touareg-hybrid

Volkswagen to launch Touareg BlueMotion hybrid in 2010

Auto Blog: Hybrid , Volkswagen Click the Touareg hybrid for a high-res gallery Come 2010, Volkswagen is planning to launch its first high-volumu mainstream hybrid model, the new Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid. Like General Motors and Chrysler, VW is applying hybrid technology to one of its thirstiest vehicles, allowing it to get substantially better fuel efficiency while maintaining its SUV capabilities. The Touareg hybrid starts off with the new 333 hp supercharged 3.0L TSI V6 from the recently-announced Audi S4. A 38 kW electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. This modular parallel hybrid system is capable of operating in electric boost, electric only and regenerative braking modes. When the nickel metal hydride battery has sufficient charge, the total output from the powertrain is 374 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, enough to push the Touareg to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. Electric drive is available at speeds up to 30 mph and a clutch disengages the engine from the transmission when the throttle is released, reducing drag. In the production model, the clutch disengagement can happen at speeds up to 100 mph. VW claims the hybrid delivers a 25 percent overall boost in fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 26.1 mpg (U.S.), slightly better than the 25.3 mpg (U.S.) achieved by the 3.0L TDI Touareg on the same European test cycle. VW claims the hybrid can also tow up to 7,700 lbs, easily beating the 6,000 lb-capacity of the Chevy Tahoe hybrid. Gallery: Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid [Source: Volkswagen] Continue reading Volkswagen to launch Touareg BlueMotion hybrid in 2010 Volkswagen to launch Touareg BlueMotion hybrid in 2010 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Volkswagen to launch Touareg BlueMotion hybrid in 2010

Michelin signs on as title sponsor of ALMS Green Challenge

Auto Blog: MPG , Racing The American Le Mans Series launched its Green Challenge last fall at the Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta. For 2009, ALMS is making it a season-long fixture. Today in Washington, D.C., ALMS CEO Scott Atherton announced that the French tire maker Michelin has signed on as a title sponsor of the Green Challenge. Participants in ALMS races will be evaluated on a formula that factors in fuel consumption and performance to produce a score based on which car extracts the most from the energy it uses. At each of the 2009 races, the tire maker will award the Michelin Green X Challenge award to the prototype and GT teams that get the best green scores. At the end of the season, the EPA, DOE and Society of Automotive Engineers will present the overall Green Challenge awards to the manufacturers with the best series-long performance. [Source: American Le Mans Series ] Michelin signs on as title sponsor of ALMS Green Challenge originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green|Car Blog Green

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Michelin signs on as title sponsor of ALMS Green Challenge