Green Cars, Hybrid Cars, Electric Cars and Clean Diesel News

Toyota Unveils DIY Camatte57s Concept [video]

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 07:41:00 -0500

Toyota will use the upcoming International Toy Show in Tokyo to present the open-top DIY Camatte57s concept.

The Camatte57s builds on Toyota’s original Camatte concept, shown last year, with a greater range of customization opportunities that are even easier to apply.

Toyota says the Camatte57s is about sharing ideas to construct the ideal car, inspired by families working on a project together.

As the name suggests, the Camatte57s’ body is made up of 57 small, lightweight detachable panels, which are easy to fit to the spaceframe and they can also be customized to have different colors or shapes.

The open top roadster body style adds to the fun factor and allows everyone on board to enjoy the colorful exterior they have created.

The pedals and seats can be adjusted so that even children can drive. The position of the right-hand rear seat will let adults help with steering and braking, so the youngsters can make an early start on developing their driving skills in appropriate, safe places, off the public highway.

Powered by an electric motor, the car measures 3,00mm long by 1,440mm wide and 1,000mm high, and seats three.

Terrafugia Reveals Plans for TF-X Plug-in Hybrid Flying Car

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:16:00 -0500

Terrafugia Inc., the developer of the Transition street-legal airplane, revealed its plans for a four-seat, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) plug-in hybrid-electric flying car, known as the TF-X.

Terrafugia says that the TF-X flying car would be capable of taking off and landing vertically, outside of an airport. The TF-X would have "fly-by-wire" controls that would let you set your destination, and have the vehicle navigate to it with minimal pilot involvement.

The Terrafugia TF-X would be a plug-in hybrid outfitted with both batteries and an internal combustion engine, which would presumably have a 500 mile range, and speed of over 200 mph.

The TF-X is still in its earliest stages of design, but the company is positive that the vehicle is "physically possible" using technology that is already available according to a company press release.

According to Terrafugia, the TF-X as the kind of vehicle that could usher flying cars into the mainstream. No specific date has been set for certification and initial production of the two-seater aircraft with folding wings, though Terrafugia said it's nearing time for those steps.

”This is the right time for us to begin thinking about the future of the company beyond Transition development,” says Terrafugia CEO/CTO Carl Dietrich, “We are passionate about continuing to lead the creation of a flying car industry and are dedicating resources to lay the foundations for our vision of personal transportation.” Terrafugia’s design team is excited to be looking ahead to TF-X development activities as the Transition program shifts from research and development to certification, production, and customer support activities. The Transition serves as a Proof of Process for TF-X™ development and commercialization through the many technical, regulatory, and usage challenges it has overcome.

By directly addressing congestion and other transportation challenges currently being faced internationally, widespread adoption of vehicles like the Transition and TF-X could result in significant economic benefits and personal time savings. Preliminary conversations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the TF-X concept have demonstrated their willingness to consider innovative technologies and regulatory solutions that are in the public interest and enhance the level of safety of personal aviation. Terrafugia is excited to be nearing production of the Transition and continuing to push the envelope of personal transportation. Dietrich adds, “Terrafugia is about increasing the level of safety, simplicity, and convenience of aviation. TF-X is an opportunity to provide the world with a new dimension of personal freedom!”

Terrafugia is an aviation startup based in Woburn, MA, founded by pilot-engineers from MIT.

[source: Terrafugia]

Renault Twizy Sport F1 Concept

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:35:00 -0500

Renault has chosen the Twizy manufacturing plant in Valladolid, Spain, to present its new Renault Twizy Sport F1 concept car.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 sits on the wheels of a single-seater race car and is equipped with a front splitter, side-pods, rear wing and a diffuser complete with an F1-style rain light which forcefully express the concept’s ties with motor racing’s premier category.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 delivers genuine high performance thanks to its Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) which is identical to the solution used by Renault-powered Formula 1 cars. The system instantly boosts power output six-fold to reach almost 100 horsepower and is capable of catapulting the car from standstill to 62 mph as quickly as Renault’s highest-performing road car, Mégane Renaultsport 265. This technological gem is the fruit of close collaboration between the engineers at Renaultsport and their colleagues at Renault Sport F1.

