• Tom

    The new BMW 5 Series 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 19-05-2013 08:00 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. BMW
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    Dynamic ability, comfort, efficiency, aesthetic allure and a profusion of innovations designed to enhance driving pleasure – the BMW 5 Series contains all the signature ingredients of a best-selling model at the premium end of the executive segment. Indeed, consistently rising sales figures have sealed its position as the global leader in its class. Over one million units of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, BMW 5 Series Touring and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo – whose luxurious character has earned it a unique status in the segment – have been sold worldwide since the launch of the current generation. And now another new chapter in this impressive success story is poised to begin. Precise modifications to the cars’ design, new engine variants and innovative additions to the range of available equipment as well as BMW ConnectedDrive technology all raise the appeal of the BMW 5 Series model family a notch higher still.
    Design: precise modifications bring out its sporting character.
    Additional contour lines for the surround of the BMW kidney grille and newly structured lower air intakes reinforce the sporting appearance of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and new BMW 5 Series Touring. On both variants, the accentuated width of the rear end is underlined by an extra crease in the apron, as well as slim, sharply contoured and therefore even more striking rear lights.
    The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo boasts a modified front apron exuding presence and solidity. Its redesigned rear end creates a longer and lower-to-the-ground impression. A three-dimensional surface design for the area around the licence plate holder and a chrome strip in the rear apron add further depth to its dynamic character.
    Xenon headlights are fitted as standard on all models, while Adaptive LED Headlights take their place on the options list for the first time alongside LED fog lamps. Elsewhere, the side indicator lights are integrated into the exterior mirrors. Also new in the BMW 5 Series are the BMW Luxury Line and BMW Modern Line packages containing exclusive design and equipment features. And an M Sport package tailored to each model variant can also be specified.
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    The new Golf is ‘World Car of the Year 2013’ 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-04-2013 03:22 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen

    Europe’s best-selling car also a big success globallyFour overall titles in five years: Volkswagen model again voted world’s best car

    The new Golf just keeps on winning: an international expert jury named the bestseller from Wolfsburg ‘World Car of the Year 2013’. The globally sought-after prize was awarded at the New York International Auto Show. The ‘World Car of the Year’ title is a further milestone in the growing list of awards for the Golf.
    Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, explained: “We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named ‘World Car of the Year’. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car.”
    For over 30 years, the Golf has been an established feature of the motoring scene around the globe. For the seventh generation of the bestseller today’s prize represented its 17th award since being launched in November 2012. In giving their reasons for the award, the jury said: “The Golf is just the right size –it’s spacious, practical and comfortable. It has got a fresh, progressive design, a new range of engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety systems. If there is a car for everyone, the Golf is it.”

    It was only three weeks ago that the compact car from Wolfsburg was crowned European Car of the Year. Further accolades from home and abroad, such as ‘The Best Cars of 2013’, ‘Auto Trophy 2012’ and the ‘Top Gear –All the car you’ll ever need’ award, round off the list of successes.
    The ‘World Car of the Year’ jury consists of 66 motoring journalists from 23 countries, who rate new cars appearing on the world market not only for the award, but also in their daily reporting work for millions of drivers and car enthusiasts. Volkswagen has for a long time been a firm fixture in the ‘World Car of the Year’ awards: the model before the current Golf for instance, won the renowned prize back in 2009. In 2012, the cherished international trophy went to the company’s smallest car, the up! And 2010 was also dominated by Volkswagen: the Polo was crowned overall winner and the BlueMotion models of the Polo, Golf and Passat took the title ‘World Green Car of the Year’.
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    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG – Pricing Announced 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-04-2013 03:20 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Mercedes

    Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced pricing for the A 45 AMG, the new high-performance vehicle for the compact class. The first four-cylinder vehicle from Mercedes-AMG sees the performance brand embarking on a new era and represents a dynamic proposition for a new target group.
    “The A 45 AMG is set to revolutionise the performance car market and continues the success story of AMG products in our market”, said Mr Horst Von Sanden, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific. “The A 45 AMG delivers not only cutting-edge technology, but also a thrilling driving experience. This is high-performance AMG personified”

