2011 Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept

World premiere – Cross Coupé with TDI plug-in hybrid

- World’s most efficient SUV:

- Cross Coupé from Volkswagen consumes just 1.8 l/100 km

- SUV concept with TDI plug-in hybrid attains low CO2 emissions of 46 g/km

- Cross Coupé with 225 kW of power has electrically driven rear axle

Wolfsburg / Geneva, 05 March 2012 - Research – regardless of the area of research – always aims to identify solutions that point the way to the future. In December 2011, it was the Cross Coupé – a concept vehicle from Volkswagen – which with a fuel consumption value of just 2.7 l/100 km (equivalent to 62 g/km CO2) illustrated a technical approach to implementing an SUV that can be extremely fuel-efficient despite its high performance and all-wheel drive system. This plug-in hybrid concept was driven by two electric motors and a turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine (TSI). Now, Volkswagen has conceptualised an even more fuel-efficient Cross Coupé. It is powered by an alliance of a turbodiesel direct-injection engine (TDI) and two electric motors. Its combined fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is a sensationally low of 1.8 l/100 km. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 46 g/km. Noteworthy here is the fact that the Cross Coupé is a powerful SUV with a top speed of 220 km/h, 225 kW / 306 PS of power (system power) and a kerb weight of 1,858 kg. Volkswagen is presenting the concept with a TDI plug-in hybrid in a world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (08 to 18 March 2012).

Efficiency and driving fun meld together

High-tech network. Technically, the SUV is based on the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) from Volkswagen AG.

Within the MQB, there are certain design parameters that are standardised across model series and brands – such as the distance between the accelerator pedal and the front wheel axis and the mounting position for all engines. There are also variable parameters that make it possible to optimally and individually develop a wide variety of models. They include such parameters as the wheelbase, track widths and wheel sizes, for example.

In the new Cross Coupé, MQB elements for a future generation of SUVs – in this case, the MQB front and rear suspensions, 140 kW / 190 PS TDI of the new EA288 engine series and a 6-speed DSG. They were merged with electrical components that are also "made by Volkswagen", and they include the lithium-ion battery in the centre tunnel, front E-motor with 40 kW and rear E-motor with 85 kW.

Breadth of variations. The Cross Coupé also impressively demonstrates the large breadth of variations that can be implemented based on the MQB. It should be noted that the modular systems used in the concept car could theoretically have been used, just as easily, to produce a full hybrid (without external interface) or a vehicle with only an internal combustion engine or only an electric drive instead of the plug-in hybrid (battery with external interface for charging) that was actually implemented.

Efficiency and dynamic performance. Efficient drive technologies can offer extreme levels of dynamic performance. The new Cross Coupé demonstrates this par excellence. Its combination of cutting-edge fuel efficiency and exceptional dynamic performance demonstrate that an all-round vehicle of a sporty kind has been created here like never before. The Cross Coupé being shown in Geneva accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, and its TDI develops a torque of up to 400 Nm from very low revs – from approx. 1,600 rpm. Practically at the press of a button, the two E-motors deliver 180 Nm of torque in front and 270 Nm at the rear. During boosting – which involves full use of both motors and the engine – the drive system supplies a maximum system torque of 700 Nm. This performance positions the concept car in the field of today’s high-performance sports cars, yet the vehicle consumes less fuel than any other small car!

