VW Golf TwinDrive: 174Hp & 94 MPG Plug-in Electric Hybrid

In cooperation with the German government, VW announced that it will start testing a fleet of 20 vehicles equipped with a new plug-in hybrid drive system with lithium-ion batteries called “TwinDrive”. Volkswagen plans are to introduce a production version of the system as early as 2010.

Speaking during the presentation of the first Golf model fitted with the TwinDrive system at the “Automobile Forum” in Berlin, VW’s Chairman Martin Winterkorn said that the “TwinDrive” plug-in hybrid system can be combined with either petrol or diesel engines.

“Different than today’s hybrid vehicles, it should be emphasized that TwinDrive – and this is decisive – enables long ranges in the city in electric mode. While the electric motor on a typical hybrid model just supplements the combustion engine, the exact opposite is true on the TwinDrive: here the diesel or gasoline engine supplements the electric-motor,” said Winterkorn.

Although VW’s representatives didn’t give out all the details on the new hybrid system, they did reveal that over the route from Potsdam to the “Automobile Forum” in downtown Berlin and back – considered a typical commuting route –the Golf TwinDrive consumed just 8Kw-hours of electricity and 2.5 liters of fuel (that equals to 94 mpg!). -Continued

According to the German carmaker, the Golf TwinDrive can cover a distance of about 50 km or 30 miles purely on electric energy. As for power, VW revealed that the Golf TwinDrive’s electric motor and internal combustion engine deliver in tandem up to 130 kW or 174Hp.

“The present era of the automobile would be inconceivable without highly efficient gasoline and diesel engines. But the future will most certainly belong to the electric motors – refueled at the electrical outlet. On the way to this future, our TDI (diesel) and TSI (petrol) engines are now being merged with electric motors and extremely efficient battery systems to form a new drive system”, explained Martin Winterkorn.

“The Golf TwinDrive being presented here today enables electrically powered driving in the city, on the one hand, while also enabling very long ranges over extended driving routes on which the combustion engine is used. For us, the TwinDrive represents an elementary step along the path toward the completely electrically driven automobile!” the Volkswagen chief added.

2009 VW Golf Will Cost €1,165 Less to Produce Than Current Model

The sixth generation VW Golf that is expected to be introduced at the Paris Motor Show this fall with sales starting in Europe at the end of the year, will cost €1,165 or about $1,830 less to produce than the current model according to a report from daily German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).

The article in the German newspaper states that VW managed to make the savings through the use of common components with the current generation model, the elimination of the four-day work week and wiser material purchasing along with higher planned production volumes. According to an unnamed VW source, unlike the current model which started making money after two years, the savings will allow the German carmaker to make a profit off the new Golf as soon as it enters the market.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Study

The usually articulate German folks over at Volkswagen revealed this mystery Golf GTI Performance Study at the annual GTI meeting at Wörther Lake in Austria without giving any information whatsoever apart from the car’s elusive name. We’ve no idea whether or not VW performed any performance upgrades on the GTI’s 2.0 TFSI engine, but they did fit it with Lambo style doors and an extreme wide bodykit along with a bi-color paintjob which is also continued in the cabin that features 2+1 seating. –More pics after the jump

Karmann Won’t be Building 2010 VW Golf Cabriolet

As if things weren’t troublesome enough for German contract manufacturer Karmann after it ended production of the Chrysler Crossfire last year and the forthcoming termination of the Audi A4 Convertible this autumn and the Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet in 2009, German newspaper “Handelsblatt” is reporting that VW has given them a big fat “nein” in concern of the 2010 Golf Cabriolet.

Karman has built every single previous generation Golf Cabriolet -some 675,000 units altogether. Like many other carmakers in Europe, VW has decided to take production of niche vehicles into its own hands, leaving contract manufacturers such as Heuliez, Bertone and Karmann struggling to find replacement business. According to company insiders, the new Golf Cabriolet will make its market debut about a year after the hatchback versions of the new Golf are introduced in Europe in early 2009.

VW Golf GTI Pirelli Available in the UK

The special edition Golf GTI Pirelli is making its comeback in the British market this year as Volkswagen announced that it has begun receiving orders with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country this June. Inspired from the original Golf GTI Pirelli that was introduced in May 1983, the 2008 version of the car is based on the Golf GTI Edition 30.

At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre TFSI unit with its output raised from the standard 200 Hp to 230 Hp. Drive is channelled through a choice of 6-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. With this engine, the new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car’s 0-62 mph time of 7.2 sec to 6.8 while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152.

