[bwilson4web]

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010...0111.html#more

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The powertrain combines a TSI engine (gasoline-powered with 110 kW / 150 PS), an electric motor (20 kW / 27 PS), a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), and a 1.1 kWh Li-ion battery. Volkswagen is using a four-cylinder version of the TSI gasoline engine range in the NCC. Direct injection, turbocharging and an intercooler generate the 110 kW of power from just 1.4 liters of engine displacement. Torque from the engine is 240 N·m (177 lb-ft).

The 20 kW electric motor is integrated between the TSI and the 7-speed DSG transmission; it can be used for pure electric driving, or it can support the TSI with aggressive torque. The power and torque of the two drive units supplement one another during boosting.

As soon as the driver releases the gas pedal, the TSI is disengaged from the transmission. This “coast-down” is even possible at higher speeds, as in freeway driving. With drag losses reduced, the NCC is able to coast for a longer period of time.
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This is the first, single-motor, hybrid that looks like a nice, boy-toy, pocket rocket. The motor is connected via the transmission, which should mean significant, engine off, operation. Now I'm no fan of TDIs because of their performance specifications, low mileage (see user mileage reports at EPA web site), and ignorant marketing. But the technology in this little car and easy-on-the-eyes styling looks interesting. It looks more like pre-production than a concept. If they sensibly incorporate the "coast-down," it looks to be a very nice package indeed.




Bob Wilson