The Lupo

The Lupo 3L TDI is the world's first-ever production-line 3 litre car, a milestone of energy conservation in automobile engineering. Volkswagen presented this ultra fuel-saving version for the first time at the automobile salon in Paris in 1998. Only 9 months later the champion fuel-saver was already on its way to the showrooms.

There are fine details of difference, both inside and outside between the normal Lupo and the three-litre Lupo. It is 150kg lighter because, in order to reduce fuel consumption, it had "to loose a bit of weight". The vehicle body is made of completely galvanized sheet steel. Aluminium was used both for the bonnet and for the doors. In addition, the tail gate consists of aluminium on the outside and magnesium on the inside. Even the heat absorbingglass is lighter. Rolling resistance is lessened by particularly light, narrow tyres which have been mounted on aluminium-forged light wheels.

Of vital importance is the engine: a brand-new three-cylinder Turbo-Diesel with 1.2litre cubic capacity, performance 45 KW or 61HP. Its highlight is the new pump- nozzle-system which produces an extremely high pressure for each individual cylinder . This enables a more efficient combustion of the fuel than in conventional diesel engines.

The result is impressive: a high torque i.e. a good thrust of force, even from low speeds and still an absolutely sensational consumption of 2.99 litres to 100 km. The maximum amount of fuel is saved when the 3-litre Lupo is driven in the so-called Eco-Mode. This means changing up gear early and changing down gear late, in other words, at the most suitable speed for saving energy. Our record-breaking drivers are naturally trying to drive very defensively and to even manage on 2.5 litres in this mode. They will be supported in these endeavours by Volkswagen's so called stop-start system. When standing for longer than 4 seconds a touch on the brake switches the engine off. It starts up again when the brake pedal is released.

Although as regards fuel consumption the Lupo is absolutely unique, our record-breaking team is nevertheless facing an enormous challenge. The regulation require to drive 6000km (3800miles) asigned road near the coastline of Britain max 180hours. It means to drive more than 800km (500miles) in every 24 hours with keeping most economical speed 60km/h. The challenge vehicle must be standard production model. So, everybody has opputunity to challenge our new record with same condition by using your own Lupo in showroom condition. But, the task is not easy. Our team have advantage of experience.