Volkswagen R will take part in the 24h Nürburgring in 2027. For this purpose, the brand from Warmenau is developing an all-wheel drive Golf R for the racetrack together with Max Kruse Racing. A new show car already provides a first glimpse of the spectacular racing car. The race participation marking the 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen R brand is a clear commitment to the brand’s roots: the ‘R’ is derived from ‘racing’ – and taking part in the race will make this aspiration visible in competition.

Since the introduction of the Golf R32 in 2002, Volkswagen R has stood for the sportiest and most powerful production vehicles of the Volkswagen brand. The close link to motorsport and the concept of ‘racing’ is an integral part of the brand’s DNA. “The 24h Nürburgring is the toughest test for us under real competitive conditions,” says Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R. “The Nürburgring is also our test and development track, and we will meet people at the 24h race who share our passion for performance – which is why the project is a perfect match for Volkswagen R.”

A racing version of the current Golf R with all-wheel drive designed for the demanding requirements of the Nordschleife will be developed for the race. Volkswagen is now giving a first glimpse of the racing car with a show car that will be presented to the public in the Ring Boulevard at the Nürburgring. "With the Golf R 24H show car, we are making our vision for 2027 tangible at an early stage. The preparatory work for the real racing car has already begun. Even though we don’t want to reveal much about the technology yet: fans of the 24h Nürburgring can look forward to the most spectacular Golf R to date,” continues Reinhold Ivenz.

After three years with the Golf GTI Clubsport, Volkswagen is opening a new chapter in the 24h Nürburgring with the Golf R 24H. Long-standing partner Max Kruse Racing continues to be an important part of the project. On the team side, co-founder Benjamin Leuchter is responsible for the programme – as a test and development driver, he is also significantly involved in the fine-tuning of the sportiest Volkswagen production models. The aim of the race participation is to demonstrate the performance of Volkswagen R in competition, to test technical development under racing conditions and to take cooperation with Max Kruse Racing to a new level.

About Volkswagen R. The roots of the Volkswagen R brand lie directly in motorsport: the ‘R’ was derived from the term ‘Volkswagen Racing’. The first R logo was also graphically based on this origin. The first production version of this new performance model series was the particularly sporty Golf R32 in 2002, which set new standards with a 3.2-litre VR6 engine, all-wheel drive and the first direct shift gearbox in the Golf class. The model positioned itself clearly above the GTI product line and laid the foundation for the further development of the R brand.

Since then, Volkswagen R has established itself as an independent premium performance brand within Volkswagen. Powerful drives, precisely tuned chassis and innovative technologies – in combination with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive – characterise the R models. The appearance of the R models is rounded off by sporty understatement: a deliberately restrained, independent design with clear and characteristic R accents in combination with high-quality materials. In motorsport, Volkswagen R has achieved great success in the past with four Rally World Championship titles with the Polo R WRC and several electric records with the ID.R sports car. And even without a classic works team, motorsport is firmly anchored in the DNA of Volkswagen R: findings from test and development drives and the experience of racing drivers such as Benjamin Leuchter continue to flow into the development of the R models right up to the present day.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

01. Concept car. The vehicle is not offered for sale

02. Golf R - combined energy consumption: 8.3-8.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 188-183 g/km; CO₂ class: G

03. Golf GTI Clubsport - combined energy consumption: 7.5-7.3 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 171-166 g/km; CO₂ class: F

04. Golf GTI Clubsport 24h - race car

05. Golf GTI EDITION 50 – Combined energy consumption: 7.9-7.6 l/100 km; Combined CO₂ emissions: 179-173 g/km; CO₂ class: G–F

Everything is new in the ID.3 Neo! The successor to the ID.3 is celebrating its world premiere with a new name and has been extensively enhanced and upgraded. The exterior features include a new vehicle front design based on Volkswagen’s “Pure Positive” design language and a new light design. The interior impresses with a redesigned cockpit landscape with intuitive controls, embedded in interior materials at the level of the next-higher class. The new efficient drive system of the ID.3 Neo – combined with the largest of the three available batteries – additionally enables ranges of up to 630 km (WLTP). Pre-sales of the electric compact model will start in Germany and many European markets tomorrow, Thursday, 16 April 2026.

Martin Sander, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “We have developed the new vehicle generation based on the motto ‘True Volkswagen’ and have consistently placed the benefits for our customers at the centre of our actions. In addition to the long range, models such as the ID.3 Neo impress with a superior, timeless design that provides long-lasting pleasure, high quality for a noticeably first-class driving experience and technical perfection that can always be relied on. This is complemented by particularly intuitive operation, which makes everyday driving easier and more convenient”.

In addition to many standard assist systems (such as Lane Assist, Front Assist and the turning brake function), the electric compact model has been given a bandwidth of new functions thanks to the latest software generation. These include, for example, the enhanced Connected Travel Assist with traffic light recognition (optional) as well as one-pedal driving, where the vehicle recuperates until it comes to a standstill. In addition, as with all new ID. models, it is now possible to supply power to external devices – from electric barbeques to e-bikes – with an output of up to 3.6 kW directly from the high-voltage battery using the vehicle-to-load function.

