Volkswagen Golf family named “2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year”

13 November 2014

Motor Trend named the Volkswagen Golf family—Golf 1.8T, Golf TDI Clean Diesel, Golf GTI and e-Golf models—as the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year. The Golf has won COTY only once before, in 1985.

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For 2015, the Golf was a near-unanimous choice among our judges by virtue of its strong performance in each of our six Car of the Year criteria.

Motor Trend’s Car of the Year program is open to any all-new or substantially upgraded 2015 automobile. Rather than being compared against one another, contending vehicles are first put through Motor Trend’s full battery of performance tests to measure acceleration, braking, and limit handling.

Each finalist is then driven on a real-world road loop that provides a range of surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics. In the final phase of Car of the Year, Motor Trend judges debate and evaluate each vehicle against the award’s six key criteria:

• Design Advancement—well-executed exterior and interior styling; innovative vehicle packaging; good selection and use of materials.

• Engineering Excellence—total vehicle concept and execution; clever solutions to packaging, manufacturing and dynamics issues; cost-effective tech that benefits the consumer.

• Efficiency—low fuel consumption and carbon footprint, relative to the vehicle’s competitive set.

• Safety—a vehicle’s ability to help the driver avoid a crash, as well as the secondary safety measures that protect its occupants from harm during a crash.

• Value—competitive price and equipment levels, measured against those of vehicles in the same market segment.

• Performance of Intended Function—how well the vehicle does the job its planners, designers, and engineers intended it to do.

In terms of efficiency, Motor Trend noted:

Weight reduction and improved engine efficiency have resulted in fuel economy gains for both the TSI and GTI models with their respective 1.8- and 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gas engines. Even more impressive, Volkswagen has also included room in the lineup for diesel and electric versions of the Golf. The Golf TDI and its 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four return an EPA combined rating of 36 mpg, while the e-Golf has an EPA-estimated range of 83 miles. The best part is that neither car is a penalty box to drive. What the TDI lacks in horsepower it mostly makes up for in torque. While it didn’t feel quite as quick as the TSI, it was no slouch for a C-segment car.
No matter which Golf variant we jumped into, we emerged with smiles on our faces.
With several electric vehicles present at this year’s COTY event, the e-Golf was lauded for driving and feeling most like a “normal” car. Indeed, it’s tough to distinguish the e-Golf visually from its internal-combustion counterparts, inside or out. We also enjoyed the driving experience. The chassis feels as willing and playful as the other variants, while the electric motor provides an instantaneous 199 lb-ft of torque, rocketing the e-Golf forward. Best of all, interior and cargo room appear to suffer little thanks to clever battery packaging.

The other COTY finalists were:

• Audi A3
• BMW 2 Series
• Ford Mustang
• Honda Fit
• Hyundai Genesis
• Kia Sedona
• Lexus RC
• Maserati Ghibli
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Volkswagen outlines a range of near-term technologies for reducing fuel consumption and emissions; stop-start 2.0, 10-speed DSG

11 November 2014

Volkswagen presented its latest technologies for reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions—which includes the first 10-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG)—in an Innovation Workshop for the media at the Ehra-Lessien test track facility near Wolfsburg.

Volkswagen AG has set the goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable carmaker by the year 2018. Compared to baseline figures for 2010, the Group wants to reduce energy and water consumption, waste generation and emissions (including CO₂ emissions) by 25% in all of its business areas. (I.e., VW’s “Strategy 2018”, earlier post.) To achieve this, the Volkswagen brand—the highest volume brand of the Group—is counting on electric mobility (zero-emission and plug-in hybrid models); on continually more fuel-efficient combustion engines and gearboxes; progressive lightweight design; aerodynamics; and efficiency “in every conceivable area”.

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Mild hybrid: stop-start 2.0 and coasting with engine off. The start-stop 2.0 system does not just deactivate the engine when the car is stationary at a red light; it already deactivates the engine at speeds below 7 km/h (4.4 mph). In coasting with engine off (special coasting function), the engine is also shut off at higher speeds as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal. This can significantly improve fuel economy when the driver adopts an anticipatory style of driving. In addition, the mild hybrid systems enable energy recovery in braking phases; productive use of this energy results in further fuel economy benefits.

10-speed DSG. Volkswagen launched the first production dual clutch transmission in 2003 as the Volkswagen 6-speed DSG, which was initially used in the Golf R32 and the Audi TT. Volkswagen is now presenting a newly developed 10-speed DSG for engines with up to 550 N·m (406 lb-ft) of torque. The highly efficient layout of its gear steps contributes towards further lowering of CO₂ emissions.

