Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

More Fun Than A Prius, Less Sensible Than A TDI

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid - front three-quarter view

Let's have some fun, and do some math. We're talking pretty rudimentary stuff, multiplication and division, to figure out if the upcoming Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid can make a baseline case for itself against two very strong competitors in this segment. The competitors in question, at least for now, are two more Jettas: the diesel-drinking TDI and the fit-for-the-masses SE with VW's long-serving 2.5-liter engine.

To keep the equations clean and simple (hey, we're writers), we'll calculate based on the most flattering EPA miles per gallon stat from highway driving for all cars, assume a healthy 20,000 miles driven per year, and factor in today's average cost for the respective fuels these three require: diesel (TDI), regular (SE) and premium (Hybrid). We'll also start with the base prices for all models.

With all of that info loaded into our mental hoppers, how much time does it take to make the 45-mpg fuel economy of the Jetta Hybrid offset its premium price? To refresh, the $24,995 Hybrid is $2,005 more than the TDI and a heady $6,000 more than the SE. With highway economy ratings of 43 mpg for the TDI and 48 for the Hybrid, even considering that diesel fuel is more expensive, it'd take you about seven years of Hybrid driving before you've paid off the technology premium. The regular-gas sipping SE is a still more compelling argument for the frugal, as you'll need to drive your hybrid for roughly 13 years to make up the sticker difference at today's fuel prices. Bring the miles driven down to a closer-to-average 12k per year, and the payback takes even longer.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen jetta hybridfeaturedhybridjettajetta hybridreviewreviewsvolkswagenvolkswagen hybridvwTue, 12 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20457115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-review/20457115/article-detail.xml 20457115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen sets hybrid car land speed record... again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/volkswagen-sets-hybrid-car-land-speed-record-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/volkswagen-sets-hybrid-car-land-speed-record-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/volkswagen-sets-hybrid-car-land-speed-record-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid Land Speed Racer

Behold the fastest production hybrid in the world. For the second time this year, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid LSR has moved the terminal-veolcity bar higher by averaging 186.313 mph at Bonneville. That breaks the SCTA's land speed record for production cars with forced induction engines of less than 1.5 liters.

On Oct. 5, Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago also posted the fastest run ever by a hybrid, hitting 187.147 mph during the last part of his second run. That bests the previous record by 1.753 mph set by the same car and driver in August.

In the official press release from Volkswagen (available below), the company brags that the "all-new 2013 Jetta hybrid is a distinctly different offering in the compact hybrid class, offering excellent fuel economy while retaining the fun-to-drive nature expected from a Volkswagen." But don't let that fool you. While the car may look stock, SCTA rules allow some major modifications in the "production car" class.

The suspension was lowered, the interior gutted and replaced with a full roll cage, and the car got special Salt Flat wheels and tires. Major engine modifications took the 170-horsepower motor all the way to 300 horses. Totally allowed under the rules, but a bit misleading considering the production car name.

Continue reading Volkswagen sets hybrid car land speed record... again

Volkswagen sets hybrid car land speed record... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fastest hybridhybridjettajetta hybridjetta hybrid land speed recordland speed recordvolkswagenvwvw+hybridvw+jetta+hybridvwhybridvwjettahybridTue, 09 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344097/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/volkswagen-sets-hybrid-car-land-speed-record-again/20344097/article-detail.xml 20344097 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/vw-jetta-hybrid-opt-1349713115_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/vw-jetta-hybrid-opt-1349713115.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid priced from $24,995*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-priced-from-24-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-priced-from-24-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/04/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-priced-from-24-995/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid will hit dealers near the end of 2012, and we've now learned that the new compact fuel-sipper will be priced from $24,995, (*) excluding the $795 destination charge.

For that price, buyers will be treated to a vehicle packed with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 27-horsepower electric motor. Total system output is rated at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and the only transmission on offer is a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. According to Volkswagen's estimates, the Jetta Hybrid will return a combined fuel economy rating of 45 miles per gallon, making it the most fuel-efficient model in the Jetta range. The Hybrid will sprint to 60 miles per hour in just under nine seconds, and it can even cruise in EV mode at speeds as high as 44 mph.

