Volkswagen UK : Entertainment & Sports News Feed

Volkswagen at the Frankfurt motor show

2011-09-08T23:00:00Z

As the organisers prepare to open the door to this year’s IAA in Frankfurt next week, a team of around 1,000 people are on site putting the finishing touches to the Volkswagen stand in Hall 3.

Shaped like a cloud, the 8,893 square metre stand will accommodate over 50 vehicles and is designed to showcase the new up! city car which is making its public debut along with the recently unveiled new generation Beetle, new Tiguan and Golf Cabriolet. The NILS single-seat electric commuting vehicle concept will also be making its world premiere.

As well as the cars themselves, Volkswagen is using a 30 metre interactive wall which will give visitors a taste of mobility in the future, as well as presenting details on innovations and alternative technologies.

Volkswagen’s Motorsport and Commercial Vehicle divisions will also be displaying a number of new models in Hall 3.

There will be a press conference on the first press day (Tuesday 13 September) at 11:20 on the Volkswagen stand.

Scirocco R-Cup tickets competition currently open on Facebook

2011-08-21T23:00:00Z

The Volkswagen UK Facebook page is currently running an exclusive competition, to win one of ten pairs of VIP tickets to the Scirocco R-Cup race weekend at Brands Hatch on the 3rd and 4th of September. Running until midnight on Tuesday 23rd August, it is the first time that Volkswagen Motorsport have offered tickets to a UK audience in a Facebook competition.

The prize is significant and includes:
• Two weekend tickets to the event (The Scirocco R-Cup race on 3rd September and the DTM race on 4th September) with access to Grandstand, Paddock, VIP Hospitality & Legends party on Saturday night
• An overnight stay on 3rd September for two in a 4* hotel close to the event
• Transfers between the hotel and the event
• Special VW Motorsport pocket guide

The Scirocco R-Cup has returned in 2011 after a successful first season in 2010 where it took over from the Volkswagen Polo cup. The cup promotes and encourages young drivers and the cars are fuelled by bio natural gas. The two-litre engine’s overall carbon footprint of racing plus logistics is reduced by 80 per cent compared with conventional racing petrol.

The season consists of 8 races starting in April at Hockenheim, moving around Germany, Austria and the UK through the summer and returning for a final race back in Hockenheim on 21st October.

Currently the British driver Daniel Lloyd is placed 2nd in the points standings and Brands Hatch will be a key race for him to try and take the top spot.

For more information about the Scirocco R-Cup or Volkswagen Motorsport, please visit: www.volkswagen-motorsport.info

You’ll find the competition on the Volkswagen UK Facebook page here: http://apps.facebook.com/sciroccorcuptickets/contests/146160

Take a journey through Volkswagen's advertising history in the latest edition of Das.

2011-05-18T23:00:00Z

Since 1959, Volkswagen advertising has won many awards around the world. In the lastest edition of Das. we take you on a journey through Volkswagen advertising history - from the legendary 'Think Small' ad of the 50s to the trend-setting commercials of today. And you can help to enhance our reputation even further by making your own Volkswagen ad.

Also in this latest edition, the return of the celebrated Volkswagen Bulli - one of the highlights of the Geneva Motor Show. It always stood for freedom and innovation in the 1950s, and this latest incarnation is no different, featuring an iPad in the central console. Staying in Switzerland, why not join us for a beautiful drive in the new Golf Cabriolet? Top down, of course.

Enjoy the latest edition of Das. by going to http://www.volkswagen-das.co.uk/.

'May the fourth be with you': baby Vader Passat advert goes live

2011-05-03T23:00:00Z

It’s an advertising campaign which needs little explanation: a young boy, dressed as Darth Vader, attempts to use ‘the force’ to bring to life everyday objects from around the house and garden. The force does not seem strong with this one… until a timely intervention by his father via the Volkswagen Passat’s remote key fob occurs. The lights flash, the doors lock – and faith is revived in the young one’s Jedi powers.

A US version of the advertisement was aired during the Super Bowl XLV earlier in the year and was heralded as one of the finest moments of the event. It also became an internet sensation, with over 37 million hits on YouTube.

Now it’s the turn of the UK. Eagle-eyed spectators will have seen it played on the screens erected for the Royal Wedding in Hyde Park, and the advert will be shown on UK television from May the Fourth. The campaign will run for six weeks.

Responsible for the campaign in the UK is Volkswagen’s Communications Manager, Danny Hill. He comments: ‘It’s a charming ad with great music and has the universal appeal of Star Wars.’

He adds: ‘It captures the imagination and ties in well with our message about the Passat’s clever technology. It was such a success in the States that it seemed a shame not to share it with a wider UK audience.’

The seventh generation Passat went on sale in the UK in January. For more details go to www.volkswagen.co.uk/passat.

To view the advert go to the Volkswagen UK Facebook page (from 4 May). Here you can also see an interview with the star of the ad and outtake clips from the ‘making of’ the advertisement: www.facebook.com/volkswagenuk.

Volkswagen drivers get all geared up for new season

2011-03-22T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen’s Formula 3 and Scirocco R-Cup drivers have jointly prepared themselves for the 2011 motorsport season at an intensive fitness camp in Oberjoch, Bavaria.

