VW Group Testing Ice- and Fog-Free Windshields

For those of us living in colder climates, ice can be a real hassle during winter time; scraping rock like formations from your windshield isn't the best thing that can happen to you in freezing temperatures... But the VW Group in association with the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Technology (IST) in Braunschweig, may soon provide drivers a solution to this pesky problem.

Researchers have introduced what they claim to be the first anti-fogging and anti-icing car windscreen. Unlike heated windows, the new glass panes make use of a physical principle that does not allow an ice layer to form in the first place, even at temperatures as low as -18 C or -0.4 F.

The Volkswagen Group says the secret of the innovation lies in a wafer-thin transparent coating of indium tin oxide that is applied to the window and in theory, stops heat from going upwards and prevents or delays cooling of the glass surface to below the dew point.

"We call this a 'Low-E' (low thermal emissivity) coating. Applied to the outer glazing, it prevents heat from radiating skyward. We are proud of this innovation and will promote it throughout the Group. That is because an ice-free window is an added convenience to our customers," explains Thomas Drescher of Volkswagen Development.

"The 'Low-E coating' cannot prevent ice formation or condensation entirely, but it can significantly reduce the likelihood of it happening," Drescher added.

The VW Group says is still has to work around some problems before it offers this technology on production models. One such issue in the current development phase is that new coating interferes with radio transmission impairing radio and mobile phone reception.

"It will take some time before the ice-free car windscreen is market-ready, but we are working intensively toward this goal. The bottom line is that for the Volkswagen Group, the ice-free window represents a successful innovation that is unique worldwide," said Drescher.

VW Teases Jetta R with 3.6L V6-Powered, All-Wheel-Drive Prototype

Volkswagen's new 2011 Jetta has just landed on European shores, but Germans already have new plans for it. During the European press launch, the media got a taste of the Jetta R with a special prototype fitted with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, six-speed DSG transmission and Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

As you can see in the pictures, the V6 prototype's body has not been altered yet. Only the bigger wheels and four-tail pipes at the back signal that there's something going on here.

Should it make into production, you can rest assured that the R division will dress-up the Jetta with a body kit, probably featuring more aggressive spoilers, lowered side sills and other R goodies, plus interior appointments. We reckon racing seats, sportier steering wheels and pedals are safe bets.

The Jetta R should fit snugly in the R line-up, alongside the Golf and Scirocco sports models and the also rumored Polo R. Its future depends on customer feedback: if enough people want it, Volkswagen will make it. Simple as that.

"If there are customers asking for it, we will do it. It wouldn't be a problem for us. The Jetta's platform can take four-wheel drive" VW R&D chief, Ulrich Hackenberg, told Autocar magazine, which managed to snap a shot of the prototype Jetta's V6 powerplant (see here).

It should be noted that the European Jetta has received many upgrades over its American counterpart. These include the use of higher quality and softer materials on the control panel and a more sophisticated four-link suspension system at the back instead of the U.S.-spec model's simple, beam axle setup.

Then again, the base Jetta in Germany, which is powered by a 105HP 1.2-liter TSI petrol, starts at €20,900 (about US$29,435 at today's exchange rates), whereas the entry-level U.S. model with a 115HP 2.0-liter petrol, starts just $15,995 (around €11,400). Guess you get what you pay for...

By Csaba Daradics

Via: Autocar & ANE (sub. req.)

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Honey, I Shrunk the Camaro: VW Beetle-based 1970 Camaro Z28 Replica

Some replicas are outrageous because they use such unworthy underpinnings in their attempt to clone iconic cars. This here Beetle-based Camaro Z28 replica is a prime example. The all-fiberglass miniature "muscle car" has a Beetle chassis, frame, floor and 1.6-liter engine with dual carbs. The latter was recently freshened up - always according to the seller.

Even though it's a replica, the mini Camaro does have a few original Chevrolet components. These would be the 15x8 rally wheels and 1970 Camaro lights and bumpers.

The car's owner says these replicas were built back in the '70s (and are very rare), which could explain the weird choice of chassis: it was a ver cheap solution. The car is said to look and run good, mainly because it was stored since 1994.

The car is street legal, so you can buy it and drive it away, but forgive me for not finding one good reason to do so.

It's being sold on a number of specialty websites, with prices ranging between US $4,150-6,500. Wonder what's up with that... Whatever the cost, I'd never go for something like this. Even the idea of associating the Beetle with the Camaro is revolting, not to mention the heresy.

By Csaba Daradics

Link: Collectorcars

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New Volkswagen Golf Cabrio will Arrive in Spring 2011

High ranking Volkswagen officials have confirmed that the company is planning to launch a third generation Golf Cabrio in spring of 2011. The announcement came during David McAllister's, Lower Saxony's Minister President and Volkswagen Supervisory Board member, visit at the Volkswagen site in Osnabrück on Friday.

Set up earlier this year on the former site of the Karmann holding company and integrating its know-how, the Osnabrück factory will initially employ a workforce of over 1,000, with plans to create a total of 1,800 jobs by the end of 2011.

"Over the decades, some of the most beautiful models in the automobile world have left the assembly line in Osnabrück. We will be carrying on this tradition from 2011 with the new Golf Cabrio," Winterkorn said during the tour of the site.

"It is wonderful to see this tradition being continued now and to know that automobile production in Osnabrück has a future. The new Golf Cabrio will be a great car. The extensive expertise in cabriolet construction that is available here is being harnessed" Mr. McAllister added.

The Mk1 Golf Cabriolet, also known in the U.S. as the Rabbit Convertible, Cabriolet, was first introduced in 1979. The body was entirely built by Karmann, while Volkswagen supplied all the other parts (engines, suspension, interior).

1984 saw the introduction of a larger fuel tank and smaller spare tire, while in 1988 all Cabriolets were fitted with a "Clipper" kit, in an attempt to keep the styling fresh. There were also special editions available, such as the Carat.

The Mk1 had an impressive 14-year lifespan, until 1993, when it gave way to the Mk3 Golf Cabriolet, that was sold for another 9 nine years before being discontinued.

By Csaba Daradics

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