely electric powered ID. R began the preparatory phase for its record attempt on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Driver Romain Dumas, who in summer 2019 will seek to break the current record for electric vehicles on the 20.832 kilometres racetrack in the Eifel, completed the first test runs in Spain with Bridgestone tyres this week. -
The buggy is back – and now it’s electric!
Volkswagen is bringing a legend back to life! At the beginning of March, the Wolfsburg-based Group will reveal the first fully electric version of a new buggy. Taking its cues from popular American dune buggies, the concept vehicle is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), demonstrating how multifaceted the new platform truly is. -
Volkswagen sets sights on electric record on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife
Volkswagen is driving electromobility forward at high speed, both in production vehicles and on the racetrack. Following the record-breaking run at the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the ID. R – Volkswagen’s fully-electric sports car – has now set its sights on another record in the summer of 2019: the lap record for electric cars on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, which is regarded as the toughest racetrack in the world. -
Volkswagen to become a power supplier
The Volkswagen Group is establishing a Group company for energy offerings and charging solutions – underlining its strategic goal of becoming a leading provider of sustainable mobility. Elli Group GmbH with headquar-ters in Berlin is to develop products and services connected with energy and charging for the brands of the Group. -
Return of the ID. R: Volkswagen to present plans for future applications
Family get-together for three generations: Volkswagen will take the past, present and future of motorsport to Zell am See for the return of the awe-inspiring Ice Race. On show for all to see on 19 and 20 January 2019 in the town to the south of Salzburg (Austria) will be the Volkswagen ID. R, which this year set a widely-acclaimed all-time record on the legendary Pikes Peak in the USA with a fully-electric drive. Volkswagen will also offer a glimpse of what awaits the ID. R in its immediate sporting future. -
Volkswagen and suppliers start countdown to ID.
About one year before the start of production of the fully electric ID., Volkswagen has announced further details of its electric offensive. Throughout the Group, up to 15 million vehicles based on the Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) are to be built in the first wave, compared with 10 million vehicles according to previous plans. Up to 2023, the brand will be investing more than €11 billion in e-mobility, digitalization, autonomous driving and new mobility services, including more than €9 billion in the ID. family. The electric offensive was also a topic at the MEB Supplier Event. Yesterday, more than 30 CEOs from the key component suppliers came to Wolfsburg to usher in the hot phase of preparations for the ID. together with Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, and members of the Volkswagen brand Board of Management. -
Electrifying a wide audience: Volkswagen ID. R crowned “Race Car of the Year” twice
Breath-taking all-time record at the legendary hill climb on Pikes Peak with a pioneering, fully-electric drivetrain and a spectacular look – the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak has already justified the use of many superlatives. The 500-kW (680-PS) prototype sports car has now been crowned “Race Car of the Year” twice – by specialist German magazine Auto Bild Motorsport and by British car magazine BBC Top Gear. This recognition from two renowned and high-circulation magazines follows a year of success on the track. -
New pick-up concept: World première of the Tarok Concept in São Paulo
Volkswagen is today unveiling the Tarok Concept to the world at the São Paulo International Motor Show (6 to 18 November). The all-wheel drive all-rounder combines the progressive features of the latest generation of digitally networked SUVs with the versatility of a cleverly designed five-metre pick-up. Its innovative new features include a large variable loading area, which can be extended thanks to the folding rear panel in the spacious four-door double cab. As with the technical layout, the Tarok Concept has been designed from scratch down to the very last millimetre. -
Premiere in Brazil: Volkswagen presents its pioneering pickup concept vehicle in São Paulo
At the São Paulo International Motor Show on 6 November, Volkswagen will celebrate the world premiere of an extraordinary pickup concept, which fuses the features of a digitally networked SUV and the versatility of a consistently well-thought-out pickup to form a new, urban-oriented vehicle. One of the especially noteworthy innovations of this concept is the multivariable loading area: in just a couple of simple steps it can be significantly extended thanks to the folding rear panel of the double cab. -
Uncompromising e-mobility: World premiere of the modular electric drive matrix – Volkswagen launches ELECTRIC FOR ALL campaign
Volkswagen is driving the transition to e-mobility with a consistency and commitment unlike that of virtually any other automaker. As part of the ELECTRIC FOR ALL campaign launched today, the brand will be putting attractive models at affordable prices on the road, paving the way for the breakthrough of electric vehicles. The electric offensive is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), a technology platform developed specifically for electric vehicles. Production of the Volkswagen ID., the world’s first series vehicle based on the MEB, will begin in Zwickau at the end of 2019. At the launch of the ELECTRIC FOR ALL campaign, media representatives from all over the world are being given their first deep insight into the technological basis of the ID. at a media workshop in the Gläserne Manufaktur in Dresden, where Volkswagen is demonstrating the centerpiece of the MEB – the rolling chassis without the bodywork and interior – exactly as it will be used in series models. Volkswagen is also seizing the initiative when it comes to charging infrastructure: a design prototype of the “Volks-Wallbox” is also being premiered in Dresden. This Wallbox is an affordable home system that makes charging the ID. family easy and convenient. -
Dr. Frank Welsch: “The success on Pikes Peak is of long-term importance”
The Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak made history with its record-breaking run at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June: the first fully-electric racing car from Wolfsburg conquered the 19.99-kilometre route in 7:57.148 minutes. However, the 500-kW (680-PS) ID. R Pikes Peak is far more than just a record holder – it is the sporty ambassador for the ID. family, Volkswagen’s range of fully-electric production vehicles, which will hit the market from 2020 onwards. In an interview, Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand with responsibility for Technical Development, speaks about what this means for the future, the challenges faced when developing the ID. R Pikes Peak, and the strategy behind competing at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. -
Monterey Car Week: Volkswagen showcases Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas Tanoak Concept in California
At Monterey Car Week (21 – 26 August) in California Volkswagen will be showcasing two German/US American studies on the basis of the Atlas SUV: the Atlas Tanoak Concept pick-up and the dynamic SUV Atlas Cross Sport. The progressively designed and developed all-wheel drive models illustrate the potential that lies within the Atlas range. Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer at Volkswagen: "Thanks to the Atlas Cross Sport we are introducing a high design standard to the full-size SUV category. The Atlas Tanoak is our version of the American dream – a genuine pick-up with clear-cut Volkswagen elements and a futuristic, digital vehicle interior architecture." -
California Dreamin’ – with the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak
Two months after the historic, record-breaking triumph at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the ID. R Pikes Peak is set to make a first return visit to the United States: the first fully electrically-driven race car from Volkswagen will be appearing at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 26 August. The globally renowned event is one of a kind, a unique exhibition – for exceptional historic automobiles and for innovative concept cars. It represents the highlight of the Pebble Beach Automotive Week, which is taking place this year from 21 to 26 August. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: reduced weight thanks to on-board power generation
For a fully-electric racing car like the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak, the weight of the battery is especially important: it is the heaviest individual component – and each increase in weight has a detrimental effect on the car’s performance. It was logical for the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers to keep the batteries as small and light as possible in the record-breaking car. In addition to the sophisticated, weight-saving lithium-ion design, they are relying on technology that is already implemented in numerous electrically-driven production models: recuperation. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: 4.000 kilometres of test drives
It was all over after exactly 7:57.148 minutes. With Romain Dumas at the wheel, the ID. R Pikes Peak crossed the finish line in the world’s most famous hill climb. A record-breaking sprint that lasted 19.99 kilometres, preceded by numerous tests over a distance of 4,000 kilometres – spread over six months. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: teamwork between racers and technicians from production development
Motorsport is a team sport. At the same time, the individual team members sometimes do their thing on different playing fields – under certain circumstances, they can usually be found playing a completely different sport. A prime example of this is the ID. R Pikes Peak, with which Volkswagen driver Romain Dumas set a new record of 7:57.148 minutes at the most famous hill climb in the world on 24 June 2018. As well as Volkswagen Motorsport, a whole host of departments from within the Volkswagen Group were involved in making the project a success. “The help we received from production development was crucial to the success,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: Pacemaker Dieter Depping, test and development driver
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. -
ID. R Pikes Peak makes Germany debut at Classic Days
From 03 to 05 August the time has come: the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak will make its debut in Germany at the 13th Classic Days at Schloss Dyck. The Autostadt in Wolfsburg will present Volkswagen’s first all-electric powered racing car at their “Passion | Pace | Performance” exhibition. With around 40 exhibits, ranging from the 1920s Bugatti to the current Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak, the motorsport brand diversity of the Volkswagen Group will be presented, focussing on the past, present day and future. The 500 kW (680 PS) ID. R Pikes Peak is the sporting forerunner of the ID. family, the series of all-electric powered production cars that Volkswagen will be launching as of 2020. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak: Computer is important factor for development in record time
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is unique in many ways. One thing that makes the most famous hill climb in the world so special is the heavily restricted test drives. Volkswagen Motorsport wasn’t able to complete hundreds of laps during the development of the ID. R Pikes Peak, like Formula 1 teams are allowed to do on certain racetracks, for example. Before driver Romain Dumas reached the 4,302-metre summit in a new record time, he wasn’t even able to complete one full test run of the actual track with Volkswagen’s first all-electric powered racing car. -
Success factors for the ID. R Pikes Peak – a record breaker, thanks to 3D printing
It is less than four weeks since Romain Dumas and the ID. R Pikes Peak set a new all-time record of 7:57.148 minutes for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. For the Volkswagen Motorsport engineers, the race against the clock lasted far longer – about eight months. In motorsport, this is an extremely short period in motor racing terms, yet this is all the technicians were given to develop Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car. -
Record-breaking run of the ID. R Pikes Peak from different perspectives
Volkswagen made motorsport history at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June. At the wheel of the 500-kW (680-PS), fully-electric ID. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated cars powered by conventional drivetrain technology. The 40-year-old’s time of 7:57.148 minutes, not only smashed the previous record for electric cars, but also bettered the all-time record set in 2013 by Sébastien Loeb (F) – by fully 16.730 seconds. -
