The future of VAG manufacturing: MQB

[Evan@APR]

Hadn't noticed anybody post this news yet. Very interesting read.

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 the Volkswagne 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 ARTICLE HERE>>>> http://fourtitude.com/news/publish/Features/article_7484.shtml

[Agreeable Slick]

Whilst interesting, it's the next logical step to automotive manufacturing if they want to continue to be economic.

There is only so much you can do to offset your carbon footprint (JLR is a prime example) before a production line that can do all models is introduced.

[Evan@APR]

Right. I can't help but think of the Toyota Prius while reading this. While steps are being taken to minimize raw material consumption in the future, what cost and waste will be created in the process to create these advancements?

[Agreeable Slick]

That's why battery powered hybrids are a bit of a negative hit. Yes you get great economy and low tax etc but if you really think about production and disposal (read as battery renewal) is astronomical.

More emphasis is being placed on electrically driven motors now which still need the engine and coupled to a super capacitor of some kind using a ICE to recharge the cap when it's empty.

IIRC it's about 7k to swap the batteries out for new ones.

[Evan@APR]

True story. We/I (APR) were recently at the Autometrix track day at Castle Combe and at the one tent there was a guy who had converted his Ibiza MK4... I think it was an Ibiza... to electric motor. The car runs on lead-acid batteries which are bulky, expensive and don't last long--nearly 50 miles IIRC. Fortunately they're doing another car with Li-Ion batteries I believe. The trick there is finding the room for them. Oh, and they're HEAVY

I much prefer the ability to do this with an automobile 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwrel&NR=1&v=ixAMwN11cfQ

[twotwofour]

A little bit off topic but take a look at the mugen Honda tt zero race bike that entered the isle of man races this year. Light weight and powerful

[Agreeable Slick]

If you want a truely hybrid car with good range, efficiency, and performance then JLR have done one thing right. It was the introduction of this in Geneva two years ago.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jaguar/19668/jaguars-jet-powered-supercar

This is groundbreaking, if only it was cost effective enough to really place in to production.

[danny_p]

id don't like the idea of lithium batteries in a car.    see what happens when a  stack of them with a few KWH capacity decides to go pop