The future design of sporty saloons

Volkswagen has presented the new C Coupé GTE at Auto Shanghai 2015. This four-door concept car for the Chinese market – which is over five metres in length – combines exclusivity, perfection and passion. The C Coupé GTE is powered by an innovative plug-in hybrid drive system, whose drive sources combine to produce an impressive 500 Newton metres of system torque.

The progressive C Coupé GTE illustrates a new design approach for Volkswagen’s top future saloons. Its contemporary form is impressive from all angles: while its long bonnet conveys a confident appearance, from the side, the four-door C Coupé GTE shows elegant lines, low-profile side windows and horizontal character line that is formed by two lines. From the rear, this structure comes together distinctively, emphasising the vehicle’s width.

The C Coupé GTE has one of the world’s most advanced plug-in hybrid drive systems. It consists of a turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine (TSI) with four cylinders,an 8-speed automatic gearbox, an electric motor integrated in the gearbox module and a lithium-ion battery. The TSI engine produces 210 PS, while the electric motor has a power output of 124 PS. The hybrid drive develops a system power of 245 PS and an impressive system torque of 500 Nm. The battery integrated at the rear can be charged while driving or while parked.

The C Coupé GTE can also be powered all-electrically (up to a speed of 130 km/h (81 mph)); this mode enables driving with zero local emissions and a range of 50 kilometres (31 mph). The car’s combined fuel consumption (NEDC for plug-in hybrid vehicles) is 2.3 litres per 100 kilometres. This figure equates to CO2 emissions of just 55 g/km. The car’s total driving range is over 800 kilometres (497 miles). Despite its excellent fuel efficiency, the C Coupé GTE also has sporty ambitions. This Volkswagen accelerates to 62 mph in 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph).