Words by Elaine Bak – This Friday, September 30, APR Motorsport will be adding a new chapter to their race portfolio by making their debut appearance in the Pirelli World Challenge series in the Cadillac Road Atlanta Grand Prix.

Hopes are high for the APR Motorsport team after driver Ian Baas set the fastest lap time of 1:31.345 (100.104 mph) in the APR Motorsport No. 56 Audi B8 S4 during the morning practice session. The anticipation of racing at APR’s home track filled with Audi race fans and enthusiasts coming out to support Team Joest is only fueling this momentum further.

The Cadillac Road Atlanta Grand Prix will be a completely new experience for the drivers and the team. It is an adrenaline-pumping race of fifty minutes and it does not involve the pit stops and driver changes that the APR Motorsport team is accustomed to doing. Furthermore, during the Cadillac Road Atlanta Grand Prix, three separate classes – GTS, GT, and Touring Car – will be on the track at the same time.

In addition to the No. 56 Audi B8 S4 in the GTS class, APR has two entries into the Touring Car class. Josh Hurley is driving the No. 57 Volkswagen GTI, and Kevin Gleason is driving the No. 58 Volkswagen GTI. All three drivers are highly qualified, each has remarkable accomplishments in their respective racing careers and all three drivers have won races for APR Motorsport. This talent and experience was evident in the results from both practice sessions.

The practice sessions ended with Hurley leading the Touring Car class in the morning session with a lap time of 1:36.590 (94.668 mph), and finishing the afternoon session in fourth place overall. Gleason finished in fifth place in the morning session with a lap time of 1:37.244 (94.031 mph).

Making this debut race even more of a monumental occasion for APR Motorsport is the fact that this will be the first sprint race for their newly built No. 56 Audi B8 S4. This truly is an exciting event for the APR Motorsport team and drivers. For those who have followed the S4 build in recent months, this will be an opportunity to see the results of all that hard work in action.

The Pirelli World Challenge is scheduled to begin at 1:25pm Eastern. During the race, live timing and scoring can be found at world-challenge.com. Fans can also see the scheduled broadcast complete with commentary on the Versus network. The race is scheduled to air on October 29 at 4 p.m. Eastern.

About APR: APR LLC is an automotive engineering firm operating a 36,000 sq. ft. performance campus in Opelika, AL. APR was founded in 1997 with a corporate philosophy of Integrity, Excellence and Innovation. APR’s Sole Mission is to provide the highest quality and most highly engineered aftermarket performance products available for Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. Learn more at www.goapr.com.

Take a seat, start the engine, and be astonished. Beetle of a new era focuses fully on dynamics

Wolfsburg / Berlin, 11 July 2011 – Volkswagen is launching a new Beetle into the market. And this is anything but a commonplace event in the automotive world. That is because the original model of this car series – the Beetle – is one of the three most successful cars ever, with 21.5 million units sold. Now, the successor to these icons is making its way to the market.
Beetle shaped people’s consciousness

The Beetle has always held a special place in people’s hearts. Over the years, it has shaped people’s collective consciousness. Children painted a Beetle when they painted a car. Americans bought a Beetle when they bought a Volkswagen. Germans drove a Beetle when they drove the Economic Wonder of the 1950s. Europeans chose “Made in Germany” when they chose a Beetle. South Americans were excited about a Beetle, when they were excited about an extremely rugged car built on their continent.

New Beetle produced a car cult

Then the New Beetle debuted in the late 1990s. It brought with it Beetle Mania and a new automotive exuberance. Americans were excited about it, and Europeans too. The original Beetle wrote history as the car that moved the masses; the New Beetle offered a certain lifestyle, and it sold over one million units – alongside the Golf, which had long taken over the job of the original Beetle and became the most successful car in the world! By the dawn of the new millennium, it had become clear: the classic car, whether a Beetle or New Beetle, and whether it was from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s, had become a cult car. Furthermore: the various generations of the Beetle aka Beetle aka New Beetle reflected what is certainly the most recognisable automotive design in the world – a design that continues to win over the hearts of people of all generations.

Beetle of the year 2011 as the icon of a new era

Those who want to drive a car that shows emotions, offers dynamic performance, and yet provides lots of space – and as number 1 in the car pool masters everyday tasks and long journeys – will in the future think of the Beetle. This should be noted straight away, because dynamic performance alone no longer suffices: at 4.3 l/100 km (European 1.6 TDI) and 33 mpg (American 2.0 TDI), the new car is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.

Design of the original, re-interpreted

Coke bottle, iPhone, Ray Ban Aviator, Leica M9, Beetle – how do you reinvent a design that is so recognisable and independent? There is a clear answer to this: you can only do it if you understand the product and the brand. Volkswagen Design Chief Walter de Silva (Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand) “understand” both, and therefore they set this as the objective for the Beetle: “Design a new original!” And that is how the design of the 2011 Beetle came to be in Wolfsburg – a car of today as well as a design tribute to the automotive seed of an entire corporate group. And unmistakable indeed: If one were to take the first Beetle and the new Beetle and place them together – shining light just over the roofs and viewing them from the side – one would see that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical.

Dynamics in the style of the Ragster

A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows this: nothing remained as it was on the previous car model. “The Beetle is now characterised by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism,” explains Klaus Bischoff. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a continuation of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 – a type of hot rod based on the New Beetle. The latest generation Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, more masculine.