(Dr. Heinz Jakob-Neußer, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen responsible for the Development Division, referenced the 10-speed DSG at the Vienna Motor Symposium in May 2014. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, had announced Volkswagen was working on the 10-speed at the same event in 2013. Earlier post.)

High-performance diesel. The new 240-PS bi-turbo diesel (176 kW) in the recently revealed Passat features a power density of 120 PS per liter displacement—the most powerful of any four-cylinder TDI that has ever been put into production. (Earlier post.) Fuel consumption of the sedan, which has a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph), is 5.3 l/100 km (44 mpg US).

Volkswagen suggested that “an intelligent advanced development” of this TDI might take the following form: the power of the two-liter engine could be increased to 200 kW / 272 PS by the use of a variable valve train, further optimized gas exchange cycles and an electric booster. (This would result in power density of 136 PS/liter (134 hp/liter).)

Progressive detailed solutions. In this area, Volkswagen has just adapted a sandwich construction method—two steel cover layers and a middle polymer-thermoplastic layer—from low-volume to high-volume production. The “technology donor” in this case is the street version of the Polo R WRC (in 2014, Volkswagen won the rally world championship for the second consecutive time with the racing version of this car).

New systems such as the extremely thin oxide film that is vapor deposited on the low-E glass sunroof, making it infrared-reflecting, a dashboard that also reflects infrared light (both developments reduce the cooling load of the air conditioner), a range manager for electric vehicles (for optimal use of the energy stored in the battery) and need-based and extremely efficient air conditioning (also for zero-emission models such as the e-up! and e-Golf) are equally important in ensuring that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are further reduced.

Integration of consumer electronics. In parallel to the theme of sustainability, Volkswagen is also driving the integration of maximum interactivity in all vehicle classes, which achieves a new dimension in comfort and convenience. In the process, the car is becoming increasingly better networked with the communication world of consumer electronics. That is because more apps and online services than ever can now be used via the modular infotainment system (MIB) and Volkswagen Car-Net.

The applications of Volkswagen Car-Net are generating gains in safety, comfort and convenience. As an example, “Security Service” lets users view vehicle data over the internet. Users might use them to check fuel and washer fluid levels before heading out on a trip.

After the initial use of MirrorLink in the Polo and Passat, Volkswagen continues to further develop the integration of smart phones. Volkswagen is combining interfaces to a wide variety of operating systems of mobile phones, and thus also to the MirrorLink apps, under “App Connect”, because soon it will be possible to link nearly all smart phones to the infotainment system via “Apple CarPlay” and “Android Auto”.

Media Control. The “Media Control” system that was introduced in the new Passat links tablets of all types into the matrix of infotainment systems. Rear passengers, in particular, can conveniently use their tablets to operate all key entertainment functions (radio and media), surf the Internet, view movies or send an address book entry to the infotainment system as a destination for navigation. It is also easy to find addresses by Google search and integrate them into navigation.

Interactive systems. At Ehra-Lessien, Volkswagen is showing, for the first time, a prototype of a predictive, i.e. self-programming, navigation system. It “takes note” of the routes that the driver prefers without having to activate navigation first. Typical routes, such as the commute to work, are then automatically scanned—for traffic problems, for example—without the driver having to start the navigation process.

In addition, the system integrates information about the route most likely to be driven into the operating and charging strategy of a plug-in hybrid drive. Another example of the car that “thinks with the driver” is the “Easy Close” function introduced with the new Passat Estate. Here, the trunk lid closes as soon as the person with the Passat key moves away from it; the car is also automatically locked.

Progress has also been made in the area of personalization. From now on, it will be possible to further customize the personalized settings in a vehicle. These settings will be stored in user accounts for individual drivers. When the car is opened, they are automatically activated individually for the specific driver, and they are clearly displayed. This eliminates the need to repeatedly readjust the seat, mirrors, radio stations and driver assistance systems. Over the long term, it will even be possible to port these settings to another Volkswagen.

AKKA Technologies presents its thoughts on transport in the heart of the city of tomorrow.

