Help us to keep our content free by donating.
Your contribution helps cover technical costs and continue our research.
For more than three decades, the south bank of Lake Wörthersee in Austria was the gathering place for GTI fans from around the world. It became a tradition for Volkswagen, the inventor of the GTI, to surprise the 200,000 visitors with an automotive treat. In 2015, Volkswagen took things to a whole new level with the double world premiere of two incredible Golf GT models: the Golf GTI Clubsport and the Golf GTE Sport.
The Golf GTE Sport, a concept car with a carbon body, new cockpit design, an "electric propshaft," and a 400 PS plug-in hybrid drive, showcased the future of the GT concept. On the other hand, the Golf GTI Clubsport, also presented as a concept car, gave a sneak peek at the 265 PS anniversary model set to mark the 40th birthday of the Golf GTI in 2016.
Five key facts about the Golf GTE Sport include its 400 PS plug-in hybrid system, bridge between road cars and racing sport cars, avant-garde exterior design with two-level C-pillars, digital instruments tailored to motor racing, and impressive acceleration and top speed. Similarly, the Golf GTI Clubsport came with its own set of five key facts, highlighting its market launch in 2016, 195 kW / 265 PS power delivery, boost function for extra power, motorsport-level downforce features, and exclusive equipment details.
The Golf GTE Sport, presented as a world premiere at the GTI event at Lake Wörthersee, featured a high-tech carbon body and a plug-in hybrid drive with a total system power of 295 kW / 400 PS. The hybrid system, combined with all-wheel drive, lightweight body, aerodynamic downforce, and motor racing cockpit, promised an exhilarating performance on the racetrack.
Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter TSI engine from the Polo R WRC and two electric motors, the Golf GTE Sport delivered impressive performance figures. In "GTE mode," the car could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 280 km/h while consuming just 2.0 l/100 km in the NEDC cycle.
The interior of the Golf GTE Sport was designed for a true sports car experience, featuring two separate racing bucket seats with five-point belts, a carbon-clad steering column, and a three-level instrument display specifically tailored for the driver's workspace. The lightweight carbon body, innovative design, and futuristic cockpit made the Golf GTE Sport a unique and thrilling concept car.
With its lightweight carbon body, distinctive design elements, and powerful drive system, the Golf GTE Sport represented the future of GT models from Volkswagen. The concept of a pure-bred sports car, balanced for both road traffic and racetrack conditions, showcased the brand's commitment to innovation and performance.
The Golf GTE Sport's sophisticated drive system, with its plug-in hybrid technology and electric propshaft, offered a versatile driving experience, combining electric power for silent cruising, hybrid mode for efficient performance, and GTE mode for maximum power output. The concept car's all-wheel drive system and dynamic capabilities confirmed its status as a true sports car, ready to tackle any challenge on the track.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport was a groundbreaking concept car that pushed the boundaries of design, technology, and performance. With its world premiere at Lake Wörthersee, Volkswagen demonstrated its commitment to the GT tradition and left a lasting impression on GTI fans and automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
