The debuts just keep on coming at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where this time it is the turn of Volkswagen to unveil a new vehicle.
The German manufacturer delivered the New Compact Coupe hybrid concept at the event, a vehicle positioned between the Scirocco and CC that offers fuel consumption of 45mpg and CO2 emissions at a meagre 98g/km. Its top speed is 141mph and it needs just 8.6seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph.
The New Compact Coupe continues Volkswagen’s commitment to hybrid technology – it has already announced plans to launch its first hybrid later this year in the form of an SUV with full-time all-wheel drive.
As for the VW New Compact Coupe itself, it combines a TSI engine with an electric motor, a seven-speed direct shift gearbox and a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. Volkswagen will also use a four-cylinder version of the TSI petrol engine range in the car with direct injection, turbocharging and an intercooler generating 110kW of power from just 1.4litres of engine displacement.
The 20kW electric motor can be used for pure electric driving or to support the TSI engine with aggressive torque. While braking, it recovers kinetic energy which is then stored in the lithium-ion battery; and the New Compact Coupe also incorporates a stop-start system to further reduce fuel consumption.
