BlueMotion

BlueMotion is a trading name for certain car models from the Volkswagen Group , emphasizing higher fuel efficiency.^[1][2]

BlueMotion Volkswagen Polo with a more streamlined radiator grille

The BlueMotion Badge

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 then 13-year-old Sharan, were released in 2008.^[4] It was also added to other models in 2009 including 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 grams of CO₂ per kilometre (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 new 1.6 L TDI engine, and Polo Mk5 uses a new 1.2 L TDI engine, which produces 87 to 90 g/km of CO₂.^[9]

Fuel economy

The care fuel-efficient efficient engine, aerodynamic body, low ride height, auto stop-start, programmed battery charging system, longer gearing and low rolling resistance tires. On 30 June 2011 a Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDI BlueMotion set a world record for the greatest distance driven on a single tank of fuel, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, achieving 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

BlueMotion 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 model^{[citation needed]} the following:

Engine

Revised engine mapping, diesel particulate filters and oxidizing catalytic converters^[3] help lower fuel consumption and NOx levels. In the more modern 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

BlueMotion 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 BlueMotion version.

In Brazil

Currently 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 introduce the Fox Bluemotion with the same engine in Brazilne.^[12]

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offer a Multivan, Transporter and Crafter BlueMotion and BlueMotion Technology packages.^[11]

See also

• 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

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BlueMotion.

1. "Case Studies – Volkswagen AG". OriginBranding.com. Retrieved 29 July 2009.
2. . Automotive News Europe. AutoWeek.com. 3 April 2006. Archived from the original on 25 September 2010. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
3. "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.
4. "Volkswagen Sharan Bluemotion". Autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
5. "Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Concept Car". AutomobilesReview.com. 3 March 2009. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
6. "2009 Volkswagen Touareg BlueMotion". Topspeed.com. 23 June 2009.
7. (PDF). SEAT S.A. SEAT.com. 1 September 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 December 2009. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
8. "Skoda Fabia Greenline 1.4 TDi". Autoexpress.co.uk.
9. English, Andrew (22 February 2010). "Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Review". The Daily Telegraph. London.
10. "Greatest distance driven on a single tank of fuel", Guinness World Records, 30 June 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
11. . vwphaetonfan.blogspot.com.au. Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
12. Polo > Volkswagen Brazil 29 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Portuguese)

External links

• Volkswagen website on bluemotion technology