A Biodiesel Prius? VW To Release 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid
Toyota may lose its high-mileage stranglehold on the U.S. auto industry, thanks to Volkswagen’s new Golf hybrid-electric diesel. At 69.9 MPG, the new model is a serious contender for high-mileage biodiesel usage with a ridiculously low-emissions profile, especially since it will meet the strictest emissions standards in the world: Europe’s Euro V and America’s Tier II Bin 5.
This makes it likely to be released in California, since the major impediment to U.S. diesel vehicle sales has been emissions technology. But VW doesn’t plan on releasing the vehicle in until Europe late next year, which means we’d optimistically see a U.S. version sometime in 2010.
Now, I don’t know if VW has been keeping track of its competitors, but 2010 could be the year for green auto manufacturing, and the Golf may face some serious competition. 2010 is the year slated for the Chevy Volt’s release (along with a plug-in from Toyota). It may all depend on sticker price, since plug-in hybrids will get unbeatable mileage within the city limits (40-50 miles on pure electricity).
The Golf should have all electric capability at slow speeds, regenerative breaking, and a 7-speed transmission.
VW will release the Golf at the Geneva Motor Show, and they may be considering other hybrid models in the future. Check out the only other diesel-hybrid I’ve heard of: Mercedes 40-MPG Diesel Hybrid: Cleanest SUV on the Planet.
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Autopia (Feb. 28, 2008): Coming Soon from VW: A 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid
Autopia (Mar. 3, 2008): Revealed: Volkswagen’s 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid
Photo Credit: Volkswagon
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While this VW is a beaut, at the end of the day, the Volt is American, sexy and relies on cheaper 87 octane gas. So it appeals to our wallet and our patriotism!
Check out pics, videos and more at http://www.chevy-volt.net
Ok, I have to admit the Volt is pretty sexy, but I think the price difference between gas and diesel washes out with the increased efficiency of diesel engines. Plus, you can use biodiesel and avoid gas (almost) entirely.
But, of course, the Volt can go 40 miles without using any gas at all… so I think you’ve got me there.
I drive a 2003 Jetta tdi and get about 40 to 43 mpg on straight biodiesel. By doing so I’ve essentially voided my warranty with VW. I’d like to see pressure brought to bear on VW to accept biodiesel use with their warranties. I also this new Golf was a plug-in hybrid!
With me it comes down to who builds the best (quality) car for my money. Some automakers have and will try to slap new technology in a cheaply made vehicle.
As far as I’m concerned, there are a couple of automakers who consistently put out good quality and several who consistently put out low quality. That is not going to change with green technology.
That has to be my new car, sort of. I hear they will put the same powertrain in the Audi A3. I have a diesel A3 right now, which gives 50mpg+ on a cross country trip (better than a petrol hybrid). With a hybrid diesel powertrain I’m completely sold.
@2 Rob: The whole injection pressure issue for biodiesel use is an interesting one - I’ve been monitoring a few discussions on it. It sounds like the issue is concern over off-spec biodiesel and new technology, like the new Mercedes Bluetec diesels that run really high injection pressures. But it would make a lot of sense for VW to release this new diesel warrantied for use with biodiesel.
@2 Yoder/Mark: Yeah, I think everyone agrees that quality is the major issue, and I think that’s why GM is being so cautious about releasing the Volt - they want to nail the quality control issues ahead of time. If this new VW can compete on price I’m there too.
Woohoo! I have dreams of a diesel/electric hybrid, glad to see that it is actually happening. I have a thing for volkswagens and biodiesel/greasecars as well (proof of my obsession: http://www.volksvegan.org) so this sounds like my kind of car. And maybe I could actually afford one in 2010… Here’s hoping. For now I’m hoping to make a Jetta TDI my next volksvegan… Go VW Go!
[…] A Biodiesel Prius? VW To Release 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid 376.59 MPG Car Found In Museum (It Was Built In 1959) 6 Ways To Find And Use Biodiesel Anywhere (Part I) and (Part II) Photo Credit: Loremo. See more photos here. Comment on this post Tags: alternative fuel, biodiesel, biofuel, diesel, driving, efficiency, fuel economy, gas, hybrid, mileage, resistance, transportation, turbo-diesel Categories: cars aj_server=”http://rotator.adjuggler.com/servlet/ajrotator/”;aj_tagver=”1.0″;aj_zone=”green”;aj_adspot=”317020″;aj_page=”0″;aj_dim=”300787″;aj_ch=”";aj_ct=”";aj_kw=”";aj_pv=true;aj_click=”"; […]