WOLFSBURG/SHANGHAI: Volkswagen is displaying the C Coupé GTE Concept at Auto Shanghai.
Positioned between the Passat and Phaeton, the nearly 5m-long plug-in hybrid is smacked in the C-segment if it were to go into production.
Technically, the C Coupé GTE consists of a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI gasoline engine, an 8-speed automatic gearbox, an electric motor integrated in the transmission housing and a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.
The TSI engine produces 207hp, the electric motor makes 122hp, and the combined system gives 242hp and 500Nm. The concept car can travel up to 50km in zero emissions E-mode, at up to 98kph. It has NEDC combined fuel consumption of 2.3 l/100 km, corresponding to just 55 g/km of CO2 emissions. The vehicle has a total range of more than 1,100km. Despite being so efficient, the C Coupé GTE is a sporty premium car, with 0 to 100kph acceleration in just 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 232kph.
The driver can choose between a number of operating modes: Hybrid, E-Mode, GTE and Battery Charge/Battery Hold.
Explaining the design concept, Volkswagen Group design chief Walter de Silva said: “Sedans have changed hugely in recent years. The new rear-end design that is oriented to the classic two-door ‘coupé’ has given them more personality. The Volkswagen designers have integrated this stylistic element into the very dynamic design of the C Coupé GTE saloon; they have developed a striking front end and given the vehicle its own authentic character. They have created a model that appeals to Chinese customers, who always follow the trends of European car design with great interest.”
The concept car is designated a "Coupé" on account of its long flowing C-pillars and tapering trunk section. The C Coupé GTE is painted in “Golden Atmosphere”, a colour that was chosen in homage to the Chinese market. In China aspects such as wisdom and tolerance, patience and power are associated with the colour gold.
The C Coupé GTE is the first Volkswagen to be based on the new modular longitudinal matrix (MLB), the designers were able to further perfect these upscale proportions.
The interior, which features wrap-around ambient lighting, has an elegant look. The C Coupé GTE has been designed as a sporty four-seat car to appeal to keen owner-drivers on the one hand while also being an ideal chauffeur-driven car. The dash panel and the interior architecture have therefore been designed with a driver-centric focus, while the rear has a lounge-like ambience.
