Volkswagen Golf GTE 'Sports' Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

Set to sit beside the GTI and GTD, Volkswagen revealed a plug-in hybrid version of its more performance-oriented Golf.

The GTE offers 201 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with up to 31 miles of range in all-electric mode while total “theoretical” driving range is supposed to be 584 miles. It is supposed to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.6 seconds.

VW will debut the car in just over a week during the Geneva Motor Show, but the German manufacturer is offering the details in advance. That power comes from a 1.4-liter turbocharged, direct-injected engine assisted by an electric motor through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. If the car is running exclusively on electricity, top speed is limited to 81 mph, although the car can reach 135 mph with the gasoline engine working.

Despite adding the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the GTE keeps a relatively low curb weight of 3,360 lbs. While the “GTE” name lends itself to the idea that this is a performer with similar intent to the GTI and GTD, Volkswagen didn’t go into detail about the car’s suspension. Instead, it said the car offers sporty handling and comfortable driving.

The all-electric range is about on par with other plug-in hybrids and VW says drivers can expect to re-charge the system fully in about 3.5 hours from a conventional wall outlet. By using a public charging station or a specific home charging unit, the time is cut to 2.5 hours.

Selectable driving modes switch the car between driving exclusively on electricity in “e-mode” or for sportier performance in “GTE” mode. Volkswagen also gave the car a specific display system that offers information about the electric drivetrain. It can be used to pre-program charging times and to show a range radius projected over a map.