VW Tiguan 3D Promo Video

Volkswagen is hyping up its promotional efforts on the recently introduced Tiguan compact SUV with the presentation of a new video clip. However, this is not your usual “static image and driving scenes” promo video but a 3D animated film featuring both versions of the Tiguan. In the rare case that you missed out on the Tiguan presentation, you can see the official images of here and the press release here. Also, don’t forget to leave us a comment below telling us what you thought about the specific video along with what you would like to see from VW; who knows, maybe someone from Volkswagen might be reading you as we speak…

Thanks for the link Patrick!

Volkswagen Tiguan SUV: Official And Undisguised

So here it is: VW’s first attempt in the compact SUV category, the 2008 Tiguan. What do you think about it now that you’ve seen it without a trace of camouflage? We’re asking you that because, although we still think VW should have remained closer to the 2006 L.A. Show Concept, we’re not so negative about its styling as we we’re when VW unveiled a series of camouflaged images a couple of weeks ago.

And a few words about the Tiguan in case you missed our previous post. VW’s RAV4 and CR-V contender will be offered solely with turbocharged engines: three TSI petrol units producing 150, 170 and 200 Hp and two TDI diesel units developing 140 and 170Hp. The Tiguan will make its official public at the Frankfurt Show in September with sales commencing in February 2008. -Click “Read More…” below for the official press release and a high-res image gallery

First pictures: Powerful appearance – this is the new Tiguan

- Statement: new Volkswagen SUV with powerful design

- Borderliner: predestined for the street, in top form for off-road

Wolfsburg, 28 June 2007 - With the first pictures of the new Tiguan Volkswagen is starting the countdown for the debut of it’s 14th model series. The Sports Utility Vehicle – SUV for short – will be presented to the public for the first time in September as part of the International Motor Show (IAA in Frankfurt). A combination of power and elegance characterizes the design of the new Tiguan. It was conceived as a borderliner between the urban world and endless landscapes, between business and leisure time. The Tiguan is a multitalent with driving characteristics that are just as agile as they are comfortable, high utility value and groundbreaking technologies.

Like the Touareg, the second Volkswagen SUV also presents a self-confident design. Shaping the front of the new Tiguan are the sexy proportions that Volkswagen first introduced with the Concept A Study that garnered worldwide attention – a crossover of a coupe and SUV. On the sides an elongated and powerfully modulated silhouette spans between the extended wheel arches with a – typical Volkswagen – unmistakable C-pillar. A very short overhang characterizes the steep rear end. Also significant are the front headlights and rear lights with matching shapes.

First facts on Tiguan engines: Volkswagen will offer the SUV – and this for the first time worldwide – exclusively with turbocharged direct injection engines. This “high-performance turbocharging” significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, yet immensely increases dynamics and driving fun.

Overall there are three TSI and two TDI engines. Of these the completely new developments are the extremely quiet TDIs with common rail fuel injection. They achieve 103 kW / 140 hp and 125 kW / 170 hp and at 1,750 rpm already output 320 Nm or 350 Nm in four-wheel drive. Both TDIs already meet the limits of the Euro-5 standard first coming into effect in 2009.

Also getting to the point powerfully, economically and cleanly are the turbocharged direct injection gasoline engines in the performance levels 110 kW / 150 hp, 125 kW / 170 hp and 147 kW / 200 hp. New to the Volkswagen program are the 150 hp and 170 hp versions. A glance at the torque values makes one sense that the TSIs are very high torque. The 150-hp TSI already develops a self-assured 240 Nm (from 1,750 rpm). In the 170 hp and 200 hp performance range it is 280 Nm (from 1,800 rpm each).

“Tiguan Base” on the internet shows just how big the interest is in the new Tiguan. Visitors to www.tiguan-base.com can log in to the virtual world of the Tiguan. The development stages of the new SUV are presented in photos, films and facts. Within just 15 weeks – and this is sensational – more than one million people have made use of it worldwide. It looks as though the Tiguan is developing into an exciting chapter in the history of the automobile.

