VVOOLLKKSSWWOORRDD - lwvwoc.co.uk fileEditorial Robert Cross Thankfully the Rio Olympics have finished and for those of us who are sick and tired of being bombarded with them it can

VVOOLLKKSSWWOORRDD October / November 2016

Editorial Robert Cross

Thankfully the Rio Olympics have finished and for those of us who are sick and tired of being bombarded with them it can only be good news. Why can’t the

BBC sell off the coverage of them to Channel 4 a-la Bake Off! Then perhaps we could watch BBC news containing news – not hearing about people running, jumping, cycling etc trying to obtain a circular bit of metal on a ribbon. What else can I write about in this issue? How about turmoil in the Labour party, Brad and Angelina separating, tougher penalties for using mobiles whilst driving, has Hilary Clinton got a doppelganger, Bake Off moving, Grammar Schools – yes or nay. Perhaps I will just comment on Grammar Schools. I passed the 11 Plus which enabled me to attend Guthlaxton Grammar School in Wigston along with most of my class mates, a few of my friends went to a secondary modern school but they did not feel aggrieved –

they just learnt different subjects and we remained friends. Why the furore about reinstating Grammar Schools? It is beyond me. Surely it is better to let children ‘find their own level’ and go to whichever school suits them better. Speaking of the 11 Plus – how about having a go at these

original questions. Rob talks about the three amigos at Tatton Park but neglected to say that the club’s resident inveterate car buyer – Pete Cockerill – purchased another vehicle whilst at the show (not the first time he has done so). This time it was a T25 double cab pick-up. The first

club outing it appeared at was the Cleethorpes run. Keep it up Pete – there are still a few VW models you have not owned – yet!

Every single new Golf GTI Clubsport S model allocated to the UK market has

been sold (as mentioned in the June / July edition). They are being released in October.

Proving no-one is safe from criminals looking to cash in on the valuable trade of classic and rare car parts. Here is what is left of the Leicestershire Police Landrover

on loan from Sturgess to Market Bosworth Police (where Rob Cross jnr is an officer.) Overnight thieves managed to strip the vehicle -

making headlines on the BBC news and in several newspapers.

The cost of the repairs was £9500 + VAT. Let this be a warning to keep your vehicles as secure as possible - if the police can be targeted so can anyone. On the way back from Cleethorpes, David Wadge got a windscreen chip on the passenger side of his vehicle. Less than 1p

size including two minor hairline cracks. He went to Autoglass but was messed around so then went to his local dealer, Vindis & Son in Huntingdon who told him that they couldn’t help. He asked VW in Milton Keynes and after much to-ing and fro-ing they agreed with the dealer: you can’t get a genuine VW windscreen, only an after-market item!

Thank you to all who have contributed. We’ve seen a good response from club members on several recent trips too – please keep coming along and

check out the diary dates page for more exciting events!

Chairman’s Chatter

Rob Loughrey This edition of the magazine seems to have come round very quickly but thinking about it I wrote the last column in Menorca so it must be eight weeks

ago. As you might remember I finished my ramblings about the Scottish trip with a mention that I’d come back to the Lavenham weekend in this edition if it wasn’t covered previously. Well it kinda was with a photo report being shown in the last magazine. I think that is sufficient coverage and we can leave it by saying the weather Saturday afternoon was shocking and the new gazebos certainly had a harsh baptism! I’ll just finish on this topic by saying we have now purchased gutters and joining strips. This should make the joint between the two gazebos water tight. Since the last magazine we have held various club meets and events, all of which have been well attended and highly successful. Val and I, along with a

select few members, attended VW North West held as always at Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire. As usual the Beetle trio of Loughrey, Cross and Taylor enjoyed a successful haul in the concours. Robert and I both took class wins, with Colin having a near miss in his class. The following Sunday saw the same trio out again on the 14

th of August attending the Oadby Motor Festival. It

turned out to be a pleasant little event with cars parked all along the high street, a much smaller version of the Hinckley Classic Car Show. The following Sunday saw 34 members arrive at the garden centre on the outskirts of Cleethorpes for a short convoy drive to the seafront. What a turnout! We perhaps need to hold more events on the east coast. The

weather was really kind to us and after parking up most members enjoyed a walk along the shore line into the town and resort of Cleethorpes. The original suggestion was to visit the recently renovated Victorian Pier for afternoon tea, but due to the high cost and very large numbers our Cleethorpes resident members Mark Forman and Helen kindly offered to host the afternoon tea in their large back garden complete with alfresco bar. I know I can speak for all those who attended in saying a big thank you to our hosts for their hospitality and excellent afternoon tea. With the success of this event we surely must do something similar next year. More recently, in fact last Thursday as I write, another good turnout paid a visit

