Photo: Volkswagen
Remember the CrossBlue concept that Volkswagen showed in Detroit a year ago? Now, there's a new concept that's slightly sportier and more technologically advanced. Called the Cross Coupe GTE, this is a car of many first for Volkswagen. For instance, the GTE plug-in hybrid badge is not yet available on the production model in the US, while the German automaker has also never built a Sports Activity Coupe yet, which this is.
Designed to preview an upcoming crossover for North America, the Cross Coupe GTE has a wide front fascia and strong proportions. The headlights are integrated into the design of the grille and boast with LED technology. Around the sides, we notice 22-inch wheels polished aluminum wheels. The back is not as aggressively sloped as that of the BMW X4 or Mercedes GLE Coupe. That means it will be easier to see out of.
Thanks to a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, the GTE crossover will return 70 MPGe and travel up to 20 miles (32 km) on electricity alone.
Since the Touareg is already classed as a mid-size SUV, just like the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. So we think that this new crossover will be a direct rival for the Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60.
It's not slow either, taking 6 seconds to reach 60 mph (96 km/h), though with a VR6 engine and two extra motors, that's hardly surprising.
The engine: VR6+2
As the GLE name suggests, the powertrain is a plug-in hybrid, consisting of a 276-hp 3.6-liter VR6 FSI engine and two electric motors, producing an additional 54 hp and another 114 hp one at the rear. The total output is rated at 355-hp.Thanks to a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, the GTE crossover will return 70 MPGe and travel up to 20 miles (32 km) on electricity alone.
What is it?
Some sources have suggested the Cross Coupe GTE and CrossBlue are preview concept for the Tiguan and the new 7-seat version of the Tiguan. However, we're not so sure. The German automaker suggests both are actually just concepts and preview a mid-size crossover SUV to be built at their Chattanooga, Tennessee plant by the end of 2016.Since the Touareg is already classed as a mid-size SUV, just like the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. So we think that this new crossover will be a direct rival for the Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60.
It's not slow either, taking 6 seconds to reach 60 mph (96 km/h), though with a VR6 engine and two extra motors, that's hardly surprising.
Google News