New design clarity. The exterior of the ID.3 Neo reflects the True Volkswagen philosophy in the form of newly designed vehicle front end with a continuous light strip and illuminated logo. The design reflects the Volkswagen “Pure Positive” design language defined by Andreas Mindt, Chief Designer of the brand and Group. As with classic Volkswagen compact models, the roof, rear spoiler and boot lid are painted in the vehicle colour, which makes the ID.3 Neo appear longer, flatter and more dynamic.

High-quality, clear, intuitive operation – 100% Volkswagen. As soon as the doors of the ID.3 Neo are opened, it is obvious that the new model is characterised by a completely new level of quality and clarity. This can be seen in the high-quality materials that have a pleasant feel, the clear horizontal layout of lines and surfaces, new ergonomic and self-explanatory controls, easy-to-grip buttons and intuitive controllers for central functions. The multifunction steering wheel has also been completely redesigned with a rim that is flattened at the top and bottom and clearly structured button panels. The new Infotainment system (Innovision) with 26.0-cm (10.25-inch) Digital Cockpit and a 32.8-cm (12.9-inch) central display impresses with its fluid graphics and easy operation.

New high-efficiency drive. The drive system of the ID.3 Neo is a new development. It offers higher torque and lower consumption than the previous motors. As a result, ranges of up to 630 km (WLTP) are possible in the ID.3 Neo. At the launch, the new model will be available in three equipment lines (Trend, Life and Style) and with three power outputs, as well as three different battery sizes. The three electric drive motors develop an output of 125 kW (170 PS), 140 kW (190 PS) and 170 kW (231 PS). The 125-kW version is paired with a battery with an energy content of 50 kWh (net). It is the standard configuration of the ID.3 Neo Trend. The ID.3 Neo Life and ID.3 Neo Style will also be optionally configurable with a 58-kWh battery (net) and 140 kW as well as a 79- kWh battery (net) with 170 kW. The batteries with an energy content of 50 and 58 kWh have a DC charging capacity of up to 105 kW at a constant high level at DC quick-charging stations, while the 79 kWh version has a charging capacity of up to 183 kW.

Additional services. The new ID. models have the new Innovision Infotainment system on board. A new app store has also been integrated into the In-Car Shop of the new infotainment system, which allows functions and services to be activated or extended digitally, flexibly and on a vehicle-specific basis. As with a smartphone, popular apps from areas such as audio, video streaming, parking, charging and gaming are available for download here.

Many equipment options. The optional equipment includes an augmented reality head-up display, a large panoramic sunroof, 360-degree Area View, a massage and memory function for the front seats, a premium sound system from Harman Kardon, the memory function for Park Assist Pro and a removable bracket for mounting a bicycle carrier for tow bars (up to 75-kg tow bar load).

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

02. Range determined on the rolling road test bed in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) in the most range-favourable equipment variant. The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load and topography

03. ID.3 Neo (125 kW) - Combined power consumption 13.9-14.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

04. ID.3 Neo (140 kW) - Combined power consumption 13.9-14.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

05. ID.3 Neo (170 kW) - Combined power consumption 14.4-15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ class: A

06. Maximum possible charging capacity. The charging behaviour of different charging stations can differ, even if their kW capacity is the same. In addition to a charging station’s kW output, the maximum charge current also influences the amount of energy that flows. Furthermore, the ambient temperature, battery temperature and charge level influence the maximum possible charging capacity. The specified maximum charging capacity is calculated under WLTP conditions at a temperature of approx. 23 °C and a charge level from five per cent. If these variables change, the charging capacity may deviate from the specified standard value

Volkswagen has developed a new full hybrid drive that combines temporary electric driving with high efficiency and a long range. The new drive system is scheduled to be used in the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid from the fourth quarter of the year. The new hybrid models are not dependent on charging cables and charging infrastructure: the energy for the electric drive phases is recovered on board these Volkswagen models by means of recuperation and using a turbocharged petrol engine in combination with a generator. The new full hybrid system will in future be offered in two output levels and offers reduced fuel consumption compared with a mild hybrid drive. Volkswagen will present the details of the new drive system in the Austrian capital Vienna as part of the International Vienna Motor Symposium (22 to 24 April 2026).

The full hybrid drive offers numerous advantages: compared with a simpler mild hybrid, it enables a higher proportion of electric driving and thus lower emissions and consumption values as well as reduced fuel costs. In comparison with an externally rechargeable plug-in hybrid drive, the purchase costs of the full hybrid are lower, and it requires no charging infrastructure. Taking the Golf as an example, the new hybrid system can be identified by the designation ‘Hybrid’ and closes the gap here between the mild hybrid, which is already available as ‘eTSI’, and the plug-in hybrids. These can be ordered in the Golf under the label ‘eHybrid’ or as a sporty GTE. Volkswagen is thus using an even wider spectrum of electrified drive systems, enabling it to offer a suitable drive solution for every usage scenario and every customer in addition to the all-electric ID.models.

