VW Hybrid Hits 70+ MPG
Volkswagen introduced its new Golf TDI Hybrid vehicle at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle’s power train features a 1.2L diesel-electric engine and 7-speed transmission. The Golf TDI uses its 220-V electric motor to move the vehicle at low speeds, and uses the diesel engine to augment the electric motor when accelerating and passing at highway speeds. The vehicle can also run in all-electric mode or all-electric mode. The front-wheel drive Golf TDI Hybrid also offers regenerative braking capabilities and start/stop intelligence.
VW has not indicated whether or not they intend to take the vehicle into production, but some analysts believe that a diesel-electric hybrid would not fare well in the North American market. More likely, VW would sell a gasoline-electric hybrid based on the concept shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Diesel engines are more popular in Europe and cost less to produce there.
At the same show, VW also introduced a natural-gas powered Passat Variant and Estate TSI EcoFuel vehicles, with a planned release date sometime later in 2008. The natural-gas powered cars consume about 5.2 kg of natural gas per 100 kilometers, equivalent to 45 miles per gallon using a conventional combustion engine.
The Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel, which exceeds the Euro 5 standards for mileage and generates lower CO2 emissions, has dual fuel tanks that offer a combined range of 490 miles between refueling, and a special computer controls the switch between fuel tanks. The turbocharged direct injection 1.4L TSI engine in the Passat Variant/Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel can also run on gasoline and supplies 150-hp. The vehicles can achieve 100 kph (62 mph) in 9.7 seconds and have a top speed of 130 mph. Volkswagen has not yet announced a price for the vehicle, but based on the technology included, analysts expect it to enter the market at about USD$25,000.
March 13, 2008 - by Hybrid Car Chat · Filed Under Hybrid Cars |
