Volkswagen To Increase Plug In Hybrid Models

The Chairman of the Volkswagen Group Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn has announced that the Volkswagen Group will be going into production with a range of important models with plug-in hybrid technology starting in 2013/14.

"The electric car will impact the future of individual mobility in crucial ways - and Volkswagen is spearheading this technology. Over the mid-term, the plug-in hybrid offers great potential, because it combines the best of two worlds in one vehicle," said Winterkorn. The plug-in hybrid offers precisely what many customers expect: unlimited internal combustion engine performance combined with attractive electric mobility ranges in everyday driving. Moreover, Winterkorn noted that there are no limitations to the vehicle's speed, climbing or towing abilities. He also stated that plug-in technology has excellent potential for reducing CO2 emissions.

"Electric mobility is the task of the century for the automotive industry and the European industrial community as a whole. Manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians - everyone must step up to the plate here," said the Volkswagen chairman. Winterkorn spoke in support of more targeted research funding, especially in the field of electro-chemistry for battery technology.

The Vienna Motor Symposium, Volkswagen also showcased two new engines, which be soon be available. The 1.4 litre TSI Motor E 85 and the new 2.0 litre TDI, which already fulfils BIN5/ULEV emission laws in the USA. Volkswagen's advanced development of its twincharged 1.4-litre TSI with 118 kW for use with E 85 ethanol fuel, illustrates how the company is extending its line-up of eco-friendly engines and further contributing towards reducing CO2 emissions in internal combustion engines. In the Volkswagen Passat saloon, the combination of the new TSI with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) in E 85 operation yields a fuel consumption value of 8.8 litres per 100 km in the NEDC driving cycle, which is equivalent to 144 g/km of CO2. This represents a seven per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to an engine operated with Super petrol fuel. The engine is earmarked for use in the Passat and Volkswagen Passat CC, initially in Sweden and Finland, where E 85 fuel has been widely available for many years now.

The share of passenger cars with diesel engines is still relatively small in the USA compared to the European automotive market.

The second generation 2.0 litre TDI has been modified and further engineered for the new Volkswagen Passat to be produced exclusively for the North American market. In order to meet BIN5/ULEV emission regulations in the USA, it was necessary to reduce the engine's raw emissions and install an SCR (Selective catalytic reduction) emissions control system.

The 2.0-litre TDI produces 140 PS and has 320 Nm of torque. The Volkswagen Passat accelerates from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 113mph (electronically limited, and a fuel consumption figure of 35mpg.