Entirely new proportions

The figures confirm this: the new one is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm high (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). This has resulted in entirely new proportions. The gain in length means that the roof could be extended further, the front windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. In parallel, the development team increased the car’s track widths (front: 1,578 mm with gain of 63 mm; rear: 1,544 mm with gain 49 mm) and wheelbase (2,537 mm with gain of 22 mm). All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.

3 equipment lines

In Europe, America and Australia / New Zealand, the Volkswagen will launch on the market in the 3 equipment lines “Beetle” (base version), “Design” (mid line) and “Sport” (top version). In China, the “Design” and “Sport” versions will be offered. Each of the equipment lines has an entirely independent character.

Black Turbo and White Turbo at launch

For the market launches in Europe and the USA, Volkswagen has created 2 very special versions – the “Black Turbo” and “White Turbo” – which are based on the high-performance Beetle Sport 2.0 TSI DSG (147 kW / 200 PS). They will be available alongside the other equipment lines. In the USA, the Beetle White Turbo will be delivered with a “Candy White” exterior, while in European countries the body colour will be “Pure White”. On both sides of the Atlantic, the Beetle Black Turbo is painted in “Deep Black”. Exterior features of the special editions include the “Turbo” signature on the sides (above the side sills) and on the colour-contrasting mirrors and wheels: on the White Turbo Beetle, the machine polished “Tornado” alloy wheels are in black as are the door mirror housings; on the Black Turbo Beetle, both of these features are trimmed in White. Inside, meanwhile, the dashboard, steering wheel badge and door panels are painted in body colour.

Tell me your name!

This time, there really is a country-specific nickname on the back of the car – that is, a name like Käfer, Beetle, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or 甲壳虫. Only if the customer wants this, of course. If a country really exists whose vernacular does not include a nickname for the bestseller, this is not a problem either: the Beetle signature can be selected. And of course there is another name available as an option: Volkswagen!

Interior also shows character

This is especially noticeable on the dashboard. The shape and use of colour in the painted or carbon-look front facia panel (“dash pad”) hark back to the design of the first Beetle, yet the new car does not have a retro look. In Europe, for example, this panel is in “Monochrome Black” on the base model (“Beetle”); the panel in the “Design” equipment line is always painted in the exterior colour of the car body. Customers choosing the “Sport” – the new top version – get a panel with carbon look (“Carbon Fibre”). Regardless of which colours are used, Volkswagen drivers will be able to locate the car’s interior features with their eyes closed, such are the ergonomics of the cabin.

Comeback of the Beetle box and auxiliary instruments

Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox (“Beetle box”) integrated in the front facia whose lid folds upward (the standard glovebox that is integrated with it opens downward). Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with chronometer function and boost pressure gauge. Also new: the steering wheels specially designed for the Beetle with painted accents in the spokes that differ depending on the equipment line.

It simply fits

A distinguishing feature of the contemporary Beetle is that its interior ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle could feel as if they were being chauffeured, because the bonnet was so far forward, the latest Beetle now offers a driving experience that is a lot sportier. Every feature is within easy reach. In addition, Volkswagen has once again succeeded in implementing a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits.

Plenty of space for 4 and lots of luggage

The car’s styling, ergonomics, operability and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature. In addition, it offers everyday practicality: 4 adults have plenty of space, even on long journeys, and the boot can handle up to 905 litres of luggage. The panoramic tilt/slide sunroof lets the sunshine in during the winter, and a Fender sound system entertains during the drive. The Keyless Access locking and engine starting system is available for the first time in the Beetle; it operates without a traditional door or ignition key. And the latest generation engines ensure that the environment and budgets are impacted as little as possible. Engine power outputs range between 77 kW / 105 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. The most fuel-efficient engine for Europe – the 1.6 TDI with 105 PS – consumes the noted 4.3 l/100 km. In the USA, the most fuel-efficient engine is the 2.0 TDI, which attains a Highway fuel economy of 40 mpg and offers fun that is in harmony with the environment.
Key facts summary

Name: The Beetle

World debut: 18 April 2011 (Shanghai, New York, Berlin)

Market launch, North America: September / October 2011

Market launch, Germany: October 2011

Market launch, Europe: November 2011 (right-hand steering version: January 2012)

Market launch, Asia: February 2012

Market launch, South America: end of 2012 / beginning of 2013

Character: Icon

Equipment lines: “Beetle”, “Design”, “Sport”

Power range: 77 kW / 105 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS

Combined minimum fuel consumption, Europe: 4.3 l/100 km (1.6 TDI)

Combined fuel economy, USA: 33 mpg (2.0 TDI)

Engine specifications: Petrol engines: TSI (petrol direct injection engines, except 2.5-litre engine for USA). Diesel: TDI (common rail engines). All EU engines fulfil Euro-5 emissions standard; all US engines fulfil BIN5 / ULEV PZEV

Debut of original Beetle: 1938

Debut of New Beetle: 1998

Total units built to date: > 22.5 million

Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand). Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader), Chris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. Colour and Trim: Oona Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken

Dimensions: 4,278 mm length, 1,808 mm width, 1,486 mm height, 2,537 mm wheelbase, 310 to 905 litres cargo capacity

(anyone else thinking iRobot here? -Elaine)

Wolfsburg/Borås, 23 June 2011 – At the final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit (Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport), Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Executive Director Volkswagen Group Research, has presented the “Temporary Auto Pilot” by Volkswagen: Monitored by the driver, the car can drive semi-automatically up to a speed of 130 kilometres per hour on motorways. It represents a link between today’s assistance systems and the vision of fully automatic driving.“Above all, what we have achieved today is an important milestone on the path towards accident-free car driving,” emphasises Leohold at today’s final presentation of the EU research project HAVEit in the Swedish city of Borås. The Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP) bundles semi-automatic functions, i.e. functions monitored by the driver, with other driver assistance systems, such as ACC adaptive cruise control and the Lane Assist lane-keeping system into one comprehensive function. “Nonetheless, the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control,” continues Leohold. “The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it.”

