VW Reveals the Stunning Golf GTE Sport Concept
Volkswagen of America, Inc. will demonstrate the Golf GTE Sport Concept at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. This special car really blurs the lines between road and motorsport vehicle, because of its incredible drivetrain system, body and interior features. In fact, this is one of the few, if not only one pure sports car that incorporates an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain. But this is not just an advanced hybrid unit. It provides a total of zero emissions. How cool is that? So, let's check it out!
The Powertrain
The 1.6-liter TSI unit is based on the two-time World Rally Championship winning Polo R WRC and brings a total of 292hp (214kW) and maximum torque of 295 pound-feet. It is a four-cylinder unit and it is assisted by not one, but two electric motors, one mounted in the front of the car and one in the rear. The front motor offers 113hp (83kW) with 243 lb-ft, while the rear has the same power, but delivers a bit lower torque, measured at 199 lb-ft.
The Exterior
The design of the GTE Sport Concept brings a glimpse of the future. The vehicle demonstrates striking C-pillars with special two-level design. The C-pillar shape is not only contribution to the visuals of the car, but also enhance the aerodynamics.
The body of the vehicle is made of lightweight carbon-fiber. Furthermore, the Concept is painted in pearlescent "White Club" and offers two gullwing doors that swing forwards. Cool. There is also a three-dimensional side sill that is integrated in the door extends into the roof and is entirely made of dark exposed top with carbon-fiber elements. Other lightweight components are the door mirror caps, door window frames and the lower sill area.
At the front, there is a special blue crossbar that runs across the width of the vehicle and at the same time, three black chrome crossbars extend across the center air intaker under the blue strip. The other intake below the crossbars is framed at the top sides by carbon-fiber elements. At the rear, the double C-pillars give that wide and confident stance and the tailgate.
The Interior
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The cabin also is dominated by carbon-fiber and microfiber components and consists two completely separate areas for the driver and passenger. The interior also offers these sweet racing seats with five-point belts and steering column projects. On the dash, there are three transparent instrument displays and each one of them gives precious information about vehicle's condition at every single moment. And in fact, this is the place where driver can switch through the drive modes. Yes, the vehicle offers different modes, each for different road condition and situations.
The E-Mode uses only the battery to deliver an emission-free drive up to 31 miles with a single charge. And when the minimum is reached, the 1.6 TSI unit is automatically engaged and the vehicle switches to Hybrid mode. The E-mode uses the rear electric motor and when the driver demands higher power, the front electric unit is automatically engaged.
When the driver activates the GTE switch, the character of the Concept is dramatically changed. The drivetrain system starts using the full potential of 395hp and in this mode is capable to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.3 seconds.
Souce: Volkswagen
