Not just a green marketing exercise
The $20,000, 80 mpg hybrid?
When VW first debuted the XL1 plug-in hybrid, I wasn’t impressed. To be quite honest, I’m sick and tired of hearing about what automakers could potentially do. What can you do today, is what I really want to know these days. Sure, it’s fine that you have a big idea for the future, but at least put part of that plan in action today I wrote regarding the 261 mpg XL1 plug-in hybrid.
And Volkswagen appears ready to do just that.
According to AutoCar via MotorTrend, VW will use the 47 horespower two-cylinder turbo-diesel mated to a 19-kilowatt, 26 horsepower electric motor, with seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission found in the XL1, but coupled to a much smaller battery pack, in a new hybrid due out as a 2013 model. Nevertheless, despite the lack of a plug, this hybrid powertrain configuration should result in a 79 mpg vehicle – better fuel economy than what the EPA rates the Chevy Volt.
While this hybrid will technically be a mild hybrid – as it will never function on electric power – it utilizes some new features that put ‘mild hybrid’ terminology to task, at least potentially, such as ‘pulse start’ start/stop technology.
Nevertheless, I’m going to guess 79 mpg is pure highway mileage. Thus, I’m not getting too excited until the city numbers are finalized, but if VW can top 50 mpg city + 79 mpg on the highway, they could be onto some mainstreaming hybrid mojo.
And, for bio-diesel fans, as well as diesel fans, look out! This could be the first major step in their revolution.
Of course, I’m assuming that VW will be able to keep the costs of this vehicle down since it will rely on a small battery pack and a small engine. Obviously since this car won’t put rubber to the road until late 2012, pricing is still an open-ended variable, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed a sub $20,000 price tag is going to be possible.