VW T-Prime GTE
Volkswagen T-Prime GTE, is a map of things to come, signaling the development
of a completely new, full-size model.
It appears that the
Touareg's reign at the top of Volkswagen’s SUV food chain is almost over, as
the model will most likely receive a bigger sibling to bear the brunt upmarket.
The concept’s dimension
could offer a glimpse of the future production-variant, measuring 171 mm longer than the current Touareg (5,070 mm in length, 1,999 mm wide and 1,707 mm tall).
The imposing concept is
powered by a a 375 horsepower and 699 Nm plug-in hybrid drive,
incorporating a 134 hp and 349 Nm electric motor – cleverly housed in
the transmission – and a 2.0-liter, 248 hp and 370 Nm of torque
turbocharged gas engine. The vehicle’s battery can charge externally, as the
powertrain’s name suggest, or while driving.
The impressive total output
is delivered to all four wheels through Volkswagen’s 8-speed automatic gearbox,
a limited-slip diff, and 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system, while still
managing to boast a combined fuel consumption, in the NEDC cycle, of 87 MPGe US
(2.7 l/100 km or 104.5 MPGe UK). Without the aid of the electric motor, the
figure goes down to 29 mpg US (8.1 l/100 km or 34.8 mpg UK).
Visually, the T-Prime’s
exterior is reserved and poised, but the cabin greets the occupants with a
futuristic design where almost all the commands are executed as touch-sensitive
surfaces.