The camp, which lasted five days, included a variety of different training modules designed to maximise the drivers’ physical performance in the areas of stamina, strength and coordination – and to support the young sportsmen in their individual preparations.

‘Professional motorsport places very different and very high demands on the drivers, and that includes in relation to their physical fitness,’ explained Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen, who also participated in the fitness camp. ‘Their stamina, coordination and reactions have to be perfectly trained if they wish to compete with the crème de la crème on the racetrack. Our fitness camp was an important part of our preparations for the new season and gave those who participated some important stimuli for their independent training activities.’

Volkswagen Motorsport prepared a challenging and diverse programme of training modules for the team of 30 participants, which included not only numerous Formula 3 and Scirocco R-Cup drivers, but also seasoned touring car drivers such as Peter Terting and Fredrik Ekblom. The main component of the stamina training was a combination of technically and physically demanding cross-country skiing, an energy-sapping mountain jog and, finally, a biathlon. Other modules included snowshoe orienteering in small groups, which promoted not only physical fitness, but also coordination skills and teamwork, and a special fitness training session put together with the specifics of being in a racing car cockpit in mind. There was also a Pilates session, group spinning and a seminar on nutritional science to round off the programme.

‘I came away from the fitness camp with new insights for my sports preparations. It also showed me that training can be tough but fun at the same time,’ said Maiken Rasmussen of Denmark, who is a newcomer to the Scirocco R-Cup in 2011. ‘Meeting all the other drivers was another important aspect of the camp. There was a very positive atmosphere and a really sporting spirit among us – which was another reason why everyone trained so hard.’

The camp was also fruitful for 27-year-old professional driver Peter Terting, who will be lining up for Volkswagen at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring: ‘Working with professional trainers gave us all the opportunity to ask questions about our specific preparation regimes. For example, it was important to me that I optimise my nutrition before and during the 24-hour race,’ he said.

Volkswagen supports Westlife on Gravity Tour

2011-03-08T00:00:00Z

Irish supergroup Westlife are back on the road again, kicking off their Gravity Tour of the UK last night at the Cardiff International Arena, with Volkswagen UK supplying vehicles.

The multi-platinum selling quartet of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan, are embarking on the 20-date tour, visiting some of the UK’s largest arenas. They will use a Phaeton luxury saloon and a versatile and spacious Caravelle to travel to and from each venue where they will be performing a number of their biggest hits as well as songs from their latest album, Gravity.

Westlife’s tour manager, Steve Martin explained: ‘With such a demanding tour schedule for the band over the next few weeks, we really wanted something that offered comfort but that was understated and reliable. The Phaeton and Caravelle blend all of this together to fit the bill perfectly and are the ideal support act for the tour.’

The recently-revised Phaeton is one of the most advanced and thoroughly engineered cars on the road. Launched late last year, the large executive saloon offers understated luxury from £42,175* and is available with the efficient and refined 3.0-litre V6 TDI 240 PS diesel or 6.0-litre W12 450 PS petrol engines.

The Caravelle has long been a popular choice with those in the music industry, thanks to its space, versatility and understated appearance. However, it is equally at home as a family vehicle, luxury limousine or the ultimate MPV with space for seven people and their luggage. A choice of powerful yet frugal TDI engines means impressive performance and economy.

For more information on the Volkswagen range, please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk or call 0800 333666.

For information on Westlife’s Gravity Tour 2011, go to www.westlife.com

* from participating Volkswagen Retailers

Third issue of "Das." now online

2011-03-07T00:00:00Z

In the summer of 2010, Volkswagen successfully launched its new digital, international customer magazine ‘Das.’ The third issue of this ‘Digital Automotive Space’ can be found online now at www.volkswagen-das.co.uk. It features an exclusive interview with Dakar legend "El Matador", a look at the Tough. Beautiful. Polo, and an exclusive chance to find out about the tests that are undergone to ensure the Volkswagen Quality.

As well as this, there is a section where you can discover the latest news, insider stories and other surprising information from the world of Volkswagen. There is a chance to win a Volkswagen driving experience by playing the Volkswagen Ski Game, as well as finding out about the "Think Blue" projects Volkswagen is involved in around the world with regards to achieving a sustainable future.

As with the previous issue, Volkswagen offers an iPad version of Das. along with the Internet version. The Das. app can be downloaded free of charge at the iTunes Store.

Volkswagen tees up crazy Golf for 2011 Nürburgring 24-hour

2011-02-10T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen has announced that it is to return to the demanding Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2011 with an all-new challenger – the Golf24. Equipped with four-wheel drive and developing 440 PS, the dramatic racing version of Volkswagen’s best-selling model has already undergone initial testing ahead of the legendary 24-hour race, regarded as one of the toughest tests in the motorsport calendar, which this year takes place from 23 to 26 June.

The Golf24 is fitted with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 440 PS and maximum torque of 540 Nm. Power is transmitted to the permanent four-wheel drive by a sequential six-speed gearbox with paddle shift operation.

Volkswagen’s last factory fielding of the Golf on the famous roller-coaster circuit of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife dates back to 2007, at which time the 300 PS front-wheel drive vehicle that delivered about 300 hp finished in eighth place overall, ahead of numerous favourites. Successive class victories for the Scirocco GT24 over the past three years have followed but the competitiveness of the event has increased enormously meaning a new technical concept was required.