to the Morgan factory at Malvern, Worcestershire. After meeting at Hopwood Park services on the M42 we made our way in convoy to Malvern. After entering and enjoying quick refreshments our guide, John, took us through to an area where he showed a film of the company history and gave a short talk on the statistics associated with Britain’s oldest car maker. It was intriguing and I have to say their philosophy of small is beautiful made a refreshing change in this mechanised world we live in. The family owned business seems happy

with their lot and don’t really want to turn into a large corporation. From here we took the full factory tour which consisted of a visit to all areas of the factory which are located in various buildings scattered around the site. It was an interesting tour with all of their processes available to look at with no restrictions on camera use. The tour lasted about two hours and although I don’t have a Morgan on the top of my want list, I was impressed with most

things I saw. The product is usually personalised to customers’ chosen specification and I’m sure that no two cars go out the factory the same, especially given the assembly techniques. If any of you are in the Malvern area I would recommend a visit. You can even arrange a short hire to try the product if you are interested in a purchase. Special thanks to Editor Cross for arranging the trip. An excellent event! Last on the list of club events was the Hinckley Classic Car Show held on Sunday 18

th of September. Twelve classic VWs met up at Morrison’s car park at

8.15am. The group consisted of three Campers and nine Beetles. From Morrison’s we convoyed into the town centre and just about managed to

keep together. All went well until we were in sight of the town; unfortunately vehicles all arrived at the same time and from every direction. The organisers will need to re-think the arrival procedure for future years. Due to our own organisation in the main, we managed, eventually, to get a good parking spot for our group part way up Castle Street. The weather was kind with quite a few sunny periods. I’m sure a few photos will appear in this edition of the magazine. Thanks must go to Membership Secretary James for organising. Our line up was pretty impressive, even if I say so myself. The event continues to grow in size each year and is well worth a visit. It must be one of the best of its type in the country.

Looking forward, to other events this year, we have the Burton Brewery visit on Sunday 9

th of October, the Sunday Lunch at Gilmorton on the 18

th, long

alley skittles on Tuesday 8th

November with supper at the Red Lion at Huncote and the Christmas Meal at Ashfields, Earl Shilton on Saturday 10

th of

December. More details of all these events will be found within these pages. Just before I finish I thought I’d share a bit of research I’ve done in regards to late Beetle production. Most VW journalists are not particularly complimentary about the Super Beetle Saloons. May be some of the late 60’s/ early 70’s styled feature aren’t quite as pretty as the early features of the late 50’s/ early 60’s

cars but at the time they were considered very positive. I have never agreed that VW lost their way with the Super Beetles, in fact as well as handling better and having better luggage room, (two of the most criticised Beetle features) I think the Super Beetles kept the Beetle afloat longer and may have just about kept VW going until the water-cooled models came into production. Look at the table below- it shows that most people chose the Super Beetle over its torsion bar cousins.

Look at the 74 model year, nearly 90% of Beetle production is Super Beetle. This is the year of the Big Beetle; I would suggest these attractive models helped to swell the numbers sold. They only came with a small cost premium over the normal 1303. That’s my evidence and in future when you read all the rubbish that is written

about these late cars not being worthy, just remember this evidence that proves the Super Beetle was the model that kept VW afloat during the hard times!

Model Year

Total Beetle Production

Super Beetle Production (1302/1303)

Percentage Super Beetle

1971 1,291,314 883,847 68.45% (1302)

1972 1,220,686 885,756 72.56% (1302)

1973 1,206,081 758,858 62.92% (1303)

1974 791,053 705,605 89.20% (1303)

1975 441,116 297,861 67.52% (1303)

My best Super Beetle - The 1303S from 1975 model year with its new rack and pinion steering. A pity VW didn’t make it available in the UK without special order; they only marketed the 1300 engine 1303. Additionally the Cabrio was only available on special order and didn’t come back on the model lists until the 1977 model year.

I look forward to seeing you soon at future events and discussing these Beetle facts in person!

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A Busy Summer Of Club Events

July - Firework Champions at Stanford Hall

August -

Oadby Motor Fest

August - VW Northwest – Tatton Park

August - Cleethorpes – one of the best club attendances at an event for years!

