This is the first image you're going to see of the next generation Skoda Octavia, Audi A3, Volkswagen Polo, Golf, Beetle, Sciorocco, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan, Passat and CC.
Volkswagen is calling the new A/B-class architecture MQB -- the German acronym for Modular Transverse Matrix. One of the most important things about the MQB platform is a uniform mounting position for all engines in all vehicles. This is done in hand with the new modular petrol engine system (MPB) which includes, amongst others, a four-cylinder with cylinder deactivation and the modular diesel system. VW says that this move will reduce engine and gearbox variants by 90 percent "without any negative effects." Volkswagen also claims that this system allows "an identical mounting position for all current alternative drive concepts without limitations -- from natural gas and hybrid versions to the pure electric drive."
For Volkswagen, this is a big step in streamlining production. VW, as you know, is hell-bent on becoming the largest automaker in the world. This new platform is supplemented by a new Modular Longitudinal System at Audi and a Modular Standard System at Porsche.
stovt001 says:
12:30 PM, 02/ 1/12
According to Top Gear's facebook page, this will give us a new, much improved MK VII GTI this year at a better value due to cost savings. I'm skeptical, but we'll see.
ctpaul says:
01:04 PM, 02/ 1/12
with abundant natural gas in the US, wonder if VW would consider selling CNG powered vehicles here (Honda does or did at least). Unfortunately there is no real distribution system for delivery of the CNG to the vehicles, i.e. refueling stations, even if the gas itself is available everywhere in the US.
throwback says:
01:53 PM, 02/ 1/12
stovt001
"Better value" is code for more profits for VW. The next gen GTI wont be cheaper, hopefully it will be about the same price. I think the GTI is one of the best performance bargains out there, and I've never owned a VW.
duck87 says:
07:08 AM, 02/ 2/12
This is really the smart way to manufacture cars nowadays. Modular engine, modular platform, modular electricals = vast decrease in parts counts, increase in quality, lower prices for manufacturing and buying parts, and the ability to create variations of vehicles almost at will.
billt9 says:
02:30 PM, 02/ 5/12
Great after you've made it.
Harder to design initially, to fit the criteria for everyone, unless driving dynamics is going to take a step backward.
See the F-35 fiasco.