The car can be operated conventionally (front-wheel drive), in purely electric mode (rear-wheel drive) and in combined mode (all-wheel drive. The mild electric propulsion system offers the benefits of zero-emission, silent driving during parking maneuvers and for short distances in residential areas or in stop-and-go traffic (electric mode). Through the recovery of braking energy (regenerative braking), two batteries in the rear of the vehicle are charged.

This energy allows further carbon-neutral driving in electric mode. On more demanding surfaces, the combination of front and rear-wheel drive for starting assistance (electric all-wheel mode) comes into its own. The modes can be selected and controlled from a tablet PC using an app or from the infotainment display via Mirror Link.

During the creation of their dream GTI, our apprentices learn about the complexity and future challenges of automobile production. They gain further experience in the use of digital technologies, the application of system technology and electro-mobility. This is why we choose our strongest talents and offer them the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and experts from the entire company at an early stage.

—Peter Christ, Head of Automotive Technology Training in Wolfsburg

This year, the departments concerned included Design, Group Research Drive Systems, Technical Development, the pilot hall, the seat center, plastic parts production and the paint shop.

Instead of rear seats and a luggage compartment, the rear of the vehicle accommodates a high-end sound system with 1,690 watts from 11 loudspeakers and a subwoofer as well as a special rear HIFI installation with LED lighting on a carbon-covered base plate. The batteries and control electronics for the electric rear-axle drive system are installed under the base plate.

The Golf GTI First Decade from Wolfsburg. The control electronics and batteries for the electrically powered rear axle are installed under the carbon-covered base plate of the sound system in the boot. Click to enlarge.

The Golf GTE Variant impulsE show car was assembled by 14 apprentices from the Zwickau vehicle plant, the Chemnitz engine plant and the Transparent Factory in Dresden focused on e-mobility together with their mentors. For them, it was important to combine dynamism, sporting character and skilled craftsmanship with hybrid vehicle technology.

The plug-in hybrid show car from Saxony features a 1.4 l TSI gasoline engine with a power output boosted to 125 kW and an electric motor with a rating of 75 kW. The apprentices have fitted a prototype battery with a capacity increased from 8.8 to 16.8 kWh. This doubles the car’s range in electric operation. Click to enlarge.

A highlight of the show car is the prototype battery with a capacity increased from 8.8 to 16.8 kWh. This doubles the car’s range in electric operation.