TAP always offers the driver an optimal degree of automation as a function of the driving situation, acquisition of the surroundings and driver and system states. It is intended to prevent accidents due to driving errors by an inattentive, distracted driver. In the semi-automatic driving mode – referred to as Pilot Mode, for short – TAP maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, drives at a speed selected by the driver, reduces this speed as necessary before a bend, and maintains the vehicle’s central position with respect to lane markers. The system also observes overtaking rules and speed limits. Stop and start driving manoeuvres in traffic jams are also automated. With TAP, it is possible to drive at speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour on motorways or similar roads. Drivers must still continually focus their attention on the road, so that they can intervene in safety-critical situations at any time.

In contrast to previous research vehicles such as “Junior” and “Stanley”, TAP is based on a relatively production-like sensor platform, consisting of production-level radar-, camera-, and ultrasonic-based sensors supplemented by a laser scanner and an electronic horizon. “One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations, e.g. in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited,” comments Leohold.

Written by: Elaine M. Bak

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in the Passat short-lead event, spending a few days with Volkswagen in order to learn all about the 2012 Passat. Previously I had driven both an Audi Q7 TDI and a VW Jetta TDI cup edition, so I knew I would enjoy the TDI engine option in the 2012 Passat. However, with the starting price of the Volkswagen Passat TDI at only $25,000 I didn’t expect I would return home from the experience discussing a possible purchase in the near future.

The new 2012 VW Passat, was engineered, designed and tested in Germany and is being built in America. The new Passat has Volkswagen DNA, but Volkswagen has tailored the design of the Passat to the American consumer. Extensive market research went into the design of the Passat, which led to the implementation of features important to Americans, such as extra legroom and improved cup-holder designs.

The Passat short-lead event included a tour of the now operational Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, TN. As far as plants go, the Chattanooga plant is a true benchmark in the industry. Volkswagen chose Chattanooga out of 398 possible locations, and once hiring for all shifts is complete, the plant will employ 2,400 people. The plant sits on 1,400 acres and includes a body shop, paint shop, assembly facility, technical testing center, academy for the initial and advanced training of employees and a supplier park.

The plant represents over a one billion dollar investment by VW and reflects their commitment to the US market. It was important in the construction of the plant to use cutting-edge technology in order to be environmentally friendly. For example, they implemented new processes in paint technology, which has resulted in 20% reduction in CO² emissions. Additionally, the layout of the plant optimizes the space used in order to minimize production times and allow for immediate interaction between departments, which has already aided in process improvements and quality inspections.

Before driving the Passat, I had discussed the preconceptions for the Passat with QuattroWorld and DubWorld forum members. The overall preconceptions were negative, and most were centered around the quality of the interior. The biggest question being Volkswagen was able to pare down the price so significantly, and the assumption was that the interior would feel cheap and plasticy. The Passat may not have all the bells and whistles that some of the competitors do, but nothing about the interior feels cheap.

The Passat has an attractive interior with clean lines and high quality trim. It has a solid, quality feel and no gimmicks. The seats in all trim levels are extremely comfortable, and there is enough space in the car for even taller passengers to fit comfortably in the back seats. Bluetooth and dual climate control are two of the standard features available in all trim levels, and some of the additional options available are the Fender premium audio system, keyless access with push button start, and a touch screen satellite radio/navigation system (which is quite easy to use). The Passat also comes with Volkswagen’s Care Free Maintenance program (3 years/36,000 miles) and the safety of Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System.

The exterior of the Passat is attractive, yet conservative. It’s not going to stand out in a crowd and the color palette is pretty muted, but there is nothing pretentious about it. It won’t look dated in a few years. It’s unassuming, sophisticated and reserved – which to same may equal boring. The exterior lines were designed with a touch more masculinity than it’s predecessor in order to appeal to the male consumer more. The front has the new horizontal brand face with the grille and headlights as a single unit. The view from the back is stylishly conservative as well, with clean lines and a unique two-part taillight design.

Volkswagen is focused on entering into the American mid-size automobile market as a strong competitor for the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and the Mazda 6. There are three drivetrain options: a 2.5L gasoline engine, a 3.6L VR6, and a 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel – the only clean diesel option in the segment, which is expected to get 43 mpg on the highway and have a range of 795 miles. There are also three trim levels available, the S, SE and SEL with 15 build combinations.

The drive from Chattanooga to Nashville began right from the doors of the Volkswagen academy. We paired up and chose our models, and filed out of the plant via Volkswagen Road. I made the four-hour drive in two separate TDIs, each with 6-speed DSG transmissions (one an SE trim level, the other an SEL).

The route took us through the mountains of Tennessee, Signal Mountain to be exact, with a stop off in Lynchburg. After living the past eight years in Tennessee, I’ve had significant experience with driving the mountain roads of the area in various other vehicles, and the TDI Passat pleasantly surprised me. The engine torque is very rewarding with strong acceleration even up the steep inclines of the mountain roads. The gear changes were smooth and seamless, and it was an exceptionally quiet ride. The Passat corners extremely well, I was pleased with how well the car gripped through the twists and turns. Over the course of the drive, we averaged 41 miles per hour, with an average consumption of 43 miles per gallon, and by no means were we driving conservatively.