August -

Market Bosworth Classic Car Meet

September - Morgan Factory Tour

September - Hinckley Classic Car Show

Memory Lane Brian Screaton

Sorry to be a pedant, but the event pictured in the first part of the Memory Lane article in the last magazine was actually to celebrate the 21st anniversary

of the Club, not the 25th. It took place in 1986 and was a Convoy Drive which I organised (and it took some organising, I can tell you) and the route was actually as follows: Riversley Garage, Nuneaton, Johnson's Garage, Hinckley, Arthur Princes Garage, Loughborough, lunch at the Durham Ox on the Six Hills Road, then Victor Woods at Melton Mowbray, Woodgate Garage on Blackbird Road in Leicester, and finishing at Castles in Dover Street, Leicester. All the garages were primed to expect us and all were very welcoming with several laying on tea and coffee. All the participants had detailed route notes and I don't think we lost anyone on the way. In fact one participant who was only going to do the first bit as far as the Durham Ox was enjoying it so much that he carried on to the end. I think we had one of the biggest turn-outs ever,

as you can see from Teresa's first photo in the lay-by at Burbage - all the cars you can see were in the Convoy Drive - but not the AA Ford Transit which just happened to be there when we all stopped to form up before hitting the M69 and the M1 to Loughborough.

Johnsons Garage in Hinckley (which later became Ashby & Mann)

The view through the back window of what was then my '78 Beetle Cabrio VYU 450S (can't remember who owns it now.......). The white Cabrio was Richard Cotton's. Taken on the M1 on the way to Loughborough.

The line-up in the car park of the Durham Ox on the Six Hills Road where we stopped for a pre-booked buffet lunch.

Richard Cotton's Cabrio entering the car park at Victor Wood's in Melton.

The Convoy in Victor Wood's Car Park.

Club members inspecting new VW's at Woodgate Garage in Leicester

Mrs S at Woodgate with Audrey Austin to the left and Dave Hall in the background to the right.

The Convoy parked up at the last halt at Castles in Dover Street. Taken from

their roof-top car park which was where VYU 450S was dumped by the previous owner before I bought it.

The Original New Beetle Richard Copping

It's 1967 in Wolfsburg and Nordhoff has something up his sleeve. Hot on the heels of the 1500 engine Beetle, launched just twelve months ago, the VW

boss is raring to go with the re-styled car his marketing men debut as... Die neuen Käfer. Imagery: Copyright Volkswagen Alktiengesellschaft 1965 had seen the legendary Beetle break yet another barrier, for that year, for the first time ever, Volkswagen's workforce had bolted together in excess of one million Beetles in a twelve-month period. To be precise, the grand total was one million, plus a further 90,863 examples of the world's favourite car. The same year, as July gave way to August and, in Volkswagen's terminology, the arrival of the '66 model year, out popped a Beetle with a bigger engine,

the VW 1300. Sporting 40PS, with its crankshaft 'nicked' from the Type 3 and a stroke upped from 64 to 69mm, for the ultra-conservative Nordhoff, this was apparently an amazing concession to all those who had long tried to persuade him to play the power game. Think about it, until the tinsel was decorating the production halls of Wolfsburg in December 1953, the Beetle had trundled the roads of Germany and wherever else it was welcome, with just 25PS at its disposal. Under the mistletoe in Nordhoff's boardroom, it blossomed and offered 30PS to at least a couple of million owners during the 1950s. Then, with the advent of the '61 model year, power advanced to 34PS. Owners were happy, Nordhoff and his

court were delighted. Nordhoff was obviously pleased with his dabble in the direction of an extra 6PS and a 'cc' count of 1285.. Practice, as they say, makes perfect, for in the summer of 1966, the King of Wolfsburg stunned his people when he did it again. Eclipsing the still shiny and new 1300, was the birth of the 'hot' Beetle, the 44PS 1500 Beetle, a car that later generations of adoring fans would decree to be the best of the bunch. Paltry as 44PS might seem today, for owners then, the 1500 was notably more powerful than the 1300 and crucially, offered more usable power across the range. Maximum torque of 78lb ft occurred at 2,600rpm and, while the stroke remained the same as the

