Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.
Curious about where Volkswagen Group's design portfolio is headed? Or what to expect from it, quality-wise? An update of sorts has arrived, then, from two high-level Group executives and through quite unique avenues. Volkswagen Group chief designer Walter de'Silva recently took the unconventional step of communicating his vision for the different VW Group brands he oversees in a magazine spread. Group CEO Martin Winterkorn, on the other hand, has proved yet again that he has an uncommon eye for quality and manufacturing processes.
In a two-part series for the German automotive tabloid Auto Bild, de'Silva submitted sketches for each brand executed by designers who work there. This bears some analysis, because there are some extremely juicy proposals buried within. The stories feature a possible Volkswagen Golf successor with protruding front fenders, a VW Up with a front end resembling the last-gen Honda Jazz (a.k.a. Fit), and a VW Amarok pickup truck, which Auto Bild speculates could be developed in the U.S. with (VW Group) truck specialists MAN and Scania. De'Silva's dream for Škoda involves a small people mover based on the Golf's MQB architecture. And SEAT? The design chief says he "would probably try to open up a new niche," adding that "it would be a kind of Sportback with GT elements, a low-slung Shooting Brake." That sounds enticing.
Part two of the magazine feature deals with the VW Group's premium brands. At Audi, de'Silva wishes to see a "City Cruiser," which would be smaller than a Mini and "not a copy of the BMW i3." The sketch submitted for this vehicle proposal shows a small crossover with funky elements that more closely resemble a Smart than an Audi. For Lamborghini, de'Silva's vision embraces a front-engined four-seater with gullwing doors, "hand-built by Carrozzeria Touring." He also praises the Italian supercar maker's controversial Egoista one-seater concept.
De'Silva's outlook on Bentley includes an "Aston Martin fighter;" it should be mentioned that this comment marks the first public mention of a project that, according to my sources, is long in the works and accelerated by Bentley CEO Wolfgang Dürheimer. The design chief says that he would like to see a V-8 in the upcoming Bentley, adding: "But if I am allowed to dream, I would perhaps add hybrid components." The man must be a busy dreamer, because he also shared two Bugatti models and a one-seater electric with Auto Bild.
With this guidance from the top, the VW Group's design departments need to start spinning . . .
Winterkorn Tours the Supplier Circuit
While Walter de'Silva was expressing his future visions via Auto Bild, Group CEO Martin Winterkorn was busy touring the international supplier fair in Wolfsburg. Among his ilk, he is probably most obsessed with technology, materials, and production methods. His tours of the international auto shows have cult status; you will remember the video, taken by a Hyundai employee, that showed Winterkorn contrasting the Hyundai i30's adjustable steering column with the inferior quality of solutions by BMW and his own brand.
Twelve suppliers had the honor of Winterkorn visiting their booths; the CEO was followed by an entourage of VW Group engineers and execs. I snuck into this troupe and got a good sample of Winterkorn's colorful commentary. For instance, at BASF, "Wiko" demanded precise explanations and numbers. The supplier's representatives tried volleying a counterquestion—which material properties does he want to see? The back-and-forth ends quickly: "My staff knows what I want," sniffed Winterkorn. A new dashboard? For the CEO's taste, the edges are too round.
At Sumitomo Rubber, he asks the company's CEO about the composition of filling materials. Later, an Indonesian fabric supplier gets advice on design patterns. Malaysian manufacturer DRB-HICOM—the parent company of Proton—earns high praise: "Really good. This welding process is perfect." A smaller supplier is encouraged to be more precise. "You have to talk to our quality guys. They tell you what's good and what's not."
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf R Manual Driven: You'll Have to Wait for This One
- 2015 Lexus RC F Tested: Looks Like Gundam, Moves Like Rerun
- Audi Q3 Research: Full Pricing, Specs, Reviews, Photos, and More
The OLED instruments at Magneti Marelli get a lot of attention, and at ZF, Winterkorn voices his wish for extremely quick gearchanges on his sportier cars. And there is a bit of strategic wisdom: "If anyone brings the plug-in hybrid to the forefront, it will be China." Even though discussions of quality and manufacturing minutiae might seem a tad . . . boring, Winterkorn's continued obsession with the topics bode well for Volkswagen's myriad brands—and for de'Silva's future designs.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
Put the internet to work for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment