The Paris Motor Show is sure to be a very exciting event for Volkswagen. VW will be revealing its I.D. concept car which will become the first Volkswagen built off the Modular Electric Drive concept. As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, VW is hard at work on up to 30 new models based on three electric foundations. The I.D. concept is just the first of this lineup. The concept will use a 168-horsepower electric motor, have an interior with the Open Space concept, and will allow us to get a first glimpse of fully automated driving with a multifunction steering wheel that retracts into the “dashpad” in fully automated mode. VW has released a very detailed press release on the new concept and we’ll take the time to dissect it in this, and the next post. Today we will take a look at the exterior and performance details and next week we’ll get to the interior and its futuristic technologies.
As stated above, the I.D. concept uses new MEB vehicle architecture which exhibits a long wheelbase with very short overhangs; it is just over 13 feet in length. The car looks as though it were made from of a single piece of aluminum or a translucent block of ice. The narrow front end structure gives the highest level of safety while still allowing the front wheels to turn sharply and give a small turning radius. Traditional door mirrors have been replaced by cameras which are integrated into the front fenders which also houses large, sculpted bumpers and “Anodized Blue” diffusers. The lack of B-pillars between the front and back doors allows for more room, but the rear swivel backward doors maintain the integrity of the cabin and its safety. Finally, front interactive LED lights are framed by a C-shaped light signature and at the rear are narrow horizontal LED taillights. White and blue 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with blue low-rolling resistance tires finish out the look.
As for performance, the I.D. concept is a zero-emissions drive system. The 168-horsepower electric motor will be paired with a single-gear transmission and a flat lithium-ion battery that is integrated into the floor. Interestingly enough, this battery will be able to be charged by cable or using an inductive charging interface in the front of the car (similar to your wireless phone chargers). It will also be possible to configure the I.D. with different battery capacities for more customized driving.
“The electric powertrain gives our designers far greater freedom. We have shrunk the cooling grilles to a minimum, shifted the axles far outwards and created breathtaking proportions, as demonstrated by the I.D. —an icon of the future. We had the unique opportunity to guide Volkswagen into a new era, and with the I.D we have taken this opportunity.”
The I.D. concept is due to go on sale in 2020, with a range of up to 373 miles on a single battery charge.
“REVOLUTIONARY VOLKSWAGEN I.D. ELECTRIC CONCEPT CAR MAKES ITS WORLD DEBUT AT THE PARIS MOTOR SHOW.” Volkswagen US Media Newsroom. Volkswagen, 29 Sept. 2016. Web. 6 Oct. 2016.
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is here at King Volkswagen! The Passat is so much more than a boring “midsize sedan”, it offers features that the whole family will enjoy as well as some that you might want to save for when the kids aren’t around. Come into King VW and try the Passat on for size while we’re writing up a Research & Review page that will make it easier for you to learn about all the features it offers. Keep checking our blog as we will let you know as soon as it’s available!
Behind the Scenes: VW Master Tech
Ever wondered what it would be like to be in the pit during a VW Rallycross race? Well, thanks to a video from VW, you can now get a glimpse of the exciting fast-paced world of a pit crew member. Our narrator and host of the video is Charles who is a shop foreman and Master Tech at a dealership in North Carolina. As expected, it takes a long time and a lot of training to become a Master Tech, let alone work on the Rallycross cars during a race. While the work can, and is often, stressful, Charles says it’s extremely rewarding to achieve his level of skill and work with the race team. Watch the video for behind the scenes content and then come into King Volkswagen and let our own VW technicians get your car ready for the road.
Beetle LSR Achieves 205 MPH
Believe it or not, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder TSI® gasoline engine powering a VW Beetle, has achieved 205.122 mph, breaking the record for the fastest Beetle mile. The Volkswagen Beetle LSR was driven by Automobile magazine contributing editor, Preston Lerner, on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah.
“We are completely thrilled with the Beetle LSR’s performance at Bonneville,” said Dr. Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Beetle is not the most aerodynamic car in our portfolio, so running 205 mph is a testament to the power that can be made from the EA888 TSI four-cylinder engine. This feat truly underscores the sporty and pugnacious spirit of the Beetle.”
With modifications made by THR Manufacturing, the Beetle was able to achieve 543 horsepower and 421 pound-feet of torque, a staggering amount for such a small car. The Beetle had many modifications including a lower suspension, special Salt Flat wheels and tires, a stripped interior to make room for extensive safety features, and a pair of parachutes to aid in slowing down.