The Twizy Sport F1 showcases Renault’s advanced expertise in electric technology employed in F1, notably in the field of KERS in which it was one of the precursors in 2009. Renault’s long-standing commitment to motor racing’s blue ribband category provides it with a unique technological laboratory, giving it an advantage not only in the world of race cars, but also in that of road cars.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 will be shown at major events throughout the year, beginning with its first public appearances at the World Series by Renault meeting at Aragon, Spain (April 27-28), followed by the Barcelona Motor Show.

F1 TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO TWIZY
Twizy Renault Sport F1’s calling is immediately apparent through its slick tyres (the same as those fitted to the Formula Renault 2.0 single-seater), as well as through its carbon splitter, side-pods and rear wing. Its unique proportions give it the appearance of a beast that is about to pounce yet which is still fun to drive.

Other features derived from the racing world are its single-seater type mirrors and diffuser, which incorporates the rain light of a Formula Renault 3.5 car. At the same time, the bulbs of the lights have been replaced by LEDs which, again mirroring the world of motor sport, consume less energy.

Meanwhile, Twizy’s rear seat has made way for the KERS which is visible inside a transparent housing. Last but not least, Twizy Renault Sport F1 is equipped with an F1-type steering wheel from the Renault Sport Technologies catalogue.

The KERS comprises three main elements:
-      An electric motor-generator unit (MGU) directly linked to the driveshaft.
-      Specific lithium-ion batteries.
-      A KERS Control Unit (KCU).

Twizy Renault Sport F1 is consequently equipped with two electric motors, i.e. Twizy’s original motor (17hp/13kW) onto which an F1-style KERS has been grafted to turn the concept car into a genuine pocket rocket with exceptional performance.

When the KERS is activated, Twizy Renault Sport F1’s power output climbs instantly six-fold, from 17 to 97 horsepower (72kW). This boost is available for approximately 13 seconds, just as it is in the case of a Formula 1 car. Thanks to this additional power, the concept car is capable of accelerating from standstill to 62 mph in the same time as Mégane Renaultsport 265.

The driver can choose between two modes for the KERS used for Twizy Renault Sport F1, using the controls located on the steering wheel.

1. Recovery mode: with this mode activated, the electric motor functions like a conventional generator, drawing power like a dynamo to convert the mechanical energy produced by Twizy main motor into electrical energy. Up to 4kW can be siphoned off in this way to charge the battery while on the move.

2. Boost mode: the energy recovered using the Recovery Mode can be re-employed whenever the driver wishes by pressing on the button located on the steering wheel. This reverses the process. Instead of serving as a generator, the KERS’ motor-generator unit (MGU-K) now functions as a motor to bring a power boost to the principal motor to which it is directly linked via the driveshaft. The maximum power output of the MGU-K is 60kW (approximately 80hp).

The charging process and the way the stored energy is delivered are controlled by a control unit which is itself linked to Twizy Renault Sport F1’s ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

When the system is triggered, the maximum revs of Twizy’s motor rise to 10,000rpm for a top speed of 68 mph. The fruit of advanced technology, the MGU-K fits inside a 10cm-diameter cylinder and can rev to as high as 36,000rpm. The KERS is equipped with its own battery capable of very short charge/discharge cycles. Derived directly from F1 technology, the package weighs barely 30kg, battery included.

Given that the peak revs of the KERS and Twizy’s principal motor are 36,000rpm and 10,000rpm respectively, the connection between the two was one of the chief challenges of the project. Synchronisation is ensured by a 1:3.6 reducer gear which uses the same drive gear as that of the F1 V8 engine.

The KERS uses a pressurised lubrication system to enable certain bearings to withstand peak revs of 36,000rpm. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the KERS battery from overheating despite the constraints to which it is exposed, Twizy Renault Sport F1 is equipped with water cooling. Both these systems are existing Renault Sport Technologies solutions.

