New TDI engines and AWD for VW

[Tom Nas <tnas@euronet.nl>]

This week's AutoWeek tells all about the new TDI engines being developed by
VAG, ready for introduction in '99. The standard version has 115 hp and a
useful 20% more torque than the previous version's already generous amount.
There's also a 1.4, 75 hp three-cylinder version in the works for the new
VW Lupo. VW's adamant that the recent development of common-rail injection
is not the way to go, the new engine uses pump injectors (which are capable
of much higher pressures than common-rail systems). To illustrate this
point: the current TDIs get 1200 bar, common-rail injection makes it to
1350 and pump injectors produce an incredible 2050 bar. This higher
pressure results in more power and easier tuning for low emissions. It
requires however more insulation because of the higher noise emission. Audi
however will go the way of common-rail, 'giving a stimulating internal
competition in the company'.

Syncro's dead, long live 4Motion...
The current Syncro AWD system's on the way out, to be replaced with
4Motion. This is really a Swedish development- Haldex of Sweden has
developed a new system using a plate clutch and hydraulic pump. When a
difference in rotation speed is detected, the hydraulic pump makes the
plate clutch mesh, gradually letting in the rear differential. A new,
space-saving multi-link rear suspension comes with this system. Electronics
prevent 4Motion from cutting in while cornering, and can, if required,
change from full FWD to full AWD for limited amounts of time. The
electronic sytem's advantage over Syncro is the cornering bit- apparently,
the Syncro system cutting in while turning made for very heavy and
unimpressive parking. Why doesn't VW use a Torsen device? Too bulky for
transverse engines, according to their suspension specialist. VW will also
introduce ESP- not (a nice jibe at the Benz A-class fiasco) 'because our
cars need it', but 'because we perceive it as an additional safety device'.
4Motion will be available later this year on the Golf TDI 90 hp, V5 and
1.8, for an additional $1750. For the V5, this includes a brand-new 6-speed
transmission.

Tom

 _______________________________________________________________________
 Tom Nas                                          Zeist, The Netherlands
 tnas@euronet.nl
 1987 Audi 90q 2.3E, Tizianrot metallic, 165,000km

       The number of people watching you is directly proportional
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