ID. R Pikes Peak thrills fans with record run at Goodwood
The ID. 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 all-time record still belongs to Nick Heidfeld (D). The former Formula 1 driver completed the 1.86-kilometre route in 41.6 seconds at the wheel of a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 Formula 1 car in 1999. -
Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak goes in search of more records at Goodwood
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 ID. 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. -
Video: Helicopter footage of the ID. R Pikes Peak’s record-breaking run
Volkswagen made motorsport history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on 24 June. At the wheel of the 500-kW (680-PS), fully-electric ID. R Pikes Peak, Romain Dumas (F) defeated cars powered by conventional drivetrain technology and, with a time of 7:57.148 minutes, not only smashed the previous record for electric cars, but also bettered the all-time record set in 2013 by Sébastien Loeb (F) – by fully 16 seconds. -
Volkswagen receives the Plus X Award as "Most Innovative Brand" for the third time in 2018
Volkswagen is continuously setting new standards in product design at a world-class level. This is why the Wolfsburg-based company has received the Plus X Award as “Most Innovative Brand” for the third year in a row. Because the most impressive car models were also produced by Volkswagen, the jury also awarded the company the title of “Best Automotive Brand 2018”. -
Volkswagen celebrates German premiere of ID. VIZZION in Berlin
The future flagship of the electrically driven ID. family is presented in Germany for the very first time. From today on, the concept study ID. VIZZION is a major highlight at the exhibition DRIVING VIZZIONS TO REALITY at DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum in Berlin. Having had its world premiere at the Geneva Motorshow this March, the limousine embodies the brand’s realistic vision of tomorrow’s Volkswagen: pioneering in design, technology, quality – and unconditionally made for e-mobility. The most personal, Volkswagen-Studie ID. VIZZION emotional and indivual Volkswagen of all times is one out of many attractions at the mobility exhibition that displays innovative concepts for an emission-free and fully-connected mobility future until 14th October 2018, in a 650-square- meter-show. -
All time record: Volkswagen makes history with the ID. R Pikes Peak
Volkswagen and the ID. R Pikes Peak have made history at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Driving the 500-kW (680 PS) ID. 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). -
Two days to go until the record attempt: kW buzz on Pikes Peak
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 ID. 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. -
Volkswagen I. D. R Pikes Peak sets fastest time in qualifying
Romain Dumas and the Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak made a clear statement of intent in qualifying ahead of the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the US state of Colorado. The Frenchman, at the wheel of Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car, was the fastest of all the competitors, setting an eye-catching time of 3:16.083 minutes. The three-time Pikes Peak winner went 11.049 seconds quicker than second-placed Simone Faggioli in his Norma M20 SF PKP with its combustion engine. “That was a very good day for us,” said Dumas. “The ID. R Pikes Peak is incredible. I have never experienced acceleration and power like that in a racing car. I am noticing how the car and I are becoming more and more of a unit with every kilometer,” said the Frenchman. -
Romain Dumas: “I have a great respect for this mountain”
Romain Dumas has won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb three times already. On 24 June, the Frenchman will contest the most famous hill climb in the world for Volkswagen for the first time. He has one goal behind the wheel of the 500-kW (680-hp) ID. R Pikes Peak: The 40-year-old is aiming to break the record for electric cars. This currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes and was set by New Zealand’s Rhys Millen in 2016. -
The clock is ticking: Just ten days to go until the start of the ID. R Pikes Peak
Final preparations are underway and the tension is mounting. Race week at the “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” kicks off on Monday (18 June) with the Technical Inspection for participating vehicles in Colorado Springs. Attendance is compulsory for the ID. R Pikes Peak, the first fully-electric racing car from Volkswagen. The official practice session starts the next day. “The adrenaline levels will rise steadily until the race on Sunday,” says Romain Dumas, the three-time Pikes Peak winner who will be driving the ID. R Pikes Peak. -
A science in its own right: The rapid-charging system for the ID. R Pikes Peak
The corresponding paragraph in the regulations for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is clear: Should a participant in the most famous hill climb in the world be forced to suspend their run for safety reasons – for example, should it suddenly start to hail or another car require recovering – they have exactly 20 minutes, in which to prepare for their second attempt and to return to the start line. “This time frame was a crucial factor when configuring the battery for the ID. R Pikes Peak,” says François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport. “Furthermore, the charging strategy and independent mobile power supply are also important aspects of the rapid-charging system.” -
Highly-sophisticated and highly efficient – the drivetrain technology in the ID. R Pikes Peak
The ID. R Pikes Peak that Romain Dumas will be driving on 24th June 2018 at the “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” boasts the most sophisticated powertrain ever developed by Volkswagen Motorsport. “We are breaking new ground with the ID. R Pikes Peak: This is the first time ever that Volkswagen will be competing in a race with a fully-electric car. Alongside the elaborate aerodynamic concept and the special requirements for the sports car chassis, the development of the electric drivetrain was the greatest challenge,” explains François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport. -
CEBIT 2018 highlights: Volkswagen provides glimpses of digital know-how and presents the latest variant of the SEDRIC
