Bosch Gasoline Direct Injection Increases Torque, Lowers Fuel Consumption on New Volkswagen Passat

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 24 -- Bosch announces it will provide its innovative gasoline direct injection system for the 2.0-liter, turbo-charged engine of the new Volkswagen Passat, resulting in increased torque and lower fuel consumption.

Gasoline direct injection generally improves the torque curve of supercharged engines over the complete speed range. Initial acceleration is much faster and the maximum torque is available at low speeds, which increases driving pleasure, provides for a regular power output of the engine and lowers fuel consumption.

Reduced displacement engines can take advantage of gasoline direct injection and turbo-charging. With downsizing, smaller but more powerful engines with turbo-chargers are used instead of conventional naturally aspirated engines. For example, if the piston displacement is reduced by one third, fuel consumption with direct injection can be lowered by 15 percent.

The Passat engine reaches 147 kW with a Bosch gasoline direct injection system, and its high maximum torque of 280 newton meters is achieved at low speeds. Aside from the Passat, the engine also will be used in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Audi A3 Sportback and Audi A4.

One of the largest North American automotive suppliers, Bosch develops, manufactures and supplies precision components and systems -- including body electronics, chassis and powertrain -- for every major vehicle manufacturer worldwide.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs more than 23,300 associates in more than 80 facilities throughout North America and reported sales surpassing $7.5 billion in 2004. For more information, visit http://www.bosch.us/ .