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen explains: ‘With the new Golf24 we are continuing our successful commitment at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. The event enjoys huge popularity, is one of the true classics in motorsport and, due to its extreme distance and unique race track, also represents a very big technical challenge, With our spectacular Golf we want to provide an additional highlight in front of a large audience – right in time for the 35th anniversary of the GTI this year.’

Before lining up on the grid of the gruelling 25 km circuit in June, the Golf24 will undergo an extensive testing and development programme. This began at the end of last year at Portugal’s Portimão circuit and further tests have been completed at Vallelunga in Italy. The Golf24 will also compete in three races in the Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.

For more information about the Golf24 or Volkswagen Motorsport, please visit www.volkswagen-motorsport.info

Volkswagen presents world exclusive Touareg in Qatar

2011-01-31T00:00:00Z

At the first Qatar Motor Show (26 - 29 January), Volkswagen is presenting two exclusive SUV concept cars for the first time. The common denominator of these all-wheel drive vehicles: No compromises! Show car number 1 is a slightly tamer version of the Touareg 3 that started in the Dakar Rally at the beginning of January; this 228 kW/310 PS Volkswagen could very well be the world's most talented street-legal SUV. Show car number 2 is the Touareg Gold Edition - many of its parts have been upgraded with 24-carat gold; this 265 kW Volkswagen (360 PS) is debuting as one of the highest quality SUVs ever. The cost of these concept cars? Priceless.
Yet...

Race Touareg 3 Qatar
This is a genuine Rally motorsport vehicle, like the one that was still touring South America in the Dakar Rally two weeks ago and was built to withstand the toughest rally race in the world. The vehicle now being shown in Qatar is a version of the Race Touareg 3 - an SUV that can sprint to 100 km/h in less than six seconds - that is legally approved for use on public roadways. The just over two metre wide body was slightly modified for road use. Instead of 16-inch wheels, new 18-inch wheels from BBS with a gold look are being used. The "Race Touareg" signature - also in a golden colour - stretches the entire length of the vehicle's sides. In turn, it is perfectly coordinated with the exterior paint in "Magic Morning", a white that has a slight gold shimmer to it.

The interior was completely redesigned; all that remained unmodified was the safety cage. Without compromises also means an interior that offers easy controls and is ergonomic. The interior has an extremely well-organised appearance with focus on the driving machine, and it is equipped with Recaro racing bucket seats. Designers created an interior in so-called "Stealth look" that is reminiscent of the aircraft of the same name. In tribute to the Dakar Rally, the Dakar victories are etched in the anodised aluminium of the centre console, right next to the "Race Touareg" signature.

Other trim elements are treated in Matt Carbon. Tuned to this is the roll cage in "Serpentino Grey Metallic." Interior designers have upholstered the seat side supports and the door trim panels with Nubuk leather in "Black" and "Pure Grey," while the centre seat panels are made from perforated Nappa leather in "Titan Black." Additional accents include the two-tone seams and silver piping on the seat covers and safetyrelated items painted in Tornado Red. The only other ingredient that is needed is some time to explore the world on a "360 degree route" in this uncompromising car.

Touareg Gold Edition
The Touareg Gold Edition would certainly be able to handle a journey around the world - but bear in mind, this car should only be parked where there is good surveillance. That is because - living up its name - certain areas of this SUV are upgraded with 24-carat gold. On the outside, they include the custom designed 22-inch wheels, roof rails, protective guard strips and window frames, mirror caps and parts of the air intake frame, "Touareg V8" signature and boot sill trim. Like the Race Touareg 3 Qatar, this SUV is also painted in "Magic Morning" body colour.

Inside, 24-carat gold also adorns many of the car's accents and switches, making the entire car unique. The interior design itself has a pleasant, bright appearance in the "Luna" trim colour. The Alcantara roofliner shows this colour as does the Nappa leather of the seats, which is decorated with ornamental stitch detailing.

On the other hand, the dashboard is trimmed in a natural brown leather; contrasting seams in "Magnolia" colour perfect the colour scheme. Natural brown with leather inserts in "Luna" adorn the floor mats. Automotive craftsmanship at its finest is reflected in the Walnut Burr accents with genuine gold marquetry - also crafted into an ornamental pattern. This is in keeping with the general image of the Touareg, which - in the "normal" production version - is one of the most sophisticated SUVs in the world.

Volkswagen defends Dakar Rally title for the third consecutive year

2011-01-17T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen has claimed overall victory in the Dakar Rally for the third consecutive year, and defended the 1-2-3 podium lock-out result of last year crowning a successful premiere for the Race Touareg 3 on the event. Nasser Al-Attiyah from Qatar, with his German co-driver Timo Gottschalk, finished the final stage with the second quickest time and an overall winning margin of 49m 41s.

This year’s result sees Al-Attiyah become the first Arab in the desert classic’s history to be presented with the Dakar winners’ trophy, now in its 33rd year. The back-to-back hat-trick of victories means that Volkswagen is still unbeaten since the famous event moved to South America.

