Volkswagen introduces production version of BlueTDi

Volkswagen has revealed the production version of the BlueTDi, a next generation turbo diesel developed for the North American market, at this week's Vienna Motor Symposium.

The common rail engine is based on the hi-tech TDi, first introduced in Europe in 2007 with the Tiguan. It satisfies the Euro-5 eco-standards, which come into effect in autumn 2009. In order to meet US operating conditions, the four-cylinder engine was redeveloped with internal engine modifications and a nitrogen oxide trap.

Dr Jens Hadler, director of Volkswagen powertrain development, had this to say: "High fuel prices and a dramatic change in environmental consciousness means that diesel is becoming more and more attractive for American drivers every day."

"This is why many customers, especially in California, have been waiting for a super-clean diesel like our BlueTDI. I think this motor will help the diesel get its big break in America because it consumes so little and yet can go such long distances on a single fill-up.

"In a country as big as the United States, this is a priceless advantage. On the highway, for example, this engine can reach up to 60 miles per gallon. This is an improvement of 12 percent over its predecessor, which had a lower capacity and higher emissions."

The reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions has been a key aspect in the development of the BlueTDi. American BIN5/LEV2 standards stipulate a nitrogen oxide limit of only 0.05 g/mile. Engineers in Wolfsburg, Germany, used internal engine modifications to meet this limit, implementing the maintenance-free nitrogen oxide trap.

The modifications include changes to the design of the injection system of both the American and the European TDi, as well as the implementation of cylinder pressure sensors. An optimised high-pressure injection pump also helps with this.