Innovative hybrid module. The new hybrid drive powers the front axle. Its fundamental components are the hybrid module, the turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) and the lithium-ion battery. The hybrid module includes, among other things, an electric motor as the drive motor, a second electric motor as a generator, power electronics, a differential and a one-speed gearbox as well as an electronically controlled multiplate clutch with its own control unit, which is used to engage and disengage the TSI in the drive train. An electric A/C compressor and an electric brake servo are also integrated in the front end. The high-voltage battery, matched to the hybrid drive with NMC cells and with a capacity of 1.6 kWh (gross) usual for HEV vehicles, is integrated into the vehicle floor at the rear of both the Golf and 
the T-Roc.

Three operating modes. Volkswagen has designed the interaction between the turbocharged petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2), two electric motors and high-voltage battery to achieve a good balance of efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The electric motor responsible for the drive power replaces or supports the turbocharged petrol engine in all those phases in which it offers additional efficiency. For example, the Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid therefore often run on electric power alone, making them very quiet when moving off, at low speeds and thus in urban traffic.

The drive system offers three operating modes that are automatically activated by the vehicle depending on the usage profile:

• Propulsion by electric motor – driving at low speeds powered using the electric motor alone, the TSI is switched off.
• Serial drive – electric motor plus generator: driving with electric motor. The TSI is active but decoupled in order to generate energy for the electric motor via a generator in an optimal operating window and thus extend the electric range.
• Parallel drive – petrol engine and electric motor – the TSI is active as the primary drive system from around 60 km/h on country roads and motorways; the electric motor supports the turbocharged engine, for example, as a booster when accelerating. 

Three driving profiles. The driver will be able to choose between three driving profiles on board the new Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid: Eco, Comfort and Sport. In the Eco driving profile, the maximum system output is limited to 70 per cent and the boost function is deactivated to reduce energy consumption. The Comfort profile does not limit the system output and allows boosting. In the Sport driving profile, the sporty characteristics are achieved by the drive changing earlier to serial mode so that full power is made available quickly.

Article source: www.volkswagen-newsroom.com

Enhanced batteries and vehicle-to-load capabilities are just two of the highlights among a raft of improvements for the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5.

Selected trims in the ID.4 and ID.5 ranges are now available with batteries that have more net capacity, greater power output and longer ranges than previously. The ID.4 Pro 4MOTION variants, for example, now offer a punchier power output of 299 PS along with an even more generous range of up to 341 miles (WLTP combined). The batteries in sporty GTX versions for both models now have a smaller net capacity, but maintain the same potent power levels and – thanks to efficiencies elsewhere – gain a few extra miles of potential range. What’s more, all changes to standard specification come with little or no extra cost.

V2L and bi-directional charging among other changes
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) and bi-directional charging capabilities are among other enhancements to the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5. When used with one of two new optional adapters, V2L turns the vehicles’ charge points into sources of electricity for other appliances, for instance when camping or using power tools.

Other changes for all ID.4 and ID.5 trims include physical buttons on steering wheels, Traffic Assist now also with Front Cross to help safeguard pedestrians and cyclists, improved One Infotainment and driver attention monitoring systems, and faster inductive phone charging – up from five to 15 Watts. Two more useful enhancements are a more efficient heat pump (optional) and, for ID.4 Pro 4MOTION variants only, an increase in the trailer load limit from 1,200 kg to 1,800 kg (braked 12 per cent).

The entry-level Pure Essential trims for both models gain larger 19-inch steel wheels, while the Pure Match trims are fitted with an electric tailgate as standard. An additional 230-volt power socket is also available as an option across both model ranges.

The ID.4 was Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV – and the brand’s first global electric vehicle – when it was launched in 2021. In April that year it was named World Car of the Year following input from more than 90 international motoring journalists in 24 countries. Eight trim levels are currently available in the UK: Pure Essential, Pure Match, Pro Essential, Pro Match, Pro Black Edition, Pro Match 4MOTION, Pro Black Edition 4MOTION and GTX Edition 4MOTION.

The ID.5 was launched in the UK early in 2022; it was Volkswagen’s first electric SUV-coupé and the first Volkswagen to feature USBPD (power delivery) ports. Located in the passenger area, these can be used to charge devices such as laptops with up to 45 Watts of power. Five trim levels are currently available in the UK: Pure Match, Pro Essential, Pro Match, Pro Black Edition and GTX Edition 4MOTION.

Prices for the ID.4 and ID.5 start from £36,995 (OTR RRP inc VAT). The technical specification changes being introduced mean that Volkswagen UK must now re-apply for these models to be eligible for the Government’s Electric Car Grant; qualification for this will be confirmed in due course.

Article source: www.vwpress.co.uk