Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept redesigned for LA Auto Show

Volkswagen has tweaked the CrossBlue Coupe Concept for the 2013 LA Auto Show after its appearance at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. The concept car itself is based on the CrossBlue three-row crossover concept that we saw at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and given Volkswagen's persistence with the concept and its favorable reception it seems like it may be headed for production in the not too distant future. Even though it appeared as a seven-seat crossover concept in Detroit, Volkswagen has apparently reconsidered the vehicle's size, and decided to target crossovers one size smaller in this iteration of the CrossBlue.

In its LA Auto Show form, the CrosBlue is mean to be a five-seat plug-in hybrid, with a turbocharged direct-injected gasoline V6 and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission working with not one but two electric motors powered by a 9.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The horsepower output is stated to be 415 hp for this version of the CrossBlue, which translates into a 0 to 60 time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph. These are nearly identical to the figures that Volkswagen touted in Shanghai, though the claimed fuel economy is down from 78 mpge to 70 mpge. The pure-electric range of the concept is also down from a claimed 21 miles to just 13 miles, though in hybrid mode the concept will do 570 miles between fill ups.

Volkswagen
Don't expect to see 22-inch wheels if/when production model debuts.

Volkswagen is staking its approach to powertrains on multiple types of technology, from pure electrics to diesel-electric hybrids. The new approach to the concept's size suggests that Volkswagen will be targeting the likes of the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60, while its overall design may have been influenced by the things that the Range Rover Evoque got right.

In its 2013 LA Auto Show configuration it appears that the CrossBlue may not be too far from production form -- the more mundane details are beginning to look road-ready, starting with mirrors, interior details, and things like the license plate recess. In other words, the details are solidifying to the point where the vehicle may be close to its final market form. But don't expect 22-inch wheels to materialize on this car when it hits dealerships. Volkswagen has yet to announce plans for production, which is likely to be in North America.

About the LA Auto Show

The Los Angeles Auto Show has long served as a spotlight for "green" cars, and a popular place to unveil new hybrid and electric vehicles. We'll have photos, video and complete coverage of all the manufacturer reveals and top news from this year's LA Auto Show right here, so check back often.

By Jay Ramey