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Volkswagen's Golf TSI
There is a big push in Europe happening today and its focus is lowering emissions and improving fuel economy. In order to achieve these new requirements, automakers are turning to smaller capacity engines which will pootle along while burning barely a drop of gas when cruising or in traffic - but still deliver the kind of performance that drivers desire by firing up a supercharger or a turbo charger when necessary.
Supercharges are excellent in offering low-down torque but due to the fact that they are constantly spinning away they often over-feed the engine even when its doesn’t need it - which is not good since it easily wears out the engine even before it warranties expires. Turbos, when combined with direct injection can build up a good head of steam from about 2000rpm but sadly even the best turbocharged engines suffer from turbo lag and a dead throttle when the engine is off boost. So why not combine the two?
One automaker has been able to do just that---Europe largest automaker, Volkswagen with its Golf GT. Under the hood of the GT is a remarkable new 1.4 TSI engine. although its just 1390 cc in capacity but its supercharger can deliver 177 lb-ft of torque all the way from 1500 rpm to 4500 rpm which then disengages to allow the turbocharger to deliver a power of 170 hp at 6000 rpm. ---A great amount of force for a little engine. The engine also produces 0 to 60 mph runs of 7.6 seconds or a substantial 3150 lb to haul around.
Although not as fast as the 2.0 liter turbo GTI which cranks 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and 146 mph European top speed but it sure is fast that any of you would probably expect for such a small size of an engine. It also sounds good with a combination of supercharger whine and turbo whistle when under hard acceleration but once it doesn’t carry any heavy load or when cruising on the highway, the 1.4 TSI becomes very silent. You would wonder whether the engine is still there or left it somewhere along the way while driving in a frantic speed. All you can hear is the tires and wind if think this is all but exaggeration just wait when you’re stationary and the engine is idling, you would never know that it was turning over.
And of course since it’s built by Europe’s largest and finest automaker, would you expect less from the GTI? Of course not, Volkswagen did not earn its reputation by mere hearsay it has made its mark in the industry by creating automobiles that are unparalleled not only in terms of designs, innovative technology but also in producing quality auto parts like Volkswagen fog lights which are highly regarded all over the world.
About the Author: Growing up with three brothers, Natalie Anderson became exposed early to the world of automobiles. This 29-year-old account manager now dreams of having her very own top-of-the-line vintage car.
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