Photo: Volkswagen
Ever thought to yourself "boy, I wish that my diesel engine had a bit more power"? Well Volkswagen had that idea in mind when they gave their new Passat a 240 PS bi-turbo TDI this year.
However, even more power could be on the horizon, as an even more impressive technology demonstrator was announced today. It's the same 2-liter TDI block, only now it makes 272 PS (200 kW), which is frankly rather scary. Only a few months ago, Audi revealed its new 3-liter TDI V6 with the exact same 272 PS output.
The extra power was achieved by Volkswagen though implementation of a new electric supercharger, which reduces lag to a minimum. Engineers have also installed a new variable valve timing system and a Piezo common rail injection system working at pressures of up to 2,500 bar.
Diesel engines are famous for their torque and the twin-turbo in the production Passat already boasts 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). There's no official torque figure for the new engine, but they have told us to expect more.
Speaking of DSG problems, many VW owners have expressed their concern as to the reliability of the 10-speed unit. However, this isn't based on the dry-clutch DQ200 that have given Volkswagen such a headache. It's actually based on DQ250 six-speed and features a new coasting function to save fuel and a new brake energy recovery system. Their stop-start system has also been re-engineered so that it stops at 7 km/h (4 mph) instead of waiting for the full stop.
I guess the only big question mark hanging over these two innovations is what they will be used in. 272 PS is what most Audi A6 and A7 buyers expect, way too much for the Passat. This would suggest the new Phaeton is the recipient of all this tech. It could also find its way under the bonnet of an SUV or two.
The extra power was achieved by Volkswagen though implementation of a new electric supercharger, which reduces lag to a minimum. Engineers have also installed a new variable valve timing system and a Piezo common rail injection system working at pressures of up to 2,500 bar.
Diesel engines are famous for their torque and the twin-turbo in the production Passat already boasts 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). There's no official torque figure for the new engine, but they have told us to expect more.
The ten-speed DSG
A clue could be found in the new 10-speed DSG gearbox they detailed today. It's called the DQ550 and can stand up to 550 Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque. If the two are ever to be matched, the new diesel can't offer any more than that or risk blowing the transmission apart.Speaking of DSG problems, many VW owners have expressed their concern as to the reliability of the 10-speed unit. However, this isn't based on the dry-clutch DQ200 that have given Volkswagen such a headache. It's actually based on DQ250 six-speed and features a new coasting function to save fuel and a new brake energy recovery system. Their stop-start system has also been re-engineered so that it stops at 7 km/h (4 mph) instead of waiting for the full stop.
I guess the only big question mark hanging over these two innovations is what they will be used in. 272 PS is what most Audi A6 and A7 buyers expect, way too much for the Passat. This would suggest the new Phaeton is the recipient of all this tech. It could also find its way under the bonnet of an SUV or two.
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