    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG contains the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world, delivering a maximum output of 265kW and up to 450Nm of torque. The 2.0L turbocharged engine in combination with the performance oriented AMG 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system as standard, leads to extremely dynamic performance: the A 45 AMG accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds, while its top speed is 270 km/h (electronically limited).
    It succeeds in uniting excellent comfort and high-quality equipment with a distinctly sporty flair. A host of exceptional features come standard on the A 45 AMG including: 19” wheels, AMG Performance Exhaust, COMAND Online, Intelligent Light System, Panoramic Roof and AMG Performance Seats with Electric Memory Function.
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    The scorching Audi TT RS plus has arrived in Australia 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 16-02-2013 06:36 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    Powerful 2.5-litre TFSI five-cylinder engine produces 265 kW
    • 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds; top speed increased to 280 km/h
    • Average fuel consumption just 8.5 litres per 100 km

    Even more powerful, even faster, even more dynamic: the scorching Audi TT RS plus has arrived in Australia, with an MLP of $139,900*. This compact sports coupe stands out for its awe-inspiring performance. Its five-cylinder turbo delivers 265 kW, sufficient for a top speed of 280 km/h.

    The 2.5-litre TFSI in the Audi TT RS plus is a high-performance engine, with a history of success. Compared with the engine on which it is based, this turbocharged direct-injection unit delivers 15 kW more power and produces 465 Nm of torque, 15 Nm more than before.

    The seven-speed S tronic delivers lightning-fast gearshifts. This dual-clutch transmission comes with a launch control function which optimises acceleration from a standing start. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which operates with a multi-plate clutch, transfers engine power to the road with supreme confidence.

    Against the backdrop of the five-cylinder engine’s characteristic roaring and growling, the TT RS plus sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a blistering 4.1 seconds, and is limited to a top speed of 280 km/h. Despite these impressive figures, fuel consumption is exceptionally frugal at just 8.5 litres per 100 km.
    Alongside numerous efficiency-improving measures, these top figures are due primarily to the extremely lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) body, hewn from aluminium at the front and sheet steel at the rear. The TT RS plus, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,475 kilograms, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 5.6 kilograms per kilowatt.

    The high-performance brake system is able to cope with the engine’s power at all times. Four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake discs are installed on the front axle. The Audi TT RS plus is fitted with 19-inch cast wheels of five-arm “Rotor” design which are painted black with contrasting red rim flanges. The wheels are fitted with 255/35 tyres.
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    The legend returns – the new Audi RS 4 Avant arrives in Australia 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 16-02-2013 05:32 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    Dynamic sports car performance combined with everyday versatility
    • New 4.2-litre V8 delivers brutal performance figures
    • Third generation RS 4 Avant is more affordable than ever, at $149,400*The RS 4 Avant is the modern sports car that is perfectly suited to the elusive Australian ideal of crushing performance and everyday practicality. Now, after a five-year hiatus, it’s back Down Under in an all-new generation. The new RS 4 Avant is more powerful and more aggressive, and it’s also more affordable than ever.

    From the very first glance, there is no question about the performance that this incredible vehicle can produce. The hexagonal single-frame grille borders a honeycomb insert, and is adorned with an RS 4 badge. LED daytime running lights encircle the Xenon plus units like a clasp. Cool air flows through large air inlets broken up by angled struts and covered with honeycomb grilles. They are integrated into a boldly contoured bumper that tapers into a splitter edge. The low centre air inlet is divided into three small openings.

    The side view is dominated by the chiselled side sill caps and flared wheel wells. The flared side elements with the sharp horizontal upper edges are a small tribute to that all-wheel drive pioneer from 1980, the Audi quattro. An extended roof spoiler with a recessed centre segment increases the downforce across the rear axle.