The 2012 Passat is definitely a strong contender for the mid-size sedan market. The new Passat is the only midsize sedan that offers German engineering at an accessible price. I highly recommend giving it a test-drive when it hits your local dealerships later this fall, and be sure to try out the TDI while you are at it. In my opinion, the TDI will be the most competitive of the Passat lineup, and with gas prices the way they are now, the TDI Clean Diesel is a great option to consider.

Do you have any questions or comments about the 2012 Passat, the new Chattanooga plant, or anything discussed here? Please join us on our new DubWorld forums to discuss! Passat Thread Here

• Highly Contented with Standard Premium Features
• Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control and Bluetooth®
• Only Clean Diesel Option in Segment with Manufacturer
• Estimated Best-in-Class 43 MPG Highway and Range of Nearly 800 Miles
• Class-Leading Rear Seat Legroom
• No-Charge Three-Year/36,000 Mile Carefree Maintenance®
• German Engineering and Sophistication, Built in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Herndon, Va. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2012 Passat, a vehicle that brings new standards to the highly competitive midsize segment, with a starting MSRP of $19,995. The 2012 Passat offers exceptional features and premium options in three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels, with equally impressive pricing.

“The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features, and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

The 2.5L model with manual transmission and 170 horsepower has a starting MSRP of $19,995.The 2.5L model, available in eight equipment levels, comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and Volkswagen’s no-charge three-year/36,000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program. The up-level SE model starts at $23,725 and includes additional equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, and a multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel (see 2012 Passat pricing chart for further details and additional model information).

The 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel model offers three trim levels and starts at $25,995. The Passat TDI – the only clean diesel option in the midsize segment – is expected to deliver 43 mpg highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles. The TDI base trim package, the SE, comes standard with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Volkswagen’s touchscreen Premium VIII radio and a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s automatic DSG® transmission is optional. This direct-shift gearbox is a technologically advanced six-speed transmission that incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal.

The powerful 3.6L VR6® is offered in three trim levels and has a starting MSRP of $28,995. The VR6 model comes standard with a six-speed automatic DSG transmission and offers a highly competitive 280 horsepower. Additional standard premium features in the VR6® model include 18-inch alloy wheels, comfort sport seats, a sunroof, and a class exclusive Fender® Premium Audio System.

The new Passat, designed specifically for the North American market, provides premium features uniquely offered in the U.S., yet maintains the dynamic character that is expected of a Volkswagen. For instance, the new Passat sets new standards for comfort, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The all-new midsize sedan is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase.

Premium options include leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, power passenger seat, a choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 315 or RNS 510 navigation systems, front fog lights with static cornering lights, and keyless access with push button start.

The Passat will also offer the new Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

Words by Keith Lucas
Posted by Elaine M. Bak

The behind the scenes trials and tribulations every race team experiences very rarely make it into public view in the world of motorsport, but two completely unique situations occurred just before and during APR Motorsport’s qualifying session that simply must be shared. Understanding of how awesome it was for Chris Gleason, Jr. to be able to secure 3^rd in his #181 VW DriverGear GTI MK6 during qualifying can only be relayed by those present and working on the car. For the Audi S4 in the GS Class, the tale to be told is not one of great results but more of great disappointment. Fortunately, for Ryan Ellis and Ian Baas, Championship Points Leaders, in the #171 VW DriverGear GTI MK6 qualifying 4th was a smooth and almost seemingly routine event.

Chris Gleason, Jr. spent the most time behind the wheel of the #181 GTI during practice and until the last session, things were going quite well. Kevin Gleason, Chris’ co-driver, felt comfortable with only a few practice laps, as Chris would be qualifying. During the last practice session of the day, Chris began to experience issues with the GTI MK6 maintaining power and eventually even its ability to stay running. In desperation, with thoughts of the entire weekend slipping away, Chris was able to get the VW DriverGear GTI back to the pits despite the issues only to find the car unable to restart.

Electrical malfunctions are often times the greatest fear of the Car Chief and his team. Diagnosing issues in an electrical controller, which there are several of in modern production based race cars, can be time consuming and a bit unclear as to which direction to take next. Most motorsport technicians will take a blown engine any day over a no start condition due to an electrical fault. However, in this case, the APR Motorsport team was able to quickly repair Chris and Kevin’s car in the short time available before qualifying thanks to an often-unfound expertise regarding the electronics of the car. While most onlookers in the paddock shook their heads fearing the worst, the APR Motorsport team realized it was time for business and replaced, recoded and adapted the car’s ECU along with other electrical controllers in short order and the problem was solved. Chris rewarded their efforts by driving to his best qualifying position to date in P3, which puts APR Motorsport in a great position to vie for the win in tomorrow’s race. Motorsport is truly a team effort.

Ryan Ellis and Ian Baas set some of the best times in the practice sessions leading up to qualifying and Ryan drove to a comfortable P4 completing a side by side start for APR Motorsport on the second row in tomorrow’s Bosch Engineering 200. Even with a tough weather forecast of scattered showers keeping the strategists on their toes regarding tire choice, Ryan feels very confident, “The VW DriverGear GTI MK6 has simply been incredibly consistent throughout the season. Ian and I are able to deliver another day at the office despite the changing locales and unique challenges brought by each new track. I can’t imagine a more competent car in this series and am thankful for the great car APR’s team provides to us time and time again.”

