Volkswagen have been in the news a lot, with bad news somewhat overshadowing good. I want to take your attention away from that, though, and share with you my excitement for some of the German manufacturer’s future plans.
I’m a HUGE Volkswagen fan, you see. I admire Volkswagen not only because of their recent cars, but also because of their iconic cars from the past and their ambitious plans for the future. As much as I’d love to ramble on about how often I dream of restoring a Mk1 Golf GTI or buying myself a brand new Scirocco R, that’s not what I’m here to talk about today.
Today, I’m getting excited about some of the Volkswagen concept cars that have been unveiled, and I think you might be too after I’ve shown you my favourites (that is, of course, if you haven’t seen them already)…
The first car I want to show you is the Sport Coupe Concept GTE.
Dr Heinz-Jakob Neußer, a Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Development, described the Sport Coupe Concept GTE as “a breathtakingly dynamic coupe” and it’s hard to disagree. It really is a very, very good looking coupe. Although there are clear similarities to the Passat CC, it looks a lot nicer – a lot more athletic.
Not only does it look more athletic, it is more athletic. Powered by a 3.0l turbocharged V6 petrol engine and two electric motors, this car is quick. With a combined total of 374bhp and its 6-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission, the Sport Coupe Concept GTE will apparently do 0-60mph in 5 seconds flat and reach a top speed of 155mph. All the while, it will be doing around 118mpg, thanks to its petrol-electric drivetrain.
Next up on my list of Volkswagen’s to get excited about is the XL Sport.
197bhp doesn’t necessarily sound like a lot, but when you put it in a car that weighs only 890kg and has a drag coefficient of 0.248, making it the most aerodynamic sports car out there, it’ll do the job and so much more.
With its 7-speed DSG gearbox and 11,000rpm rev limit, the XL Sport will do 167mph and will get from 0-62mp in 5.7 seconds. It looks absolutely fantastic, too. It almost reminds me of the Audi R8, only a lot nicer. Unfortunately, though, only 250 will be made.
The Golf R400 is the next car I want to bring to your attention.
The R400 produces a whopping 400bhp courtesy of its upgraded 2.0l turbocharged engine. That power, paired with Volkswagen’s 4Motion four-wheel drive system, gets the car from 0-62mph in an astounding 3.9 seconds. 3.9 SECONDS! Just to help you comprehend that stat, here’s a bit of context for you… That’s faster than an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (4.0).
Also, it will reach a staggering 174mph. Again, I’ll give you something to compare that too… A Jaguar F-Type won’t go above 171mph.
An incredible piece of machinery, it has the looks to match. With an upgraded body kit (wider wheel arches, new bumpers and carbon splitters etc) it weighs roughly the same as the “standard” Golf R, but it looks a SO MUCH better. With new 19″ alloys and two 110mm exhausts in the rear bumper, the look is completed by the silver metal flake paint job and the yellow detailing.
Last, but most certainly not least, is the Golf GTE Sport.
First of all, I would like to point out its GULLWING DOORS! I never thought I’d see them on a Golf.
The GTE Sport produces 395bhp, which is, quite frankly, outrageous, especially given the fact that this engine is a hybrid! With that power, four-wheel drive and an excellently aerodynamic and mostly carbon body, this car will perform magnificently on the racetrack.
The Golf GTE Sport matches the R400 in terms of top speed, but is 0.4 seconds slower to 60mph at 4.3 seconds – still bloody fast! At the press of a button, though, this absolute machine will travel up to 50km on electric power alone.
As impressive as that is, it’s the car’s appearance that really excites me. It’s so modern, futuristic almost. That streamlined body, those awesome alloys, everything about this car is beautiful. Just take a moment to look at it.
A lot of research and development has gone into these Volkswagen concept cars and, my word, it has paid off. To say they have gone up a level would be the understatement of the century. The progress Volkswagen have made is unbelievable, and I’m really looking forward to seeing some of these cars on the road.
Let us know which of these cars you’re most impressed by, we’d love to hear your opinions!
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