VW Scirocco Cup Race Series Announced - Bio-CNG-powered race

Volkswagen Scirocco Cup Version 2010

By Zack Newmark
October 29, 2009 3:53 PM
Filed Under: German, Motorsport, Volkswagen

VW is announcing a new racing series featuring compressed natural gas (CNG), race-ready versions of the Volkswagen Scirocco. Basically a toned down version of the 300hp Scirocco GT24-CNG that debuted in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, the Scirocco Cup version produces 220 horsepower and 203 ft-lb of torque via a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged engine.

The announcement also mentions the cancellation of the six-year old Polo Cup.

Because of the use of CNG, VW is trying to flex eco-racing credentials. "By clinching class victory at the Nürburgring we proved that CNG-powered vehicles not only deliver high fuel economy but also allow very sporty driving," said VW Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "That's why we're particularly proud about launching the world's first one-make cup with CNG-powered vehicles."

The vehicle's engine is mated to a dual clutch, six-speed DSG transmission, which is controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters. It is a front wheel drive car, with mechanical limited-slip differential, and a dry weight of 1,250 kilograms.

For the Scirocco Cup, the car will also be fitted with a push-to-pass boost of nearly 30 horsepower.

Press Release (Click to expand)

VOLKSWAGEN PRESENTS WORLD'S MOST ECO-FRIENDLY ONE-MAKE CUP

Following the successful debut of the compressed natural gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNG at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, Volkswagen is launching a one-make Bio-CNG-powered race series in 2010. With a CO2 reduction of 80 per cent being achieved in combination with Bio-CNG, the Scirocco Cup will demonstrate that major innovative strides are still being made in motorsport and make it the most eco-friendly one-make championship in the world.

The Cup version of the Scirocco is designed to enable eco-friendly motorsport. Based on the TSI unit fitted in the Scirocco, the Bio-CNG-racing version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 203 lbs ft of torque and up to 223 PS. A push-to-pass system provides a short burst of increased power of 30 PS to create additional overtaking opportunities and action throughout the race. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts operate a six-speed DSG gearbox and, as with the road-going Scirocco R, power is channelled through the front wheels.

Fitted with a fuel tank with a capacity of 22-litres, the Volkswagen Scirocco Cup uses so-called Bio-CNG which is produced from renewable resources such as grass or a special type of maize as well as from refined biological waste. The fuel tank itself is made from a composite material and is located behind the driver's seat, protected by the vehicle's roll cage.

The stainless steel pipes and special valves required for CNG operation within the Scirocco Cup use tried and tested components from Volkswagen production models with CNG engines, and the system pressures of 200 Bar are identical to those of the production vehicles.

Commenting on the new Scirocco Cup, Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen explained: ‘By clinching class victory at the Nürburgring we proved that CNG-powered vehicles not only deliver high fuel economy but also allow very sporty driving. That's why we're particularly proud about launching the world's first one-make cup with CNG-powered vehicles.'

Next year, promotion of young talent will again be a top priority and the aspiring racers youngsters will be able to compete with five motorsport legends at each of the races. These legends will come from Formula 1, DTM, rally racing and Le Mans as well as TV and show business.

Volkswagen first raced the Scirocco back in 1976 in the VW Junior Cup and the first winner, Manfred Winkelhock, went on to achieve major exploits in motorsport with Volkswagen. Since then, drivers including Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet, Keke Rosberg, Bernd Schneider, Tom Kristensen and Michael Schumacher have all won the title "powered by Volkswagen".

The Scirocco Cup will replace the successful Polo Cup after six years and will become the DTM partner series in 2010.

Technical Data, Volkswagen Scirocco (Cup Version)

Engine Type

Four-in-line turbo spark ignition engine with CNG-inlet pipe injection, intercooler, four valves per cylinder

Displacement

1,984 cc

Output Approx

162 kW (223 PS) at 6,000 rpm

Torque Approx

203 lbs ft at 3,000 rpm

Engine control unit

Bosch MS4

Push-to-pass

Electronic charge pressure control, limited duration
and frequency, additional output of approx. 22 kW (30 PS)

Exhaust system

Modified layout, racing catalytic converter

Power transmission
Gearbox

Front-wheel drive, standard six-speed DSG gearbox with dual clutch, steering wheel paddle shifters, modified gear ratio and software, mechanical limited-slip differential

Chassis
Front axle

McPherson struts, wishbones

Rear axle

Multilink rear suspension with uniball joints

Dampers/springs

ZF Sachs dampers with H&R springs, one-way adjustable

Anti-roll bars

Adjustable H&R anti-roll bars, front and rear

Steering

Electro-mechanically assisted rack and pinion steering

Braking system

Ventilated 4-piston fixed-calliper disc brakes, front (Æ 356 mm), single-piston sliding-calliper disc brakes, rear
(Æ 282 mm), racing ABS

Wheels

ATS light alloy rims, size 9 x 18 inches

Tyres

Dunlop 240/640/18 (slick and rain tyres)

Body
Body

Unitized design, FIA-conformant roll cage, "R-Line" exterior package

Cockpit

Volkswagen sport steering wheel with airbag, OMP racing seat with head protector, six-point safety belt, safety mesh net (driver's side), fire extinguishing system, Aim-Memotec data logging

Dimensions
Length/width/height

4,256/1,810/1,380 mm

Track

1,571 mm front, 1,567 mm rear

Wheelbase

2,578 mm

Tank capacity

22 kg Bio-CNG

Dry weight

1,250 kg