For Gary Gibson and Josh Hurley, drivers of the Audi S4 in the GS class, the day was filled with difficulties ultimately resulting in early retirement after only 3 laps in qualifying. The troubles began Thursday during practice where an off track excursion resulted in heavy damage to the front of the car. The S4 Car Chief and his team made an incredible effort to repair the car for Friday’s practice and qualifying. Despite the heroic effort and copious amounts of race tape, fresh out of the box brake rotors both cracked only 3 laps into qualifying. Gary was forced to bring the S4 into the pits resulting in a start at the back of the pack on race day. Gary relayed, “With our recent adjustments to the rules package and the good pace of practice session 2 I felt really good going into qualifying. The team did an amazing job repairing the front end but fate was not on our side today. To see rotors fail so quickly is mind-boggling but as they say, I guess that’s racing. Josh and I both are looking forward to a long, tough battle as we move up towards the podium in tomorrow’s race.”

Expect an action packed and exciting Bosch Engineering 200 at VIR as the VW DriverGear GTI MK6’s look to widen their gap in the Championship race in ST and the Audi S4 still looks for the top ten finish everyone around it knows is there. Catch all of the action with live updates from the APR Motorsport PR team at www.facebook.com/pages/APR-LLC/75900685355, www.GoAPR.com and www.twitter.com/goapr.

About APR:  APR LLC is an automotive engineering firm operating a 36,000 sq. ft. performance campus in Opelika, AL. APR was founded in 1997 with a corporate philosophy of Integrity, Excellence and Innovation. APR’s Sole Mission is to provide the highest quality and most highly engineered aftermarket performance products available for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen vehicles. Learn more at www.goapr.com.

Wolfsburg, 19 April 2011 – Yesterday, enthusiastic fans celebrated the new Beetle’s world debut on three different continents. Along with national music acts and global superstars, also taking centre stage at the MTV World Stage Concerts was the new Volkswagen.More than 600 MTV and Beetle fans came together in Shanghai. The unveiling of the Beetle served as the optimal kick-off to the Shanghai Motor Show. Yet, it was not just “The Black Eyed Peas” in New York who set the stage for the new Beetle’s debut. The Belgian DJ duo “2manydjs” also entertained guests in Berlin with a DJ set.

Take your pick of names: the Beetle in New York, Käfer in Berlin, or Jia Ke Chong in Shanghai: the Beetle is at home across the globe. Yet, Volkswagen is writing a new chapter with the new generation. Compared to the previous model, the new Beetle appeals with extremely dynamic proportions combined with typical style features: “At one time, the Beetle made automotive technology and driving fun accessible to everyone, and it proclaimed a new joie de vivre. We are transferring this idea to the year 2011 and presenting a new Beetle to you today. It understands how to appeal to the hearts and minds of drivers – with clean engines, sporty styling and modern communication technologies,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board and Head of Development of the Volkswagen Brand, at the press conference in Shanghai.

Highlights of all concerts will be broadcast on MTV channels worldwide starting Friday, April 22.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (April 18, 2011) — Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations today held an employee ceremony to commemorate the first customer car rolling off the line at the Chattanooga factory. This begins the process of building up the market introduction volume of more than 9,000 cars for North America. Market introduction is planned for the second half of 2011.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished here in Chattanooga, I’m proud of this car, and I’m proud of you” said Frank Fischer, CEO of Volkswagen Chattanooga to the 1700 employees gathered outside the factory.

“It has been an exciting challenge for all of us to build a new vehicle and a new plant at the same time, all while establishing new suppliers; but our team members have overcome those hurdles with a passion for details that has produced automotive excellence,” Fischer said.

The first customer car to roll off the manufacturing line at Volkswagen Chattanooga was a Night Blue Metallic Passat SEL, equipped with a 2.5L engine with automatic transmission, cornsilk leather interior and 18” wheels.

Arriving in the Passat from the production line were five employees, each representing an area of the factory. The Passat was driven by Joey Gilliland, representing Quality Assurance. Passengers were Jessica Davis, from the Assembly area, Carlton Lowe, from the Body shop, Sha’rone Jones from the Paint shop, and Lisa Knight representing the Support area.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of this project has been the intense effort put into developing our team members,” said Don Jackson, President of Manufacturing. “Our production team is committed to assuring that quality is built into the vehicle at each and every process,” Jackson said.

The production of the inaugural customer car represents the culmination of Volkswagen’s drive to return to production in the United States which was announced in July 2008. When the factory reaches full production in 2012, Volkswagen Chattanooga will produce 150,000 Passats.

The 2012 Passat has more rear leg room and trunk space than its competitor the Honda Accord, the version with a TDI clean diesel engine can go 795 miles on one take of gas, and on certain models the Fender Premium Audio System features a nine-speaker sound system.

Volkswagen Chattanooga now employs a total of 1,681 people. Hiring will continue throughout 2012.

About Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations LLC

Volkswagen will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create more than 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs related to the project. The Chattanooga manufacturing facility will build the all-new 2012 Passat sedan, specially designed for the North American market.

