Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept: hybrids are moving in at VW
DETROIT, Michigan – Since yesterday, the speeches at Volkswagen are concentrated on one thing. Apologies are flowing freely at Audi and Porsche. And at Volkswagen, the diesel engine crisis has been painful. The German automaker saw its sales drop by 4.7% in the United States in 2015, and VW sales dived by 25% during the last quarter alone.
The Volkswagen’s press conference, the brand’s North American president announced a few additions for 2016, in order to demonstrate that the company is still rolling full steam ahead in its product development. However, it’s the Tiguan GTE Active Concept that drew the most attention. As if it was spearheading their future technologies, this version of the Tiguan isn’t equipped by a diesel engine, but by a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
To offer a range equal to what a TDI version would, this Tiguan boasts a gasoline engine and two electric motors. The combustion engine develops 150 horsepower, while the two electric motors respectively dish out 40 and 85 kW. Range is projected at 930 km. In fully electric mode, this Tiguan can cover a distance of 32 km before the gas engine kicks in. The GTE Active Concept also includes an elevated ride height and an all-wheel drivetrain.
Inside, there’s a new and more powerful infotainment system that features a 9.2-inch touchscreen. However, no word yet on whether this hybrid Tiguan will reach production or not.
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