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Volkwagen debuts new plug-in hybrid Golf GTE Sport concept

19 Nov 2015|3,653 views

Volkswagen will debut its new Golf GTE Sport concept, which takes plug-in hybrids to a whole new level, at the Los Angeles Motor Show.

The interior consists of two completely separate areas for the driver and passenger

The 1.6-litre TSI engine is adapted from the Polo R WRC and delivers 295bhp. The engine is assisted by two electric motors, one in the front of the car and one in the rear, both developing 113bhp. Wherever possible, the concept car operates as an electric vehicle.

In the sporty 'GTE mode', all three motors work together for a full system power of 395bhp, giving the all-wheel drive Golf GTE Sport a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 280km/h. If necessary, the system's power can be distributed to all four wheels thanks to the rear electric motor and an 'electric propshaft'.

The design of the Golf GTE Sport illustrates how Golf GT models could develop in future. The body is largely made of lightweight carbon fibre. The car's striking silhouette features C-pillars with a unique two-level design, helping the airstream flow between the two levels and contributing to the aerodynamic downforce and cooling of the rear brakes.

The interior, clad in carbon fibre and microfibre, features racing bucket seats with five-point belts positioned to the rear of the car, and the steering column projects further into the interior like a race car. The motorsport steering wheel includes paddle shifters for the transmission.

There are three available drive modes: 'E-Mode', 'GTE-Mode' or 'Hybrid-Mode'. In 'E-Mode' the concept car solely uses the battery to drive emission-free for up to 50km on a single charge. When the minimum battery charge is reached, petrol engine is automatically switched on and the Golf GTE Sport drives in 'Hybrid' mode. As soon as the battery reaches a certain charge level again, 'E-Mode' can be reactivated at any time.

Volkswagen will showcase the new Golf GTE Sport concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show, a concept car that blurs the lines between road and motorsport vehicles, because it features the drivetrain, suspension, body and interior of a pure-bred sports car in combination with an advanced plug-in hybrid system that's capable of zero-emission driving.

The 1.6-litre TSI engine is adapted from the Polo R WRC and delivers 295bhp. The engine is assisted by two electric motors, one in the front of the car and one in the rear, both developing 113bhp. Wherever possible, the concept car operates as an electric vehicle.

In the sporty 'GTE mode', all three motors work together for a full system power of 395bhp, giving the all-wheel drive Golf GTE Sport a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 280km/h. If necessary, the system's power can be distributed to all four wheels thanks to the rear electric motor and an 'electric propshaft'.

The design of the Golf GTE Sport illustrates how Golf GT models could develop in future. The body is largely made of lightweight carbon fibre. The car's striking silhouette features C-pillars with a unique two-level design, helping the airstream flow between the two levels and contributing to the aerodynamic downforce and cooling of the rear brakes.

The interior, clad in carbon fibre and microfibre, features racing bucket seats with five-point belts positioned to the rear of the car, and the steering column projects further into the interior like a race car. The motorsport steering wheel includes paddle shifters for the transmission.

There are three available drive modes: 'E-Mode', 'GTE-Mode' or 'Hybrid-Mode'. In 'E-Mode' the concept car solely uses the battery to drive emission-free for up to 50km on a single charge. When the minimum battery charge is reached, petrol engine is automatically switched on and the Golf GTE Sport drives in 'Hybrid' mode. As soon as the battery reaches a certain charge level again, 'E-Mode' can be reactivated at any time.