2011 Volkswagen Golf TwinDrive: A V-Dub plug-in to compete with the Volt
As we write this Volkswagen is testing a fleet of 20 plug-in hybrid Golf’s in Berlin preparing for a market launch by late 2010 as a 2011 model year – and you thought the Chevrolet Volt was going to be the only plug-in hybrid coming to the market in 2010.
The test fleet is powered by a 2.0L turbodiesel engine producing a total of 122-hp, 82 of which comes from the electric motor. However, the production version is expected to drop to a 1.4L direct-injection 4-cylinder gasoline engine that produces a total of 100-hp.
A 350 pound lithium-ion battery is provided by Sanyo that allows for 30 miles on a full charge. CEO Martin Winterkorn says that “TwinDrive” means that the electric motor that can be powered by gas for long-distance traveling. Meaning we might see some recharging of the battery via power generated through the engine. Other fuel-saving features include reversing on electric-power only and an ‘e-mode’ button that can be pressed in ZEV-only areas cutting down gas consumption.
There is still no word from Volkswagen when we can expect the TwinDrive Golf on the stateside. Oh and expect it to carry the new sexy design of the 2009 Golf when it enters production.
Volkswagen TwinDrive Golf Plug-in Hybrid:
Source: MotorTrend
