weblogUpdates.ping Xtreme Driving http://www.xtreme-driving.blogspot.com/ Xtreme Driving Xtreme Driving: May 2009

News and information on some of the hottest vehicles.

World Car of the Year: the new Golf


The Golf captivated 51 of the 59 jurors from 25 different countries: the overwhelming majority of panel members voted the model ‘World Car of the Year’. The main criteria assessed by the automotive journalists were performance, build quality, safety, environmental compatibility,
market significance and design. The jury was particularly impressed by the Golf’s low noise level, robust workmanship and high-quality interior. The illustrious award was presented at the New York International Auto Show.


Stylish shapes
The new Golf insp
ires respect with its clear design styling – its appearance is dominated by perfect build quality and precise lines. The front end has an impressively sporty look, thanks to both the striking radiator grille and the elegant shape of the headlights. The prominent tornado line gives it a lower and more extended appearance, from the headlights to the characteristic rear lights.


High-quality interior design
As soon as you take your seat in the new Golf you
enjoy a sophisticated ambience. This is provided by high-quality elements such as the numerous chrome trim inserts as well as the elegant trim strips on the dashboard and the door trim panels. The white illumination in the newly designed instrument cluster is aesthetically pleasing, while the "Climatic" air conditioning system ensures perfect climate control.

Exclusive design highlights
The new Golf is particularly dynamic in appearance thanks to its newly designed tail end: the twin exhaust tailpipes at the rear hint at the power under the bonnet, while the new-format rear lights – in Cherry Red – provide a touch of elegance. With its striking lines on the side and on the front wing, as well as the high-gloss, piano-finish radiator grille, the new Golf looks taut and athletic.


Volkswagen provides evidence of the Golf's improved eco-profile
New beats old. In a
ccordance with our aim to ensure that every new model is ecologically sounder than its predecessor, the sixth-generation Golf also shows a more positive balance over its entire lifecycle in terms of environmental effects. Volkswagen demonstrates this by publishing what is known as the Environmental Commendation, which is certified by TÜV Nord as an independent institution. The basis for the assessment is an environmental balance, in which not only the actual "driving time" of the Golf is considered, but its entire lifecycle from production through its period of use to disposal.


Features and Colors*

Outstanding ride quality
Enjoy excellent ride quality at the push of a button. DCC adaptive chassis control noticea
bly improves the handling characteristics of the new Golf by means of continuous electronic adjustment of the shock absorbers. You can choose between the three settings, "Normal", "Sport" and "Comfort". Along with the suspension adjustment, the tuning of the electromechanical power steering is also regulated in Sport mode.


The u
ltimate feel-good factor
Nothing contribute
s more to relaxation when driving than comfortable seats. The premium quality seats in the new Golf are in a league of their own in terms of class. The sophisticated interior is impressive for its carefully selected materials and particularly well thought-out ergonomic design. The various multifunction steering wheels with chrome inlays are the crowning glory in terms of comfort and convenience.


Comfortable interior
Taking your seat in the quietest Golf of all time is an experience in every respect. Its
generously proportioned passenger compartment offers relaxation and first-class infotainment. You can choose between the new-generation radios from the "RCD 210" to the "RCD 510", and the up-market "RNS 510" radio-navigation system with touchscreen control. The DYNAUDIO sound system creates a perfect audio experience of ultimate high-end quality in every seat.

* Technical details, equipment specs and colours of the model presented here may vary from country to country. For more detailed information select your country's local Volkswagen website.


Engineering

Efficient petrol engines
Fuel-efficient engines provide optimum power delivery in the new Golf. These include a choice of intelligent petrol engines with innovative TSI technology. The prize-winning 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox enables convenient gear-shifting with uninterrupted power flow and at the same time makes a significant contribution to reduced fuel consumption and emissions.


Powerful diesel engines
Fuel-efficient TDI en
gines with the economical common-rail system are used in the new Golf. The new engines are equipped with a diesel particulate filter. They can each be combined with 5 or 6-speed gearboxes, as well as the 6-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. The 81 kW TDI engine is available with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with economical combined fuel consumption of just 4.5 l/100km and CO2 emissions of only 119 g per kilometre**.


