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 Crossblue Concept
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| Volkswagen Crossblue Concept |
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<< Prev Page 2 of 2  The CrossBlue is technically based on the new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) of Volkswagen AG. Within the MQB, uniform parameters are maintained across model series and brands - such as the mounting orientations of all engines. The modular component system also offers variable parameters for optimal and individual implementation in a wide variety of models. They include the wheelbase (CrossBlue: 2.980 mm), track widths and wheel sizes. All new MQB models are designed so that - along with the classic types of drive systems (gasoline and diesel engines) - they can always be built as natural gas, hybrid or E-models as well.The concept car being shown in Detroit brings together MQB elements of a future SUV generation - in this case, the MQB front and rear suspensions, the 140 kW / 190 PS TDI of the new EA288 diesel engine lineup and a 6-speed DSG. And they are combined with electrical components that are also "made by Volkswagen" - including the lithium-ion battery in the center tunnel as well as the front E-motor with 40 kW and the rear E-motor with 85 kW. The fact that Volkswagen already implemented this drive concept in the Cross Coupé - a compact SUV concept car of Tiguan dimensions - which was also presented in Detroit (in a US premiere), demonstrates just how modular the MQB is, in the truest sense of the word. With its combination of pioneering fuel economy and high standard of dynamic performance, the CrossBlue - which can be driven to a top speed of 127 mph (204 km/h) - is an SUV that is as efficient as it is sporty. As already noted, thanks to one of the most innovative plug-in hybrid systems ever (TDI Clean Diesel + two E-motors + dual-clutch transmission + "propshaft by wire"), Volkswagen was able to achieve an estimated 89 MPGe in the four-wheel drive SUV (EPA standard fuel economy equivalent for hybrid vehicles in the USA with full utilization of battery charge; combined Highway and City cycles); in pure diesel operation, fuel economy is 35 MPG (combined Highway and City). In the test cycle of the R101 European ECE standard for electric hybrid vehicles, the concept vehicle attains an estimated fuel consumption of 2.1 liters of fuel per 100 km. As also previously noted, it is not possible to directly compare driving ranges and fuel economy values of the US and EU driving test cycles to one another, since the tests are configured differently. Despite its tremendous efficiency, the CrossBlue exhibits dynamic performance with a total system power of 225 kW. The midsize SUV completes the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a short 7.2 seconds (0-100 km/h: 7.5 s). Its TDI develops a maximum torque of 400 Newton meters from low revs - starting at 1,750 rpm. The electric motors also make a powerful appearance. That is because E-drives output their maximum torque immediately - faster than any internal combustion engine. In the CrossBlue, the E-motors contribute 180 Newton meters (front) and 270 Newton meters (rear). In boosting - when the power potentials of the engine and electric motors are fully utilized - the drive system can produce a total system torque of up to 700 Newton meters. The CrossBlue can be driven in various operating modes. The default mode, in which the Volkswagen is started, is the classic hybrid mode, which optimally manages use of the drive sources. The electric motors are used for propulsive power as often as possible here. The driver can also switch to Eco or Sport mode by pressing a button (to the right of the gear shift grip). In Eco mode, parameters such as the accelerator pedal characteristic and air conditioner are controlled for minimal fuel and electrical consumption. In Sport mode (that is selected by the same button as for Eco mode), the car exploits the drive system's maximum power potential. Other available modes are an offroad mode (permanent four-wheel drive system), a charging mode and E-mode (zero-emissions driving at press of a button). Powered by its lithium-ion battery, the CrossBlue can cover a distance of up to 14 miles (US test cycle) or 33 km (European NEDC testing) in all-electric driving; its top speed is reduced to 75 mph (120 km/h) here. In E-mode, only the 85 kW E-motor at the rear axle provides propulsion. In all-electric driving, the turbodiesel is decoupled from the drivetrain by opening the clutch, and the engine is shut off. The driver activates E-mode by pressing the EV (Electric Vehicle) mode button at the front of the center console. As soon as there is a need for TDI power, because of the battery charge state or other parameters, it is coupled to the drivetrain again, jolt-free, within fractions of a second. In all-electric driving, the E-motors are supplied with energy from one of the eight modules that make up the lithium-ion battery. The battery has an energy capacity of 9.8 kWh and is housed in the center tunnel. The power electronics unit integrated in the engine compartment in front - operating at a voltage level of around 370 Volt - manages the flow of high-voltage energy to and from the battery and the electric motors. Meanwhile, a DC/DC converter supplies the body electrical system with the 12 Volt electrical power it needs. The electric drive system does not impose any limitations on interior space whatsoever. The battery can be charged either by external power sources (230 Volt connections) or by the TDI while driving. The driver can intentionally switch over to a charging mode (by pressing another button on the center console). This charges the battery via the TDI while driving, to store enough electrical energy in the battery for later zero-emissions driving at the destination in an urban area. In addition, there are various operating modes that are automatically set as a function of the specific driving situation: As soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal, the engine and electric motors are decoupled from the drivetrain, provided that the battery is sufficiently charged. This is referred to as "coasting." No emissions are generated here either. Whenever the driver releases the accelerator pedal or applies the brakes, and the battery is insufficiently charged, the two electric motors act as generators and feed energy recovered from the brakes into the lithium-ion battery. In this case, the TDI is also shut off and decoupled from the drivetrain. When very sporty performance is called for, the E-motors form an alliance with the TDI. In the professional jargon of the hybrid world, this combining of forces is known as "boosting," in which the CrossBlue is driven by all four wheels. All four wheels are also driven whenever the driver intentionally activates offroad mode (once again by pressing a button on the center console). In this case, and when the battery's charge is low, the front electric motor - which is now supplied with energy by the TDI - operates exclusively as a generator and electrical power source for its counterpart at the rear axle. Since the energy for driving the rear wheels flows by wire and not mechanically, this is referred to as "propshaft by wire". Due to the fact that the TDI drives the rear E-motor via the front E-motor in off-road mode, the four-wheel drive system is still operational, even when the battery is in a low charge state. When the TDI is the sole source for propulsive power, the CrossBlue is a pure front-wheel drive vehicle. Thanks to the efficient technology of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine with common rail direct fuel injection, the concept car is still very fuel efficient here. Based on estimates, the TDI of the CrossBlue would attain a fuel economy of 37 MPG in the Highway cycle of the US-EPA standard, while fuel economy in the City test cycle would be 33 MPG. Another indication of the TDI's efficiency is what is known as "hybrid fuel consumption" that is measured in a sub-cycle of the European ECE-R101 standard, in which the CrossBlue is driven with a fully discharged battery, so that it is essentially only powered by the TDI engine. This test yields an excellent combined fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km. << Prev Page 2 of 2 |
| Article | Image gallery (6) | Specifications |
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