With a view to continuing the development of mobility in all its facets for its customers, Volkswagen is steadily expanding its digital capabilities. In this context, Volkswagen is modernizing its IT systems and migrating all applications to cloud platforms. The Group is also acquiring additional IT expertise and using new technologies for products, services and corporate processes. Volkswagen is forging ahead with key digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and block chain technology. Today, the day before the opening of CEBIT in Hanover, Volkswagen gave the public a first glimpse at its show stand. Also on show at CEBIT is the SEDRIC Active – the latest version of the self-driving technology platform for individual mobility at the touch of a button, specially designed for water and outdoor sports enthusiasts. -
Sporty outfit unveiled: The ID. R Pikes Peak to bear start number 94
The countdown is on to the 96th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Two weeks ahead of the start of the most famous hill climb in the world, the ID. R Pikes Peak appeared at the final official test in its final livery and bearing its start number. Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car lines up on 24 June in grey – the hallmark colour of the ID. family. -
Emotional and functional – the design of the ID. R Pikes Peak
Development of the ID. R Pikes Peak started around seven months ago – a multifaceted challenge, including for the Volkswagen Design team. “We already have a wealth of experience with high-performance cars and with racing cars, but a powerful prototype like the ID. R Pikes Peak was a world first for us,” said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design. “Our task was to transfer the unmistakable style of the ID. family to such an extreme and emotional racing car.” -
Electric offensive: Volkswagen trains top experts for the production of the ID. family
The Volkswagen brand is moving ahead with preparations for its major electric offensive and launching a comprehensive e-mobility competence program. Within the framework of the “Future Electronic Engineer Program” (FEEP), 100 young engineers and skilled workers throughout the world will be trained as top production experts. As start of production specialists, they will occupy future-oriented positions in planning, the pilot hall, the e-mobility model group, the pre-series center and electronics development. The first participants to complete the three-year program will support the run-up phase of the ID. family, the new generation of full-electric vehicles based on the modular electrification toolkit (MEB) in Zwickau. -
Every gram counts – lightweight design strategy defines ID. R Pikes Peak concept
It started with simulations. “Before we actually assembled the ID. R Pikes Peak, we used computers to analyse a multitude of different configurations,” says Willy Rampf, technical advisor to the project and a man with a wealth of Formula 1 experience, recalling the start of the development of the car for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. “It was clear to us that we would not have time to build multiple test vehicles. We had to get it right at the first attempt.” -
Up in the air – Volkswagen Motorsport breaking new technological ground with the aerodynamics of the ID. R Pikes Peak
At first glance, it is clear to see that the ID. R Pikes Peak has been developed for extreme conditions. The aerodynamic aspect of Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car is also uncompromisingly designed to tackle the most famous hill climb in the world. “The start line is located at an altitude of almost 2,900 metres, with the finish at 4,300 metres above sea level. The low air pressure up there means that the aerodynamic conditions are different to those at a racetrack on flat land,” explains François-Xavier Demaison, Technical Director at Volkswagen Motorsport and the man responsible for developing the ID. R Pikes Peak as project manager. The relatively open regulations gave the engineers far more leeway, with which to design the chassis and rear wing of the ID. R Pikes Peak, than in other racing disciplines. -
World première at the GTI meeting: the new Golf GTI TCR Concept unveiled at Wörthersee
A new chapter of Golf GTI history has begun: With the world première of the 213 kW / 290 PS strong Golf GTI TCR Concept, Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen Board Member for Sales, has unveiled the road version of the racing car of the international TCR series of the same name. The première took place today at the legendary GTI meeting at Reifnitz am Wörthersee, Austria. Jürgen Stackmann: "At the moment, the Golf GTI TCR Concept – an athlete derived from racing sport – is a study. But at the end of the year, we want to make this GTI vision come true." -
Double premiere at GTI meeting – apprentices from Wolfsburg and Zwickau present the Golf show cars they have developed
Tomorrow, on May 9, the day they have been waiting for will finally arrive for two teams of Volkswagen apprentices. The double premiere of the special unique Golf show cars they have developed and built themselves as to take place at the 37th GTI meeting. Each year, tens of thousands of automobile fans come to Lake Wörthersee for the legendary event. Volkswagen’s budding specialists will be presenting their show cars to a large audience there: the Golf GTI Next Level (from Wolfsburg) and the Golf Estate TGI GMOTION (from Zwickau). -
2018 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition: New Volkswagen models for the world’s biggest market
Volkswagen is rigorously pursuing its product and technology offensive in its key market, launching nine new models in China in 2018 alone. The new generation of the Lavida, the market leader in compact saloon, and the new Volkswagen CC (the version of the Arteon made in China) will be making their debut at the Auto China 2018 exhibition in Beijing. Volkswagen will also be using the event as an opportunity to highlight its ambition in the important SUV segment with the new Touareg and the T-Roc. The company will offer a glimpse into the future with its ID. VIZZION prototype, a futuristic electric and autonomous luxury saloon. -
The Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak – Motorsport driving electromobility to the top
A new era for Volkswagen in motorsport: The brand unveiled its fully-electric super sports car, the ID. R Pikes Peak, today. With 500 kW (680 hp), 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 ID. 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 ID. R Pikes Peak was unveiled in the Alès, France, before taking to the racetrack for the first time at its roll-out. -