    Catching the eye at the sculpted rear end of the car are the RS 4 badge and the prominent bumper. The two large, elliptical tailpipe tips of the dual exhaust system are integrated into the diffuser, which extends upward. In the upper section of the diffuser is a honeycomb insert. The standard LED rear lights make a final visual impact that befits such a dynamic vehicle.
    Performance is what the RS 4 Avant delivers best. The powerful 4.2-litre FSI high-revving V8 engine generates a fearsome 331kW of power and 430Nm of torque. Combined with the fast-shifting 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, the RS 4 Avant will sprint from rest to 100 km/h in an incredible 4.7 seconds. The transmission itself features a completely new calibration that responds to the driver’s inputs faster than ever before.

    Typically of an Audi, the RS 4 Avant’s dynamic performance does not come at the cost of responsible fuel efficiency, averaging 10.7 litres per 100km in the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 249 grams per kilometre. This represents a whopping efficiency improvement of 21 percent over the previous generation RS 4 Avant.
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    The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG - Driving Performance for the New Generation 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 15-02-2013 06:02 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    The A 45 AMG sees Mercedes-AMG embarking on a new era. For the first time in the company's history extending back over more than 45 years, Mercedes-Benz's performance brand is offering a fascinating high-performance vehicle in the compact class.The A 45 AMG is representative of the "AMG Performance 50" strategy for the future, which is to run up to the 50th birthday of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in 2017. With a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine in the world.The sensational power density of 133 kW (181 hp) outstrips even the most powerful super sports cars. At the same time, the engine also boasts supreme efficiency and complies with the EU6 emissions standard. The A 45 AMG also leads its segment in terms of fuel consumption, running on 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres in NEDC combined mode. These credentials indicate that a further high-performing member of the BlueDIRECT family is now taking to the road. The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive onboard the A 45 AMG sets new standards in the car's segment.
    The substance of the new Mercedes-Benz vehicle architecture for front- and all-wheel drive provides the perfect basis for the A 45 AMG and at least two other high-performance premium automobiles from Affalterbach. In designing and developing the A 45 AMG, the experts at AMG have drawn on the company's decades of experience in motorsport and the production of powerful, high-performance vehicles. As such, the A 45 AMG will inherit the corporate DNA and embody the AMG brand claim "Driving Performance" to perfection: a fascinatingly sporty driving experience combined with impressive craftsmanship and pronounced individuality.
    "The A 45 AMG will enable Mercedes-AMG to appeal to new customers and tap new markets," observes Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. We are adding an extremely attractive model with exceptional performance data to our range of unique high-performance automobiles."
    "With the new A 45 AMG we have well and truly achieved our aim of developing the most dynamic, powerful and efficient four-cylinder series production car," comments Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development and Board Member of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. With its impressive high-tech package and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the A 45 AMG is a thoroughbred AMG through and through."
    Dynamic and individual vehicle for new target group
    Spanning the age range from 30 to mid-40, the target group is younger than the AMG clientele to date. In successful careers and with an independent frame of mind, these customers seek a dynamic and individual vehicle. They wish to lend expression to their style- and trend-oriented way of life with a car from a recognised high-performance brand. The A 45 AMG provides the predominantly urban target group with an agile high-performance vehicle. Mercedes-AMG accommodates their tech-savvy and individual outlook on life with an extremely broad selection of optional equipment and appointments, colours and materials.
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    The new Audi S3 Sportback 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 15-02-2013 05:59 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • New 2.0 TFSI with 221 kW and 380 Nm of torque, but just 6.9 litres per 100 km
    • From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds
    • Five doors for even better functionality
    221 kW . 380 Nm of torque. From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The new Audi S3 Sportback offers best-in-class performance. Its efficiency is also exemplary. The 2.0 TFSI averages just 6.9 litres per 100 km.
    The four-cylinder engine in the S3 Sportback has been overhauled. The only thing in common with its predecessor is a displacement of 1,984 cc. Its rated output of 221 kW is available at 5,500 rpm; maximum torque of 380 Nm is constantly available from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm.
    The high-performance four-cylinder engine responds immediately to the driver's wishes and boasts a sportily sonorous sound. When the Audi drive select system is in dynamic mode, the engine's power is also underscored acoustically. The 2.0 TFSI provides power and exemplary efficiency alike by relying on many new technologies, ranging from dual injection through the Audi valvelift system and an exhaust manifold integrated within the cylinder head to innovative thermal management.
    When equipped with the optional six-speed S tronic, the S3 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.0 seconds. The six-speed manual transmission needs just five-tenths of a second more. Top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. Launch Control delivers the engine's power to the road with controlled tyre slip. The 2.0 TFSI consumes just 6.9 litres per 100 km on average when paired with the S tronic (7.0 litres with the manual transmission). This engine thus requires 1.5 litres per 100 km less compared to the previous S3 Sportback.
    The lower gears of both transmissions are tightly spaced for sporty performance while the tall sixth gear reduces fuel consumption. The dual-clutch transmission can be controlled via optional shift paddles on the steering wheel and offers the automatic modes D and S in addition to manual mode.
    Equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and a redesigned multi-plate clutch, this new high-end vehicle in the model line can accelerate more quickly and safely when exiting a corner. It is dynamic and stable in all conditions, even rain or snow.
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    Mercedes AMG Petronas Launches 2013 Silver Arrow in Jerez 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 05-02-2013 09:48 AM
    Categories:
    1. International
    Article Preview

