A new dimension in efficiency

110 years after Ferdinand Porsche built the first car with hybrid drive, Porsche returns to this visionary drive concept in produc­tion-based GT racing. The innovative hybrid system is developed specially for use in a race car and is significantly different to conven­tional hybrid systems. For example, an electric front-axle drive with two 60-kW electric motors complement the 480-PS Boxer engine in the rear of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid. lnstead of the batteries con­ventionally used in hybrid road cars, an electric flywheel genera- tor supplies the energy to the electric motors. The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid is tested in multiple endurance races, in order to provide insights for the subsequent use of hybrid technology in production sports cars.

The art of simplicity

At the 1990 Vienna Motor Symposium, Audi boss Ferdinand Piëch announces the intention to build a three-litre car. Come the end of 1999, the wait is over: the Audi A2, with a revolutionary Aluminium Space Frame chassis (ASF), distinguishes itself as the most progres­sive compact car of its time: lightweight, aerodynamic, economical. The 1.2 TDI variant is the first three-litre car in the world to be built in mass production – and has been regarded as a milestone in car manufacturing ever since. However, opinion was divided on its uncompromising aerodynamic design and proportions, which were somewhat unusual at the time. Furthermore, its sophisticated technology makes the car more expensive than similar models. In brief: it is too far ahead of its time to be accepted by the broader buying public. After five years, Audi calls an end to production. Nowadays, the Audi A2 is a highly sought-after used car.

The era of electrification begins

After over 70 years of company history, in which the brand has evolved continuously, SEAT enters a new era in 2019 and consist­ently forges ahead with the electrification of its portfolio. In 2020, the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID becomes the brand’s first plug-in hybrid car. What makes it so special is the drive technology: the combina­tion of electrical components and tried-and-tested combustion sys­tems allow the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID to meet the high demands with regard to performance and driving pleasure, whilst at the same time reducing exhaust emissions and pollution.

Moving consistently towards e-mobility

In March 2019, ŠKODA offers an insight into the electrical future of the brand with the VISION iV concept study. The four-door crossover coupé is the first electric ŠKODA based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB). Four-wheel drive and two electric motors generating a system output of 225 kW (306 PS) produce a dynamic driving experience. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, with 83 kWh, can be charged by cable to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes. The maximum range is 500 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. The start of the e-mobility era goes hand in hand with the largest investment programme in the company’s history. By 2023, ŠKODA will invest a total of four billion euros in alternative drive systems and new mobility services.

Concept car: The vehicle is not sold in Germany.

A new era of mobility

Climate change, increasing emissions and the threat of gridlock in cities make a radical rethink unavoidable. “The climate crisis is the biggest challenge of our time,” says Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Group. In 2018, Volkswagen becomes the first automobile manufacturer to commit to the Paris Climate Agreement. The company is striving to become net CO₂-neutral by 2050. That includes the vehicles and production. Volkswagen turns to electromobility, as battery-powered e-cars have the smallest climate footprint of all drive types across the entire lifecycle. In the ID.3, Volkswagen builds a fully-electric and consistently digitised car that heralds a new, sustainable era of mobility. After four years of development, the ID.3 enjoys its world premiere in 2019, marking the start of the “electric offensive”. By 2030, nine of 14 Volkswagen models will be all-electric.

ID.3 Pro S (150 kW): combined power consumption (kWh/100 km): 14,0; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; Efficiency class: A+++

Information in accordance with directive 1999/94/EC as amended: further information on the official fuel consumption and the official specific CO2 emissions of new cars can be found in the ‘Guide on the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and power consumption of all new passenger car models’ available free of charge at all points of sale in Germany and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Strasse 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany or at www.dat.de.

The car for a new attitude to life

After the first generation has conquered the world, the T2 seam­lessly continues the “Bulli” success story from 1967. The function-al van is transformed into a vehicle with unlimited possibilities for everyday and leisure use. Volkswagen continues to develop the concept and identity of the “Bulli” throughout the rich socia I and cultural decades of the 60s and 70s. The young generation around the world demands freedom, peace and equal rights – and, in the “Bulli”, it finds the perfect car for the new attitude to life. The T2 can be found everywhere, from boulevards to tracks, Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. The many camping variants are particularly pop­ular with those looking for big adventures. The close cooperation with Westfalia produces iconic campervans that make full use of the space available.