VW Ecoracer Press Road Test
by Christine Lepisto, Berlin on 12.17.05
The Volkswagen Ecoracer represents what green design is about: demonstrating that eco-efficiency doesn't mean lowering the standard on fun, style or excellence. It also suffers from a common woe: it may never make it to the market, or if it does, it will be in limited supply at a premium price. After receiving praise for the concept car shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, VW decided to show the car in action. 34 journalists from nine countries were invited to Pau, a city tucked under the Pyrenees in the southwest of France, to test drive the carbon-fiber sportscar with the 100kW (136PS) turbo diesel which sips only 3,4L/100 km (69 mpg). So how did it do and what does it promise for the future?
Reports indicate that the VW Ecoracer showed its prototype nature in its first day out in the rain...which soon found its way in past the seals on the innovative T-bar top with wings that raise up for easy entry. But this can be forgiven. After all: the top can be removed and stowed behind the seats and the windows and remaining roof structure can be converted so the coupe becomes a roadster. In a final stroke, the windscreen can be removed and replaced with a low windbreak to convert the Ecoracer to speedster. The engineers were certainly having too much fun imagining the possibilities to fuss about a few seals.
The eco-innovation lies in the lightweight body and the next generation tdi engine, which is a precursor to the VW targeted CCS (combined combustion system) engine which will mate the advantages of gas engines (low NOx, high performance) with the benefits of diesel (low CO2, great torque). While the Ecoracer may never get to the assembly line much less the finish line, the advances in carbon fiber body design and particularly in the engine development will certainly be seen in the marketplace.
Like the hybrids, this car could contribute to a new generation of driving style. The engine technology doesn't deliver the gutty roar upon which the baby-boomers will certainly reminisce to their grandkids. But that's OK because Ecoracer doesn't need a constant lead foot to keep the rolling speed: a goose is enough after which the light weight and low rolling resistance allow speed to be maintained in a coast.
Conclusions? Mixed emotions. Yet another promising design which needs a lot of progress in cost control of new technologies before it will be a viable product. Yet another promising design which will spin off the innovations which lead down the path to sustainability.
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I feel like this is a good step towards mainstream adoption of similar eco-oriented automobile projects (though, I would like to see what the emissions stats look like). Unfortunately, it is not just the treehugger readers that need to adopt these new types of hybrid vehicles, it is mainstream consumers. If you prove to them that they sacrifice nothing (in this case, performance), then they will be faster to begin exploring alt energy/fueled options. Hate to say it, but you have to start somewhere.
I just want to know why after all the so called research and design, we're still exitedly speaking about a car that gets 50-60 miles to the gallon.
Cheers to VW for making a diesel do it, and for the right reasons, actually improving on technology. A diesel engine will outperform a gasoline one in the long run, and last longer in the process when maintained. In my opinion, much greener than a hybrid that also creates more chemical disposal issues.
But honda had gasoline cars in the late 80's that pushed 60mpg with a 'conventional' engine. Where are these designers? The Prius is a great idea, but why isn't it getting 75mpg or 100mpg?
I read the associated post about the Green Hummer, and it points out a similar failure in design. Why does the car need to be 6400lbs? Does 'status' require actual weight? I need to use a truck on many occasions to carry a heavy load, but why can't someone design(more importantly market) a large vehicle that was lightweight(load bearing structures accounted for) and fuel efficient?
Without getting into conpiracy and corporate greed foolishness, It's great to see a major automaker making a real attempt. If they could further that technology and actually market it so that the public would really take up the call, we would have some real success on our hands. Vw might just have the know-how to do both.
I have 2 bmw's and a mercedes diesel. I would like one of these cars greatly. Keep the price point under $24,000 american and you will have a winner. Diesel of course. Keep it light in Lotus fashion.
i absoultly love this car.....the only complaint i have is its not all wheel drive......but hell im still going to buy it as soon as it comes out.......i cant wait........and f*@k all you mainstream mother F*$kers.......i cant wait for it to come out......i was designing this vary same car in my head.....but it was all wheel drive.....so......im all for it
thanks VW for designing such a great car......
Robert Hohnstein
i would buy one in a min. but if it sounds to good to be true, it might be. OPEC has us by the pocket book and anything that comes out to save everyone money, they will jack up prices to keep them selfs in the money...all i can say is they, {OPEC} cant eat that oil