Revised specifications of the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept have been announced, suggesting the German car maker is refining the vehicle ahead of a potential launch later this decade.
A rival to the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, the five-seat plug-in Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept initially debuted ahead of April’s Shanghai auto show.
Now just days out from its US premiere at the Los Angeles auto show, Volkswagen has revised the efficiency claims of its 305kW/700Nm hybrid powertrain, which comprises a 220kW/500Nm turbocharged 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and two electric motors – a 40kW/180Nm unit at the front and an 85kW/270Nm unit at the rear.
Originally claimed to achieve a hybrid-mode combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 3.0 litres per 100km and a pure electric range of 33km (with the rear motor exclusively powering the concept to speeds up to 120km/h), the LA-bound version has been revised with a figure of 3.4L/100km and a 20.9km range.
The four-wheel-drive concept’s total claimed hybrid range has also been reduced from 1190km to 917km.
The CrossBlue Coupe concept’s acceleration and top speed claims remain unchanged at 5.9 seconds 0-100km/h and 236km/h respectively.
With no public explanation for the alterations, the only obvious difference between the two specifications is the cars’ centre tunnel-mounted lithium-ion battery. Originally a 9.9kWh item, the updated concept’s has an energy capacity of 9.8kWh.
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the German car maker says, if it were produced, the CrossBlue Coupe could be fitted with conventional four- and six-cylinder engines able to be run on petrol, diesel, or compressed natural gas (CNG).
Volkswagen head of design Klaus Bischoff said the CrossBlue Coupe concept will “undoubtedly have an influence on future SUV models”.
The 2013 LA auto show begins on November 20.