2008 VW Tiguan: Official Photos & Press Release

Now isn’t that thoughtful; not only did VW take a handful of journalists down to Namibia, in southwest Africa, to test out production prototypes of the Tiguan as we reported earlier, but they also kindly decided to share with the rest of us a high-res gallery along with the preliminary specs of the all-new Tiguan SUV.

Apart from the obvious, meaning that the Tiguan’s appearance (in and out) is severely toned down compared to the 2006 L.A. Show concept, VW’s press release was surprisingly detailed for a prototype version that’ll be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Show in September with sales commencing in February 2008. Beginning with the running gear, the Golf based Tiguan will be offered solely with turbocharged engines: the TSIs (gasoline) delivering 150, 170 and 200 Hp and the TDIs (diesel) developing 140 and 170 Hp.

Equipped with the same 4WD system (4Motion) that we find in various VW models, the Tiguan will be offered in two body variants differing primarily in their front ends: The “Trend & Fun” and “Sport & Style” versions are designed for a maximum entry angle of 18 degrees in front while the “Track & Field” Tiguan is tuned for offroad duty for max entry angles of up to 28 degrees with its front end. However, undoubtedly, the highlight of the Tiguan is the standard Offroad Mode system in the “Track & Field” version that activates a bunch of assistance systems like the hill descent control and electronic differential locks by the touch of a switch -think of it as a simplified version of Land Rover’s lauded Terrain Response System. –Check out the press release along with 18 high-res images after the jump

The New Tiguan: Acceptance Drive in Namibia

(Scroll down for the Image Gallery)

• Trial Phase completed with a last hard test
• Tiguan comes with a completely new generation radio and navigation system
• The first SUV worldwide with Park Assist
• Offroad Mode activates an armada of assistance systems at the touch of a switch Chassis layout enables high reserves of agility and safety

Wolfsburg, May 2007. Volkswagen will complete the development phase of the new Tiguan with a final extreme test in Namibia. During the final acceptance drive on the African continent, the electronic components and chassis of the new SUV are the primary focus of testing. Considering the electronics, a technical highlight on board the Tiguan is of special interest for the testers: the completely new generation radio and navigation system. This was developed in close cooperation with the most important local Volkswagen operations in Europe, Asia and America. Worldwide development collaboration made it possible for a wider than ever pool of specialized know-how, and also the requirements of all markets, to influence the devices. The top system of the new line, with the designation RNS 510, has a 30 GB hard disk and is controlled with a touch screen. A rear-view camera enables a view behind in this case.

Completely new electronic systems also simplify offroad driving in the Tiguan. The particularly agile and dynamic SUV uses an innovative network of assistance systems with the name of “Offroad Mode”. Just on touch of a switch activates a whole armada of safety features, supporting the driver in a multitude of situations.

THE TIGUAN VERSIONS

Innovation: All engines of the Tiguan are charged.

18 and 28 degrees: Two front ends with different entry angles

Five motors. All of the engine and body versions of the Tiguan have to “swallow” the dust of Namibia in this final test. Volkswagen will be offering the SUV – and this is unique so far – exclusively with charged engines. The TSIs (gasoline) output 110 kW / 150 PS, 125 kW / 170 and 147 kW / 200 PS; and the TDIs (diesel) develop 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS.

Two front ends. The two body variants of the Tiguan differ primarily in their front ends. The “Trend & Fun” and “Sport & Style” versions are designed for a maximum entry angle of 18 degrees in front. The “Track & Field” Tiguan that is tuned even more for offroad duty can assume entry angles of up to 28 degrees with its front end.

During the testing program in Africa, as however already mentioned, the emphasis is less on engines and entry angles than on final checking of the electronics and chassis.

THE TIGUAN CHASSIS

Front axle: McPherson system with aluminum support frame.

Rear axle: Innovative four-link rear axle is ideally matched to the four-wheel drive system 4MOTION.

