Volkswagen’s new 2.0-liter TDI generates 268 horsepower with the help of electric boost

By Andrew Hard November 12, 2014

Volkswagen TDI — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Under the Volkswagen Group banner, one would assume Audi to be the brand to unveil an electric turbocharging system in 2014.

The upscale carmaker has teased development of a diesel mild hybrid system several times throughout the year, the RS5 TDI Concept being the brightest example from the company thus far.

But it was Volkswagen itself who broke the news this week, as the German firm announced a 2.0-liter, 268-horsepower TDI motor augmented by an “electric booster” at a technical presentation in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The TDI unit is the same basic engine from the all-new Passat that dropped this July, only instead of a bi-turbo system with a maximum output of 240 hp, Volkswagen has fitted an electrically driven, two-stage turbo to the powerplant, boosting output by 28 ponies.

Because the new turbine does not rely on exhaust gasses, the diesel motor suffers from no discernable turbo lag. Volkswagen also integrated a new variable valve timing system, a stop-start function, and a Piezo common rail injection unit that can hold pressures of up to 2,500 bar.

Also included in Volkswagen’s release was a preview of the automaker’s upcoming 10-speed DSG gearbox, which will be able to handle torque figures of up to 405 pound-feet.

“The reasons are obvious,” Volkswagen says. “No other automatic shifts faster, and no other automatic operates more fuel-efficiently.”

Speaking of electric turbos, Volvo recently announced similar news regarding its Drive-E engine family. The brand’s 2.0-liter prototype makes a whopping 450 hp with the aid of electric boost, although two ‘standard’ exhaust-driven units are present in addition.

Audi’s Q7 SUV is expected to integrate electric turbocharging technology in the coming years as well.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.