1300's, the bore was enlarged from 77mm to 83mm. It didn't end there, for in Beetle terms, the new car also sported innovatory 277mm diameter disc brakes up front, ensuring it could be brought to a screeching halt more effectively (except, sadly, not for US bound 'Bugs'). With a wider track at the rear (up from the 1,250mm standard of the 1200 to 1,350mm) and a rear equaliser spring, both features making a decent contribution to improved

road-holding, Nordhoff's 1500 had elevated VW to the top of the pile once more. Then the unimaginable happened. It was the summer of 1967 and time to launch the '68 model year Beetle on an unsuspecting public. This time, Nordhoff broke all his own rules. The marketing men's talk wasn't of oily bits

from bigger, more driver friendly engines and 'modern' brakes to techi 'stuff' such as track and the misnomer of an anti-roll bar. No, their story was of stylists ... a long-term anathema of the Nordhoff government. The resolute Director General of nearly twenty years standing was apparently performing a tight-circle 'U'-turn. Receiving the Sperry Award on 13 November 1958, Dr Nordhoff had offered his audience of US Automotive Engineers these oft-cited words that defined the unique philosophy he had bestowed on Volkswagen. 'I brushed away all of the temptations to change model and design. In any sound design there are almost unlimited possibilities ... I see no sense in starting anew every few years with the same teething troubles, making obsolete every part. I went out on a limb. I took the chance of breaking away from the beaten path ... Offering people an honest value, a product of highest quality, with low original cost and incomparable re-sale value, appealed more to me than being driven around by a bunch of hysterical stylists trying to sell people something they really don't want to have ...' The key components of the alleged Nordhoff turnabout were threefold. First, and undoubtedly pivotal, there was a new style of front wing that dispensed

with the archaic sloping headlamps, which had graced all production cars and most of the Beetle prototypes of the 1930s. The stylists were triumphant, the Beetle had a new, more purposeful, look. Second on the scene, and another major contributory factor towards the Beetle's new stance, were girder-style bumpers. Out were those delicate rounded blades of the past three decades and more, in came the all-new look chunky, squared-off Beetle bouncers. Hooray, the Beetle had undergone a stylistic facelift. Third, both the engine lid and the boot lid were re-styled, becoming shorter and more purposeful, while raising the valances provided a further healthy contribution to the 'New' in the Beetle's descriptive title.

Here's the official marketing spin; a cleverly crafted, witty and readable portion of text from the house of the advertising agency DDB (come on, Doyle Dane Bernbach, the sparkling US agency that raised VW's profile by several notches). 'The headlamps have now been moved forward a little and fitted with vertical lenses. They cast a better beam - as you'll soon see. The front and rear hoods

were shortened. So you can still open them even if you do happen to dent your bumpers. And denting your bumpers isn't so easy either. In fact it's quite a feat. They're now much stronger than they used to be. Wider, too. And higher above the ground ...' Of course, the DDB designed brochures, portraying the DDB 'New Beetle'

message, listed a whole host of other more minor stylistic changes that made the car 'new'. Here are a few:

Re-styled door handles with brand new trigger release

Re-styled petrol filler accessed externally rather than having to fiddle

and open the boot lid

Fresh air ventilation via fresh air box and tubes to outlets by the

windscreen

Re-styled, larger, contemporary design rear light clusters

Wonderful, shout those who might have been tempted to risk a word of criticism aimed at King Heinz. And then some uneducated junior in Volkswagen Motors Limited Press and Public Relations Department spoils it all with the following release. Okay, it's detailed, if lacking polish, but it's the last words of the last sentence that give the game away. 'From the rear, the new larger, stronger bumpers, enlarged rear light cluster and larger exterior rear view mirror distinguish the 1968 model... The shortened tail pipes and faired-off door handles with trigger catch are also additional safety features. With collapsible steering column, dual braking system, enlarged wipers, and additional trim modifications to the interior, Volkswagen amply accomplish the United States safety regulations with margin to spare.' So that was it! There was no U-turn on the part of the king of Wolfsburg, but there wouldn't be, would there. The wily Director General was simply but effectively playing the market. If home sales were no longer pivotal to Volkswagen's success, although in the early to mid sixties they still accounted

for more than double that of any single model produced by the combined forces of other German manufacturers, and US sales were increasing steadily, year-by-year, changes made should inevitably take into account American demand.

It's also worth noting that US growth didn't account for every extra car manufactured, other markets too were extremely buoyant. Here's a simple table that tells the story just as well as a rainforest of words. Nordhoff's reasoning and his actions for the '68 model become abundantly obvious with only a casual glance at sales and production figures.

