Volkswagen to release performance hybrid powertrains by 2012
According to a recent Autocar report, Volkswagen is working on developing a new range of hybrid packages that will not only offer eco-friendly fuel economy, but also sports-car like performance.
This stunning and somewhat handsome-looking Volkswagen New Concept Coupe unveiled early this year is the car that will kick-start the new hybrid philosophy. Volkswagen's Michael Hinz, the Jetta technical project manager, was quoted as saying in the Autocar report,
"We’re not an experienced hybrid maker like Toyota or Honda, so we don’t just want to come up with what everyone else already has. We want to do something unique."
Hinz goes on to explain Volkswagen wants to use hybrid technology to boost already punchy, small capacity, turbocharged petrol engines. Powertrain setups like the one used in the Volkswagen NCC will make their way into more mainstream models, such as the Golf in the near future.
Power delivery for the NCC comes from a 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine, offering 110kW in itself, supported by a small electric motor inside the gearbox that boosts power by another 20kW.
Volkswagen says this package is able to do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 8.1 seconds - certainly okay for most circumstances - whilst also offering a fuel consumption of just 3.5L/100km. Apparently it also emits just 98gm of CO2 per kilometre.
Versions of this setup are said to be scheduled for release in the European market during 2012. It's great to see companies working on maintaining performance during the developed of their hybrid packages.
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