VW previews new Passat CC

Volkswagen has previewed the new Passat CC with a four-door coupé-cum-saloon concept called the Sport Coupé GTE.

Unveiled at the Geneva motor show, the new concept is also said to hint at the design of the long-awaited replacement for VW’s range-topping Phaeton saloon.

At 4870mm long, 1865mm wide and 1407mm tall, the Sport Coupé GTE is longer, wider and lower than the new Passat saloon. Its wheelbase is also 50mm longer than its four-door sibling’s, at 2841mm.

Inside, the concept has a full-length centre console and a series of digital displays and touchscreens. There is seating for four on individual seats and 480 litres of boot space.

The Sport Coupé GTE also showcases a plug-in hybrid system that VW is investigating for a range of future models. The petrol-electric system is based around a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 295bhp in the Sport Coupé GTE. It operates in combination with two electric motors — one in the front of the gearbox housing that delivers 54bhp and another at the rear providing 114bhp.

The hybrid system produces a combined 374bhp. A nominal torque rating has yet to be divulged, although the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is claimed to handle up to 516lb ft.

The petrol engine and front electric motor power the front wheels, and the rear electric motor powers the rear wheels via a so-called electronic propshaft, giving the Sport Coupé GTE on-demand four-wheel drive capability.

No weight has been revealed, but computer simulations suggest a theoretical 0-62mph time of 5.0sec and a top speed of 155mph. Combined-cycle fuel economy is put at 141.3mpg, with average CO2 emissions of 46g/km.

The concept has an electric range of up to 31 miles, VW says. The overall petrol-electric range is a claimed 746 miles.

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