Electrified Volkswagen Golf GTI Concepts Debut

VW apprentices have created the first electrified Volkswagen GTI.

Called the Volkswagen Golf GTI First Decade, it combines a 404-horsepower gasoline engine driving the front wheels with a 48-volt electric motor powering the rear. The electric motor has a maximum output of 16 hp and the two drive systems can be used separately or together. That means it can be operated conventionally in front-wheel drive, or pure electric with rear-wheel drive, or combined for an all-wheel-drive setup.

There are two batteries in the rear of the vehicle that can be charged through regenerative braking, which means the Golf GTI First Decade is capable of driving short distances in all-electric mode or in stop-and-go traffic.

On the outside, the electrified Golf GTI features Atlantic Blue Metallic paint, while the doors and rear side panels feature large areas of foil in contrasting Satin Ocean Shimmer. Other accents include glossy blue chrome foil racing stripes, high-gloss black honeycomb radiator grille, Clubsport rear spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, there are handmade sport seats featuring titanium black nappa leather with Alcantara. The driver’s seat can be adjusted using an app on a smartphone or tablet, while the punched Alcantara sections have a blue background and the central section is decorated by an embroidered “10” at the top. There’s also a high-end audio system with 1,690 watts from 11 speakers and a subwoofer.

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Also premiering is the Volkswagen Golf GTE Estate impulsE from Zwickau, created by apprentices from Volkswagen Sachsen. The 14 apprentices from the Zwickau vehicle plant, the Chemnitz engine plant and the Transparent Factory in Dresden focused on e-mobility together with their mentors. The result is a show car with a prototype battery with a capacity increased from 8.8 kWh to 16.8 kWh. As a result, it has double the range.

The exterior of the electrified wagon features a five-tone matte paintwork in Oryx White, Apassionata Blue, Anthracite, Hallmark, and St. James Red. The hood also has ventilation slats, while the exterior color scheme carries inside with decorative trim pieces painted on the steering wheel, center console, gear selector gate, and door trim. There are also leather and Alcantara bucket seats with decorative blue stitching.

“During the creation of their dream GTI, our apprentices learn about the complexity and future challenges of automobile production. They gain further experience in the use of digital technologies, the application of system technology and electro-mobility,” says Peter Christ, Head of Automotive Technology Training in Wolfsburg. “This is why we choose our strongest talents and offer them the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and experts from the entire company at an early stage.

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