VW is previewing its plans for the North American market with a new mid-size crossover concept named Cross Coupe GTE at the Detroit Motor Show.
It’s the third crossover concept from VW in two years after the seven-seater CrossBlue from the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and the very similar CrossBlue Coupe from the 2014 Shanghai Auto Show.
In the German carmaker’s own words, the study “shows the future design language for Volkswagen’s North American SUVs”. VW said that at the end of 2016, it will produce a seven-seater mid-size SUV at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, adding that the new concept serves as a preview to this vehicle.
If you’re confused, you’re not alone, as the 7-seater model should be closer to the 2013 CrossBlue concept, while the Cross Coupe GTE looks like a refined version of the 2014 CrossBlue Coupe for a BMW X6-style mid-size crossover from VW.
Like the other two studies, the concept car presented in Detroit is based on VW’s MQB architecture and it measures 190.8 inches (4,846mm) long, 79.9 inches (2,029mm) wide and 68.3 inches (1,735mm) tall.
It can seat up to five passengers and features a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.6-liter VR6 gasoline engine delivering 276hp and 258 pound-feet of torque with two electric motors producing 54hp and 162 lb-ft (front) and 114hp and 199 lb- ft (rear). The electric motors are powered by a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the center tunnel, which is rated at 14.1 kWh.
The total system output adds up to 355hp and 280 lb-ft, pushing the Cross Coupe GTE onto a top speed of 130 mph (209km/h) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96km/h) in 6.0 seconds. The driver can select an E-Mode in which the 114-hp rear electric motor drives the vehicle shutting down the VR6 engine for up to 20 miles (32 kilometers).
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