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A Biodiesel Prius? VW To Release 69.9 MPG Diesel Hybrid (We Thought)

March 3, 2008 by 41 Comments
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Update: VW announced this car will not be built because it was deemed “too expensive.” Sorry Folks, VW Diesel Electric Hybrid Not Coming to US.

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.

Posts Related to Green Car Tech and Biodiesel:

Scania’s Ethanol Diesel-Engine, Runs On Biodiesel Too

100 MPG+ Plug-In Hybrids Already Available (Check ‘em Out)

The World’s Most Fuel Efficient Car: 285 MPG, Not A Hybrid

Germans Release 117 MPG Diesel Sportscar: Biodiesel, Anyone?

How to Get Infinity MPG: Fisker’s Eco-Chic Karma vs Chevy Volt

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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About Clayton

In a past life, Clayton was a professional blogger and editor of Gas 2.0, Important Media’s blog covering the future of sustainable transportation. He was also the Managing Editor for GO Media, the predecessor to Important Media.

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  • http://www.chevy-volt.net Chevy Volt Fan

    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

  • http://www.chevy-volt.net Chevy Volt Fan

    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

  • http://gas2.org Clayton B. Cornell

    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.

  • http://gas2.org Clayton B. Cornell

    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.

  • Rob

    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!

  • Rob

    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!

  • http://www.yoder.ru Yoder

    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.

  • http://www.yoder.ru Yoder

    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.

  • http://www.talkclimatechange.com Mark @ TalkClimateChange

    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.

  • http://www.talkclimatechange.com Mark @ TalkClimateChange

    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.

  • http://gas2.org Clayton B. Cornell

    @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.

  • http://gas2.org Clayton B. Cornell

    @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.

  • http://gas2.org Clayton B. Cornell

    @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.

  • http://gas2.org Clayton B. Cornell

    @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.

  • http://www.meganpru.com Megan

    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!

  • http://www.meganpru.com Megan

    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!

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  • DT

    “Toyota may lose its high-mileage stranglehold …”

    Well, VW Golf TDI already gets about the same mpg as Toyota (42/49 – VW manual vs 48/45 – Toyota) and Honda ….

    and it’s Volkswagen not Volkswagon.

  • DT

    “Toyota may lose its high-mileage stranglehold …”

    Well, VW Golf TDI already gets about the same mpg as Toyota (42/49 – VW manual vs 48/45 – Toyota) and Honda ….

    and it’s Volkswagen not Volkswagon.

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  • http://www.golfakademie-gmbh.de/go_to.php?Bag_Boy_Trolley Golf Trolley

    Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself–and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That’s what real love amounts to–letting a person be what he really is.JamesDouglasMorrisonJames Douglas Morrison, lead singer of The Doors

  • http://www.golfakademie-gmbh.de/go_to.php?Bag_Boy_Trolley Golf Trolley

    Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself–and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That’s what real love amounts to–letting a person be what he really is.JamesDouglasMorrisonJames Douglas Morrison, lead singer of The Doors

  • http://www.golfakademie-gmbh.de/go_to.php?Footjoy Footjoy Golfschuhe

    If people are free in any meaningful sense of the word, that means they are at liberty to foul up their lives as much as make something grand of them. That’s the gamble we all take. That’s the risk of liberty.JoelMillerJoel Miller, Bad Trip

  • http://www.golfakademie-gmbh.de/go_to.php?Footjoy Footjoy Golfschuhe

    If people are free in any meaningful sense of the word, that means they are at liberty to foul up their lives as much as make something grand of them. That’s the gamble we all take. That’s the risk of liberty.JoelMillerJoel Miller, Bad Trip

  • Mike

    Doesn’t the Manufacturer have to prove the failure was absolutely caused by Biodeisel to deny warranty covered repairs?

  • Mike

    Doesn’t the Manufacturer have to prove the failure was absolutely caused by Biodeisel to deny warranty covered repairs?

  • http://gottdi.com Asa Bour

    The fastest and easiest way to buy or sell a TDI Diesel Volkswagen Car

    got tdi?

    http://gottdi.com

  • http://gottdi.com Asa Bour

    The fastest and easiest way to buy or sell a TDI Diesel Volkswagen Car

    got tdi?

    http://gottdi.com

  • http://Notmuchbetterthan1980 Ray-ray

    VW had a diesel Rabbit in 1980. It was a gas engine converted to run on Diesel. Got about the same MPS as this new car without the hybrid part. How quickly we forget

  • Mike W

    That’s a shame it’s not coming, I mean 70mpg is impressive to say the least. I wonder if the fact that it carries the diesel moniker scares them from the US view on diesels.

    Volkswagen Parts

  • Mike W

    That’s a shame it’s not coming, I mean 70mpg is impressive to say the least. I wonder if the fact that it carries the diesel moniker scares them from the US view on diesels.

    Volkswagen Parts

  • Kevin Willis

    I wish more would embrace diesels in the US. It seems the average person can’t get past the black smoke spewing diesels that are used in trucks etc. Keep at it though as the truth usually wins in the end, and 70mpg is serious business.

    VW Parts

  • Kevin Willis

    I wish more would embrace diesels in the US. It seems the average person can’t get past the black smoke spewing diesels that are used in trucks etc. Keep at it though as the truth usually wins in the end, and 70mpg is serious business.

    VW Parts

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  • http://Web Diesel Luva

    If you buy a Volt how long does GM give you before they show up at your door, confiscate it, and crush it into Voltcube?

    http://www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com/