To the Point: BlueMotionTechnologies

A new umbrella brand for the world of efficiency

Wolfsburg, 02 February 2009 - Passat BlueMotion – new 110-PS TDI consumes just 4.9 liters

-Passat BlueTDI – new 143-PS TDI with SCR catalytic converter attains limits of Euro-6 standard

-Passat TSI EcoFuel – first car with direct-injection natural gas engine

-Touareg Hybrid – new V6 TSI and E-motor drive consumption below 9 liters

In the first part of this year, Volkswagen will simultaneously launch three extremely fuel-efficient Passat versions with low emissions to the market: the second generation of the Passat BlueMotion, the Passat BlueTDI and the Passat TSI EcoFuel. Each of these new Passats represents an individual solution tailored to meet the challenges of our times. Volkswagen is presenting all three Passats 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.

BlueMotionTechnologies These are developments such as the new start-stop system, regenerative braking and the highly innovative SCR catalytic converter and the NOx storage catalytic converter already implemented successfully in the USA electric drive and hybrid systems. Also included are the innovative drive systems of the new TSI EcoFuel. These technologies are proof that Volkswagen is once again leading the way with innovative, efficient and cost effective solutions for the future. Recent beginnings of this process can be seen in the Polo BlueMotion, which in 2006 was the first five-seater to reduce fuel consumption below 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers.

The extent of today’s BlueMotion range currently extends from this Polo to the Golf, Jetta, Caddy, Touran, Sharan, and up to the new Passat BlueMotion. A recent survey by the organization "Deutsche Automobil Treuhand DAT", the renowned and world’s oldest institution for automotive market research, demonstrates just how successful the BlueMotion label has become today. In a representative survey, the esteemed DAT found that 85 percent of German car drivers are familiar with the BlueMotion label. The next best competitor only attained a recognition level of 36 percent. This makes BlueMotion the number 1 among automotive environmental labels in Germany.

The term BlueMotionTechnologies does not define a fixed set of technologies but a range of continually evolving, innovative solutions. Under the same label, Volkswagen is offering an initial look at the prototype of the new Touareg Hybrid. The powertrain technology implemented here will go into production with the next generation Touareg. Average fuel consumption: less than 9.0 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions: less than 210 g/km. The countdown has already started for this car.

Representative of just how innovative BlueMotionTechnologies are in the 2009 product lineup, is the current Passat – a mid-class model that has long claimed a position as the most fuel efficient, cleanest and most economical car in its class.

Take the Passat BlueMotion, for example: Here a new common rail TDI (81 kW / 110 PS) delivers pioneering 4.9 liter average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 128 g/km (Wagon: 129 g/km). The Passat BlueMotion has a start-stop system as standard equipment and attains the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard that takes effect in September. Its range of over 1,400 kilometers on one tank of fuel is a sensation as well – travelers starting out in Berlin will not be looking for a gas station until shortly before Rome! This car is already being sold.

Consider the Passat BlueTDI. This diesel is far ahead of its time: it will be the first TDI launched by Volkswagen to attain the limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard that does not become law until 2014. Aboard the Passat BlueTDI, a so-called SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxides to a level below 80 mg/km. Production of the 105 kW / 143 PS Passat BlueTDI will ramp up at the beginning of March. Fuel consumption of the sedan with standard 6-speed transmission: 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers. This yields CO2 emissions of 137 g/km (Wagon: 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers / 144 g/km CO2). As an option, the Passat BlueTDI is available with a 6-speed DSG. The Passat BlueTDI is positioned above the Passat BlueMotion due to its greater power and more sophisticated emissions control system.

Take the example of the Passat TSI EcoFuel: The TSI EcoFuel, boosted by supercharger and turbocharger, revolutionizes the world of cars powered by natural gas. Never before has there been a natural gas vehicle with this kind of dynamic performance that is so fuel efficient and clean. The Passat TSI EcoFuel breaks the 120 gram CO2 barrier. In natural gas mode its driver pays less than 4.25 Euros* per 100 kilometers; and its engine – with 110 kW / 150 PS – delivers precisely the type of performance one would want in a highly comfortable travel car like the Passat.

Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid in detail – prototype with near-production technology
The Touareg Hybrid prototype being demonstrated incorporates many features of the production vehicle of tomorrow. The car is powered by a new V6 TSI – a highly advanced configuration of a direct injection gasoline engine boosted by a mechanically-driven supercharger – in tandem with an electric motor. It features a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen is implementing a parallel hybrid drive on the future Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid. The SUV is able to offer a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system and up to 3.5 metric tons towing capacity in this version too.

The V6 TSI on the Touareg is clearly happy at high revs and exhibits agile response. It delivers 245 kW / 333 PS. This places the TSI at the same power level as an eight cylinder engine, yet it is considerably more fuel efficient. When used in the hybrid drive, fuel consumption of less than 9.0 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers is attained. The electric motor installed between the V6 TSI and the 8-speed automatic transmission delivers a maximum power of 38 kW / 52 PS. In boosting mode – where maximum torque and power are required, the V6 TSI engine and the electric motor operate together (by kickdown or gearshift selector in "S" position). Under these conditions, a temporary maximum power of 275 kW / 374 PS is available with a maximum torque of 550 Newton-meter. However, it should be stated that the system is primarily designed for excellent fuel consumptions and emissions and that the availability of temporary high performance is just a welcome side benefit.

Passat BlueMotion in detail – the most fuel efficient Passat of all times
BlueMotion is the Volkswagen label for the most fuel efficient cars of the brand. The BlueMotion version of the large Passat is especially successful. That is why Volkswagen is launching its second generation of BlueMotion cars with this model. Dealers are already making first deliveries of the new Passat BlueMotion. This Volkswagen – offered as a sedan or wagon – is now powered by a new highly advanced version of the common rail turbo-diesel with 81 kW / 110 PS. Aboard the Passat BlueMotion, as mentioned, the engine consumes only 4.9 liters fuel per 100 kilometers; accordingly, its CO2 emissions are also low at 128 g/km (Wagon: 129 g/km).

In addition, a start-stop system is being implemented that is highly effective, especially in city driving. Also new in the technology package of the most fuel efficient Passat of all times: longer gear ratios, low-friction drive shafts, super reduced rolling resistance tires and extra lightweight wheels made of flow-formed steel. The material thickness of these wheels is lower in certain sections to save on weight. The BlueMotion package can be ordered in combination with one of the four equipment variants Trendline, Comfortline, Highline or Sportline. Always included: the particulate filter.

Passat BlueTDI in detail – the cleanest Passat TDI of all times
In just a few weeks, the Passat BlueTDI will be launched on initial European markets, serving as a frontrunner for an entirely new series of pioneering BlueTDI models. This new model already attains the limits of the Euro-6 emission standard that does not take effect until the year 2014.

A highly sophisticated SCR catalytic converter – together with the additive AdBlue – ensures significant reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases. The acronym SCR stands for "Selective Catalytic Reduction". "Selective" refers to the fact that this catalytic converter selectively converts nitrogen oxide (NOx) components in the exhaust into nitrogen and water without forming undesirable by-products. This makes the Passat BlueTDI the most environmentally-friendly diesel production car in the world.

Technically speaking, the Passat BlueTDI is based on the 103 kW / 140 PS, 2.0 liter common rail engine. However, the BlueTDI develops 105 kW / 143 PS and despite the slight increase in power, it consumes up to 0.4 liter less than the conventional TDI, depending on body version. On the Passat Wagon BlueTDI, fuel consumption is 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers (144 g/km CO2); on the sedan it is 5.2 liters (137 g/km CO2).

Passat TSI EcoFuel in detail – the most dynamic natural gas car of all times
The Passat TSI EcoFuel is ushering in a new era of cars powered by natural gas. Until now, one of the drawbacks of cars powered by natural gas – a fuel that is as environmentally-friendly as it is economical – has been that performance can be rather unexciting. Thanks to its advanced, 110 kW / 150 PS engine, the Passat TSI EcoFuel combines a maximum speed of 210 km/h with excellent fuel consumption and finally puts an end to the myth that natural gas cars are slow.. The natural gas powered Passat accelerates to 100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds.

Despite its great agility, the world’s first turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection engine configured for natural gas operation in the Passat, and equipped with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) it requires just 4.4 kilograms (!) of natural gas per 100 kilometers (cost point: just 4.25 Euros* / 100 km). At 119 g/km CO2, the Passat breaks the 120 g/km CO2 barrier. Market launch for both the Passat and Passat Wagon TSI EcoFuel is already scheduled for the first part of 2009.