Mannheim, 25 May 2009 - Powered with the biofuel CropPower85 (E85) the Volvo C30 HEICO SPORTIV took part in the legendary Nürburgring 24-hour race on 23 to 24 May 2009 and won second place in its class.
With this, Bioethanol proved impressively that it is not only climate friendly but also matches the performance of fossil fuels.
A total of 170 vehicles entered the 37th ADAC Zurich 24-hour race to demonstrate their endurance and performance on the Nürburgring's northloop track, the so-called "Green Hell". "Participation in the classic Nürburgring 24-hour race is a tough materials test and we are pleased that CropPower85 fulfilled the expectations in outstanding fashion," Lutz Guderjahn, member of the CropEnergies AG Executive Board commented.
CropPower85 is a bioethanol-petrol mixture with a bioethanol content of approximately 85% that this suitable for Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). These flexible fuel vehicles can run both on conventional petrol and on E85, or a mixture of both. Volvo, Ford, Renault and Saab already offer such vehicles in Germany ex factory. Other manufacturers plan to start offering FFVs in 2009. Conventional petrol engines can be converted to be used with E85.
With more than 104 octane (RON), E85 according to DIN 51625 is one of the most powerful fuels ever to have been available at filling stations. CropPower85, the standard conform E85 fuel from CropEnergies, is also available at German filling stations, and is a genuine alternative to fossil fuels.
HEICO SPORTIV is one of the most renowned tuning specialists for Volvo cars, and is considered the number one address in the world for Volvo performance cars. In addition to CropEnergies, the project is being supported by the Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli, among others. HEICO SPORTIV has been active with alternative fuels in motor sports since 2007.
The CropEnergies AG
The CropEnergies Group - a member of the Südzucker Group - is a leading European producer of sustainably manufactured bioethanol for the fuel sector.
"Crop" stands for "creative regeneration of power". Energy in the form of bioethanol is produced from renewable resources - grain and sugar beets. With subsidiaries in Germany, France, and Belgium, CropEnergies has established itself in a growing market in just a few years. CropEnergies considers itself a pioneer on the German bioethanol market and expands its market position in Europe. The shares of CropEnergies AG (ISIN DE000A0LAUP1) are listed in the Prime Standard at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.