Unlike other automakers that force you to spec a certain trim level in order to get the hybrid technology, Volkswagen is launching its gasoline-electric Jetta in four different configurations. The base model, simply called Hybrid, nets you daytime running lights, power/heated mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, Climatronic climate control, Bluetooth and a host of other class-standard features.

Moving up from there, the Hybrid SE - $26,990 - adds LED taillights, power reclining front seats, a MDI audio interface with iPod connectivity, a premium touchscreen radio, Sirius and keyless access. And for $29,325, you can spec the Hybrid SEL which includes goodies like 16-inch alloys, a power sunroof, navigation, heated washer nozzles, heated seats and a full-power driver's seat. At the top of the range is the Hybrid SEL Premium, featuring niceties like bi-xenon headlamps with LED running lights, foglights, 17-inch wheels, a rear-view camera and Volkswagen's excellent Fender audio system.

For comparison, the not-quite-as-efficient (but likely more fun to drive) Jetta TDI - rated at 42 mpg highway - starts at $22,990, and loading one up will set you back $26,990, excluding destination.

Scroll down to read Volkswagen's official press blast with all the nitty-gritty details.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid priced from $24,995*

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid priced from $24,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen jetta hybridhybridjettajetta hybridvolkswagenvwThu, 04 Oct 2012 08:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20340455/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/04/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-priced-from-24-995/20340455/article-detail.xml 20340455 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/001-2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/001-2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sets world speed record at 185 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-sets-world-speed-record-at-185-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-sets-world-speed-record-at-185-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/17/volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-sets-world-speed-record-at-185-mph/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

vw jetta hybrid land speed record

After blasting down the Bonneville Salt Flats at 185 miles per hour, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is now the "world's fastest hybrid," according to VW.

The modified Jetta Hybrid was driven by Motor Trend Associate Road Test Editor Carlos Lago, and the official speed was 185.394 mph (298.363 kph). That is "the fastest speed ever achieved by a production-based hybrid car on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats." Production-based here still means that the powertrain was modified by Volkswagen engineers in Germany. We can see aerodynamic wheels, but exact changes that were implemented were not described, only that the car was "run according to SCTA rules." The production Jetta Hybrid gets 45 miles per gallon and has a 0-60 time of 9.0 seconds. It uses a four-cylinder, 1.4-liter turbocharged, 150-horsepower, TSI gasoline engine mated to a 20-kW (27-hp) electric motor.

Sure, 185 mph is impressive, but it's not that far ahead of the record set in May by a huge hybrid Volvo truck in the flying kilometer: 165 mph. We suggest a head-to-head.

Continue reading Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sets world speed record at 185 mph

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sets world speed record at 185 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnevillejetta hybridland speed recordvolkswagen jettavolkswagen jetta hybridFri, 17 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303552/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/17/volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-sets-world-speed-record-at-185-mph/20303552/article-detail.xml 20303552 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/vw-jetta-hybrid-land-speed-record-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/vw-jetta-hybrid-land-speed-record-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mild-Mannered Fun At 45 mpg

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

The world doesn't need another automaker claiming to have cracked the code for a fun-to-drive hybrid. The concept hasn't worked particularly well in any application. Just ask Lexus. And Honda. Twice.

Granted, we don't know how Volkswagen plans to pitch the 2013 Jetta Hybrid when it goes on sale this fall. We didn't get a two-hour long marketing presentation and associated PowerPoint. Instead, we snagged the keys while an executive-level engineer droned on about next-gen modular EGR systems and EU4-compliant oxidation catalytic converters.

We needed an escape and the Jetta Hybrid was it.

