VW Sport Coupe GTE Concept Knows How You Feel
The Sport Coupe GTE Concept, as it’s called, uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain to generate a total system output of 374 HP via two electric motors and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission connects the gas engine to the front wheels while one of the electric motors offers all-wheel drive capability. It offers a selection of drive modes that, in the most aggressive setting, let the car sprint to 62 MPH in five seconds. If flat-out driving isn’t necessary, there are also calmer modes where the car defaults to only powering the front wheels.
Like other GTE models, VW says the concept would be capable of driving up to 32 miles on electricity without burning gasoline and that it can achieve up to 118 MPG. But those aren’t the only numbers you should know about. For perspective, the Sport Coupe GTE concept is roughly four inches longer and two inches wider than the current Passat.
2015 Geneva Motor Show Coverage
Mind you, a Passat this is not although it is based on VW’s MQB platform, which will underpin the next generation of VW’s midsize sedan. Instead, VW says it would sit between the CC and Phaeton in its lineup were it ever to reach series production.
In the meantime, there are some imaginative systems at play in the concept version. For example, the car can track biometrics on the driver that integrate with a selectable mode in the navigation that picks drive routes that are more or less exciting depending on what it senses you would prefer. The navigation system also able to offer weather and traffic updates along with a preview of the route using Instagram posts.
Furthering the high-tech interior theme, Volkswagen uses a 12.3-inch screen in the gauge cluster surrounded by a parented ambient lighting system that is supposed to make it look larger. There is also a touchscreen in the second row that lets rear seat passengers control music playback, the climate control and phone system.
Volkswagen didn’t say anything about production intent for the Sport Coupe GTE, but if it does reach the real world it could fill a gap in the company’s current lineup. Even if that doesn’t happen, the company did say this is a preview of future styling headed for upcoming models.
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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Very Horney; love the color
Uhhhh, no. Why do so many concept cars have to look like crap? Hopefully, the new version of the CC - I mean the Sport Coupe GTE - looks a lot better.