Four diesel-powered Race Touareg 3s competed, and completed, the gruelling 9,600 kilometre course through Argentina and Chile, winning 12 out of the 13 stages between them and remaining at the top of the timesheets throughout.

The two previous title holders of the rally joined Al-Attiyah and Gottscahlk on the podium in Buenos Aries with the 2009 winners Giniel de Villers and Dirk von Zitzewitz claiming second overall, and last year’s winners Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz finishing third. The fourth Volkswagen pairing of Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford completed the solid Volkswagen team performance in sixth position.

With seven stage victories, including the 13th and final stage of the Rally, Carlos Sainz broke the record for the highest number of stage wins on the Dakar. This victory took his tally to 24, overtaking the previous record-holder and Volkswagen’s closest rival on this year’s Dakar, Stéphane Peterhansel.

Al-Attiyah takes title as Volkswagen secures 1-2-3 Dakar victory

2011-01-16T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen has won the Dakar Rally for the third time in succession and a podium lock-out for the second year. Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Timo Gottschalk (Q/D) claimed first place and they will be joined by the two previous Dakar winning duos of Giniel de Villiers / Dirk von Zitzewitz (ZA/D) and Carlos Sainz / Lucas Cruz (E/E) who will stand alongside them on the podium in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

In front of millions of enthusiastic spectators, the new Race Touareg 3 scored a much celebrated one-two-three finish in the desert classic through Argentina and Chile. As a result, Volkswagen is the only manufacturer to have won the automobile category in the desert classic with diesel technology – and remains unbeaten on the South American continent thanks to TDI power. To complete the victory all three cars must still roll across the winner’s ramp on Sunday and midday local time in Buenos Aires.

One of the Volkswagen teams led the rally from the start and the Race Touareg 3 claimed 12 of a possible 13 stage victories over the course of the rally. The challenges included winding gravel roads, soft and deep desert sand in the unrelenting Atacama Desert, navigationally demanding sections through labyrinth-like canyons and washed-out river beds as well as spectacular river crossings.

Carlos Sainz also realised a personal best with his stage victory on the way to Buenos Aires with stage win number 24, surpassing the record of 23 stage victories scored in the car class by current rival Stéphane Peterhansel. Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA) completed the solid Volkswagen team performance in sixth position. All four Race Touareg 3 that started finished the rally in leading positions and continued the success story of enviable reliability: Volkswagen has not recorded a single technically related retirement in cross country rallying in four years.

Volkswagen once again set the standards during the 2011 Dakar Rally with the winning formula of reliable technology, teamwork and strong driver squad. The TDI technology, which represents efficiency and reliability in millions of Volkswagen road cars, has revolutionised cross country rallying. The four 310 hp Race Touareg 3 covered the overall distance of approximately 9,600 kilometres with clockwork precision – and in the process always perfectly prepared for the forthcoming rally day by a closely-knit team and prepared tactically astute by Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. In addition to the service crew on location, the employees in Wolfsburg and Hanover undertook careful preparatory work beforehand – indispensable for the Dakar win. The technological basis – unbeaten since the end of 2008 – was converted by Sainz / Cruz into seven, Al-Attiyah / Gottschalk into four and de Villiers / von Zitzewitz into one stage victory.

The Wolfsburg based brand has been pace setter since the event moved from Africa to South America. In January 2009, Giniel de Villiers and co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz recorded the Volkswagen’s first Dakar victory since the prototype project started in 2004, followed by their team mates Mark Miller / Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA). In 2010, the first one-two-three followed with Carlos Sainz / Lucas Cruz (E/E) claiming victory from team mates Nasser Al-Attiyah / Timo Gottschalk and Mark Miller / Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA) in the closest ever Dakar finish in history. This year’s result sees Al-Attiyah become the first Arab in the desert classic’s history to be presented with the Dakar winners’ trophy and marks the team’s third successive victory.

Kris Nissen (Volkswagen Motorsport Director)
‘The third successive Dakar victory for Volkswagen is a historic performance which was achieved thanks to perfect teamwork, exceptional driving and navigational skills and more specifically thanks to superior technology. I’m incredibly proud of the entire team; the employees who made this win possible and also the team with its superhuman efforts here on location. It was without a shadow of doubt the toughest Dakar that we have ever contested, and also probably the best organised. My compliments therefore also go to the organiser A.S.O. I think we proved that the Race Touareg 3 is currently the world’s most reliable and strongest cross country rally vehicle. This is the result of years of hard work. Congratulations to Nasser and Timo who have worked outstandingly and obviously also to the other Volkswagen pairs who made this one-two-three finish possible.’

#302 – Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), 2nd place leg / 1st position overall
‘My first Dakar win and I’m absolutely delighted to be the first Arab to win the world’s toughest desert rally. These feelings are incredibly difficult to express in words. I reached my greatest goal thanks to the world’s best cross country rally car and the best team in this sport. I’m delighted for the entire squad which slaved around the clock for three weeks for this victory. In Timo I have an exceptional co-driver at my side, who played an immense role in this victory. Today we’ll party like there’s no tomorrow.’

