cars news 10: Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE Debuts in Beijing

During the 2016 Beijing motor show, Volkswagen’s T-Prime Concept GTE will make its global debut. The high-tech premium SUV will feature intuitive displays and controls, using touchscreens, gesture and voice control, and touch-sensitive surfaces.

The Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain paired with 4Motion all-wheel drive for a system that delivers up to 375 hp, 516 lb-ft of torque. It will have an electric range of 31 miles. The concept hits 60 mph from a stop in 6.0 seconds, with a top speed of 139 mph. The powertrain itself will pair an electric motor to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, and be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The incorporated batter, with a 14.1 kWh capacity, can be charged while driving.

Volkswagen’s latest concept’s interior offers plenty of displays and connectivity features, and for the first time on a vehicle, the T-Prime Concept GTE will feature a curved infotainment screen. Dr. Frank Welsch, Board Member for Technical Development Volkswagen Brand, said in a release that “Very quickly, this type of human-machine interface could become the norm in the top segment. Progress is immediately apparent here, because the real automobile is melding with the virtual world that is so real today.”

The new concept will showcase the design direction Volkswagen plans to take with its SUV lineup. The T-Prime features a chrome radiator grille that extends across the entire front end to integrate the LED headlights. Adding to the new design are window lines that begin in the hood, ending in the side window of the D-pillar. The character lines start near the rear lights, flow through the wheel arches with a prominent undercut, and end in the front wing. This gives the concept a lower visual center of gravity and a more muscular appearance.

Inside, the Active Info Display with digitalized instruments and infotainment display stand out. The curved screen is angled toward the driver, spanning the area in front of the driver like an arc, symbolizing Volkswagen’s “cockpit of the future.” The steering wheel design foregoes button and switch controls in favor of touch feedback. The individual functions are activated by pressure or swiping. When the driver activates a function, the control gives stronger tactile feedback.

Source: Volkswagen