Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion: In Detail

Press Release

Body

• Aerodynamics further improved by fine tuning;
• refined visual features highlight its special status

Reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions realized on the Passat BlueMotion were founded on an entire bundle of actions. One important aspect here is the extensive fine tuning of the car body to improve aerodynamics. These modifications reduced the air drag coefficient by more than twelve percent to cW 0.273 (Variant: cW 0.275). Simultaneously the top speed was elevated to 193 km/h and 190 km/h (Variant) – this corresponds to five km/h more in each version. Technical body features: At first glance, there do not appear to be any differences relative to other Passat models. That is because nearly all of the modifications are out of sight. In the underbody, for example. Here the brake ducts were covered, and special underbody skirts were integrated forward of the rear axle, left and right. The Variant also got a wheel house panel (plastic wheel house shell) with extended wheel spoilers in the area of the side skirts. In addition, parts of the air intake louvers are integrated in the radiator trim. Visual body characteristics: The body of the Passat BlueMotion sets itself apart from the familiar base version (Trendline) in its many refined details. For example, the lateral fins of the air intake grille on the Passat BlueMotion are chrome plated in the style of the Passat Highline. Also designed in chrome are the side and rear accent strips. Moreover, in the front the "BlueMotion" has bumper guard strips in the car color. The radiator grille and trunk lid or tailgate each display the BlueMotion emblem, identifying the car as the most economical Passat version.

Chassis

• Lowered 15 millimeters in front, and eight millimeters in the rear;
• 16-inch wheels with best-in-class energy tires from Continental

A number of effective changes were also made to the chassis. A careful look at the car reveals that – for the purpose of better aerodynamics – the Passat BlueMotion stands somewhat lower in its wheel housings than the base version; specifically it was lowered 15 millimeters in front and eight millimeters in the rear. Guaranteeing the least possible rolling resistance are high-tech tires of the type "Conti Premium Contact" (best-in-class energy tires") sized 205/55 R16 91H with tire pressure increased by 0.4 bar in part-load operation. As an alternative to the production steel rims, the Passat BlueMotion can be ordered with 16-inch alloy wheels ("Monza" type).

Equipment

• Extensive convenience and safety features, including climate control, speed control system, electronic parking brake, six airbags and ESP

Equipment features of the new BlueMotion model are based on the Passat Trendline. Besides the described modifications to body, chassis and engine, new details include a gear recommendation in the multifunctional display and speed control system. Basic equipment of the Passat BlueMotion also includes features such as the semi-automatic "Climatic" climate control system, leather gear shift lever grip, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, electric window lifts in front, outside temperature display, electronic parking brake, steering column with height and longitudinal adjustment, turn signal lights and taillights in LED technology, green tinted glass, central locking with RF remote, ESP with counter-steering support, six airbags and automatic hazard flasher during hard braking.

BlueMotion program

• BlueMotion not only refers to vehicles;
• BlueMotion advances to become a quality seal for conserving resources

The name BlueMotion not only refers to automobiles, fuel economy and emissions, rather it applies to the entire brand. "Blue", the Volkswagen color, stands for the elements to be protected: Water and air. "Motion" embodies the aspect of forward-looking mobility directed toward the future. The goal is to protect the earth’s resources for future generations. BlueMotion is gradually advancing to become a quality seal that stands for economy without compromises in driving fun.

Diesel efficiency

• 78 Volkswagen models consume less than 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers, and 43 models no more than 5.5 liters;
• new V6 TDI in the Phaeton is first Volkswagen to satisfy Euro-5 standard

The new Passat BlueMotion continues a decades-long tradition of engines from Volkswagen: Ever since the first Golf D – which revolutionized the compact class with its diesel engine back in 1976 – the brand has been a driving force in the field of economical diesel engines. Today, within the broad and diverse range of models Volkswagen offers, 78 vehicle versions exhibit fuel consumption of less than 6.0 liters diesel per 100 kilometers. 43 of them are satisfied with 5.5 liters or less, and 14 of these TDI models even consume less than 5.0 liters. At the top of this list, with fuel consumption of just 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers and102 g/km CO2 emissions, is the most economical five-seater in the world market, the Polo BlueMotion. Besides fuel economy and CO2 emissions, the general quality of exhaust emissions is of paramount importance. Volkswagen also takes this challenge very seriously. One example: The Phaeton with its new V6 TDI (171 kW / 233 PS) is the first Volkswagen that today already satisfies emission requirements of the Euro-5 standard that will become law in 2009.