Concept A - Geneva 2006

Volkswagen presents the world’s first TSI engine (twincharger) powered by natural gas (CNG) as its fuel on the Geneva Auto Salon. The highly efficient 1.4 liter TSI-CNG engine drives the Concept A study. It’s a cross between a sports car and SUV distinguished by a powerful and aesthetic design with excellent all round features.

The 1.4 TSI-CNG is doubled charged via compressor and turbo, performing with 110 kW / 150 hp and reaching its maximum torque at 220 Newton meter. For every hundred kilometers it averages a mere 5.0 kg of natural gas. Highly charged engines like Volkswagen's TSI generally have a very high efficiency degree. In using CNG (compressed natural gas, 130 ROZ) the efficiency improves even more. One of the positive effects: the CO2 balance of TSI-CNG engines improves by another 20 to 25 percent when compared to fuel gas driven TSIs. Furthermore the TSI+CNG presents itself as an important stepping stone towards a mobility technology en route to becoming independent from crude oil. Through conversion from natural gas to synthetic fuel (gas-to-liquids) for instance Synfuel is produced. It is environmentally benign bio-degradable fuel which – among other things – allows the mentioned CCS hybrid combustion process.

But the Concept is not only clean, sporty and economic. But more so the study manifests a new progressive design philosophy. Its front part with a new 3D crest radiator grill made out of brushed aluminum and distinguished head lights form a congenial yet confident progressive appearance. The “face” is well known, just not on an automobile, it looks like the mirror image of a cheetah. The silhouette shows the lines of a coupe. The front and rear doors open facing each other. The carriage overhangs are briskly short, the hood long, the C columns one of a kind. 20 inch alloy rims and 295 tires fill out the space in the distinctively extended wheelhouses.

On the outside the Concept A wears the intensive blue color shade of semi transparent glacier formations – “Glacier Metallic” the name. Mixed in glass flakes increase the depth of the paint built up in the piano lacquer technique. The rear part, with its athletic flanks, imparts a strong elegance. The hatchback is made of two parts; the area under the rear lights lifts up like a pick up loading surface and thus creates a lot of room for big items. At the bottom the motor exhales via two round chrome pipes. The interior presents itself spacious and open. Light and air dominate the space’s feel. If needed, a large soft top can be swerved all the way back to the C column.