Filed under: Diesel, Volkswagen, Geneva Motor Show
It's early-morning in Geneva, and the press releases are starting their advance from automaker lock-boxes to our green little eyes. The Autoblog writers in Geneva will be covering green announcements for us, but for now we'll make due with official PR from the likes of VW, which just released three announcements about their diesel lineup in Geneva. You can read all three after the jump (aren't we nice?) and here are the highlights:- Volkswagen will be offering the Touareg with SCR catalytic converter and "one of the cleanest diesel engines " starting in 2008
- New Golf Variant (pictured) to be introduced this summer
- New Passat BlueMotion with fuel economy of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers, which VW estimates will cost German drivers with an average annual driving distance of 15,000 kilometers, just 68 Euros per month for fuel
- Phaeton with first V6 TDI meets future (2009) Euro-5 standard
Related:
- VW will bring 102 Polo BlueMotions to Geneva - one for each g/km of CO2
- Geneva Preview: Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion
Key Aspects: Touareg BlueTDI - World Premiere of the Clean High-Tech Diesel
- SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent
- Volkswagen will introduce new emissions-reducing technology in 2008
Therefore, Volkswagen will be offering the Touareg with SCR catalytic converter starting in 2008, initially in the USA, as part of the BlueTec Alliance started together with Audi and DaimlerChrysler at the end of last year. Also slated for 2008: The company for smaller vehicles like the Jetta will introduce, in America, a NOx storage catalytic converter that eliminates up to 90 percent of nitrogen oxides. The two technically challenging systems are scheduled to debut in Europe a short time later.
The Euro-4 standard currently specifies a NOx limit of 0.25 g/km here. The US standard, which the Touareg BlueTDI satisfies, specifies among other things a NOx limit of 0.043 g/km (0.07 g/mile).
SCR (selective catalytic reduCtion) CATALYTIC CONVERTER /
New catalytic converter technology targets reductions in nitrogen oxides; Nitrogen oxides are converted to harmless nitrogen and water
SCR is the usual international acronym for "Selective Catalytic Reduction". "Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter has a very special task. Its purpose is to selectively convert the nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust components to nitrogen and water without generating any undesirable side products. It was developed precisely for this highly specialized task. Therefore, in the future vehicles such as the Touareg BlueTDI, being shown for the first time in Geneva, will also be equipped with an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter.
The nitrogen oxides are converted utilizing a synthetically produced, water-based urea solution, e.g. AdBlue, which is stored in an auxiliary tank on the Touareg BlueTDI. The substance, consisting of 32.5 percent urea, is continuously sprayed into the exhaust stream before the SCR catalytic converter. It is metered based on the mass flow of the exhaust. Engine management ensures precise regulation, based on information from a NOx sensor located after the SCR catalytic converter.
Atomized into a fine spray by a screen, the urea is transformed in the hot exhaust gas stream upstream of the catalytic converter. In the SCR catalytic converter this reacts with the nitrogen oxides and splits them, as described, into nitrogen and water. The water-based additive AdBlue is non-toxic, odorless and biodegradable.
AdBlue is consumed at an average rate of about 0.1 liter per 100 kilometers. Consumption and tank size are sized so that the AdBlue supply does not need to be replenished until the next scheduled service.
INTERNAL ENGINE MODIFICATIONS/
Combustion chamber sensors that are unique worldwide monitor each cylinder; Common rail injection system operates at pressure of 2,000 bar for first time
Besides introducing the SCR catalytic converter, the engineers at Volkswagen Automotive Group have put together an entire bundle of innovative modifications. Combustion chamber sensors are being implemented for the first time; they monitor pressure conditions in the cylinders. And a new common rail system with 2,000 bar injection pressure atomizes the fuel even finer. The ideal combustion achieved by these measures enhances smooth engine running and lowers overall raw emissions.
In the effort to reduce emissions, especially NOx raw emissions, efforts being made in internal engine modifications include measures to lower maximum temperatures in the combustion chambers and to reduce oxygen concentration by exhaust gas recirculation. Nitrogen oxides generated despite these measures are fed to the new SCR catalytic converter and are removed, as outlined above.
COMBUSTION CHAMBER SENSOR AND COMMON RAIL IN DETAIL/
Combustion chamber sensors optimize injection and combustion;
Piezo injectors with newly developed eight-hole nozzles
As engineers began to develop the BlueTDI, their first goal was to achieve further overall combustion optimization in the engine. The world premiere of such an innovation is being celebrated in the BlueTDI - the combustion chamber sensor. Integrated in the glow plug, the sensor continuously measures pressure conditions in the cylinder and reports the data to engine management.
This enables perfect control of injection and combustion in each cylinder; it is even possible to compensate for fluctuating qualities of fuel. Ideal combustion helps to reduce raw emissions. It also optimizes smooth running and noise behavior.
