0 / 07 Oct 2014
The Volkswagen Group is one of the best examples of the new mega-manufacturing machines of the automotive industry. As a family of nine automotive brands, it has the ability to fill just about every mainstream, enthusiast, and barely scratched market. There are several advantages to this combined manufacturing force. One, economy and emissions ratings for smaller efficient models like the Golf and Polo can be used to offset less-efficient models like Aventadors and R8s in corporate averages. Two, technology used to make supercars from Lamborghini and Audi lighter and faster can be used to make Volkswagens lighter and more efficient. Bringing composite and aluminum-alloy manufacturing technology from low- to larger-volume cars also spreads the cost out, bringing prices down.
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To maximize every gallon of fuel, engineers must think beyond the car. The driving environment will play as big a role as the vehicles rolling through it. Cars will communicate with each other to help navigation systems plan the most efficient routes with traffic. Terrain will be calculated to avoid unnecessary altitude changes and parking data can be transmitted to avoid driving in circles looking for that last spot. The following predictions for the 2016 Volkswagen Golf MK8 are based on technology currently being developed. How much of it comes to fruition is still unknown. This particular model would likely never make it to the United States, at least not in as few as five years. A combined diesel and electric 85 horsepower wouldn't suffice for North American driving habits even with reduced weight. VW is currently in the process of building an engine factory in Mexico slated to be up and running for the Golf MK7. The rumored product of the factory is a 1.8-liter direct-injection I-4 to replace the current 2.5-liter I-5 in Golf, Jetta, Beetle, and Passat. VW has announced both a plug-in hybrid and a full electric Golf for near future production, likely in 2013. The odds of a sub-1.0-liter engine powering the U.S.-spec hybrid at that time are low. Even by 2016 it is still unlikely, as motor and battery technology would need to make considerable advances in power and range. We shouldn't count on ever seeing a Golf with fewer than a combined 150 horsepower in the forseeable future. A new smaller car built here in the new Tennessee factory with less power? That isn't so unlikely.
1. Forward-facing radarCould be used in the kinds of adaptive cruise control systems seen in luxury cars today or as part of new "active green driving" technologies being developed in Europe. Theoretically, such sensors could in conjunction with dynamic traffic information to determine the most efficient balance of combustion engine and battery electric power for real-time road conditions.
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2. External noise
An external noise generator kicks in when the car is running in electric mode in urban areas.
3. Predictive 3-D sat-navUsing information from live traffic reports, the sat-nav can also choose a specific route to a destination based on either journey time or economy. Three-dimensional info overlaid on the typical sat-nav mapping means that the transmission can take advantage of downhill roads, where the car will slip into engine-off coasting mode. The nav can also route to avoid hills and busy roads that increase fuel use.
4. Climate sensor packMore sophisticated than that used on today's cars, it senses rain and light levels and incorporates a super-wide video camera that can detect cyclists and pedestrians. Climate information is fed to the active headlamps, braking system and stability controls. 5a. 4G internet connectionKey to the car's interactivity. A high-speed internet connection provides live information for the car's systems and communicates with other vehicles and traffic control systems, such as traffic lights.
5b. Car park reservationsCity car parking spaces could be accessed via a website and spaces reserved as part of a sat-nav route. Live updates would also inform the driver of available spaces.
5c. Car-to-car communicationsSo-called "near-field" communications will help avoid collisions with other vehicles and also provide live traffic information (on congestion, average speeds and so on) to vehicles approaching a congested area. Dynamic navigation systems can then reroute approaching vehicles.
6. Intelligent keyUsing technology being developed for future iPhone models, the car's keyfob can be used to store credit for small purchases. It can also be used as a "swipe card" for everything from buying train tickets to opening the doors of prepaid hotel rooms.
7. Driver-monitoring systemThe car's systems monitor the driver's performance at all times and can temporarily take over some of the driver's tasks, such as steering, when a collision looks imminent.
8. Full-active headlampsFull-active LED headlamps use information from 3-D sat-nav, rain sensor, and forward-facing sensors to subtly change the beam's spread and angle
BODY
1 . Composite front fendersSuperlight injection-molded wings.
7. Aluminum skin panelsLightweight aluminum skin panels are used for the roof and the hood.
8. Composite tailgateThe tailgate consists of an inner and outer structural molding made of injection-moulded plastics.
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10. Active aerodynamicsThe exterior shape is heavily influenced by wind-tunnel performance, targeting a Cd of just 0.24. The tail spoiler extends away from the tailgate to improve high-speed aerodynamic performance.
14. Lightweight door constructionThe lower part of the door's internal frame is made from forged composites.
RUNNING GEAR
2. 0.8-liter, two-cylinder diesel engineLightweight and meeting the super-stringent EU6 exhaust pollution regulations, this 55-horsepower unit is designed to be used on demand, only when the driver needs acceleration or when going uphill. At other times, it remains idle.
12. Lightweight wheels
Hollow forged magnesium wheels filled with structural foam, low-friction wheel bearings and next-gen low-resistance tires. 16. Lightweight brakesA much lighter car means the discs and calipers can be downsized. The disc centers are lightweight aluminum. Only the cast iron braking surface is replaceable.
17. Seven-speed, dual-clutch transmissionThere's no manual option. The transmission shifts for maximum economy and uses information from the car's external sensors and 3-D sat-nav to enable it to shift predictively for approaching conditions. 18. 30-horsepower electric motor/pulse starterCan either power the Golf on its own or assist the TDI motor. It also acts as a"pulse starter," spinning the engine up to speed for seamless restarting of the engine. This is the key to the eco Golf's frugality: The engine remaining idle as often as possible.
CONSTRUCTION 3. Natural materials Easily recyclable natural materials, such as hemp, are used for the dashboard and door trims. Covered in matte materials for a high-quality surface finish.
5. Composite seat framesSeat frames are one of the heaviest components in the interior. Most of the steel construction is replaced by lightweight forged composites.
6. Diesel fuel tank Compact 9.2-gallon tank helps free up space for battery packs.
9. Chassis bodyAluminum chassis legs/crash boxes, bolted to steel center structure.
11. Forged suspension partsThe suspension arms are made from forged composite and molded into an aerodynamically efficient shape. There's an outside chance of a dual-height suspension system, which drops to a low setting at higher cruising speeds for improved fuel economy.
13. Composite floor panelTrunk floor panel is made from forged composites, shaped to accommodate two different sizes of battery pack.
15. Underfloor cover Full-length, full-width undertray, partly encapsulating the engine bay. ELECTRONICS
4. Compact multi-media systemHighly compact, lightweight, combined sat-nav and audio system, with SD card storage for music and Internet radio facility. Sized between an iPhone and iPad.
19. Charging pointHidden behind VW badge.
20. Ultra-light wiring loomThe wiring loom is one of the heaviest parts of a car. In the future, electronic fuses will allow the use of smaller-gauge wires and even aluminum cables.
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