VWvortex Feature - Our First Look at the new Golf 7 MQB Architecture

[jamie@vwvortex]

Last week we had a unique opportunity to go to Wolfsburg, Germany to learn a little bit about Volkswagen Group's new MQB component architecture. Volkswagen Group brands (Volkswagen, Audi, Lamborghini, Seat, Skoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche and more) comprise more than 200 individual models of cars. The complexity involved in trying to reduce costs and the number of components, meeting exceedingly strict emission and safety standards all the while reducing waste and consumption is obviously quite huge. MQB not only represents a new car specific part platform, but also an all-new modular engine program and modular production program. With MQB VW can build any vehicle from Polo to Mid-size SUV utilizing the same assembly line. Likewise, if a factory supports MQB, then producing an Audi, Seat or Skoda product at the same facility is also a possibility. This gives VW Group brands the ultimate flexibility to build market specific trim variations and response to regional needs far quicker while reducing the overall complexity involved in supporting so many products...

FULL STORY...

[chisai88]

2.8L VR6 Turbo....If that goes into a Golf. Yes, please.
2.5T....If that goes into a Golf. Yes, please.

[Magmakensuke]

So this means there is no excuse for us not to get any VW offered in the UK...

[Estate]

So this means there is no excuse for us not to get any VW offered in the UK...

You mean, aside from NA demand?

[KahviVW]

So this means there is no excuse for us not to get any VW offered in the UK...

As the article states, it depends on the Mexico engine plant.

[29_MALE_SOCAL_SPICY]

awesome to see VAG flex the engineering muscle.

[AbuNigel]

This just makes me love VW even more. It's such a great company.

And perfect timing for my first new car purchase in a couple years post graduation

[slightlyVR6stoopid]

I just hope the mk7 golf looks good.

[Tekron for president]

You mean, aside from NA demand?

very true. and it's not even necessarily the lack of demand for cars like this, it's the lack of profitability for cars like this. they bring them here, but other cars are too big, so they don't get bought. that's why smartcar did not have the results they wanted. they did well the first year when people who wanted them already got them, but then after that... jack ****! because subconsciously, or even consciously, people cross off the idea just because it is the norm to imagine cars as bigger here and that means a general sense of wanting to be safe. people don't think 'oh that would benefit me', because we didn't grow up living around all small cars. we just don't even see the benefits like europeans do; whom have much different emissions standards.. the reason their cars have continued to be so much smaller. we don't have those lower models with 1.3 liter engines for a reason... they wouldn't sell. just to the enthusiasts and for people who buy it for novelty(like most of the people who buy smartcars).

[BMBLE B]

My question...what the hell is this going to do to the part number system?

Seems to me it may be a radical change coming...

[VeeDub Racer]

Pretty awesome that the base model VW will now be a 1.8T. That is pretty awesome for the tuner on a budget! Hopefully this new structure of the VW manufacturing will help lower prices and not just increase profits for VW.

[1-VW]

This is one of the most significant report I have seen in years regarding the development of a new VW product. I cant help the butterflies in the stomach feeling after reading this article.

The innovations/achievements discussed is astounding and technically challenging. Having a mass-production platform that can be reconfigured with different alloys based on model using the same production line is extremely difficult to accomplish at the manufacturing level and you need to have a lot of faith in your quality control to pull this off.

Nothing currently on the market will be able to compete with the MQB products.

On another topic, I pray that VW will keep the VR6 alive. The sound and smoothness is addictive, I also believe with all things equal it should be a faster revving engine. Contrary to popular belief 5 cylinders are oftentimes no lighter that a six cylinder due to the extra beefing-up that is required and don't usually offer any advantage in other areas for performance engine applications.

[peter bisset]

This is terrific news, and I am very impressed with the info on the new E288 diesel. If the new A3 has this engine, and especially if it has a hatchback 4 door design, I will be one of the first A3 buyers in Canada.

[Sharpix]

The possibilities are huge.
But in this weird economic downturn, i suspect the economy will win this time. No Golf or cheaper GTI.

Its funny how they sell the GTI at Audi prices. The fun cars are no longer cheaper or somewhat attainable. The price for a GTI is the same as a loaded Nissan Altima. For us, that grew with VWs they leave us no option but buying the family oriented choice.

the Mk4 Gti was priced about 25% more than the base/average model. The MK6 is priced 50% more expensive than the base car.

Dont they really know the economic is "in the hole" and they could sell 50% more Gtis by taking out the unneccesary bells from the car?

[Crzypdilly]

Wow! Awesome writeup! Thank you

[soop_soop]

Mind as well purchase a Cobalt if it is basically the same car as an Impala. VW's used to have spirit and uniqueness. BMW

[leakslikasieve]

Did i read the specs on the new 2.0tdi right? 188hp/280 tq? Is that going to be in the US, or is that the euro model numbers like the current GTD engine.

[EuRoGTI86]

[IloveMyCar32]

It will be a good day, yet it will be a sad day.

[EuRoGTI86]

When is this looking to start? I just started a 3year lease on my mk6 Jetta. Hopefully by then this will have been started

[ncgr12]

So this means there is no excuse for us not to get any VW offered in the UK...

VW would still need to get the vehicles certified for sale in the USA. If there is no market for the version, there would be no justification to invest the millions in USA approval.

[ncgr12]

....Dont they really know the economic is "in the hole" and they could sell 50% more Gtis by taking out the unneccesary bells from the car?