Long before the first prototype was built, it had been decided that the new Tiguan should be an extremely actively driving and safe SUV. The development team pulled out all the stops to achieve this goal. The Tiguan now has to demonstrate in Africa that it achieves neutral to lightly understeering handling and an unusually low roll angle. Furthermore, the road holes along the edge of the Namib Desert should once more test how well the highly dynamic driving characteristics and excellent ride comfort interact under the hardest conditions. Because the demands on the car were clearly stated in the specification: to set benchmarks in dynamics, comfort and active safety. These goals were foremost in chassis development:

• Agile driving behavior
• Very good vibration behavior and ride comfort
• Low roll angle with harmonic roll dynamics
• High driving dynamic stability
• Good Offroad handling

Front axle. The demands are achieved with a chassis layout that sets standards in this class: at the front end, the Tiguan has a McPherson axle specially optimized for the SUV with lower A-arm steering linkage and the wheels hung from damper struts. The axle is located with a one-piece aluminum sub frame.

Rear axle. The four-link rear axle has also been adapted to best suit the permanent four-wheel drive system 4MOTION. The four-link rear axle of the Tiguan is specially intended for this combination. The extremely robust, but at the same time dynamically laid out axle geometry has already proved itself in the Passat 4MOTION. However, to cope with the stresses of offroad driving, the Tiguan has an entirely newly developed and weight-optimized high-strength steel sub frame instead of the equivalent aluminum component.

The rear axle of the front-wheel drive Tiguan has been modified correspondingly. Items no longer found on board include: Cardan shaft, rear final drive and drive shafts. But the sub frame is utilized in both drive variants. The innovative modular system of this rear axle has a decidedly positive effect on costs.

For the rear axle, newly developed shock absorbers were developed with increased oil volume; a favorable temperature level makes the absorbers well equipped for even the toughest offroad use. Like the front damper struts, also newly developed, both components provide for exceptionally good ride comfort properties.

A new generation of steering. A technological highlight in the indirect chassis area is the completely new generation of electromechanical power steering. A decisive advantage of the system: Despite the very precise steering feeling, even in offroad operation no jolts whatsoever are transmitted to the steering wheel. Primarily responsible for this is a newly constructed steering gear.

Wheels and tires. Providing contact to the road or trail on the base versions of the Tiguan are 16-inch wheels with 215/65 R16 tires. The “Sport & Style” Tiguan also has as standard 17-inch alloy wheels and 235/55 R17 tires. 18-inch wheels with tires in 235/50 R18 format are available as special equipment.

TIGUAN ELECTRONICS

Innovation: First Volkswagen with a new generation radio and navigation system.

Safety at the press of a button: offroad switch activates network of assistance systems.

Also in the area of electronics, the Tiguan was designed to set new standards in the compact SUV class. Typical of Volkswagen is the high standard it sets for making the interface to the driver as comfortable as possible. An example of this on the Tiguan is a newly designed radio and navigation system generation. The software and hardware of this new system fulfill the highest demands for operation, sound and the multitude of functions offered.

The RNS 510. A glance at the top device – a radio navigation system with the designation RNS 510, emphasizes this impressively. The RNS 510 is controlled using fixed menu buttons, two knobs and a touch screen for the numerous information, entertainment and system functions. In this case a rear-view camera eases the view behind, a standard fitting.

The hardware of the RNS 510 includes a 6.5” wide VGA color display with 800 X 480 pixels and outstanding brilliance. A power PC processor with 400 MHz and its own graphic processor enable fast computing. The navigation and entertainment data are saved on a 30 GB hard disk. It is also possible to incorporate accessories into the RNS 510 like the telephone control, an iPod and other MP3 players. Combination with a Dynaudio sound system is also possible.

Offroad navigation. A further innovation of the RNS 510 is a specially developed offroad navigation system. This mode makes it possible to record up to 500 route points during a journey, even in non-digitized areas. This allows the driver to find his or her way back from offroad adventures into any desert or steppe. In edit mode, the driver can modify the route as desired. A glance at the map in the RNS 510 display offers the required orientation.

Park Assist. The further countless high-end technologies on board the Tiguan include the world’s first park steering assistant to be installed in a SUV. This is called Park Assist and enables automatic steering into a parking space.