#302 – Timo Gottschalk (D), co-driver
‘Victory in the Dakar – I can still hardly believe it. Over the last few days, we built up a comfortable advantage and things looked really good for us in the previous stages. Nevertheless, everybody ignored any thoughts of victory, because anything can happen in this rally even within sight of the finish. I’m proud and happy about the win. It was the hardest Dakar which I have ever contested. We’ve now spent two weeks at the absolute physical limit. The organiser kept its promise of wanting to stage the toughest Dakar Rally ever so to have won exactly this one is an incredibly good feeling.’

#308 – Giniel de Villiers (ZA), 4th place leg / 2nd position overall
‘The Dakar Rally is an extremely long race during which a great deal can happen. At the beginning we tried to drive cautiously and tactically because you only have a chance of getting a good result if you reach the finish. This approach brought us second place and I’m delighted about the result as a podium finish in the Dakar Rally is always something special and something we can personally be proud of. The team can be proud of making first, second and third positions possible.’

#308 – Dirk von Zitzewitz (D), co-driver
‘An incredibly demanding Dakar because the days were extremely long with early mornings, and we only reached the bivouac in the late afternoon. There were loads of changes to the roadbook, which duly gave us co-drivers plenty of work during the night and the stages were also physically challenging. In the Atacama Desert the navigation could certainly have been a little more challenging, which was the case in Argentina, as is fitting for a Dakar. My highlight was the Fiambalá stage which we won because of perfect navigation. All in all a positive Dakar Rally for me – especially because second overall was the reward.’

#300 – Carlos Sainz (E), 1st place leg / 3rd position overall
‘All in all, I’m more than satisfied with 2011 Dakar Rally. I think that my co-driver Lucas Cruz and I did a good job and therefore were rightfully fighting for victory for a long time. Unfortunately two bad days and several mistakes cost us any chance of overall victory but this is the Dakar Rally: You always have to be alert. I’m delighted for the entire Volkswagen team, which truly deserves this one-two-three finish, and to have contributed to it. Everybody worked hard for this win.’

#300 – Lucas Cruz (E), co-driver
‘This was by far the most challenging Dakar that I have ever completed. It was full of tricky situations for a navigator which had to be solved with caution. There were plenty of dune sections of soft sand which meant an incredible amount of work for the driver in the cockpit and on top of this were the WRC-like sections with jumps and extreme temperatures. The rally was very varied but the Race Touareg 3 is the perfect car for such conditions. From the sporting point of view we were beaten for the first time since Carlos and I compete together. However, I think that we nevertheless did a good job. Luck deserted us on occasion.’

#304 – Mark Miller (USA), 5th place leg / 6th position overall
‘This Dakar was a wonderful event, with many interesting stages that demanded everything from man and machine. Unfortunately we lost so much time on the second stage that we were out of the battle for overall victory but our role was then to support our team mates – a task we were happy to do. When you work an entire year as a team for victory, it goes without saying that you support one another to reach the targets. We did exactly this with energy and vigour on the eleventh stage to help Carlos onto the podium.’

#304 – Ralph Pitchford (ZA), co-driver
‘This year on the Dakar Rally there were many hard stages that ran through fascinating landscapes. Mark and I had real highlight stages which we enjoyed but unfortunately we lost our chance of overall victory right at the beginning. I’m delighted for the entire team that it turned out to be a one-two-three finish and I think this is just reward. Now, after the last stage, and after all the tension has gone, we’ll have a big celebration. It was fantastic to have worked together with this team and we have all earned the fun and relaxation which comes now.’

Number of the day

During the 33rd running of the desert classic, the total length of pen markings made while Dakar winner Timo Gottschalk prepared his road book was 120 metres. For better identification of the directions at rally pace, the German uses five different day-glow marker pens.

Formula 1 world champion Vettel debuts in Scirocco R-Cup

2010-12-01T00:00:00Z

This weekend saw a great honour for the world’s most eco-conscious one-make cup vehicle as the newly-crowned 2010 Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel got behind the wheel of the 275 PS Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup and worked the crowd at the Arena in Düsseldorf up into a frenzy at the Race of Champions.

Alongside record world champion Michael Schumacher, Vettel from Heppenheim in Germany won the Nations’ Cup for the fourth time in a row. After making it to the final round, the German pairing claimed overall victory against Team Great Britain with Jason Plato and Andy Priaulx.

The Champion of Champions title was sensationally won by the Portuguese Filipe Albuquerque who prevailed against world rally champion Sébastien Loeb.

‘The successful inaugural season of the Scirocco R-Cup has culminated in the Race of Champions,’ says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. ‘We’re very proud of the fact that the new Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has inspired the crowd here at the Race of Champions in the Scirocco R-Cup, and obviously we’re also happy that the organisers of the Race of Champions selected the racing version of the Scirocco as one of the cars fielded in the event. This shows the worldwide prestige which the Scirocco R-Cup enjoys as an innovative and eco-conscious one-make cup.’

However, of all the cars it was the Scirocco in which the new Formula 1 world champion had to suffer a defeat. In a direct duel US star Travis Pastrana, not least thanks to making clever use of the push-to-pass button which allowed every driver to activate a limited number of 50 PS boosts, clinched a surprising victory against Vettel.

’The front-wheel drive Scirocco is not easy to drive on this narrow circuit but the car is good fun in any event,’ said Vettel. The American racer Pastrana was absolutely elated by the power boost at his fingertips: ‘The push-to-pass button is an ingenious idea, simply huge fun. By using it, I caught Sebastian on the finish straight at the last moment.’

