If you remember Volkswagen’s Super Bowl advert from earlier this year involving a pint-sized Darth Vader, its 2011 Passat had a particular affinity with the dark side of the force.
But as of 2013 the evil Pasatt will have a nemisis in the form of the 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid, complete with a noticiably greener tinge thanks to the power of a 1.4 liter hybrid drivetrain.
According to Car and Driver, the hybrid Jetta will be officially unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show with sales starting some time by the end of 2012.
VW plans to market the gasoline electric hybrid as a sports hybrid, trying deftly to avoid the Birkenstock-wearing stereotypes of Hybrids from days gone by.
To help achieve that, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid is expected to have a high torque electric motor to help it off the line and provide zero-emissions travel at low speed, while a turbocharger gives the 1.4 liter engine extra kick at higher speeds.
In terms of economy, we’re not expecting the 2013 Jetta Hybrid to have Prius-beating economy and impressive performance -- but given Volkswagen’s previous experience in making fuel efficient cars, anything is possible.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
The 2013 Jetta Hybrid will be the second hybrid hitting the U.S. shores, following on from the 2012 VW Touareg Hybrid SUV which is due later this year.
There’s one final thing, however. Given Volkswagen used the talents of a young Lord Vader to advertise its awesome, star-crushing power in the past, does this mean that a certain Jedi master will be lending his talents to the Jetta Hybrid?
Possibly -- but before it makes the call, VW needs to consider this video first:
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