The Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept was revealed this week at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS 2015). The Cross Coupe GTE follows the latest VW trend of plug-in hybrid concept cars including the Passat GTE and Golf GTE. Featuring a direct-injected 3.6-L V-6 mated to a pair of electric motors, the Cross Coupe GTE will offer a combined system output of 355 HP and a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds.
Watch this Andre Smirnov interview to learn the details about the VW Cross Coupe GTE concept.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49-gCrLaxT8
Volkswagen says plugging in the VW Cross Coupe GTE will net up to 20 miles of EV driving. If the driver wishes, however, he or she can choose four other driving modes at any time, including “hybrid,” “GTE hybrid,” “battery hold/charge,” or “off-road.”
Whether or not the Cross Coupe GTE will be genuinely off-road worthy has yet to be seen. Nevertheless, when off-road mode is selected, the front motor becomes an engine-driven generator, supplying electricity to the rear motor and ensuring that the rear wheels maintain power even with a low battery.
Other interesting details include an infotainment system which can not only sense inputs through voice or touchscreen, but can also recognize gestures through a set of proximity sensors. Additionally, rear-seat occupants are busied with tablet docks on the back of the front seats, offering app-based access to the vehicle’s climate, radio, and navigation functions.
The VW Cross Coupe GTE is slated to spawn Volkswagen’s built-in-america, seven-passenger SUV into production some time in late 2016.
