Production-Bound Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Concept Nets 62 MPG
Volkswagen has just unveiled its latest eco-minded BlueMotion concept vehicle, this time wearing the guise of its new Golf hatchback. According to the automaker, the Golf BlueMotion rings up a stellar 74.3 miles per gallon (that’s 62 mpg in U.S. gallons) on the combined European cycle—this, while emitting just 99 grams-per-kilometer of CO2.
The new concept achieves numbers similar to the markedly smaller Polo BlueMotion production vehicle using a 1.6-liter TDI common-rail diesel powerplant that generates 104 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque (@ 2000 rpm). So-equipped, the vehicle is capable of hitting 62 miles-per-hour in 11.3 seconds en-route to a top speed of 117 mph.
Other economy-extending tricks include low rolling-resistance tires, tweaked aerodynamics, and different gear ratios in the five-speed gearbox.
The new Golf (to be known as the Rabbit in the U.S.) is slated to hit U.K. roads this January, with an eerily-similar production BlueMotion model arriving mid-year. There is no official word yet on whether America will receive the BlueMotion Golf when the Rabbit goes finally reaches our shores.
(full press release below)
99 G/KM, 74 MPG: GOLF BLUEMOTION CONCEPT SETS NEW BENCHMARKS
Volkswagen has today unveiled the remarkable Golf BlueMotion concept vehicle, a car capable of achieving a combined 74.3 mpg while emitting just 99 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the Polo BlueMotion, itself among the most efficient vehicles currently on sale.
The BlueMotion label was first attributed to the Polo in 2006 and represents the most efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges. Since the Polo made its debut, BlueMotion versions of the Golf Mk V, Golf Estate, Golf Plus, Jetta, Touran, Passat, Passat Estate and Sharan have been launched.
The new Golf BlueMotion concept is powered by a highly-efficient and refined 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine developing 105 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Despite the focus on economy the Golf BlueMotion concept can reach 62 mph from rest in a respectable 11.3 seconds before going on to a top speed of 117 mph.
As with all BlueMotion models the Golf BlueMotion adopts a series of changes to drivetrain and aerodynamics in order to maximise the vehicle’s efficiency. A set of low rolling resistance tyres are joined by optimised aerodynamics and revised ratios in the five speed gearbox. The resulting combination of changes works to reduce loading on the engine to drive up economy and reduce emissions.
In common with every diesel model in the forthcoming new Golf range the BlueMotion concept is fitted with a diesel particulate filter.
Even in standard non-BlueMotion form, the new Golf sets new economy standards. The entry-level diesel Golf will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail engine capable of achieving 62 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 119 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the current Golf BlueMotion model.
The new Golf will go on sale in the UK in January next year; the BlueMotion model will follow around mid 2009.
Comments
Mena
184 lb-ft!!!! Wow, what a torque monster!!
Ducati Minor
The BlueMotion series of diesels are all about mileage. The stunning numbers are from reduced luxuries--including power.
Anonymous
11.2 seconds till 60mph? that's not gonna be too popular with the typical American crowd.
Anonymous
The "typical" American crowd isn't going to have a choice with gas prices continually rising. Even the hicks driving pickups are starting to realize this.
JeffD
I want! Thats 14 more hp and about 20 more lb/ft than my 2000 Golf TDI (2.0L) while also almost 40% better mpg than the 45 mpg average I already get! Bring it on!
Anonymous
AS A LONG TIME VW MECHANIC,THE GAS MILAGE IS GREAT BUT YOU HAVE TO GET OUT AND PUSH TO GET UP A HILL.PUT SOME POWER IN THESE CARS.
Keith C. Walker
I drive a 96 Passat TDI which I have done some work on to achive 125hp and 225 ft/lbs torque. This car will eagerly pull up any hill. I can leave the cruise control on and it will keep a steady speed. I often end up passing many other vehicles in this manner on a steap uphill 4's 6's and even 8's.
They seem to go like a bat out of hell until the hill then flop.
Diesels aren't known for their HP but the Torque.
My Passat will run 125mph.
The best is is that I average 42-45 mpg.
I do have an order in for a Jetta SportWagon TDI DSG w/ every option available.
Dennis
Yeah, I guess there are still a lot of people haven't seen the Audi R10 TDI winning all the race?
The newer Turbo Diesel has a lot of torque! Power and gear ratio are for top speed. Most car will not need to go over 110mph anyway (except on the race tracks)
My 03 VW Golf TDI has larger nozzels and reprogammed chip gets 128Hp and still get 40+ mpg and runs on WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil, which cost mwe nothing but some time to filter the dirty oil; plus I'm recycling all the waste oil)for 4 years now!
My Ford F250 has also been converted to run on Grease for almost 3 years now.
The only thing about the new ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) fuel is they have less power (BTU), which means less mileage you will get from the fuel.
As you can see the current VW TDI only get at low 40 mpg Vs. the earlier (1999-2004) TDi which get high 40 mpg (around 49 mpg). and the GOlf I have (also had a 1998 Jetta TDI which gets over 50 mpg! (best at over 53mpg highway!)
And most my TDI can out run any thing from stop light from 0-35 mph, after 45mph, most sports car can outrun me; which I don't really care, since most city speed limit is around 45 mph.
My gold will do 125 with no problem, it will take a long time from 85 mph and on up... It's all in the areo dynamics and gearing.
My old honda S2000 only had 204 Hp(to the wheels) can do 0-60 fairly quick and up to 157 mph (on the track with no problem), but from standing still -40 mph isn't that fast! (only has less than 155 ft-# of torque! @ 6500 rpm)
My TDi have 227 ft-# of torque (to the front wheel) start from 1800 rpm all teh way up to 4500 rpm (almost redline). Lots of torque to mocve sub 3000 pound car. There is no issue with the hill. Because most of the late model Diesel vehicles are turbo charged! once that VNT turbo spools in, you'll feel it.
The other thing I'm not so sure about the new BLuetec and ULSD vehicles is that they might not be able to run on GREASE (WVO), becasue of the new common rail design with super high compression injection nozzels! The Veggie Oil might cock or clog teh injector or internal parts of the injection pump, or could varnish or damage internal of the NEWER diesel engine.
Too bad, I guess I'll keep my old Glf TDI (ready to put on a larger WG turbo to get about 180 Hp, possibllly up to 300 ft-# of torque toteh wheels!)
I think my next project might be EV- Electrical Vehicle.
But 62 pmg for $5 gallon (diesel)fuel is still better than 30 mpg at $4 gasoline car, plus Diesel motor generally build tougher becasue of their high compression, which generally last longer.
I've seen Diesel car (MB) still runs after getting close to 600K miles! in Fact I know someone's VW Jetta has already geting over 400K miles on the car and still getting over 40 mpg!
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