Tokyo 2013: Volkswagen twin up! is a plug-in hybrid

Volkswagen used its Tokyo 2013 stand to premiere a new concept car based on the up! city car. The Volkwagen twin up! concept car pairs a diesel engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to an electric motor.

All the drive components of the twin up! are positioned at the front of the car. The front overhang has been lengthened by 30 mm to accommodate the components. The drive unit consists of a 0.8 litre two-cylinder TDI diesel engine (drived from a 1.6 litre TDI four-cylinder) producing 35 kW as well as a 35 kW electric motor. Combined output is 55 kW and 215 Nm. The electric motor is integrated between the engine and the DSG, replacing the flywheel.

The ‘fuel’ that powers the drive components are all located at the rear. This consists of a 33 litre diesel fuel tank, a 8.6 kWh lithium ion battery, as well as a regular 12V battery for the auxiliary systems. The twin up! can run in zero emissions electric mode over a distance of 50 km, and up to a top speed of 125 km/h. If the diesel engine is engaged, you can drive up to 140 km/h.

The result is an NEDC combined fuel consumption of just 1.1 litres per 100 km, and CO2 emissions of just 27 g/km. Now that’s some serious fuel efficiency!