Year Home Market Sales

USA Sales % of total

Production

1963 306,468 209,747 25 838,488

1964 339,257 251,806 26.5 948,370

1965 316,302 288,583 26.5 1,090,863

1966 270,273 296,624 27.4 1,080,165

1967 256,493 314,343 33.9 925,787

1968 259,276 390,079 34.3 1,136,134

1969 311,323 367,307 30.1 1,219,314

Remember to take into account recession in Germany in the latter part of 1966 and the first months of 1967 ... a time when the Sparkäfer, or budget Beetle kept Nordhoff's workforce employed, while other manufacturers were laying off workers right, left and centre. And another little note, not that the end result varies. The story in the chart is exclusive to the tin-top Beetle. Back to the main story, while the marketing men spun the '68 model as a New Beetle, Nordhoff was taking into account the requirements of his most

important market. Americans had a great affinity with automatics. This was Nordhoff's triumph. As an option from September 1967 and as part of the standard range a month later, the '68 model year 1500 Beetle was available as a 'stick-shift' car. Here's the DDB lowdown: 'No more clutch. No more gear lever. Just a selection lever. ... In a word: You no longer need to use the clutch. (In fact there isn't a clutch to use!) For moving off, accelerating hard and in heavy town traffic you select the Start and Sprint speed (2). For all other normal traffic situations, the Normal speed (3). And there's yet another speed (1) for extreme conditions (unusually steep hills, for example). But you won't need it very often. There aren't all that many mountain passes in the world ... When you accelerate, you go faster. When you decelerate, you go slower. If only everything in life were as easy.' Adapting the sales pitch into reality, the Automatic Beetle sported a three-speed gearbox (with ratios roughly equivalent to second, third and fourth on 'normal' cars). It carried a normal clutch and a torque converter. Drivers' used

the slightly stubby but conventional gear lever to change up and down, but thanks to the pneumatic operation of the clutch, there was no need to encumber the left foot with a pedal. Okay, there a bit more to it than that, but that's for the techi folk and that is, of course, what Herr Professor Dr. Nordhoff was.

An associated asset of the Automatic Beetle was the adoption of completely new, technically sophisticated, double-jointed rear swing axles ('like the Porsche and Jaguar') that were no longer contained with tubes. This ensured uniform road-holding characteristics whatever the load or style of driving. In essence, there was a vast reduction in the well-known tendency of the Beetle to tuck its wheels under when cornered hard. Another invisible improvement, very much in the Nordhoff mould, was the replacement of the old single-circuit brake system with a safer, dual circuit arrangement. Here's the DDB take on a story that glossy pictures can't illustrate.

'The brake fluid flows through two separate line systems. If one should fail (which is so unlikely that you can virtually discount it) you can still brake with the other.' Gone too were the oft criticised six volt electrics with attendant candlepower, replaced by a modern 12-volt system. The list of hidden gems was near endless. Pause for a moment and think once more of the words of the King of

Wolfsburg, sentences and phrases frequently extracted from that 1958 Sperry speech: 'The Volkswagen of today looks almost exactly like the prototype model that was produced more than 20 years ago, but every single part of this car has been refined and improved over the years - these will continue to be our "model changes" ... It has led to success, and there is no greater justification than success, as every engineer will agree.' The '68 model year Beetle wasn't the consequence of a coup by the stylist camp, the battalions who now control every car manufacturer the world over.

Today and from a time not that long after Nordhoff's death, Volkswagen was and is a member of the union of car manufacturers across the world with a single policy. For VW, like all the rest, it's a constant story of 'new this' and 'new that' every other year ... stylistic obsolescence appears to be a deliberate goal. Even the most cursory of glances at a '67 model year US market Beetle reveals the truth. Everybody knows that the engine lid was redesigned to accommodate a near vertical position for the registration plate ... who needed

it? Correct, the USA, to comply with legislation. The whole world benefitted. Far fewer are aware that a '67 model year US Beetle, not only has the advantage of 12-volt electrics, but also the alleged stylists' jewel in the crown of vertically set headlamps. Yes, on a '67 model, but in tandem with blade bumpers and the traditional petit rear light clusters. All a bit odd to European eyes, but proof if ever it was needed that the '68 model was simply a Beetle in

the Nordhoff mould. And the conclusion: 1968 model year - business as usual on the thirteenth floor of Wolfsburg's administration block. The King was in his castle and all was well.

The New Beetle, a new model for a new model year ... had those who advocated stylistic change as often as possible finally won the day? The cover message of a rainbow of brochures produced for

European markets implied so.

Okay, inside, the first double spread suggests a new model is the

New Beetle ...

While the next couple of pages reiterate the message. You can't get a stubbier shifter than that, while the purpose for the existence of a left leg is removed!

Then it's back to business as normal ... sort of! Your health and safety is important to us!

In the English language version, the message here is 'Inside: comfortable, solidly made, attractive

Next ... more of the same

This is more like it ... 'Outside: somewhat changed, it's true. But still a Beetle.

