Volkswagen presents world’s most eco-friendly one-make cup
ollowing the successful debut of the compressed natural gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNG at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, Volkswagen is launching a one-make Bio-CNG-powered race series in 2010. With a CO 2 reduction of 80 per cent being achieved in combination with Bio-CNG, the Scirocco Cup will demonstrate that major innovative strides are still being made in motorsport and make it the most eco-friendly one-make championship in the world.

The Cup version of the Scirocco is designed to enable eco-friendly motorsport. Based on the TSI unit fitted in the Scirocco, the Bio-CNG-racing version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 203 lbs ft of torque and up to 223 PS. A push-to-pass system provides a short burst of increased power of 30 PS to create additional overtaking opportunities and action throughout the race. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts operate a six-speed DSG gearbox and, as with the road-going Scirocco R, power is channelled through the front wheels. Read more
Ford stuffs 400-hp EcoBoost motor in ‘34 Hot Rod

Hot rodders have always lived by the motto “There’s no replacement for displacement,” indicating that the more cubic inches an engine has, the better the resulting performance. Ford Powertrain and Detroit Street Rods are out to prove that thinking out-of-date with their EcoBoost™-powered ‘34 Ford hot rod.
To be introduced at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, the Ford hot rod will be the “first” rear-wheel-drive application of the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 delivering an estimated 400 horsepower and 400 ft.-lb. of torque – power numbers that easily rival a typical hot rod’s 302-cubic-inch V-8 or even a modern-day V-8 of similar size.
“EcoBoost technology shows that there is a viable replacement for displacement,” said Dan Kapp, director of Ford Powertrain Research and Advanced Engineering, who will be part of a SEMA “Driving Green” technology briefing panel discussion during the show. “As consumers’ demand for fuel efficiency continues to grow, and our commitment to delivering best-in-class fuel economy remains steadfast, it’s important to show that performance does not need to suffer as a result.” Read more
GM Plants in Greater Flint Area Tool Up for 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt
GM is investing more than $230 million in four greater Flint, Mich. plants to support production of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt
FLINT, Mich. – General Motors Company is investing more than $230 million in four GM plants in the greater Flint area to support the production of the fuel-efficient 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt, representing more than 500 jobs. The four GM plants include Flint Engine South, Flint Metal Center, Flint Tool & Die and Grand Blanc Weld Tool Center. Read more
Volkswagen MK VI Golf BlueMotion – 99 g/km of CO2
The second generation Golf BlueMotion is ready on the starting grid: with TDI, start-stop function and braking energy recovery, it is the top of its class. It is already available to buy in Germany from € 21,650.
The new Golf BlueMotion now comes with an optional package of various hi-tech components and applications which allows it to reach extremely low levels of consumption and emissions. With an average fuel consumption of 3.8 l / 100 km and CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, this is the most economical Golf of all time. The superbly efficient 1.6 TDI contributes greatly to this. The new Common Rail engine delivers a power output of 77 kW / 105 PS yet is still even more efficient than the first generation Polo BlueMotion. This comparison just goes to show how hard Volkswagen works to increase efficiency in all of its models. The engine’s power is transmitted via a long-ratio five-speed manual gearbox. What’s more there is a gear recommendation function so that the Golf BlueMotion is always driving in the gear best suited for optimum consumption. Read more
eco-driving techniques at the IAA 2009
When is the best time to shift into the next gear? When does it make sense to switch the engine off? Visitors to the 63rd International Motor Show (IAA) Cars can get answers to these and other questions in the free Eco-training. An anticipatory driving style not only helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but is also good for your wallet and your nerves. During the Eco-training, visitors to the IAA will learn from experienced driving instructors how they can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20 per cent, by observing a few basic rules and making the best use of modern vehicle technology – and at the same time arrive at their destination more relaxed and more safely. Read more
Volkswagen presents the most fuel-efficient automobile in the world

Technological breakthrough for the 1-litre fuel consumption car: International Motor Show (IAA), Volkswagen is presenting the concept of the future L1 in a world premiere that points the way toward the production version. The full hybrid vehicle weighs just 380 kilograms thanks to its carbon-fibre reinforced body (CFRB). With a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.38 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, this extremely aerodynamic (Cd 0.195!) Volkswagen suitable for everyday use is intended to become the most fuel-efficient automobile in the world. CO2 emissions of the 160 km/h L1 are similarly low at 36 g/km.
Retrospective: Seven years ago, Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, at that time Chairman of the Board of Management and today Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Volkswagen Group, drove a prototype from Wolfsburg to Hamburg that was unlike any other car before it: the Volkswagen 1-Litre car – the world’s first car with fuel consumption of one litre fuel per 100 kilometres. The man and machine wrote automotive history. In April 2002, however, it was also clear that the time for a production version of the 1-Litre car lay far in the future. Production of the body itself – from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) – was not realistic due to cost considerations. Yet, in 2002 Dr. Ferdinand Piëch already prophesised that the time would soon come for the 1-Litre car and CFRP as a material for industrial applications. By 2009 the time had come: Volkswagen is making a clear statement at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27) with the second generation of this ingenious car: The L1 represents a step forward into the future with completely new technology and a new design; revolutionary yet close to production readiness. Read more
Thousands Test Drive Gas- and Emissions-Free Vehicles
Over the last two years a fleet of hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles have been test driven by everyday people. Participants in Project Driveway were given the opportunity to drive the gas-free, emissions-free Chevrolet Equinox wherever they wanted and recently reached the millionth mile mark.
To celebrate the millionth mile, current and former drivers came together to share their experience and talk about the future of hydrogen. In exchange for the two months of free gas and insurance, the drivers provided feedback to engineers on the Equinox. Customer comments help the automaker improve the fuel cell experience and in some cases modify the vehicle, bringing it one step closer to reality. Read more
New Prius Plug-in HybridEW PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID

Toyota is unveiling a new Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept at the Frankfurt motor show, signalling further progress towards its ambition of building the ultimate eco-car.
Presentation of the new concept comes ahead of a test programme that will see more than 500 cars leased to customers worldwide for real-world evaluation of performance and monitoring of driver attitudes and experiences.
Using lithium-ion batteries, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides clean, fuel-efficient electric-powered running in urban areas for longer distances and at higher speeds than the conventional, third generation full hybrid Prius. Over longer distances, or when the limit of battery power is reached, the system automatically shifts to conventional petrol power. Advanced battery technology allows for full recharging in around an hour and a half and the extended EV capability brings CO2 emissions down to around 60g/km. Read more