Twizy Renault Sport F1’s steering wheel is derived directly from that of the Formula Renault 3.5 race car. Its functions have been adapted for use on an electric vehicle equipped with KERS, while the rim is of a wider diameter.

The amount of energy recovered while the Recovery mode is activated can be adjusted using the four-position rotary knob. Another rotary knob enables the power boost to be set at one of six pre-set levels, ranging from 10 to 60kW.
The driver releases the energy stored by the KERS by activating the two steering wheel-mounted paddles at the same time. To show spectators that the system has been activated, the rain light incorporated in Twizy Renault Sport F1’s diffuser is switched on.

The concept comes with its own data logging system, with information displayed on a multi-page screen situated on the steering wheel. This display can be personalised to show information concerning both Twizy’s and the KERS F1 electronic systems.

A wide range of parameters can be displayed in real time, including the main battery’s level of charge, the KERS battery’s level of charge, oil pressure, water temperature, etc.

Twizy Renault Sport F1 is also equipped with an ‘RS Monitor’ data logging system similar to the one available for Mégane R.S. and New Clio R.S. 200 EDC. This allows the driver to monitor a number of performance-related parameters in real time (0-31 mph time, 0-62 mph time, 50- and 100-metre standing start times).

Toyota ME.WE Concept Revealed in Paris [video]

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:14:00 -0500

Toyota unveiled today the new ME.WE Concept at Le Rendez-vous Toyota, brand’s experience center on the Champs Elysées in Paris.

Developed together with French architect Jean-Marie Massaud since 2011, the Toyota ME.WE Concept was created as an “anti-crisis” vehicle that “addresses contemporary human, economic and environmental challenges”.

The ME.WE concept is constructed around a tubular aluminum chassis and covered in plastic panels (which are 100 percent recyclable) weighing just 14kg, the entire vehicle weighs 750kg – around 20 percent less than a conventional steel-built supermini.

Bamboo is used in the construction of the floor and for the cabin’s horizontal surfaces, chosen both for being a renewable resource and aesthetically pleasing. ME.WE is easy to keep clean with a simple wash, inside and out.

The Toyota ME.WE is a pick-up, convertible, off-roader and small city car in one. It appeals to a wide range of users, and has a small eco-footprint thanks to its light weight and the materials used in its construction.

ME.WE is electric-powered, using the same in-wheel motors as the Toyota i-ROAD, with batteries located under the floor, as in the iQ EV. With none of the traditional packaging restraints associated with conventional powertrains, the entire interior could be devoted to the vehicle’s occupants and luggage.

The simplicity of its design is matched by it ease of use. The in-wheel motor system means it can be operated in two or four-wheel drive, allowing it to tackle rougher terrain than a traditional car, and without the weight penalty of a 4×4 transmission system.

In the cabin priority is given to driver and passengers, so luggage can be carried on the roof beneath a fold-out, weatherproof neoprene cover. However, the rear luggage space can be extended into a platform like that found in a pick-up.

The rear bench seat is mounted on floor rails and when not in use can be folded and stored beneath the front seat. It can also be removed altogether and even used for ad-hoc picnic seating.

The simplicity of the design is also evident in the instrumentation, which comprises a single screen above the steering wheel which displays vehicle speed, battery charge, journey information and navigation instructions, delivered via a smartphone. The phone itself is mounted below the screen so the driver can personalize the cabin environment with music and other apps, as well as controlling on-board temperature.

The heating and air conditioning are delivered by a low-energy air pump and electric seat heaters to minimize power consumption. And to achieve a cabriolet-like open air feel, all the windows can be opened, even the windscreen.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS
Length (mm)    3,440
Width (mm)    1,750
Height (mm)    1,600

CHASSIS & BODY
Chassis construction    Tubular aluminum
Body shell    Polyproylene panels
Kerb weight (kg)    750

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Power    4 x in-wheel electric motor
Battery location    Underfloor

VENTILATION
Heating/air conditioning    Low-consumption heat pump and electric seat heating

Citroen DS Wild Rubis: Plug-In Hybrid Details Revealed

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:53:00 -0500

The Citroen DS Wild Rubis concept car was unveiled this weekend at the Shanghai Motor Show.

