VW Golf TDI Hybrid debuts in Geneva

Posted by Carl
March 13, 2008

Volkswagen is not as widely known for its hybrid powertrain development as, say, Toyota, Honda, Ford or Mercedes-Benz. Up until this year it has fielded several Bluemotion models – diesel vehicles with economy-oriented modifications like lower riding heights and special tyres. It is therefore significant that VW recently unveiled is Gold TDI Hybrid at the Salon International de l’Auto – the International Geneva Motor Show.

 

According to VW:

The TDI Hybrid uses a 55kw / 171N.m three cylinder 1.2 litre diesel engine in conjunction with a 220V electric motor. In normal mode, the Golf pulls away under electric power, with the diesel engine kicking in when it is up to a reasonable speed. However, VW says that is can run on either of the power sources alone as well. Power is fed to the front wheels via VW’s seven-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) twin-clutch transmission.

 The TDI hybrid consumer around 3.4 litres per 100km, slightly higher better that offered the Toyotas Prius and Honda Insight. It achieves this while emitting only 89g of CO2 per 100km. Such amazing figures are achieved by using the ultra-efficient diesel engine coupled with power from the 45kg nickel metal hybride battery in the boot. Together with regenerative braking and a stop-start function on the engine creating electricity for use when accelerating, energy is also saved “on the move” by body modifications including smaller front air intakes and a lower ride height reducing aerodynamic drag.

Although only a concept at present, the Gold TDI Hybrid is a real-world vehicle with available technology to create a viable production model. With a strong reputation of reliable and economical diesel engines behind it, VW would not be forgiven if they shelf this research study. With a proposed Porsche Cayenne Hybrid in the pipeline towards 2010, and a planned takeover of VW/Audi by the sportscar maker, a group-wide hybrid development plan is a logical step for these manufacturers who are lagging behind peers in “greening” their products.  

Pictures courtesy of www.wired.com

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • muti
  • digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Reddit
Cars

If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.

Comments
Comment by Nick Soper on March 14, 2008 @ 11:10 am

Any news on when plug in hybrids are being let loose in South Africa?

My next car will be a hybrid, but the Prius doesn’t do it for me, and I’m not sure if you can get a plug in version here.

A plug-in TDI hybrid Golf would be a step in the right direction. Maybe they could couple of with a carbon coupon for the amount of CO2 the average motorist will clock up in one of these cars.

Leave a comment

(required)

(required)


For spam detection purposes, please copy the number 9985 to the field below: