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VW concept SUV out in Shanghai

SHANGHAI, China - Volkswagen has unveiled a glimpse to future design with the CrossBlue Coupe concept SUV at the 2013 Shanghai auto show that opened on April 21.

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At a glance, the five-seater hybrid SUV stands tall over its sibling Touareg: the dimensions are 4.89m long x 2.02m high x 1.68m wide vs. 4.8m x 1.94m x 1.73m. 

The wider track and wheelbase and 22” alloys wrapped in 285/44 tyres give the car a muscular and sporty look. Its assertive stance is complemented by the radiator grille trim in two aluminium struts and a 3D VW logo, with daytime running lights running in the upper strut.

On the side of the car, ports for the fuel tank and battery are integrated into the design with the fuel-filler neck under a lid on the right side and the electrical connection located symmetrically on the left side. There's one socket for charging the high-voltage battery and a second for connecting electric devices, making the a mobile generator.

Boot space is rated 537 litres with the seats up and 1101 when down; the boot lid is power-operated

ECO-FRIENDLY FAST

The CrossBlue Coupe has a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a V6 turbocharged direct injection petrol engine and two electric motors (40kW front and 85kW rear), pushing out a total of 305kW. It’s mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox, pushing the car from zero-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 235km/h. 

Even though it’s quite a big car, its claimed fuel consumption is only three litres/100km. In hybrid mode, with a depleted battery powered by the TSI engine, the CrossBlue Coupé returns 6.9/100 km. This means the car’s 80-litre fuel tank could possibly cover a range of 1190km.

The TSI engine produces 500Nm from 1800rpm, while the electric motors make 180Nm at the front and 270Nm at the rear. When combined, the system can produce up to 700Nm.

Powered by battery alone, the CrossBlue can cover about 30km as an electric vehicle.

HOW IT WORKS?

In E-mode, only the rear electric motor propels the vehicle and the TSI engine is shut off.  If the battery has enough power, the engine will only be engaged at 120km/h. The battery can be charged by external power sources or by the engine while the vehicle is moving.

The driver can switch to a charging mode by pressing a button on the centre console.

VW said the SUV has other drive modes : coasting, battery regeneration, boosting and off-road (all-wheel drive system then kicks in) and the front electric motor operates as a generator and a power source for the electric motor at the rear.

VW said there were no current plans for the CrossBlue Coupe to go in to production.
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