Intelligent networking of drive systems

Zero emissions thanks to electric motors. In pure electric mode – in this case its speed is limited to 120 km/h –, the concept car can cover up to 45 km. This is sufficient driving range for most of the world’s commuters to drive to work with zero emissions. In pure E-mode, the driver can choose whether the focus should be on optimising electric driving range or dynamic performance. This is implemented by the combination of E-mode and CITY mode and the combination of E-mode and SPORT mode. In the electric driving range maximising E-mode (CITY), only the E-motor on the rear axle powers the car. In the dynamic E-mode (SPORT), the electric drive system powers both the rear and front wheels. In pure electric driving, the turbodiesel is decoupled from the drivetrain by disengaging the clutch, and it is shut off. The clutch on the gearbox side remains closed, and the 6-speed DSG is engaged. The E mode is activated by pressing what is knowna s the EV mode button (EV: electric vehicle) next to the gear shift lever. The Cross Coupé then drives like a purely electric vehicle. Even during fast driving, the internal combustion engine is not engaged, provided that the battery is sufficiently charged. As soon as the power of the TDI is needed again, either because of the battery’s charge state or other parameters, the engine engages without any jolt, and it is once again actively coupled to the drivetrain within fractions of a second.

Battery in the centre tunnel. In pure electric driving, the E-motors are supplied with energy from a lithium-ion battery that consists of eight modules. The battery has an energy capacity of 9.8 kWh and is located in the centre tunnel of the Cross Coupé. Power electronics operating at a voltage of approx. 370 Volt, which is integrated in the front engine compartment, manages the flow of high-voltage energy to and from the battery and the electric motors. Meanwhile, the 12 Volt electrical system is supplied with power via a DC/DC converter. The electric drive system does not impose any space limitations on the interior. The battery can be charged either from external power sources (230 Volt connection) or while driving.

Charging also at push of a button. The driver can intentionally switch to CHARGE mode (by pressing another button next to the gear shift lever) to charge the battery via the TDI engine while driving. This mode might make sense, for example, if the driver wishes to drive in certain designated environmental zones that might be toll-free for electric vehicles operating with zero emissions. The momentary electric driving range and total range of the Cross Coupé are continually displayed in the instruments. An engine controller regulates the overall energy and drive management system under consideration of the specific load demanded by the driver. The driver can choose from a total of five driving modes: CITY (an eco mode with minimal fuel consumption), SPORT (high dynamic performance), OFFROAD (continuous all-wheel drive), E-mode (pure electric driving) as EV-CITY or EV-SPORT, or CHARGE (via the TDI). In parallel, the Cross Coupé utilises different operating states, in which the motors/engine and drive axles are coupled or decoupled as a function of driving needs:

Zero emissions by ‘sailing’. As soon as the driver lifts his or her foot from the accelerator, both electric motors and the engine are shut off and decoupled from the drivetrain – provided that the battery is sufficiently charged. This is referred to as ‘sailing’. Zero emissions are generated in this case as well.

Zero emissions in battery regeneration mode. If the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator pedal or brakes, and the battery is not sufficiently charged, the two electric motors are operated as generators to feed energy recovered from braking into the lithium-ion battery. The TDI is also shut off and decoupled in this operating state.

Boosting. When driving should be especially sporty in nature, the E-motors form an alliance with the TDI. In the professional jargon of the hybrid world this joining of forces is known as ‘Boosting’. The Cross Coupé is driven by all four wheels in this mode.

Offroad with ‘electric propshaft’. As soon as the driver chooses to activate OFFROAD mode, all four wheels are once again driven. However, in this mode the front electric motor, now supplied with energy by the TDI, is the sole source of electrical power for its counterpart at the rear axle. Since the energy for the rear electric drive is by wire and does not flow mechanically, this is referred to as an ‘electric propshaft’. Since the TDI powers the rear electric motor via the front electric motor in OFFROAD mode, the all-wheel drive system is fully functional, even if the lithium-ion battery is in a low charge state.

Driving with the TDI. If the TDI is powering the vehicle by itself, the Cross Coupé is a pure front-wheel drive vehicle. In driving states in which greater fuel efficiency is possible by load boosting, the E-motors act as generators to charge the battery. When all of the on-board energy reserves are utilised, the vehicle’s combined fuel consumption value is 1.8 l/100 km; the vehicle’s 55 litre fuel tank thus enables a theoretical driving range of 1,287 km.

The new TDI of the Cross Coupés

Engines of the MQB. As noted, the TDI of the Cross Coupé is an engine developed especially for use in the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB). A key characteristic of the MQB is a uniform mounting position for all engines. Therefore, Volkswagen developed two new engine series – the EA288 series was created for the diesels, and the EA211 series for the new petrol engines. Within the MQB, these two engine series and relevant electric motors make it possible to implement any classic, alternative or hybrid drive system.

Range of turbodiesels. The new TDI engines of the MQB will be available in versions with 1.6 and 2.0 litre displacement and will span a power range from 66 kW / 90 PS to the 140 kW / 190 PS of the concept car in Geneva. The diesel engines are not only exceptionally low-emitting, fuel-efficient and torque-strong. They are also exceptionally refined and smooth running. Consider the 2.0 TDI of the Cross Coupé: two balancer shafts are used. They eliminate system-induced free inertial forces that naturally occur in a reciprocating engine. Meanwhile, the toothed belt drive for the oil and vacuum pump, which operates in the sump oil, and the engine’s encapsulated injection nozzles also have a positive effect on acoustic comfort.

SUV styling meets coupé dynamics

More streamlined than other SUVs. At a length of 4,357 mm, the Cross Coupé is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. The vehicle’s width (1,868 mm) and height (1,523 mm) are positioned exactly between these two bestsellers as well. The concept vehicle’s wheelbase of 2,630 mm is clearly long relative to its overall length (52 mm longer than in the Golf, 26 mm more than the Tiguan). This makes the body overhangs short (855 mm in front, 860 mm at rear), and in the interplay of all dimensions the car’s overall proportions are extremely attractive. The vehicle’s large track widths of 1,585 mm (front) and 1,613 mm (rear) emphasise its powerful appearance. More important to driving on unpaved trails are parameters such as the vehicle’s approach/departure angles and its ramp angle. The approach angle in front is a good 24.2 degrees, while the departure angle at the rear is 32.5 degrees – excellent for offroad driving. The ramp angle, which is important for driving over hilltops, is 15 degrees.

Precisely shaped coupé silhouette. Defining the look of the Cross Coupé are its very long bonnet, new front end styling, passenger compartment shifted significantly towards the rear, and very streamline line of windows compared to conventional SUVs. Overall, the designers also gave the vehicle muscular, athletic and yet very clean lines. In keeping with the powerful appearance of the Cross Coupé, it is equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with 265/45 tyres. Towards the rear, a large-volume coupé-like C-pillar is built over the wheel housings.

Impressive front end. The characteristic horizontal lines of the ‘Volkswagen face’ forge a link between present and future on the Cross Coupé. Different than on today’s models, the designers have physically merged the xenon dual headlights and chrome ribs of the radiator grille. Specifically, the headlights join to two overlapping chrome strips. Chrome wings ascending towards the outside emphasise the vehicle’s width and are part of a new type of lighting concept; the lower of the two chrome wings contains the daytime running light, while the upper wing houses the direction indicators. The LED fog lights are mounted in the bottom section of the bumper.

Rear of a SUV coupé. The rear is also typified by a streamlined line of side windows. Typical of a coupé is the rear window that is worked in at a low angle. At its top, the boot lid terminates in a spoiler, which visually extends the roof surface and technically optimises aerodynamics as a trailing edge. The rear lights have a narrow profile. Typical of an SUV, meanwhile, is the brawny rear bumper, in which dual tailpipes are integrated to the outer left and right.

