VW’s C Coupé GTE Could Be Next-Generation of Phaeton

VW has released the first photos and details of the C Coupé GTE, a four-door concept car for the Chinese market which may preview the second-generation Phaeton luxury sedan.

That’s because the study is over five meters (196.8in) in length, the size of current luxury sedans. While the release doesn’t say the C Coupé GTE previews the Phaeton, it describes the study as illustrating “a new design approach for future top saloons at Volkswagen.”

In terms of styling, the C Coupé GTE has an elegant appearance with a long bonnet, low-profile side windows and a horizontal character line. Striking details include the multi-spoke alloy wheels, the grille intertwined with the LED headlights and the big double-exhausts on each side of the rear bumper.

The C Coupé GTE is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system consisting of a turbocharged four-cylinder TSI petrol engine, an 8-speed automatic gearbox, an electric motor integrated in the gearbox module and a lithium-ion battery integrated at the rear which can be charged while driving or while parked.

The TSI engine 210PS (207hp), while the electric motor has a power output of 91kW (124PS/122hp). The hybrid drive develops a system power of 245PS (242hp) and 500Nm (369lb-ft), allowing the C Coupé GTE to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.6 seconds and to reach a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph).

The C Coupé GTE has an all-electric driving range of 50 km (31 miles) and can travel on electric power alone at speeds of up to 130 km/h (81 mph). Combined fuel consumption is just 2.3 l/100 km (102.2 mpg US), corresponding to CO2 emissions of just 55 g/km, according to the NEDC standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles. The study has a total driving range of over 800 km (497 miles).

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2012 Volkswagen CC

For its first makeover, the CC, previously known as the Passat CC, gained redesigned front and rear sections that bring it in line with the rest of the range while VW also made some subtle changes to the interior trim and added new driver assistance systems, such as the Dynamic Light Assist (automatic main beam control) and a camera-based traffic sign detection system.

In Europe, the CC launches with six engines, all with direct-injection technology and battery regeneration functionality.

The diesel lineup includes three powerplants with 140PS, 170PS and a BlueTDI version with the 140PS unit, while the petrol range also comprises of three engines with 160PS, 210PS and 300PS, the latter with standard all-wheel drive.

All engines up to 210-horses may be paired with VW's DSG dual clutch transmission as an option.

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Geely GS-CC

Geely has released the first pictures of the Gleagle GS-CC, ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Like the coupe, the CC has an interesting design with a cheese grater grille, a sweptback windscreen, and a massive rear end. While the exterior styling won't win everyone over, the interior is surprisingly good as it features high quality materials and a sporty design.

Sadly, power comes from a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that only produces 127 hp (95 kW / 129 PS).

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