This 24-hour race, also known as “Green Hell”, will have “the most eco-conscious” powertrain of any car in the field as the vehicles’ engines reduce CO2 by 80 per cent, says VW Motorsport director, Kris Nissen.
According to Volkswagen engineers, the 2-litre TSI turbo engine’s fuel is fully produced from renewable materials in Germany and its production has a neutral impact on the environment. Besides using biogas as an alternative fuel, the OEM will apply new differential technology in order to highlight the performance potential.
The first Scirocco will be piloted by a “junior team”, another by a group of racers that includes one woman, Vanina Ickx, and also VW Dakar driver Nasser Al-Attiyah. The last one will be driven by a group of engineers and journalists. The three cars have already been undergoing preliminary tests at VW’s Ehra-Leissien test track.
“This contest is a highlight on the German motorsport calendar and a major technical challenge. We want to tackle it in front of an enthusiastic audience and again demonstrate our innovative prowess”,” says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg from Volkswagen.
