Volkswagen presents world’s most eco-friendly one-make cup

Volkswagen Bio-CNG Scirocco

WOLFSBURG : October 24, 2009 - Yet again Volkswagen proves that it is a trendsetter, organising a one-make cup featuring Bio-CNG-powered vehicles starting in 2010.

Christian Neureuther

With a CO₂ reduction of up to 80 per cent Volkswagen demonstrates that major innovative strides are still possible in motorsport. Following the successful debut of the compressed natural gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNG at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring, an entire one-make cup has now been designed to enable eco-friendly motorsport. The cup version of the Bio-CNG Scirocco fitted with a two-litre turbo engine delivers up to 199 kW (270 hp). Member of the Volkswagen Executive Board for Technical Development Dr Ulrich Hackenberg is proud of the Bio-CNG Scirocco: "Our TSI engines in combination with our DSG gearbox technology stand for a symbiosis of sporty handling and economy. When, on top of that, a CO₂ reduction of 80 per cent is achieved in combination with Bio-CNG, it is safe to say that this is the most eco-friendly one-make cup in the world. I had the chance myself to see how sporty such a car feels back at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring. Bio-CNG now adds an exceptionally high CO₂ reduction as another benefit, which opens up outstanding prospects for motorsport.”

From the road to the race track

That Volkswagen views CNG power not only as a niche product is also proved by the new CNG-powered models like Caddy and Passat. The Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI EcoFuel just recently managed a breakthrough result at the ADAC/ÖAMTC EcoTest. After being awarded 92 out of 100 possible points, it is the first car to be adorned with five stars. By achieving this score, it even relegated a hybrid electric vehicle to second place.

Car with sophisticated technology

Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen looks forward to the new cup: "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.” The Scirocco will replace the successful Polo as the cup car after six years. It will be powered by a two-litre TSI engine with direct injection and turbo charger. The cup version of the Scirocco delivers up to 199 kW (270 hp). The six-speed DSG gearbox, which is operated by paddle shifters in the steering wheel, was chosen to transmit this power to the wheels. Like the production version, the Cup Scirocco has front-wheel drive.

The story continues

Next year, promotion of young talent will again be a top priority, but the talented youngsters will then be able to compete with five legends of the calibre of Hans-Joachim Stuck or Carlos Sainz at each of the races. These legends will come from Formula 1, the DTM, rally racing and Le Mans as well as TV and show business. As early as in 1976 Volkswagen fielded the Scirocco in the VW Junior Cup. The first winner, Manfred Winkelhock, is thus one of many talents who achieved major exploits in motorsport with Volkswagen. Drivers like Niki Lauda, Nelson Piquet or Keke Rosberg in Formula V are part of this hall of fame, as are the former Formula 3 champions Bernd Schneider, Tom Kristensen or Michael Schumacher, who all won the title "powered by Volkswagen”.

Images : 2010 Volkswagen Bio-CNG Scirocco

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]