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"  Volkswagen is fielding three natural gas-powered racers in the legendary N\u00FCrburgring 24-hour endurance race over the weekend May 12-16. All three Scirocco GT24-CNG coup\u00E9s are fitted with a 2.0-liter TSI engine powered by natural gas, reducing CO2 emissions by 80 percent over a conventional gasoline engine. The unit is a development of the power plant that secured class victory last year and sees the power output increased to 325 bhp. As in previous years, Volkswagen will draw on the expertise of experienced racers as well as fielding several promising and exciting young drivers. Last year, Jimmy Johansson (S), Florian Gruber (D) and Nicki Thim (DK) competed in a conventional gasoline-powered Scirocco GT24 and finished 15th as the top-placed Volkswagen team, clinching the third consecutive class win for Volkswagen. This year they are joined by touring car ace Peter Terting (D) who steered a pioneering gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNG to victory in the alternative powertrains category last year. The second car is driven by experienced endurance racers from a variety of international disciplines. Nasser Al-Attiyah (Q), who finished second in Volkswagen&amp;#039;s 1-2-3 on this year&amp;#039;s Dakar Rally, is joined by former DTM driver Vanina (daughter of Jacky) Ickx (B), endurance racing legend Dieter Depping (D) and two-time winner of the N\u00FCrburgring 24-hour, Klaus Niedzwiedz (D). Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the management board for technical development and Prof Dr Stefan Gies, head of chassis development for Volkswagen are paired with journalists Bernd Ostmann (D) and Peter Wyss (CH) in the final Scirocco. This racer features several technological developments including an innovative active electro-hydraulic differential in place of the conventional system which is fitted to the other two cars. The electronically controlled system will undergo the ultimate test of endurance, and is designed to combine the functionality of the conventional system with improved handling characteristics and a reduction in understeer. Further developments of the 2009-spec cars include a larger braking system to reduce maintenance intervals during the grueling 24-hours, and the integration of two further light units into the front bumper to improve visibility during the night. Early signs for the three teams are promising with Nicki Thim posting a lap record on the Nordschleife circuit for a front-wheel drive vehicle with a time of 8m 47.337s. Related posts:   BMW Win at the `Ring Video: Toyota Sets New EV Record at the Ring Lexus LFA To Take On The `Ring\u2014Again  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/news/a673/vws-ring-cycle-10990/>