There it is ...

purloined from a US market brochure. The '67 model year Beetle, a true crossover. Blade bumpers and vertically set headlamps and the best possible proof that Nordhoff hadn't caved in to the

stylists after all.

The text that accompanied this UK market press image of the New Beetle revealed the truth of matter ... the changes made were nothing to do with contemporary styling.

New Volkswagen Passat GTE Delivers The Best Of All Worlds

A winner in the Large Family Car class in the recent Next Green Car Awards even before its showroom debut here, the new Passat GTE is available to order

now through the VW UK retailer network with prices starting at £36,525 (RRP OTR), excluding Government Plug-In Car Grant of £2,500. The first Passat with a state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid drive system, the innovative new car offers spirited performance alongside the possibility of zero emissions when driving in all-electric mode. Available in saloon or estate body styles, the most environmentally responsible Passat to date emits just 39g of CO2 on the EU Combined Cycle, equating to fuel economy of 166 mpg. Yet with 400 Nm of torque and combined system

power of 218 PS, the new car can sprint from rest to 62 mph in a lively 7.6 seconds before heading to a top speed of 140 mph, where legal. The potential range between refuelling stops is more than 660 miles. The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid that can be driven up to 31 miles on electric power alone in E-Mode. A 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine delivers 156 PS, while the electric motor adds a further 115 PS. Underlining its engaging performance capabilities, the electric motor alone can provide up to 330 Nm of torque from near-standstill. A specially developed six-speed DSG gearbox is standard on the Passat GTE

and features a third, disengagement clutch. This decouples the TSI motor whenever possible, to allow the vehicle to make best use of kinetic energy and hence increases efficiency still further. Building on the already elegant lines of the new Passat – voted European Car of the Year 2015 - the Passat GTE is distinguished outside by distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights and an additional blue line across the radiator grille: design cues which are shared with the award-winning Golf GTE. A redesigned front bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels also mark out the new car.

Inside, in addition to the optional innovative Active Info Display with specific customised read-outs, standard features include blue ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTE-specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in Alcantara with Vienna leather side bolsters. Unique GTE badging also marks out the new Passat.

New Sportline Model Gives VW Transporter A Competitive Edge

VW Commercial Vehicles is set to add a new Sportline model to its best-selling Transporter range – reintroducing a name that has become synonymous with

sharp design, and high-tech features. Initially available on the T32 kombi model, the Sportline grade will be offered in Transporter panel van from early next year. Based on the already generous specification of the kombi Highline model, the new Sportline combines sporty design features and a raft of additional equipment designed to give driver and passengers an even more comfortable and engaging ride. The kombi Sportline rides on 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, and comes with

lowered suspension and deeper front and rear spoilers for a more dynamic look. The exterior design package also includes trapezoid styling bars with puddle lights and carbon fibre mirror caps. Inside, the Sportline delivers a first-class experience thanks to embossed leather interior trim, Climatic air conditioning, heated windscreen and Discover Media touchscreen navigation system. In addition, the first raft of kombi Sportline models also feature front parking sensors, LED headlights and tail lights, USB input and App Connect – a system that allows owners to seamlessly connect their smartphones to the infotainment system. Sportline badging and unique Sportline floormats complete the interior look.

The first Transporter available in Sportline trim will be the T32 2.0 BiTDI 180PS kombi model equipped with the brand’s acclaimed seven-speed DSG gearbox. Available to order now from VW Van Centres, it is priced from £36,295 (OTR exc VAT). First deliveries are expected in September. Following its introduction on the T32 kombi, VW will expand the Sportline range further with panel van and additional wheelbase and transmission

options available to order later this year for delivery in early 2017. These models will be available with a 2.0 BiTDI 204PS engine, along with a choice of two gearboxes – six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG and a long-wheelbase variant.

News From Volkswagen’s Home Race In The World Rally Championship

A real highlight for Volkswagen in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC): celebrities, many vintage Volkswagens and a three-time German rally

champion will add some extra glitz to the German car maker’s home event. Here is an overview of the news from the team. Exhibition to mark 50 years of Volkswagen Motorsport, demo drives on the “Panzerplatte” One static exhibition and one dynamic one: Volkswagen Motorsport is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the fans at its home round of the WRC. Five rare Volkswagen cars from various motorsport eras will be on display in

