The Peoples Car Turns Green... err, I Mean BlueTDI

Volkswagen will introduce new emissions-reducing technology in 2008. SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 percent.

On its new Touareg Volkswagen is introducing one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world: The BlueTDI with SCR catalytic converter. This converter reduces nitrogen dioxide (NOx) emissions by up to 90 percent. The Touareg BlueTDI, that delivers 165 kW / 225 PS, meets even the most challenging exhaust emissions standards. Currently, the lowest limits are set in the US states California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Maine: In the “Tier2 Bin5” standard. The Touareg BlueTDI being presented in Geneva is one of the first vehicles with a diesel engine that can clear this hurdle too. Especially in the USA, economical turbo-diesels like the V6 BlueTDI can contribute, more than any other current powertrain technology, toward reducing oil consumption and the generation of climate-impacting greenhouse gases.

Therefore, Volkswagen will be offering the Touareg with SCR catalytic converter starting in 2008, initially in the USA, as part of the BlueTec Alliance started together with Audi and DaimlerChrysler at the end of last year. Also slated for 2008: The company for smaller vehicles like the Jetta will introduce, in America, a NOx storage catalytic converter that eliminates up to 90 percent of nitrogen oxides. The two technically challenging systems are scheduled to debut in Europe a short time later.

 The US standard, which the Touareg BlueTDI satisfies, specifies among other things a NOx limit of 0.07 g/mile.

•  New Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 per cent, making it one of the cleanest diesel engines on the market
• Mated to the 3.0-litre V6 TDI 225 PS diesel engine
• The Touareg SCR meets the stringent emission limits set by several American states including California
• Euro IV standards dictate a NOx limit of 0.25 g/km – the Touareg equipped with SCR meets the 0.043 g/km US limit  
• The system works to convert selectively nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen and water.  This conversion is made possible by spraying a film of AdBlue urea solution stored in an auxiliary tank into the exhaust stream before it reaches the new catalytic converter.  A reaction then occurs within the exhaust system to split the nitrogen oxide apart, the result being nitrogen and water.  The supply of AdBlue stored within the vehicle is such that it should not need to be replenished until the vehicle visits a retailer to be serviced
•  The SCR system works in conjunction with a diesel particulate filter and a conventional catalytic converter to reduce emissions further
• New sensors within the engine's combustion chamber monitor performance and adapt its characteristics to allow it to run more efficiently
• Although SCR is unique to the Touareg, a NOx trap will be fitted to the Jetta in the North American market from next year
• Touareg BlueTDI forms part of Volkswagen's BlueMotion park exhibit at the Geneva Motor Show – highlighting current and future drivetrain and fuel technologies being developed by Volkswagen
  

Via: Volkswagen Press-release