Volkswagen has unveiled a new SUV concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Called the CrossBlue, it has been developed specifically for the U.S. and Canada, and if it goes into production would sit above the Tiguan and below the Touareg in the Volkswagen SUV line-up.
The CrossBlue features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a TDI engine with two electric motors, a DSG transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system dubbed ‘propshaft by wire’, and offers economy of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres, or 134.5 mpg (Volkswagen’s manufacturer estimated fuel economy rating in US gallons is 89 mpg combined in electric mode and 35 mpg as a hybrid). The TDI engine produces 400 Nm (295 lbs ft) from just 1,750 rpm, while the electric motors produce their torque – 180 Nm (133 lbs ft) at the front and 270 Nm (199 lbs ft) at the rear – immediately. Combined, the system can produce up to 700 Nm (516 lbs ft).
The CrossBlue was designed in Germany under the leadership of Walter de Silva (Head of Design, Volkswagen Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Head of Design, Volkswagen Brand), in close co-operation with Volkswagen of America. Painted in ‘CrossBlue Glass Flake’, the concept is 4,987 mm long, 2,015 mm wide, and 1,733 mm high. A wide track of 1,686 mm (front) and 1,696 mm (rear) give it a confident stance on the road, as do 21-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/45 tyres, and flared wheelarches. Contrasting with the body colour is a stainless-steel trim that runs all around the SUV’s lower section.
- Six-seat SUV concept designed specifically for North America
- Innovative diesel-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain offers fuel economy of
- 2.1 l/100 km (134.5 mpg) (NEDC for plug-in hybrid vehicles)
- Concept is built using the MQB Modular Transverse Matrix components set
- Range in all-electric mode is 20 miles (NEDC)
- 306 PS; 700 Nm (516 lbs ft); 0 to 60 mph estimated at 7.0 seconds