The list of top drivers who were enthusiastically celebrated by the crowd of 65,000 spectators at the Race of Champions in Düsseldorf reads like international motorsport’s hall of fame. The grid included Formula 1 world champions Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Alain Prost, seven-time Rally champion Sébastien Loeb, eight-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, three-time World Touring Car champion Andy Priaulx, Carl Edwards (NASCAR) or ex Motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan.

For the first time in 21 years, and since the first showdown on the Müllenbachschleife of the Nürburgring back in 1989, the Race of Champions took place in Germany again. The fielding of the Cup Scirocco also marked the first entry of a car with an alternative drive concept. Thanks to being fuelled by bio natural gas the two-litre engine’s overall carbon footprint of racing plus logistics is reduced by 80 per cent – compared with conventional racing petrol.

For more information about the Scirocco R-Cup or Volkswagen Motorsport, please visit www.volkswagen-motorsport.info

New Polo TV ad is tough, but beautiful

2010-11-19T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen has unveiled the new Polo commercial ‘Last Tango in Compton’, from DDB UK and award winning director Jonathan Glazer (of Guinness Surfer and Sony Paint) from Academy Films. The ad was first shown on 10th November and will be shown until 15th December.

Shot in north London ‘Last Tango in Compton’ stars two of the world’s best Tango dancers – Gasper Godoy, Argentinean Tango World Champion, and partner Manuella Rossi, the world number two. The pair dance a specially choreographed routine overseen by one of the world’s foremost choreographers with a unique, simultaneous set-up of over 20 different camera’s following their every move. The pair dance a sensual and beautiful tango to a tough urban hip-hop track (‘Don’t stop’ by the rapper Roc-c), creating a surprising and stunning contrast.

The ad shows that the Polo is still the tough, reliable car you always knew, but it now has the looks to match – Polo is tough and beautiful. To watch the ad, click here.

Material including ‘making of’ footage and a gallery of images from the ad can be found on Volkswagen UK’s Facebook page here or you can keep in contact with Volkswagen UK using our Twitter page.

For more information on the Polo range visit your local Volkswagen Retailer or go to the Polo section of the website by clicking here.

Successful "Das." ready for its second issue

2010-11-10T00:00:00Z

In the summer, Volkswagen successfully launched its new digital, international customer magazine ‘Das.’ As of today, the second issue of this ‘Digital Automotive Space’ can be found online at www.volkswagen-das.co.uk. It features the dazzling new Volkswagen Passat, recently introduced at the Paris Motor Show.

Although it is only the second issue, the Das. formula is well established. A rich interactive mix of the latest product news, lifestyle items and backgrounds provides a surprising and exciting look at the Volkswagen brand. The magazine is informative as well as entertaining.

The Volkswagen Passat, recently unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, enjoys the spotlight in this new issue. Das. reveals all the ins & outs of the Passat, has a personal interview with the Head of Volkswagen Design Klaus Bischoff. Das. delves into the rich history of the popular model and takes an exclusive look at its home ground in the city of Emden in northern Germany.

The reader will also become acquainted with the newly revamped Touran and Sharan. Two true family heroes: sporty, spacious, sophisticated, versatile, and multi-functional. Both play a leading role in a heroic family epic.

Whether the Passat was unveiled there or not, Paris of course remains a global centre. In Lifestyle, Paris is featured as a cinematic city, with 800 film shoots taking place there each year. The most beautiful film locations are shown. In the City Guide, the reader can find the most interesting, delightful and alternative spots in Paris. All suggested by Das. readers.

Das. also crawls even further behind the wheel of the Scirocco GT24 of Volkswagen racing driver Peter Terting and of the Edge V3 of Red Bull Air Race pilot Matthias Dolderer. Why are they and their engines so perfectly suitable for the cutting edge of top-class sport? In the accompanying quiz you can see whether you have what it takes to become a speed devil. This time, the regular feature “Think Blue.” provides insight into the CO₂-compensating effect of the Volkswagen BlueMotion forest. Other green and socially responsible initiatives from Volkswagen are also described: from a huge forest in the Mexican Puebla Tlaxcala Valley to the construction of a green factory in Tennessee and sustainable education in Brazil. All of this and more can be found in the second issue of Das., which can be read at www.volkswagen-das.co.uk.

As with the previous issue, Volkswagen offers an iPad version of Das. along with the Internet version. The Das. app can be downloaded free of charge at the iTunes Store.

Volkswagen at the 2010 MPH show

2010-11-03T00:00:00Z

Volkswagen is proud to announce that it will be supporting the 2010 MPH Show with a number of road-going and unique high performance Scirocco and Golf models.

The Scirocco R will be on display at the MPH Show which takes place at Earls Court, London (4-7 November) and the NEC, Birmingham (11-14 November). In addition to the most powerful and fastest accelerating production Scirocco ever, Volkswagen will be showcasing the Nürburgring 24-hour class winning Scirocco GT24-CNG, alongside the iconic Golf GTI and the GTI Project Scalextric track.