New era Beetle celebrates its world debut

Wolfsburg, 18 April 2011 – It is finally here: Volkswagen presents a new generation of its automotive classic, the Beetle. The new Volkswagen celebrates its world debut on no less than three different continents, embedded in MTV World Stage Concerts.
As “The Black Eyed Peas” play hits from their latest album at the MTV World Stage Concert in New York, the Belgian duo “2manydjs” will be playing a DJ set in Berlin. At the same time, in Shanghai, Volkswagen unveils the new Beetle on the eve of the Shanghai Motor Show with an exclusive MTV Sound System hosted by a guest MTV VJ.

The success story of the Volkswagen Beetle has played no small role in making it an icon of automotive history. The new generation now bridges the gap from old and familiar to new lifestyles. With a new design and the latest technologies, the Beetle reveals itself as a car of the 21st century – bolder, more dynamic and masculine.

The new Beetle breaks free of the geometry of the previous model and displays impressive sports appeal – primarily in its extended bonnet, sharply swept-back windscreen and a longer wheelbase. Modified interior ergonomics have produced an agile, driver-oriented coupé experience in the new Beetle. In addition, the new Volkswagen offers a distinctly improved feeling of space with its longer roof section.

Volkswagen presents new generation Beetle on three continents simultaneously

Wolfsburg / Shanghai / Berlin / New York, 18 April 2011 – A look back to the start: at the beginning Volkswagen built one of the most successful cars of all time and did not even give it a name. Why should it? After all, it was the Volkswagen! People loved it, and on all of the world’s continents the small car was nicknamed according to precisely what it looked like: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or 甲壳虫! It embodied the automotive concept itself and symbolised the democratisation of mobility. 21.5 million cars were sold. Then the New Beetle arrived in 1998. It introduced a new automotive feeling to the world and brought with it Beetle Mania. In 2010, the Final Edition completed the New Beetle series that had sold more than one million cars. And now? A look forward. The future of the most famous car in the world begins now. In a completely new generation. It’s The Beetle! And because Volkswagen and the Beetle call the globe their home, the new car is celebrating a transcontinental world debut – simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York .

Technological goal: high-tech in harmony with the environment

Beetle is an icon. This car tells a story. Only someone who knows its history could make a new generation of this Volkswagen a reality. The task ahead for the engineers was very clear. They had to develop a high-tech car that was still affordable, did not leave any stone unturned, integrated the communication technologies of our times and of course achieved the lowest environmental impact. It also had to be a car that places driving fun at the forefront. The new generation Beetle would have to be a very agile, dynamic performer, and the people who developed the Golf GTI would also be able to achieve this.

No previous Beetle was this fuel efficient. High performance no longer suffices by itself: At 4.3* l/100 km (European 1.6 TDI) and 33* mpg (American 2.0 TDI), the new Beetle is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.
Design target: “Design a new original!”

The most recognisable automotive design in the world. Coke bottle, iPhone, Ray Ban Aviator, Beetle – how does one reinvent a design that is so recognisable and independent? There is a clear answer to this: It is necessary to understand the product and the brand; then it works! Volkswagen Design Chief Walter de Silva (Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand) “understand” both and therefore they set this as the objective for the Beetle: “Design a new original!”

Challenge as a thrill. The team began its task under Bischoff’s guidance. The challenge of designing a new Beetle was inspiring. The designers knew that they wanted to develop the original Beetle profile more than on the 1998 New Beetle. They also made very dynamic proportions a high priority. An interesting aspect was that more than a few team members actually own their own air-cooled Beetles. It has also become a cult car among younger designers at Volkswagen. And that is how the final design of the 2011 Beetle came to be in Wolfsburg – a car of today as well as a design tribute to the automotive seed of an entire corporate group. And unmistakable indeed: If one were to take the first Beetle and the new Beetle and place them in a room together – shining light just over the roofs and viewing them from the side – one would see that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical.
No standing still: “We remade every part.”

Bolder, more dynamic, more masculine. A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows this: nothing remained as it was on the old car: “The Beetle is now characterised by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism,” explains Klaus Bischoff. While the New Beetle was defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it), the new model has broken free of this geometry. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a continuation of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 – a type of hot rod based on the New Beetle. The new Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, more masculine.

The figures confirm this: The new car is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). This has resulted in entirely new proportions. The gain in length meant that the roof could be extended further, the front windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. In parallel, the development team increased the car’s track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.
Typical Volkswagen, typical Beetle: a new DNA

2011 styling. Despite all of its individuality, the styling follows the Volkswagen design DNA created by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff. It clearly expresses itself in the horizontal image of the front bumper, front air inlet, straight lines of the bonnet edges, the precisely drawn line between the A-pillar and C-pillar and the styling of the rear lights.

Beetle, Microbus, original Golf. And yet it was possible to preserve all of the Beetle’s typical styling characteristics. This should come as no surprise; after all, it was vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and original Golf that had a decisive influence on Volkswagen’s “design DNA.” Of course, some of the Beetle’s longstanding characteristics remain: these include its round headlights (optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available for the first time in this model series), the flared wings, the shapes of the bonnets, sides and door sills and – more than ever – the large wheels (up to 19 inch) that can be integrated. A new feature is the rear spoiler that is homogeneously integrated in the design (standard for TSI engines with 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS); it aggressively maintains contact with the road on this Volkswagen, which has a top speed of up to 225* km/h, depending on the engine, and is available in the three equipment lines “Beetle”, “Design” and “Sport”. Incidentally, the top surface of the rear spoiler is always black, while its underside is painted in body colour. These colours – 12 different hues – will make everyday car driving more vibrant with names such as “Saturnyellow” and “Denim Blue”.
An original interior like no other

The cockpit makes a visual impression. Is it possible for a cockpit to make an impression? Are you kidding? By its very nature! Car drivers sit in the cockpit. Sometimes for hours at a time. And yet, there are cars whose cockpits do not leave any lasting impression. They have a “look alike” appearance, as the marketing people say – one easily mistaken for another, lacking charisma. The Beetle’s cockpit, on the other hand, is unique, unmistakable, cool, classic and designed with a passion for detail. This cockpit is perceived as something special.

