The Detroit Auto Show 2012 saw Volkswagen unveiling its two new car models, The E-Bugster Concept and the brand new Jetta Hybrid. The E-Bugster Concept is quite similar to the beetle in terms of body design and features an electric drive. The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid on the other hand sports a highly efficient electric motor and an improved petrol engine.
The E-Bugster has an elegant exterior body and is designed as a two-seater car. It has been provided with 20 inch wheels, small roof and stylish windows. The car is powered by a light electric motor weighing only 81 kgs which gives a net output of 85 kW. The Li-ion battery allows the two-seater to travel 180 km with no gas emissions. A major plus point of this VW concept is KERS system which recovers the braking energy by converting the kinetic energy to electrical energy when the driver lifts his foot off the gas or brake pedals. Imagine doing the nature a favor as well as saving on fuel while driving! Sounds unheard of, but Bugster does it for you.
The VW Jetta Hybrid is equipped with a hybrid 4-cylinder 1.4 TSI 150 HP engine coupled with a 20 kW electric motor. The power is transmitted to the wheels by a 7-speed gearbox. The Jetta differs from other cars in its segment through the feature which allows one to drive the car on electric power only at the touch of a button and it can travel 2 kilometers in addition to attaining a top speed of 70 km/h in this mode.
The Jetta Hybrid is expected to face stiff competition from the highly popular Toyota Prius and the new Honda Civic Hybrid. The gas emissions and the mileage of the highly fuel efficient Jetta Hybrid make it better than most of its competitors which should give it an edge when it hits the market later this year.
Detroit Auto Show 2012 – Volkswagen shows commitment to hybrid and electric mobility
World premieres of the Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster concept car
“Volkswagen not only stands for emotion and driving fun, but also for sustainable and responsible mobility.”
Wolfsburg / Detroit, 09 January 2012 - Volkswagen is kicking off the year 2012 with two world premieres, both of which showcase innovative design and technological progress: the new Jetta Hybrid is powered by a high-tech petrol engine and a zero emissions electric motor. And the E-Bugster concept demonstrates that the sportiness of the Beetle can also be realized with an electric drive.
In the Jetta, propulsion is handled by a combination of a four-cylinder 1.4 TSI (110 kW / 150 PS), a 7-speed DSG and an electric motor (20 kW). A unique feature here: at the press of a button, the Jetta Hybrid can be driven in a pure electric mode up to a speed of 70 km/h and a distance of two kilometres – with zero emissions. The Jetta Hybrid is now the second Volkswagen, after the Touareg, to have a drive module consisting of both a petrol engine and an electric motor under the bonnet.
The E-Bugster radiates a very special dynamism from all viewing angles with flush windows, a low roof and 20-inch wheels. The two-seat speedster draws its power from a lithium-ion battery. The 80 kg light electric motor with a power output of 85 kW enables a minimum driving range of 180 km – with zero emissions. In addition, the E-Bugster has a system for recovering braking energy. As soon as the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal or brakes, the car’s kinetic energy is converted to electricity, which is stored in the battery. This extends the car’s driving range.
"The new Jetta Hybrid and the E-Bugster are showing once again that Volkswagen not only stands for emotion and driving fun, but also for sustainable and responsible mobility," explains Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Head of Development for the Volkswagen brand.