    The MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team today unveiled its 2013 Formula One car, the F1 W04, at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton arrived at the official photo call at the wheel of two Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series, the fifth Black Series model from Mercedes-AMG. Inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 race car, the new car offers a blend of breathtaking design, outstanding driving dynamics and lightweight construction in line with the “AMG Lightweight Performance” strategy. Developing 464 kW (631 hp) for a kerb weight of 1550 kg, the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and is the most powerful internal combustion vehicle currently produced by Mercedes-Benz.
    The new F1 W04 completed its first laps of today’s 100 km shakedown at 10:21 in the hands of Nico Rosberg, who drove the car throughout the morning. Lewis Hamilton will take the wheel of a Formula One Silver Arrow for the first time this afternoon, the first British works driver since Sir Stirling Moss in 1955. The car will then complete four days of testing this week in Jerez, in the hands of Nico and Lewis.
    With the technical regulations remaining stable in 2013, ahead of major changes for 2014, the basic vehicle concept of the F1 W04 is a sophisticated evolution of last year’s car. Led by Engineering Director Aldo Costa, under the coordination of Technical Director Bob Bell, the project commenced with initial aerodynamic testing in early summer 2012.
    The aerodynamic design philosophy has been optimised around a new five-element front wing design and a second-generation Coanda exhaust at the rear. The car retains pushrod front suspension and a pullrod rear suspension, aimed at optimising tyre life and performance, while the rear end has been aggressively packaged to optimise aerodynamic development potential. The F1 W04 also does away with the stepped nose design of its predecessor thanks to a small ‘vanity panel’, which was found to offer a small gain during aerodynamic testing. The car completed its final mandatory FIA crash test on 15 January.
    Ross Brawn: “The F1 W04 is a clear step forward in sophistication”
    “2013 marks the start of a second era for our Silver Arrows works team,” said Team Principal Ross Brawn. “The restructuring we undertook at the team over the past 18 months are now growing in maturity and this is reflected in the F1 W04, which is a clear step forward in design and detail sophistication over its predecessor. Many thousands of hours of work have been invested by our technical teams in Brackley and Brixworth to ensure that the new car delivers a step change in performance compared to last season. We are also hugely proud to welcome Lewis to the team as a works Mercedes-Benz driver. With Lewis and Nico, we have what I believe to be the strongest driver line-up in Formula One and I know that a healthy level of competition between them both will help drive the team forward.”
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    Limited Edition BMW M Sport Models 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 05-02-2013 08:31 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    • X5 M Sport Limited Edition available from $99,900 drive away^.
    • Complimentary M Sports Package for 5 Series Sedan and Z4 models
    • Complimentary M Sports ‘Plus’ Package for 1 and 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models
    • Offer limited to new vehicles sold and delivered between 1 February and 31 March, 2013
    BMW Australia today announced the introduction of a Limited Edition M Sport version of Australia’s top-selling large luxury SAV, the X5 M Sport Limited Edition.
    Priced from $99,900 drive away, the BMW X5 M Sport Limited Edition adds the M Sport exterior body kit, 20” M double spoke Alloy wheels, M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and chrome tail pipe finisher from the M Sport range. Additionally, features such as Navigation Professional, voice control, rear view camera with top view, electric seat adjustment, automatic tailgate operation, Bi-Xenon headlights including headlight washers and High Beam Assist with Anti-dazzle exterior mirrors add to the already high standard specification of the BMW X5 xDrive 30d. This represents more than $15,000 of additional value to customers.

