VW World Premieres Five BlueMotion Models in Geneva

VW Golf VI Bluemotion

New BlueMotion Technologies vehicles extend throughout range

By Christopher Jackson
March 4, 2009 9:30 PM
Filed Under: Alternative Fuel, Diesel, Geneva Motor Show, German, Green, Volkswagen

If high-horsepower exotics are what it takes to make you happy, this is not the Geneva reveal for you. While the show was rich with supercars and fanciful concepts, Volkswagen kept things sensible by introducing five down-to-earth, production-ready concepts under its new BlueMotion Technologies badge. Collecting all of VW's fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technologies under a single badge (a marketing trick similar to Ford's EcoBoost), it also shows how Volkswagen's working to increase its vehicles' cleanliness and efficiency across the board.

The fuel economy champ is the Polo BlueMotion Concept. Though not currently slated for production, the Polo BlueMotion Concept's 1.2 liter common rail diesel engine features a start-stop system, regenerative braking and a stunning fuel economy figure of 3.3 liters per 100km (86 mpg Imp). CO2 emissions come in at 87 g/km.

Next up is the Golf BlueMotion, which uses the same technologies as the Polo BlueMotion Concept. The larger Golf is a more versatile vehicle whose 1.6 liter TDI producing 77kW/105 PS and 250Nm torque make it useful for both city-dwellers and long-distance drivers. The Golf BlueMotion still returns 3.8 l/100km (74 mpg Imp) fuel economy and 99 g/km emissions. The same powertrain has been applied to the high-roofed Golf Plus, resulting in a .5 liter fuel economy savings over the previous version. The Golf Plus BlueMotion offers 4.3 l/100km (66 mpg Imp) fuel consumption, and its 55-liter fuel tank gives it a range of 1100km (684 mi) or more.

The closest Volkswagen's BlueMotion Technologies comes to sex appeal is the Passat CC BlueTDI, whose handsome styling and high-class interior appointments are wrapped around a 105 kW/143 PS BlueTDI powerplant. Using a downstream SCR catalytic convertor, this car already meets 2014 Euro-6 emission standards and returns 5.2 l/100km (54 mpg Imp) fuel economy.

A slightly different take is offered by the Touran TSI EcoFuel. This high-efficiency work van is powered by natural gas, rather than diesel fuel. Now with a "Twincharger" turbo- and supercharging system installed, it's got 110kW/150 PS under the hood. With its standard six-speed transmission, the Touran TSI EcoFuel keeps consumption down to 4.8 kilograms of natural gas per 100km. Opt for the seven-speed DSG and consumption drops slightly to 4.7kg.

Press Release

To the Point: BlueMotionTechnologies - Geneva Motor Show 2009

Five World Premieres in the Name of Sustainability

Touran TSI EcoFuel: Dynamic Twincharger driving for just 4.60* €/100 km
Wolfsburg / Geneva, 03 March 2009 - Volkswagen is expanding its range of extremely fuel efficient, clean and economical models with great vigor. Making world premieres at the Geneva Motor Show 2009 (March 5 to 15) are the Polo BlueMotion concept car, the new Golf BlueMotion, the next Golf Plus BlueMotion, the exclusive Passat CC BlueTDI Individual and the natural gas powered Touran TSI EcoFuel.

World premiere I: Polo BlueMotion Concept Car

* The new Number 1 when it comes to economy is the Polo BlueMotion Concept Car. The world's most fuel efficient five-seater is still a concept. Fuel consumption: 3.3 liter! CO2 emissions: just 87 g/km! Likelihood of going into production: extremely high! High tech on board: a new 1.2 liter common rail TDI producing 55 kW / 75 PS, automatic start-stop and a system for regenerative braking - recovery of braking energy. (For more on the new Polo BlueMotion Concept Car see separate press text.)

World premiere II: Golf BlueMotion

* In the vehicle class above, Volkswagen is showing the fuel efficient car of today in the form of the new Golf BlueMotion. Based on the sixth generation of the bestseller, this is a talented car that should appeal both to those who drive high business mileages as well as private users with an average fuel consumption of 3.8 liters (99 g/km CO2). Like the Polo, the Golf also has an automatic start-stop system and makes use of regenerative braking. Despite all of its economizing, the 77 kW / 105 PS strong Golf BlueMotion is anything but lacking in performance. Just the opposite is true thanks to its 250 Newton-meter of torque.