With a life-like hypnotic gaze, the Citroen DS Wild Rubis features full-hybrid plug-in technology delivering unparalleled performance with a 50km (31mile) range in all-electric mode, 295bhp with the boost and emissions of just 43g/km CO2.

The DS Wild Rubis concept car is fitted with ground-breaking full-LED headlights, made up of three mobile lighting modules. These are surrounded by scrolling indicator lights at the base and a diapason-shaped light signature on the edge to bring Wild Rubis’ bold, unique and hi-tech glaze to life. Every time the concept car starts, the three lighting modules in the headlights and special sound effects combine to create a unique feature.

Stimulating the imagination further, DS Wild Rubis concept car makes crystal-like whispering sounds that have been specially developed to amplify the various lighting configurations (headlights and indicators). The movement of the three lighting modules is accompanied by a mechatronic sound effect; effective, high-tech sounds that highlight the concept’s advanced technology.

The full-hybrid plug-in technology of DS Wild Rubis is perfectly in line with Citroen’s commitment to environmentally considerate motoring. The drivetrain comprises a 225bhp (165 kW) 1.6-litre THP petrol internal combustion engine. This is the engine that won the prestigious prize for the ‘international engine of the year’, awarded by a jury of 65 international motoring journalists. The 1.6 THP internal combustion engine is combined with a 70hp electric motor positioned on the rear axle. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged from a domestic socket.

With its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, Wild Rubis can run in full-electric mode, with zero emissions, over a range of 50km (31miles). When the driver accelerates hard, a boost function combines the torque of the internal combustion engine with that of the electric motor, allowing Wild Rubis to reach exceptional levels of performance (295hp) without compromising fuel consumption (43g/km of CO2).

Suited to all driving conditions, when accelerating sharply or when grip is poor, the concept automatically switches to 4WD mode with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the internal combustion engine the front wheels. When driving in particularly difficult conditions, the driver can select forced 4WD mode. Activating 4WD mode increases grip and makes complete and safe use of the full potential of DS Wild Rubis.

Nissan Friend-ME Concept

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 09:47:00 -0500

This is the Nissan Friend-ME concept, a four-passenger sedan aimed specifically at Chinese young, technology-oriented drivers.

The concept is applicable globally, but the genesis of Friend-ME was Nissan's research into the aspirations of customers destined to emerge as the world's largest single market segment: the "Bālínghòu", which is how around 240 million Chinese born in the 1980s are known. Specifically, Friend-ME addresses the social dynamics of Chinese men in their mid-20s.

With its exterior design, Friend-ME addresses a fine balance that middle-class Bālínghòu youth must heed. "We call our solution Distilled Da Qi," said Taiji Toyota, Vice President of Nissan Design China. "Da Qi is about casting an aura, about standing out, but at the same time going with the flow, fitting in. It's a question of balance, and we've worked to refine it right down to the essence. The result adds an entirely new and youthful dimension to the sedan category."

Friend-ME features a low and wide stance with short front and rear overhangs giving a chunky, aggressive and sporty impression. The design’s energy flows from the ‘V-motion' shaped grille and streams through the bonnet and shoulder lines while the headlamps and rear combination lamps are accentuated by its unique boomerang-shaped lighting signature.

The profile of the vehicle completely describes the progressive translation of ‘Distilled Da Qi'. The thin and light floating roof and kick-up shape around the C-pillar resonates well and produces sophisticated harmony. Likewise, the Neon Grey exterior colour - specially developed to appeal to tech-savvy youthful tastes - shows its lines to full effect at night.

Inside, front and back, driver and passenger, all four seats are separate with the same high-tech style and status, because in this cabin all aboard are peers - equals. And all share the same information as the driver: speed, navigation, fuel remaining - everything.

