The C Coupé GTE?
Not the slickest name, but it is a sharp-looking concept that Volkswagen says is likely for production. It's mooted as a China-only model, sitting on Volkswagen Group's MLB underpinnings - the same that the Audi A6 uses - and slotting between the Passat and Phaeton in the existing line-up. The C Coupé title relates to the styling, as Head of Volkswagen Group Design, Walter de Silva, describes it as coupé-like, despite its four doors.
And what's GTE about?
The GT part's fairly self explanatory, but the E relates to the drivetrain. The concept's a plug-in hybrid, mating a TSI turbocharged petrol engine to an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. Combined, the output of those two motors is 245hp and 500Nm of torque, which is enough to get the C Coupé GTE to 62mph in just 8.4 seconds and onto a 144mph top speed.
Fast enough then, how green?
Volkswagen made big noises at the Shanghai Motor Show regarding the need to find solutions to local problems, the smog around the show demonstrating the need for lowering emissions. The C Coupé GTE does exactly that, with a quoted mpg figure of 102mpg and CO2 emissions of just 55g/km. The plug-in element allows for a useful electric-only range too, with up to 31 miles on batteries alone. Which is great as long at the plug isn't merely sucking energy upstream from one of China's countless coal-fired power stations...
It's pretty though.
No denying that; if this is the future of Volkswagen design then we're all over it. There's some concept-like detailing around the front, the leading edge of the bonnet and housing around the Volkswagen badge lighting up when the car's started, though even without such show-off details the C Coupé GTE is a svelte, purposeful looker.
And inside?
The people at Volkswagen's Bentley brand would be happy with the interior it's so beautifully executed. Again there are some fancy concept-like features, the instruments comprising of a 3D high definition screen that makes the dials appear to float in front of you - it's unlikely that these would make production. There's all manner of connectivity, clever app integration and, of course, a champagne cooler for the big dawg sat in the back. Those back seats are strictly for two in the concept, but any production model would likely feature at least the option for a more conventional bench rear seat.
Production reality?
Quite possibly; China's growth might be slowing, but there's still incredible potential there. And Volkswagen has been in the marketplace for over 30 years, the 'people's car' firm determined to be just that in China, even if the C Coupé GTE isn't exactly going to be for the masses. No word on European (or rest of world) potential, but the C Coupé GTE underline's Volkswagen's that design is in a good place, and the march of plug-in technology isn't slowing, either.
Kyle Fortune - 20 Apr 2015
