Volkswagen To Debut 71 MPG Diesel Polo at Frankfurt Auto Show
At the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show (September 17-27, 2009) Volkswagen will be debuting updated versions of its Euro-spec Polo, Golf and Passat diesels. According to European testing methods, the Polo BlueMotion will get the equivalent of 71.3 mpg (US), the Golf BlueMotion 61.9 mpg, and the Passat BlueMotion 53.4 mpg.
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Additionally, these new diesels will be light on the environment too with very low emissions stats — the Polo BlueMotion will only release a scant 87 grams of carbon per kilometer.
To get these rather impressive figures, VW had to revamp their TDI engine software to lower the cars’ idling speeds. They also put in an automatic stop/start system that shuts the engine off at stop lights, low-rolling resistance tires, improved aerodynamics, and regenerative braking.
As with most modern, clean, fuel-efficient diesels being released in Europe, there are no plans to bring these to the US as of yet. If you’re as upset about that as I am, get on the horn and make your interest in diesels known.
Source and Image Credit: Volkswagen
Please explain how regenerative braking is incorporated into a diesel engined car.
I saw nothing about these being Hybrids.
That’s a great question ChuckL. Regen braking doesn’t only help hybrid and electric cars recoup energy from a system that would otherwise dissipate it as heat. VW has determined that it’s worth putting the system in its diesels so that during deceleration and braking the alternator’s voltage is boosted and used for bulk recharging of the car’s battery.
Isn’t this what they call a “mild hybrid”? (That’s what the hybrid Malibu/Aura were, no electric drive, just regen braking for the start-stop system.) It’s a good idea, economically feasible idea. I’d like to see a time when all cars are at least mild hybrids. Imagine the emissions saved during daily traffic jams in every major city in the world if most of the cars/trucks aren’t idling.