Bosch scores big with clean diesel technology

With the success of its advanced clean diesel technologies both on the track with race cars and off the track, with passenger vehicles, Robert Bosch, LLC is fast becoming a major player in the development of clean diesel engines. Consumers will have the opportunity to see this technology in action on Bosch's Audi R10 TDI during the inaugural running of the Detroit Sports Car Challenege. The American Le Mans Series race takes place on Sept. 1 at Belle Isle Park in Detroit, from 3:15 - 6 p.m.

"Bosch has played a vital role in the advancement of clean diesel technology in the automotive industry," says Chris Qualters, director of marketing for North American Diesel Systems, Robert Bosch, LLC. "The success we've seen both on and off the race track proves that clean diesel technology is a powerful and viable powertrain solution that offers consumers improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and increased performance."

On the track, as a development partner, Bosch supplies the specially adjusted high-pressure pumps and piezo inline injectors for the diesel common rail injection system on the Audi R10 TDI. The introduction of diesel technology in the Audi R10 has proved a success. In 2006, the Audi R10 made racing history as the first diesel-powered car to win the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, a feat repeated this year. Additionally, the Audi R10 capped off a successful first season by becoming the 2006 American Le Mans Series LMP1 race class champion. The success continues this year, with the Audi R10 leading its race class in the American Le Mans Series.

The technology that assists in the Audi R10's racing success is available to American drivers today and offers numerous advantages. Today's diesel passenger vehicles, in comparison to gasoline vehicles, provide an average increase in fuel economy of 30 percent; a decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25 percent; and, an increase in torque (especially at low rpm) — the force that allows cars to accelerate smoothly and powerfully — of up to 50 percent.

With growing concern over the environment and fuel economy, clean diesel technology provides an alternative fuel option for consumers and automakers. Bosch estimates the North American market for light diesel vehicles will reach 15 percent by 2015. According to R.L. Polk and the Diesel Technology Forum, registrations for diesel-powered vehicles rose 80 percent between 2000 and 2005, from 300,000 to 545,000 vehicles.

By model year 2008/2009, clean diesel passenger vehicles will comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards. Compliance with these standards will allow clean diesel passenger vehicles to be available for purchase in all 50 states.

With 30 percent fuel efficiency, diesel could help the U.S. curb its dependency on foreign oil. According to EPA estimates, if a third of American passenger cars ran on diesel, the U.S. could save as much as 1.4 million barrels of oil per day.

Over the years, the development of clean diesel technology has been greatly influenced by high pressure diesel injection systems from Bosch. With the introduction of common rail technology in 1997, Bosch brought a new dimension to the diesel engine market, resulting in cleaner, quieter, more efficient and responsive vehicles. Bosch's new diesel technology advancements have helped further position the company into the motorsports industry and solidify its position within the automotive industry as a leader in powertrain development.

Bosch has new developments in the pipeline for the future advancement of clean diesel engines. Currently, Bosch is adapting its Denoxtronic technology, which has proven extremely effective in lowering nitrogen oxide emissions in commercial vehicles, to meet the requirements of diesel passenger cars. The company has also established a joint venture with Denso Corporation to begin manufacturing highly efficient and cost-effective diesel particulate filters using Cordierite ceramics starting in 2009.

For more information about the Robert Bosch, LLC and clean diesel engines, visit the company's Web site.