Mexican Media Brands
VW Tests Diesel Hybrid Concept for N. America
Volkswagen AG is using the Detroit auto show to gauge North American interest in a six-passenger hybrid crossover that teams a diesel engine and two electric motors.
#hybrid
Share
Volkswagen AG is using the Detroit auto show to gauge North American interest in a six-passenger hybrid crossover that teams a diesel engine and two electric motors.
Dubbed the CrossBlue, the wagonlike vehicle would be fit into VW's crossover lineup above the small Tiguan and midsize Touareg. VW estimates the 302-hp hybrid powertrain would be rated at 89 miles per gallon equivalent in the U.S. and would deliver 35 mpg on the highway in diesel-only mode.
The road-ready concept includes an eight-module, 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors: a 40-kW unit for the front wheels and an 85-kW unit for the rears. The system is the same one VW showed previously in its Tiguan-size Cross Coupe concept. Both concepts ride on the company's flexible MQB platform.
In the CrossBlue, the electric portion of the powertrain provides a range of 14 miles and a top speed of 75 mph. Coupled with the turbodiesel engine, which delivers 295 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the system can propel the crossover from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph.
In all-electric mode, the rear electric motor alone provides propulsion. The driver can manually switch to a recharging mode that uses the diesel engine to replenish the vehicle's battery. Both electric motors also act as generators when the driver releases the accelerator or applies the brakes.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Special Report: Toyota & Issues Electric
Although Toyota’s focus on hybrid powertrains at the seeming expense of the development of a portfolio of full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for the market could cause some concern among those of an environmental orientation, in that Toyota doesn’t seem to be sufficiently supportive of the environment, in their estimation. Here’s something that could cause a reconsideration of that point of view.
-
On Ford Maverick, Toyota Tundra Hybrid, and GM's Factory Footprint
GM is transforming its approach to the auto market—and its factories. Ford builds a small truck for the urban market. Toyota builds a full-size pickup and uses a hybrid instead of a diesel. And Faurecia thinks that hydrogen is where the industry is going.
-
On Electric Pickups, Flying Taxis, and Auto Industry Transformation
Ford goes for vertical integration, DENSO and Honeywell take to the skies, how suppliers feel about their customers, how vehicle customers feel about shopping, and insights from a software exec
