by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
Performance of new Golf R1 sets new standards
- New R Performance Torque Vectoring creates a more dynamic and fun driving experience
- Driving modes “Special” and “Drift” offered in optional R Performance Package
The new Golf R outperforms all previous Golf R models, boasting 235 kW / 320 PS and a torque of 420 newton metres.
To make sure that the power is brought to the road as effectively as possible, Volkswagen’s engineers have developed a new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring on the rear axle. It forms the basis for the improved vehicle handling of the Golf R, which is setting the standard in its vehicle class.
The Golf R has traditionally been the most powerful model of the bestselling car.
Featuring all-wheel drive and the most exclusive design and equipment, this highly dynamic car always represents the gold standard of technology within its class – the Golf class. And it’s no different this time around: the Golf R is the first Volkswagen to be launched with a new all-wheel drive system: 4MOTION with R-
Performance Torque Vectoring. This system, intelligently networked via the vehicle dynamics settings, enables a new dimension of sportiness.
“Our goal with the Golf R was to make its driving characteristics as neutral as possible. In other words, we want to ensure that the vehicle does not under- or oversteer – it should be as straightforward as possible to control at all times”, explains Jonas Thielebein, the engineer in charge of the Golf R. As a Volkswagen R developer, he takes particular pride in the torque vectoring system. Here, a new rear axle drive distributes the drive power not just between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels. This makes it possible to significantly increase the agility of the Golf R, particularly when cornering. “The selective wheel torque control allows you to take the car to new limits. Even at high speeds, the vehicle handling remains as neutral as possible”, Thielebein adds.
The R Performance Package
The Golf R can also be ordered with an optional R Performance Package, which increases the top speed to 270 km/h in this case. The R Performance Package also includes a larger, prominent rear spoiler for extra downforce on the rear axle, 19-inch wheels in the Estoril design and two additional driving profiles, “Special” (Nürburgring mode) and “Drift”. The driving profile selection can be rapidly accessed by lightly pressing the R button on the steering wheel.
Two driving profiles for maximum performance
Away from public roads, Drift mode opens up a whole new level of driving dynamics and further exploits the potential of torque vectoring by provoking oversteer instead of neutral vehicle handling: the maximum possible torque in this mode is available on the wheel located on the outside of the bend. The ESC in Drift mode is set to “Sport” as standard, meaning that the Golf R’s control electronics kick in at a very late stage. However, real drifts are also possible: the ESC just needs to be switched to OFF.
More control for drivers
In both modes of the R Performance Package, an accelerator pedal characteristic has been sensitively crafted in order to create an unfiltered sense of performance. This high degree of control is an advantage when it comes to perfect drifts on snow and ice, or on asphalt. In both Special and Drift mode, the gearbox calibration of the 420 Nm drive has been optimised in order to keep the rpm consistently high. In automatic mode, the dual clutch gearbox (DSG) thus switches up as late as possible and down as early as possible, which aids power development.
For the first time since the introduction of the DSG, the gearbox will stay in manual mode in both modes if the driver has selected this. Unintentionally slipping back into automatic mode is now a thing of the past. This is something that pros like Benjamin Leuchter have been waiting for a long time. As a brand ambassador and a test and development driver at Volkswagen, Leuchter has had significant input into the development and fine-tuning of the Golf R. “My verdict is clear: the Golf R is the stand-out model in the product line! With the new all-wheel drive, which distributes the power perfectly across the wheels, and the two new driving modes, the Golf R offers a hugely fun driving experience.”
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Football news, tables, and latest scores are shown on the infotainment display
- The “text-to-speech” function reads out the information during the journey
- The app can be downloaded free of charge via the In-Car Shop, for all Golf from model year 2020 onwards
Wouldn’t it be great to never again miss a goal scored by your beloved football team – even when you’re driving?
This dream scenario for many football fans is now a reality in all new Golf from the 2020 model year onwards: The free “We Score” app delivers live football updates into the vehicle’s cockpit! Users can pre-set three clubs and one national team, and follow their favourites in all competitions. Along with live scores – which football fans will recognise from smartphone apps – standings and football news are also displayed in the app. All this information can also be read out using the “text-to- speech” function.
The new “We Score” In-Car app is the latest addition to the Volkswagen digital family in the new Golf: Customers can now enjoy news, tables, and the latest scores from the footballing world, even while they are at the wheel. Users can set three clubs and one national team as favourites. A live ticker is also available during matches. What’s more, customers need never miss another goal while on the road, thanks to push notifications of their favourite teams’ live results; these are displayed in such a way that they do not distract the driver from the road ahead. A live ticker gives real-time match updates, and the table can be easily brought up to show the latest standings.
