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Volkswagen is to unveil a diesel-electric hybrid Golf capable of returning an astonishing 83.1mpg and emitting just 89g/km of carbon dioxide.

This isn't Volkswagen's first hybrid: it experimented with a trial petrol-electric fleet in the early 90s and it has been developing diesel-electric units for some years (one took part in the 2004 Challenge Bibendum eco-car rally in Shanghai).

This is the first near-production example, . . .

The technology will be used in a number of Volkswagen Group models, including the Jetta saloon - which sells in greater numbers in the US than the 'Rabbit' - and the Audi A3.

The diesel-electric powertrain has been developed specifically with the US market in mind, and California in particular.
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VW pairs diesels with electric motors to achieve nearly 70 MPG in its Golf hatchback


Hybrid technology is often a hot topic of discussion on DailyTech. Detractors of hybrid technology often point out that diesel engines would make a better alternative to achieve greater fuel efficiency. Hybrid proponents often point out that while diesel are more efficient than gasoline motors, they are far dirtier.

Volkswagen is looking to bring the two camps together and will unveil a diesel-electric hybrid version of its popular Golf hatchback (known as the Rabbit here in the U.S.) in Geneva. According to the German automotive giant, the Golf Hybrid will achieve 83.9 MPG (Imperial gallons) which is roughly 69.9 MPG here in the U.S. Carbon dioxide emissions are also limited to just 89g/km.

The diesel engine used in the Golf Hybrid meets all Euro 5 emissions criteria and also passes the stringent Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards here in the U.S.

Given that costs involved with producing a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, VW is looking to spread the technology to a number of its vehicle lines. According to 4Car, likely transplants include the VW Jetta and the Audi A3. Other Golf-based vehicles that would be a prime target for the new powertrain include the upcoming VW Tiguan and Audi Q5 crossovers.

VW isn't the only company; however, that is looking towards diesel-electric hybrid powertrains. DailyTech reported on Peugeot's 308 Hybrid HDi in late August 2007. The 308 Hybrid HDi features a 107 HP diesel engine which is paired to a 22 HP electric motor. The combined system helps the vehicle achieve 69 MPG.

Diesel technology is seeing a rather large resurgence in the U.S. thanks to new CAFE regulations. VW is bringing back its TDI motors now that they meet Tier 2 Bin 5 standards, Nissan is looking to drop a Renault diesel engine into its next generation Maxima and Honda will provide four and six-cylinder diesel engines for its cars and trucks.

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Geneva '08 Preview: VW Golf TDI Hybrid hits the web

Auto Bild has decided to "help" Volkswagen introduce the VW Golf TDI Hybrid concept that the automaker will be unveiling in Geneva a few days from now. So, how does it look? Pretty impressive. The car mates a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI (presumably the 1.4L used in the Polo BlueMotion), a 27 horsepower electric motor and a 7-speed DSG to average 69 mpg (3.4l/100km) in the European cycle with carbon dioxide emissions of just 90 g/km. The electric motor is powered by a trunk-mounted NiMH battery. Based on the Google Translation of the page, we glean that the Golf TDI Hybrid is a full hybrid capable of running on electric power, diesel power or a combination of the two. It also uses regenerative braking, a stop/start system, and one of those energy monitor videogame screens that gives you a graphical representation of the powertrain's activity. Visually, the car sports a new Vivid Blue finish and employs narrower grillework, a lowered suspension, and low-rolling-resistance rubber to help maximize aerodynamics and fuel economy. We'll bring you full details from the show next week.

AutoBlog

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. . . a 75 PS (74 HP) 3-cylinder TDI (presumably the 1.4L used in the Polo BlueMotion), a 27 horsepower electric motor . . .

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