Seventh-generation VW Golf

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BeetleGo

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I just read this in Auto Express:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/a...golf_gets_into_shape.html?CMP=NLC-Newsletters

There are pictures in the link. I like it ok, but wish the back weren't so fussy....


Bold new Golf gets into shape

It’s only just launched MkVI – but VW is already working on stylish replacement.


Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Poblete25th February 2009
it’s time to face the future at Volkswagen! The MkVI Golf has only just gone on sale, but the firm is already working on its replacement, due in 2012 – two years sooner than anticipated.

Our illustrations show how the MkVII is likely to look. And as usual with VW’s most important model, the styling is evolutionary.

But it’s under the skin where this model plans to break new ground – leading the way in how cars of the future will be made.

Reports suggest the MkVII will differ so radically from its predecessor that it bears comparison to the giant leap Ford made from the Escort to the Focus in 1998.

Bucking the trend for ever-increasing dimensions and kerbweights, the newcomer will rely on a smaller platform than the current car, with many components borrowed from the forthcoming Polo. Lightweight body panels will reduce weight, so similar performance can be achieved from smaller-capacity forced-induction engines. And diesels are expected to make up an even bigger percentage of sales than at present.

VW’s highly efficient twin-clutch DSG gearbox will be offered across the range as well, while advances in its resilience mean high-powered versions such as the GTI will benefit from seven ratios instead of six for the first time.

Hybrid
But it’s not just conventional engineering that’s going to make the Golf the greenest in its class – the hatch is set to join the hybrid party. We tried a prototype of VW’s Twin Drive technology last year (Issue 1,024), although it won’t go into full production until the MkVII emerges.

It combines a frugal 1.5-litre diesel unit with three compact electric motors, and the plug-in drivetrain can operate on battery power alone below 31mph for around 30 miles. Above that speed, it works in tandem with the oil-burner, and takes over entirely at motorway speeds. The result is a startling 113mpg – more than twice what a standard 2.0-litre TDI can muster.

Beyond that, VW is already working on an HCCI engine – a petrol unit that thinks it’s a diesel. By ditching the spark plugs, this blends the fuel efficiency of a diesel with the cleaner emissions and free-revving nature of a petrol.

And as HCCI engines run most efficiently at constant rpm, there’s even talk of using it to extend the range on a plug-in hybrid powertrain – giving a similar set-up to the Chevrolet Volt.

But one thing is for certain: for the first time, VW’s focus will be on fuel efficiency, recyclability and environmental credentials above all else.

----

~BeetleGo
 
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jettafock

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Say hello to the MKVII Golf

The MKVI isn't even out yet but VW is already working on the MKVII. It will come with the new VW Twin Drive Technology (hybrid diesel).

it’s time to face the future at Volkswagen! The MkVI Golf has only just gone on sale, but the firm is already working on its replacement, due in 2012 – two years sooner than anticipated.

Our illustrations show how the MkVII is likely to look. And as usual with VW’s most important model, the styling is evolutionary.

But it’s under the skin where this model plans to break new ground – leading the way in how cars of the future will be made.

Reports suggest the MkVII will differ so radically from its predecessor that it bears comparison to the giant leap Ford made from the Escort to the Focus in 1998.

Bucking the trend for ever-increasing dimensions and kerbweights, the newcomer will rely on a smaller platform than the current car, with many components borrowed from the forthcoming Polo. Lightweight body panels will reduce weight, so similar performance can be achieved from smaller-capacity forced-induction engines. And diesels are expected to make up an even bigger percentage of sales than at present.

VW’s highly efficient twin-clutch DSG gearbox will be offered across the range as well, while advances in its resilience mean high-powered versions such as the GTI will benefit from seven ratios instead of six for the first time.

Hybrid

But it’s not just conventional engineering that’s going to make the Golf the greenest in its class – the hatch is set to join the hybrid party. We tried a prototype of VW’s Twin Drive technology last year (Issue 1,024), although it won’t go into full production until the MkVII emerges.

It combines a frugal 1.5-litre diesel unit with three compact electric motors, and the plug-in drivetrain can operate on battery power alone below 31mph for around 30 miles. Above that speed, it works in tandem with the oil-burner, and takes over entirely at motorway speeds. The result is a startling 113mpg – more than twice what a standard 2.0-litre TDI can muster.

Beyond that, VW is already working on an HCCI engine – a petrol unit that thinks it’s a diesel. By ditching the spark plugs, this blends the fuel efficiency of a diesel with the cleaner emissions and free-revving nature of a petrol.

And as HCCI engines run most efficiently at constant rpm, there’s even talk of using it to extend the range on a plug-in hybrid powertrain – giving a similar set-up to the Chevrolet Volt.

But one thing is for certain: for the first time, VW’s focus will be on fuel efficiency, recyclability and environmental credentials above all else.

