The Volkswagen C Coupe GTE Concept is a 5-meter long saloon, unveiled at the Shanghai International Auto Show, that looks to be targeted towards the Chinese market. If it goes into production, this car will slot in nicely between the Passat and Phaeton in Volkswagen's lineup.
The vehicle is powered by a plug-in hybrid system based on a 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that offers 210 horsepower. This system works in conjunction with a 91-kW electric motor to offer a total system power of 245 brake horsepower and 369 pounds-feet of torque. This setup is hooked up to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle has three driving modes with different engine and braking setups to suit different conditions and fuel economy needs.
The car is well suited towards being driven by a chaffeur, and is suited with all kinds of chaffeur-centric technology included a touchscreen that the driver can use to view the passenger's appointments and sync them with the navigation system. This plays towards the Chinese luxury car owner's preference for chaffeur-driven cars.
The C Coupe GTE concept ultimately speaks to Volkswagen's desire to continue evolving its vehicles to infiltrate new markets.
Chaffeur-Centric Coupes
Volkswagen's C Coupe GTE Concept Targets the Chinese Market
Trend Themes
1. Chaffeur-centric Cars - The trend for cars designed with chaffeur-assisted features to cater to luxury car consumers preference for driven cars.
2. Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles - Trend towards automobiles equipped with a hybrid system, ideal for fuel economy needs and market penetration into a more eco-conscious consumer demographic.
3. Smart Car Features - A trend towards cars integrating passenger-viewable dashboards and navigation systems, catering to a more technology-focused consumer preference for in-car experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Vehicle Manufacturing - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity in creating more affordable luxury vehicles for a larger emerging middle-class demographic in brand new markets such as China.
2. Electric Motor Manufacturing - There is a huge opportunity for electric motor manufacturing to supply the rapid development of hybrid and electric vehicles as the market shifts towards more environmentally friendly transport options.
3. Information Technology Services - There is innovation opportunity in the development of new and exciting ways to integrate navigation, daily schedules management & passenger services within the vehicle, achieving a seamless in-car experience.