The intensively refined common rail injection system serves the same purposes. With a newly designed pump, the system builds up 2,000 bar of pressure - also an innovation. The piezo injectors have been significantly modified too. Their smaller eight-hole nozzles inject miniscule spray volumes into the combustion chambers. This, together with the higher pressure combine to produce an injection that is even more precise and dynamic - detailed work that as a whole has resulted in one of the most economical and cleanest six-cylinder diesel engines in the world.
VOLKSWAGEN BLUEMOTION PARK/
Presentation of technologies such as the SCR catalytic converter in a special exhibit area lets visitors experience key mobility technologies of today and tomorrow
To point out its activities in the area of environmental protection, Volkswagen has set up a BlueMotion Park at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. At numerous exhibits and interactive information terminals on technological highlights visitors can experience how Volkswagen technologies are preserving the mobility of today and tomorrow. Key topics addressed here are engines, transmissions, synthetic fuels, lightweight construction and aerodynamics. Exhibits relating to BlueTDI systems are another focal point: The SCR catalytic converter for larger vehicles like the Touareg, and the NOx storage catalytic converter such as the one Volkswagen introduced for the first time in a Jetta test car.
Note:
All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany.They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction.
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
To the Point: 2007 Geneva Motor Show
Volkswagen Presents Golf Variant and Passat BlueMotion as World Premieres
World premiere I: New Golf Variant to be introduced this summer
World premiere II: New Passat BlueMotion with fuel economy of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers
Technological highlight: Phaeton with first V6 TDI meets future Euro-5 standard
Wolfsburg, 06 March 2007 - At the International 77th Geneva Motor Show held from March 8 to 18, Volkswagen is presenting an abundance of innovative new models. Presented as world premieres are the new Golf Variant and the Passat BlueMotion. Another technological highlight is the Phaeton featuring new technical details; the sedan with a new V6 TDI is the first car offered by the corporation that already fulfills the Euro-5 standard that goes into effect in 2009. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is in Geneva with two concept vans: The Caddy Life Edition and Multivan PanAmericana.
World premiere I: The new Golf Variant
Debuting in a world premiere is the third generation of the Golf Variant, with more than 1.2 million units built since 1993. As a TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS it consumes just 5.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (CO2 = 137 g/km). The cargo space of the new Golf Variant is 1,550 liters. The first cars will be delivered in early summer. Engine power ranges from 75 kW / 102 PS to 103 kW / 140 PS.
World premiere II: The new Passat BlueMotion
With the world premiere of the Passat BlueMotion Volkswagen is demonstrating in Geneva that minimalistic fuel consumption values are also feasible one car class higher (see separate press folder or www.volkswagen-media-services.com). Although it can go 193 km/h if necessary, this most economical of the Passat versions is also satisfied with 5.1 liters of diesel as a sedan (CO2 = 136 g/km); or 5.2 liters as the Passat BlueMotion Variant (CO2 = 137 g/km).
Technological highlight: New Phaeton V6 TDI
Early this summer Volkswagen will already be introducing another technological highlight in the diesel area to the market: The Phaeton V6 TDI. This powerful 233 PS luxury sedan fulfills the Euro-5 standard that go into effect in 2009. This hurdle can only be cleared by diesel cars whose engines are capable of reducing particulate emissions to limits that are 80 percent lower than those of the current Euro-4 standard. Numerous new technical features were designed into all versions of the Phaeton, such as "Front Assist" stopping distance reduction, "Side Assist" for peripheral monitoring, bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and a navigation system now with DVD support.
Concept cars: Caddy Life Edition and Multivan PanAmericana
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting two concept vans that are also powered by economical TDI engines: The Caddy Life Edition and the Multivan PanAmericana. While the Caddy sets the stage as the sportiest version of this model series, the Multivan PanAmericana was designed for life's biggest adventures with its elevated ground clearance.
Exhibition highlight: Golf Variant in detail
For 45 years now, Volkswagens with extra-large cargo areas have been called - unless they are a van - "Variant". To date, more than 6.1 million of them have been sold worldwide. Now there is a new one: The Golf Variant. Its market introduction will begin this summer, initially in Europe.
Once again the Golf Variant is characterized by an ideal ratio of interior and exterior dimensions. When the cargo net is installed (standard starting with Comfortline), even with five occupants on board the Golf Variant can carry 690 liters of cargo; up to the load sill at window level this still amounts to 505 liters (without spare wheel well). When the rear bench seat is folded, the full interior height (0.83 meters) can be utilized to stow up to 1,550 liters of cargo.
A synthesis of new and classic stylistic elements distinguishes the car design. The rear end of the Variant shows a completely new side of the Golf. While about half of each taillight is integral to the rear hatch on other body versions of the model series, on the Golf Variant they are integrated completely in the fender. Visually, the taillights emphasize the large load width of the hatch opening.
At its market introduction Volkswagen is offering the Golf Variant with one gasoline and two diesel engine options. The gasoline engine outputs 75 kW / 102 PS. The two diesels of the Golf Variant deliver even more power with extraordinary economy: 77 kW / 105 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS, and they are among the most efficient engines ever. The smaller of these two TDIs is content with just 5.2 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. Moreover, the large TDI is as fuel efficient as it is environmentally friendly. The Golf Variant 2.0 TDI that can reach speeds of up to 205 km/h consumes just 5.6 liters fuel per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions: 148 g/km.
Note:
All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany.They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction.
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
To the Point: World premiere of the new Passat BlueMotion
2007 Geneva Motor Show
Economy: Passat BlueMotion is satisfied with 5.1 liters diesel per 100 kilometers
Low emissions: 136 g/km CO2 sets a top value among the mid-class cars
Wolfsburg, 06 March 2007 - World premiere for one of the most economical mid-class cars of our time: The Passat BlueMotion. Volkswagen is presenting this new model at the 77th Geneva Motor Show. The Passat BlueMotion, powered by a TDI engine rated at 77 kW / 105 PS, breaks through the magical fuel consumption barrier of 5.5 liters for its class, as sedan and Variant. The sedan consumes just 5.1 liters diesel per 100 kilometers, and the Variant just 5.2 liters. And that represents an improvement of 0.7 liters for the Variant and 0.6 liters for the sedan. The Passat BlueMotion will be introduced in Europe early this summer.
Clean: CO2 emissions significantly reduced
Paired with its low fuel consumption values are CO2 emission reductions of 15 g/km for the sedan and 19 g/km for the Variant. Total emissions of 136 g/km and 137 g/km (Variant) are a testimony to the innovative potential of the Volkswagen TDI engines. In addition, a particulate filter is integrated in the emissions control system as standard equipment.
Fast: Additional five km/h top speed as side effect
Fuel economy and CO2 data are all the more impressive, because the Passat, at a length of 4.77 meters, is among the largest vehicles in its segment. An interesting side benefit: Its aerodynamic refinements and longer gearing have increased its top speed by five km/h. The sedan tops out at 193 km/h, and the Variant reaches 190 km/h.
Economical: Passat BlueMotion reduces costs
The Passat BlueMotion not only protects the environment and energy resources; it also protects the car owner's budget. At an average annual driving distance of 15,000 kilometers, fuel costs are just 68 Euros* per month due to the car's excellent fuel economy. A pleasant side benefit: sedan and Variant have theoretical ranges of about 1,350 on a single tank of fuel! And that translates to just eleven fill ups per year at 15,000 kilometers.
Aerodynamic: Body fine tuning reduces air resistance
The excellent fuel economy and emission values were achieved by continuous fine tuning of the drivetrain, chassis and car body. An example in the area of aerodynamics: The radiator grille trim was modified, and the underbody was skirted. Modifications have improved air resistance values (cW x A) by 12.2 percent for the sedan (12.5 percent for Variant) to 0.617 and 0.629 (Variant).
Lowered: Lower chassis also optimizes air resistance
A number of effective changes were also made to the chassis. A careful look at the car reveals that the Passat BlueMotion "stands" somewhat lower in the wheel housings than the base version; this was done for better aerodynamics, and indeed it has been lowered 15 millimeters in front and eight millimeters in the rear. The lowest possible rolling resistance is guaranteed by high-tech tires ("best-in-class energy tires") sized 205/55 R16 91H with tire pressure increased by 0.4 bar in part-load operation.
Innovative: Engine helps driver in gear selection
The 1.9 TDI of the Passat BlueMotion (77 kW / 105 PS at 4,000 rpm) develops a maximum torque of 250 Newton-meter (starting at 1,900 rpm). Its notable fuel efficiency was achieved by tuning a wide variety of parameters on the four-cylinder, direct injection turbo-diesel engine. A software modification to the engine controller allowed development engineers to reduce idling speed, for example. The TDI's engine controller also outputs a "gear recommendation" to the "Multifunctional Display Plus". There the driver can read off which of a total of five forward gears is the ideal gear at any given time.
Program: BlueMotion is more than a vehicle name
In the summer of 2006 Volkswagen presented its first model under the new BlueMotion label: The Polo BlueMotion. Power: 59 kW / 80 PS. Fuel consumption: 3.9 liters diesel per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions: 102 g/km. But the name BlueMotion not only refers to the automobile, 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. BlueMotion is advancing to become a quality seal that stands for economy without compromises in driving fun.
* = Fuel prices in Germany (02/07)
Note:
All data and equipment contained in this press release apply to models offered in Germany.They may differ in other countries. All information is subject to change or correction.
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.
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