400PS VW Golf GTE Sport Concept Debuts In Wörthersee

VW had an even bigger surprise than the Golf GTI Clubsport at the 2015 Wörthersee Tour: it’s called the Golf GTE Sport and it’s a 400PS (395hp) plug-in hybrid concept car.

Largely made of carbon, the high-tech Golf study is powered by three motors with a combined system power of 400PS (295hp). The plug-in hybrid system is combined with all-wheel drive, a lightweight body, optimum aerodynamic downforce, a new racing cockpit and an unusual seating concept (two monocoque-like interior areas).

The plug-in hybrid system’s main power source is a 1.6-liter TSI adapted from the Polo R WRC which delivers 299PS (295hp) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque. The petrol engine is assisted by two electric motors, one at the front (in the housing of the 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox) and the second at the rear. Each electric motor produces 85kW (115PS or 114hp). Peak torque is 330Nm (243lb-ft) of torque for the front electric motor and 270Nm (199lb-ft) for the rear motor.

The total torque of the drive system is 670Nm (494lb-ft). The VW Golf GTE Sport can run on electric power alone for 50 km (31 miles). In the sporty GTE mode all three motors work together, allowing the all-wheel-drive Golf GTE Sport to cover the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 4.3 seconds and to reach a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

Since we’re talking about a plug-in hybrid, VW says the Golf GTE Sport averages just 2.0 l/100 km (141.2 mpg UK or 117.6 mpg US) according to the NEDC cycle for PHEVs.

The study’s interior reveals just two seats which are accessible through doors that swing right up in the style of the XL 1. The carbon and microfiber interior has two completely separate areas for the driver and passenger. Like in racing cars, the passengers sit quite a long way to the back on racing bucket seats with five-point belts.

The study showcases a completely new design for the instruments – three transparent displays arranged behind one another on which all relevant information is displayed.

As for the design, VW says the front section of the Golf GTE Sport illustrates “how the Golf GT models could develop in future.”