GTE – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE

It is Volkswagen. It is new. And it is concept. Meet the VW Cross Coupe GTE which was revealed ahead of its premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive embodies Volkswagen’s new US design language and combines German engineering with an American kind of lifestyle.

This is the third Cross concept which is depicted by the automaker. Precisely, the concept SUVs range includes: the CrossBlue introduced in Detroit in January 2013, the CrossBlue Coupe presented in Los Angeles in November 2013 and the Cross Coupé GTE that is now being shown at the NAIAS.

Power for the new Cross Coupe GTE is provided by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that comes with two electric motors. The six-cylinder direct-injection engine (FSI) produces 280 PS and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Moreover, the two electric motors deliver 40 kW and 220 Nm (front) and 85 kW and 270 Nm (rear) and are powered by a compact 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. This allows the concept car to generate a total output of 360 PS and 379 Nm (280 lb-ft). Using this full power, the GTE speeds up from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, with a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). Lastly, there are five different power modes: E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Offroad and Battery Hold / Battery Charge.

In terms of what the new Volkswagen crossover features, there is an aggressive front, aluminum grille, LED headlights, as well as more seriously-looking fenders, accentuating gloss black elements and strong character contours.

The interior is quite simple but is still nicely equipped. The five-seater benefits from sports semi-aniline Nappa leather seats, gloss black trim and, once more, aluminum elements. Also, there is a 12.3-inch Active Info Display and a 10.1-inch touchscreen which controls the infotainment system.

Source: Volkswagen

January 12, 2015

German Police to Get Volkswagen Passat GTE Plug-in-Hybrid

2015 Volkswagen Passat GTE Plug-in-Hybrid debuted in Paris this September, making its European debut. The car is one of the most innovative in its class and as a matter of fact it is the first Passat with a plug-in hybrid drive system. This means that it produces zero-emission. The recent news about this vehicle is that it will support the German police force. It will be use for by the police officers on the Heligoland islands.

GTE is powered by a combination of a turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine with an electric motor. The latter is supplied with energy from an externally chargeable lithium-ion battery, which helps the car cover a distance of up to 31 miles in all-electric mode.

The petrol unit develops a power of 156 hp (115 kW), while the electric motor produces 85 kW. In “GTE” model the Passat delivers a maximum system output of 218 hp (160 kW). The maximum torque of the entire system is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).

The powerplant is equipped with a front-wheel drive and a six-gear dual clutch gearbox.Tthe German police can accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 8.0 seconds on its way to a top speed is 136 mph.

The average fuel consumption of the car is only 2.0 l/100 km (141 mpg). This responds to CO2 emissions of less than 45 g/km. The combination of gasoline engine and electric drive gives the Passat at least theoretically, a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

2015 Volkswagen Passat GTE is scheduled to be launched in the second half of next year in saloon and an estate version.

Source: Focus.de

December 30, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Passat GTE is a Plug-in Hybrid Debuting in Paris

Volkswagen Passat GTE is to make European première at the Paris Motor Show this week. This is one of the most innovative cars in its class, being equipped with progressive drive, assistance and infotainment systems. The special thing about the GTE is that it is the first Passat with a plug-in hybrid drive system, thus delivering zero-emission. The long-distance vehicle will be offered as a saloon or estate.

To go into details, the GTE uses a combination of a turbocharged direct injection petrol engine (TSI) with an electric motor, which is supplied with energy from an externally chargeable lithium-ion battery. This battery can ensure that the Passat GTE covers a distance of up to 31 miles in all-electric mode and with zero emissions.

A contrast to the aforementioned “E-Mode”, there is also a “GTE” mode. In this mode, the Passat delivers a maximum system output of 218 hp (160 kW). Furthermore, the 1.4-litre TSI engine develops a power of 156 hp (115 kW), while the electric motor produces 85 kW. The maximum torque of the entire system is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).

Passat GTE comes as a standard equipped with a front-wheel drive and a six-gear dual clutch gearbox especially developed for the hybrid drive. It accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 8.0 seconds. The top speed is 136 mph; in “E-Mode” – 80 mph. When this plug-in hybrid Volkswagen goes in production, it will include a total of nine drive versions, covering a power range from 125 hp (92 kW) to 280 hp (206 kW).

What is more, this GTE Passat will also get as standard equipment many features such as LED headlights, Driver Alert System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, Front Assist including City Emergency Braking function, rain sensor and ParkPilot. The car can be recognized by a specific chrome radiator grille unit with additional blue line. The front bumper was also redesigned, and now features distinctive cross panels in the lower air inlet and C-shaped LED daytime running lights. From the side one can see 17-inch “Astana” alloy wheels.

Inside, some the interior features include “Composition Media” infotainment system, innovative Active Info Display with specific displays, blue ambient lighting, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTE specific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in “Sevilla” cloth with a blue basic structure. Moreover, the interior was improved by the “Waves” design, which is an aluminium look, and “Piano Black” (high-gloss black) as well as a GTE logo in front of the gear shift gate.

