Volkswagen looks forward to the future
Volkswagen is driving its advanced research and development of environmentally-friendly drive technologies with full force. Europe’s most successful automotive producer is applying the entire array of technologies of our time. In the framework of the 2007 Bibendum Challenge, Volkswagen is now showing six highlights from this array of technologies in Shanghai as well as innovative and environmentally friendly production and research vehicles. Two of the prototypes are world premieres: the zero emissions version of the Passat Lingyu and the Tiguan HyMotion – in both cases the energy for their electric motors is generated by a hydrogen fuel cell.
Tiguan – Present and future are both on board the new SUV
The Tiguan HyMotion demonstrates by example just how quickly Volkswagen Research goes to task. Hardly any time had passed since the production launch of the Tiguan version with conventional engines when the first research vehicle with a fuel cell was ready. Incidentally, the gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines of the Tiguan are not conventional in the classic sense either. Take the example of the diesels: They already fulfill – and this is unique in the SUV field – the European EU 5 emissions standard, which does not go into effect until the end of 2009. And the TSI gasoline direct injection engines, every one of which is charged, are prime examples of efficiency and dynamics. The Tiguan HyMotion meanwhile is looking even further into the future. It chauffeurs its passengers to their destinations at speeds of up to 150 km/h without any type of emissions.
Passat Lingyu – its fuel cell was developed by Chinese researchers
Also ahead of its time is the zero emissions version of the Passat Lingyu. The prototype jointly developed in China by Volkswagen and Tongji University is an example of Volkswagen’s long-term collaborative work with the world’s most creative thinkers on all of the world’s continents in developing new solutions for a clean future. Tongji University, which by the way was founded by Germans as a “medical school” in 1907, is one of the most respected universities in Asia today.
Jetta BlueTDI – it will help to save fuel in the USA. A lot of fuel
Also participating in the 2007 Bibendum Challenge are innovative cars like the new Jetta BlueTDI – the most advanced diesels in the world work under its hood. It will debut in the USA in 2008, where it will contribute to fuel savings in a big way – up to 35 percent savings compared to the gasoline engines used in America. That will help the environment. Immediately.
Passat BlueMotion – it is already reducing CO2 emissions enormously in Europe
Also bringing immediate relief when it comes to CO2 reduction is the Passat BlueMotion. It is already on the market in Europe. This Volkswagen has turned the world of high-end mid-size sedans and station wagons on its head within an extremely short time. That is because no other competitor can match its fuel consumption of just 5.1 liters diesel per 100 kilometers.
Passat TSI EcoFuel – possibly the sportiest natural gas drive in the world
The engine of another Passat at the Bibendum Challenge is another prototype: the TSI EcoFuel that is charged with supercharger and turbocharger. It runs on natural gas. This engine is writing history as the first natural gas driven engine. Not only is it clean and economical, but thanks to its impressive performance and hefty torque it is also a lot of fun in any of life’s driving situations.
Touran CCS – the best properties of gasoline and diesel engines merge together here
Meanwhile, the Touran CCS (Combined Combustion System) shows just how the best of the world’s gasoline and diesel engines can merge into a new type of engine. When its tank is filled with synthetic fuel, such as SunFuel (made from biomass), this engine operates practically CO2-neutral. A milestone. SunFuel will advance to become one of the energy sources of the future. Energy for a future that is fun. CCS engines, fuel cells, BlueTDI, TSI EcoFuel – all of these are drive systems that make one look forward to the future. And they are solutions that in the future will make people look forward to a Volkswagen.