Making its UK premiere, the Scirocco GT24-CNG coupé claimed an overall 16^th place finish, and a one-two-three podium lockout in the class for cars with alternative power in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring earlier this year. It is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine powered by natural gas, reducing CO₂ emissions by 80 per cent over a conventional petrol engine and produces 330 PS.

Joining the Scirocco GT24-CNG is the latest evolution of the original hot hatch, the Golf GTI and a 1:43 scale model of the Golf GTI which forms part of the GTI Project. The 30 ft by 25 ft track is the work of a team of 60 modellers and features over 200 scale buildings. The Scalextric layout is the physical track that the online game, available at www.gtiproject.com has been based on, and gives racers the chance to compete against the clock, and each other, in the latest version of the legendary hatchback.

The Scirocco GT24-CNG, Golf GTI and GTI Project can be found on the Volkswagen stand P157 at Earls Court and P30 at the NEC.

For more information about the Scirocco R, Golf GTI and the rest of the Volkswagen range please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk. For ticket details and further information about the MPH Show visit www.mphshow.co.uk.

Volkswagen unveils its new Dakar challenger

2010-08-23T23:00:00Z

Volkswagen has unveiled its new Dakar challenger, the Race Touareg 3.

Replacing the Race Touareg 2, twice winner in 2009 and 2010 of the gruelling Dakar Rally and the first diesel-powered vehicle ever to win the event, the new Race Touareg 3 promises to be faster and more efficient while retaining the immense strength and durability of the outgoing car.

Wind tunnel testing has led to changes being made to the carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork with particular attention to improving the cooling systems around the roof of the vehicle while minimising disruption to the airflow at high speeds. At the same time the changes have meant the Touareg has adopted a fresh look with new LED lights, a new grille, window line, rear clamshell and wheels.

Beneath the bodywork the twin-turbocharged 2.5-litre TDI engine has been optimised to allow greater economy while still producing 300 PS and 442 lbs ft of torque. It has also been revised to cope with the severe altitude changes incurred on the Dakar with the vehicle climbing to heights of over 15,000 feet above sea level. The Race Touareg 3 can now adapt to these conditions, meaning the performance doesn’t suffer despite the thinner air encountered at such altitudes.

The 2.5-litre engine channels its drive through three limited slip differentials via a newly upgraded five-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch.

The result is the ability to accelerate to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 117 mph in nearly any conditions.

In order to maintain these speeds in extreme off-road conditions the Race Touareg 3 needs to be able to withstand the rigours passing over sand dunes, through deep mud, and across gravel and broken tarmac roads. As a result the Race Touareg 3 is based on a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis with a pair of springs and damper units fitted to every corner in order to protect the vehicle against severe impacts. A set of specially developed BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres provide the grip while a pair of wheels and tyres are carried by the vehicle at all times.

The new Race Touareg 3 has already undergone shakedown tests comprising 10,000 kilometres of simulated special stages ahead of the 2011 Dakar Rally. This equates to twice the length of the Rally itself and a greater distance than Formula 1 cars cover in an entire season.

Volkswagen Amarok pick-up takes on the Dakar Rally

2010-01-08T00:00:00Z

Eight months before it arrives in the UK this September, the new Volkswagen pick-up, the Amarok, is demonstrating its power, durability and off-road performance by following the Volkswagen Motorsport team currently taking part in the gruelling Dakar rally across some of the toughest terrain in South America.

There are a total of 35 Volkswagen Amaroks being used as support vehicles by the Volkswagen team and the official organisers, ASO, throughout this year’s 5,600 mile event. The Dakar rally started from Buenos Aires in Argentina on 1 January, and crosses the Andes to Antofagasta on the Pacific coast in Chile, before taking a more southern route to the finish back in Buenos Aires on 17 January.

The route includes navigating the vehicles along mountain passes at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres, as well as through the world’s driest desert, the Atacama, exposing both the vehicles and their crews to extremely gruelling tests. Although not competing, the drivers of the Amarok support cars are still under constant pressure to keep up with or to get ahead of the competitors.

‘We are thrilled to put the new Amarok through its paces as part of this long distance challenge, the world’s toughest, before its official launch,’ said Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

More details, images and videos of the new Amarok, as well as a daily blog from the Dakar rally is available from www.volkswagenamarok.co.uk.

Designed to tackle the toughest off-road terrain, the new Amarok is offered with an electronic differential lock (EDL) and Off-Road ABS to significantly shorten braking distances in off-road conditions or gravel roads. At speeds under 20 mph it also activates Hill Descent Assist to control hill descents while the ESP Plus system includes Hill Hold Assist which prevents the vehicle from rolling back by holding it in place on inclines until the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

The Amarok will be available as a four-door double cab version from launch with a single cab model to follow in 2011. It combines the robustness of a pick-up with innovative technology, high safety standards, excellent fuel economy and Volkswagen’s renowned standards of comfort, quality and durability.

Volkswagen sets sail in defence of Dakar Rally title

2009-12-03T00:00:00Z

With 60 tonnes of material and 17 support vehicles, Volkswagen’s 2010 ‘Dakar’ Rally crew has embarked on its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to South America. From the port of Le Havre in France, five service trucks, three equipment trucks and two race trucks belonging to the Volkswagen Motorsport factory team set out on the longest part of the journey – the four week passage to Buenos Aires in Argentina.