the service park: the 2011 Race Touareg, with which Volkswagen won the Rally Dakar for the third time in a row with the driving duo of Nasser Al-Attiyah/Timo Gottschalk (Q/D); the so-called “Rheila-Golf GTI” from 1981, with which Alfons Stock/Paul Schmuck (D/D) won the German Rally Championship; a “Salzburg Beetle”, as was seen in the Group 2 class between 1971 and 1973; the legendary Bi-Motor - Golf GTI, with which Jochi Kleint (D) went in pursuit of the record on Pikes Peak in 1987; and the “A59”, as it is known internally – a prototype based on the Golf, which was designed for the World Rally Championship in 1993 but never actually used. The “Panzerplatte” will also be graced

by about 20 privately-owned vintage rally Golfs, which will complete a number of demo drives for the thousands of rally fans expected. Among the guests: the 1981 German rally champions Alfons Stock/Paul Schmuck and the 1991 champions Erwin Weber/Manfred Hiemer (D/D).

Out in front: Dieter Depping and the 1986 world championship winning Golf Even more history: Dieter Depping (D) will lead the way in the WRC as the 0 car in Volkswagen’s first world championship winning car, the Golf II GTI. As such, it will open the route ahead of its “team-mates” Sébastien Ogier (F), Andreas Mikkelsen (N) and Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) in the three Polo R WRCs. It

was with a car like this that Kenneth Eriksson/Peter Diekmann (S/D) won the Group A world championship in 1986. Depping himself is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Rally Germany: he won the rally in 1994, 1996 and 1997. Only record world champion Sébastien Loeb has more wins to his name with nine victories in Germany. Party atmosphere on the “Panzerplatte”: Volkswagen celebrates home race Rally taxi rides alongside rally legend Markku Alén (FIN), fan TV on the big screen, and prominent guests – Volkswagen is well represented at the five special stages that will take place on the “Panzerplatte” at the Baumholder

military training ground at the German car maker’s home round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Among the 20,000 fans expected on the Saturday of the Rally is Volkswagen Board Member for Development, Dr. Frank Welsch. Boxing world champion Marco Huck (D) will enjoy a very special ride on Thursday. He will take his place alongside Sébastien Ogier in the Polo R WRC during the Shakedown, the World Rally Championship’s free practice. Force majeure: Rally China cancelled following severe storm

The World Rally Championship will have to wait to return to China: a severe storm recently made large stretches of the route impassable and, in places, destroyed it completely. This made it impossible to hold the tenth round of the season from 08 to 11 September as planned.“We greatly regret that the intensive preparation put in by the organiser, promoter, FIA and teams, who have worked together to promote the return of the WRC to China, will go unrewarded,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “We would obviously have liked to start in China, and to compete in what is an enormously important market. We will now focus on the WRC returning to China next year.”

Marking 40 Years of the Golf GTI - Volkswagen and Pistonheads

An eclectic mix of VW Golf GTIs from across the model’s remarkable 40-year history journeyed to VW UK’s headquarters in Milton Keynes on 20 August to attend a special ‘birthday celebration’ for the iconic hot hatch. The unique event, organised in association with the UK’s largest online motoring forum – PistonHeads.com – saw the owners of 85 GTIs from across the years set their alarms extra early and ignore typically British ‘summer’ rain

to make the pilgrimage to the cars’ spiritual home in Britain – the headquarters of Volkswagen UK in Milton Keynes. Branded the first PistonHeads’ Golf GTI Open, the event drew a remarkable mix from across the four decades of the car’s existence – with everything from meticulously restored examples to flamboyantly modified GTIs converging on the brand’s UK HQ. The honourable award for rarity went to the solo Golf GTI Mk III in attendance, while a plethora of Mk V cars – 24 to be precise – saw that iteration of the charismatic hot hatch become the most numerous on show, just pipping the

Mk II of which 23 examples were on display. VW UK supported proceedings with a mini GTI showcase of its own including a carefully restored Mk I and, bringing things bang up to date, the very first example of the already sold-out Golf GTI Clubsport S to be seen in the UK; the left-hand drive car having been loaned for the event by Volkswagen’s global headquarters in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony.

205 mph! – The World’s Fastest Beetle No Alison wasn’t driving this time! RC

A specially-tuned Volkswagen Beetle has set a new speed record at the World of Speed event that has long been a tradition at Lake Bonneville in Utah (USA).

The Beetle LSR (Land Speed Record) with a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection engine (TSI) drove the fastest speed ever documented for a Beetle, reaching 205.122 mph over a distance of one mile. In order to reach top speeds of over 200 mph many aspects of the Beetle LSR were reworked, and the car was modified to conform to regulations for record drives on salt flats. The output of the 2.0-litre TSI was boosted to a peak power of 550 PS (by changes that included a new turbocharger, different pistons, camshafts, connecting rods and cylinder head modifications). The record-setting vehicle also stands out with an impressive torque peak of 571 Newton metres.