Sporty interior with rugged qualities

The best of two worlds. The SUV and coupé worlds form an exciting alliance in the Cross Coupé. In the four-seat interior, this has resulted in all design details being much sportier than in conventional SUVs. Consider the instruments: they have the dynamically precise lines of a coupé, but they are positioned up high as in an SUV. The surfaces of the instruments are very sophisticated in their construction, but they are designed to be very rugged. This ruggedness is also reflected in user controls, handles and the general feel of interior elements. Take the centre console, for example: two aluminium dials make control of powertrain and climate functions quick and easy. Located between these two dials is the button for the electronic parking brake, and in front of it are the gear shift grip of the 6-speed DSG, also in aluminium. Integrated in front of this, in turn, is the start button for the drive system. To the right and left of the gear shift lever, there are sturdy yet elegant grab handles and, on the right side, the selection buttons for pure electric driving and active battery charging. Further up, there is a touchscreen display, on which onroad and offroad navigation and all relevant vehicle features up to and including the audio system are shown.

Programmable instruments. Arranged behind the three-spoke steering wheel is a user-programmable instrument cluster display. A control wheel to the left of the gear shift lever can be used to dynamically change the display contents between the modes ‘SPORT’, ‘CITY’ and ‘OFFROAD’. The functionally different display mode contents are activated based on this selection – a gyrometer, compass and topographic map are shown in OFFROAD mode, for example. All three modes have unique layouts, and they also have different colour schemes. Centrally positioned between the two round instruments is another multifunction colour display for showing vehicle information, the telephone menu, audio information and other navigation data as well as a 3D offroad view.

Ergonomics for long trips. The Cross Coupé is equipped with four individual seats, each designed as a shell with a permanently integrated head restraint. These seats exhibit very balanced ergonomic properties. There is ample room for all four occupants – to their sides, in front of them and above them. The backrests of the rear seats and front passenger’s seat can be folded forward completely to load surfboards, paragliders or other bulky equipment in the Cross Coupé. Helpful here: the backrests have exterior plastic shells; folding them produces a durable cargo surface. The boot behind the rear seats has a volume of 380 litres (up to the height of the window sill). When the interior is filled to the backs of the front seats and all the way to the roofliner, cargo capacity increases to 1,230 litres – a lot of space for a car that only consumes 1.8 l/100 km!

Overview

Name:

Cross Coupé

Character:

The most efficient coupé among SUVs

World premiere:

5 March 2012, Geneva

Combined fuel consumption / CO2 emissions (NEDC):

1.8 l/100 km; 46 g/km

Driving range:

Total 1,287 km (55 l fuel tank); pure electric range: 45 km

Driving performance:

Vmax 220 km/h; Vmax, electric: 120 km/h; 0-100 km in 6.5 s

Dimensions / weights:

Length 4,357; width 1,868 mm; height 1,523 mm; kerb wt. 1,858 kg; weight distrib. 59 % front axle, 41 % rear axle

Engines / power / gearbox:

Turbodiesel 140 kW; E-motors: front 40 kW, rear 85 kW; system power (TDI + battery) 225 kW; 6-speed DSG

Battery:

Eight lithium-ion modules; energy capacity: 9.8 kWh, 85 kW

Drivetrain type:

Front-wheel drive (via TDI and E-motor in front); all-wheel drive (via TDI and E-motor(s)); rear-wheel drive (via rear E-motor)

Driving modes:

CITY (eco); OFFROAD; SPORT; E-mode; CHARGE

Interior / variability:

Four individual seats (2/2); folding rear bench and front passenger seat; cargo capacity: 380 to 1,230 litres

SOURCE: Volkswagen

Tokyo Motor Show 2011 – World premiere of the Cross Coupé

The coupé among compact SUVs:
World premiere of the Cross Coupé in Tokyo
Progressive: crossover concept with innovative AWD and plug-in hybrid power train
Efficient: 2.7 l/100 km and at times emission free – yet 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds

Wolfsburg / Tokyo, 30 November 2011 - At the Tokyo Motor Show (3rd to 11th December) Volkswagen is showcasing its concept of an SUV of the future: the Cross Coupé. Visually the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid vehicle shows how Volkswagen designers could envisage a crossover between a four-door coupé and a compact SUV. The design team led by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff have created a fascinating study that impressively combines the best of two worlds. Original, strong in character, sculptural and dynamic, the Cross Coupé stands for the future of SUV design at Volkswagen!

