Volkswagen continues to drop small pieces of the eighth-gen Golf puzzle, with the latest one referring to the 48V mild hybrid system that’s currently in development.
Announced during the International Vienna Motor Symposium, the 48V belt-integrated starter generator and battery will be combined with the internal combustion engine.
As a result, the entire system will allow the engine to shut off under different situations. It will also store a higher amount of energy, like the one recuperated from the brakes, and will give the car an electric boost upon start-up.
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Volkswagen estimates that with this technology, the Golf Mk8 will significantly cut back on CO2 emissions, and will be more fuel efficient, saving up to 0.3 l/100 km (941.6 UK mpg / 784.05 US mpg) with the internal combustion engine turned off.
“Electrifying conventional drives will enable us to further reduce consumption and emissions, while also increasing dynamics and convenience”, said Member of the Board of Management for VW Passenger Cars, Frank Welsch. “We are starting this extensive electrification campaign with Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle to date – the Golf. Our newly developed, cost-effective 48V mild hybrid will pave the way for introducing this type of technology to the mainstream.”
The final production version of the Volkswagen Golf Mk8 will be unveiled next year, before hitting the assembly lines at the end of June. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if the brand decides to preview it in concept form as early as the 2018 Paris Auto Show in October, or the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, five months later.
