Volkswagen showed off their new LPG friendly Golf this week at the Bologna Auto Show in Italy. Called the BiFuel, this Golf is capable of burning either gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas at the push of a button.
The Golf BiFuel offers several pros over aftermarket systems, and even against other Golf models. The entire system was designed into the vehicle and so it must meet the safety standards expected of today's new vehicles. Secondly, the engine has been refined to work with both forms of energy so according to GlobalMotors.net, "it is more durable than engines originally tuned as gasoline engines." The long-term durability of the system has been tested extensively, and it's just like any other VW in terms of warranty and service areas.
In LPG mode, the 1.6-liter engine delivers 97 hp, reduced emissions compared to when it is burning gasoline, and a range of about 260 miles. The additional LPG tanks also increase the overall range of the BiFuel because there is a separate tank for each fuel. Exhausting both the gasoline and LPG tanks, the Golf BiFuel can travel an estimated 680 miles.
No word yet on if the vehicle will make it to the U.S. or what the cost will be, but it's exciting to see automakers try out different forms of energy.
Source: GlobalMotors.net
What is the difference between gasoline and liquified petroleum gas? I understand that LPG is cleaner, but I always thought that petroleum and gasolin were the same.
I could post it all here, but check out this link: http://www.altfuels.org/backgrnd/altftype/lpg.html
It offers some pros and cons of this "alternative fuel."