Volkswagen launches a plug-in hybrid off-road vehicle at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. Known as the Tiguan GTE Concept, it boasts 222 brake horsepower and up to 120 miles per hour on hybrid mode.
German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen has unveiled an off-road hybrid plug-in concept vehicle known as the Tiguan GTE Concept at the 2016 North American International Auto Show held in Detroit, Michigan. This is the latest hybrid vehicle from the company to silence its placard-waving critics.
Like the Golf GTE and the Passat that boasts its 1.4-liter TSI engine with 148 brake horsepower and two electric motors, The Tiguan concept also uses a TSI engine but with a higher output of 222 brake horsepower. It is a natural four-wheel drive vehicle with electric motors in each of its axles.
At startup, the Tiguan operates on a rear-wheel drive only when its batteries are full. It will manage up to 20 miles without consuming petrol with an electric-only mode top speed of about 70 miles per hour.
When the Tiguan's battery runs low or if the driver decides to use the vehicle on hybrid mode, the front motor will kick in. With the help of the front motor, the car will have a top speed of 120 miles per hour and can reach zero to 60 miles per hour in a little over 6 seconds. To add up, the total range of the Tiguan GTE concept is 580 miles, which is not bad for a hybrid vehicle.
There are a lot of clever technology nowadays in the automotive industry to keep gas consumptions at bay and battery efficiency at a high level along with regenerative braking and coasting for drivetrain functions. With off-the-road intentions, the GTE concept differs from the VW Tiguan that debuted last year. Another noteworthy comparison is the underbody protection as well as the knobby tires.
The Tiguan GTE Active Concept comes with an array of driving modes to ensure that the word ACTIVE is not just a part of the company's marketing strategy. Drive features include gravel, sand, snow, sludge, rocks and tarmac but not all of these will be necessary. It also demonstrates the state-of-the-art gesture control system and a modular infotainment platform with a 9.2-inch display that comes customizable. The concept off-road hybrid vehicle fits neatly to Volkswagen's promise to invest in green cars.
