Appearing at the L.A. Auto Show, alongside the Beetle Dune and Beetle Denim editions, is a concept that combines motorsport performance and green car responsibility. The Golf GTE Sport, with its lightweight carbon fiber construction and powerful hybrid powertrain, can sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.3 seconds and has a top track speed of 174 mph. And it’s plug-in hybrid system allows the concept to travel up to 31 miles with zero emissions.
Underneath the sleek carbon fiber body panels of the Golf GTE Sport concept is a version of the engine that twice won the World Rally Championship – a 1.6-liter TSI engine with an output of 295 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine is assisted by two 113 horsepower electric motors mounted at the front and rear axles. Combined system power is 395 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission and “electric propshaft.”
The rear wheels are driven by the rear mounted electric motor. Since the energy propelling the rear wheels flows by wire and not mechanically, this is referred to as an “electric propshaft.”
The interior is swathed in carbon fiber and microfiber panels. Two racing bucket seats with 5-point harnesses are pushed as far back as possible. In front of the driver are three transparent instrument displays. The display closest to the driver is the smallest and shows gear selection and battery status. The second display, which is a little larger, graphically shows the power delivered to the drivetrain and the electric boost of the plug-in system. The third display has the speed and driving range. When driving on a track and “GTE” mode is enabled, the optimal driving line and current lap is displayed on the third screen.
Two years ago, Volkswagen showed its Vision GTI concept, which has AWD and 503 horsepower.