To successfully master the challenge of the world’s toughest rally, the winning team of the past Dakar Rally in Argentina and Chile will tackle the title defence project from 2-16 January 2010 by fielding five Volkswagen Race Touaregs. The drivers – Carlos Sainz (E), Giniel de Villiers (ZA), Mark Miller (USA), Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q) and Mauricio Neves (BRA) – will be supported on location by 80 service crew.

‘For Volkswagen, the preparation for the Dakar Rally entered its hot phase as early as at the end of September. Today the cargo loading and embarkation of the support crew marked the completion of another stage for the team,’ said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. ‘And of course, every successful completion of these individual steps makes us look forward to the ‘Dakar’ in Argentina and Chile, which as the title defender we want to again decide in our favour, with even greater anticipation. Today, a major portion of the logistical effort was accomplished.’

The Grande Brasile and its precious cargo: joint passage of all participants
Dakar Rally organiser A.S.O. (Amaury Sport Organisation) made it possible for all European participants to transport their material to South America by ship by centrally organising the voyage. The cargo ship Grande Brasile is transporting the majority of the material for the 373 participating teams to the start line in Argentina.

On 28 December – exactly 27 days after the Grande Brasile’s departure from France – the teams will receive their trucks and other support vehicles again, including six Volkswagen Panamericana Multivans that will be used to transport the Volkswagen crew across the demanding South American landscape. Work will then start on location for the 80 team members as the support vehicles will be checked immediately after clearing customs. After this, each vehicle has to go through official scrutineering, just like the rally vehicles, to ensure they have all the necessary modifications including safety features and a sufficient water supply.

On 1 January 2010, when the starting signal is given at the ceremonial ‘Dakar’ start, the armada will embark on its 9,000 kilometres (5,625 miles) tour of Argentina and Chile.

Volkswagen Amarok will be Official Support Vehicle for Dakar Rally

2009-11-17T00:00:00Z

Hannover, 16th November 2009. It is durable, robust and can tackle any road, no matter how tricky: the Volkswagen Amarok will have to prove those claims from January 2010 during the world’s toughest rally. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the “Official Supplier” to the Dakar Rally and a partner to the organiser, the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.). The new pickup from Volkswagen will be the Support Vehicle for the rally. The organiser is to use 20 Amarok, with a further 15 to be used as press and shuttle vehicles.

From 1st to 17th January 2010, the Dakar Rally will also see four teams from Volkswagen Motorsport as well as many other teams travelling 9,000 km through Argentina and Chile. The rally starts and finishes in Buenos Aires.

The Amarok will undergo an endurance test during the Dakar Rally, because it will have to handle all the challenges of the demanding stages: as the organiser’s vehicle to reconnoitre the rally stages, as a press vehicle and as a shuttle for the Volkswagen Motorsport team.

Four of the Volkswagen Amarok from the A.S.O. fleet will get additional off-road conversions for the trip, and four Panamericana multivans will also be used.

“We are pleased to be able to use the Volkswagen Amarok as our Support Vehicle, because the Dakar Rally demands the highest levels of technical perfection, reliability and endurance – from our Race Touareg as much as from the support vehicles. The Amarok is exactly the right vehicle for our team”, explains Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director.

“The Volkswagen Amarok is Volkswagen’s answer to the pickup and on the Dakar Rally – one of the last great adventures for mankind – it will have the chance to show what it’s made of and to demonstrate its flexibility and durability”, adds Stephan Schaller, CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

“Moreover, the Volkswagen Amarok is built in Argentina and South America is one of the most important markets for this product, so taking part in the 2010 Dakar Rally was an absolute must for us”, stresses Schaller.

The Volkswagen Amarok will be seen at the Dakar Rally in Argentina for the first time and will then be launched initially in South American markets, followed by Europe. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is entering a new vehicle sector.

Legends drive Volkswagen Sciroccos at Race of champions

2009-11-06T00:00:00Z

The biggest names from the world of motorsport, including Volkswagen factory driver and Dakar Rally winner Giniel de Villiers and Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, lined up on the grid in motorsport prepared versions of the Volkswagen Scirocco at this year’s Race of Champions in Beijing, to battle it out for the title of Champion of Champions.

The grid of 16 top-class drivers competed against each other in a series of vehicles, including identical Scirocco Cup racers, battling in teams for the ‘Nations Cup’, and individually for the coveted overall title.

For the first time, the racing version of the Scirocco sports coupé was part of the action, with Volkswagen providing the Race of Champions with vehicles from the one-make Cup series. Fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 200 PS, four Scirocco Cup racers thrilled spectators as they raced around the ‘Bird’s Nest’ Olympic Stadium in Beijing.

The pairing of seven-time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher and current F1 driver Sebastian Vettel successfully defended the ‘Nations Cup’ for Germany, while former DTM champion Mattias Ekström claimed the overall title win for the third time.

Making his debut at the annual event was Giniel de Villiers, who claimed overall victory in the Dakar Rally earlier this year with the Volkswagen Race Touareg. In addition to racing for individual victory, de Villiers contested the ‘Nations Cup’ alongside former-F1 driver David Coulthard.

The Scirocco Cup racers will be in action in China again next weekend in the season finale of the Scirocco Cup China in Shanghai.