Pioneering technologies. Technically too the very sporty Cross Coupé concept car defines a new status, being based on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix (MQB) – the first such model ever to be publicly shown. Features of the Cross Coupé consequently include strikingly short bodywork overhangs. The four-seat SUV is powered by two electric motors (1 x front, 1 x rear) and a direct injection turbo petrol engine (TSI). The Cross Coupé can drive a distance of up to 45 kilometres purely on electric power. The all-wheel drive system with ‘electric drive shaft’ represents an innovation for Volkswagen, with the rear axle being driven by the rear of the two electric motors. In this situation power is supplied to the rear electric motor by the one at the front, which during this phase acts as a generator powered by the TSI engine. In the Cross Coupé the flow of electrical energy thus replaces the conventional transfer of power by means of a drive shaft. And that creates room on board the concept car for another important technology: the centre tunnel, usually the place for the drive shaft, houses the lithium ion battery (tunnel battery) on the Cross Coupé. The low position of the battery and the general layout of the drive systems give the vehicle a very low centre of gravity and facilitate a balanced spread of axle loading. Although equipped with the all-round qualities of an SUV, the concept car therefore demonstrates the dynamic handling of a coupé.

Cross Coupé with long wheelbase and short overhangs

Less upright than other off-road vehicles. At 4,345 mm, the concept car being shown in Tokyo is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. The width of 1,868 mm and height of 1,523 mm also come exactly in between these two bestsellers. In terms of its dimensions, the Cross Coupé is therefore a vehicle in the globally much in-demand A segment. It is also noticeable that at 2,630 mm the concept car has what in relation to its overall length is a very long wheelbase (52 mm longer than the Golf and 26 mm longer than the Tiguan). The bodywork overhangs (855 mm at the front and 860 mm at the back) are correspondingly short. All of the dimensions combined, the overall proportions are extremely snappy. The powerful look is underlined by large wheel tracks of 1,585 mm (front) and 1,613 mm (rear).

Off-road figures like an SUV. Away from made-up roads the Cross Coupé makes its mark with bodywork figures that fall almost into the range of classic SUVs. The front angle of approach, for example, is a good 24.2 degrees and the rear in terms of off-road use an excellent 32.5 degrees. The Cross Coupé also features good off-road ground clearance.

Design gives insight into car front styles of tomorrow

Precisely moulded coupé silhouette. Defining features of the Cross Coupé’s look are the very long bonnet, a completely new front section design, the passenger compartment, which is set way back, and in comparison to conventional SUVs the very low window line. In general the designers have also achieved muscular and athletic, yet very clear contours. The Cross Coupé gives the appearance of a sculpture milled from a solid material: extremely precise and modern. Highly independent, the Cross Coupé shows the direction in which Volkswagen design is developing.

One striking element is a shoulder line, also known as the tornado line, that looks as if it has been cut with a razor blade, which runs just below the frameless windows, extending from the front to the rear wing. Adjacent to the line to the bottom are the clearly flared wings, which create a very powerful sideline and produce a silhouette that – although robustly composed in the style of an SUV – is reminiscent of a sports car. Fitting perfectly into this picture come the 20-inch alloy wheels, equipped with 265/45 tyres. To the rear a voluminous coupé-like C column rises up over the wheel arches and in silhouette the entire rear of the car appears to rest on the 20-inch alloys.