Charging to the peak – Volkswagen ID. R Pikes Peak set for world premier
It is the start of a new era in motorsport for Volkswagen – and one thing is already certain: This Volkswagen is set to electrify its public. When the ID. R Pikes Peak is presented to the public on the coming Sunday, 22 April, it will be Volkswagen’s first fully-electric racing car. Lightweight construction and aerodynamic perfection contribute to an exciting design, which houses a powerful electric power unit. The ID. R Pikes Peak will first take its place under the spotlight of the international media at the racetrack in Alés, France – home of world-class driver Romain Dumas (F), who will be at the wheel for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb – before the official test programme gets underway just one day later. Key date, 24 June 2018 – one goal: Break the record for electric racing cars. -
Double premiere in New York: Volkswagen presents the Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas Tanoak concept cars
Volkswagen is igniting the next stage of its global SUV campaign. After recently presenting the new Touareg in China, Volkswagen is now presenting – at the New York International Auto Show (March 28 to April 08) – two new versions of the Atlas developed for the USA: the Atlas Cross Sport1 and the Atlas Tanoak1. The two concept cars illustrate how the Atlas range could be expanded into a model family. With its hybrid drive and a coupé-like rear body design, the five-seat, near-production Atlas Cross Sport was developed for use in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco. Meanwhile, the Atlas Tanoak pickup – with its innovative cargo system – is an ideal choice for driving across America’s expansive landscapes. Both Atlas concept cars feature extensively digitalized interiors. -
Volkswagen is reinforcing its SUV campaign in the USA by adding another model
After the successful market launch of the Atlas on the American market, Volkswagen is extending its model range with another SUV. This new SUV is based on the Atlas, has five seats and sports a coupé-like roof line. Already offering a preview of the new model is a near-production concept car that will be presented at the New York International Auto Show next week. Like the seven-seat Atlas, this new five-seat version will also be produced at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and it was specially designed and developed for the American market. -
First workshop visit on the way to the Wörthersee: Apprentices from Wolfsburg and Zwickau make show cars for the 2018 GTI meeting
In Zwickau and Wolfsburg, apprentices from Volkswagen are currently making two show cars for the 37th GTI meeting to be held at Lake Wörthersee. The double premiere is due to take place at Maria Wörth in Austria on May 9 and will be watched by many thousands of automobile fans. At the start of the project, the 30 or so young people discussed their ideas and concepts at a "Meeting before the GTI meeting". Discussions focused on technical implementation, especially using CAD and 3-D printer systems. The budding specialists were also interested in digitalization and networking within the vehicle, for example using app control systems they had programmed themselves and a mobile Internet connection. -
The latest member of the ID. family: the ID. R Pikes Peak
Volkswagen's latest motorsport project has been named: ID. R Pikes Peak 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. -
Volkswagen world premiere in Geneva The ID. VIZZION – the saloon for tomorrow and beyond
In a world premiere event at the Geneva Motor Show (6 to 18 March) Volkswagen is presenting the ID. VIZZION concept car – the new flagship of the electric ID. Family. With the ID. VIZZION, Volkswagen defines the saloon of tomorrow and beyond: autonomous driving, effortless control via augmented reality, and adaptive learning thanks to artificial intelligence. The ID. VIZZION thus achieves a new dimension of comfort, convenience, safety, and sustainability. -
Mobility for all – at the touch of a button: Volkswagen Group presents the latest version of SEDRIC1
One year after the world premiere of SEDRIC at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2017, the Volkswagen Group presents the latest version of its mobility concept for fully autonomous driving – the SEDRIC School Bus – at the Volkswagen Group Night Geneva – Shaping the Future. Urban Mobility. The company underscores the importance of SEDRIC (Self DRIving Car) as the cross-brand ideas platform for sustainable, safe, convenient mobility at the touch of a button foreveryone with the exterior and interior styling in the School Bus design. -
ID. VIZZION: Volkswagen shows the future flagship of the ID. family
With the new ID. VIZZION, the Volkswagen brand has today given a glimpse of the individual mobility of the future on the evening before the Geneva International Motor Show. The full electric sedan will be the future top model of the ID. family and will reach the roads by 2022 at the latest. In addition, it is prepared for fully autonomous driving. The ID. VIZZION is part of Volkswagen's major product and technology offensive. By 2025, the brand intends to sell at least 1 million electric cars per year and to become the market leader in e-mobility. -
World premiere of the ID. VIZZION in Geneva Volkswagen shows the potential of its new range of ID. models
The ID. VIZZION supports the Volkswagen claim for future individual mobility. Its electric drive system makes the car clean in road traffic, and its automatic driving control will make it safe and much more comfortable. At the same time, this innovative concept car at the Geneva International Motor Show demonstrates how elegant and emotional the design of a vehicle of the future can be. Inside the ID. VIZZION, a completely new feeling of driving and living is created without a steering wheel or visible controls. -
Volkswagen signs up Le Mans winner Romain Dumas for Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018
Volkswagen is banking on experience for its comeback in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. On 24 June 2018, more than 30 years after Volkswagen last entered the world's most famous hill climb, Romain Dumas from France will be behind the wheel of the marque's first fully electric racing car. Dumas has already won the so-called ‘Race to the Clouds' in the US state of Colorado three times. He is also able to build on the experience gained from driving hybrid prototypes in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC): Dumas secured the world title in this high-tech racing series in 2016 as a Porsche works driver. -