World premiere III: Golf Plus BlueMotion

* No less is true of the new Golf Plus BlueMotion, which uses the same new 1.6 TDI with common rail injection and identical systems such as regenerative braking and a start-stop system. Fuel consumption for the versatile high-roofed Golf is an average of 4.3 liters (114 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometers, depending on vehicle configuration. That is the best value in a competitive field, and it represents an additional 0.5 liter reduction in fuel consumption compared to the first Golf Plus BlueMotion. This Golf can easily handle 1,100 kilometers on one fill of its 55 liter fuel tank.

World premiere IV: Passat CC BlueTDI

* The new Passat CC BlueTDI takes you even further with a range of over 1,300 kilometers. Admittedly, the fuel tank is a bit larger and so is fuel consumption. Yet this car is a genuine sensation, since its engine - the 105 kW / 143 PS BlueTDI with downstream SCR catalytic converter that significantly reduces nitrogen oxides - is considerably more powerful and is simultaneously the cleanest diesel in the world! This 214 km/h fast cruising sedan needs just 5.2 liters (!) of diesel to cover 100 kilometers. CO2: 139 g/km. Even today, this Volkswagen already meets the emission limits of the Euro-6 standard planned for 2014. Upon request, the Passat CC BlueTDI can be ordered with an automatic 6-speed dual clutch transmission. This much is certain: In the everyday business world this car answers practically all of the questions posed by our times. Simply put: it is sustainable. By the way, the BlueTDI version of the touring sedan being shown in Geneva is based on the brand new Passat CC Individual. Identifying feature: the finest of materials and most exclusive equipment. This Volkswagen is ideal as an alternative for all those car drivers who want to drive a high performance touring sedan while simultaneously making a statement about sustainability. Because the Passat CC BlueTDI Individual unites both of these: high exclusivity and extremely low emissions.

World premiere V: Touran TSI EcoFuel

* That is what the Touran TSI EcoFuel does well too - possibly better than any other van in the world. That is because the "normal" Touran EcoFuel (80 kW / 109 PS) is one of the most successful natural gas cars in Europe. Now, however, Volkswagen is presenting the world premiere of an entirely new natural gas version of the van: the Touran TSI EcoFuel. Its key technical trademark: dual charging via turbocharger and supercharger ("Twincharger"). Its dynamic performance is unlike that of any other natural gas vehicle previously seen. Excellent performance contrasts with a high level of efficiency here: the new Touran TSI EcoFuel is so economical that 100 kilometers in this van, with its 110 kW / 150 PS of power, only costs about 4.60 Euros (based on average price of natural gas in Germany, February 2009). Although the Touran TSI EcoFuel goes to work with a passion thanks to its "Twincharger", the van consumes just 4.8 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometers when paired with a standard 6-speed transmission (129 g/km CO2; 7-speed-DSG: 4.7 kilograms and 126 g/km CO2).

BlueMotionTechnologies - New umbrella brand for a world of efficiency

* Each of these five new Volkswagens represents an individual solution tailored to meet the challenges of our times. Volkswagen is presenting all of these vehicles together under a new umbrella brand: BlueMotionTechnologies. This label covers all production-mature or near-production technologies and products that significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These are developments such as the start-stop system, energy recovery by regenerative braking and the highly innovative SCR catalytic converter. They also include the NOx storage catalytic converter already successfully introduced in the USA, electric and hybrid drive systems and innovative drive systems like the one on the new TSI EcoFuel.

 

 

BlueMotionTechnologies - World Premiere I:

Volkswagen is presenting the production version of the world's most fuel-efficient automobile in its class - the new Golf BlueMotion. Average fuel consumption: 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers! Also low are its 99 g/km CO2 emissions - both values are best-in-class. At the same time, the "BlueMotion" label demonstrates that economy does not have to come at the expense of driving pleasure. This is especially true of the uncompromising and high-end design of the Golf BlueMotion.

