Currently reading: VW's new platform for 60 models
New front-drive platform will be used by VW Group firms by the middle of the next decade

Volkswagen is putting the finishing touches to a brand new front-wheel drive platform to be used by up to 60 models from Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen by the middle of the next decade.

Known as MQB (modularen querbaukasten or modular transverse engine mount architecture), the new structure will replace today’s PQ2, PQ3 and PQ4 platforms. The move, according to Wolfsburg insiders, will help save Volkswagen and its various offshoots up to a billion euros per year by streamlining production and creating greater economies of scale.

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The secret to the MQB is the way it provides for a common distance between the front axle and the pedals irrespective of the size of the car it is applied to. VW’s head of R&D, Ulrich Hackenberg, claims this will help reduce the number of front-wheel drive 'engine mounting architectures' used by Volkswagen from 18 today to just two.

The new platform design, which will make its debut on the next Audi A3, due in 2011, allows for a much greater variance in track width, wheelbase and wheel size than with Volkswagen’s existing transverse engine platforms, while allowing for both front drive and four-wheel drive.

“It gives us the possibility to produce models from different segments and in varying sizes using the same basic front-end architecture,” said Hackenberg. “We can go from a typical hatchback to a saloon, cabriolet and SUV with only detailed changes to the size of the wheel carriers.” He said it will be used on every model from the new Lupo all the way through to the next-generation Sharan.

The new architecture should provide between 60 and 70 per cent parts commonality between Volkswagen’s biggest-selling models. And as well as supporting petrol and diesel engines, it has been developed to support models using natural gas, liquid petroleum gas and ethanol. Modifications will also permit the inclusion of hybrid drive.

Greg Kable

Picture: Motorforecast

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J400uk 12 November 2009

Re: VW's new platform for 60 models

Jaydub wrote:

I think most manufacturers share platforms between more than one model nowadays anyway, and lots share between brands as is noted, it seems like VW have pulled out all the stops with this and who can blame them?

The Mk5 Golf platform is a good example of a lesson learned, I hope the engineering team keep their ears to the ground and not become lacklustre again, any brand can become complacent.

I realise that, but in the past its been all vehicles in one class would share a platform (e.g. C-seg Golf, Leon, A3, Octavia) but this proposed new platform will cover every single vehicle regardless of its size or class.

AwakeSpectator 12 November 2009

Re: VW's new platform for 60 models

It had been long overdue, rather seems to have taken an eternity to materialize, but it seems finally has happened: an actually exciting looking car bearing Audi badge. Whether it would look this exciting in the standard guise is something I am not so sure about, but for the time being, I would just espouse the enjoy till it lasts philosophy and cherish the fully loaded version of this feisty looking machine.

JezyG 12 November 2009

Re: VW's new platform for 60 models

Wanger wrote:

Would this be VW using a modern day interpretation of Fords. "any colour as long as its black philosophy" As long as the platform is cutting edge and superior in its most basic form than any of the competition, then VW will be doing a sound thing... However the company is then going to have to really justify its premium applications much much more... Why have an A3 if the Golf is equally as good? Why have a Golf when the Leon is the same but sportier...why have any of them if the Octavia does what all of them do but at a cheaper point?

I Think VW group needs to really to rationalise its marques... One marque concentrating on premium, one on the mass market, one on everything sporting and one on SUV/MPV type stuff, because at the end of the day it would seem you are just buying the same product but with only a slightly different zest!

In many way's they already do and it's the badge snobbery that makes people choose. The Golf GTD is very similar to drive as the FL Seat Leon FR TDi just it's 3.5K more ok better build quality interior wise but the mechanicals are pretty much identicle. But many People would rather buy the Golf simply due to the badge even though the Leon is just as fast and good maybe Golf has the edge on handling and ride.