Featured here is Volkswagen’s new CrossBlue Coupe concept, which is positioned as a sportier and more dynamic alternative to the CrossBlue three-row crossover concept presented at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show and also tipped to be in the works.
The CrossBlue Coupe makes its debut this weekend at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show and while it isn’t strictly a coupe, as it features four doors plus a rear hatch, its roof profile is certainly very coupe-like and goes some way towards justifying the name.
Despite their similarities, the CrossBlue Coupe shares little with the previous CrossBlue. For starters, it is based on the smaller MQB platform found in the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and is powered by a gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid system. The CrossBlue shared its platform with the U.S.-spec Passat and came with a diesel-based hybrid system.
The CrossBlue Coupe’s plug-in hybrid system pairs a turbocharged V-6 engine with an electric motor to drive the front axle, while a second electric motor drives the rear axle, creating a through-the-road hybrid setup.
Peak output is 415 horsepower, which delivers a 0-62 mph time of just 5.9 seconds and top speed of 147 mph, which isn’t too shabby considering the vehicle has a combined fuel economy of 79 mpg on the European combined cycle. A single tank of gas is said to deliver a theoretical range of around 720 miles.
Several different drive modes are available, including electric- and gas-only modes plus a combination of the two. The electric-only range is 21 miles, made possible by a 9.8 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
Being based on the MQB platform, the CrossBlue Coupe is capable of packing a variety of different powertrains, including four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines, as well diesel, natural gas and even all-electric solutions.
Overall dimensions come in at 192.5 inches in length, 79.3 inches in width and 66.1 inches in height. The wheelbase measures 117.3 inches and wheels are a set of 22-inch aluminum alloys shod with 285/40 tires developed specially for this concept.
Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept
Volkswagen hasn’t said if the CrossBlue Coupe is destined for production, though given the growth in its segment we’d be surprised if it didn’t. In addition, much of its styling will influence the look of future Volkswagen crossovers and SUVs, including, potentially, the next-generation Tiguan and Touareg.
Stay tuned for more reveals from the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show over the next 48 hours, and in the meantime follow our dedicated show hub for our up-to-the-minute coverage.
