The 2013 edition of the Shanghai Auto Show is underway and Volkswagen took the opportunity to reveal their latest concept vehicle. The car definitely takes design cues from Audi and it comes with some pretty awesome technology. The CrossBlue Coupe Concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid system that is as fuel efficient as it is sporty. A V6 turbo direct petrol injection engine works together with two electric motors here; and a maximum system power output is as much as 400bhp. When the car’s full power potential is utilised, the SUV becomes a sports car and accelerates to 100kmph in just 5.9 seconds, and its maximum speed is 236kmph.
The CrossBlue Coupé can be driven in all-electric mode, without any emissions at all, over a distance of up to 33 kilometres and at a maximum speed of 120kmph. To intentionally use this especially eco-friendly mode in urban areas, the driver can push a button to select the all-electric drive mode. The CrossBlue Coupé is also one of the safest SUVs worldwide thanks to the electronic stabilisation programme, an all-wheel drive with “propshaft by wire” that is engineered for dynamic performance and safety and up to ten airbags.
The driver can intentionally switch over to Charge mode by pressing another button on the centre console. In this mode, the battery is charged by petrol engine while driving, e.g. so that enough electrical energy can be stored in the battery for later zero-emissions driving. The concept has not been officially announced for production, but we have an idea what direction the company is heading in.
