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Volkswagen C Coupe GTE Previews New Sub-Phaeton Sedan at Shanghai 2015

Even though it looks similar to the previous GTE concept, the one shown in Geneva, Volkswagen's new C Coupe GTE is a brand new idea, makings its world debut today at the Auto Shanghai 2015 show, in China. The autoevolution team was on hand to witness the unveiling and is bringing you all the available information.
Volkswagen C Coupe GTE Concept Live Photos from Auto Shanghai 2015 53 photos
Photo: Mircea Panait
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From the more grandiose design to the way the interior is laid out, the C Coupe GTE positively screams out "I am the next big sedan". It's not the Phaeton, though you were close if you guess that. This is a preview for the C-segment sedan that will slot between the Passat and the Phaeton.

Volkswagen has been working on a successor to its most luxurious sedan for quite some time. And it was only because the current generation continues to be very popular in China that they are delaying the Mk2 so much. In that respect, the Phaeton is a bit like the Audi Q7.

The C Coupe GTE has the right platform too, as it's underpinned by the VW Group's MLB, the same one found under the current A6L. We'll remind you that the Geneva 2015's Sport Coupe Concept GTE sat on the MQB, the same FWD-based platform that underpins the Golf 7.

The design and proportions

Right, now that we got that out of the way, let's talk a little bit about what the new concept is like. For starters, it cuts a silhouette that's similar in profile to the Tesla Model S, though that is clearly due to the recessed door handles. At 3,000mm (118.7-in), the wheelbase is among the biggest we've seen this side of the S-Class LWB.

It also appears very wide, measuring 1,930mm or 76.0 inches. Taking a peek inside the concept, we noticed that it doesn't stray very far from traditional Volkswagen values. Everything is laid out in a simple manner, and the steering wheel is similar to that on the Passat. However, they have integrated numerous touchscreen displays, including a couple integrated into the backs of the seats for the rear passengers to use.

Explaining the design concept of the concept car, Walter de Silva, Head of Design of the Volkswagen Group, says: "Saloons have changed hugely in recent years. The new design of the rear that is oriented to the classic two-door "coupe" has given them more personality. The Volkswagen designers have integrated this stylistic element into the very dynamic design of the C Coupe GTE saloon; they have developed a striking front end and given the vehicle its own authentic character. They have created a model that appeals to Chinese customers, who always follow the trends of European car design with great interest."

What's under the hood of the C Coupe GTE?

As the name suggest, this is another plug-in hybrid model. The setup consists of a four-cylinder TSI state-of-the-art turbo matched to an electric motor and an 8-speed automatic. The petrol fuel is responsible for making 210 PS (155 kW) of power, with another 124 PS (91 kW) being granted by the watts.

Unfortunately, their combined output is only 245 PS (180 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, though we know Chinese customers aren't into speed and performance driving. Still, "GTE" is supposed to be the electric equivalent of "GTI", so we can describe this concept as being too slow. But considering this new type of Volkswagen runs from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 144 mph (232 km/h), very few will be disappointed.

Like all of VW's GTE models, it can run in pure electric mode for up to 50 km (31 miles) while in hybrid mode it should be able to cover more than 800 km (497 miles). An electric top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph) won't give Tesla any sleepless nights, but it's good enough. Fuel consumption is said to be only 2.3 liters / 100 km (102.2 mpg US), though we've come to expect this from a PHEV.

The Volkswagen people on the ground tell us that the C-segment sedan has been under development in China since 2013 and will reach production next year. Some of the features will have to be removed due to cost constraints, but the concept is 90% ready.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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