Volkswagen and NVIDIA to Infuse AI into Future Vehicle Lineup
Volkswagen and NVIDIA today shared their vision for how AI and deep learning will shape the development of a new generation of intelligent Volkswagen vehicles. At the kickoff of the 2018 International CES, Volkswagen CEO Dr Herbert Diess and NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang discussed on stage how AI is transforming the auto industry and highlighted the new ID. BUZZ, Volkswagen's exciting new rebirth of the iconic Volkswagen MicroBus, reimagined in electric car form and infused with AI technology for the cockpit and self-driving. -
Volkswagen develops electric race car for world's most renowned mountain race
New challenge in motorsport with the technology of tomorrow: Volkswagen is developing an all-electric race car for the world's most renowned mountain race. The all-wheel drive prototype is scheduled to be at the start of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, USA on 24 June 2018. Its goal: to set a new record for electric cars at the finish line which is at 4,300 metres elevation. The new motorsport project is part of Volkswagen's process of transforming itself into the leading producer of electric vehicles. By 2025, the Volkswagen brand will already be offering 23 all-electric models. -
Chancellor Merkel visits Volkswagen at the IAA: Powertrain concepts of the future presented
At the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt today, German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel was given a glimpse of the automotive future. "The automobile has its best days ahead of it. With the right concepts, Volkswagen will contribute to shaping the automobile of the future," said Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand. Over the next five years, the brand will be investing about €3.5 billion in the optimization of conventional diesel, gasoline and natural gas powertrains. During the same period, €6 billion will be invested in e-mobility. At the IAA, Volkswagen is exhibiting the current state of development with the latest models and presenting the electric future of mobility in the form of concept vehicles from the ID. model family. The first production ID. models will be on show at the IAA in 2019. -
Volkswagen named "Most Innovative Brand 2017"
The Volkswagen brand won various design and innovation awards yesterday at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). Most prominently, the jury for the Plus X Award singled out the Volkswagen brand for the title "Most Innovative Brand 2017". Meanwhile, the new Arteon received the "Best of Best" top ranking in the "Automotive Brand Contest 2017". -
The Volkswagen Group provides an insight into the SEDRIC model family
The Volkswagen Group is consistently developing its own vision of mobility as SEDRIC. The company is presenting its latest evolution stage of the SElf-DRIving Car at the preview night on the evening before the start of the International Motor Show (IAA) 2017 in Frankfurt/Main. In future, this car will form the platform for a diverse model family. SEDRIC is the first concept car from the Volkswagen Group and it symbolises the transformation of the company from a thoroughbred vehicle manufacturer to an integrated provider of hardware, software and digital mobility services. The concept for mobility of tomorrow combines fully automated driving at Level 5, electrification and digital networking. It permits simple, convenient, sustainable and safe mobility for everybody at the touch of a button. The Volkswagen Group will achieve this vision within the concept of urban mobility and in numerous other vehicle concepts from sports cars, through luxurious touring saloons to lightweight commercial vehicles and trucks. -
Volkswagen Group Night at the IAA 2017: Volkswagen brand presents the new ID. CROZZ
The countdown has begun for a breakthrough in electric mobility, and 2020 could represent the turning point. That is because the Volkswagen brand is accelerating into this new era by developing a new generation of innovative electric vehicles – the ID., ID. BUZZ and ID.CROZZ. Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, had this to say at the Volkswagen Group Night: "The Volkswagen Brand will be investing 6 billion euros in electric mobility over the next five years. Our task is to make modern technology available to many people. This is especially important in times of technological transformation. One thing is clear: The Golf of the future must once again be a people's car!". -
Decision to manufacture an electric VW Microbus based on the iconic design of the ID. BUZZconcept
The ID. BUZZ concept car from Volkswagen is being further developed in preparation for its launch as a production vehicle. The Chairmen of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands, Dr Herbert Diess and Dr Eckhard Scholz, announced their production decision today at the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, California, a unique show for both extraordinary historic cars and new concept vehicles. "Just the right place for the ID. BUZZ," explains Diess. "The vehicle is an important pillar in Volkswagen's electric drive initiative and carries the Microbus driving feeling into the future." -
Volkswagen premieres at largest GTI meet
Today sees the start of this year's GTI meet at Lake Wörthersee (24 to 27 May). Around 200,000 fans will again make the pilgrimage to Kärnten for the unique festival. Volkswagen will be there with several automotive surprises. For example, with the world premiere of the near-production prototype of the 85 kW / 115 PS up! GTI – a car that pays homage to the 110 PS original GTI from 1976. Just ahead of the start of the GTI meet, the latter has yesterday evening scooped a remarkable prize: as part of the publication's annual awards, readers of English motoring magazine Autocar crowned the first Golf GTI the most influential car of all time! Another world premiere at Wörthersee: the Golf GTE Performance Concept. Instead of 150 kW / 204 PS, the plug-in hybrid drive system of this concept car develops a system output of 200 kW / 272 PS. System torque rises from 350 to 450 Nm. -
Wörthersee GTI 2017, preview, part 2: 10th apprentices' GTI is "seaworthy" for Wörthersee premiere
