haapanen@watdcsu.UUCP (Tom Haapanen [DCS]) (11/26/85)
In article <329@mmm.UUCP> schley@mmm.UUCP (Steve Schley) writes: >> VW does not have any gasoline turbo engines available; >> the GTI will receive one of the new VW G-superchargers in a year >> or two, though, along with 4-wheel drive. VW uses turbos in lots >> of diesel engines, though... > I'm familiar with the aftermarket turbos for VWs, and I've heard about > the twin-cam engine for the mid-'86 Scirocco (why not the GTI/GLI? > moan, moan...). Scirocco 16V (the twin-cam version) will come out before GTI 16V mainly because the GTI has an 'image problem'; i.e. it's got that nice sporty body but is no faster than the GTI. GTI 16V will likely debut sometime in 1987. > Can someone enlighten me about this "G-supercharger"? And what are the > pros/cons of VW Synchro versus Audi Quattro for all-wheel-drive? OK, G-supercharger: VW's newest european model is Polo GT G40 (Polo is a subcompact, rather similar-looking and -sized as the new Honda Civic; Polo GT has been the top-of-the-line model with coupe bodywork and a high- compression 1.3 engine). The G40 features VW's new G-supercharger, which provides better performance, in VW's opinion, than a turbo, and at a lower cost. The reason the GT received a supercharger instead of GTI's 112-hp 1.8 engine was that the GTI engine is too large to be installed in a Polo from below (necessary for the production line). G40 produces, as I recall, about 105hp and torque comparable to the GTI, all from 1.3 liters. (All hp here are in DIN). The big deal about the supercharger, besides being the only major manufacturer to currently use one, is that it's not a Roots blower or a Volumex (like Lancia). It's based on a 1905 patent by some French engineer, but this is the first time it has been used in a supercharger. The idea is that the vanes are G-shaped, giving much better power characteristics (I could tell you more if I were an engineer or had photographic memory!). The latest issue of Car has a very good 2-page technical explanation of it. There apparently will be a GTI G50 in a year or so --- in Europe. It apparently will *not* be based on the 16V engine, as the 4 vpc design is more suited to a turbo, while conventional 2 vpc engine works better with a supercharger. Still, it should produce around 160-170 hp DIN, or 150-160 hp SAE, and great torque characteristics. What the 16V development path might be is not yet clear. The VW Syncro: Curreently there are two VW 4wd models: Passat (Quantum) Syncro and Transporter (Vanagon) Syncro. The Passat uses the Audi system, which I'm sure we're all familiar with. Why? Passat is very close in design to the Audi 80/100 (4000/5000) with its longitudonal front engine and fwd. The Vanagon is a different story, with the rear engine and powertrain, and so VW developed its own in conjunction with Daimler-Steyr-Puch of Austria. This system is basically 2wd most of the time, with 4wd kicking in automatically as wheels begin to spin. No manual differential locks or anything. According to test drive reports, the Transporter system works really smoothly, with the 4wd kick-in almost unnoticeable. This is the system that will be installed in the Golf Syncro when it comes on the market. New models: In 1987 we will see a new Audi 80 (4000). Judging by the spy shots, this will simnply blow the 100 (5000) off the road; it's very aerodynamic, and using past experience the Audi engineers have honed it down to perfection. It also looks verry verry nice, much better than the 100. Time to start saving money for a 4000 Quattro... In 1988, I believe, the Passat (Quantum) will be revamped. It will receive an all-new body, a transverse engine, and likely a supercharger for the top-of-the-line models (since the Audi 5-cylinder engine will no longer fit). \tom haapanen watmath!watdcsu!haapanen I'm all lost in the Supermarket I can no longer shop happily I came in here for that special offer Guaranteed personality (c) The Clash, 1979
pz@emacs.UUCP (Paul Czarnecki) (12/02/85)
In article <1913@watdcsu.UUCP> haapanen@watdcsu.UUCP (Tom Haapanen) writes: >Scirocco 16V (the twin-cam version) will come out before GTI 16V >mainly because the GTI has an 'image problem'; i.e. it's got that nice >sporty body but is no faster than the GTI. GTI 16V will likely debut >sometime in 1987. > \tom haapanen > watmath!watdcsu!haapanen I assume you meant to say... >...mainly because the *SCIROCCO* has an 'image problem'; ... Also, I asked at the Boston Auto Show when the US introduction of the 16V GTI would be available, and they said May or June 1986. I don't know (or care much) if this would be a 1986 or a 1987 model. I hope it gets here soon so I can get kid of my Omni. (just put a new clutch in. ARRRRGGGhhh! I had to abandon it in Philadelphia and take my parents' Chevy Celebrity (YUK!) back to Boston) But seriously, I noticed that your posting originated in Canada so your dates are probably different and you probably get better cars anyway. (We'll NEVER see a Polo in this country!) pZ -- -- My wife ran off with my best friend, and I miss him. Paul Czarnecki Uniworks, Inc. decvax!{cca,wanginst!infinet}!emacs!pz 20 William Street emacs!pz@cca-unix.ARPA Wellesley, MA 02181 (617) 235-2600
haapanen@watdcsu.UUCP (Tom Haapanen [DCS]) (12/09/85)
In article <123@emacs.UUCP> pz@emacs.UUCP (Paul Czarnecki) writes: >>Scirocco 16V (the twin-cam version) will come out before GTI 16V >>mainly because the GTI has an 'image problem'; i.e. it's got that nice >>sporty body but is no faster than the GTI. GTI 16V will likely debut >>sometime in 1987. >I assume you meant to say... >>...mainly because the *SCIROCCO* has an 'image problem'; ... Right. YABF (Yet Another Brain Fade). >Also, I asked at the Boston Auto Show when the US introduction of the >16V GTI would be available, and they said May or June 1986. I don't >know (or care much) if this would be a 1986 or a 1987 model. Here, it's May/June for Scirocco 16V. The GTI 16V will come out in late fall of '86 or early '87. US release dates may be different. >But seriously, I noticed that your posting originated in Canada so your >dates are probably different and you probably get better cars anyway. We used to to get 10 hp more in Audis... The current models are pretty close though and the Golfs and GTIs are exactly the same. The European VW's and Audis don't have the third brake light though. >(We'll NEVER see a Polo in this country!) No, but you'll see a Gol next year (whatever it'll be called in the US). This is the Brazilian equivalent of a Polo; the older version (about 5 years back) had fwd but a front-mounted flat four, air-cooled (yes, a real live Beetle engine). The new one has a Golf 4-cylinder I think. It'll be imported into the US along with an "avec trunk" version (a Derby equivalent). They say it'll cost about $5000 US. Not quite a Yugo price, but it is a bit more of a car. \tom haapanen watmath!watdcsu!haapanen I'm all lost in the Supermarket I can no longer shop happily I came in here for that special offer Guaranteed personality (c) The Clash, 1979