20 April 2009 - 14:00
VW gets on the gas
After a one-two class victory for its Sciroccos at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race last summer, VW is returning to the Green Hell next month - but this time it's packing, er, gas.
This is the Scirocco GT24-CNG, one of two natural gas-powered VW racers that will compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours on May 23/24. The car is based around the same architecture as last year's Scirocco racer, but its 2.0-litre turbo engine has been modified to run solely on natural gas.
Which means 290bhp and 258lb ft of torque feeding the front wheels through a six-speed DSG gearbox. That's a hell of a lot of power from such a small engine, thanks in no small degree to the fact that natural gas boasts an octane rating of 130. Or ‘more than rocket fuel'.
VW says that the gas-powered Scirocco will also emit 25 per cent less CO2 than a similar petrol-powered car. But will it be quick enough to take class victory at the 'Ring ahead of a trio of factory petrol Sciroccos - and a whole bunch of race-prepped German metal? We'll find out in May.
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Is just me, or this car now amazingly beautiful like this? But I've saw a standard one on the street and it's hideous!
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I don't suppose gas conversion will come as an 'optional extra' at VW dealerships? It's almost worth petitioning for. 290bhp road-going Scirocco GT, anyone? And as for the race car, if you overlook the stupid amount of sponsor stickers, that's one hell of a good-looking touring car! All I need now is a rich sugar-mummy girlfriend with contacts in VW Racing...
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In general a hate how VW did the new Golf by copying the Scirocco, and I generaly hate how almost all their cars look similar to the Golf or Passat. But I hope this car will bring some sence into the VW bosses' head.
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isn't running on gas less economic though? In mile per gallon terms i mean cos if tht is true isn't this guna need to stop more often than the petrol versions...
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They should race that in BTCC too, maybe in Red Bull colours. They should also put seats in it, tone down the spoiler and produce them in limited numbers. And if you can't find any natural gas, just try eating beans and bottling your own!
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Nice! It really is 'a hell of a lot of power'!
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Ben27 commented on this article
20 April 2009
NIce one! Finally some form of 'green' car that's fast, good goin' VW
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