Volkswagen Virtus - Full Press Release





New sedan offers the latest in design, innovation, interior space and high performance in the premium sedan segment

  • Virtus debuts global style language of the Volkswagen brand for new sedans
  • Virtus will be the first car in Latin America to use artificial intelligence to help drivers    
  • With an average sedan size and one of the largest trunk of the category, Virtus was developed with a focus on Latin America    
  • Modular Strategy MQB offers unprecedented features in the segment, such as Active Info Display digital panel, 8-inch Discover Media infotainment system and 3 USB inputs    
  • 128-hp TSI engine and 200 Nm of torque and automatic transmission combine low fuel consumption and high performance; Virtus makes 0 to 100 km / h in less than 10 seconds    
  • Virtus arrives at Brazilian dealerships in January 2018

São Bernardo do Campo - Volkswagen presents Virtus, a global car, unprecedented and arriving with new interpretations in style, innovation, high performance and safety. First sedan built on the MQB Modular Strategy in the Country, the model arrives in the Brazilian market in January 2018 with new design references, use of space and comfort in the category of premium sedans. In addition, the model will be the first car in Latin America to use artificial intelligence to help drivers on a daily basis.

"We are advancing rapidly in our product offensive with the revelation of the Virtus sedan just 60 days after the launch of the Novo Polo. It is another step towards gaining a relevant position in the Latin America region. Virtus is already born with the stamp of innovation: it is a pioneer in the use of artificial intelligence, to help the owner to better know and enjoy Virtus in daily use, "says Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen South America and Brazil .

Virtus has trim levels that follow the most stringent quality standards of Volkswagen sedans in the world. It will have engine and transmission options that will be offered according to the particularities of each market. In Brazil, the main highlight for the Virtus will be the mechanical assembly of the TSI engine up to 128 hp and six-speed automatic transmission. 

Strong design from all angles

Virtus brings the unique visual language, developed based on customer research and focused on the regionalization of Volkswagen products. It has its own personality - following the shape and function of a sedan - and presents an unprecedented style. The result is a dynamic design, with fast lines - especially in the "C" column (after the rear doors) and connected, giving the sedan a very elongated silhouette, thanks to the flexibility of the MQB Modular Strategy. 

FrontThe highlight of the front is the crease that edges the air intake and cuts the space between the main optical assembly and the fog lights. In Virtus, the large surfaces of the fog lights and direction indicators draw attention to the side of the car. They end at angles with three-dimensional contours. Between them are two air intakes: one in the shape of a "V" in the middle and a second narrow inlet that extends across the entire width. The result is that the Virtus visually has a very wide "mouth" thanks to the contour of the lower bumper grid. 

SideThe Virtus adopts the double arrow line on the side. From the "B" (that between the doors) back, the model brings even more elongated and fluid traits. At 4.48 meters in length, Virtus is one of the largest of its direct competitors. As a basis for comparison, it is 42.5 inches longer than the New Polo, also developed on the MQB Modular Strategy. This completely changes the perspective of the side of the vehicle. 

Rear with double lanterns and striking visual identityVirtus brings big flashlights. They connect the mudguards with the trunk lid and have a reverse angle, similar to the Jetta. Another highlight is the baffle in the upper region of the lid, evidencing the sporty look. The board sits well in the center of the trunk lid, between the lanterns, creating a harmonious layout. The bumper features a one frame at the bottom, which runs across the rear. 

Large interior and excellent use of space

Reference in the segment, the wheelbase in the Virtus is 2.65 meters (exactly the same as the current Jetta), that is: 8.5 cm more than the Novo Polo (which already has one of the largest cabins of the segment). With this, the Virtus establishes a new reference in comfort and use of space in its category. One more benefit of the flexibility of the MQB Modular Strategy. The height of the Virtus is 1,468 millimeters (4 mm more than that of the Novo Polo) and the width is the same: 1,751 mm. 

With enough space to accommodate three adults in the back with comfort worthy of the best mid-size sedans, the Virtus has board access facilitated by the wide opening angle of the rear doors, which are larger than the Novo Polo's.

More than the capacity to accommodate five adults, the Volkswagen sedan can carry large objects. Not for less: there are 521 liters capacity in the trunk, one of the largest in the category and enough to store a large amount of luggage. 

Panel focusing on technology and connectivity

The focus of cab development has been on the continued growth of dial-up scanning as well as connectivity. With horizontal orientation, the panel promotes interaction between the all-digital Active Info Display panel and infotainment systems.

With this, Virtus brings the second generation of Active Info Display (feature unprecedented in this category), Discover Media system with 8-inch touch screen and smartphone appearance, plus three USB inputs, among other items. Discover Media enables the mirroring of smartphones through the Mirrorlink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto platforms. In the Active Info Display, instruments are implemented virtually via software. Navigation information can be displayed in 2D or 3D on a 10.25-inch screen, the size of a tablet, with extremely accurate and high-quality graphics. 

Exemplary handling and excellent performance

Virtus suspension set-up contributes to excellent handling and comfort in road conditions on the streets and roads of Latin America. Depending on the market, the Virtus can be equipped with 200 TSI engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission offers the Tiptronic sequential manual shift option, operated via the shift lever or the shift paddles on the steering wheel. 

The maximum power of this engine is 128 hp (94 kW) with ethanol and 115 hp (85 kW) with gasoline at 5,500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 200 Nm (20.4 kgfm), with gasoline or ethanol, from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm. Equipped with this engine, the Virtus accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 9.9 seconds and reaches top speed of 194 km / h (data with ethanol). 

Safety Reference

With the MQB Modular Strategy, Volkswagen manages to reduce the total weight of the vehicle while building Virtus so that it is one of the safest models in its segment. Most of Virtus' body structure is made up of special high and ultra high strength steels with hot shaped parts. 

When equipped with the 200 TSI engine, the Virtus is fitted as standard with ESC - Electronic Stability Control. This system recognizes an early stage of a critical shooting situation to happen. Compares the driver's commands with the reactions of the vehicle to this command. If necessary, the system reduces engine torque and brakes one or more wheels until it reaches the stability condition.

The ESC includes a number of other electronic assistance features: HHC (Hill Hold Control) or Ramp Start Assist Control, HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist System) or BAS, XDS + or Electronic Differential Lock, BSW (Bremsscheibewischer - RKA + (Monitoring of tire pressure), among others. 

Cognitive Manual

Volkswagen Virtus will be Brazil's first automobile to bring unprecedented connectivity and scanning capabilities. The sedan will offer the "cognitive manual" - which uses IBM Watson to respond to drivers questions about the vehicle, including information contained in the car manual. This solution allows a new way of interacting with the vehicle and offers a new technological experience.

Any questions about the car can be answered by this smart assistant, simply and quickly. The My Volkswagen application has Watson technology to answer questions in Portuguese and Spanish. 

Like Internet search engines, the Volkswagen app will have typing fields and a microphone so the user can ask their questions orally - the language can be natural, as in an informal conversation. The system recognizes accents and is able to learn the more you interact with it. It is a totally new and interactive way to launch Virtus, a model that will revolutionize the Brazilian market.







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