This concept car is powered by a new quiet and high-torque common rail turbo-diesel with 77 kW / 105 kW. The innovative configuration of this 1,598 cm3 four-cylinder engine is now also the technical basis for breaking the magic 4.0 liter fuel consumption barrier in the Golf class. Furthermore, technologies like automatic start-stop and regenerative braking (energy is recovered when braking and decelerating) contribute significantly to the Golf BlueMotion's increased efficiency. Volkswagen will introduce the new model in Europe starting in June.

The overriding goal in the development of the new BlueMotion engine was to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions - which has now been achieved par excellence on the Golf - while improving performance and maximizing comfort. Anyone driving the new Golf with this engine will quickly come to understand just how successfully these goals were attained.

The excellent power response of the new 1.6 TDI is due to the fact that it already develops its maximum torque of 250 Newton-meters at a low 1,500 rpm. Fuel delivery to the engine is handled by common rail injection. Piezo actuators enable especially precise multiple injections with very high precision of fuel quantity and timing. The system operates at an injection pressure of 1,600 bar and is characterized by an optimal balance of power, refinement, acoustics and emissions.

One technical focus in the car's development was to reduce friction power losses. Crankshaft, valve and oil pump drives were optimized. A square stroke/bore ratio minimizes friction losses at the cylinder liners. Furthermore, losses were reduced in the flow of oil and coolant, and frictional losses were reduced in air induction and charge air flows. Of course, an optimized engine cooling system also makes a positive contribution to engine efficiency.

An interesting benefit of all these efficiency improvements is that the new TDI engine is not lacking in performance by any means. It accelerates the Golf BlueMotion to 100 km/h in just 11.3 seconds and delivers a top speed of 190 km/h. Of course, this Volkswagen is also equipped with a diesel particulate filter. Like all sixth generation Golfs, the BlueMotion model also meets the limits of the new Euro-5 emissions standard.

BlueMotion - clever mix of technologies

The astonishing fuel economy of the latest Golf version is achieved with further modifications that are in addition to those already mentioned concerning the engine. As with other BlueMotion models, these include rpm-reducing gear ratios (a five-speed transmission is employed here), very low rolling resistance tires and special aerodynamic refinements. For the first time, these improvements are being supplemented by a start-stop system and regenerative braking.

Start-stop system in detail

Especially worthwhile is a look at the fully intuitive operation of the start-stop system. The driver approaches a red light in the Golf BlueMotion, brakes the Volkswagen to a stop, shifts to neutral (ideally this is done on a conventional car too) and takes his or her foot from the clutch. This shuts off the engine momentarily. A "Start Stop" message now appears in the multifunctional display. As soon as the traffic light turns green again, the driver fully depresses the clutch, the engine starts, the "Start Stop" message disappears, the driver puts the car back in gear and resumes driving. Essentially, the driver does not need to perform any additional steps compared to a conventional car, yet the start-stop system saves up to 0.2 liter of fuel per 100 kilometers on average in city driving.

Regenerative braking in detail

Regenerative braking helps to utilize energy that would otherwise be lost in driving as beneficially as possible. During deceleration and braking phases of the Golf BlueMotion - i.e. whenever the driver simply releases the gas pedal or intentionally brakes - the alternator's voltage is boosted, and this is utilized for bulk recharging of the vehicle battery.

Thanks to alternator control - which regulates the alternator as a function of engine efficiency for optimal battery charging - it is possible to reduce the alternator voltage, e.g. when accelerating or driving at a constant speed. It is even possible to switch off the alternator entirely. This reduces engine load and improves fuel economy. Special software for energy management and modified engine control software are needed to utilize regeneration.

 

BlueMotionTechnologies - World Premiere II:

Volkswagen will be bringing the new generation of the Golf Plus BlueMotion to European markets in September. Compared to its already extremely fuel efficient and low-emissions predecessor (4.8 liters per 100 km and 127 g/km CO2), the new model successfully improves fuel economy and emissions even more. And indeed to 4.3 liters diesel and 114 g/km CO2 - the new benchmark in the segment of high-roofed compacts. This progress was made possible by the second generation of a completely new engine that also appears in the Golf BlueMotion making a parallel debut in Geneva: the 1.6 TDI with common rail injection.

