Feb26
2011 Volkswagen Golf Twindrive
Volkswagen has been working on a plug-in hybrid version of the Golf and Rabbit for 2 yaers named Twin Drive. The concept version uses a diesel engine but VW engineers say the production version will be gasoline-powered because emission controls will soon get too expensive for a hybrid. The Golf Twin Drive's electric-only range is targeted at 30 to 40 miles.
Although VW engineers talk of the Twin Drive's gas engine as a range extender, the gasoline motor is clutched to the wheels. That's quite unlike GM's Volt, where the combustion engine never drives the wheels mechanically.
There is no conventional transmission in the Twin Drive, however, its absence helping to offset the weight of the electric motor. The single-gear ratio is equivalent to the top gear in a normal car. So the electric motor is needed to supply the low-end torque to get the car rolling to about 30 mph, when the combustion engine is clutched in and starts. The electric assist then rapidly fades, but is re-energized for acceleration boost.
There is 40 horsepower of regeneration braking. Reversing is electric only. An "E mode" button can be pressed in ZEV-only areas, which inhibits the gas engine completely.
The 350-lb battery pack is manufactured by Sanyo, with lithium-ion cells located in the trunk floor. Capacity averages about 12 KWh, though it is normally depleted by 8 KWh. The Base Rabbit is to be likely equipped.
The 4 cylinder 1.4L turbo direct-injection gas engine is not set for production. VW will likely use a 3 cylinder version of the same engine, producing a 1.05L triple of 100 hp, plus the electric boost when needed. This downsized-with-turbo concept gives high fuel efficiency and added flexibility to cope with the absence of intermediate gears.
The system controller is linked to the vehicle's navigation system, so it calculates when best to use up the available battery charge -- if the system knows an urban area is ahead, it will run longer on the gasoline engine. It will also ensure the car arrives at its destination with batteries depleted, ready to take on cheap electricity rather than expensive gasoline.
Looks like we are going to see the 100 MPG rating we all wished for!
Source: Motortrend.com
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