Volkswagen launches a number of new models and concepts at Paris.

• XL Sport has world's most powerful two-cylinder engine
• Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid with 218 PS of power

On the evening before the Paris Motor Show, the Volkswagen Group presented its key new products under the motto "Les images de marques". In the world premiere of the XL Sport, which is a highly efficient sports car concept, the Volkswagen passenger car brand is impressively demonstrating how high-tech developments lead to synergies across brands. At the same time, the Passat GTE is celebrating its world premiere at the Group Night.

In traditional French ambience, Volkswagen is presenting the XL Sport concept car at the Group Night; it is a driving machine unlike any other. It is a sports car with 200 PS of power and a top speed of 270 km/h that was created based on the XL1¹ - the world's most fuel-efficient automobile. Operating at the rear of the XL Sport, and the technical highlight of the powertrain, is a modified V2 engine from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera - the world's most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle engine. 

This engine, together with a 7-speed DSG, launches the sports car from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and revs up to 11,000 rpm. The aerodynamics of the concept car are especially noteworthy. The fact that the XL Sport is a very special sports car is illustrated by its numerous individual features such as special air curtains, wheel arch air outlets, an optimised underbody, a diffuser that reduces aerodynamic lift and adaptive exhaust heat vents integrated in the rear lid.

The XL Sport follows the dynamic and extravagant design of the XL1. The concept car is slightly longer and wider than the XL1 with a length of 4,291 mm, width of 1,847 mm and height of 1,152 mm. Its modified proportions, longer wheelbase (2,424 mm), significantly wider wings and larger wheels give the vehicle a wide, low and impressive appearance on the road. The wing doors, front and rear sections with the same width and an extending rear spoiler that spans nearly the entire width of the car transform the XL Sport into a classic race car. Its interior was also highly influenced by motorsport.

Along with the XL Sport, Volkswagen is presenting the new Passat GTE² in Paris. This is the first Passat to be offered as a plug-in hybrid, which comes with a TSI engine combined with an electric motor. In "E-mode" the Passat GTE covers up to 50 km all-electrically for zero emissions. When the combustion engine and electric motor work together, the Passat GTE develops a system power of 160 kW / 218 PS and has a driving range of over 1,000 km. The maximum torque of the plug-in hybrid drive system is 400 Nm. The car's eco-friendly and efficient NEDC fuel consumption is under 2.0 l/100 km and 13.0 kWh/100km (equates to less than 45 g/km CO₂). The front-wheel drive Passat GTE with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 220 km/h. In the electric driving mode, it is possible to reach a speed of 130 km/h.

Standard features of the Passat GTE include extras which are also available as options on other models, including the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Front Assist and City Emergency Braking. On the other hand, the new Passat GTE has many customisation options and feature extensions for the exterior and interior, such as the C-shaped LED daytime running lights, the "Composition Media" infotainment system that was specially adapted to the plug-in hybrid and the "CAR-NET e-Remote" app which, for instance, lets users start battery charging via a smart phone.

¹ Volkswagen XL1 fuel consumption in l/100 km: 0,9 (combined); power consumption in kWh/ 100 km: 7,2; CO₂emission in g/km: 21(combined); efficiency class: A+

² Passat GTE is not on sale yet. Preliminary data: Passat GTE: Fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined: 1,6; CO₂ emissions combined in g/km: 37. Passat Variant GTE: Fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined: 1,7; CO₂emissions combined in g/km: 39.