Volkswagen is planning to launch a 100mpg Golf in 2020, in time to comply with the stricter EU fuel economy regulations. According to senior VW sources, the greenest Golf, believed to be the blue-e-motion, is estimated to have an average CO2 emissions rating of only 75g/km. EU regulations indicate that the average fuel economy of the entire range of a carmaker has to average only 95g/km by 2020.
As a result, carmakers are being pressured into thinking of radical methods to reduce consumption.
It’s expected to receive a next-generation version of the two-cylinder hybrid powertrain. By combining improved combustion technology and new materials, the engine should have a higher power density while still using slightly less fuel.
VW sources say though that the friction of the super-frugal Golf has to be significantly reduced; its aerodynamics has to be improved; and it should drop some weight.
For example, carbon-reinforced plastics may be used for the bonnet and roof panels and instead of heavy sound deadening, a sound cancellation system working through the car’s audio will be put in.