|
Volkswagen will be
firing off the next salvo of its
BlueMotion offensive at the
International Motor Show
in Frankfurt. In total, six new
models with technology that is
as economical as it is
environmentally-friendly, will
debut at the world’s largest car
show. One of the highlights
there: The new Golf BlueMotion.
At just 4.5 litres of diesel per
100 km (62.8 mpg), its fuel
consumption has been reduced by
a full 0.6 litres compared to
the original model. Similarly,
CO2 emissions have
been reduced from 135 g/km to
119 g/km. Actions taken on the
BlueMotion make it so efficient
that now distances of more than 745 miles are
possible on just one Golf tank
of fuel (55 litres).
After the Polo, Passat and
Passat Estate, the Golf is the
fourth Volkswagen to wear the
new BlueMotion environmental
badge on its radiator grille and
rear hatch, identifying it as
the most economical model in the
range. The Golf BlueMotion is
driven by a TDI with 77 kW / 105
PS and a hefty 250 Nm (184 lbs
ft) of torque that has already
achieved recognition as an
efficient engine.
A software intervention in
engine management reduces the
idling speed of this diesel
combined with a particulate
filter and simultaneously
improves its emission
performance. With longer gear
ratios in third, fourth and
fifth gears, engine speed levels
are also lower while driving.
These actions alone reduce
consumption by about 0.2 litre.
Less apparent but no less
necessary for a gain in economy
are the thoroughly trimmed and
thereby flow-optimized underbody
as well as the nearly enclosed
radiator grille. To ensure that
the TDI engine still gets enough
cooling air, the Golf BlueMotion
has an effective dual fan.
Thanks to aerodynamic design
measures, including lowering of
the chassis, the Golf’s cW value
of 0.32, which in itself is a
good value, was further improved
to 0.30.
In the hunt for every gram of CO2
Volkswagen is also relying on
light-running tyres, size 195/65
R15, optimized for rolling
resistance; they are driven at
higher air pressure, elevated by
0.3 bar. When all of the
modifications come together in
the end product, the top speed
of the Golf rises
to an electronically limited 118 mph.
The Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion
will be launched in Germany this
year but will be available for
the UK market in early 2008.
|
|
