Volkswagen to enter three gas-powered Sciroccos in Nürburgring 24-hours

After Porsche threw its hybrid hat into the ring with their 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Volkswagen has now confirmed its intention to enter a trio of natural gas powered Sciroccos around Germany’s most famous racetrack for next month’s 24 hour race.

The Scirocco GT24-CNG coupé comprises a 2.0L TSI engine, kicking out 330PS and possesses a headline catching 80% reduction in CO2 emissions over a conventional petrol engine.  Last year Peter Terting navigated his Scirocco GT24-CNG to the top step of the podium in the alternative powertrains category and will no doubt be hoping for the same again this year.

Volkswagen will even have their engineers as part of the drivers, showing how much faith they have in their engineering to get behind the wheel for what will no doubt be a tough and punishing day of racing.  Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board for Technical Development and Prof Dr Stefan Gies, Head of Chassis Development will be found in car #3, with Vanina Ickx in car #2 bringing a famous racing surname to the party.

Having already posted a class record on the Nordschleife in the preparation races, confidence will no doubt be high within the Volkswagen camp for another successful weekend at the Green Hell.

Audi with its diesel Le Mans project has shown the marketing power a non-petrol powered campaign can have, so expect to see more in the press if Volkswagen’s gas powered or Porsche’s electric motors do the business on May 15-16^th.