Valuable innovations
The new Golf sets extremely high standards in terms of technology: the "Park Assist" parallel parking system, ParkPilot at the front and rear and the rear-view camera guarantee the ultimate in comfort and convenience when parking. The camera is hidden in the pivoting Volkswagen badge on the rear, only emerging automatically when needed. There are also fog lights with static cornering lights to guarantee optimum visibility.


* Technical details, equipment specs and colours of the model presented here may vary from country to country. For more detailed information select your country's local Volkswagen website.

** You will find fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures in accordance with Directive 1999/94/EC under Volkswagen's Legal.

Reference: volkswagen.com



The BMW F 800 R


Fun, fun, fun or: this is what motorcycling is about.
The BMW F 800 R.

This is definitely the hottest naked bike generation since the BMW K1300R. After all, a refined 2-cylinder bike like this state-of-the-art roadster is simply sexy: light, stylish, fit. A state-of-the-art product with a totally cool design, the perfect combination of pure riding pleasure with a high degree of suitability for everyday use. A 798 cc 2-cylinder entirely wrapped in black: it doesn’t just look cool, it sounds cool too. And it has pulling power.

The well-known and highly economical parallel twin provides real enjoyment. 86 Nm of torque is outstanding in this category – as is 87 bhp. Especially since it is available within a very practical engine speed range. In other words, this bike offers excellent ridability; and the BMW F 800 R offers a range which will please old hands and newcomers alike. Ergonomics which suit everyone, a firm, stable chassis and a perfectly balanced geometry round off this cool package: great handling for the city and ultra-stable for travelling at higher speeds on country roads.

With this much fun, the optional ABS is a welcome extra too, as are other features such as LED technology, styling parts, various intelligent luggage solutions – and of course the test ride. And don’t forget: the bike is also available with 34 bhp!

And finally: it’s a BMW – and a pretty cool one, too.

Specifications:

Engine

TypeWater-cooled, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication
Bore x stroke82 mm x 75.6 mm
Capacity798 ccm
Rated output64 kW (87 hp) at 8.000 rpm (output reduction 25 kW (34 hp) at 6.000 rpm possible)
Max. torque86 Nm at 6.000 rpm (performance reduction: 58 Nm at 3.250 rpm)
Compression ratio12,0 : 1
Mixture control / engine managementElectronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-KP)
Emission controlClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Performance / fuel consumption

Maximum speedOver 200 km/h
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h3,6 l
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h4,8 l
Fuel typeUnleaded super, minimum octane rating 95 (RON)

Electrical system

Alternatorthree-phase alternator 400 W
Battery12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission

ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
GearboxConstant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated into crankcase
DriveEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub

Chassis / brakes

FrameBridge-type aluminium frame, load-bearing engine
Front wheel location / suspensionTelescopic fork, Ø 43 mm
Rear wheel location / suspensionCast aluminium dual swing arm, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Suspension travel front / rear125 mm / 125 mm
Wheelbase1,520 mm
Castor90.7 mm
Steering head angle65°
WheelsCast aluminium
Rim, front3.50 x 17"
Rim, rear5.50 x 17"
Tyres, front120/70 ZR 17
Tyres, rear180/55 ZR 17
Brake, frontTwin disc, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm, four-piston fixed calipers
Brake, rearSingle disc, diameter 265 mm, single-piston floating caliper
ABSOptional extra: BMW Motorrad ABS

Dimensions / weights

Length2,145 mm
Width (incl. mirrors)905 mm
Height (excl. mirrors)1,160 mm
Seat height, unladen weight800 mm (low seat: 775 mm, high seat: 825 mm)
Inner leg curve, unladen weight1,770 mm (low seat: 1,720 mm, high seat: 1,820 mm)
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1)199 kg
Dry weight 2)177 kg
Permitted total weight405 kg
Payload (with standard equipment)206 kg
Usable tank volume16,0 l
Reserveapprox. 4.0 l
Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)
1) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least 90% of usable tank volume
2) Unladen weight without fluids


Reference: bmw.com