2008 VW Golf BlueMotion To Debut At Frankfurt

Anthony Fontanelle
August 15, 2007

Volkswagen will officially launch its newest economical diesel offering at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt this September. Fresh from its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz diesel technology dubbed as Bluetec, the German automaker will unleash the Golf BlueMotion, a line of ultra fuel-efficient cars that qualifies by achieving 52.26 mpg.

The world's fourth-largest automaker’s diesel salvo boasts its 4.5 liter fuel consumption and 119 g/km CO2 tapping the environment-friendly benchmarks in the compact segment. After the Polo, Passat and Passat Variant, the Golf is now the fourth product line from VW to flaunt the new BlueMotion environmental badge on its radiator grille and rear hatch that identifies it as the most economical model of the car series. According to the automaker, the Golf BlueMotion is run by a TDI with 77 kW or 105 PS and a hefty 250 Newton-meter of torque that has already achieved recognition as an efficient engine.

As revealed by Jalopnik, a software intervention in engine management reduces the idling speed of this diesel combined with a particulate filter and simultaneously improves its emission behavior. 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 liter. Enthusiast can now expect a different ambiance and performance from Golf. The Volkswagen Side Marker Lens and other auto parts are enhanced to meet the most stringent standards in emissions and mileage.

Aside from the Golf, the German automaker will be presenting five other BlueMotion models. Overall, six new models with technology that is as economical as it is environmentally friendly, will debut at the world's largest car show. The new Golf BlueMotion. At just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, its fuel consumption has been reduced by a full 0.6 liters as compared to the original model.

Likewise, carbon dioxide emissions have been dramatically slashed from 135 g/km to 119 g/km. Actions taken on the BlueMotion make it so efficient that now distances of more than 1,200 kilometers are possible on just one Golf tank of fuel (55 liter), the report added. Market launch of the Golf BlueMotion in Germany is set for the end of this year.

In the chase for every gram of CO2 VW is also relying on light-running tires, size 195 / 65 R 15, optimized for low rolling resistance; they are driven at higher air pressure, raised by a 0.3 bar. When all of the modifications come together, the top speed of the Golf increases from 187 km/h to an electronically limited 190 km/h.

The Golf BlueMotion features effective dual fan to supply enough cooling air and cutting-edge aerodynamic design measures such as lowering of the chassis, the cW value of 0.32, which in itself is a fine value, was further improved to 0.30.

When it comes to equipment, the car offers a range from Trendline and Comfortline. In addition to basic equipment, special Blue Motion specification is also on board. Besides the aerodynamic modifications, standard equipment includes the Multifunctional Display Plus (MFA Plus) with gear recommendation arrow and a sports chassis.

Separately, the German automaker reported a 10.5 percent increase in July vehicle sales at its core brand, its strongest month in terms of sales growth in 2007. The 310,000 units delivered to customers brought the year-to-date figure to 2.11 million vehicles, a gain of 7.9 percent, Reuters reported. Of the brand's ten largest individual markets world-wide, Brazil showed the biggest improvement with sales rising nearly 31 percent in January through July, followed by the 25 percent gain in China and a 21 percent increase in Argentina.

Source:  Amazines.com