article thumbnail

XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

The XL1 is aggressively optimized for efficiency in all areas of its design and technology—from materials (carbon fiber reinforced polymer monocoque); to powertrain (0.8L Note the position of the battery pack on the passenger side, which also helps with weight distribution in the car (with one driver). Click to enlarge.

Plug-in 324
article thumbnail

TU München researchers test behavior of OME synthetic fuels in engines, develop optimized combustion process

Green Car Congress

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is the coordinator of that project, in cooperation with TU Kaiserslautern and TU München. A separate project, Kopernikus-Projekt P2X , is exploring the production and application aspects of oxymethylenether as a fuel and polymer. Earlier post.)

Engine 186
article thumbnail

Volkswagen Group shows 3 hydrogen fuel cell concepts at LA Show: Audi A7 Sportback h-tron; Golf Sportwagen HyMotion; Passat HyMotion

Green Car Congress

Put another way, the fuel cell technology is being developed so as to work as components in the MQB (transverse) kit, the development of which is led by the Volkswagen brand, and the MLB (longitudinal) kit being driven by Audi. Both the front and rear axles have no mechanical connections for the transmission of power.

Audi 278