Not long ago, we reported that BMW was awarded a prize for installing a thermoelectric generator at the exhaust pipe of a car. This device works under the Seebeck effect and generates electricity by the difference in temperatures. Although we can't use the generator to fill up our hybrid batteries, we can use one to produce about 30 percent of the electricity a car needs when running. A new prototype, shown at "Thermoelektrik - Eine Chance Für Die Atomobillindustrie?" meeting, generated about 600W. In the Golf Plus model it was attached to, this energy generation managed to lower the car's fuel consumption by five percent. Not spectacular, but every little helps. When might we see such a device installed in cars? BMW said that it could be as soon as 2014.

[Source: Green Optimistic]

With the release of a new Volkswagen Golf, a new version of the Golf Plus was a given. The first edition of the tall, wagonesque Golf Plus debuted in 2004 and was based on the previous-generation MK V Golf. This latest version continues in the same mold as the last and sees its chassis architecture upgraded with the latest - you guessed it - MK VI Golf underpinnings. This is a seriously practical machine that doesn't lose a ton of style over its vertically-challenged sibling, and it fits in perfectly with the popular small MPV class in Europe.

UK buyers should get their first crack at the new Golf Plus next Spring when it's scheduled to hit dealer lots. Expect an engine range of four-cylinders running on petrol or diesel, some with direct injection and some with forced induction. These powerplants will be mated with six and seven-speed manuals and dual-clutch gearboxes. Expect excellent fuel mileage and very low carbon emissions, especially for a vehicle with this much practicality. Cool new features like VW's ParkAssist, which can grab the wheel and help you reverse parallel park, will also be available for the first time.


[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen is introducing a new 160hp version of its 1.4-liter TFSI engine. This engine and the 122hp version are replacing VW's 1.6 FSI and 2.0 FSI engines which produced 115 and 150hp, respectively. This change in the engine lineup will start in the Golf Plus, Jetta and Golf Variant versions.

As we mentioned before, Volkswagen is dropping its direct-injection diesel technology (pump-injection), first used two decades ago, and will join the rest of automakers in using common-rail injection technology for its diesel drivelines. This new 2.0 HDi dCi CDi CDTi TDI is already Euro 5 compliant. Although it was announced as coming in the new Golf VI, Germans can already buy the 2.0 TDI mated to the Jetta and Golf Variant (pictured above) and, later, in the Golf Plus. Although power remains unchanged from the old 2.0-liter at 140hp and fuel consumption is kept at 5.5 l/km (43mpg U.S.), CO₂ emissions are down to 143 grams of CO₂ per km and torque improves up to 320 Nm (236 lb-ft).

[Source: Auto News]