Volkswagen to unveil Golf GTE at Geneva Motor Show 2014
Volkswagen will unveil its third model in the Golf GT series at the Geneva Motor Show. The new car is called GTE and Yes, you guessed it right, the 'E' stands for electric. It's not a pure electric vehicle but a plug-in hybrid.
Exterior is different from GTI by way of blue accents taking place of the red ones. The GTE has LEDs on headlights, turn signals, parking light and a smoked number plate lighting. Side skirts and rear spoiler add a touch of sportiness as do the 16-inch alloys. 17 and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels come as options.
Interior is the same as its counterparts with the blue accented theme being the only exception. Blue colour can be seen on the seams of the leather-wrapped steering wheel, edges of the floor mats, seats and on the shifter grip.
An 105PS 1.4 litre, four cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine and a 102PS electric motor handle propulsion duties. The combined power output is a claimed 203PS with a peak torque of 350Nm.Transmission is a specially developed six-speed DSG autobox. The company states this hot electric hatch will do 0-100kmph in 7.6 seconds and get to 217kmph top speed. Power for the electric motor is derived from a 8.8kwh liquid-cooled lithium ion battery which has a charging socket behind the VW logo in the radiator grille. Volkswagen says fuel efficiency and carbon emission figures are 66.7kmpl and 35g/km respectively.
The GTE gets a 6.5 inch high resolution touch screen as standard which displays information such as driving range monitor, energy flow display, zero emission statistics, e-manager and the optional navigation system called the "360° driving range"- which shows the radius on the local map of an outward and return trip.
Bookings will start by August in UK and first deliveries are expected in showrooms by November. Prices have not yet been announced.
Volkswagen Golf GTe press release
| Volkswagen has unveiled the first pictures of the Golf GTE a new plug-in hybrid version of the multi-award-winning Golf hatchback that combines the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI. The Golf GTE is due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. It provides the fifth variety of drive type for the Golf, which is now available with petrol, diesel, natural gas (not in the UK), electric and hybrid power. The name of the Golf GTE reflects its position in the line-up alongside the iconic petrol-powered GTI and the diesel GTD. Where 'GT' stands for 'Gran Tourismo', 'I' stands for 'Injection', 'D' for Diesel and 'E' for Electricity. The Golf GTE is driven by two engines: a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI direct-injection petrol engine and a 102 PS electric motor. Together, they combine to produce power of 204 PS and a theoretical range of around 580 miles. Using the electric motor alone, the GTE is capable of speeds of 81 mph. With the TSI engine as well, the Golf GTE can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds and on to 138 mph. Torque is a remarkable 350 Nm (258 lbs ft). Alongside this impressive performance, the Golf GTE offers impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined cycle figure of 188 mpg* and CO2 emissions of 35 g/km* (*provisional data). In pure electric mode (activated at the press of a button), the Golf GTE can travel up to 31 miles, depending on conditions, and the electric power can also be saved for example when driving to a zero-emissions zone. The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged in around three and a half hours from a domestic mains outlet, or two and a half hours from a domestic wallbox. The battery weighs 120 kg, giving the GTE a total kerbweight of 1,520 kg. The Golf GTE uses a six-speed DSG gearbox with a triple-clutch system specially developed for hybrid vehicles. The electric motor is integrated into the gearbox housing, while further hybrid components include power electronics and a charger. An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air conditioning compressor make for energy-efficient braking and air conditioning. Visually, the Golf GTE combines elements of the look of the e-Golf and the GTI. The front bumper features C-shaped LED daytime running lights, like those on the e-Golf, as well as aerodynamic horizontal 'fins', like those on the GTI. Where the GTI features red, the GTE has blue accents, including across the radiator grille and into the headlights. The headlights, along with all lights on the GTE, are LED. In the UK, 18-inch 'Serron' alloy wheels will be standard. The Golf GTE is available in five-door bodystyle only. Inside as on the outside, the Golf GTE features blue highlights where the GTI has red. This includes stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seats, and a blue stripe in the tartan pattern on the sports seats. The 8-inch Discover Pro satellite navigation system with DAB radio and Bluetooth is standard, and includes bespoke functions for electric vehicles, including the ability to identify potential destinations on electric range, and electric charging points. The GTE will also feature an e-manager which allows the driver to preset vehicle charging, as well as interior cooling or heating. These functions can also be operated remotely using the Volkswagen Car-Net app on a smartphone: a three-year subscription will be included in the UK. The vehicle speedometer and tachometer are familiar, and the latter is supplemented by a power meter in the central display, which shows the status of the battery, whether or not power is being used and the intensity of any regeneration. Full details including pricing will be available when the new Golf GTE opens for ordering in the UK in late August. First deliveries are expected before the end of the year. | |