    As part of the ‘Festival of M’ promotion*, BMW is also offering its highly–popular M Sport package at no cost on its 5 Series and Z4 models, as well as the M Sport ‘Plus’ package at no cost on its 1 and 3 Series Coupe and Convertible range representing additional customer value of between $2500 to $7900.

    The M Sport Plus package for the 1 and 3 Series models boasts M Sport suspension, M Leather Steering wheel, M Aerodynamics package, BMW Individual High Gloss shadow line and anthracite roof liner (Coupé variants) all familiar from the existing M Sport package. In addition, this offering now includes features such as unique 18” M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey, door sill finishers with Chrome-plated “edition” designation and Royal Blue contrast stitching in the upholstery when ordered in Dakota leather black which combines with velour floor mats with blue leather piping.
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    The Audi RS 7 Sportback - Dynamics at Their Most Beautiful 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 17-01-2013 09:35 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Outstanding performance with maximum efficiency
    • Twin-turbo V8: 4.0 TFSI with 412 kW and 700 Nm
    • Australian debut in the first quarter of 2014
    Audi is expanding its RS model lineup: The RS 7 Sportback, which is making its debut at the North American International Auto Show 2013 in Detroit, stands for dynamics at their most beautiful. The large five-door coupe uses a 4.0 TFSI engine producing 412 kW. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes just 3.9 seconds, and the speed governor can be deactivated upon customer request to permit a top speed of up to 305 km/h. Despite this superior performance, the Audi RS 7 Sportback consumes on average just 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 km.
    Aesthetic design, innovative technology and impressive sportiness: The RS 7 Sportback, the large five-door coupe from Audi, combines many strengths to produce a fascinating character. Its strong heart is the 4.0 TFSI, which takes Audi’s downsizing strategy to the high-end category. The twin-turbo V8 displaces 3,993 cc and develops awesome power, with 412 kW available between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm. A constant
    700 Nm of torque are available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.
    Because the high-revving 4.0-litre engine has been rigorously designed for low load-change and flow losses, it develops this power quickly and spontaneously. The cylinder heads have the exhaust side on the inside and the intake side on the outside. The two twin-scroll turbochargers, which produce up to 1.2 bars of relative boost pressure, are located together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. Consequently, the gas paths are very short and response very good. The RS-specific engine management and intake system also contribute to the dynamic character of the twin-turbo V8. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the engine sound even fuller at the push of a button or under strong acceleration. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.
    The RS 7 Sportback sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Audi limits the top speed in the standard configuration to 250 km/h. Top speed with the optional dynamic package is 280 km/h and 305 km/h with the dynamic package plus.
    Yet the new top model of the model series consumes on average just 9.8 litres of fuel per 100 km. This top value is due in part to the standard start-stop system and innovative thermal management.
    The most innovative efficiency technology in the new Audi RS 7 Sportback is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to medium loads and engine speeds, it deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by closing their valves via electromechanical actuators. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. The operating points in the active cylinders are displaced toward higher loads, increasing efficiency.
    All of these operations take just a few hundredths of a second and occur so smoothly and quickly that they can hardly be felt or heard. Active engine bearings, another high-end solution from Audi, use out-of-phase counter-oscillations to compensate for the slight vibrations that occur during four-cylinder operation. The COD technology reduces NEDC fuel consumption by roughly five percent, and even greater savings of approximately 10 percent are possible when driving at moderate speeds.