The new Passat GTE will feature high resolution 6.5-inch display of the standard “Composition Media” infotainment system. As an option, the German company is offering “Discover Media” that also comprises of a 6.5-inch display, and “Discover Pro” radio-navigation systems with an 8.0-inch display.

2015 Volkswagen Passat GTE is to be launched in the second half of next year in saloon and an estate version.

Source: Volkswagen

September 29, 2014

Volkswagen Golf GTE Plug-In Hybrid Revealed

Volkswagen has released the first images of the brand new four-door Golf GTE Plug-In Hybrid vehicle, which was created with the aim to combine the benefits of electric mobility with the dynamics of a Golf GTI.

The new car will make its debut in Geneva, where also will be disclosed its detailed specifications. If you haven’t figured out what the letters GTE stand for, where here’s the hint: the GT is for “Gran Tourismo”, while the E stands for Electric.

Precisely, the car will utilize two engines – a 1.4-litre TSI direct-injection petrol engine that produces 150 hp (110 kW) and a 102 hp (75 kW) electric motor. Together both generate 204 hp (150 kW), 350 Nm (258 lbs ft) of torque and a theoretical range of around 580 miles. Volkswagen Golf GTE uses a six-speed DSG gearbox with a triple-clutch system.

Furthermore, thanks to the mentioned horsepower, the car achieves a 7.6 seconds time for the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. The fuel efficiency on a combined cycle is estimated at 188 mpg, while the CO2 emissions – at 35 g/km.

In terms of exterior, there is nothing that would surprise us here – in other words, the GTE is a typical Golf. However, it includes C-shaped LED daytime running lights on the front bumper similarly to the e-Golf and aerodynamic horizontal ‘fins’ like the GTI. The hybrid will be fitted with 18-inch ‘Serron’ alloy wheels as a standard.

The same blue highlights seen on the exterior can be found on the inside. For instance, there is a blue stitching of the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and seats, and a blue stripe in the tartan pattern on the sports seats. The interior also sports 8-inch Discover Pro satellite navigation system with DAB radio and Bluetooth as a standard.

Source: Volkswagen

February 21, 2014

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GTE and DBR 1-2 Race Car – Price £500,000

Aston Martin is going to sell a V8 Vantage GTE and DBR 1-2 Race Cars for £250,000 (around €290,000) each.

The Vantage GTE took place at Le Mans in 2012 with Allan Simonsen, Cristoffer Nygaard and Kristian Poulsen behind the steering wheel. The DBR 1-2 competed in the LMP1 class between 2009 and 2011. Both cars feature Gulf livery and are designed to be used for display purposes. Unfortunately, that means the engine and gearbox have been removed to make transportation easier.

These cars never fail to generate high levels of interest, even amongst non-motorsport followers.

Source: Aston Martin

July 18, 2013

Lotus Evora GTE China Edition in Beijing

Lotus has exhibited the new Evora GTE China Limited Edition at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

The upgrades include more leather and carbon fiber applications for the interior. The car also comes with revised suspension. Only 118 units will be produced , making it all the more exclusive and collectable. Each car features a numbered plaque inside, marked with the China Limited Edition insignia.

The Evora GTE China Limited Edition is powered by the supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 444HP (327 kW) connected to a sequential Automated Manual Transmission powering the rear wheels.

“As the top potential market for sports car brands, China is a vital part of the five-year revival plan we announced 18-months ago. We are committed to bringing our unique products, distinctive style and rich history to China to provide Chinese customers with diversified and personalized product choices.”, commented Dany Bahar, CEO, Group Lotus.

“Within six months of Lotus Cars’ entry into China, orders have exceeded our expectations, which has strengthened our confidence in developing the China market. At the same time, in accordance with the China market’s characteristics and customer requirements, we have developed the Lotus Evora GTE China Limited Edition which we are launching here in Beijing, together with the Evora IPS.”, Lichen Zhang, President & CEO, Lotus China finished.

Source: Lotus

April 25, 2012

Lotus Evora GTE Limited Edition

Lotus has revealed Evora GTE Limited Edition at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 with 444PS (327 kW), which is mated to a sequential AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) racing gearbox. The car also boasts lightweight, forged alloy rims with central locking fitted with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires.

Lotus also cut the overall weight with 105 kg (227 lbs) over the standard Evora model.

The interior comes with lightweight Recaro seats made of carbon. There are also some other carbon elements and leather upholstery.

“The response to this model in China has been so incredible, within days we had sold out with 114 orders. In response we decided that the only logical step from a business perspective was to increase production and widen our reach.”, said Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar.

“What is unique about this car, is not just that it’s a serious race car – it’s a serious car. People get so excited when they see and especially hear it for the first time. It’s a very special car and will appeal to a very special type of driver – and they won’t be disappointed!”, he fisnihed.

Source: Lotus

September 16, 2011

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