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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Science is reinventing play, from extreme sports to gamification to ridiculous roller coasters to the playgrounds of tomorrow, and this issue is chock full of fun. Also, on a less fun note: Did global warming destroy my hometown?