    The standard eight-speed tiptronic is specially tuned to the sporty character of the Audi RS 7 Sportback. Drivers can choose between the modes D and S or change gears themselves using the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design. While the lower gears of the tiptronic are closely spaced for sporty response, eighth gear is tall like an overdrive to reduce fuel consumption.
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    New Volkswagen SUV Concept Makes Global Debut at Detroit Show 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 17-01-2013 09:28 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    • Six-seat SUV concept designed specifically for North America
    • Innovative diesel-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain offers fuel economy of 2.1 l/100 km (134.5 mpg) (NEDC for plug-in hybrid vehicles)
    • Concept is built using the MQB Modular Transverse Matrix components set
    • Range in all-electric mode is 20 miles (NEDC)
    • 306 PS; 700 Nm (516 lbs ft); 0 to 60 mph estimated at 7.0 seconds
    Volkswagen has unveiled a new SUV concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Called the CrossBlue, it has been developed specifically for the U.S. and Canada, and if it goes into production would sit above the Tiguan and below the Touareg in the Volkswagen SUV line-up.
    The CrossBlue features a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a TDI engine with two electric motors, a DSG transmission, and an electric all-wheel-drive system dubbed ‘propshaft by wire’, and offers economy of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres.
    The CrossBlue was designed in Germany under the leadership of Walter de Silva (Head of Design, Volkswagen Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Head of Design, Volkswagen Brand), in close co-operation with Volkswagen of America. Painted in ‘CrossBlue Glass Flake’, the concept is 4,987 mm long, 2,015 mm wide, and 1,733 mm high. A wide track of 1,686 mm (front) and 1,696 mm (rear) give it a confident stance on the road, as do 21-inch alloy wheels shod with 235/45 tyres, and flared wheelarches. Contrasting with the body colour is a stainless-steel trim that runs all around the SUV’s lower section.
    The CrossBlue has two ‘fuel doors’: one for the diesel tank on the passenger side, and one covering two electrical sockets on the driver’s side. The first socket is to charge the lithium-ion battery and the second can be used to connect electrical devices.
    While the CrossBlue concept car is equipped with six individual seats in three rows, in a production version, the second row would have the option of three seats to make it a full seven-seater. Headroom is excellent throughout the vehicle: 1,077 mm up front, 1,020 mm in the middle row, and 954 mm in the rear. Legroom is ample, too, with 947 mm in the middle row and 917 mm in the back. Convenient access to the rear seats is assured by sliding second-row seats that can be managed with a single hand movement.
    Behind the third seating row is a cargo area of 335 litres (length 600 mm). With the third row folded, cargo capacity grows to 815 litres and load length to 1,387 mm, figures that increase to nearly 2,000 litres and 2,230 mm with the middle row stowed. A forward-folding front passenger seat makes for a maximum 3,110 mm load length.

    As soon as the driver starts the CrossBlue, controls for the lights, climate control and four-wheel-drive system emerge from their flush resting positions. The controls have aluminium surrounds: aluminium is one of the predominant interior materials, along with leather and dark-stained banana tree wood accents. In the centre console is a 10.2-inch touchscreen, while there is an Apple iPad Mini in the back of each front head-restraint.

    As well as excellent fuel economy, the CrossBlue has impressive performance from a powertrain that produces up to 224 kW and 700 Nm: 0 to 100km/h is estimated to take 7.0 seconds, while the top speed is 204km/h, or 121km/h in electric mode. The CrossBlue runs in zero emissions mode at the press of a button or automatically. With a fully charged battery, the CrossBlue can travel up to 23km in electric mode in the US test cycle, or 33 km using the European driving cycle. It has a potential range of 1064km from a combination of the 70-litre fuel tank and battery power.
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