VW Cross Coupe GTE Concept previews the brand's 2017 seven-passenger SUV

VW has unveiled the Cross Coupe GTE concept at the Detroit Auto Show, which previews a new SUV that will go into production by the end of 2016.

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VW has unveiled the Cross Coupe GTE concept at the Detroit Auto Show, which previews a new SUV that will go into production by the end of 2016. The concept is meant to preview its new seven-passenger SUV even though the Cross Coupe GTE is a five-seater.
VW calls the design the Cross Coupe GTE “the ambassador of a new design language developed by Volkswagen for the U.S.”

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Klaus Bischoff, chief designer at Volkswagen says: “Numerous details hint at how we envision a future production SUV model for North America. The underlying concept combines German engineering and design with a vehicle that suits the American lifestyle. That means high efficiency, clear and powerful design, logical operation and supreme quality–combined with lots of space, superior performance, and outstanding comfort.”

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Overall the styling of the Cross Coupe GTE borrows many styling cues from VW’s other SUV concepts, but with a bolder face.

The Cross Coupe GTE concept is powered by a 3.6-liter VR6 engine and two electric motors. The six-cylinder packs 276 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The two electric motors produce 54 hp and 162 lb-ft (front) and 114 hp and 199 lb-ft (rear). The total output of the drive system adds up to 355 hp and 280 lb-ft, enough to power the Cross Coupe GTE onto a top speed of 130 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.

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Source: VW