Everything within reach and sight. The shape and use of colour in the painted or carbon-look front facia panel of the dashboard hark back to the design of the first Beetle, yet the new car does not have a retro look. In Europe, for example, this facia is styled in “Schwarz uni” (Black) on the base model (“Beetle”); in the “Design” equipment line, it is always painted in the specific exterior colour. Customers choosing the “Sport” level get the carbon look (“Carbon Fibre”). Regardless of which colours are used, Volkswagen drivers will be able to locate every interior feature with their eyes closed.

And yet everything has been redesigned. Three round instruments arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provide all key information; integrated in the speedometer (middle position) is a multifunction display. From the “Design” equipment level, the adjustable air vents and the instruments have chrome bezels. This also applies to the audio/navigation systems optimally located in the driver’s visual field on the dashboard, framed by two air vents. This also includes the controls for the climate control system. Everything is within grasp and sight.

Comeback of the glovebox. Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated in the front facia whose lid folds upward (the standard glovebox that is also integrated opens downward). Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge. Also new: the steering wheels specially designed for the Beetle with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. Details like these clearly indicate that the occupants are in a Beetle – there’s no mistaking it.

Air-cooled Beetle. New Beetle. The Beetle. A distinguishing feature of The Beetle – the third generation if you will – is that its interior ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle felt as if they were chauffeured because the bonnet was so far forward, the latest Beetle now offers an agile, driver-oriented coupé experience. Every feature is within easy reach. In addition, Volkswagen has once again succeeded in implementing a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car’s styling, ergonomics, operability and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature.

The New Beetle was a cathedral inside. In front, the Beetle is now somewhat lower in profile, since the domed roof of its predecessor has been eliminated. It now offers 1,044 mm interior height instead of the previous 1,082 mm. However, the 38 mm will hardly be missed, even by very tall drivers, since the New Beetle’s interior was a “cathedral” among compact cars. Meanwhile, in the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in a distinctly larger feeling of space. The bootspace is significantly larger; it now holds 310 instead of 209 litres. As usual, the car has a split, folding rear seatback, and a wide opening bootlid making it is easy to load and unload.
More optional features: individualising the Beetle

“Beetle”, “Design” and “Sport”. The new Volkswagen will be available worldwide in the three equipment lines “Beetle”, “Design” and “Sport”. Each of these versions has a very unique character. In addition, individual markets themselves will emphasise certain aspects. Volkswagen will announce individual parameters of these customisation levels at an international driving presentation for journalists. In addition to the three equipment lines, the Beetle can be customised with a wide choice of optional features. An overview of certain key features:

Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. Volkswagen is offering the Beetle with bi-xenon headlights for the first time. 15 LEDs frame the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights; they implement the daytime running lights and parking lights.

Panoramic roof. It is transparent, and it can be tilted or opened. Therefore, the exact name is: panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof. Much more important: It is 80 percent larger (glass surface area) than on the previous model. Incidentally, the insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.

Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. The New Beetle was exclusively available with radio-CD systems specially designed for this model. No navigation systems were offered. Now, Volkswagen is taking a completely different approach and is offering all of the systems available in other model series such as the Golf, Jetta or Passat on new Beetle as well. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 with 8 loudspeakers, which is a very good audio system (includes dual tuner). The top audio system is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. An attractively priced entry-level radio-navigation system is the RNS 315 with 5-inch touchscreen (400 x 240 pixel), CD player, SD card slot and dual tuner. The top radio-navigation system model is the RNS 510. It offers refinements such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DVD player, voice control, SD card slot and 30 Gigabyte hard drive.

Premium sound system by Fender. Anyone knowledgeable about the world of rock music is familiar with such greats as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The first played Fender guitars, while the latter still does. Now, the legendary producer of US musical instruments and amplifiers – in a joint venture with Panasonic – is exclusively sharing its know-how with the Volkswagen brand. The result is an optional Fender sound system that is being offered in the Beetle with an additional woofer and 400 Watts of output power. Those choosing this sound system also get adjustable interior ambiance lighting. Besides providing indirect illumination, it also includes two light rings around the loudspeaker boxes in the doors. In Europe, the Beetle is the first car to offer a Fender sound system.

Keyless Access. The Keyless Access locking and engine starting system is appearing for the first time in the Beetle; it operates without a door or ignition key. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects access authorisation from a transmitter carried in the person’s jacket, trousers or hand bag; it then unlocks the Beetle and enables an engine start via the engine start button. Locking of the Volkswagen is from the outside, also activated by touching one of the two door handles; in this case, however, a specially marked surface is used.