Offroad Mode. The core capability of a SUV – offroad function – will also be dealt with and perfected electronically in the new Tiguan. And this through just one switch, which activates the Offroad Mode. This will be offered exclusively on the Tiguan “Track & Field” and will improve offroad vehicle handling significantly. The initial idea behind the “Offroad Mode” was that all key offroad support functions should be activated by a central user control. Specifically, one switch activates the “hill descent assistant” (for optimal control on slopes), “adaptation of driver’s pedal characteristic” (for finer gradations of torque), “EDS adaptation” (electronic differential locks are activated at the slightest slip), “ABS adaptation” (improved braking action on loose road materials), “hill climb assist” (support when climbing and protection of the clutch) and – in conjunction with automatic transmission – “gear preselect” (including optimal engine braking action). These numerous functions involve up to five ECUs that manage the systems.

The pushbutton itself is connected to the engine controller. From there, the information “Offroad Mode active” is communicated to other ECUs via the vehicle’s CAN bus. For safety reasons, the function has to be reactivated after each ignition cycle.

Just how “intelligently” the electronics react is demonstrated by considering an offroad driving situation that is not all that uncommon: An engine stall can even happen to professional drivers offroad. This deactivates the Offroad Mode, and assistance systems are turned off. But the electronics of the Tiguan detects this as a “stall” and when the engine is restarted all offroad assistance systems are up and running again immediately.

Technorati Tags: VW, VW+TIGUAN, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

2009 VW Tiguan: Journalists Test Drive VW's Compact SUV In Namibia

A couple of months prior to the Tiguan’s Frankfurt Show unveiling, the German car manufacture invited a group of journalists to test drive and photograph pre-production versions of its first-ever compact SUV in Namibia in southwest Africa. Judging from the lightly camouflaged car in the images provided by Mototrend, the Tiguan is yet another example of how deceiving concept cars can be. Damn, with that pseudo-logo up front, we nearly took the Tiuguan by mistake for a Hyundai Tuscon! And it gets even worse once you take a look inside were all you is a VW Golf Plus with different door handles…

VW provided four pre-production Tiguans at the journalists’ disposal all of which were European spec models wearing VW Group’s 1.4TSI Twincharger engine rated at 150Hp. According to Motortrend, the US version will be fitted with the GTI’s 200Hp 2.0TFSI. Additionally, the Tiguan will be available with a "Track & Field" off-road-system that adds a different front fascia to accommodate a 28-degree approach angle, and an Offroad Mode that handles the ABS, the differential locks, the throttle, and both hill descent and climb features. Read Motortrend’s full article about the Tiguan's first test drive here.

Source: Motortrend , Via: Motorpasion

Technorati: Volkswagen, VW+Tiguan, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

VW Tiguan production version set to be unveiled online in June

Car-manufactures seem to have received the message; people –slash- buyers are actually using the web to get informed! Wow, now that’s something to brag about isn’t it… Following Fiat’s online debut of the 500, VW continues the online-party announcing that it’ll make the world premier of its Tiguan compact-SUV on an internet microsite in June. That means 3-months before its official public-debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and 8-months before sales commence worldwide (February 2008). All you have to do is register at www.volkswagen.de/tiguan if you’re in Germany, www.volkswagen.co.uk/tiguan if you’re in the UK etc. I don’t know why, but I have a hunch that we’re going to see the production version of the Tiguan quite earlier… –Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: Eight months before its launch, the Volkswagen Tiguan can already be experienced virtually

Interactively step by step from a concept car to a production vehicle

Wolfsburg, 20 March 2007 - A website featuring high-quality animations, real driving scenes and exclusive download features puts Volkswagen’s new offroad vehicle on computer screens in almost 50 countries eight months ahead of its launch.

At www.volkswagen.de/tiguan (www.volkswagen.co.uk/tiguan etc.) potential customers can follow the development of the Tiguan in five layers from show car to production vehicle at the so-called Tiguan Base – a virtual building. Users can get to know the Tiguan world and move around it interactively. As the launch of the Touareg’s little brother approaches, more and more information about the real production vehicle will be revealed and the website content will become increasingly spectacular.

One special highlight will come in June, three months before the official world premiere of the Tiguan at the Frankfurt Motor Show, when the production model is revealed exclusively to Tiguan Base users. Then you will be able to go on a virtual test drive with your own configuration of the sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Layer one has already been added: In a 3D animation, you get a 360-degree view of the show car from the L.A. Motor Show and can take a close look at the vehicle details. One special feature in this phase is the interactive e-card: The show car can be placed against your own background allowing, for example, you to add it to a picture of your house.

