2010 VW Golf TwinDrive Electric Hybrid Concept Revealed

Volkswagen yesterday unveiled its new hybrid concept called the Golf Twin Drive. The uniqueness of this Twin Drive concept is the combination of a fuel-efficient diesel engine with plug-in electric hybrid technology. The electric motor stored in Golf's cargo hatch runs on an array of easily chargable lithium-ion batteries generating a respectable 82hp (61kW) of power. You won't need to worry once the electric-only range of 31 miles (50 KM) is crossed and the batteries get drained as the 122 horsepower 2.0L turbodiesel engine would take over from there.

It won't be right to compare the 2010 Golf Twin Drive with the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, as unlike the Volt, there would be no charging of the batteries by the engine. But the good thing is that you can still hook-up the car to a regular household power outlet and enjoy your beer while the baby gets all charged-up.

To further boost its travelling range, Golf will be loaded with two new innovative technologies, the regenerative braking to charge the batteries, and the start-stop system to shuts off the engine when idling in traffic.

By 2010, Volkswagen along with the German government would be developing a fleet of 20 Golf test cars fitted with the Twin Drive system. And VW promises to charge the batteries for the vehicle's electric motor using only 'renewable electricity' during the trial process. If you are confused by the term 'renewable electrictiy', not a prob, it just denotes the electric energy thats generated from renewable resources such as wind and hydro power.

Source: Autoblog
Read More On: VW Golf

Photo Gallery: New Volkswagon Golf Twin-Drive Electric Hybrid Concept High-Res Pictures.

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2008 VW Golf GTI Pirelli Back In UK

The 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli is back in the UK 25 years after the original had its debut. The Pirelli-themed Volkswagen hatchback features an enhanced version of the 2.0-liter T-FSI powerplant boosted to 230 PS (about 227 hp) and is coupled with the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The added 30 horses over the stock VW GTI drops the acceleration time for 0-62 mph down to just 6.8 seconds and raises the hatchback's maximum top speed to 152 mph. The 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli price is 24,385 pounds.

The Pirelli version differentiates itself from the standard GTI, with a front splitter, side skirts, smoked rear lenses and tinted windows. It also gets 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires. The Pirelli theme is carried to the interior with custom yellow-stitched sport seats and tire-tread imprints in all four seating positions.

PRESS RELEASE:
THE GOLF GTI PIRELLI RETURNS 25 YEARS AFTER THE ORIGINAL
The iconic Pirelli name is set to make a return to the Golf GTI range exactly 25 years after the original made its debut as the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli is launched in the UK.

Originally introduced in May 1983 the GTI Pirelli was based on the MkI Golf and featured the distinctive Pirelli 'P' alloy wheels. The vehicle proved to be an instant hit with its planned production run of just 10,500 vehicles selling out within six-months.

For 2008 the GTI Pirelli returns to the UK. Based on the MkV GTI bodyshell the new vehicle features uprated dynamics and aesthetics to distinguish it from the standard car.

At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre T-FSI engine with its output raised from the standard 200 PS to 230 PS. Drive is channelled through a choice of six-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. The new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car's 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds to 6.8 seconds while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152 mph.

As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique alloy wheels. The modest 13-inch wheels fitted to the 1983 car have evolved into a set of five-spoke 18-inch versions fitted, appropriately, with a set of 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Body-coloured elements including the front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper are complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. A unique Pirelli badge mounted on the bootlid further distinguishes the new car which will be available in a choice of three colours – reflex silver, diamond black and blue graphite.

The Pirelli theme continues to the vehicle's interior which features unique half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back. Yellow stitching contrasts against the black leather of the seats, sports steering wheel and handbrake.

Despite the focused nature of the vehicle the standard specification remains high. A total of six airbags, 2Zone electronic climate control, a CD stereo system and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) are all fitted as standard.

The new Golf GTI Pirelli is available to order now with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country in June. Prices will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli in UK Photo Gallery.


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Abt Sportsline Tunes VW Golf R32

German tuner Abt Sportsline have managed to bump the base model of Volkswagen's fastest Golf model R32 up 120 horses to a supercharged 370 HP. The 120 hp hike is achieved via a modified motor management system and the introduction of an Abt compressor kit with supercharger and air cooling system.

Abt's latest engine kit for the European spec, Golf V R32 includes an upgraded supercharger and a liquid-cooled intercooler setup. Controlling the increased boost to the 3.2-liter V-6 is a new ECU control unit. The car rides on a fully tuned suspension featuring bigger brakes, rims and tires. According to Abt, its tuners have managed to achieve a top speed of over 270 kph (or 168 mph), while acceleration to 100 kph or 62 mph decreases from 6.2 seconds in production form to just 5.0 seconds.

Exterior changes to tuned up Golf R32 include a new side skirt, blackened chrome dual pipes along with 19-inch BR wheels and Abt decals.

German tuner Abt Sportsline Abt established in 1991 has gained lots of experience in boosting the performance of VWs and Audis through its German Touring Car (DTM) racing efforts. There was no indication on the availability of the Abt upgrade for the U.S., but there would definately be a way to get the kit through Abt's distributor in the States.

For more read the Abt press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:
The R32 is already designed as a super sports car. People who buy this Golf want an extremely fast compact car. A racing car in golf's clothing, suitable for every day use. ABT has put such an extraordinary car on dynamic 19-inch BR-wheels: instead of serial 250hp (184kW) the ABT R32 now delivers enormous 370hp (272kW). This immense plus in power of 120hp is possible thanks to a modified motor management and the use of the ABT compressor kit combined with a water-cooled intercooler. All components are tuned perfectly to the potent V6 by the Kempten engineers, and therefore offer permanently impressing driving values: for example, the ABT R32 sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.0 seconds, compared to 6.2 seconds for the serial R32. The top speed is more than 270km/h. Particularly impressing is how the tuned engine is getting it on: the six-cylinder engine accelerates just as smoothly as powerfully in every rpm-range. „The R32 is as much fun on the motor way as on winding country roads", explains Hans-Jürgen Abt. Small wonder, as the Kempten Golfer is equipped with the ABT adjustable sports suspension harmonizing perfectly with the 370 horses of the V6.
source Abt Sportline (German site)
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