Volkswagen has launched a new range of diesel engines (TDI) characterized by extremely low nitrogen oxide emissions (NO x ). The Touareg V8 TDI, generating 310 kW (421 PS) (earlier post), is among the first Volkswagens to feature an exhaust purification system that brings NO x to these low level: it emits between just 0.01 and 0.02 g/km. These NO x values were determined on the basis of RDE measurements (Real Driving Emissions) in actual road traffic by independent specialist Emissions Analytics. The current Euro 6 NO x limit is 0.08 g/km.

RDE measurements defined by the European Union are intended to be extremely close to values determined in practical conditions. They supplement the new WLTP test cycle (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure), determined on a rolling road test bed and thus in laboratory conditions, by an emissions test carried out in actual road traffic.





In the case of the Touareg V8 TDI, these RDE measurement runs (which have been synchronized with the actual everyday usage of Volkswagen customers as part of a targeted procedure) were performed by Emissions Analytics in three German metropolitan areas. One test was carried out in the topographically flat federal German state of Lower Saxony while two further tests were conducted on routes in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria that included differences in altitude.

The all-wheel drive Touareg V8 TDI reliably came in below the NO x limit in each of the tests, regardless of the route, differences in altitude and individual traffic volume. In Lower Saxony, the value totalled 0.010 g/km on average; in Bavaria it amounted to 0.013 g/km and in Baden-Württemberg the value stood at 0.020 mg/km. The Volkswagen averaged a NO x value of 0.014 g/km over all three measurement runs.

This positive result has been made possible by elements including multi-stage exhaust gas treatment featuring a very large NO x storage unit (capacity: 2.3 liters) with high-grade coating and SCR (selective catalytic reduction) with complex conditioning. The SCR catalytic converter converts NO x to steam and nitrogen using AdBlue (synthetic urea solution). Like all Volkswagen TDI models, the Touareg V8 TDI also features a diesel particulate filter.

In addition, the V8 TDI operates efficiently and economically as a result of several, internal engine innovations. These include a variable twin-turbo system. At part load—for example in cities or on country roads—the V8 TDI, generating 900 N·m from as little as 1,250 rpm, generates an extremely high torque and thus largely runs at low engine speeds using only one turbocharger.

This single turbocharger operation minimizes both consumption and emissions. The second turbocharger only kicks into action from engine speeds over 2,200 rpm using an electrical valvelift system. The overall package generates very clean results; the Touareg V8 TDI meets the Euro-6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC emission standard.