Following the successful debut of the compressed natural gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNG at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, VW is launching a one-make Bio-CNG-powered race series in 2010.
With a CO2 reduction of 80% being achieved in combination with Bio-CNG, the Scirocco Cup will demonstrate that major strides are still being made in motorsport. This will be the most eco-friendly one-make racing championship in the world.
The Cup version of the Scirocco is designed to enable eco-friendly motorsport. Based on the TSI unit fitted in the Scirocco, the Bio-CNG racing version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine develops 203 lb-ft of torque and up to 223hp. A push-to-pass system provides a short 30hp burst of increased power to create additional overtaking opportunities and action throughout the race. Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts operate a six-speed DSG gearbox and, as with the road-going Scirocco R, power is channeled through the front wheels.
Fitted with a fuel tank with a capacity of 22 liters, the Scirocco Cup uses Bio-CNG, which is produced from renewable resources such as grass or a special type of maize, as well as from refined biological waste. The fuel tank itself is made from a composite material and is located behind the driver’s seat, protected by the vehicle’s rollcage.
The stainless steel pipes and valves required for compressed natural gas operation within the Scirocco Cup use proven components from VW’s CNG production models, and the system pressures of 200-Bar are identical to those of the production vehicles.
Commenting on the new Scirocco Cup, Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen explained: "By clinching class victory at the Nürburgring we proved that CNG-powered vehicles not only deliver high fuel economy but also allow sporty driving. That’s why we’re proud to be launching the world’s first one-make series with CNG-powered vehicles."
Promoting young drivers will again be a top priority for the series. However, the aspiring racers will be competing against five motorsport legends at each of the races. These will come from Formula 1, DTM, rallying and Le Mans, as well as TV and show business.
Volkswagen first raced the Scirocco back in 1976 in the VW Junior Cup and the first winner, Manfred Winkelhock, went on to achieve a hugely successful career in motorsport.
The Scirocco Cup will replace the successful Polo Cup after six years and will become the partner series for the DTM championship in 2010. In addition, VW of America is continuing to run its Jetta TDI Cup series in the US. Similarly aimed at developing young drivers, it uses clean-diesel technology to showcase the company’s products and provide environmentally-friendly high-speed action.