CNG News: 19 April, 2010

Three VW Scirocco cars will run on biogas at demanding international race

From the 12th to 16th of May, the Volkswagen Scirocco bio natural gas GT24-CNG model will contest at Nurburgring motorsport complex, one of the toughest and most dangerous purpose-built racing circuits in the world. This is the second participation of the German OEM with a biogas-powered Scirocco in the Nürburg’s challenge, in Germany. But this year, the bet is stronger since there will be three units contesting. This 24-hour race, also known as “Green Hell”, will have “the most eco-conscious” powertrain of any car in the field as the vehicles’ engines reduce CO2 by 80 per cent, says VW Motorsport director, Kris Nissen. According to Volkswagen engineers, the 2-litre TSI turbo engine’s fuel is fully produced from renewable materials in Germany and its production has a neutral impact on the environment. Besides using biogas as an alternative fuel, the OEM will apply new differential technology in order to highlight the performance potential. The first Scirocco will be piloted by a “junior team”, another by a group of racers that includes one woman, Vanina Ickx, and also VW Dakar driver Nasser Al-Attiyah. The last one will be driven by a group of engineers and journalists. The three cars have already been undergoing preliminary tests at VW’s Ehra-Leissien test track. “This contest is a highlight on the German motorsport calendar and a major technical challenge. We want to tackle it in front of an enthusiastic audience and again demonstrate our innovative prowess”, says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg from Volkswagen. GET Worldwide Ltd: CNG turnkey station - CNG Oil free vertical compressor