Volkswagen BlueMotion Powertrain Maximizes MPG without Minimizing Practicality

At the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen shows family sedan buyers how to maximize fuel economy without minimizing practicality. Already one of the larger vehicles in its class, the Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept achieves an estimated highway fuel-economy rating of 42 mpg, without resorting to an expensive diesel or gas-electric hybrid powertrain.

For this concept vehicle, which is painted in a planned production color called Reef Blue Metallic, Volkswagen swaps out the standard turbocharged, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine in favor of a smaller turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Torque figures are unchanged, measuring 184 lb.-ft., but the smaller motor does generate 20 fewer horsepower, coming in at 150 horsepower.