Volkswagen plant Wolfsburg, Quality Assurance, Final Vehicle Inspection. 13 apprentices from Volkswagen and Sitech are really wired up: this is the final quality audit for their Wörthersee GTI 2017. Experts are closely scrutinizing their unique Golf GTI. The budding skilled workers from six training vocations have equipped the car with optical and technical refinements selected in line with their own tastes – for example with an intuitive app control feature for the driver's seat using a tablet PC. The apprentices with project manager Holger Schülke are relieved and rather proud when the quality assurance people raise their thumbs appreciatively. The apprentices' GTI 2017 is "seaworthy" for its premiere on the Wörthersee on Wednesday, May 24. -
World premiere of a new GTI: First up! GTI is a tribute to the original GTI
A circle closes 41 years after the debut of the first Golf GTI: at this year's GTI Meet at Lake Wörthersee (24 to 27 May), Volkswagen is presenting a compact, sporty car very much in the spirit of the original GTI – the new up! GTI. The concept and power output of the 85 kW / 115 PS up! are broadly in line with the Golf GTI MkI presented in 1976 that had 81 kW / 110 PS. The near-production concept car pays tribute to this icon – with compact dimensions, a low weight, a powerful engine, sports running gear and the typical insignia of a GTI (including red stripes in the radiator grille, seat covers in "clark" tartan pattern). This sporty small car will certainly bring a new dimension of driving fun to the compact class. A typical GTI feature is the sophisticated sports running gear. It gives the car the agility akin to that of a go-kart, yet it also offers a high level of comfort. The production version of the up! GTI will be launched into the market in early 2018. -
The Wörthersee GTI 2017: Apprentices design unique car fast and efficiently using digital technologies
The Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Vocational Training, Hall 103. Screened off by partitions, Volkswagen and Sitech apprentices are completing their work on a unique vehicle: the Wörthersee GTI 2017. The 13 apprentices in six vocations have designed, developed and built the show car in accordance with their ideas using digital technologies. In a few days, they will be presenting it at the 36th GTI meeting, which is to be held at Maria Wörth on Wörthersee from May 24 to 27. -
Sedric in Shanghai: Self-Driving Car without a cockpit celebrates premiere in China
On the evening before Auto Shanghai 2017 (19 – 28 April) the Volkswagen Group is presenting Sedric (Self-Driving Car) alongside a large number of new models and studies of individual Group brands. This is the first Concept Car from the Group and therefore showcases an integrated mobility concept for the road traffic of tomorrow. Sedric was presented for the first time at the Group Evening in Geneva on 6 March. It is a Concept Car that has been developed from scratch for autonomous driving. Sedric provides a concrete insight into the innovative form of individual mobility that can be used by everyone but which can nevertheless be geared to personal needs and aspirations – available at the touch of a button, easy, sustainable, convenient, and safe. The new joint venture between the Volkswagen Group and Mobvoi is intending to develop Sedric and its integrated mobility concept with a personal digital assistant based on artificial intelligence. -
From January to March 2017: Many national and international awards for Volkswagen models
Tiguan successful in Auto Bild Allrad readers' choice The readers of Auto Bild Allrad trade journal have made their decision and chosen the Tiguan as the "All-wheel Drive Car of the Year" in the "Off-road vehicle and SUV up to €30,000" category. The award for the popular all-rounder was given to Volkswagen yesterday evening in Frankfurt. The second generation of the Tiguan came onto the market last year and will soon be joined by the Tiguan Allspace. This has considerably more space – with the option for up to seven people – and offers impressive versatility and extended range of standard features. -
European premiere of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz at the Geneva International Motor Show
The ID. Buzz concept car from Volkswagen celebrates its European premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (9 to 19 March). The new electric MPV is the second model in the ID. range and provides a look ahead to the future – it shows in particular that the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is well suited to larger vehicles as well: batteries and drive system are housed within the floor; driver and passengers find lots of space for travelling in comfort above. -
NAIAS 2017 in Detroit: Volkswagen presents the ID. BUZZ
The new era of electric mobility is starting and Volkswagen is set to define it: with the ID. BUZZ, Volkswagen is presenting at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit the microbus of the new age. The electric MPV concept gives a renewed look ahead towards the future – with the aim of bringing electric mobility for all into the world of tomorrow. The new brand claim sums it up: "We make the future real."
Press kits
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ID. Crozz - World premiere
The ID. CROZZ is Volkswagen's first electrically powered crossover utility vehicle (CUV) – a four-door coupé and sports utility vehicle (SUV) in one. -
Micro mobility by Volkswagen Streetmate and Cityskater – the Geneva premieres
Urban mobility: Volkswagen is presenting progressive electric vehicles for urban centres in the form of the Cityskater and the Streetmate concept scooter. -
ID. Vizzion - World Premiere
A next-generation, avant-garde premium class saloon. It drives autonomously and is operated by voice and gesture control. Thanks to artificial intelligence, it will be capable of learning. It is a fascinating Volkswagen of tomorrow, which will be opening a portal to the future. -
ID. BUZZ – world premiere
In its design, the electric concept van forges links between the legendary origins of the Volkswagen brand and its electrifying future. The ID. BUZZ, like the ID., is another new Volkswagen vehicle that will give a face to electric mobility. These are cars whose thoroughly clear design reflects a transformation – of the brand and its models. -
ID. – the world premiere
The fact is that the ID. combines the digitally connected world with electric drive, if required, and heralds a new era of fully automated driving. Analogously, this resulted in a visionary design for the electric cars of the future. It puts the spotlight on the individual: it is positive, honest, and fascinating to look at.
Stories
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"Very good. Very spacious!"
