A power-packed, gas-sipping Engine

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Now available in Europe in the sporty Golf GT, Volkswagen's Twincharger system consists of a highly economical 1.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine equipped with both a supercharger and a turbocharger. The supercharger, belt-driven off the crankshaft, compensates for the engine's small displacement by forcing air into the cylinders at low revs to bolster torque. As the tachometer climbs, an exhaust-gas-driven turbocharger further boosts the horsepower. The GT hits 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and goes on to 136 mph, while returning an impressive average of 39 mpg.

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June 2013: American Energy Independence

Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.


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