PHOTO BY VOLKSWAGEN
SUB-PHAETON HYBRID LUXURY SEDAN PROMISES 102 MPG IN CONCEPT FORM
Continuing its march upmarket, Volkswagen unveiled the C Coupe GTE concept at the China auto show in Shanghai. Meant to be positioned between the Passat and the Phaeton if it enters production, the C Coupe GTE concept is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI gasoline engine connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with an electric motor integrated in the transmission housing providing extra power; electricity is stored in a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.
PHOTO BY VOLKSWAGEN
The combined power output tops out at 242 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to send the C Coupe GTE to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds, according to Volkswagen. The more impressive figure associated with this large sedan's hybrid powertrain is its ability to return 102 mpg, as estimated by Volkswagen using the European cycle, and to cover 31 miles in pure-electric mode when needed at speeds of up to 81 mph. These mpg figures give it a total range of over 684 miles.
PHOTO BY VOLKSWAGEN
As with a number of recent Volkwagen GTE hybrid concept cars, the C Coupe GTE features several driving modes aimed at maximizing efficiency or performance, based on the driving requirements of the moment. That means the vehicle can operate as a hybrid, using both the gas and electric powertrains, as a pure-electric in E-Mode, in battery charge/hold mode, or in the sporty GTE mode that turns up the power.
PHOTO BY VOLKSWAGEN
"The future of the new Volkswagen premium class models is starting in Shanghai because the C Coupé GTE very clearly shows the new ‘face’ of top Volkswagen sedans for the first time," said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design of the Volkswagen brand. "This sport sedan unequivocally demonstrates our premium standards. The evolution of the Volkswagen design DNA shown here will accompany us worldwide, and on the way to the new Phaeton."
PHOTO BY VOLKSWAGEN
The exterior design of the C Coupe GTE is also a reflection of the latest design language from Wolfsburg, with plenty of sharp edges, stacked horizontal lines, and elongated elements that make the car look horizontally stretched. The proportions are clearly meant to preview a car larger and more luxurious than the current Passat, with a high shoulderline and a rakish greenhouse accentuating the car's length. The interior has been designed with rear passenger luxury in mind -- this concept is debuting in Shanghai, after all -- with generous rear-seat legroom and passenger-focused features.
PHOTO BY VOLKSWAGEN
"Sedans have changed hugely in recent years," said Walter de Silva, Head of Design of the Volkswagen Group. "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."
PHOTO BY VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen is staying mum on the chances of this concept sedan being turned into a production car though all the technology, including the powertrain, is already available in production form or will be available soon for the modular longitudinal matrix (MLB) platform, which this concept uses.
No comments:
Post a Comment