The new “We Score” app covers the top two divisions and the main cup competition of the relevant country. In Germany the 3. Liga is also available, while in the UK the Premier League and EFL Championship are included. The Europa League and Champions League are supported, in addition of course to the European Championships which have been postponed to this summer – with Volkswagen’s commitment to football reaffirmed as a mobility partner for UEFA EURO 2020.
In-Car Shop
“We Score” is easy to access via the infotainment system in the Golf. After a single registration the vehicle app can be downloaded. The “We Score” app is supported by the “Discover Pro” and “Discover Media” infotainment systems. Alongside the “We Score” and “Amazon Alexa” services, customers can also use the In-Car Shop to subscribe to data plans which allow them to use streaming services or a Wi-Fi hotspot. The “We Connect Plus” extension is also easy to order in the In-Car Shop. Further products are in the pipeline.
Volkswagen as an official mobility partner of the DFB
Volkswagen demonstrates its commitment to football in a variety of ways, not least as an official mobility partner to the German Football Association (DFB). True to its motto, “Football means all of us”, the company supports Germany’s favourite sport from the grassroots to the elite: it is not only about focusing on the national teams, but on football itself as the connecting link between Volkswagen and popular sport.
At an international level, Volkswagen is a mobility partner of UEFA national team tournaments, including the European Championships which will take place this summer. Volkswagen is also supporting seven teams which have qualified for the tournament: Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Finland, and Russia.
video: (22) Volkswagen We: Golf 8 Tutorial – We Score [all new In-Car App] – YouTube
About the Volkswagen brand:
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets throughout the world and produces vehicles at over 50 locations in 14 countries. In 2020, Volkswagen delivered 5.3 million vehicles including bestselling models such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta or Passat. Currently, 195,878 people work for Volkswagen across the globe. The brand also has over 10,000 dealerships with 86,000 employees. Volkswagen is forging ahead consistently with the further development of automobile production. E-mobility, smart mobility and the digital transformation of the brand are the key strategic topics for the future.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Vantage F1® Edition is the most track-focused production Vantage to-date
- Based on the Vantage as an Official Safety Car of Formula 1®
- Project objective to significantly improve lap time performance
- Vantage F1® Edition benefits from package of engine, chassis and aerodynamic upgrades
- Power output increases by 25PS to 535PS
- Deliveries scheduled to begin May 2021
The new Vantage F1® Edition is a new breed of Aston Martin.
One that celebrates the marques return to Formula 1® for the first time in over 60 years and establishes the Vantage as a true sports car. It is also the first core model to benefit from direct input from Aston Martin’s recently appointed Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers.
A core production offering, the new Vantage F1® Edition sits at the top of the Vantage model line. Motivated by an exciting return to Formula 1® and as a direct result of the engineering that went into the development of the Vantage as an Official Safety Car of Formula 1®, which makes its debut at the Formula 1® Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 this week, the Vantage F1® Edition is the ultimate expression of performance and dynamism; it is the fastest and most focused of the already sporting Vantage .
Not only is it the most powerful, but the Vantage F1® Edition benefits from unique and significant chassis and aerodynamic improvements developed by Aston Martin’s hugely experienced engineering team. While the luxury brand’s Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM team was busy preparing a return to the grid, the engineering team behind the infamous road cars were too, creating the ultimate Aston Martin Vantage which could take on the role of an Official Safety Car of Formula 1®. Set to work by Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers, the task was to develop significant performance enhancements, driven by improved lap time performance in order to successfully carry out its role on the F1® track, but without compromising its on-road capabilities. Notably, it would do so without the fitment of aggressively track-optimised tyres. Following the success of these enhancements, Moers instructed the integration of these into the production car, ultimately developing the new Vantage F1® Edition. The most sporting Vantage in the production range and in essence, a replica of the Vantage Official Safety Car of Formula 1®. An exciting proposition for Aston Martin customers.
The engineering team targeted intelligent, incremental improvements across multiple areas of the Vantage F1® Edition’s auto-only powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics to bring out more character, increase tactility and expand its outright capabilities.
Starting with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, power is up by 25PS to a new maximum of 535PS. Peak torque remains unchanged at 685Nm, but that peak is sustained for longer to further increase tractability and in-gear urgency. This relentless, muscular performance has been further enhanced by work to the 8-speed automatic transmission, with an optimised torque cut during upshifts that reduces shift times and increases the feeling of directness and precision. This torque management also enhances the driver’s sense of control and connection during downshifts specifically under heavy braking and allows for finer control when the driver is balancing the car at its limit of traction. While noticeable in all circumstances and conditions, these improvements are especially beneficial when driving on track.
