World premieres of new drive systems were presented by Volkswagen recently. A progressive hybrid, and a diesel hybrid are the ones we will hear a lot more about.
Volkswagen tells us it is enhancing its model range by an "innovative spectrum" of new drive systems. These include affordable mild hybrid drives with 48V technology, and new high-tech diesel engines that will also be available as hybrid variants.
The technologies showcased as world premieres form a vital part of this strategy. It involves the combination of state-of-the-art petrol, diesel and natural gas engines (not for right-hand-drive markets ), new hybrid systems, and purely electric drives. With this combination, Volkswagen claims it will among other things meet the CO2 fleet emissions target of 95g/km prescribed in the EU as of 2020.
New Golf
The 48V mild hybrid is one of the most important new drive systems. Volkswagen will initially launch this variant on the market for the next Golf generation. With the new 48V technology, Volkswagen aims to make hybrid drives affordable to a large clientèle.
The drive systems drastically reduce consumption and emissions while at the same time offering extra dynamism and comfort with an electric boost function and exceptional drive performance. Volkswagen will gradually extend the electrification of conventional drives to the entire fleet. The next Golf represents the starting point in this worldwide electric campaign.
New diesel hybrid
A new 2.0 TDI diesel engine (EA288 Evo ) was announced, and for the first time at Volkswagen the group's TDI four-cylinder engines will also be available in conjunction with hybrid systems; the EA288 Evo will already start as a mild hybrid drive with 12V belt starter generator on its first use.
In conjunction with a lithium-ion battery, the mild hybrid system reduces fuel consumption and increases comfort. In general, what sets the new TDI engines apart is are extremely low emissions in all driving cycles. It goes without saying they meet current and future emission stipulations for WLTP/RDE certification.
The output ranges from 100kW/136hp to 150kW/204hp. The TDI engines developed by Volkswagen will initially be used at Audi in vehicles with longitudinally installed drive train. The new TDI engines will also be used transversely in the MQB (modular transverse matrix ) vehicles of Volkswagen and other Group brands in the future.
Volkswagen has also cut the CO2 emissions of EA288 Evo engines by up to 10g/km compared with the predecessor generation. As a result these new TDI engines generate values below the limits laid down in current emissions legislation. Meanwhile, the power and torque values have increased by up to nine percent.
