Premiering at Geneva is a new step for Volkswagen in the journey towards green motion. Combining advanced TDI technology with an electric motor and the latest seven-speed DSG transmission, the Golf TDI Hybrid Concept achieves efficiencies worthy of low emissions ratings and high fuel economy.
Setting out to create a vehicle capable of emitting less than 90g/km of CO2, Volkswagen engineers have produced a concept that fits the bill, generating emissions of only 89g/km of CO2 and allowing a suitably fuel efficient 83 miles to the gallon. The hybrid model fuses three technologies with VW's efficient three-cylinder 1.2-litre TDI diesel unit at its heart.
Developing 75 PS and 132 lb.ft. of torque, the diesel engine primarily supplements an electric motor generating 27 PS and 103 lb.ft. of torque, both of which can work independently of the other or simultaneously, the diesel kicking in for higher speeds or greater acceleration. Similar to most hybrid motors, an on-board generator recovers the energy otherwise lost during breaking.
Aiding in its aerodynamic efficiency but also sprucing up for show stand form are a range of minor tweaks. Among the most prominent of these is a modified grille design for improved air-flow, with further features include drag-reducing smaller front air intakes and stylish inserts for its alloy wheels to improve air-flow. The front splitter comes straight from the Golf GTI Edition 30, while a lower ground clearance further aids to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Although a concept vehicle, Volkswagen are keen to point out the Golf TDI Hybrid's production likelihood 'in the future'.
Press Release
83 MPG, 89 G/KM OF CO2: INTRODUCING THE GOLF TDI HYBRID CONCEPT
The challenge: to create a viable, highly-efficient family vehicle capable of emitting less than 90 g/km of CO2. The Volkswagen engineers’ solution, unveiled on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, combines an advanced diesel engine with an electric motor and the very latest generation of seven-speed DSG gearbox. The so-called Golf TDI Hybrid concept vehicle is capable of achieving 83 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 89 g/km of CO2 – while around town the vehicle reverts to purely electric mode to be emission-free.
At the core of the new Golf TDI Hybrid is a highly-efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine developing 75 PS and 132 lbs ft of torque. Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, if required, on its own, is an electric motor developing 27 PS and 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging.
It can also operate as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking to charge the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery which has a capacity of 1.4 kW hours.
In practice the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine only engaging should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. In these situations the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor only working if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking manoeuvres. When at a standstill the diesel engine shuts down completely to conserve fuel and increase efficiency. The energy split is relayed to the driver and passengers through a graphic display accessed through the touchscreen satellite navigation screen.
Drive on the concept car is channelled through the new seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox. This features a pair of dry clutches as opposed to the wet clutches and sets a new energy efficiency standard for automatic gearboxes.
Visual changes which differentiate the Golf TDI Hybrid include a new, unique grille design, smaller front air intakes to reduce aerodynamic drag and subtle ‘TDI-Hybrid’ badging. The Golf TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle.
The Golf TDI Hybrid is currently a concept vehicle, but a version of this vehicle is likely to go into production in the future.
This study follows the recent launch of the efficient new Golf BlueMotion. Adopting an optimised 1.9-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine linked to a revised gearbox and more efficient aerodynamics the Golf BlueMotion can achieve a combined 62.8 mpg while emitting just 119 g/km of CO2 meaning it will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge from October 27th onwards.
Timing
- Makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show
- The Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a future production vehicle
Key facts
- An engineering study aimed at extracting maximum efficiency from the combination of an advanced common rail diesel engine and a powerful electric motor designed to work in tandem; also uses very latest generation of seven-speed DSG gearbox
- The so-called Golf TDI Hybrid concept vehicle is capable of achieving 83 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting just 89 g/km of CO2; around town the vehicle reverts to purely electric mode to be emission-free
- Powered by a highly-efficient 1.2-litre three-cylinder common rail TDI diesel engine developing 75 PS and 132 lbs ft of torque. Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, if required, on its own, is an electric motor developing 27 PS and 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also replaces the conventional starter motor and alternator to save weight and improve packaging
- The motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking to charge the 220 volt, boot-mounted 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery which has a capacity of 1.4 kW hours
- The electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine only engaging should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. In these situations the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor only working if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking manoeuvres
- When the vehicle is stationary the diesel engine shuts down completely to conserve fuel and increase efficiency. The energy split is relayed to the driver and passengers through a graphic display accessed through the touchscreen satellite navigation screen
- Drive on the concept car is channelled through the new seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox
- Visual changes which differentiate the Golf TDI Hybrid include a new, unique grille design, smaller front air intakes to reduce aerodynamic drag and subtle ‘TDI-Hybrid’ badging. The Golf TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag
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