- Modern classics – RS2000 and VW Camper – turned ‘green’
- EcoVelocity showcases latest in cutting-edge low-carbon innovations
Environmentally-friendly motoring does not have to mean switching to electric or hybrid cars, according to the UK’s biggest eco-friendly motor show, EcoVelocity.
The show has taken two iconic vehicles from the 1980s – the petrol-powered Ford Escort RS2000 and the diesel VW Camper Van – and showed how stuffing them full of the very latest in green car technology would make them viable, modern cars with vastly-reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel efficiency.
EcoVelocity, which is co-owned by Metro and runs from September 8-11th, is an interactive festival of green motoring, showcasing the latest electric, hybrid and low CO2-emitting cars.
But, with its virtual creations, EcoVelocity is seeking to prove that, by using cutting-edge technology available now, including direct injection systems and stop / start technology, the venerable internal combustion engine has life in it yet for the eco-conscious driver.
EcoVelocity’s project cars have been upgraded virtually only, in order that the experiment was run in the ‘greenest’ possible fashion and in keeping with the ethos of the show. However, independent engineers have confirmed the mechanical viability of all the work suggested.
RS2000 original stats
| Power | 110bhp | Weight | 880kg |
| Max speed | 110mph | 0-62mph | 8.9 seconds |
| Economy | 25mpg | CO2 | 271g/km |
Camper Van original stats
| Power | 47bhp | Weight | 1560kg |
| Max speed | 72mph | 0-62mph | 29.8 seconds |
| Economy | 20mpg | CO2 | 338g/km |
EcoVelocity founder and organiser, Giles Brown, said: “Both of these vehicles, although iconic in their own right, had monstrous CO2 emission figures by today’s standards.
“With a potential price tag of tens of thousands of pounds to undertake all this work, you’d have to be very serious indeed about going green. But what we want to show is how it is possible to make both cars eligible for free road tax (VED Band A), increase their performance and even enhance their safety features.”
The EcoVelocity Ford Escort RS2000 features
- Modern counterpart engine (Ford 1.6-litre Ti-VCT) to replace original
- Thermal management
- Direct injection system for efficiency and performance
- Stop / start technology – up to 5% CO2 saving
- Hybrid engine technology – up to 25% CO2 saving
- ABS / ESP safety systems
The EcoVelocity VW Camper Van features
- Modern counterpart engine (Volkswagen 1.6 TDI 90) to replace original
- Thermal management
- Exhaust gas systems for efficiency
- Stop / start technology – up to 5% CO2 saving
- Hybrid engine technology – up to 25% CO2 saving
- ABS / ESP safety systems
Mr Brown added: “People perceive that being environmentally sympathetic must mean switching to battery electric power or full hybrid cars. But EcoVelocity is about all means of ‘going green’ and this experiment shows that, with the right application of technology, the good old combustion engine has a good 20 years left in it yet.
“EcoVelocity is about real-world cars for real-world motorists and this shows that you can take cars destined for classic status and keep them running on a clear conscious.”
The EcoVelocity Show, organised by IMIE, organisers of the British Motor Show and Metro, the World’s largest free newspaper with 3.3 million daily readers across 50 cities nationwide, will be held at Battersea Power Station on September 8-11.
Market leading brands attending the event include Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Toyota, Lexus, Vauxhall, Volvo, Volkswagen and Mia Electric.
Vistors will be able to try out the latest eco-friendly cars on a specially-constructed track in the shadow of the famous power station.
Event partners include What Car?, TfL, The Mayor of London, Smooth Radio, Source London, Get On and Green Fleet.
Click here to buy your advance tickets now!
