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Joining the Volkswagen GTI and GTD is the new Golf GTE, a performance plug-in hybrid that puts down as much power as a GTI. According to AutoExpress, a prototype they drove last year hit 62 mph in 7.6 seconds while emitting 60 percent less CO2 than a Toyota Prius. Power comes from a 1.4L TSI 4-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower, mated to a 108 horsepower electric motor.
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Impressive, but it is available in the US?
I saw something about this this morning that said “no” for the U.S., but I didn’t catch whether they were referring to this or the GTD, which is supposed to be coming here.
(I’m also posting here to see if “waiting for moderation” is just for the more passion evoking subjects, or if I got myself in trouble somehow…)
Oh wonderful.
I can’t drive normally on the highway without a GTI, Civic or Mustang “challenging” me. Now I gotta deal with this “0-62mph in 7.6 second nonsense”
Come on now unless that Mustang is a sixer it ought to offer a good challenge, they are bona fide 12 second cars even in GT trim and some of are decidedly faster.
What is Volkswagen thinking? Don’t they realize they need to check with BTS before launching new products?
VoGo
If these car companies would consult me BEFORE releasing these products, I can guarantee you that we’d stop having crappy products.
as much flack as you get, you’re right – a world with BTSR cars is a world I want to live in.
There would be no Buick Encores with Trifecta tunes.
@Mrb00st
I agree. BTSR would make the trains run on time, and demand cars which would easily outrun them.
Interesting sight that could be..inbound Dan Ryan from the Skyway to the Circle, an SRT 300 or JGC versus a BTSRed red-line (IIRC) train alongside (the ones running alongside the Ryan that come in from Gary and the southernmost Chicagoland suburbs)! Winner buys Pizza UNO (or DUE–same diff, best deep-dish in Chi-town, IMHO) and beer!
Unless that Mustang is a Cobra or something. My old stock drivetrain GTI DSG can keep up with an ordinary new model Mustang from a dig.
I think VW cost cutting is really showing these days. GTI looking the same as a GTD looking the same as a GTE and looking very similar to a Golf R inside and out, down to the same boring seats.
Same boring seats since 1978?
I don’t know how you can keep up with an “ordinary” new model Mustang with a stock GTI. I got walked by a 2013 6-cyl w/manual Stang not once but twice, it wasn’t even close, and I have a Stage 2+ tune. Maybe the auto is a lot slower or maybe you were talking about the 2010 model, but say what you will about Mustangs, they are pretty quick even in base trim.
Those Penstastar-powered minivans always surprise me with their closing ability.
And now they add up to be IED…
Read that headline and was like “Wait…. What?”
My dyslexia read it as “D I E”.
Sounds like the Jetta Hybrid setup but with a bigger electric motor. Only interesting if it’s going to affect future US hybrid options. And even then, personally at least, only if it’s going to be available with a stick.
Not sure about the GTE, but it seems the A3 Sportback e-tron is coming here with the same drivetrain.
How about a CNG-powered VW GTG?
That’s a very impressive 0-60 time, in 1985.
Why, oh why, was this model necessary?
I don’t know about you, but that’s exactly what I am looking for when I am shopping for a GTI.
A weaker hybrid model.
The GTI series is an automotive institution. They should be taken out back and shot.
Although the VW GTD does sound interesting…
Don’t think of it as a weaker GTI alternative. Think of it as a Prius that’s actually fun to drive.
With 260 lbs-ft of torque, it won’t be all THAT slow, at least in city traffic.
“The GTI series is an automotive institution. They should be taken out back and shot.”
Why? Don’t VWs self-immolate just as the warranty expires anyway?
That could be Volts! ;-)
Why is this model necessary?? Because as much as I love my GTI, the biggest problem with it is the gas mileage when I drive it as intended. And as much as I respect the technology and economy of a Prius or other hybrids, they are a snooze to drive. So what exactly is wrong with manufacturers offering a hybrid in a fun to drive platform?? And what is the difference between VW offering the GTI with a 2.0T or a 1.4T with a electric motor boost? Neither one has any link to the original GTI anymore, this is just technology. I for one would like to see more manufacturers offering performance hybrids. Why not link the electric motor to the GTD engine… best of both worlds then?
This whole thing is giving me ADD.