Volkswagen Shows Off Hot Plug-In Hatch

Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport (Credit: Volkswagen )

Volkswagen has been working overtime to overhaul its image in the wake of Dieselgate. By bringing its dramatic Golf GTE Sport concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show, the automaker is highlighting efforts to make conserving gas and shrinking one’s carbon footprint more exhilarating.

The sleek exterior wows people, especially the gullwing doors that swing forward instead of to the sides. You might notice the C-pillars are split into two different levels. While they look cool, the design is functional since it directs airflow to cool the rear brakes and create the right amount of downforce.

Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport (Credit: Volkswagen)

Under the skin, the Golf GTE Sport concept is pretty much made of carbon fiber, which is great for efficiency and also makes for a lot of fun.

Powering the Golf GTE Sport is the 1.6-liter TSI engine from the Polo R WRC. It pumps out 295 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, which isn’t too shabby. Just remember this is a hybrid, so there are also two electric motors that are positioned on the front and rear axles. The one up front puts out 113 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque, while the one in back has the same horsepower rating and is rated at a peak 199 lb.-ft. of torque.

Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport (Credit: Volkswagen)

When you put the two motors and the one engine together, they produce a whopping 494 lb.-ft. of torque, which is pretty crazy. Of course, you have to put the car in “GTE Mode” to get all three whirring at the same time, otherwise it runs on pure electricity, which is great if you’re just going out for a couple of lattes. Actually, who are we kidding? It would be absolutely necessary to leave GTE on all the time, because the lattes wouldn’t even be necessary, all you’d have to do is just drive a block or two.

Of course everyone want to know how fast the Golf GTE Sport accelerates, and let it suffice that it’s quick, like 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds quick. Volkswagen also says the concept can hit 174 mph, in case you’re ever headed to the Autobahn or the Texas Mile.

Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport (Credit: Volkswagen )