12th Challenge BIBENDUM in Chengdu (China) International Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Park 11 to 15 November 2014

Lyon, 4 November 2014 — AKKA Technologies, the leading European engineering and technology consultancy group, will take part in the 12th Challenge Bibendum, organised by the Michelin Group, from 11 to 15 November 2014 in Chengdu, China. The Group will be present on the stand of its partner Dassault Systèmes, in order to promote innovations in the market for autonomous and connected vehicles.

AKKA Technologies and Dassault Systèmes: responding to the challenges of connected transport

AKKA Technologies and Dassault Systèmes have formed a partnership designed to stimulate innovation in and the growth of connected transport. The two companies share a desire to respond to the increase in demand for connectivity, the challenge posed by the development of Cloud-based automotive services and progress towards a «consumer experience». Intelligent, autonomous vehicles, the result of collaboration between the automotive industry and the digital economy, are a perfect example.

With its LINKGO technology platform, AKKA Technologies is redefining transport and the way it is used. LINKGO brings together innovations such as autonomous driving, communications between the vehicle, the driver and the environment and also environmentally and socially friendly transport. It is shaping a clear vision of transport in the heart of the cities of tomorrow.

The international sustainable transport event

Since 1998, Challenge Bibendum has brought together representatives from politics, industry, science and the media over a number of days, during which they can exchange views on sustainable transport challenges and solutions.

The spirit behind Challenge Bibendum is to demonstrate that the capacity for progress in transport is very much alive and that road transport integrated into a multi-modal world has a bright future and benefits for society.

From 11 to 15 November, you will have the opportunity to exchange information with AKKA consultants on innovative transport projects, as well as the full range of AKKA Technologies’ work.

Please contact the press office with any requests for information or interviews with AKKA Technologies at the 12th Challenge Bibendum.

About AKKA Technologies

«The best way to predict the future is to invent it. Let’s share our passion for technology.»

AKKA Technologies, a European Engineering and Technology Consultancy Group, supports major industrial and service sector clients throughout the various phases of their projects, from RD and design studies to industrial production. Expertise in a range of complementary fields means that AKKA Technologies can offer real added value to its clients in every market segment, including aviation, automotive, space/defence, consumer electronics, telecommunications, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steel, energy, rail, marine and the service industry.

Market leader in Germany and France in the automotive and aeronautical industries, and thanks to the mobility of its teams and an international position, AKKA Technologies works on projects at the cutting edge of technology all over the world.

The AKKA Technologies Group has more than 11,000 employees and has a presence in 20 countries: Belgium, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, France,

Germany, Hungary, Italy, India, Morocco, the Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, the U.A.E., the United Kingdom and the U.S.A. AKKA is committed to building a group turning over 1 billion Euros, more than 50% of which will be outside France.

AKKA Technologies is listed on EuronextTM Paris – Compartment B – ISIN Code: FR0004180537. Indices CAC® Small, CAC® Mid Small, CAC® All-Tradable, CAC® All-Share

More information at www.akka.eu

TU Berlin team develops multifunctional catalyst for ORR and OER for fuel cells or rechargeable metal-air batteries

13 November 2014

One of the challenges in electrocatalysis (be it for solar fuels, fuel cells or rechargeable metal-air batteries) is to find an effective catalyst that will reduce (oxygen reduction reaction, ORR), as well as generate (oxygen evolution reaction, OER), oxygen at moderate temperatures. A team from Technische Universität Berlin now reports developing cobalt-manganese-based (CoMn₂O₄ and MnCo₂O₄) spinel microspheres as highly efficient multifunctional catalysts that unify the electrochemical OER with oxidant-driven and photocatalytic water oxidation as well as the ORR.

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A paper on their work is published is the journal ChemSusChem.

The as-prepared spinels display excellent performances in electrochemical OER for the cubic MnCo₂O4 phase in comparison to the tetragonal CoMn₂O₄ material in an alkaline medium. Moreover, the oxidant-driven and photocatalytic water oxidations were performed and they exhibited a similar trend in activity to that of the electrochemical OER.

Remarkably, the situation is reversed in ORR catalysis, that is, the oxygen reduction activity and stability of the tetragonal CoMn₂O₄ catalyst outperformed that of cubic MnCo₂O₄ and rivals that of benchmark Pt catalysts. The superior catalytic performance and the remarkable stability of the unifying materials are attributed to their unique porous and robust microspherical morphology and the intrinsic structural features of the spinels. Moreover, the facile access to these high-performance materials enables a reliable and cost-effective production on a large scale for industrial applications.

