The avant-garde model for the business class: the Arteon. A design statement. In autumn 2020, the gran turismo underwent an extensive technological upgrade. At the same time, Volkswagen launched a second version with a different body: the new Arteon Shooting Brake. And now in spring 2021, the product line's new flagship models are ready to go - the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake. Delivering an output of 235 kW (320 PS), they are now the most powerful Arteon models. Both sports and touring vehicles were designed by Volkswagen R, the brand's performance specialists. The two new versions of the Arteon are the latest milestones in the R product campaign: In the space of six months, Volkswagen R launched not one but five new flagship models for their respective product lines: the Touareg R, Golf R, Tiguan R, Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake. The T-Roc R has also been available since 2019. The first independent R model made its debut back in summer 2002 and has since become renowned as a classic: the Golf R32 - it was the first spark in a firework display of premium R models that has lasted to this day. Common denominators: permanent all-wheel drive, exclusive equipment and good every-day driving attributes without any compromises.
R-specific finish to the vehicle interior
The vehicle interior in the Arteon R models is shaped by features such as Black Carbon inserts, which adorn the top section of the dash panel and door panels. Other interior features created specifically for the new models include the blue stitching on the seats, multifunction sports steering wheel and DSG gear knob, a hallmark feature in any R model. The bottom steering wheel clip is also finished with a blue insert to complement the stitching. Furthermore, the models come with premium comfort seats as standard. The seats are covered in ArtVelours micro-fleece. A blue R badge is embroidered onto the top section of the front seat backrests. The optional sports seats in Nappa / Nappa Carbon Style are also specially tailored to the VW Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake - in this case, the head restraints are integrated completely into the backrests, which is why this type of seat is known as an integrated seat. Chic: the top side sections of the backrests come in blue leather. And of course, a blue R badge is also stitched into the top of the backrest in this model. The blue used in the interior is similar to the typical metallic Lapiz Blue paintwork used in Volkswagen R models. The Nappa Carbon Style leather (used on the seat cushion bolsters and head restraints in the interior) picks up the visual line of the inserts in the instruments and door trims.
The exterior
With their bodies, which are as charismatic as they are sporty, the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are now bringing avant-garde design to the premium end of the B-segment. The new flagship models' carefully honed exterior details include the front bumper and the lower section of the rear end including the diffuser and the new exhaust system with two trapezoidal twin tailpipes. Other new features include the (optional) 20-inch Estoril alloy wheels and the clearly visible blue brake calipers (with silver R logo in the front) for the high-performance brake system. High-gloss black body elements also add a chic touch to the front and rear ends. The splitter in the motorsports-style front spoiler comes in a matt black finish.
The engine
The 1,984 cm3 four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine (TSI) in the new Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake is the most powerful model in the EA888 engine family. It is the upgraded version of the fourth generation, which is why it is followed by the label evo4. The engine develops its maximum output (235 kW / 320 hp) between 5,350 and 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque is 420 Nm. This impressive figure is available in a rev speed range of 2,000 and 5,350 rpm. The direct injection engine is characterised by innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation to the turbocharger, which is integrated into the cylinder head. Thanks to a fully electronic coolant regulator unit, the TSI also features very efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase. The resultant reduction in friction losses contributes to reducing fuel consumption. The most powerful Arteon engine also features variable valve timing with double camshaft control. In addition, the valve lift can be switched in two stages on the exhaust side. This solution permits optimum control of gas exchange with respect to performance, consumption and exhaust emissions. The power from the TSI is transferred to the all-wheel drive via a standard 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which is designed for extra high torques. Volkswagen refers to this gearbox as the DQ500. The advantage of the DQ500 is that the full torque can be transmitted already from 1st gear without a limiter.
The all-wheel drive system
The Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake come equipped with a new all-wheel drive system with the designation 4MOTION with R-Performance torque vectoring, an exclusive feature for this product line. A newly developed rear axle differential distributes the drive power variably between the front and rear axles - and as a new feature, also variably between the left and right rear wheels. Here's how it works: the differential from the 4MOTION drive system familiar from other Volkswagen MQB models (MQB: modular transverse matrix) distributes the force on a variable basis between the front and rear axle via a multi-plate clutch, while the rear differential lock is open. Depending on the situation, 50 to 100 percent of the drive force flows to the front axle and between 0 and 50 percent to the rear axle. The new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring function, however, can also distribute the torque to the rear axle variably between both rear wheels via two additional electrically operated multi-plate clutches. Thanks to the wheel-selective power at the wheels, up to 100 percent of the possible torque can be directed to the wheel on the outside of the bend. This reduces the cornering radius and understeer is eliminated. This leads to noticeably more agile vehicle handling. The standard progressive steering is a perfect match for this agility. The intensity of the power distribution is determined by the current steering angle, accelerator pedal position, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and speed. The driver can also influence the way in which the new all-wheel drive and the stabilising vehicle dynamics systems work via the driving profile selection (Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual). Using the blue light-up R button in the new multifunction steering wheel, drivers of the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake can switch directly to the driving profile selection (gentle tap) or straight to the Race mode (firm press).
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