RS2000 and VW Camper Van Go Green for EcoVelocity 2011

This year’s EcoVelocity motor show (September 8-11, UK) is set to welcome visitors with two special projects that are meant to prove that by using cutting-edge technology available now, including direct injection systems and stop / start technology, the venerable internal combustion engine has life in it yet for the eco-conscious driver.

The vehicles in question are based on the petrol-powered Ford Escort RS2000 and the diesel VW Camper Van, both boasting the latest in green car tech.

EcoVelocity’s project cars have been upgraded virtually only, in order that the experiment was run in the ‘greenest’ possible fashion and in keeping with the ethos of the show. However, independent engineers have confirmed the mechanical viability of all the work suggested.

“Both of these vehicles, although iconic in their own right, had monstrous CO2 emission figures by today’s standards,” explained EcoVelocity founder and organiser, Giles Brown.

“People perceive that being environmentally sympathetic must mean switching to battery electric power or full hybrid cars. But EcoVelocity is about all means of ‘going green’ and this experiment shows that, with the right application of technology, the good old combustion engine has a good 20 years left in it yet,” he added.

The EcoVelocity Ford Escort RS2000 features:

• Modern counterpart engine (Ford 1.6-litre Ti-VCT) to replace original
• Thermal management
• Direct injection system for efficiency and performance
• Stop / start technology – up to 5% CO2 saving
• Hybrid engine technology – up to 25% CO2 saving
• ABS / ESP safety systems

The EcoVelocity VW Camper Van features:

• Modern counterpart engine (Volkswagen 1.6 TDI 90) to replace original
• Thermal management
• Exhaust gas systems for efficiency
• Stop / start technology – up to 5% CO2 saving
• Hybrid engine technology – up to 25% CO2 saving
• ABS / ESP safety systems