To perform well under extreme conditions, the Beetle was equipped with special wheels and tyres for driving on salt, and the body was lowered significantly. A limited-slip differential was also used to improve traction, while a safety package provided for the necessary protection; it consisted of a rollover protection cage, a race seat with five-point harness and a fire extinguishing system. In addition, the record-setting car had two brake parachutes that were used to slow down the Beetle. The performance was officially recorded at the driving record event sponsored by the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA), which is held every year in

mid-summer.

The New Crafter is International Van of The Year 2017

An international jury of commercial vehicle journalists from 24 European countries has chosen the new Crafter: the newly developed big brother of the

"Bulli" bus by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the best transport van of the year for 2017. The completely independently developed and produced Crafter, which was designed to meet customers' wishes and has many innovations as well as extensive assistance systems, has won this coveted award before the vehicle

has even been launched. Dr Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, accepted the award from the chairman of the jury, Jarlath Sweeney, at this year's Commercial Vehicles IAA in Hanover: "After the T-series last year, we are delighted to now receive this special award for the new Crafter as well. We are very proud of our latest product and of our team whose hard work has made the Crafter the best large transport van. We will be using this award to spearhead a successful launch."

11 Plus Answers

Diary Dates 2016 / 2017

*Non Club events which may still be of interest to our members

Sunday 9 October - THE NATIONAL BREWERY CENTRE, Burton upon Trent,

DE14 1NG We are able to take part in the Full Flagon Tour, which is a guided tour around the historic museum including a beer tasting session. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. We need at least 10 people and the cost is £8.45 each. The tour starts at 1.30pm - however we MUST book in ADVANCE and pay upfront. If you want to go please contact Robert Cross on 0116 2478286 immediately you get this edition, so places can be booked. Sunday 23 October – LUNCH at The Crown, Gilmorton, LE17 5NY. Please meet at 12.00 noon. If you are interested, please contact Robert Cross by 17

October – 0116 2478 286 so a table can be booked. Tuesday 8 November – AUTUMN SKITTLES EVENING at The Red Lion, Huncote, Leicester. LE9 3AU. Meet at 7.30pm. This is a fun evening of long alley skittles, with a great supper, the full cost of which is £8.50 per person – however the event will be subsidised so you will only pay £5.00 per person. This can be posted or paid on the night We need to know numbers for this event, so please phone Pat Screaton on 07860 106 999 or e-mail [email protected] by 28

October.

Saturday 10 December – CHRISTMAS MEAL at Ashfields Restaurant, Earl

Shilton, LE9 7DG. Please arrive for 7.00 to be seated for 7.15. We have provisionally booked for 40/45 people, based on the last few years’ attendances, but we need to confirm our numbers as soon as possible. I’m sure all those who enjoyed the previous events will agree that Ashfields offer excellent service and a superb meal. We do have to pre-order so I will send a copy of the menu when you book or you can look online at www.ashfieldsrestaurant.com All members who would like to come should send me the required deposit of £16.00 per person which must reach me by the 30

October. Please note there

are no concessions for children, and that non members will have to pay in full which will be £37.95 per person. Unfortunately all deposits are non-

refundable and bookings will be on a first come first served basis. Cheques payable to ‘L&WVWOC’ - please send to :- Pat Screaton, 25 Cambridge Road, Cosby, Leicester LE9 1SH 07860 106 999 or 0116 286 781 Thursday 22 – Monday 26 June 2017 - HESSISCH OLDENDORF. All places have now been booked and Rob Loughrey will be in touch with those going in due course.

Committee Contacts

President & Assistant Treasurer Brian Screaton 0116 286 7581 [email protected] Vice President Elizabeth Grimsley 0116 269 2220 Chairman Rob Loughrey 01455 239 723 [email protected]

Vice Chair & Treasurer Alison Fletcher 0116 287 8497 [email protected] Magazine Editor Robert Cross 0116 2478 286 [email protected] Magazine Assistant Amy Cross Minutes Secretary Alan Fletcher 07808 784602 [email protected] Membership Secretary James McGeachie 01788 819 623 [email protected] Trade Manager Teresa Iwasiuk 01993 846 749 [email protected] Website Jeremy Bromley [email protected] Member Alice Screaton Member Claire Lane [email protected] Member (Transport Manager) Colin Taylor 01530 839498 [email protected] Member David Hammond 0121 373 9184 [email protected] Member Pat Screaton 0116 286 7581 [email protected]