Design offensive: Just seven days after the world premiere of the
new Golf, Volkswagen presents a further facet of automobile fascination:
The roadster prototype concept R.
Design: The design, sharp in every aspect, is in the style of an
animal about to jump. This combined with the outstanding functional
solutions indicates a view to the future of the Brand and possible
commitments in the sports car segment. The basis for the highly dynamic
exterior design forms a very clear linear structure, which distinguishes
all of today's Volkswagens. But these lines are set sharper than ever
and, with a new appearance, frame extremely exciting and well formed
surfaces. This new three dimensionality in the important body elements
forms a path to tomorrow's world.
Design dimensions: The concept R is 4.16 metres long, 1.78 metres
wide and 1.25 metres high; The body and interior conquer virgin
territory in terms of style at this level. Chosen consciously to provide
a contrast, the designers applied colour to the exterior and interior:
Frozen sky paint finish, dark earth interior leather.
Dynamic propulsion: Propulsion for the concept R comes from a V6
mid-engine; It returns 195 kW / 265 brake horse power and accelerates
the roadster in 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h. Top speed: 250 km/h (governed;
capable in theory of 270 km/h). The sound of the engine can be varied at
the turn of a switch! The maximum 350 Newton metres of torque provided
by the V6 are transferred to the road via the spectacular Volkswagen
direct selection gearbox (DSG / 6-speed) and rear axle.
Radiator grille design: A particularly avante garde appearance of
the concept R is evident in the front end with its newly created
radiator grille. The chrome badge is also an opening through which the
V6 engine breathes and the new look of the eye-like headlights form a
face that maintains the Brand tradition whilst also reinterpreting the
design.
Headlight design: The headlights have a dominant form with their
outer, round main element and an inner part that leans diagonally
towards the centre of the vehicle. Inline with the Phaeton, Touareg and
new Golf, the wing area is extended prominently to the front above the
headlights like an eyebrow and underlines in this way the athletic
character of the concept vehicle.
Headlight technology: The LED technology integrated in the
headlights is an innovation: A lens begins to open as soon as they are
switched on. Until this aperture widens, all that can be seen is a
narrow beam of light. The optical effect of this focussing of the
"vehicle eyes" makes the "concept R" appear to come alive, inline with
the whole characteristic design.
Silhouette of fascination: The flank of the concept R is
distinguished by: a very flat waistline, rising to the centre of the
rear wheelarches; naturally round, heavily contoured wheelarches; and a
very short rear overhang. The three dimensional effect of the rear end
design is expressed par excellence.
Rear end design: The rear is absolutely muscle packed. Inline
with the front end, the boot forms a V, enhanced by a dynamic edge
unlike anything else.
Tail light design: The tail lights correspond in their form
(round main element, angled inner part) with the headlights.
Tail light technology: The tail lights build up their lighting
power in three stages as three LED blocks are activated one after the
other.
Body dome: The dynamics of the concept R are underlined by two
body domes behind the driver and co-driver in the style of a classic
racing car. Not only are they powerful and elegant in their flowing
lines, but they also fulfil two very practical roles: Wind deflection
and over-roll protection.
Interior concept: An interior was developed for the concept R
that, with its layout, operating and information spectrum, forms a path
to the future, like the function of a time tunnel. All information and
operating elements are integrated with a new harmony in form and
function.
Pulsating VW logo: A so-called OLED screen (flexible in shape and
form with extremely high lighting power) breathes even more "life" into
the concept R. And in a way that is as unusual as it is unexpected. The
VW emblem in the steering wheel is no longer a tangible reality; it can
now be found stored in the round display. As soon as the driver switches
on the ignition, that is, when the concept R is switched to stand-by,
the VW emblem begins to pulsate.
Seating concept: The bucket seats of the concept R do not have an
adjustment feature. In fact, there is no way of adjusting them at all.
Instead of the seat, the driver moves the polished metal operating and
information block of the instrument panel, including steering wheel and
pedal cluster, back or forth. The adjusting mechanism is activated
electrically. At the press of a button, the co-driver can also find an
optimal seating position by moving a highly polished support element
back or forth in the footwell.
Seating comfort: A new carrier mechanism means that the seats are
self sprung; The degree of hardness in the springs can be adjusted. The
seating comfort is enhanced even further by active foam used in the seat
structure, which is covered in deer leather. This foam is used for the
first time in sports car seats. It adapts to the body contour perfectly
like a modulated counterpart.
Instruments / centre console: A highlight of the concept vehicle
is the instrument panel and centre console. All areas of the operating
elements and displays and also parts of the steering wheel (self-climatised)
are finished in polished aluminium. The instrument panel cross member is
covered in dark leather. The cockpit captivates its audience by clarity,
aesthetics and functional logic. Example: The air vents in the
centre console, designed with a turbine appearance, display the selected
temperature digitally and can be turned like a dial to set a new value.
Navigation, audio system, running gear and cellphone are controlled via
an MMI (multimedia interface) on the centre tunnel.
Instruments: A further novelty are the instruments themselves.
Example, main instrument: When the ignition is activated (no key
required, just simply tap the START switch lightly), it opens up into
the centre of the cockpit from the right. As soon as the driver
activates the navigation system, the main instrument is drawn back into
the instrument panel, which clears the way for the navigation display.
All other information is now in the background.
