VW launches TwinDrive Golf plug-in hybrid test fleet

Volkswagen is joining Toyota, Honda and GM and will begin testing a new electric-powered Golf that it expects to launch on the market by 2010. According to CEO Martin Winterkorn, the system, called “TwinDrive,” has an electric motor that can be powered by gas for long-distance traveling.

The test fleet consists of a Golf TwinDrive powered by a 2.0 turbodiesel engine producing a total of 122-hp, 82 of which comes from a plug-in electric motor. Winterkorn said that the car can run on pure electricity for distances up to 50 kilometers (31 miles).

The test fleet will consist of 20 cars which are produced in partnership with eight other German companies.

Click through for more images.

Volkswagen TwinDrive Golf Plug-in Hybrid: