Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Concept (2012)

The first generation of the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion made its debut five years ago at the Geneva Motor Show; the car was launched into the market at the end of 2007. At that time, the Golf BlueMotion set new standards for sustainability with a fuel consumption value of 4.5 l/100 km (119 g/km CO2). In 2009, Volkswagen showed the second generation Golf BlueMotion, also in Geneva (as a concept car); its fuel consumption had been reduced to 3.8 l/100 km (99 g/km CO2); first deliveries of the production version of this VW Golf BlueMotion were made in October of the same year. The fact that fuel consumption for the third Golf BlueMotion could now be reduced by another 0.6 litres or 15 per cent and CO2 emissions by 14 grams per km is a reflection of continuous technical progress. Given its 50-litre fuel tank and 3.2 l/100 km fuel consumption, the new Golf has an astonishing theoretical range of 1,562 km.

In the area of aerodynamics, the frontal area of the new Golf was reduced by 0.03 m2 and aerodynamic drag (cD x A) by nearly 10 per cent. Compared to other Golf models, the aerodynamics of the BlueMotion were also refined by a lowered chassis (by 15 mm), a roof spoiler, lateral air guide elements on the rear window, a radiator grille that is closed to the outside, partially closed air inlet screens, optimised cooling airflow, special underfloor panels, optimised brake cooling channels and a C-pillar spoiler. These measures take the Golf BlueMotion to a cD value of 0.27, making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.

In the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion concept car, Volkswagen is employing a 1.6-litre turbodiesel direct injection engine from the newly developed EA288 engine series. The sixteeen-valve, four-cylinder engine develops its maximum torque of 250 Nm at a low 1,500 rpm; this torque is available up to an engine speed of 2,750 rpm. Various measures and technologies such as reduced internal friction, an innovative thermal management system with shortened warm-up phase, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), cylinder pressure sensor, two-stage oil pump, switching water pump and water-cooled intercooler right in the intake manifold result in successfully reducing fuel consumption and emissions. To reduce emissions values further, Volkswagen has also implemented an oxidation catalytic converter, a diesel particulate filter and a NOx storage catalytic converter.