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VW planning hot, plug-in Golf GTE

VW planning hot, plug-in Golf GTE

Deeq

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blogentry-114362-0-31694400-1391584101_thumb.jpgPlug-in hybrids are gaining in popularity, with Ford, Toyota and Honda all offering vehicles fitted with the unique powertrains. But while cars like the Fusion Energi, Prius Plug-In and Accord Plug-In boast excellent economy numbers as they match the best assets of electric vehicles with traditional hybrids, they lack the zest and fun that some drivers crave. According to rumors from the UK, though, a fun plug-in could be on the horizon.

 

Hoping to capitalize on the performance reputation of the GTI, Volkswagen is reportedly developing a car called the Golf GTE. Power would come from the same powertrain slated for the Audi A3 E-Tron, a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 148 horsepower.

 

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Mated to that is a 107-horsepower electric motor, which draws power from an 8.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. A 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission would shift 204 total system horsepower to the front wheels, which will allow the GTE to hit 62 miles per hour in 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 135 mph.

 

Outside of the unique powertrain, we'd expect the GTE to follow the same formula used for the diesel-powered Golf GTD - that means GTI-sourced bits for the suspension and brakes, as well as sportier interior and exterior treatments.

 

It is unclear if this model will make it to Singapore market, but even if it does, we can only expect this model somewhere in late 2015.




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Apart from the tray under the boot, the accomodation and load space is identical whether you buy the petrol, diesel, natural gas, BEV or PHEV version.

 

All still the size of a normal golf. amazing. not sure will VW singapore bring in anot.

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Plug-in vehicles are typically low-speed, low-range. Ideal for Singapore roads.

 

But basically, there's no incentive for the govt to push for it as its main benefits are lower operating and maintenance costs (govt already said they want to increase costs of case usage and lower cost of car ownership), and produce little or no local air pollution (who cares about SG pollution when you have Indo burning down forests in this region).

 

Additionally, plug-ins are expensive to manufacture, and thus have a high selling price. They surely will fall into the 180% ARF tax bracket. Who would want to spend $XXX K extra to save on the running cost of $YYY per month?

 

You can read alot more about plug-in vehicles here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicle

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After years of watching automakers cast plug-in hybrids as the frugal, less-fun equivalent to full-bore gas-guzzling models, i'm pleased to see Volkswagen emphasise the GTE’s performance credentials above all else.

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This hybrid might be on a par with,or even a better bet than, a diesel. I need a calculator.

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Got GTI, GTD, previously got GT, now GTE.

 

But I suppose many will still covet the GTI, like no other.

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