Moving to the chassis, the team’s focus centered on the suspension and steering, with further detailed underbody modifications to increase front structural stiffness for a further improvement in steering feel and response. Reworked damper internals have increased the dampers’ effective force range. This increase in bandwidth brings a noticeable improvement in vertical body control – both through high speed compressions and over crests – without any deterioration in low-speed compliance.
To compliment changes to the dampers, the chassis also benefits from increased rear spring rate and lateral stiffness to help sharpen turn-in, increase traction (especially over bumps) and ensure the rear-end is tuned to compliment the front-end’s rate of response. Further improvements to response and – crucially – to what the driver feels have been made to the steering system, allowing feedback from the road to be transmitted more clearly, which in turn helps build a detailed sense of available grip.
With the chassis hardware optimised, attention turned to the wheels and tyres, increasing from 20” on the regular Vantage to 21” as standard for the Vantage F1® Edition. Developed specifically for the F1® Edition with Pirelli, it is the first time Vantage has been fitted with 21” tyres. Much like the other dynamic changes, the switch to a lower profile tyre provides greater feedback to the driver to ensure progressive on-limit handling to give maximum confidence in even the most extreme track driving scenarios.
Completing the Vantage F1® Edition’s performance enhancements is a comprehensive aero kit, bringing improvements that can be felt from the driver’s seat and measured against the clock. Designed to deliver positive front and rear downforce, totaling 200kg more downforce than Vantage at top speed – as well as optimising the overall balance of the car, the aerodynamic changes comprise a full-width front splitter, front dive planes, underbody turning vanes, and – most obviously – the new rear wing. The rear diffuser remains unchanged but is still a core feature in the delivery of the aerodynamic performance working in tandem with the new aerodynamic features
The Vantage F1® Edition expresses its intensified performance with limited, yet distinctive colour palettes and trim options, including one that celebrates Aston Martin’s return to Formula 1® with an Aston Martin Racing Green colour scheme, mimicking that of the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM Team car, as well as the Official Safety Car of Formula 1®. Exterior paint colours are available in both a Satin or Gloss finish, and other colour options include Jet Black and Lunar White, all of which are complimented by a Solid Matte Dark Grey racing graphic. Inside the Vantage F1® Edition features new Obsidian Black Leather and Phantom Grey Alcantara upholstery and trim, with a choice of Lime Green, Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey or Spicy Red contrast stripe and stitching.
The Vantage F1® Edition – available as Coupe and Roadster – is further distinguished by its vaned grille as standard, 2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre exterior detailing, unique graphics, quad exhausts and a new design of Satin Black Diamond Turned 21” alloy wheel.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Tobias Moers said: “Performance is at the heart of every Aston Martin, but when it wears an F1® badge it has to be a truly exceptional car. Vantage was already the most focused sports car in our range but in the development of our Official Safety Car of Formula 1®, it had to be a true athlete: more powerful; more agile; more immediate and more exciting to drive. And – of course – quicker and more capable in a race-track environment. I set the engineering team a tough target, as I was insistent that gains in performance came via genuine improvements in the car’s dynamics, and not by fitting track-optimised tyres. The results speak for themselves. A Vantage to appeal to the most discerning drivers and a new model that marks an exciting moment in Aston Martin’s history”.
The new Vantage F1® Edition is on sale now with a recommended retail price from £142,000 in the UK and €162,000 in Germany with deliveries scheduled to begin in May 2021.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Research by Citroën UK has shown that comfortable seating and a smooth ride are among the most important factors helping passengers catch ‘forty winks’ on car journeys.
- 37% of those surveyed said they struggled to fall asleep as a passenger in a car.
- Citroën’s research reveals the optimum conditions needed for an in-car nap.
- The perfect in-car power nap formula: Optimum In-Car Sleep = C (SP, T, A, L, S) – R
- Study carried out in time for World Sleep Day – today, Friday 19 March – with the support of sleep behaviour and environment expert James Wilson, known as ‘The Sleep Geek’.
- Citroën models like the 100% electric New ë-C4 and New C4 are designed to provide maximum comfort and well-being for drivers and passengers alike through Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme.
- Customers can order a new Citroën from the comfort of their home using the Citroën Store online service.
We all know someone who can fall asleep within minutes as a passenger in a car, yet others find it much harder to nod off, even on longer journeys.