Empowering all four adventurers is a unique centre console stretching from the dash to between the rear seats - an iconic monolith in an onyx-black finish. Screens visible from each seat blend seamlessly with the surface, only becoming apparent as they display whatever contents the buzz of the moment demands. Whoever finds cool content can transfer it from his mobile to the on-board screens so all can share in the fun.

Nissan Friend-ME has been carefully designed as a dream within reach of young customers in China. Based on an existing Nissan sedan architecture, it requires a minimum of unique components. The ecologically efficient PureDrive hybrid powertrain envisioned for Friend-ME would deliver more than enough zip for city driving.

That's the dream Nissan Friend-ME delivers, thanks to the collaboration between design teams from Nissan Design China (NDC) - the Beijing studio established in 2011 - and Nissan Global Design Center (NGDC) under the leadership and direction of Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer. One of NDC's most ambitious designs so far, Friend-ME is one of many in-depth explorations of China's customer needs and aspirations now underway.

Ford Escort Concept: 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:33:00 -0500

Ford is injecting new energy into the compact car segment with the global introduction of a Ford Escort Concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

Aimed at the Chinese market, Ford Escort Concept showcases Ford's vision for how the company could serve additional customers in China's compact car segment – a segment that accounts for over 25 percent of the country's total vehicle industry and includes the Ford Focus, the best-selling nameplate in China last year as well as the best-selling nameplate worldwide.

In Ford's market research, customers in China described seeking a vehicle that is stylish – but not one that is arrogant or pretentious – while also allowing for a balanced life that almost always includes family and friends.

Ford designers started by adding length and then sculpting the vehicle with elegant lines to give it a natural flow. The longer profile creates more room for a comfortable and spacious interior while maintaining harmonious proportions.

While being designed for the specific needs of this subsegment, the Ford Escort Concept is true to the new global face of Ford, which was introduced on the all-new Mondeo – currently on display at Shanghai Auto Show – and made its first appearance on the Ford Evos Concept in 2011.

On the Escort Concept, the slightly more upright grille and elongated, jeweled headlamps – carefully designed to resemble the lucky figure eight – provide a distinctive front end.

Ford has not yet hinted at what may be powering this little machine, but it’s safe to assume EcoSport four-cylinder engines and less than 2.0 liters of displacement.

The compact car segment in China today is around 5.5 million units per year, approximately the size of total annual auto sales in Germany and the UK combined, and larger than the total annual volume of vehicles sold in Japan (the world's third largest car market).

A number of manufacturers serve customers with legacy products in this segment, including Ford with the Ford Focus Classic.

The Ford Escort Concept offers a potential all-new compact car alternative that is attainable. It is the perfect embodiment of Ford's Go Further brand promise.

Unveiling of the Escort Concept follows the recent introduction of the new Mondeo and at the all-new EcoSport and Kuga at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

Since 2006, Ford has invested a total of $4.9 billion in China. The company's presence in the region will only continue to grow.

By 2015, Ford plans to launch seven new plants in Asia Pacific – five in China – and have the ability to produce 2.7 million vehicles a year in the region.

Dongfeng-Nissan Unveils Viwa EV Concept in Shanghai

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:18:00 -0500

Dongfeng-Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV), Nissan's joint venture in China, unveiled VIWA electric vehicle concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

VIWA electric vehicle embodies the vision of future electric mobility for the VENUCIA brand.

Following the direction of China's new energy vehicle policy, DFL-PV will develop electric vehicles under the VENUCIA badge with the following attributes:

- Reliable: Equipped with the most advanced and reliable EV technologies for the Chinese market based on the globally proven technologies of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
- Practical: Packaged with a compact body for easy driving
- Efficient: Possessing a driving range which meets the daily requirements of Chinese customers
- Accessible: Marketed as a car for daily use which consumers can enjoy while contributing to a more sustainable society.

VENUCIA unveiled its first mass-produced EV, the e30, at the China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition last November.

