PARIS - Delphi Corp. said it has collaborated with Volkswagen to develop one of the "greenest" diesel systems ever produced for the new three-cylinder VW Polo BlueMotion. 

The system, Delphi said, lowers CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption, while still delivering "exceptionally refined powertrain performance." 

Delphi, a global leader in diesel engine management systems, is supplying its Multec Diesel Common Rail System for the new 1.2-liter, three-cylinder Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion. 

"Our customers are downsizing their engines to meet stringent CO₂ requirements. The new Volkswagen three-cylinder common rail diesel engine allows Delphi to demonstrate the great potential of our solenoid-based fuel injection system technology," said Michael Gassen, general director, Delphi Powertrain Systems and Delphi Europe, sales and marketing. "This is Delphi's first diesel common rail program with Volkswagen and it is on a vehicle that is now the most economical five-seater with the lowest emissions and the 2010 World Car of the Year. This is an excellent match for our technology." 

Delphi's Multec Diesel Common Rail System, with a balanced valve fast servo-solenoid injector, was launched in 2000. It has "evolved and improved to meet changing emissions standards and drive new powertrain strategies," Delphi said.   

The common rail system on the VW Polo BlueMotion includes the latest evolution of solenoid type diesel common rail injector technology with Delphi's next-generation DFP6 fuel pump. This combination allows for just 87 g/km of CO₂ emissions. 

"Delphi's new common rail system provides significantly improved fuel delivery control, extended multiple injection capability, enhanced spray atomization and air mixing," said John Fuerst, general manager of Delphi Diesel Systems. "The system in this vehicle can deliver up to six injection events per combustion cycle, which translates into a very smooth combustion process and therefore lowers the NVH levels." 

In addition to optimized combustion, the injection efficiency of the system is improved through reduced parasitic losses, reduced component mass, improved energy consumption and hydraulic performance. Because of this, Delphi said, the common rail system will suit future generations of downsized engines in a range of vehicle classes.