This is the Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept. It made its official debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Developed specifically for the United States and Canada, the new CrossBlue Concept is a six-seater mid-sized SUV but the company promises that it will feature an extra seat if it goes into production. Based on the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) components, the concept uses a 190 hp TDI Clean Diesel Engine, mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. These components are combined with electrical parts, such as a lithium-ion battery in the center tunnel and the 54-hp front and 114-hp rear electric motors. Volkswagen’s manufacturer estimated fuel economy rating is 89 mpge combined in electric mode and 35 mpg as a hybrid.
The powertrain produces a total of 305 hp and 516 pound-feet of torque. With these numbers, the concept is able to hit 60mph in just 7.2 seconds. With a fully charged 9.8kWh lithium-ion battery, the CrossBlue can travel a distance of 14 miles in all-electric mode. With a fuel tank, the concept has a driving range of 661 miles. Painted in “CrossBlue Glass Flake”, the concept is 196.3 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and 68.2 inches high.
In terms of design, the CrossBlue Concept features the well-known horizontal lines seen on other VW concepts and it is painted in CrossBlue Glass Flake.
The Volkswagen designers attended to even the smallest of details with great care. The air intakes in the bumper are an example. They are trimmed by horizontally mounted, black-painted pieces that are actually three-dimensional honeycomb structures when you examine them closely.