“Exceeding 200 miles per hour in the Beetle LSR was a serious thrill,” said driver Preston Lerner, a contributing Editor at Automobile Magazine. “We had enough power to go even faster if the salt hadn’t been so sketchy. But seeing 208 miles per hour briefly on the digital readout was an experience I’ll never forget.”
“VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LSR RUNS 205.122 MPH AT BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, BECOMING THE WORLD’S FASTEST BEETLE : Volkswagen Media Centre.” Volkswagen Media Centre. Volkswagen, 19 Sept. 2016. Web. 26 Sept. 2016.
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Page Coming Soon
If you’re ready to swim out of the sea of sameness when it comes to driving sedans, the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta has arrived at King Volkswagen. This sporty and agile vehicle has fun and efficient performance, a luxe interior, top-of-the-line safety, and advanced technology. Plus, you can get all of this for an incredible price! You can get all the details on our Research and Review page that will feature this new sedan including performance, safety, and standard features, along with EPA estimated MPG and MSRP. Check back on our blog shortly where we will announce the arrival of this new page!
September Specials from King Volkswagen
Can you believe that September has already flown by? We don’t want you to miss out on our specials for this month so we’re here to remind you about our offers. Whether you’re looking for a Jetta, Tiguan, e-Golf, Passat, or any of the other popular models we have in stock, we’ve got one at a price that’s perfect for you. If you’re not in the market for a new vehicle give the one you have a little bit of love. We have several parts and services specials so be sure to check those out before coming in to save yourself some money!
King VW Has Your Next New-To-You Vehicle
In the market for a used vehicle? Skip the shady, and possibly creepy, sellers and come right to King Volkswagen for great prices, warranties, and quality. Volkswagen certified pre-owned vehicles always come with a 112-point inspection, a CarFax report, and warranty options. Visit King VW at 979 N Frederick Ave in Gaithersburg, MD 20879 today for the best selection of vehicles like the Golf Sportwagen, Jetta, and Tiguan!
VW, FAB-U-WISH, Pink Agenda Auction Off #PinkBeetle
“The timing of the launch of #PinkBeetle makes it a natural tie-in to support the fight against breast cancer. We are proud to team with The Pink Agenda, FAB-U-WISH and Giuliana Rancic for this cause,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president, Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “Volkswagen is committed to being an active member of the communities where we sell and service products; we hope that auctioning the #PinkBeetle will not only raise awareness for the cause but also provide much-needed funds to help find a cure.”
If you’ve dreamt about owning the #PinkBeetle now’s your chance! From now until September 22nd, Volkswagen, in partnership with Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda, is accepting bids on the coveted #PinkBeetle in order to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. The winner of the auction will not only receive the limited edition pink Beetle before it goes on sale, they will also have the exclusive opportunity to fly to New York City to attend The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala on October 13, 2016, and meet Giuliana Rancic.
“We believe that engaging today’s generation can go a long way toward finding tomorrow’s cure, so we are thrilled to collaborate with Volkswagen for the auction of the #PinkBeetle to support in raising awareness of the disease and much-needed funds for breast cancer research,” said Lucretia Gilbert, Executive Director of The Pink Agenda. “The Pink Agenda has contributed nearly $2 million to research, and this campaign will accelerate our efforts to make breast cancer a thing of the past,” Gilbert continued.
To bid, visit www.Charitybuzz.com/vwpinkbeetle
“VOLKSWAGEN TEAMS WITH GIULIANA RANCIC’S FAB-U-WISH AND THE PINK AGENDA TO AUCTION OFF LIMITED-EDITION #PINKBEETLE TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.” Volkswagen Media Centre. Volkswagen, 1 Sept. 2016. Web. 12 Sept. 2016.
The new Research & Review page featuring the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has been officially released by King Volkswagen! You can now find this new page located under our “Model Research” tab so be sure to check it out and then head on over to our dealership to take it out for a test drive. This new page includes a full breakdown on this vehicle with a look at each of the available trim level options and their standard and available features. You will find information about performance and safety features as well.
You can read about all of these details on the full page but a few of the feature options that you will find available on the 2016 VW Beetle Convertible depending on the trim you select include Crash-Optimized Front End, Intelligent Crash Response System, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers, Bluetooth® Technology with Audio Streaming, Heated Front Seats, Volkswagen Car-Net® Connected Car Feature, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.
Happy Labor Day!
Everyone from King Volkswagen wants to wish you, our loyal, hard working customers a very happy Labor Day. We hope that you are able to have the day off and that you are able to relax with friends and family. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well-done this year and keep working hard!
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