Chancellor Angela Merkel opens IAA 2019 in Frankfurt for the public. During her visit to the Volkswagen stand she showed great interest in the ID.3 (1). -
Record at "heavens gate" in China
The ID.R from Volkswagen sets new standards on Mount Tianmen in China: Romain Dumas manages the 99 bends in less than eight minutes. We show exclusive pictures and a video. -
99 turns to the heaven’s gate
It’s a motorsport adventure: In China on September 2, Volkswagen takes up the challenge of setting a record time with the ID.R on the Tianmen Mountain Big Gate Road. Will it be a record for the ages? -
The crowd pleaser
The Concours d´Elegance is the final event of the Monterey Car Week. On its so-called “concept lawn”, automotive manufacturers show off their most exciting concept vehicles. The ID. BUGGY doesn’t really fit in with this ensemble, but that’s exactly why it needs to be here. -
Silent on the beach
As a concept car, the ID. BUGGY excited the audience at its premiere in Geneva. Now, the beach cruiser has hit the shores of California for the first time and is turning heads again. -
Small Car, Boundless Freedom
Cool, compact, cuddly: the dune buggy still inspires enthusiasm. But what constitutes this very special buggy feeling? -
"The smile comes automatically"
When Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen brand, talks about the ID. BUGGY, he gets enthousiastic. An interview about old vehicles, new design and emotional e-cars. -
An emission-free record
The Volkswagen ID.R is the fastest electric vehicle ever to complete a lap of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. We have first impressions of the record run, plus two new videos: the complete run from cockpit- and helicopter perspective, amongst others. -
Goosebumps guaranteed!
Romain Dumas chases the lap record for electric vehicles on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with the ID.R. During the trackwalk, the Frenchman explains a few key points of probably the most challenging race track in the world. In addition, check out our three videos, cruising the Nordschleife with Romain Dumas, amongst others. -
Four world premieres in Shanghai
The curiosity is immense. The stage is even bigger. And the surprises were a great success, too. Volkswagen presented an incredible four world premieres in a single evening, on the eve of the Auto Shanghai. “That’s not normal,” says marketing chief Jürgen Stackmann, his face beaming. “I can not remember ever experiencing a night like this.” -
Return of a legend
Elvis, James Bond and Steve McQueen, they all drove it: The dune buggy of the 1970s. The cult-classic car returns – this time all-electric. The new MEB-based Volkswagen study is celebrating its premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show. -
Undercover in South Africa
Approval drive with the all-electric ID. in South Africa: At the end of 2019, the first model based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) goes into production. The final testing phase has begun. -
“The best of all automotive worlds”
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are on trend. They are safe, comfortable and give drivers a feeling of freedom. On the trail of a success story. -
Future Running High
The ID. R Pikes Peak races at the Goodwood Festival of Speed -
Innovations have to have a human touch
The Motor Show in Geneva is open for visitors until Sunday. The Volkswagen booth presents its Volkswagen Move Forward talk every day. Experts answer questions on the future of mobility, the future in the digital world, and intelligent driving solutions in the future. Presenter, Sarah Elsser, describes her personal experience of the talks at the Volkswagen exhibition booth to us here. -
‘Like the surface of the moon'
Pikes Peak driver Romain Dumas on the world's most famous hill climb
Basic Infos
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ID. ROOMZZ – world première
Auto Shanghai 2019 -
Tarok Concept – the world première
São Paulo International Motor Show 2018 -
Micro mobility by Volkswagen Streetmate and Cityskater – the Geneva premieres
Important facts – Streetmate & Cityskater -
ID. VIZZION – World Premiere
Basic facts – the ID. VIZZION in key points -
ID. CROZZ II and the ID. Family
e-campaign: ID. and ID. CROZZ launch in 2020, ID. BUZZ in 2022 Premiere at the IAA: Volkswagen presents the ID. CROZZ II -
ID. BUZZ – Volkswagen presents the Microbus of the future in California for the first time
Key Facts – the ID. BUZZ in keywords -
ID. CROZZ – World premiere
Electric concept car with 500 km range, all-wheel drive and autopilot mode New CleanAir system ensures extremely clean air on board the ID. CROZZ -
ID. BUZZ – world premiere
Electric van has a driving range of up to 600 kilometers / 270 miles and seats eight people Versatile zero-emission all-wheel drive vehicle transfers a Microbus feeling into the future -
CES 2017 in Las Vegas
In the future, your own profile and preferences will always be with you – regardless of which Volkswagen model you're driving Volkswagen presents the next milestone in ease of use Visionary ID. electric car being shown for first time in the USA -
ID. – the world premiere
An ambassador: the ID. is the first Volkswagen of a new fleet of electric cars It runs and runs: the ID. has a range of 400 to 600 kilometres Ready for the future: the ID. concept car demonstrates a fully automated mode for the year 2025 -
SUV world premiere – the new Tiguan GTE Active Concept
Volkswagen concept car combines maximum efficiency with a powerful all-wheel drive system New infotainment system of the Tiguan GTE Active Concept has gesture control -
SUV world premiere – the new Cross Coupé GTE North American International Auto Show
German design and engineering merge with the American way of life The Cross Coupé GTE offers a preview of a new Volkswagen SUV series
