Volkswagen Up Hybrid to be Launced by 2013

Volkswagen Up HybridVolkswagen will us twin-cylinder 800cc diesel engine from its XL1 concept car to power UP hybrid thought to be launched by 2013.

Based on today’s four-cylinder, 1.6-litre VW Group diesel engine, the Up’s twin-cylinder, 800cc turbodiesel is expected to develop just 47bhp, but will be ‘assisted’ by a 26bhp electric motor. The engine and electric motor will be coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Up Hybrid will not be able to travel solely on battery power, because the car’s battery pack will only be large enough to power the electric motor during standing starts or for brief periods of hard acceleration. Energy will be recuperate during braking to help recharge the battery.