VW's new super- turbocharged Golf

GT variant to get twin induction-boosters

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 6 September 2005 / Loading comments

Golf GT: super/turbocharged

VW is to bolt both a supercharger and a turbocharger onto a new 1.4-litre engine, which will as then generate 167bhp and 177lb-ft of torque.

Combined with VW's FSI direct fuel injection, the unit is said to be good for 39mpg. The idea is to compete with the super-frugal wave of diesels that swamps most car company's ranges.

The way the TSI engine works, according to this week's Autocar, is that the combination provide power across the rev range -- although we thought that's how a supercharger works -- especially at low revs, while the turbo kicks in higher up, eventually replacing the supercharger's effect altogether.

The Golf GT will benefit first from the motor, the model slotting in below the GTi. The magazine reports that the TSI propels the Golf to 62mph in a moderately respectable 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. The GT goes on sale next year.

VW reckoned it's the first time the combination of both supercharger and turbocharger has been used on a road car, although it was found in the Lancia Delta S4 rally car -- and in WWII aircraft engines.