Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 08:56:16 -0400
Reply-To: Thomas Myers <thomas.myers@XEROX.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Thomas Myers <thomas.myers@XEROX.COM>
Subject: New Engine transplant candidate? VW Twin Charger
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Granted the engine is not even on this side of the pond yet -
But the torque/hp and the mpg look very interesting....
>>>>>>>>>
Downsizing is the new buzz word at Volkswagen. But its not that existing
models are getting smaller it¹s engines. Driven by spiralling fuel prices
and ever-stringent emissions regulations, the push is on to introduce a
range of small-capacity units with low fuel consumption and small CO2
emissions, but big power.
It¹s a tough task, but if the first of VW¹s new engines, the Twincharger
unit driven here, is anything to go by VW could be on to something big.
Fitted to the new Golf GT, the 16-valve 1.4-litre unit utilises both a
supercharger and turbocharger. The supercharger, which operates at a maximum
of 1.8bar, boosts low-end response and flattens the torque curve, while the
turbocharger, which hits 2.5bar, strengthens the top end. Added to this is
VW¹s FSI direct-injection petrol technology, delivering fuel at high
pressure for added combustion efficiency.
The new engine develops 168bhp at 6000rpm and 177lb ft of torque from
1750rpm to 4500rpm, 20bhp and 30lb ft more than the naturally aspirated
2.0-litre FSI unit. But it¹s the way the new engine performs out on the road
that impresses the most. There¹s serious pull from the off, with 148lb ft
available from 1250rpm, while it is also responsive, flexible and linear
well beyond 2400rpm, where the supercharger begins to disengage.
At this point, the turbocharger is already providing a decent boost, having
entered proceedings at 1500rpm, so you¹re unaware of any change in
character. With a specific output of 120bhp per litre, in fact, it feels
positively sporting.
VW puts the Golf GT¹s 0-62mph time at 7.9sec, down from 8.8sec in the
2.0-litre FSI. A better reflection of the engine¹s nature, however, is the
fifth gear 50-75mph time, which is reduced by a whole second to just 8.0sec.
Top speed is up 6mph to 136mph.
Amazingly, it does this while using less fuel than the 2.0-litre, averaging
39.2mpg against 37.2mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are reduced to
173g/km from 182g/km, while VW also claims lower noise levels throughout the
rev range; it whistles and grinds like an Impreza, but always sounds smooth.
If this is the future for the petrol engine, the trend towards diesel
powerplants could already have hit its peak. The Twincharger really is that
good.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/FirstDrive_Summary.asp?RT_ID=217183
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/volkswagen_news/printer_1496.shtml
[nice illustrations]
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tom
90 Westy [ out of storage this weekend!]
Rochester, NY
