New Volkswagen Cross Coupe SUV Concept

The German automaker says that concept is a study for a potential new CC-style SUV that "hints at how a crossover between a four-door coupé and an SUV could look like" -think small BMW X6- while also previewing an evolved form of VW's current design language.

The concept is the first VW model based on the company’s new ‘modular transverse matrix’ or MQB platform architecture to be shown to the public. The MQB chassis will be used in a number of VW Group models ranging from the next Golf to the Audi TT's successor.

At 4,345 mm (171.0-in.) long, 1,868 mm (73.5-in.) wide and 1,523 mm (59.9-in.) tall, the Cross Coupé fits exactly in between the current Golf hatchback and the Tiguan SUV in size. However, it's 2,630 mm (103.5-in.) wheelbase is 52 mm longer than the Golf and 26 mm longer than the Tiguan, which not only gives it a more dynamic appearance, but also helps improve interior space.

VW says that despite its sporty looks, the Cross Coupé is also a capable off-roader model boasting a 24.2-degree angle of approach and 32.5-degree angle of departure.

The four-seat Cross Coupé features a hybrid powertrain that links a TSI direct injection turbo petrol engine to two electric motors, one located at the front and the other at the rear, which produce 54HP (40 kW) / 180 Nm of torque and 114HP (85 kW) / 270 Nm respectively. The hybrid system's combined output is 265-horsepower allowing the crossover model to sprint to 100km/h (62 mph) in seven seconds en route to a top speed of 201km/h (125 mph).

VW says the concept can travel up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) on purely electric power.

The Cross Coupé also features an innovative all-wheel drive system with an ‘electric drive shaft’, in which the rear axle is driven by the rear electric motor. "In this situation power is supplied to the rear electric motor by the one at the front, which during this phase acts as a generator powered by the TSI engine," says Volkswagen.

The elimination of the conventional drive shaft allowed VW to place the SUV's battery package in the central tunnel thus saving space and allowing for a low center of gravity and a balanced spread of axle loading.

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2012 Ferrari 599XX Evolution

The updated model features a number of technical improvements including an even more potent version of the Enzo-sourced V12 engine due to the adoption of side exhausts that allowed engineers to increase output to 750-horses at 9,000 rpm with a peak torque of 700Nm (516.3 lb-ft). In addition, Ferrari made the final gear ratio shorter to improve acceleration on technical, medium- to high-speed tracks.

The Italian company says that the non-homologated sports berlinetta also sports improved chassis dynamics thanks to an active aerodynamic package integrated with the vehicles’ electronic control systems.

The highlight of the aero package is an active rear wing design with two flaps that rotate electronically to adjust the downforce between the front and rear axles in relation to vehicle speed and the maneuver. According to Ferrari, the active rear wing is triggered automatically according to specific parameters which are integrated with the car’s other control functions (ESP, ABS, SCM and F1-Trac).

The 2012 599XX also gets a modified front splitter and a new rear diffuser featuring a larger surface area and redesigned fences and foot-plates. As a result of these changes, total downforce at 200 km/h (124mph) is boosted to 330 kg (727 pounds) when the flaps are open and 440kg (970 pounds) in the closed configuration.

Finally, the ultimate version of the 599 series gets a new set of Pirelli tires while Ferrari claims to have trimmed 35kg (77 lbs) off the original model.

According to the Italian automaker, the 599XX Evolution laps the Fiorano in just 1 minute and 15 seconds.

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2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5-Series

BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by a hybrid power train comprising of the 535i's 306HP twin-turbocharged six-cylinder gasoline engine, a 55HP electric motor and a high-performance lithium-ion battery pack placed in the trunk.

The system has a combined output of 340HP and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of peak torque, with power transferred to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. BMW says that the ActiveHybrid 5 goes from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and can reach an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The lithium-ion battery enables the hybrid 5-Series to be driven pure-electric mode at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph). BMW says that at an average speed of 35 km/h (22 mph), its all-electric range is a mere 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

When the car is braking or coasting, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the battery, while under acceleration it boosts performance. Moreover, when cruising at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph) with the Eco Pro mode selected, the gasoline engine can be automatically switched off and decoupled, further reducing consumption.

Despite its performance, the ActiveHybrid 5 returns an average fuel consumption of 6.4-7.0 lt/100 km (44-40 mpg) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 149-163 g/km.

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VW Passat Goes Off-Road with Alltrack Version

Volkswagen has released the first-ever crossroad version of its Passat mid-size model, named the Passat Alltrack. It will receive its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show on December 3 and will go on sale in early 2012.

A successful recipe is not meddled with so the (European) Passat Estate-based Alltrack has all the goods one expects in the segment: raised suspension height, stainless steel-look front and rear underbody protection panels and plastic covered wheel arches that house 18-inch alloys.

Ground clearance has been increased from 135mm to 165 mm. This has improved the ramp breakaway angle from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees, while the redesigned front and rear bumpers have increased approach and departure angles from 13.5 to 16 degrees and from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees respectively.

The 4Motion all-wheel drive system uses an electrohydraulic Haldex clutch. Under normal use, it sends 90% of the power to the front axle and just 10% to the rear, though when necessary almost 100% can be directed to the rear axle.

The Passat Alltrack also sports an off-road mode, which works at speeds up to 30 km/h (18 mph). When the driver switches it on through dashboard-mounted button, the system activates hill descent assist, which automatically brakes the vehicle when the descent angle is greater than 10 degrees, and also alters the function of the ABS and the electronic differential locks (EDS).

On DSG-equipped cars, it also increases the transmission’s change points to make the gas pedal easier to modulate, and it doesn’t upshift when in manual mode.

The Alltrack will be available with two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines delivering 160HP and 210HP, and two turbodiesels with 140 and 170HP.

The 170HP diesel and the 210HP gasoline engines will feature all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch DSG transmission as standard, while the 140HP diesel will be optionally available with all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen did not say if the Passat Alltrack will be offered in the States.

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