All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Volkswagen R line is becoming an independent brand

Next to its factory in Wolfsburg, Volkswagen has the Autostadt theme park dedicated to the brands of the Volkswagen Group, with more than 2 million visitors a year. Soon, the Volkswagen R line could get its place in this park, which suggests that the R models could become an independent brand.

It all started in 2002 when Volkswagen premiered the Golf R32, which was later followed by the Passat R, Scirocco R, etc., and entered endurance racing with the Polo R WRC model. Over time, it became a line of powerful VW cars. At Autostadt, fans will have the opportunity to see various concepts and limited-edition production cars, as well as high-performance electric models.

Volkswagen says that the R line will evolve over time, and in the coming years more powerful electric vehicles will arrive. However, this does not mean the complete shutdown of ICE cars, at least not anytime soon. In a few months, the redesigned Golf R will hit the market, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 315 hp (235 kW) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Power is sent to all wheels via a DSG automatic gearbox.

When it comes to numbers, VW produced more than 35,000 cars of this line last year, a record for the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer.

Source: Volkswagen

News

Volvo’s last diesel car is the XC90

Last year, Volvo announced that it will end production of all remaining diesel models in 2024, as the company’s goal is to become a fully electric brand by the end of the decade. After almost half a century and more than nine million diesel cars sold in the last 33 years, Volvo has decided that it’s time for the end. Their last diesel car is a Volvo XC90.

This SUV is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) family. It is the second diesel engine that Volvo has produced in its 97-year history. Their first diesel engine was produced at the beginning of the century, in the Swedish factory in Skovde, which in the meantime switched to the production of electric engines.

Diesel cars used to be in high demand, at least in Europe. In 2015, more than 50 percent of new cars sold in Europe were diesels. But since then, their demand has been falling rapidly. 2019 was the last year when the majority of Volvo cars sold were diesels. After that, a big drop in sales of these cars was recorded every year, and in 2022 it was only 8.9 percent.

“Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines: they generate less noise, less vibration, less servicing costs for our customers and zero tailpipe emissions. We’re fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo – and are a key part of our response to climate change,” says Jim Rowan, Chief Executive at Volvo Cars.

Source: Volvo

News

Geparda – a vehicle that can be driven by 16-year-olds

In February, Microlino Car introduced a fully electric four-wheeled Quadricycle inspired by the Isetta, a bubble car from the 1950s, which 14-year-olds will be able to drive in Italy and France. Now, a similar car has been introduced in Germany that 16-year-olds will be able to drive, the Geparda.

The car is 3,600 mm long, 1,643 mm wide and 1,484 mm high and can accommodate up to four passengers. It is based on the VW UP! and at first glance it looks like a standard tricycle. However, there are two wheels on the rear, but with a reduced track. Since it is not a standard car, anyone with an A1 license can drive this vehicle.

When it comes to design, it doesn’t differ much from the UP! model. Instead of wheel arches, there are full panels with the inscription “Geparda” reminiscent of the Volkswagen XL1, where the added panels had an aerodynamic purpose. It is equipped with a modified chassis that provides better stability of the car after the installation of a shorter rear axle, front H&R stabilizer, Eibach springs at the rear, disc brakes at the front and drums at the rear, ESP and ABS systems, and four airbags.

The car is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with just 20 hp (15 kW) mated to a five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Although it does not have much horsepower, the 908 kg Geparda can reach a top speed of 110 km/h (68 mph).

The vehicle is already on sale and the price of 20,000 euros seems too high.

Source: Geparda

Gallery:

Geparda - a vehicle that can be driven by 16-year-olds