Autoblog

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid debuts with projected 45 mpg combined rating

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Volkswagen

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."

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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.

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VW 1-liter eco-friendly car set to make a return

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green, Volkswagen

Click above for more shots of the VW One-Liter concept car

A few years back, Volkswagen introduced a concept vehicle which derived its name from its stated goal of using just one liter of fuel per one-hundred kilometers traveled, and according to CAR production version may be on the way in 2010. The original concept actually beat its lofty goal rather handily as it managed to achieve a miserly 282 miles per gallon in testing. Much of its amazing fuel-saving capability stemmed from its 660 pounds (300 kilograms) curb weight. The concept also featured a single cylinder engine and a 1+1 seating arrangement down the center of the car. While the engine is likely to be replaced by a twin-cylinder turbodiesel with hybrid drive, the carbon fiber construction and canopy-style roof are likely headed for production.

As you'd expect, such technology and carbon-heavy construction isn't going to come cheap. To offset part of the cost, the automaker is surely looking for some government assistance for purchasers of the limited edition machine, though it could still be sold at a loss. Safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control aren't lacking, but convenience items like air conditioning may be optional. In that case, we'd recommend being really comfortable with your passengers in the rather close-knit quarters.

Gallery: VW One-Liter Car

[Source: CAR]

VW 1-liter eco-friendly car set to make a return originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW and Sanyo hook up on lithium-ion battery development

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Audi, Volkswagen

Following the lead of Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan, Volkswagen has announced a major deal with Sanyo to produce lithium-ion batteries. The two companies already have ties, as VW uses Sanyo's nickel-metal hydride batteries in its current hybrid vehicles, such as the upcoming Audi Q7 hybrid. Li-ion batteries are the current cream-of-the-crop when it comes to storing electricity and VeeDub has plans to begin offering vehicles with the high-tech copper tops as early as 2009.

Unlike Toyota and Nissan, which have created jointly run manufacturing plants with their battery suppliers, Sanyo will be going it alone with an 80 billion yen, or $769 million, investment in order to expand production of its li-ion batteries by 2015, at which time it plans on producing 15-20,000 units per year. Sanyo also happens to provide nickel-metal hydride batteries for the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid.

[Sources: Volkswagen, The Detroit News]

Continue reading VW and Sanyo hook up on lithium-ion battery development

VW and Sanyo hook up on lithium-ion battery development originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 May 2008 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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