Especially in city traffic, an automatic start-stop system ensures that fuel consumption is kept in check. Also new aboard the new Golf Plus BlueMotion is regenerative braking - where energy is recovered during braking and deceleration. This reduces engine load during acceleration, since less power is required by the alternator - which can even be turned off completely - thereby saving fuel.

Not only is the new Golf Plus BlueMotion economical; it is fun too. A key performance parameter here is the excellent torque curve. The new 1.6 TDI develops a maximum torque of 250 Newton-meter at a low 1,500 rpm. Fuel delivery is handled by common rail injection. Four injectors spray the fuel directly into the combustion chambers at a maximum pressure of 1,600 bar. A very precise multi-injection system has a noticeably beneficial effect on emissions and combustion noise.

Other details of the 186 km/h Golf Plus BlueMotion include rpm-reducing gear ratios in its 5-speed transmission. Like the other BlueMotion versions in the Golf range, the primary visual features on the exterior of this latest and most economical Golf Plus are the new logos at the front and rear and a lowering of the ride height by 15 millimeters. Other modifications, such as a partially closed-off radiator grille and a special aerodynamic airflow panel at the rear axle remain hidden from view. Nonetheless, their aerodynamic effects make themselves felt: the drag coefficient of this model, optimized for fuel consumption, has been reduced to cW = 0.298, a top value in this vehicle class. The BlueMotion package for the Golf Plus is completed by tires with low rolling resistance.

The new Golf Plus embodies visual references to the classic design style of the sixth Golf generation. This is especially apparent at the front end. The rear bumper and roof rails were also redesigned. New steel and alloy wheels of various sizes complete the package of exterior visual modifications. Inside, details like new upholstery fabrics and other features introduced on the new Golf Plus also distinguish the new Golf Plus BlueMotion. These include its instruments, steering wheel and controls for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic).

 

BlueMotionTechnologies - World Premiere III:

The Passat CC is one of the most attention provoking new vehicles of the past year. No wonder: The four-door coupé from Volkswagen brings extraordinary design, impressive drive systems and technology plus highlights from the luxury class into a vehicle that has so far been unique in the Passat's car segment. Now the Passat CC arrives as a BlueTDI with a new diesel, pointing the way to an environmentally friendly future. The Blue TDI combines the economy of the BlueMotion concept with clean emissions that match those of a high-tech gasoline engine. Technical background: The common rail TDI engine of the new Passat CC BlueTDI will be combined with a SCR catalytic converter that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions to below 80 mg/km as standard equipment. The "CC" therefore already conforms to the limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard scheduled to take effect in the year 2014. The BlueTDI version of the touring sedan being shown in Geneva is based on the brand new Passat CC Individual. Identifying feature: the finest of materials and most exclusive equipment. This Volkswagen is ideal as an alternative for all those car drivers who want to drive a high performance touring sedan while simultaneously making a statement about sustainability. Because the Passat CC BlueTDI Individual unites both of these: high exclusivity and extremely low emissions.

The BlueTDI of the 214 km/h four door car has its technical origins in the latest configuration of the 103 kW / 140 PS 2.0 liter common rail engine. Yet, the BlueTDI develops even more power at 105 kW / 143 PS. Despite the power gain, the Passat CC BlueTDI consumes 0.4 liters less than the 140 PS TDI. In the Passat CC BlueTDI with 6-speed stick-shift transmission, fuel consumption is 5.2 liters (139 g/km CO2). This average fuel consumption underscores the Passat CC's positioning as an exemplary touring sedan. The average distance between fueling stops is a considerable 1,346 kilometers.

The BlueTDI version of the Passat CC goes into production at the beginning of June. In keeping with its exclusive positioning, it will also be available with a DSG 6-speed dual clutch transmission (consumption: 5.8 l/100 km; 153 g/km CO2).

SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue are keys to lowest NOx emissions

Ensuring the extremely low nitrogen oxide values in the generally very clean exhaust gases of the Passat CC BlueTDI is the highly sophisticated SCR catalytic converter used in tandem with the additive AdBlue. The acronym SCR stands for the internationally recognized term "Selective Catalytic Reduction". "Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter performs a very special task. Its job is to selectively convert nitrogen oxide (NOx) components of the exhaust gas into nitrogen and water. The SCR catalytic converter was developed precisely for this highly specialized task. In addition, however, an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter are on board to reduce the entire range of emissions.

Exclusive Individual features

The Individual version of the Passat CC BlueTDI leaves the factory with standard newly designed 18-inch "Chicago black" type alloy wheels. Optional 19-inch "Lugano" alloy wheels will be available early this summer.

Inside, all new Passat CC Individual cars offer standard two-tone leather seat covers on their 6-way power comfort seats (with memory function). The seat surfaces are treated in the high-end soft leather known as "cool leather" ("Nougat" color) with airflow perforations; this material reflects sunlight especially well, keeping it pleasantly cool. In the outer areas of the seats, a color coordinated, black nappa leather is used that is stitched with nougat-colored seams. The front armrest and the main surfaces of the door inserts are treated in the "Nougat" leather look too. These colors are also reflected in the leather steering wheel and gearshift lever: here the black leather elements are joined by nougat-colored seams. Black fabric floor mats are also upgraded by nougat-colored piping. Accents on the CC instrument panels and doors are in high-gloss black piano paint.

In addition, the Passat CC Individual will offer ambiance lighting in the doors and footwell areas as well as an extended chrome package as standard equipment. This includes special chrome rings on the interior door handles, chrome caps on the window lift and central locking switches and chrome around the mirror adjustment controls. Door tread plates in the front also come with an elegant white-illuminated "Volkswagen Individual" signature; the front signatures are elegantly illuminated in white light. By the way, the new Passat CC Individual with its familiar TDI and TSI engines will launch immediately.

 

BlueMotionTechnologies - World Premiere IV:

The multi-purpose Touran EcoFuel is one of the most successful natural gas cars in Europe. Now Volkswagen is presenting an entirely new natural gas version of this van as a world premiere: the Touran TSI EcoFuel. Its key technical feature is dual charging via turbocharger and supercharger ("Twincharger"). This combination generates more dynamic performance than in the case of any other natural gas production vehicle before it. Excellent performance combines with high fuel efficiency: the new Touran TSI EcoFuel is so economical that 100 kilometers in this van delivering 110 kW / 150 PS of power only costs about 4.60 Euros (based on average price of natural gas in Germany, February 2009).

The Touran Ecofuel closely follows the introduction of the Passat TSI EcoFuel which is now being sold in initial markets and features the same innovative, fuel-efficient drivetrain. Although the Touran TSI EcoFuel goes to work with a passion thanks to its "Twincharger", when fitted with a standard 6-speed transmission the van consumes just 4.8 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometers, and that corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 129 g/km.

When the Touran TSI EcoFuel is equipped with the optional DSG 7-speed dual clutch transmission - as in the version being shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show - fuel consumption and CO2 emissions drop to 4.7 kilograms and 126 g/km, respectively. In this case, fuel costs per 100 kilometers are reduced to 4.50 Euros.

Maximum power, maximum economy

The TSI EcoFuel engine of the Touran is designed for mono-fuel operation; it has four natural gas tanks and an auxiliary gasoline tank. However, there are no plans for manual switching from natural gas to gasoline operation. Primarily, the Touran TSI EcoFuel is powered by natural gas. It does not automatically switch to gasoline mode until the natural gas tanks are empty. At a low 1,500 rpm the engine already develops 220 Newton-meters of torque and maintains this value up to 4,500 rpm. Its driving characteristics are just as sporty. The Touran accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 10.1 seconds. Its top speed is 205 km/h. Naturally, the Touran TSI EcoFuel fulfills limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard.

The natural gas tanks of the Touran are housed in the underfloor of the multi-purpose van for safe and space-saving storage. They hold a total of 18 kilograms natural gas. With its natural gas supply, plus 11 liters of gasoline (as a reserve fuel supply), the Touran TSI EcoFuel can be driven more than 520 kilometers. The natural gas supply alone can provide a range of around 370 kilometers.