Along with its electric vehicles, VENUCIA also displayed the MY2013 D50 Sedan and R50 Hatchback. Compared to its predecessors, the new models offer improved fuel economy of 6.0 liters per 100 kilometers through engine refinement and the addition of a rear spoiler,.

VENUCIA has achieved a total of 70,000 sales since launching its first model, D50, in April 2012.

Buick Riviera Plug-In Hybrid Concept Debuts at 2013 Shanghai Auto Show

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:55:00 -0500

The new Buick Riviera plug-in hybrid concept made its global debut this evening at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

The new Buick Riviera plug-in hybrid concept combines avant-garde aesthetics and advanced technology, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion, in a single package. It is the fourth global concept vehicle jointly developed by GM’s Shanghai GM and Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint ventures in Shanghai.

"The new Riviera offers a preview of Buick’s future design language," said Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming. "By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand.”

The concept’s silhouette with Buick's recognizable "sweep spear” has a three-dimensional effect that resembles waves in the ocean coming to a standstill for a split second. Buick's unique gull-wing doors exude a dynamic yet elegant ambience. The new Riviera has an ice celadon finish inspired by jade.

Up front, the concept vehicle’s updated waterfall grille and wing-shaped daytime running lights will both become key elements of Buick's future design DNA.

The new Buick Riviera has a low drag coefficient and a harmonious balance between style and performance thanks to its raked windshield, 14-degree fastback design and metallic fiber spoiler, which are complemented by active grille shutters and diffusers, and active pneumatic wheels.

The interior carries on Buick's signature 360-degree integrated design with high levels of elegance and refinement. The eaglewood tone interior features the abundant use of refined materials such as sand-blasted aluminum alloy, lava suede and ebony used in a bold style reminiscent of traditional Chinese jade-inlaid wood. This creates a striking visual effect as well as a subdued sense of luxury.

The new Riviera’s compact yet well-structured center console, front floating seats and adaptive seating system, as well as its noise-absorbing head restraint system, represent the best combination of interior design and elegance.

The new Buick Riviera has adopted BIP (Buick Intelligent Performance) technology. It is equipped with GM's all-new, dual-mode W-PHEV (wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) propulsion system. The user can drive the car on green power in electric mode and enjoy the exhilarating handling and performance of a sports car while driving “green” in hybrid mode. In addition, the vehicle can be charged with a traditional cable or wirelessly via a sensory recharge panel on the car's chassis. The charging port is integrated into Buick's iconic porthole design.

The new Buick Riviera is also equipped with intelligent four-wheel steering, an electromagnetic-controlled suspension and an air spring package for sure handling and comfort in extreme conditions.

The innovative mobile Internet system adopted in the new Riviera supports high-speed 4G LTE network use. The concept vehicle offers real-time traffic information, weather updates, and news and entertainment while communicating with other vehicles. The vehicle’s voice commands and controls along with touch and gesture recognition activate a range of vehicle systems and enable seamless interaction between driver and vehicle.

The new Buick Riviera employs a forward-looking active safety system that collects traffic information through 10 high-resolution cameras (for image monitoring) and 18 micro high-precision sensors (for distance monitoring). The information is integrated and presented in a holographic image onto the windshield.

The intelligent driver assist system provides occupants a high level of active safety and security. The system incorporates a variety of driver assist functions, including: an eagle view record system, night view assist, side blind-zone alert system, lane departure warning system, full-speed range-adaptive cruise control system, lane change assist system, parking assist system, rear cross-traffic alert system, autopilot system and “transparent” A pillars.

The new Buick Riviera will be featured in the Buick display at 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, which runs from April 20-29.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept Revealed

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:36:00 -0500

Visitors to the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show will get a glimpse of the future design direction of Volkswagen SUVs, in the shape of the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept.

Volkswagen introduced the CrossBlue Concept SUV—developed specifically for North American—at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show in January.