Resources

• Menezes, P. W., Indra, A., Sahraie, N. R., Bergmann, A., Strasser, P. and Driess, M. (2014) “Cobalt–Manganese-Based Spinels as Multifunctional Materials that Unify Catalytic Water Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction Reactions,” ChemSusChem doi: 10.1002/cssc.201402699

SolaRoad opens

The first road in the world that converts sunlight into electricity is ready for use
Haarlem, 21 October 2014

The SolaRoad pilot road has been opened this week. SolaRoad is a road surface that acts as a solar panel. SolaRoad will be officially opened on the 12th of November by Minister Kamp. This is the first road in the world that converts sunlight into electricity. SolaRoad was developed by TNO, the Province of North-Holland, Ooms Civiel and Imtech TrafficInfra.

Road surface that converts sunlight into energy
The pilot road of just a hundred metres consists of concrete modules each of 2.5 by 3.5 metres. Solar cells are fitted in one travelling direction underneath a tempered glass top layer which is approximately 1-cm thick. There are no solar cells on the other side of the road and this is used to test various top layers. In time, the solar power from the road will be used for practical applications in street lighting, traffic systems, electric cars (which drive on the surface) and households. This first section of

SolaRoad is located in Krommenie, along the provincial road N203, next to the Texaco garage on the railway track side (GPS data: 52.493875, 4.767134).

Test period
For a three-year period, various measurements will be taken and tests performed to enable SolaRoad to undergo further development. The tests must answer questions such as: How does it behave in practice? How much energy does it produce? and What is it like to cycle over? In the run-up to the surface being laid, the road was tested in the laboratory to ensure that it fulfils all (safety) requirements for road surfaces.

Official opening on the 12th of November
SolaRoad will be officially opened on Wednesday the 12th of November by Minister Kamp.

More information
For more information about SolaRoad take a look at www.solaroad.nl/en/
Also follow SolaRoad on social media: Twitter: @SolaRoadNL Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/solaRoadNetherlands

GM emphasizes its safety testing for the Bi-fuel Impala

13 November 2014

GM says that it has tested the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank in the 2015 Bi-fuel Chevrolet Impala (earlier post) under normal and extreme conditions, exceeding both federal requirements and CNG industry guidelines. For example:

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The Bi-fuel Impala is subjected to six crash tests at GM’s Milford Proving Ground. Click to enlarge.

• The industry-standard Bonfire Test confirms the CNG tank’s pressure relief valves are operational and help prevent the tank from rupturing in a fire. In addition to placing the tank about four inches above a steady 800 ˚F fire, General Motors’ engineers added trunk, back seat and underbody fires to test the pressure relief valves’ ability to sense heat on all sides of the tank. The tests were done at two different fuel levels.

• In the Penetration Test, the tank is filled to its service pressure and is shot with a 7.62 mm armor-piercing bullet. In order to pass the test, the bullet has to pass completely through one side of the tank without exiting out the other side. The goal is to have the tank maintain the bullet hole only as the weak structural point, without rupturing.

• Front barrier, side impact and rear impact crash tests were conducted on the Bi-Fuel Impala. Some aftermarket CNG-conversion kit manufacturers conduct only a barrier test. The tank also undergoes long-term structural integrity tests equivalent to 15,000 pressure cycles and hydrostatic bursting tests of up to 8,100 PSI. The tank’s normal operating pressure is 3,600 PSI.

The tanks also undergo hydrostatic burst testing, in which tanks are filled with water until they bursts; tanks must hold up to at least 8,100 PSI.

A large piece of cast aluminum helps protect the tank valve and connection from certain side impacts. Sheet metal plates on either side of the tank help protect it from loose objects in the trunk or rear seat.

The all-steel trunk-mounted CNG tank holds approximately 7.8 gallons, sufficient for about 150 miles of driving after which the Impala seamlessly switches to gasoline power. The complete CNG system is covered by Chevrolet’s five-year, 100,000-mile—whichever comes first—limited powertrain warranty and can be serviced at Chevrolet dealerships throughout the US and Canada.

We designed this system for those ‘what if’ situations. The customer shouldn’t even know it’s there. They shouldn’t even think about it. CNG should just be another fuel they use to power their vehicle.

The Bi-fuel Impala—a 2015 “Green Car of the Year” finalist—is the auto-industry’s only manufacturer-produced full-size sedan in North America that runs on both CNG and gasoline. It is available to order now through all Chevrolet dealerships in the US and Canada with delivery expected at the end of this year.