As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique wheels and in particular, a set of five-spoke 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Other exterior features include body-coloured front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. The Pirelli GTI will be available in a choice of three colours –silver, black and blue. -Continued

Inside, the Pirelli theme continues with the half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back. Yellow stitching contrasts against the black leather of the seats, sports steering wheel and handbrake.

Prices in the UK will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum Role Playing Game

It has been a while since we last played an online game but since we had nothing better to do this morning we decided to give VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum RPG (Role Playing Game) a shot. We only got up to the point where you are asked to insert a code in order to continue, so if any of you guys or gals manage to finish it, do the right thing by sharing the answer(s) with us. Mind you, the game is on VW’s German site, but it’s rather straight forward so you probably won’t find any difficulties getting around.

Link: VW GT Sport

VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum Role Playing Game

It has been a while since we last played an online game but since we had nothing better to do this morning we decided to give VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum RPG (Role Playing Game) a shot. We only got up to the point where you are asked to insert a code in order to continue, so if any of you guys or gals manage to finish it, do the right thing by sharing the answer(s) with us. Mind you, the game is on VW’s German site, but it’s rather straight forward so you probably won’t find any difficulties getting around.

Link: VW GT Sport

$20k Buyers: Dodge Challenger SE V6 or VW Golf GTI?

At the New York Auto Show, Dodge announced that the entry-level version of the 2009 Challenger coupe, the SE that’s powered by Chrysler’s 250 Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit matted to a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be priced in the low $20,000s. Now, let’s say you’re in the market searching for a brand-new sports car in that price range.

Would you prefer an underpowered but attention grabbing rear-wheel-drive coupe like the base Challenger SE from an undiluted sport hatch like the 200Hp VW Golf GTI (priced from around $22k)? We’d also like to hear what our European friends have to say if these two cars where available for the same price in their home turf. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)

$20k Buyers: Dodge Challenger SE V6 or VW Golf GTI?

At the New York Auto Show, Dodge announced that the entry-level version of the 2009 Challenger coupe, the SE that’s powered by Chrysler’s 250 Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit matted to a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be priced in the low $20,000s. Now, let’s say you’re in the market searching for a brand-new sports car in that price range.

Would you prefer an underpowered but attention grabbing rear-wheel-drive coupe like the base Challenger SE from an undiluted sport hatch like the 200Hp VW Golf GTI (priced from around $22k)? We’d also like to hear what our European friends have to say if these two cars where available for the same price in their home turf. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)

$20k Buyers: Dodge Challenger SE V6 or VW Golf GTI?

At the New York Auto Show, Dodge announced that the entry-level version of the 2009 Challenger coupe, the SE that’s powered by Chrysler’s 250 Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit matted to a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be priced in the low $20,000s. Now, let’s say you’re in the market searching for a brand-new sports car in that price range.

Would you prefer an underpowered but attention grabbing rear-wheel-drive coupe like the base Challenger SE from an undiluted sport hatch like the 200Hp VW Golf GTI (priced from around $22k)? We’d also like to hear what our European friends have to say if these two cars where available for the same price in their home turf. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)

$20k Buyers: Dodge Challenger SE V6 or VW Golf GTI?

At the New York Auto Show, Dodge announced that the entry-level version of the 2009 Challenger coupe, the SE that’s powered by Chrysler’s 250 Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit matted to a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be priced in the low $20,000s. Now, let’s say you’re in the market searching for a brand-new sports car in that price range.

Would you prefer an underpowered but attention grabbing rear-wheel-drive coupe like the base Challenger SE from an undiluted sport hatch like the 200Hp VW Golf GTI (priced from around $22k)? We’d also like to hear what our European friends have to say if these two cars where available for the same price in their home turf. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)

Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!

Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued

When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.

Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the 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.

Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!

Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued

When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.

Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the 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.

Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!

Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued

When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.

Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the 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.

Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!

Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued

When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.

Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the 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.

Volkswagen Golf Variant by ABT

Capable and practical it may be, but the standard VW Golf Variant is no head turner. VW Group tuning specialist ABT, wants to change that by offering a full bodykit for the Golf Station-Wagon that includes a low front spoiler, side skirts, rear-wing and a 2-pipe rear muffler combined with new alloy wheels in sizes up to 19 inches and a lower sport suspension.

For those in need of more power, ABT also offers a series of upgrades for all engines. The 1.4 TFSI delivers 210hp instead of 170hp. Depending on the serial performance, the 1.9 TDI now delivers either 115hp or 130hp. In both versions, the diesel engine delivers additional 25hp. The performance of the two-liter diesel engine is increased from 170hp to 190hp. –More images after the jump