World's first Volkswagen Cross Coup é GTE to play "plug-in hybrid"

On January 12th, Volkswagen Group unveiled the Volkswagen Cross Coup é GTE at the 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, USA. With the global debut of this five seater SUV concept car, Volkswagen further showcases the future face of its latest SUV model series. It is worth noting that this series of models will be equipped with a V6 plug-in hybrid drive system that combines sportiness and economy for the first time.

The Cross Coup é GTE is painted in "Grand Pacific Glacier" blue, combining excellent performance with a striking and powerful design. This is particularly prominent in the exterior design, with sharp edges, a long and extended engine hood, and a raised front face becoming prominent features of the exterior design. From the side view, the A-pillar is noticeably tilted backwards, and the striking and sloping C-pillar also highlights the dynamic styling, while also showcasing the surging power of this mid size SUV. The 22 inch alloy wheels are equipped with 10 highly polished spokes, making the visual effect of this concept car perfect.

The new design style is also reflected in the interior of the Cross Coup é GTE. For example, the coherent horizontal structure of the dashboard creates a pleasant, tidy, spacious, and cool, cutting-edge atmosphere. This is also due to the seamless integration of the display screen and chrome elements, which open up a new realm of information display and operation with interactive gesture control functions.

The seat system is made of elegant two tone Nappa leather. The deep and dark "Ink Blue" enhances the barrel shaped effect of the contour comfortable sports seats, while the middle of the seats is made of perforated leather. In addition, the interface of the tablet is integrated into the headrest of the rear seats. Volkswagen's "Media Control" application allows passengers to access various functions of the infotainment system through tablets and WLAN.

The Cross Coup é GTE concept car is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline direct injection engine (FSI) and two electric motors. The six cylinder direct injection engine (FSI) has a power of 206 kW/280 horsepower and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The output power of the two electric motors is 40 kW (front) and 85 kW (rear), respectively, and the torque is 220 N · m (front) and 270 N · m (rear), respectively. The total output power of the drive system is 265 kilowatts (360 horsepower). With strong power, the Cross Coup é GTE can reach a top speed of 209 kilometers per hour, accelerating from a standstill to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) in just 6.0 seconds.

The driver can switch to "GTE" mode by pressing the GTE button, thus experiencing the flexible and agile side of this concept car. This mode will make the accelerator pedal, gearbox, and steering system more sporty. Moreover, in the "GTE" mode, the FSI engine and electric motor work together during the assist process to maximize the system's power and torque output.

Following the previous release of the CrossBlue concept car in Detroit, the Cross Coup é GTE now further showcases the future of a new mid size SUV series produced based on the transverse engine module platform (MQB). The CrossBlue mass-produced model will be produced at Volkswagen's Chatanu processing plant and launched on the market in 2016.