Volkswagen has revealed some of its plans for future, low emissions drive systems. Plug-in hybrids, ethanol-compatible engines and clean diesels are all in the pipeline.
The announcement was made by Volkswagen Group Chairman, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, speaking at the 23rd International Vienna Motor Symposium. Winterkorn described the electric vehicle as crucial to the future of individual mobility. In the medium term, plug-in hybrids offer 'great potential' because they combine battery power for daily driving with the performance customers expect.
"Electric mobility is the task of the century for the automotive industry," Winterkorn said, "and the European industrial community as a whole. Manufacturers, suppliers, energy providers, scientists and politicians - everyone must step up to the plate here".
Two new internal combustion engines were shown at the Symposium. A 1.4-litre TSI unit that can run on E85 ethanol fuel will initially be offered in Sweden and Finland where E85 is widely available. Power output is 160hp and when combined with the seven-speed DSG transmission in the Passat saloon it uses 8.8 litres/100km (32.1mpg) on the combined cycle with 144g/km CO2 emissions.
The other engine was a 2.0-litre TDI unit designed to meet American BIN5/ULEV regulations. It is based on the European-market turbodiesel but is fitted with a 'selective catalytic reduction' emissions control system. In the Passat the TDI uses 6.7 litres/100km (42mpg). Volkswagen's aim is to encourage more American drivers to switch to diesel power.