VW electrifies NAIAS with E-Bugster and Jetta Hybrid

Volkswagen has bet on green technology at this year’s NAIAS as the German brand unveiled the Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster concept. The hybrid version of the compact sedan is world’s first hybrid to use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The E-Bugster is a two-seater concept which blends iconic Beetle styling with zero-emissions motoring.

Jetta Hybrid

Volkswagen presents the Jetta Hybrid as the one of the world’s most efficient automobiles thanks to the high-tech turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a zero-emissions electric motor.

While still being able to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than 9 seconds, the Jetta Hybrid is still able to deliver an estimated combined fuel economy figure of 45 mpg, about 20 percent less fuel than a similarly-powered sedan with a conventional drivetrain.

The 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline, developing 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, was combined with a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor. Power is taken to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.

With the battery sufficiently charge, the Jetta Hybrid can be driven over a distance of up to 1.2 miles in pure electric mode, with zero emissions. The new version also drives as an electric vehicle up to 37 mph if the electric motor is engaged automatically or up to 44 mph if the driver presses the E-mode button to the right of the shift lever.

Further efficient technologies have been added to the model, including regenerative braking and stop and go system.

The Jetta Hybrid will reach the American market at the end of the year.

E-Bugster

The E-Bugster gets his name from the mixture of “E” for electric, “Bug,” the American nickname for the Beetle, and “speedster,” which typically describes an open-top two-seater.

The electric concept is powered by electric motor with a total output og 114hp (85kW) and 199 pound-feet of torque. The energy is supplied by a lithium-ion battery, ensuring that the car is able to run more than 100 miles in zero emissions driving. It is Stored under the trunk floor and the rear bench, and weighs 695 pounds.

Volkswagen has called the electric drive unit used in the E-Bugster “Blue-e-motion,” a name that in the future will be labeling products such as the Golf Blue-e-Motion.