VW reveals first-ever electrified Golf GTI
Iconic hot hatch has been fitted with an electric motor for a show car
Volkswagen has revealed a hybrid Golf GTI concept car that will go on display at the Wörthersee VW show in Austria.
For the first time, VW’s iconic hot hatch has been given electrification, with a 402bhp petrol engine powering the front wheels and a 48-volt, 17bhp electric motor feeding the rears. The driver can control whether to use just the petrol motor, just the electric motor, or a combination of the two for full performance.
The battery packs that power the electric motor are recharged through regenerative braking.
Dubbed GTI First Decade, it is so-called because it marks the tenth anniversary of the company’s apprentice-built concepts.
Peter Christ, head of automotive technology training at VW, said: “During the creation of their dream GTI, our apprentices learn about the complexity and future challenges of automobile production.
“They gain further experience in the use of digital technologies, the application of system technology and electro-mobility.”
The exterior livery contrasts three different shades of blue, inspired by the lake and sky at Wörthersee, while the 20-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler emphasise the sporty character.
Inside, the rear seats have been removed to save weight, while the front seats have been replaced with sportier versions. They’re covered in a combination of leather and Alcantara, while blue highlights such as the stitching can be seen throughout.
In March, VW revealed its updated Golf GTE, another hybrid Golf that focuses on efficiency rather than performance. It uses a 148bhp petrol engine and a 101bhp electric motor that has an electric-only range of 31 miles. It costs from £30,635.