So maybe it was the sub-zero temps outside the VW pavilion in Wolfsburg, Germany or the chance to do something - anything - to combat the effects of three hours of sleep in 36 hours. But what we found during our all-too-brief drive of the Jetta Hybrid wasn't a cynical engineering-meets-marketing stop-gap, but instead the first compelling alternative to the Toyota Prius.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen jetta hybridfeaturedhybridjettajetta hybridquick spinquickspinvolkswagenTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20163511/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/07/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid/20163511/article-detail.xml 20163511 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-qs.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid debuts with projected 45 mpg combined rating]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-detroit-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-detroit-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

The lithium-ion battery in the new Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid may be small (just 1.1 kWh), but it can pack a punch big enough to move the gas-electric to speeds up to 44 miles per hour using nothing but electrons. Throw in a combined estimated fuel efficiency rating of 45 miles per gallon and a class-leading 0-60 time of 9.0 seconds, and you've got a green Jetta that should prove to be fun out on the highway.

Of course, with only a kilowatt hour in the battery pack, you won't get very far on battery power (just 1.2 miles, VW says) and all of those electrons will come from energy that was originally gasoline (there is no plug involved here), but it's still enough of an electric powertrain for VW to call the Jetta Hybrid the "most fuel-efficient Jetta in the lineup." And it is quite a line-up, since there are now a total of five powertrains available for the Jetta, offering "a German engineered compact sedan for everyone."

The Hybrid pairs up a four-cylinder, 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 20-kW (27 hp) electric motor. The gas engine produces 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque between 1400 rpm and 3500 rpm. The Jetta Hybrid will become available in North America in 2012 and will be "competitively priced with other compact hybrids," VW claims. This is VW's second hybrid, following the Touareg Hybrid SUV, but the Volkswagen AG has experience with gas-electrics. The Jetta Hybrid may be the first hybrid to use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but the way the clutch decouples the engine from the drivetrain when the car is using just the battery for power or coasting is similar to how the Porsche hybrids do it.

As for visual changes, look for minor outside changes that improve the car's aero, like "a new front airdam, a rear diffuser, and an integrated rear spoiler."

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid debuts with projected 45 mpg combined rating

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid debuts with projected 45 mpg combined rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showjettajetta hybridvolkswagenvolkswagen hybridvolkswagen jetta hybridvw hybridMon, 09 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141497/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/2013-volkswagen-jetta-hybrid-detroit-2012/20141497/article-detail.xml 20141497 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2013-vw-jetta-hybrid-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen planning EV for Detroit?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/volkswagen-planning-ev-for-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/volkswagen-planning-ev-for-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/volkswagen-planning-ev-for-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to French blog Caradisiac, Volkswagen will show a brand new electric-car concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Pitched as VW demonstrating its intention to field a competitor for the hot-selling Nissan Leaf and the most-excellent Mitsubishi i-MiEV, word is the VW offering isn't based on any current car, nor is it destined for production.

According to the report, the EV's design is inspired by the new Beetle "in order to evoke hallmarks of the brand." We've heard similar things from inside VW directly, but no one is being specific. It's almost like they're trying to keep it a surprise or something.

Whatever it ends up being, the electrified people's car will be sharing floor space with the coming Jetta Hybrid. That sedan will utilize a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a lithium-ion-powered electric motor, shooting for an EPA fuel economy rating of 44 city, 44 highway and 44 combined miles per gallon.

Volkswagen planning EV for Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even though public days for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show have only just begun, details on the upcoming 2012 Detroit Auto Show are already starting to emerge. Volkswagen sources have divulged to Car and Driver that the automaker will unveils its Jetta Hybrid in the Motor City and sell it to U.S. buyers by the end of 2012.

Reports claim the Jetta Hybrid will feature a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.

Rather than aspire to Prius-like numbers of 51 miles per gallon city and 48 mpg highway, VW is more conservatively shooting to meet the 44/44/44 (that's city/highway/combined) marks set by the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. VW hopes that the addition of a gas-electric model will further fortify the Jetta's bid for alt-fuel efficiency excellence, a movement currently spearheaded by the popular TDI diesel model.

In related news, C/D says its sources also confirm that there will be no Jetta Coupe model offered - this, despite a warm reception for the NCC concept shown in 2010. Additionally, C/D sources say that a convertible version of the recently launched Beetle will show up at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid headed for Detroit, coupe hopes dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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