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BlueMotion is a trading name for certain car models from the Volkswagen Group, emphasizing higher fuel efficiency.[1][2]
Volkswagen introduced the name in 2006 on the Polo Mk4 BlueMotion,[2][3] and in 2007 a version based on the current Passat was released. BlueMotion versions of the Golf Mk5 and Touran, as well as the Sharan, were released in 2008.[4] It was also added to other models in 2009 including the Jetta, Caddy[5] and Touareg,[6] with others following afterwards. The name refers to Volkswagen Group's corporate color, blue, with the word 'motion' added to denote mobility,[2] and echoes DaimlerChrysler's BlueTec engines with NNOx-reducing reducing technology for diesel-powered vehicle emissions control.
This technology has also been used in SEAT's models like the SEAT Ibiza or the SEAT León under the name 'EcoMotive',[7] and in the Škoda Fabia and Superb, where the technology is called "GreenLine".[8]
The BlueMotion Polo (Mk4) and Ibiza Ecomotive used a special 1.4 L three cylinder Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine[3] with 59 kW (80 PS; 79 bhp) power and an estimated fuel efficiency of 3.9 L/100 km (72 mpg‑imp; 60 mpg‑US),[2][3] emitting 99 g/km of CO2 (base model), or 102 g/km with the trim package.[3] The Ibiza was subsequently changed to the 1.2 L TDI engine. The BlueMotion Golf Mk6 uses a 1.6 L TDI engine, and Polo Mk5 uses a 1.2 L TDI engine, which produces 87 to 90 g/km of CO2.[9]
Fuel economy
editBlueMotion encompasses a variety of features, including a fuel-efficient engine, an aerodynamic body, a low ride height, an auto stop-start system, a programmed battery charging system, longer gearing, and low rolling resistance tires. On June 30th, 2011, a Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI BlueMotion set a world record for the greatest distance driven on a single tank of fuel, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. The vehicle achieved 1,526.63 miles (2,456.87 km). The average consumption amounted to 74.8 miles per US gallon (3.14 L/100 km; 89.8 mpg‑imp).[10]
BlueMotion strategy
editBlueMotion technologies include products and technologies to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Currently, they cover the TDI (turbocharged diesel direct injection) and TSI (boosted petrol stratified direct injection) engines and the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). They are supplemented by technologies like drive variants including EcoFuel (natural gas engines), BiFuel (liquid natural gas engines), MultiFuel (ethanol engines), hybrid systems and electric drives, as well as NOx emissions control, regenerative braking and the Stop-Start system. Products / vehicles, including these, are currently grouped under three Volkswagen brands: 'BlueMotion', 'BlueMotion Te technology', and 'BlueTDI'.[11]
The BlueMotion brands represent the most fuel efficient models[12] that Volkswagen offers of the following:
- Engine
- The engine has a number of modifications, including revised engine mapping, diesel particulate filters and oxidizing catalytic converters[3] help lower fuel consumption and NOx levels. In the later models, there's also a start-stop system that halts and restarts the motor at brief stops.
- Transmission
- The last two gear ratios are longer than on standard TDI engine gearboxes.[2][3]
- Reduced rolling resistance
- Low-resistance tires and better aerodynamics through lowered suspension, redesigned spoilers and additional enhancements underneath the car giving less drag which produces better fuel economy.[2][3]
BlueMotion Technology
editBlueMotion Technology packages can be configured with TSI and TDI engines. The package includes start-stop system, a change gear indicator, and regenerative braking technology.[11] The 2015 Golf GTI (mark VII) is available in a BlueMotion variant.
In Brazil
editCurrently BlueMotion in Brazil focuses on reduced rolling resistance and taller gearbox ratios, among other changes.
The Polo BlueMotion, the first model with the BlueMotion label in Brazil, uses the 1.6 TotalFlex (gasoline/alcohol) engine which is found in the other models. In April 2012 VW introduced the Fox BlueMotion with the same engine in Brazil.[13]
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
editVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers Multivan, Transporter and Crafter vehicles as either BlueMotion models or as BlueMotion Technology variants.[11]
See also
edit- Volkswagen emissions scandal
- Efficient Dynamics – BMW's equivalent branding
- BlueTec – Daimler's equivalent branding
- ECOnetic – Ford of Europe's similar branded low emissions range
References
edit
- ^ "Case Studies – Volkswagen AG". OriginBranding.com. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f "Lean and Green: Volkswagen adding fuel-efficient BlueMotion versions to volume car lines". Automotive News Europe. AutoWeek.com. 3 April 2006. Archived from the original on 25 September 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion – Volkswagen has given the green light to UK sales of its new Polo BlueMotion". Auto Express. Dennis Publishing Limited. 1 January 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
- ^ "Volkswagen Sharan Bluemotion". Autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ "Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Concept Car". AutomobilesReview.com. 3 March 2009. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
- ^ "2009 Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion". Topspeed.com. 23 June 2009.
- ^ "New SEAT EcoMotive range" (PDF). SEAT S.A. SEAT.com. 1 September 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 December 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
- ^ "Skoda Fabia Greenline 1.4 TDi". Autoexpress.co.uk.
- ^ English, Andrew (22 February 2010). "Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Review". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ "Greatest distance driven on a single tank of fuel", Guinness World Records, 30 June 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
- ^ a b c "VW quidnunc (Whats new?): Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles unveils most efficient T5". vwphaetonfan.blogspot.com.au. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ North, Orlando VW (29 November 2018). "Information You Should Know About Volkswagen BlueMotion | Features & Specs | Orlando, serving Altamonte Springs FL". www.orlandovwnorth.com. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
- ^ Polo > Volkswagen Brazil Archived 29 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Portuguese)