All round safety. Let’s get to the point. In The Beetle, Volkswagen is building an automobile that is one of the safest in terms of both active and passive safety. Naturally, the ESP electronic stabilisation programme is standard, as is an effective network of six airbags that protects in the passenger compartment. Naturally, the car body – much of it laser-welded and galvanised – exhibits one of the best torsional rigidity values in the segment at 26,000 Nm/º. Naturally, because safety is a fundamental quality in a Volkswagen.
Engines: top fuel economy of 40* mpg and 4.3* l/100km

US diesel with 140 PS. When it comes to engines, all signs point toward sustainability. In the USA, the Beetle will be offered as a turbodiesel for the first time. The Beetle 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 PS) meets all USA emission limits and attains 40* mpg fuel economy in the Highway cycle, 29* mpg in City driving, and 33* mpg combined. As a result, the Beetle is a good choice as one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. Incidentally, the Volkswagen not only has excellent fuel economy values in the version with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but also – and this is a technical debut in the Beetle as well – with the optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission.

US petrol engines with 170 PS and 200 PS. Fuel economy values were also improved in the 2.5-litre five cylinder petrol engine, which was already a success in the previous model. The manually shifted Beetle attains 22* mpg (City), 31* mpg (Highway) and 25* mpg (combined). Its counterpart with a 6-speed automatic comes in at 22* mpg (City), 29* mpg (Highway) and 25* mpg (combined) – this represents an increase of up to 10* percent in fuel economy. Pioneering: even the Beetle 2.0 TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS of power attains a combined fuel economy of 25* mpg. The large TSI is also available with an optional 6-speed DSG.

World engines with 105 PS, 140 PS, 160 PS and 200 PS. In markets such as Asia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand, the new Beetle will be offered exclusively with charged engines. All engine versions – all of them with four cylinders – are being used for the first time in this model series. The car exhibits significantly reduced fuel consumption and emission values compared to the previous model thanks to the switch to turbo-petrol (TSI) and common rail turbodiesel direct injection engines (TDI). The three charged petrol engines of the Beetle output 77 kW / 105 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. The two diesel engines develop 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI engines are not offered in China). All five engines may be combined with a dual clutch transmission as an option.

Engines with 160 PS and 200 PS in detail. Even the fast moving 225* km/h Beetle 2.0 TSI with 200 PS of power consumes just 7.4* l/100 km (equivalent to 173* g/km CO2) with a manual transmission. Also extremely economical is the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS shifted by a 7-speed DSG; in the Beetle it consumes just 5.9* l/100 km (139* g/km CO2). Fuel economy data like this makes the Beetle 1.4 TSI DSG (top speed: 207* km/h) a pleasant surprise in the engine programme. By comparison, the previous model with 110 kW / 150 PS attained a value of 8.9 l/100 km in the automatic version. Despite 10 PS more power, fuel consumption was reduced by 3.0* l/100 km or 34* percent.

Differential lock for top petrol engine. To ensure that the power of the two strongest Beetle versions is applied properly to the road in quickly approached curves as well, the models with 160 PS (European version) and 200 PS (worldwide) come with a factory-installed XDS electronic differential lock. This system extends the familiar EDS functionality. XDS improves handling in fast curve driving and calibrates the car toward more “neutral” steering; it does this by using active brake intervention to prevent wheelspin of the unloaded wheel on the inside of the curve, and this improves traction.

Engines with 105 PS and 140 PS in detail. The most fuel-efficient petrol engined model is the Beetle 1.2 TSI with BlueMotion Technology (including Stop/Start system and battery regeneration) and 105 PS with a top speed of 180* km/h. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.5* l/100 km (129* g/km CO2). The comparable previous model (75 kW / 102 PS) consumed 7.5 l/100 km. Savings: 2.0* l/100 km or 27* percent. An extremely sustainable performer is the Beetle 1.6 TDI with 105 PS. At 4.3* l/100 km (equivalent to 112* g/km CO2), this diesel version is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever built with BlueMotion Technology. Its fuel consumption is 20* percent lower than even the existing TDI engines which have always been very fuel efficient. Incidentally, on the Autobahn, the new Beetle 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology can reach a top speed of 180 km/h – in this case, fuel economy is not gained at the cost of performance. This is especially true of the even higher performance TDI with 2.0 litre displacement and 103 kW / 140 PS. This torque-strong turbodiesel (320 Nm from 1,750 rpm) takes the Beetle to a top speed of 198* km/h and combined fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (equivalent to 129* g/km CO2). This means that the Beetle for a new era will once again show how it can “go, and go and go …”
Key facts summary

Name: The Beetle

World debut: 18 April 2011

Market launch, North America: September / October 2011

Market launch, Europe: October / November 2011

Market launch, Asia: February 2012

Market launch, South America: late 2012 / early 2013

Character: iconic automobile

Equipment lines: “Beetle”, “Design”, “Sport”

Engine power range: 77 kW / 105 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS

Lowest fuel consumption (combined), Europe: 4.3* l/100 km (1.6 TDI)

Fuel economy (combined) USA: 33 mpg* (2.0 TDI)

Engine specifications: all petrol engines are charged TSI engines (except 2.5-litre engine for USA); all diesels are new common rail TDI engines; all engines meet Euro-5 emissions standard; all US engines fulfil BIN5 / ULEV PZEV

Debut of original Beetle: 1938

Debut of New Beetle: 1998

Total units built to date: more than 22.5 million

Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader), Cris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. Colour and trim: Oona Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken

Exterior dimensions: 4,278 mm length, 1,808 mm
width, 1,486 mm height, 2,537 mm wheelbase

Cargo capacity: 310 litres

* = All fuel consumption and driving performance data is preliminary data (forecast values as of March 2011).
Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries.