Five-seat SUV concept is based off the new MQB architecture and features a plug-in V6 gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain• Concept features dramatic new interpretation of Volkswagen design DNA
• 415-horsepower gasoline-hybrid concept is capable of 70 MPGe
• The vehicle can travel up to 13 miles as an EV
• Top speed of 147 mph; 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds
Los Angeles, November 2013 —
Volkswagen is giving a spectacular glimpse at the future and at a new
era of SUV design with the U.S. debut of the CrossBlue Coupé concept at
the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Klaus
Bischoff, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, says: 'The
disproportionate growth in the SUV segment gives designers the
opportunity to implement an even greater diversification of models. The
CrossBlue Coupé shows the potential of our Volkswagen design DNA and
will undoubtedly have an influence on future SUV models.'The
CrossBlue Coupé has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that is as
fuel-efficient as it is sporty. A turbocharged direct-injection (TSI) V6
gasoline engine works together with two electric motors to produce as
much as 415 horsepower. This SUV can thus perform like a sports car,
with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph.Despite
its impressive performance, the CrossBlue Coupé has a manufacturer
estimated combined fuel consumption of 70 MPGe. In hybrid mode, it
allows for a theoretical range of around 570 miles.The
CrossBlue Coupé can be driven as a zero emissions EV for up to 13 miles
at a maximum speed of 75 mph: to intentionally use this eco-friendly
mode in urban areas, the driver simply pushes a button. The concept
vehicle is based off the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) and could,
if it were produced, be fitted with conventional four- and six-cylinder
engines running on a variety of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and CNG.
Equipped with five comfortable seats and a spacious trunk, the
CrossBlue Coupé definitely belongs to the SUV avant-garde.
Dynamic exterior designThe
CrossBlue Coupé is exactly 192.5 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and
66.1 inches high. The vehicle thus has a confident, low slung, and
four-square stance that is enhanced by the wide tracks (67.3 inches at
the front, 68.0 inches at the back), the relatively long 117.3-inch
wheelbase, and large 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that are shod with
285/40 tires that were specially designed for the concept car.Sporty
side profile. The concept features a long and broad hood, a very short
frontal overhang, and a long roofline. The concept's sporty stance is
further improved by a very short A-pillar and a very 'fast' (swept back)
C-pillar, as well as a distinctive character line. The designers have
combined a dominant line—one that starts in the upper area of the rear
lights and runs at the height of the door handles—with a second line
that begins beneath the rear lights and ends in the front fender. The
space between the two lines narrows towards the front and ends beneath
the A-pillar in a stylized chrome air outlet. These lines significantly
reduce the SUV's visual center of gravity.The 22-inch
polished aluminum-alloy wheels also feature a new design, with five
V-shaped dual spokes that have a matte finish on their inner surfaces.
Five trim pieces that are painted in the 'CrossOrange Metallic' body
color surround the central VW badge, presenting yet another design
element.Despite the dynamic styling, practicality is
central to this vehicle's mission.
An example is the way that the doors
open wide for optimal entry and egress, as well as extending down into
the sill area. The ports for the gas tank and battery were uniformly
integrated into the design of the CrossBlue Coupé. The fuel filler neck
is located under a lid on the right side of the vehicle, with the
electrical outlet cover opposite it on the left side. This consists of
one socket for charging the high-voltage battery and another for
connecting electric devices; this 230V/16A interface allows the
CrossBlue Coupé to act as an emergency generator.3D Front
End. A key element of Volkswagen design DNA is the predominance of
horizontal lines. The front end of the CrossBlue Coupé follows this to
perfection, yet the designers have created a new layout by integrating
the lighting architecture into the grille area. The key elements of the
front-end design are the free-standing LED headlights, LED light
signature, and radiator grille trim.The radiator grille
trim, consisting of two polished aluminum struts and the VW logo, is now
a 3D element extending into the headlights. The lateral ends of the
upper strut are used for the Daytime Running Lights, creating a unique
and very special 'eyebrow' light signature. Meanwhile, the lower cross
strut is a pure aluminum element that extends from beneath the
free-standing LED headlights into the fenders. The entire grille unit is
surrounded by a high-gloss black frame. The lines of the LED light
signature extend into the lower area of the bumper, bordering the side
intakes and the central radiator inlet. Skidplates are fitted under the
bumper to protect the underbody.Exclusive rear section. As
with the front end, the designers sculpted a 3D look, again using
aluminum elements. The upper area of the rear lights extends from the
center of the trunklid right into the fenders, carrying the side
character line into the rear of the vehicle. The rear lights are
highlighted by an aluminum strip, under which two more lighting elements
are integrated on each side.The prominent stainless-steel
tailpipes are integrated into a polished aluminum trim panel that runs
horizontally. The rugged looking anthracite-colored area on the lower
edge of the rear bumper is repeated on the front bumper, on the sills,
and on the wheelarch trim, giving another styling feature that runs
around the entire vehicle. As at the front of the car, there are
skidplates integrated into this anthracite-colored piece.
High-tech interiorAn
especially prominent feature of the elegant and clean interior is a
horizontal dashboard graphic that extends into the side door trims.
Upscale materials abound in the cabin: velvety soft Nappa leather in
'Anthracite Pearl' and 'Asphalto'; chrome surfaces that are polished on
top and sandblasted in a matte finish on their chamfered edges; dark
aluminum; naturally-treated wood accents; and 'Graphite' colored
Alcantara® for the roof pillars and headliner.
Two-color configurable
ambient lighting is matched to the vehicle drive mode: in 'Eco', it
matches the 'CrossOrange' exterior paint and switches to red in 'Sport'.
The interplay of forms, colors, and materials makes a typically
masculine SUV statement, combined with an urbane ambience.At
the very top, the dashboard is framed by 'Anthracite Pearl' colored
leather with dark contrasting seams. Below it, a dark aluminum panel
integrates the central 10.1-inch infotainment display, air vents, and
12.3-inch instrument screen display. There is a delicate chrome strip on
the center of this panel, with chrome surrounds on the air vents and
screens.On the next level down, an anthracite-colored
spruce wood inlay extends into the door panels as well as down the
center console. Below the wood inlay, there are panels covered in
lighter 'Asphalto' Nappa leather, with the ambient lighting running in a
narrow line between the wood and leather on the dashboard.Five
comfortable seats. The seats are also upholstered in elegant Nappa
leather. The individual seat panels are designed in either the dark
'Anthracite Pearl' or the contrasting 'Asphalto'. The shading visually
emphasizes the sculpting of the seats themselves. The rear bench seat
offers fore-and-aft adjustment, three backrest positions, and folds in a
two-thirds/one-third fashion.The car comes to life. As
soon as the driver's door is opened, the controls come to life. When the
'Engine' (start) button is pressed, the switches for the climate
control and headlights instantly lift from rest. At the same time, all
of the display layouts appear on the monitors and the ambient lighting
is activated.The uppermost level of the center console
contains the buttons for the seat heaters and air circulation as well as
the hazard lights switch. Beneath these, there are three knobs for the
four-zone climate control: the left and right ones control the
temperature, and the middle knob adjusts the fan level.Arranged
conveniently on the right side, next to the shift lever grip, are the
buttons for ESC deactivation (used when driving in deep snow, for
example) and for the drive modes:
'Sport', 'Eco', 'Offroad', 'Charge',
and 'EV' (electric driving). The shifter for the six-speed transmission
has very short throws, thanks to a new drive-by-wire logic. Like a
joystick, the lever continually returns to its middle position; the 'D',
'R' and 'N' positions are activated by a short flick and 'P' by a
separate pushbutton that is integrated in the lever.Infotainment
touchscreen. The central 10.1-inch touchscreen has proximity sensors
and is used to control all the infotainment and entertainment functions,
as well as to access the status of the hybrid system. The type of
representation changes according to the driving mode. For instance, when
the 'Sport' mode is selected, buildings that are shown in the
navigation display are 'suppressed' in the 3D map representation,
receding for a clearer and less busy image during fast driving. On the
other hand, an animated 3D representation is shown in the 'Eco' mode, in
which buildings rise up on the horizon like the structures in the movie
Inception.Programmable instrument cluster. The instrument
cluster is designed with analog gauges but is underpinned by user
programmable software. The type of information changes between the 'Eco'
and 'Sport' modes. In 'Eco' mode, the 'Powermeter' and battery status
are two of the items shown in the left gauge, while the right-hand one
displays speed and fuel level. The center dial is used to access
functions such as gear selection, driving range, date and time, the
weather, and navigation functionality such as distance to destination
and points of interest. In 'Sport' mode, the left-hand instrument shows
the tachometer and displays torque and battery status at its center.A
mobile mini iPad® has been integrated in each of the head restraints of
the first seating row, so that passengers in the rear seats can also
fully enjoy the audio, video, and online programs. Meanwhile, a
Dynaudio® sound system delivers crystal-clear audio.
