Passat Wagon TSI EcoFuel @ Geneva 2008

**phaeton** · 09-03-2008, 06:51 PM

Geneva Motor Show 2008: Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel - world premiere
Gas burner:
First turbo direct-injection engine powered by natural gas debuts in the Passat

Passat TSI EcoFuel concept car combines dynamics and extremely low emissions

150-PS engine accelerates natural gas Passat to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds

Wolfsburg, 04 March 2008 The Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel - being shown for the first time in Geneva - is initiating a whole new era of natural gas powered cars. The fact is that until now, there have been rather restrictive limits to the temperament of cars powered by natural gas, a fuel that is just as environmentally-friendly as it is economical.

The Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel - thanks to its 110 kW / 150 PS strong TSI engine - is finally putting an end to this. Despite its high performance, the Passat’s turbo direct-injection engine - configured for natural gas operation for the first time in the world - is satisfied with just 5.2 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometers. Market introduction of the Passat and Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel will occur toward the end of this year.
Maximum power with maximum economy

The TSI EcoFuel of the Passat Variant is designed to be bivalent in terms of fuel, so that regardless of whether it is powered by natural gas or gasoline, its power output is the stated 150 PS. At a low 1,500 rpm the engine already develops a powerful 220 Newton-meter of torque and maintains it up to a speed of 4,800 rpm. Its driving performance is just as sporty. The Passat Variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a short 9.7 seconds. Its top speed is 210 km/h.

Also highly impressive is the car’s theoretical range: with 22 kilograms natural gas, which is stored in three tanks under the car floor, as well as 31 liters gasoline, the Passat Variant 1.4 TSI EcoFuel can travel 800 kilometers. The natural gas supply alone is sufficient to cover 420 kilometers.

Internal life of the engine extensively reworked
Use of the TSI as the “gas burner” required in-depth modifications to the engine technology. Since in natural gas operation - this is different than the combustion of gasoline - the fuel does not provide any supplemental lubrication and the pressures are greater, the valves, piston rings and pistons must be hardened or reinforced.

At the same time, the turbocharger was reduced in size, and special gas blow-in nozzles were integrated in the induction pipe.
A newly developed control module manages the tuning and switchover between the two operating modes.

The system’s success is evident, since the Passat Variant TSI EcoFuel is not only fuel efficient and economical, but also extremely clean: it is one of the first “non-diesels” in the world to satisfy the limits of the Euro-5 standard that goes into effect in September 2009.