Finish Line: German Engineering for American Lifestyles -

Finish Line: German Engineering for American Lifestyles

cross_coupe_gte_4508At the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen displayed its five-seater Cross Coupe GTE concept.

This stylish and upscale SUV uses a plug-in hybrid system with a maximum output of 355 hp and an all-wheel-drive system that uses an “electric driveshaft.” The hybrid has a manufacturer-estimated fuel economy rating of 70 MPGe. It has a zero-emissions range of up to 20 miles and can reach 60 mph from rest in just 6.0 seconds.

“The (Cross Coupe GTE) makes a visual statement from every angle,” says Klaus Bischoff, chief designer at Volkswagen.

The combination of gloss black applications with the seamlessly integrated displays and chrome elements creates a striking new interior design language. Under the windshield, the concept car features an Ink Blue Nappa leather border that matches the Grand Pacific Glacier exterior paintwork.

cross_coupe_gte_4518Like a wing, the information and control level extends across the whole width of the car. The whole area boasts a completely new architecture so that the infotainment and instrument panel appear to be a single unit.

The driver and front passenger can manage all infotainment functions and the basic vehicle configuration via the 10.1-inch touchscreen, using proximity sensors and gesture control. Gesture control is a completely new feature, and allows occupants to swipe over a playlist from some distance away to browse and play tunes.

The layout of the graphics changes depending on the selected driving profile – Snow, Sport, On-road and Off-road. Furthermore, navigation data can be displayed in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional form. In the 3-D view, the user can configure the display individually at three or even more levels that float above one another in a virtual space.

The shift lever for the 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission always remains in a central position, like a joystick. A quick click activates the R, N and D modes; a separate button, integrated in the lever, switches to P.

The SUV concept is powered by a 3.6L VR6 gasoline engine and two electric motors. The six-cylinder direct-injection engine delivers 276 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The two electric motors produce 54 hp and 162 lb.-ft. (front) and 114 hp and 199 lb.-ft. (rear). They are powered by a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the center tunnel, which is rated at 14.1 kWh. The total output of the drive system adds up to 355 hp and 280 lb.-ft., enough to power the Cross Coupe GTE onto a top speed of 130 mph.

The Cross Coupe GTE features a number of driving profiles: On-road (with Comfort and Eco sub-modes); Off-road (with Rocks, Sludge & Sand and Gravel); Sport; and Snow. The profiles change the setup of the SUV. There are also five drive modes: E-Mode; Hybrid; GTE; Off-road; and Battery Hold/Battery Charge.

 

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

 

 

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