An information service will keep you updated via e-mail and inform you about the most important content. Also, when you are out, you won’t lose touch with the Tiguan. You can download information on the car using your mobile phone via a WAP portal.

This extensive Tiguan website can be used in almost 50 countries in the local language. You can reach the Tiguan Base via your country’s Volkswagen website. Users in each participating country will be entered in a draw to win an exclusive trip to the world premiere of the Tiguan at the Frankfurt Motor Show. 65,000 people have already registered on the Tiguan Base.

From the very start, Volkswagen wanted to get potential customers involved with the Tiguan. Readers of AutoBild magazine were asked to think up a name and came up with the invented name that is formed from tiger and iguana. Over 350,000 readers from all over Europe took part in this campaign alone.

Technorati : VW+Tiguan, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

2008 Volkswagen Tiguan Video

Undoubtedly, the most significant debut at this year’s LA Auto Show, the Tiguan Concept is just one-step away from production. Based on the Golf V / Rabbit platform, VW’s answer to the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V will officially make its premiere as a production model in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Till then, take a few minutes off and enjoy this 4 min long video that we've taken the courtesy to dress with Manu Chao’s 1998 “King of the Bongo” song.

Technorati: Volkswagen+Tiguan, VW+Golf, Youtube, LA+Auto+Show, Los+Angeles, Video, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, images, pictures, Carscoo

LA Show Exclusive: Volkswagen Tiguan Concept

Hold onto your butts because here’s VW’s first ever compact SUV. The Tiguan, which will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a couple of days, puts VW right up against the heavyweight players of the category like Toyota’s RAV4 and Honda’s CR-V.

Don’t let the word Concept fool you, as with the exception of a few details like the bi-coloured tires, what you is what you will get when the car goes into production in the 3rd quarter of 2007. Although we admit that we were waiting for something more extravagant –don’t blame us, blame VW and its 2006 Concept A prototype… the Tiguan looks quite good, and it could be easily be characterized as a, “baby Touareg”.

Moving to the interior, for those of you living in Europe, yes you’re right: the Tiguan uses Golf Plus’s (MPV version of the Golf / Rabbit) dashboard! That’s no coincidence as the Tiguan is actually based on the Golf Plus platform which in its turn is based on the Golf/Rabbit/ Touran platform.

Based on previous information I gathered talking with VW people, the Tiguan uses Golf’s simple 4wheel drive system, dubbed 4MOTION. Despite the fact that the prototype is fitted with a TDI engine, the production version is expected to use VW’s wide range of petrol and diesel motors, including the Golf GTI’s 200Hp 2.0 TFSI. In Europe, the Tiguan will most possibly be offered with the new generation 1.4 TSI engine available in 140 and 170Hp versions.

So when is the Tiguan due to go on sale? Sources say it will be available in Germany right after its Frankfurt Motor Show presentation in September 2007 with other European countries following till the end of 2007 - beginning of 2008. As for the US, the most probable launching date is the first quarter of 2008.

Related Article: 2008 VW Tiguan Video

Technorati: Volkswagen+Tiguan, Concept, Volkswagen+Golf, Los+Angeles, LA+Auto+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, images, pictures, Carscoop

Official: Volkswagen's new compact SUV named Tiguan

VW's forthcoming compact SUV that will be based on the mid-sized Golf has been christened Tiguan… As strange as it sounds, I think we should be happy with it considering the fact that it was chosen over these four names: Nanuk, Namib, Rockton and Samun...

Noticeably, Volkswagen followed a different path than usual, allowing the "baptism" to be made by 350.000 readers of AutoBild magazine (in 10 countries) and not by marketers.

As fot the car, Touareg's "little" SUV brother will be heavily based on the Concept A that we saw earlier this year (click picture bellow). According to VW officials, it will be manufactured in Wolfsburg, Germany and it will go on sale in early 2008.

Technorati Tags: Volkswagen+Tiguan, SUV, Golf, Touareg, 4x4, autos, auto+news, automobile, cars, automotive, press+release, images, pictures