VW Plans Diesel-Electric Hybrid

Volkswagen’s plans to build a diesel-electric hybrid version of its European Golf hatchback — known here as the Rabbit — are all but official. The Golf TDI Hybrid, set to arrive at next week’s Geneva auto show, will likely sport a 2.0-liter diesel engine coupled with an electric motor to the tune of 83 mpg, the UK’s Auto Express News reports. Wired magazine puts the mileage figure at around 70 mpg — still nothing to sneeze at — and says the car’s CO2 emissions will be less than that of a Toyota Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid.

All the goings-on of a typical hybrid should be present: aerodynamic enhancements to cut wind resistance, regenerative brakes to charge the battery and a drivetrain capable of puttering around at low speeds in electric-only mode. Volkswagen of America spokesman Clark Campbell wouldn’t share any official details, but he did say there are no current plans to bring the car stateside.

Autoblog reports that the transmission will likely be Volkswagen’s DSG double-clutch gearbox, of which we’re big fans. We’re also intrigued by the combination of a torque-rich diesel engine and a torque-rich electric motor — meaning this thing might really move from a stoplight. Naturally, we’ll start the drumbeat for Volkswagen to think about bringing it here.

Coming Soon from VW: A 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid (Autopia)
Diesel Hybrid Golf on Way (Auto Express)
Geneva '08 Preview: Volkswagen Golf Hybrid concept (Autoblog Green)

Comments

[LK]

I would so get that in a heartbeat!

[Mike B.]

Go V-Dub! It's about time someone did it!

[woogie]

I'll be happy if they just get their diesel vehicles over here.

[AV]

no doubt that this will get at least 70, since the Jetta TDI is going to get 50.

if they can keep this priced with the Prius and gets 70 mpg, it wont matter what it runs on.

[jyd]

Why do the japanese dominate the US market? Because they provide what people want. Reading this article, I thought this would be a great move for VW and instantly put it on the playing field with the Prius. VW is struggling to become relevant again in the US. Then I read that there are no plans to bring it stateside. HUH?! Ford, also struggling, does the same thing. Their best models remain in Europe. I must be missing something. Toyota and Honda are consistently on the top of best-selling lists, best-mileage lists, best quality lists and they clearly have tapped in to both the youth market and the family segment. It's actually sad to see that Ford, VW and a host of other manufacturers actually do have the technology and ability to turn their fortunes around but lack the insight to do so.

[Trainer]

I agree with all who want VW to bring the diesel hybrid to this country. In Nov. 2007, Prius sales alone in the U.S. came close to outselling the ENTIRE Volkswagen line in this country.