Two engine alternatives of the Volkswagen Scirocco will tackle the 24hr race on the legendary Nurburgring circuit on May 23-24.
Three Scirocco GT24 cars that use conventional petrol will race alongside two Scirocco GT24-CNG vehicles at the event as the manufacturer aims to add another victory to those clinched in the class for two litre turbo engines in 2007 and 2008. It also hopes to be successful in the class for alternative powertrains due to the use of EcoFuel natural gas technology.
The EcoFuel engine featured in the natural gas-powered vehicles generates 282hp and the engineers have primarily focused on the mixture formation of the engine fitted with a turbocharger as well as the balance between maximum exhaust gas temperature and full usage of the turbocharger’s potential.
According to Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen, the company is setting standards on the roads with its natural gas models.
“The 24-hour race is a very special challenge,” he said. “The Nürburgring-Nordschleife is more difficult than any other track, the field is huge and the race a real marathon.
“Volkswagen sets standards on the road with its EcoFuel natural gas models and we want to show that alternative powertrains like CNG technology can be successful in motorsport as well. In addition, we want to achieve the hat-trick with our petrol-powered Scirocco GT24 in the class of vehicles with two-litre turbo engines.”
