DailyTech - Volkswagen Rolls Out Jetta Hybrid, All-Electric E-Bugster Concept

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Auto Volkswagen Rolls Out Jetta Hybrid, All-Electric E-Bugster Concept
Brandon Hill (Blog) - January 8, 2012 4:24 PM

14 comment(s) - last by Blight AC.. on Jan 11 at 10:18 AM

Volkswagen unveils two new "green" vehicles

When we think of fuel efficient Volkswagens, diesel engines immediately spring to mind. The German automaker does offer a hybrid version of the Touareg here in the United States, but that vehicle is admittedly going after a niche market.

Volkswagen, however, is going after the heart of the hybrid market in the U.S. with the new Jetta Hybrid that will complement the existing Jetta TDI. The Jetta Hybrid makes uses of a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 150hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine is paired with a 27 kWh electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission ("DSG" in VW-speak). Total system output is a respectable 170hp.

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With its new internals, the Jetta Hybrid is capable of sauntering to 60mph in less than nine seconds, can travel up to 1.2 miles on battery power alone, and can accelerate up to 44mph on battery power. Estimated combined fuel economy for the Jetta Hybrid is 45mpg.

Volkswagen also announced a new all-electric concept version of the redesigned Beetle. The E-Bugster features a 695-pound lithium-ion battery pack, which powers an 114hp (199 lb-ft) electric motor. The E-Bugster has a driving range of around 100 miles.