Volkswagen Golf Mk8 with 48V mild hybrid confirmed; natural gas, mild hybrid diesel engines also introduced

Volkswagen Golf Mk8 with 48V mild hybrid confirmed; natural gas, mild hybrid diesel engines also introduced

Volkswagen confirmed at the recent Vienna Motor Symposium that the next-generation Mk8 Golf, expected to debut late next year, will be available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the first time. The move is the first step of a systematic electrification of Wolfsburg’s entire fleet, which will also include the introduction of the I.D. range of electric vehicles starting in 2020.

The mild hybrid system is claimed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions whilst also improving performance and providing an electric boost function. No other details have been divulged, but it has been rumoured that the GTI hot hatch will be the recipient of the system, along with an electric turbocharger.

Also revealed at the event is the new 1.5 litre TGI Evo compressed natural gas (CNG) engine, fitted with direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger. Like the 1.5 TSI ACT Bluemotion petrol mill it is based on, the gas version also runs on the Miller cycle to improve efficiency. It is also capable of running on e-gas, a renewable CNG fuel made from methane obtained from wind, solar, hydropower or biomass processes.

The CNG engine produces 130 hp and 200 Nm of torque and has an estimated fuel consumption figure of 3.5 kg per 100 km on the current Mk7.5 Golf with a DSG dual-clutch transmission. The result is a range of 490 km, and the engine is also able to automatically switch to petrol running to free up an additional 190 km of range. Production of the CNG mill will begin later this year.


The new 1.5 TGI natural gas engine (left) has an estimated fuel
consumption figure of 3.5 kg per 100 km in the Mk7.5 Golf (right)

Last but not least is the new EA288 Evo 2.0 litre TDI turbodiesel which will be available with a range of hybrid systems. Available in power outputs ranging from 136 hp to 204 hp, the new engine is said to reduce fuel consumption and increase driving comfort, and meet future Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) regulations.

New features include a revised combustion process that improves efficiency and reduces emissions, along with a more efficient and quicker-responding turbocharger. Emissions treatment components such as the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system has also been repackaged and are more effective and have greater ageing stability.

Elsewhere, frictional and heat losses have been reduced, as has engine weight. As a result, carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by as much as 10 grams per kilometre, while power and torque figures have been increased by up to nine percent.

Offered with a 12-volt mild hybrid system – including a belt starter generator and a lithium-ion battery – at launch, the engine will be introduced on Audi models in longitudinal form before filtering out to Volkswagen Group models based on the transverse MQB platform.

GALLERY: Mk8 Volkswagen Golf spyshots

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Hasbro Man on Apr 30, 2018 at 5:58 pm

    The Mark 8 will continue VWs world domination in the motorvehicles industry

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 1
 

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