Do you have a reference to your marketing information source that is better than VW's marketing information? Do you have an opinion why VW would not be offering the car in the form that is wanted? Are they trying to limit sales, do you think?

[155VERT83]

No mention of when the Scirocco will be avialable in the US.

[Misorizxe]

Lower it.

[Eurofan4eva]

The VAQ diff better be available on the next GTI here. It would be a big mistake if VW leaves that out, it should be standard on the GTI. Then bump the power in the 2.0T to 280hp, I'm tired of so many people complaigning that the GTI is under powered.

[Brush]

Does this mean that we will finally get a 6-speed stick in the Golf?

[vincenzo]

This all looks promising. Particularly for the GTI. MKVII may be in my future.

[deno]

Did i hear just read that the TDI will feature a 188 hp engine with 280 pounds of trq ?

Can you say ..chip a TDI and run 13 second quarter mile

Who da hell would wanna buy the 2.5l or 2.0t if the tdi is going to be that fast ? and still running 1200km a tank ?


wow....good job vw

[quailallstar]

Oh good reading for later! Going to tweet this ASAP: @LuvGermanCars

[VR6Now]

This would be interesting if one were to know that you have a chance at getting the diesel in your vehicle of interest, lane assist, park assist, the LSD, and other features. Since the NA market gets reduced engine choices and features, its nothing more than a tease. VW's ultra conservative approach is starting to become somewhat of a bore. Foreign and domestic manufacturers in NA are catching up on traditional VW strengths (handling, powertrain, features) as VW is trying to become more like the completion by deleting content and devolving the product to 10 years ago (2.slow, beam rear suspension, drum brakes). If I wanted a Toyota Corolla or Camry, that's what I'd buy so I could get the quality associated with the brand. I don't want to buy a bland, defeatured car plus have to deal with VWs less than exceptional quality.

MQB just further enables VW to make the interesting cars Europeans expect and the garbage they feel NA deserves.

[jamie@vwvortex]

Ok, I feel your frustration, but when was the last time you drove a Golf 6 GTI or Golf R (or Jetta GLI or new Passat for that matter)?


I know it is fashionable to throw them under the bus for trying to be profitable in the U.S. market, but here's the deal - profitability means we can actually get the cool stuff. Some of the features you talk about are the type of thing that people think are cool, but in reality aren't will to pay for at the end of the day. You can't just sell a bunch of $30k Jettas to a handful of people. If VW is profitable, they can justify offering some of those luxury features (if the demand is there or competitors offer them) because it is a built-in cost absorbed in the profits (to an extent).

The new Jetta is a worst case example of a car that just didn't get the oversight it should have under old management. That said (and despite the criticism) it is selling like crazy and profitable. Clearly the automotive press and a handful of enthusiasts don't know crap about the real market for cars. However (and this is important), despite the sales success, VW has been quietly fixing the criticisms with the Jetta. The higher trim level cars are getting soft-touch plastics added back in. The 2.5l engine will be replaced by a far better 1.8TSI and on and on. The Passat shows that VW can build a very good car with the feel and quality of a German/European car and sell it at a price point that is extremely competitive. With sales success of the Passat comes more options like HID's and LED tails and other things that some of the much smaller higher-end customers want.

Lets be frank - the Golf III and Golf IV were crap boxes with loads of problems. Golf V/Jetta V got much, much better in terms of quality and things have gotten much better. MQB is a worldwide component platform and has been engineered for the German market first and everything else second. That means at its core, it will be European and still feel like a proper Volkswagen. Let's wait and see what the future holds. Or you can always buy a Toyota.

-jamie

[Travis Grundke]

The new Jetta is a worst case example of a car that just didn't get the oversight it should have under old management. That said (and despite the criticism) it is selling like crazy and profitable. Clearly the automotive press and a handful of enthusiasts don't know crap about the real market for cars. However (and this is important), despite the sales success, VW has been quietly fixing the criticisms with the Jetta. The higher trim level cars are getting soft-touch plastics added back in. The 2.5l engine will be replaced by a far better 1.8TSI and on and on. The Passat shows that VW can build a very good car with the feel and quality of a German/European car and sell it at a price point that is extremely competitive. With sales success of the Passat comes more options like HID's and LED tails and other things that some of the much smaller higher-end customers want.

Lets be frank - the Golf III and Golf IV were crap boxes with loads of problems. Golf V/Jetta V got much, much better in terms of quality and things have gotten much better. MQB is a worldwide component platform and has been engineered for the German market first and everything else second. That means at its core, it will be European and still feel like a proper Volkswagen. Let's wait and see what the future holds. Or you can always buy a Toyota.

-jamie

Jamie -

That kind of brutal honesty is sorely lacking in the world, thanks.

Great write up about MQB. The implications for the auto industry as a whole are immense. This new architecture will be a major game changer and provide some significant competitive advantages.

[Goatey]

This is all fine and dandy but unless vw lets the styling department make some inspirational design choices I will never buy a new vw again! IMO the last really nice looking designs ended with the mk4. The new passat makes me sick because it looks like a lumpy ford fusion with some audiesk tail lights.

Vw now that the underpinnings are in line let all the artists get together to develop great designs through out the family.

Man I never log in anymore but this thread is very interesting.

Keep the good stuff coming please.

[randy915]

Funny how I posted a link to an Autoblog article about this very subject a few weeks ago and the post magically disappeared within a few hours...

[GoFaster]

Does this mean that we will finally get a 6-speed stick in the Golf?

Already possible ... just buy a TDI.