The five-seat CrossBlue Coupe is exactly 192.5 inches (4,889 mm) long, 79.3 inches (2,015 mm) wide, and 66.1 inches (1,679 mm) high. The vehicle thus has a confident, low slung, the relatively long 117.3-inch (2,980 mm) wheelbase, and large 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that are shod with 285/40 tires that were specially designed for the concept car.

At the front, the radiator grille trim – consisting of two polished aluminum struts and the VW logo – is a 3D element extending into the headlights. The lateral ends of the upper strut are used for the daytime running lights, creating a distinctive light signature.

Along the side – under the steeply raked C-pillars – the ports for the fuel tank and battery were uniformly integrated into the design of the CrossBlue Coupe. As is usual with Volkswagen, the fuel filler neck is located under a lid on the right side of the vehicle, while the cover for the electrical outlet is located symmetrically on the left side. It consists of one socket for charging the high-voltage battery and another for connecting electric devices; this interface (16 A, 230 V) makes the CrossBlue Coupe a generator, too.

The prominent tailpipes are designed in stainless steel, and are integrated into a polished aluminum trim panel that runs horizontally along the back of the Coupe. Beneath this is a rugged anthracite-colored area, in which a stainless steel underbody protection panel has been designed, like at the front end. The boot lid opens and closes electrically, revealing a load space that can hold up to 1,101 liters of luggage (or 537 liters with all seats upright).

As well showcasing the future for Volkswagen design, the CrossBlue Coupe also highlights future drivetrain possibilities, in this case a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a V6 turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine and two electric motors (40 kW front and 85 kW rear), together producing up to 415 HP (305 kW). Via a six-speed DSG gearbox, zero to 62 mph takes a mere 5.9 seconds, and the top speed is 146 mph. Even with this level of performance, fuel economy is impressive with a combined cycle figure of 3.0 l/100 km, or 94.1 mpg. In hybrid mode, with a depleted battery powered by the TSI engine, the CrossBlue Coupe returns 6.9 l/100 km (40.9 mpg). This efficiency gives the CrossBlue Coupe, with its 80-litre fuel tank, a theoretical range of 1,190 km (740 miles).

The CrossBlue Coupe is based on Volkswagen’s new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) components set. This would give any production version a large amount of flexibility when it comes to potential power: conventional drive systems with four- or six-cylinder engines could also be used, configured for a variety of fuels (gasoline, diesel, CNG).

The TSI engine produces 500 Nm (368 lbs ft) from just 1,800 rpm, while the electric motors produce their torque – 180 Nm (133 lbs ft) at the front and 270 Nm (199 lbs ft) at the rear – immediately. Combined, the system can produce up to 700 Nm (516 lbs ft).

Powered by its battery alone, the CrossBlue can cover up to 33 km/20 miles as an EV.
In E-mode, only the rear electric motor propels the vehicle and the TSI engine is shut off and decoupled. At up to 75 mph, the engine is not engaged as long as the battery has sufficient charge. As soon as there is a need for TSI power, it is coupled to the drivetrain again, within fractions of a second. The battery can be charged by external power sources or by the engine while the vehicle is moving.

The driver can switch to a charging mode by pressing a button on the centre console.
The TSI engine charges the battery while driving to store enough electrical energy for EV operation later in the journey, for instance in an urban area.

There are also a number of other modes:

- Coasting: When the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the engine and electric motors are decoupled from the drivetrain, provided there is sufficient battery charge.
- Battery regeneration: When the accelerator is released or the brakes applied, the electric motors act as generators and feed energy recovered from the brakes into the battery. In this case, the TSI is also shut off and decoupled from the drivetrain.
- Boosting: When more performance is required, the electric motors form an alliance with the TSI engine known as ‘boosting’. In this mode, all four wheels are driven.
- Off-road (‘propshaft by wire’): All four wheels are driven. In this case the front electric motor (supplied with energy by the TSI engine) operates as a generator and a power source for the electric motor at the rear.
- TSI only: In this mode, the CrossBlue Coupe is a pure front-wheel-drive vehicle.

There are no current plans for the CrossBlue Coupe to enter production.