The evolution of the Volkswagen front section. The great potential of the Volkswagen design DNA developed by Walter de Silva (Group Chief Designer) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Chief Designer) is shown by the concept car’s front section. In this instance, the characteristic horizontal lines of the ‘Volkswagen visage’ become a link between present and future. Unlike on today’s models, the designers have physically merged the two xenon twin headlamps with the radiator grille’s chrome-plated fins. In detail, it is two chrome bars, one above the other, that link the headlamps. Moreover, the chrome fins that ascend to the sides of the vehicle emphasise its width and are part of an entirely new type of lighting concept; the lower of the two chrome fins contains the daytime running light, and the fin above it contains the direction indicators. The light signature, headlights and grille are all expressed in a unique innovative combination. In the centre of the bumper is an area painted in the vehicle’s colour, which by means of a precisely shaped character line extends upwards to form a homogenous unit with the bars of the radiator grille. Right at the bottom of the bumper is another cold air inlet, which is fitted with two additional smaller chrome bars. To the left and right of each inlet are the LED fog lights.

The rear of an SUV coupé. The shallow line of the side windows also influences the rear of the car. Incorporated at a very sloping angle, the rear window is typical of a coupé. To the top rear the hatchback is finished off by a spoiler, which optically extends the roof surface and as a trailing edge technically optimises the aerodynamics. The rear light clusters are kept slim. In similar fashion to their counterparts on the latest production models, such as the new CC, the rear lights feature a delicate, pale, horizontal bar that makes the lamps look very elegant. Typical of an SUV, meanwhile, is the chunky rear bumper, integrated into the left and right of which are the exhaust pipes.

Multifaceted interior for four people.

The best of two worlds. In the Cross Coupé the worlds of the SUV and the coupé form an exciting alliance. Inside this four-seater this leads to all details having a significantly sportier design than in conventional SUVs. For example, the dashboard: it has the dynamically precise lines of a coupé, yet is raised up like in an SUV. The surface of the dashboard exudes very refined quality, yet at the same time a very robust design. This robustness is also a feature of the controls, handgrips and general feel of things in the car’s interior. For example the centre console: the drive system and air-conditioning functions are controlled quickly and simply via two aluminium rotary switches. Located between the two switches is the button for the electric parking brake and in front of that the gear lever, also in aluminium, for the seven-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). The lever’s strikingly wide grip is not only visually fun, but being made out of one piece also pleasing to the touch. In front of the gear lever is the start button for the engines, while to the left and right of the lever there are two robust but elegant grab handles. On the right there are also the buttons for selecting pure electric power and battery charging. Higher up come the ventilation controls, the centrally positioned hazard warning lights switch and two air vents. Another level higher there is a touchscreen display that shows on- and off-road navigation and all relevant vehicle functions, extending all the way to the sound system.

Programmable instruments. Arranged behind the three-spoke steering wheel is a user-programmable instrument cluster display. A rotary control knob on the centre console can be used to dynamically select between three different display modes: ‘Sport’, ‘City’ and ‘Offroad’. The functional screen contents of the modes vary according to the mode selected, e.g. gyrometer, compass and topographic map in Offroad mode. Each of the three modes has a customised screen layout and different colour scheme. Positioned centrally between the round instruments is another multifunction colour display, on which vehicle information, the phone menu, audio details and alongside this further navigation data such as a 3D off-road picture can be shown.

Ergonomics for long journeys. The Cross Coupé is fitted with four individual seats, which have all been designed as bucket seats with solidly integrated headrests. These seats have particularly well-balanced ergonomic qualities. The four passengers have ample room to the side, in front and above. The backs of the rear seats and of the front passenger’s seat can be folded fully forwards to load surfboards, paragliders or other bulky gear into the Cross Coupé. A particularly helpful feature here is that the seat backs have an outer synthetic covering, so that when folded down they form a durable surface for such loads. The boot space behind the rear seats has a capacity of 380 litres (up to the window edge). If the 1,724 mm-long vehicle interior is loaded up to roof height and all the way to the backs of the front seats, the capacity increases to 1,230 litres.

Electrically powered rear axle

Three motors in one car. The Cross Coupé has not one but three motors, which work together efficiently as a hybrid system. At the front under the bonnet is a 110 kW TSI petrol engine delivering maximum torque of 210 Nm and an electric motor with an output of 40 kW and 180 Nm of torque. Together or individually these two motors power the front axle. If the Cross Coupé is to be used in all-wheel drive or pure electric power mode, a further electric motor cuts in. This has been integrated as a co-axial drive unit into the rear axle layout. This motor drives the rear wheels. This second electric motor generates up to 85 kW and develops torque of 270 Nm. The overall output of the system (petrol engine + battery) is a maximum of 195 kW.

Tunnel battery powerhouse. When the vehicle is being driven purely on electric power, the electric motors receive their current from an 8-module lithium ion battery. The battery holds 9.8 kWh of energy and is located inside the Cross Coupé’s centre tunnel, i.e. where the drive shaft is found in conventional SUVs. An electronic power control module, operating at around 370 volts and integrated into the engine compartment, manages the flow of high-voltage energy from and to the battery and to the electric motors. Meanwhile, the Cross Coupé’s low voltage electrical system is supplied with the necessary 12 volts through a DC/DC converter. The electric drive system causes no space restrictions in the vehicle’s interior. The battery gets charged either via external electricity sources (230-volt connection) or – in motion – via the TSI engine and battery regeneration (both front and rear axles).

Fuel consumption of just 2.7 litres per 100 km. With a full tank of fuel the Cross Coupé weighs 1,748 kg (58% on the front axle, 42% on the rear). It can take a further load of 450 kg and be driven a distance of up to 45 km on purely electric power. In doing so the vehicle produces no emissions. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) the TSI engine’s fuel consumption is just 2.7 litres per 100 km, equating to CO2 emissions of only 62 g/km. With a fuel tank capacity of 55 litres, the theoretical range in hybrid mode is 815 kilometres. Adding in the electric range, the Cross Coupé can do 855 km without stopping for fuel.

Sustainable and yet still dynamic. Despite the focus on sustainability the concept car being shown in Tokyo is still sporty. The Cross Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds and has a top speed of 201 km/h. If forward propulsion is being provided solely by the electric motors, the top speed is regulated down to 120 km/h. Both the consumption figures and driving performance are positively influenced by the Cross Coupé’s aerodynamic properties. The optimally balanced aerodynamics built into the design and the very low overall height (for an SUV) produce a very good drag coefficient of 0.329.

How the hybrid drive system works. Both electric motors help (boost) the petrol engine (TSI) during acceleration. As mentioned above, however, they can also power the concept car on its own for a distance of up to 45 kilometres, depending on conditions. Here, by opening the clutch, the TSI gets disconnected from the drive-train and switched off. The clutch on the gearbox side, however, remains closed and the seven-speed DSG thus remains connected. Cross Coupé drivers can themselves also choose to drive relatively long distances on pure electric power (as long as the battery has enough charge). To do so the driver simply presses the relevant driving mode button on the centre console next to the gear lever. As soon as the TSI needs to be brought back into play due to the battery’s level of charge or any other parameters, the engine starts up – almost imperceptibly for driver and passengers – and smoothly engages with the drive train.

Charging at the press of a button. Whenever the Cross Coupé’s brakes are applied, both electric motors act as a generator, utilising the braking energy to charge the battery (battery regeneration). The driver can (via another button next to the gear lever) also consciously charge the battery from the TSI engine – for instance, in order to have sufficient electric power to drive later in a regulated zone preserved exclusively for zero-emission electric vehicles. At all times, the current electric range and the Cross Coupé’s overall range are displayed on the instrument panel. The engine controller regulates all energy flow and drive management tasks taking into account the minute-by-minute demands for power made by the driver.

‘Electric power’, ‘Charge’ and three further modes. Based on the amount of drive (for instance, loss of traction on the front axle) or through the driver consciously switching to all-wheel or electric mode, the second electric motor integrated with the rear axle engages it in an instant. In general there are three driving modes available to the driver: City (eco-mode with minimal fuel consumption), Sport (dynamic driving) and Offroad (permanent all-wheel drive).

SOURCE: Volkswagen