In fact, more than a third of passengers say they struggle to sleep in a car, according to the latest research by Citroën UK. As part of a study of 2,000 UK motorists* carried out ahead of World Sleep Day (Friday 19 March), Citroën has come up with a formula that reveals the optimum conditions to help passengers catch ‘forty winks’ in a car.
The study, carried out with leading sleep behaviour and environment expert, James Wilson – a co-founder of Beingwell** – found 37% of passengers said they struggled to fall asleep in a car, while 14% said they never sleep on the move.
Citroën UK also studied which aspects of the vehicle and the driving environment are most conducive to helping passengers relax and nap in comfort. More than half of all respondents (55%) said comfortable seats make it easier to fall asleep, while a smooth ride and ample leg room were highlighted by 49% and 26% of respondents respectively. Neck and head support, as well as optimum interior temperature and ambiance, were highlighted by 24% of all surveyed.
All full-electric New ë-C4, New C4 and C5 Aircross SUV models, plus selected New C3 versions, feature Citroën’s Advanced Comfort seats as standard. With broad base cushions and seat backs, they combine high-density foam at the heart of each seat and a thick 15mm layer of extra textured foam on the surface, to keep drivers and passengers comfortable and relaxed when on the road.
James Wilson has been in the sleep industry all of his working life and has collaborated with organisations such as the NHS, various sports teams and governments across the world. His approach is based around helping people understand the simple science behind sleep, how to apply that science to themselves, and the tools and tactics that will lead to better sleep.
Using the findings from the survey, as well as Wilson’s own research, Citroën came up with a formula for the Optimum In-Car Sleep (OICS), to help deliver a better in-car power nap:
Optimum In-Car Sleep = C (SP, T, A, L, S) – R
Comfort (C) is a function of Seating Position (SP), Time (T), internal Ambiance (A), Legroom (L) and Suspension (S), while external distractions such as road noise and bumps are characterised by the function (R).
James Wilson, The Sleep Geek, said: “The research provided us with interesting findings, particularly in regards to how difficult some people find it to nap as a passenger in a car, equally something I have come across throughout my work. Ensuring one’s comfort when sleeping is key and working with Citroën to put together a formula that gets people to think about their in-car sleep comfort is something that lots of people will find useful.
“We can often struggle to find time for a powernap, so the car can be an ideal place. Being able to catch a 30-minute power nap during the day, when it’s possible, is really beneficial and can certainly help people to feel reinvigorated.”
In-car comfort for both driver and passengers is at the forefront of Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® programme, including enhanced suspension and seating technology for a smoother ride.
New ë-C4, New C4 and C5 Aircross SUV are specified with Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion® technology as standard, which integrates hydraulic bump stops into the suspension for better control of compression and rebound. This helps the car reduce the effect of bumps and vibrations from poor road surfaces, and as part of the Optimum In-Car Sleep formula, reduces the function R for a more relaxed in-car environment.
Unsurprisingly, motorways and dual carriageways were found to be the most tranquil setting for passengers, with 67% of respondents falling asleep on those types of roads.
While the length of a nap depends very much on the journey, Wilson advises that passengers should sleep for no longer than 30 minutes at a time on a car journey in order to feel the full benefit and to be well rested. The research by Citroën found that, on average, passengers need just over 1hr 15 minutes on the road before they can nod off.
Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: “With more than a third of passengers struggling to fall asleep in a car, comfort plays a key role in creating an environment where passengers can doze off for a quick power nap. Our research shows some of the optimal conditions to achieve a comfortable sleep environment, with our cars designed for maximum comfort and well-being.”
While some drivers may get disgruntled when their passengers nod off, Citroën’s research found that two thirds (66%) are not really that bothered if their travelling companions fall asleep during a journey. For those drivers who prefer passengers to remain awake, the main causes of annoyance were being left without anybody to talk to and the distraction of snoring!
To aid passengers looking to achieve the most comfortable in-car power nap, James Wilson has provided his five top tips:
- Perfect timing: When napping, whether it is in a car or elsewhere, we should try to do it before 2.00pm.
- Optimum duration: When napping in a car or somewhere else, we need to be trying to sleep for no more than 30 minutes. Napping for longer than this is more likely to make us feel less sleepy at night and also for us to wake up feeling groggy.
- Seat comfort: The biggest complaint for many of us when waking from a nap on a journey is that we have a stiff neck or back. A comfortable, well-padded seat, the correct seating position and a supportive headrest helps to keep our neck in a neutral position and allows us to avoid aches and pains.
- Set the tone: To fall asleep we need a drop in heart rate and a relaxing environment. Travelling in a vehicle with a smooth ride and listening to something soothing in the car is a great way to let our minds wander. Try a podcast, a spoken book or music of less than 60 beats per minute. Using headphones also allows us to retreat into our own little world.
