Volkswagen presented the world premiere of the C Coupé GTE at Auto Shanghai recently. 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. In addition, the Scirocco GTS – the new edition of the legendary GTS of the year 1982 – is making its debut at Auto Shanghai 2015.
The progressive C Coupé GTE illustrates a new design approach for future top saloons at Volkswagen. Its contemporary form is impressive from all viewing angles: while its long bonnet conveys a confident appearance, in a side view the four-door C Coupé GTE impresses with its 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); this mode enables driving with zero local emissions and a range of 50 kilometres. 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 grams per kilometre. The car’s total driving range is over 800 kilometres. Despite its excellent fuel efficiency, the C Coupé GTE also has sporty ambitions. This Volkswagen accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 232 km/h.
In the new Scirocco GTS, Volkswagen is making a connection to the idea of the first Scirocco GTS. That car arrived on the market in 1982, and it was related to the Golf GTI, both in its construction and visually. Due to its 220 PS TSI engine and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.5 seconds, the latest version of the Scirocco GTS is not only very agile, but also exclusively equipped. Eye-catching exterior features – besides 18-inch “Norwich” alloy wheels (or optional 19-inch “Lugano” wheels) and styling elements of the R-Line exterior pack (including bumpers in “R Styling”, side sill extensions, roof spoiler and diffuser) – include its particularly striking red brake callipers. Just as on the 1982 Scirocco GTS, the new edition can be ordered with two decorative red strips as an option; they run from the bonnet, over the roof and back to the rear hatch.
The interior of the Scirocco GTS is also customised. Here, standard features include a black rooflining, “piano paint black” inlays, door sill plates with GTS badge, leather-trimmed sport steering wheel with red stitching, stainless steel pedals, seat covers with GTS badge and the legendary gear shift grip in golf ball look.