Sophisticated drive technologyThe
CrossBlue Coupé is based on Volkswagen AG's new Modular Transverse
Matrix (MQB). While certain aspects of the MQB vehicles, such as the
orientation of all the engines, are uniform, there is considerable scope
for variation in dimensions such as the wheelbase and track widths. All
new MQB models are designed so that they can be built with natural gas,
hybrid, or electric powertrains as well as diesel or gasoline engines.In
this concept car, the following mechanical elements are featured: the
MQB front suspension and four-link rear suspension; electro-mechanical
MQB steering; a 295-horsepower EA390-series V6 TSI engine; and a
six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The vehicle's
electrical architecture includes a lithium-ion battery mounted in the
center tunnel as well as a pair of electric motors: 54 hp at the front
and 114 hp at the back.The innovative plug-in hybrid
system enables the vehicle to achieve a manufacturer estimated 70 MPGe,
yet the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and reach
a top speed of 147 mph. The V6 engine develops 369 pound-feet of torque
from as low as 1800 rpm, a figure that is boosted to 516 lb-ft when the
two electric motors are engaged.Zero emissions whenever
possible. The default drive program is 'Eco' or hybrid mode; it
optimally manages use of the drive sources. The electric motors are used
for propulsive power as often as possible in this case. The driver can
switch to the Sport mode by pressing a button; in this case, the vehicle
exploits the maximum power of the drive system. There is also an
Offroad mode (permanent all-wheel drive), EV mode (driving with zero
emissions), and a Charge mode (battery charging).EV mode.
Powered by its lithium-ion battery, the CrossBlue Coupé can cover a
distance of up to 13 miles in pure electric mode; top speed is limited
to 75 mph. In EV mode, only the 114-hp rear electric motor provides
propulsion.
In all-electric driving, the V6 TSI engine is decoupled from
the drivetrain by opening the clutch, and the engine is shut off. As
soon as there is a need for gasoline power—because of the battery charge
or other parameters—it is coupled to the drivetrain again, jolt-free,
within fractions of a second.In all-electric driving, the electric motors are supplied with energy from the eight-module9.8
kWh lithium-ion battery that is housed in the center tunnel. The power
electronics unit—integrated in the engine compartment and operating at
around 375 volts—manages the flow of high-voltage energy to and from the
battery and the electric motors. Meanwhile, a DC/DC converter supplies
the body electrical system with the 12-volt electrical power it
requires. The electric drive system does not impose any limitations on
interior space whatsoever. The battery can be charged either by external
power sources (230-volt connections) or while driving.Charging:
The driver can intentionally switch over to a charging mode by pressing
another button on the center console. The TSI engine charges the
battery while driving in order to store enough electrical energy for EV
operation later in the journey—for instance, in an urban area.There are also a number of other specific modes that automatically come into play, depending on the circumstances.Coasting:
As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the engine and
electric motors are decoupled from the drivetrain and the engine is shut
off, provided that the battery is sufficiently charged. This is
referred to as 'coasting.' No emissions are generated.Battery
regeneration: Whenever the driver releases the accelerator pedal or
applies the brakes, and the battery is insufficiently charged, the two
electric motors act as generators and feed energy recovered from the
brakes into the lithium-ion battery. In this case, the TSI engine is
also shut off and decoupled from the drivetrain to ensure maximum
regeneration.Boosting: When very sporty performance is
required, the electric motors form an alliance with the TSI engine known
as 'boosting': in this mode, all four wheels are driven.Offroad
('propshaft by wire'): All four wheels are also driven whenever Offroad
mode is intentionally activated. In this case, however, the front
electric motor—which is now supplied with energy by the TSI
engine—operates exclusively as a generator and a power source for the
electric motor at the rear. Since the energy for driving the rear wheels
is electrical rather than mechanical, this is referred to as 'propshaft
by wire'. Because the TSI engine drives the front wheels in offroad
mode, the four-wheel-drive system is still operational even when the
battery doesn't have much charge.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.Founded
in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen
Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It
is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.
VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development,
parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales,
marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its
state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The
Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger
cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle
Convertible, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC,
Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 630 independent U.S.
dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at
www.vw.com or
media.
vw.com
