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Golf GTI Clubsport

The new Golf GTI Clubsport is based on the recently introduced eighth generation Golf GTI. The GTI Clubsport is a lighter, more aggressive, track-biased version of the hot hatchback.

Clubsport has an upgraded Vehicle Dynamics Manager that integrates front differential control with variable locking into the system. This allows the vehicle to respond more quickly to small steering inputs. It also eliminates the understeer you would find in a front-wheel drive vehicle.

The Clubsport gains additional aerodynamic elements over the GTI. The Clubsport suspension lies 0.59 inches lower than the standard GTI. The positive axles are increased on the front axle. The progressive power steering has a more direct response when entering a corner.

Inside, the Clubsport receives newly upholstered sports seats with perforated leather trim, while red stitching is available as an option. A Digital Cockpit is standard equipment, too, as is 30-colour ambient lighting and a 10-inch central touchscreen infotainment system with navigation.

The new Clubsport has a 2.0 four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that develops 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Clubsport comes exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

With an additional 55 horsepower and 30 Nm compared to the engine potential powered by a standard GTI, the slightly lower Clubsport accelerates from 0-62 mph in less than six seconds and develops an electronically limited 155 mph.

The new VW is offered on 18-inch wheels as standard, and a 19-inch option is also available. At the back, there’s a high-gloss black spoiler on the roof. A circular exhaust outlet comes out of each side of the rear, and a simulated diffuser run between them.

As with the regular Golf GTI, the Clubsport features a number of selectable driving modes, which alter the parameters of the engine, gearbox, optional adaptive dampers and steering. However, alongside the regular Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual settings, the Clubsport features one more mode: Special.

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Audi Q8 TFSI

At the end of 2020, Audi will present a new hybrid version of the Audi Q8 TFSI e. It’s a plug-in hybrid version of a coupe-SUV. The new model will come in a choice of two guises. The ‘standard’ Audi Q8 55 TFSI e Quattro joined by the more powerful Q8 Competition 60 TFSI e Quattro.

Audi said its European models will come standard with a S-line sports body kit, 21-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers and Matrix LED headlights. Inside, customers get a pair of sports seats, stainless steel pedals and a 10.1-inch touch screen.

Like most plug-in hybrids, the Q8 TFSI e comes with three drive modes – Auto, Hold and Charge. The first automatically manages the powertrain’s use of combustion and electric power; the second saves the battery’s charge level for use later in the journey. The third uses the petrol engine and brake recuperation system to brim the battery on the move.

The Audi 55 TFSI e quattro combines 375 hp and 600 Nm of torque, while the more powerful Audi 60 TFSI e quattro delivers 455 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Both models can reach a maximum of 78 mph in electric mode, and quattro all-wheel drive has not changed compared to models with conventional drive. 55 TFSI e quattro from 0-60 mph accelerates in 5.8 seconds. A much stronger 60 TFSI e from 0-60 mph accelerates in 5.4 seconds. Both models reach a top speed of 150 mph.

The hybrid system contains a 17.8 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, which is housed in the trunk. In addition to electric, hybrid and automatic driving mode, the plug-in hybrid Audi Q8 also has a so-called “hold” mode that saves battery for future use, as well as a “charge” mode that charges the battery as much as possible while driving and uses an energy recovery system that can reach up to 80 kW when braking.

Charging the battery takes two and a half hours with a capacity of 7.4 kw.

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Mercedes EQC 4×4²

Following the example of the G-Class 4×4², which was produced a few years ago, the Mercedes EQC 4×4² wants to show that it is capable of making an extreme off-road vehicle with electric drive. At Mercedes, they certainly have experience with SUVs. The new Mercedes EQC 4×4² is 20 mm higher than the standard production model.

The field characteristics of the concept have been significantly improved, so that the EQC 4×4² can overcome a water obstacle with a depth of 40 cm. Further modifications include increased track widths and 20-inch wheels from the old R-class shod with rugged-looking 285/50R20 Cooper Zeon tyres. The approach angle is up by 11.2 degrees at 31.8 degrees, while the departure angle increases 13.0 degrees to 33.0 degrees.

The EQC 4×4² combines modern luxury and sustainability with emotional appeal. EQC 4×4² shows that it is possible to enjoy sustainable mobility. In this case, electromobility, high technology and intriguing experience are transferred to the mountains. Electricity and progressive luxury go off-road.

The EQC 4×4² has a new acoustic system that emits sounds outside and inside, and the sound depends on the position of the “accelerator” pedal, speed, energy return and the like.

The electric drive remained unchanged. There are two electric motors from the standard production model EQC that combine to deliver 408 hp and 762 Nm of torque, and there is also an 80kWh lithium-ion battery made up of 384 individual cells and a single-speed transmission to channel drive at each end.

The Mercedes EQC 4×4² will remain just a concept, just like the E 400 All-Terrain.

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