Link to article:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/234231/bold_new_golf_gets_into_shape.html?CMP=NLC-Newsletters
 

Varkias

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I wouldn't worry to much about the styling, once we have seen the MkVI in person, I'm willing to bet that this is much more evolution then revolution when it comes here, which probably won't be until 2014 or later, if the timeline follows the MkV's. Then again, if it really is going to be ready that soon, we might just never see the MkVI at all.
Golfs aren't huge sellers here, and I'm sure they can get a little more life out of the GTI. And with the next jetta/passat/whatever being built here, for NA only, I don't see a big push for the MkVI at all.

I really wanted a MkVI TDI Golf/GTI though...
 

vwmk4

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None at this time, Looking for a nice one though.
Say that it's not true. I think that the MKVI looks very good and have read some good reviews from Europe and England. The MKV production has stopped and for sure NA will go Golf less until 2014.
 

chewy

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They just pshoped the front and the rear of the VW Bluesport concept. Very poor job, the MKVII will likely look a lot different than that. And VW will have a 1.6 TDI, not sure where they got ideas about a 1.5 liter TDI.

In other VW news, VW has put an advertising sign (at the Geneva autoshow I think) of the next gen Polo before it has officially unveiled it.



This gives a much better indication of how future VWs will look like as its teh first clean sheet design from Walter de Silva who will design all future VWs.
 

frugality

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Versa, Focus, Fit, Matrix. In other words, the MkVII Golf looks....generic? Nondescript?

Personally I like it, though the angle of the taillights looks a little odd, and doesn't seem to really match any other styling cues on the car. Either the MkVI or the MkVII is better than the lump-of-putty look of the MkV, though.
 

Blonde Guy

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Bring the Twin Drive to the US

The Twin Drive hybrid sounds interesting. A 30 mile range would cover most of my trips, such that I'd never turn on the engine and run exclusively on electric.

Most of my miles come from a few long trips, and a small diesel would be plenty enough for that. I know from owning an electric bicycle that both batteries and charging systems are complex and failure-prone. I'm not getting the first couple of years of Twin Drive technology.
 

TDIBill

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Styling

:D I like nondescript! But then again I drive a....... Now what is the name of that car again? Oh yeah! It's a Passat! A B4. Now that's nondescript!:D
 

frugality

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TDIBill said:
:D I like nondescript! But then again I drive a....... Now what is the name of that car again? Oh yeah! It's a Passat! A B4. Now that's nondescript!:D
So does the Mafia...is there a particular reason you like nondescript? ;)
 

Marley

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Alot of talk here about Gen VI and now Gen VII and my local dealer ( southeast USA, the city where they are building the new VW plant ) can't produce a brochure of the new MK VI Rabbit. No big deal, I'm not buying anytime soon. Just curious. They have heard about it, they have heard about a TDI Rabbit, but........The gasser MkVI is supposed to be here in the spring. It's almost spring.
Where's the Rabbit? Where's the brouchure?
 
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frugality

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That's not unusual. When the CR TDI Jetta sedan and Sportwagen launched last summer, there was very little information available until shortly before the launch.
 

tiguando

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Marley said:
Alot of talk here about Gen VI and now Gen VII and my local dealer ( southeast USA, the city where they are building the new VW plant ) can't produce a brochure of the new MK VI Rabbit. No big deal, I'm not buying anytime soon. Just curious. They have heard about it, they have heard about a TDI Rabbit, but........The gasser MkVI is supposed to be here in the spring. It's almost spring.
Where's the Rabbit? Where's the brouchure?
The MkVI Rabbit is not due here until the fall.
 

PlaneCrazy

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$32k is an awful lot to pay for the Audi "look". With the drubbing my investments took in the last 6 months, my "look" is leaning more towards "City" than "Audi"... too bad they can't revive the 1.9 TDI in the Jetta City and Golf City; $15.3k for the Golf, $16.7k for the Jetta. Canadian $ on top of that.
 

Varkias

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chewy said:
They just pshoped the front and the rear of the VW Bluesport concept. Very poor job, the MKVII will likely look a lot different than that.
Totally!! Did no one else here see this note? I'm willing to be the car looks nothing like this at all. The new MK6 is sweet if you ask me, and I'm sure that the styling of the MK7 will be a lot more inline with the new Polo, which is totally hot. Plus, everyone thought that the MK5 looked like a Corola when it first showed up.

I'll reserve judgment until I see it in person, I remember thinking that the current Passat was going to be amazing, then hating it when I saw it in person, and I had the opposite happen with the CC, which I love.
 

tiguando

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Jack_Berry said:
audi a3 anyone?
Maybe if they had done something more to differentiate it from the Mk VI Golf/Rabbit. I was very excited when I heard they would be offering the A3 as a diesel until I heard it was front wheel drive only. I know a several other people who had the same reaction including one Volkswagen and two Audi employees who were in the market for one themselves. If only they had boosted the output say 10 - 20 hp and offered it with Quattro. My guess is that by not doing so they will continue to sell poorly.
 
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