Volkswagen @ Frankfurt: 2009 E-Up Concept, 2009 L1 Concept, 2010 Golf R

- 2009 Volkswagen E-Up Concept: This compact city car concept from VW could actually be a production platform for the next-generation VW Beetle, and also, a some future compacts as well. So, what does it pack? VW say that the E-Up Concept follows VW's new "design DNA", which basically claim that VW could make an ultra-compact look appeling, and somewhat desirable. However, the E-Up Concept's main mission, is to deliver that "zero-emissions" technical showcase. E-Up Concept is powered by a continuously-variable electric motor, which drives the front-wheels, and packs 80 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. Because E-Up is so small, and only weighs 1,085 kilograms, 60 mph comes up in 11.2 seconds, and will top-out at 83 mph. Nonetheless, as this is only a city compact with 154 lb-ft of torque, VW say that it can launch to 30 mph in a quick 3.5 seconds. Driving range is allowed for 75 mph. Recharging takes 5 hours in a 240-volt power-outlet, but 80% will be done recharging the battery within an hour. A production will up soon, but for now, this is what the Volkswagen Design Center have showcased in Frankfurt.




- 2009 Volkswagen L1 Concept: Hang on; yes, this is a real car, on a real platform. It's the L1 Concept, and while it may look very very weird, it's under that body what defines it. First off, that 'squeezy' body, which hides the rear-wheels and has somewhat in-line seat design, is actually fully-made of carbon-fiber, and therefore, it's ultra-light, weighing just 380 kilograms. Then there's the world-wonder drive-train; it's a full-on hybrid. Volkswagen say that when the L1 Concept comes out as a showroom car, it will crack as the world's most efficient hybrid! How? Well, the basic recipe for this is a 0.8L TDI turbo-diesel, and a battery-powered electric-motor, making a total power of 53 hp and roughly 100 lb-ft of torque. However, because both the diesel engine and electric motor are placed at the rear, and the electric-motor specially is located between the engine and the transmission, VW were able to fit their 7-speed DSG transmission, allowing for excessive fuel-economy numbers. Add that, plus a start-stop technology, the L1 Concept can crack a combined fuel-economy rating of 157 mpg! That easily makes it the most fuel-efficient hybrid, but it surely doesn't make it the fastest. When it comes in a production form in 2013, a 1.6L TDI engine will be offered as an option.



- 2010 Volkswagen Golf R: Bad news Golf GTI owners, the awaited R-Line edition of Golf is here. However, unlike the last generation Golf R, which had a bullet V6 engine, the new 2010 Golf R is actually based on the new Scirocco R; so, it comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, with 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. With VW's 7-Speed DSG transmission, the Golf R will sprint to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, and also, can achieve 21 mpg fuel-economy rating. All 2010 Golf R models are driven by VW's 4-Matic all-wheel drive system. Beneath the sheetmetall, Volkswagen's engineers upgraded the Golf's chassis with a lower suspension that features new dampers and springs, improved disc brakes all around measuring 345mm up front and 310mm at the back, plus a new electronic XDS differential. The cosmetic department gives out an extended body-kit, updated LED taillights, sporty 19-inch wheels, and dual center exhaust pipes. Inside, the hot Golf sports a set of front bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with a flattened bottom featuring the 'R' logo, aluminum decorative trim around the center console, plus subtly restyled instrument dials special for the Golf R. . The Volkswagen Golf R can be ordered in Germany starting at the end of 2009, in 3-door and 5-door variants. So in essence, this is the closest rival to the Scirocco R, since they're basically the same thing.

Source: [Volkswagen]