Currently reading: Volkswagen reveals 396bhp hybrid Golf GTI concept

Innovative apprentice-designed car is first electrified VW to carry GTI badge; GTE Estate concept also shown

Two Volkswagen Golf hybrids have been revealed at the Wörthersee meeting in Austria as the latest apprentice-fettled projects in a ten-year tradition held by VW. 

The concepts, named Golf GTI First Decade and GTE Estate Impulse, both feature hybrid tech in their powertrains, albeit in very different forms. 

The Golf GTI First Decade carries the title of being the first electrified car to carry the GTI badge, and is powered by a 396bhp petrol engine driving the front wheels, and a 48V 12kW electric motor that powers the rear wheels. The two systems can work together or separately, meaning that front, rear and all-wheel drive is possible, depending on which motor is chosen. These are selectable via an app, or through the car’s infotainment system, via Mirror Link. 

Worthersee gti meeting 2017 the golf gti first decade from wolfsburg 2

Creators of the car - a team of apprentices from Volkswagen’s Brunswick and Wolfsburg facilities - chose blue shades to adorn the exterior of the car - inspired by the Wörthersee lake and blue sky, while the number 10 on the side signifies the car as the 10th apprentice project presented at Wörthersee. A Clubsport rear spoiler and 20in MB-Design alloys have also been fitted.

Inside, the apprentices’ app-controlled adjustable sports seats feature, which also have massage functions. Despite the racier appearance of the car’s exterior, the students wished to keep the interior more restrained; so only blue highlights from the car’s exterior are carried through to interior trim, and blue contrasting upholstery stitching. An 11-speaker sound system with subwoofer and LED lighting takes up the space normally occupied by the rear seats and boot.

Worthersee gti meeting 2017 the golf gte estate impulse from zwickau 2

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Just how good is the mighty Volkswagen Golf? The seventh generation of Europe's best selling car has been facelifted to keep its nose ahead of its rivals

Back to top

The Golf GTE Estate Impulse, created by apprentices from Sachsen, is another hybrid, but with a heavier focus upon the car’s electric powertrain; a 165 kW system is used, with a 16.8kWh prototype battery pack - increased from 8.8kWh of the standard pack. 

It’s marked out by a five-tone matt colour scheme and bonnet vents on the outside, and matching interior trim, with ambient lighting colours controlled via an app.

Join the debate

Comments
2
Add a comment…
MJNess77 24 May 2017

I'll take the Golf....

For no other reason than I used to love Blockbusters. That boot floor, "Can I have a P please Bob?"
Peter Cavellini 24 May 2017

Oh,,,,,,go on then!!

Would not take a lot of fettling to make this a reality,a production Car,get ahead of Ford and Mercedes.