- Stretch out: Having plenty of legroom will make sure our bodies are comfortable and will ensure we don’t wake from a nap feeling physically cramped and uncomfortable.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Citroën UK is pleased to announce that all versions of New ë-C4 will continue to benefit from the Government’s Plug in Car Grant (PICG) of £2,500 across all versions in the range.
- To continue with the PICG eligibility, Citroën UK have also introduced a £550 pricing reduction on the most popular ‘Shine Plus’ trim level, in line with the brand’s previously announced ‘Fair Pricing’ policy, to allow it to continue to benefit from the grant.
- ‘Fair Pricing’ remains a key part of the far-reaching and impactful three-year ‘Citroën Advance UK’ plan, first announced in October 2020.
- On the road New ë-C4 pricing including PICG ranges from £30,895 to £32,495.
- In line with other selected Citroën models, retail orders for New ë-C4 currently attract a five year warranty*, with buyers also receiving a free Pod Point 7kW home charger.*
- Citroën UK’s ‘Virtual Showroom’ is now showcasing New C4, allowing customers to engage in live product walk-around presentations and Q&A’s, in the comfort of their own home.
- New Citroën C4 and ë-C4 are available to configure and order online now via Citroën Store.
Citroën UK has announced the all new ë-C4 models in the UK will continue to attract the Government’s Plug In Car Grant of £2,500 and in addition Citroën UK has also announced a £550 pricing reduction on the best-selling ‘Shine Plus’ specification to allow customers to continue to benefit from the Government grant, in line with the brand’s ‘Fair Pricing’ strategy.
‘Fair Pricing’, one of the key initiatives behind the ‘Citroën Advance UK’ strategy, saw the long-term and fundamental move to reduced list prices for greater customer transparency. As a brand inspired by its customers with the tagline ‘Inspired By You’, the rationale behind Fair Pricing simple, it is about putting customer front and centre, a trend we see continuing with new ë-C4.
As a further added benefit to the above offers and to make the transition to a 100% electric ë-C4 as seamless as possible, retail customers ordering from the Citroën Store, or from selected retailers, will benefit from a free five year transferable warranty and a free Pod Point 7kW home charger, saving the customer a further £509.
Citroën Store offers customers the opportunity to complete their entire, new ë-C4 purchase, exclusively and simply, from the comfort of their own home – from browsing the website and using the car configurator, to personalising their finance options, valuing their part exchange, selecting their preferred retailer, and placing an order online.
Working hand in hand with Citroën Store is the Virtual Showroom – online service that offers customers the ability to book live walk-around tours of vehicles, including new C4 via the web portal, during which an expert Product Presenter will use the latest video technology to introduce the vehicle and answer any questions over a secure video link.
Eurig Druce, Citroën UK’s Managing Director, said: “We were disappointed to hear the news that the support for consumers to make the switch to a low emission vehicle had been reduced. For this period of transition to be a success and for electrification targets to be met, both the industry and consumers need clearer long-term guidance and support on how we will get there. That said, I am proud that Citroën UK’s policy of ‘Fair Pricing’ ensures that consumers will continue to be able to benefit from the full Government Plug in Car Grant when purchasing their new ë-C4.”
On the road New ë-C4 pricing including PICG ranges from £30,895 to £32,495. In addition to the Fair Pricing, all new Citroën ë-C4 models come very well appointed, with the following equipment as standard; LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto, Citroën Connect Nav with TomTom Live Services, Active Safety Brake, Lane Keeping Assist, electric parking brake, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, electrically folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control and Citroën Connect Box Emergency and Assistance System. For improved comfort, all models come with Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension system and Advanced Comfort seats.
Available with a choice of three trim levels, ‘Sense Plus’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Shine Plus’, with all models coming-in under the £35,000 threshold to qualify for the PICG. All new ë-C4 models feature a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 100kW (136hp) electric motor. With a WLTP-approved range of up to 217 miles on a single charge, new ë-C4 will exceed the daily range requirements of most private and fleet drivers. Supporting CCS rapid charging as standard on all models, an 80% charge will take just 30 minutes on a 100 kW rapid charger. For regular home charging a Type 2 charging cable is included as standard, allowing a regular 7.4kW charger to reach a 100% charge in seven hours and 30 minutes.
To find out more about the New Citroën ë-C4 range, visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/models/new-c4-e-c4.html
* Retail customers only, purchasing online and at selected retailers. Offer excludes Motability, Fleet and Business sales channels.
