German automaker, Volkswagen->ke94, is using the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show->ke1834 to unveil a pretty unique concept vehicle called the Cross Coupe.

We say unique because the Cross Coupe was designed with a bevy of new features, both characterized by a new design architecture and a new hybrid power train set-up. The latter of the two is an all-wheel drive hybrid drivetrain that features a turbocharged gas engine and a pair of electric motors that are found on both the front axle and the rear axle of the SUV.

As far as the design of the Cross Coupe is concerned, there are plenty of new languages that you can expect to see in a lot of Volkswagen's future models, and not necessarily on a production version of this concept.

All told, the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept paints a real good pictureof the future of Volkswagen. It may not end up as a stand-alone production model, but as with most concepts go, it gives us a taste of what to expect from the German automaker moving forward.

Find out more about the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept after the jump.

2012 Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept
  • Engine/Motor: hybrid engine
  • Horsepower: 262
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The exterior design of the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept is characterized by a completely new front profile with a long hood, a new aesthetic profile, and a low window line that evokes the new design direction Volkswagen is developing for their future models.

The flared fenders on the vehicle create a powerful stance that mixes in elements of a sports car with the girth of an SUV. Also new to the Cross Coupe Concept are twin bi-xenon headlamps that appear to have been merged into the radiator grills and the chrome-plated fins, creating a singular look that inspires sporty aggression. There are also two chrome bars that rise up to the sides of the vehicle. Another unique design detail incorporated into the Cross Coupe Concept is a new bumper that's presented with a precisely shaped character line, extending upwards to form a singular unit with the bars of the radiator grille. Then there's the coupe-style roofline, which further entrenches this concept as a cross between a sports car and an SUV.

At the rear, the Cross Coupe Concept features a rear spoiler that not only adds an aesthetic feel to the vehicle, but also serves the purpose of improving the car's aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the slim rear lights take the design of new Volkswagen models that have recently been unveiled, particularly that of the Passat CC. The large rear bumper is what you'll most commonly see on a typical SUV.

Rounding out the exterior for the Cross Coupe Concept are the wheels and tires it sits on. In this case, the vehicle comes with set of 20" alloy wheels that have been wrapped in 265/45-section tires, further enhancing its sporty look.

Interior

The interior of the Cross Coupe Concept is a testament to how masterful engineering can create a visual look that enhances the characteristics of both coupes and SUVs at the same time. For instance, the concept's dashboard features lines that are reminiscent of a coupe, yet have been raised up similar to an SUV. A pair of grab handles, which can be found on the center stack, incorporate the HVAC controls and air vents while a touchscreen display is easily accessible and provides all of the relevant vehicle functions.

The Cross Coupe Concept's three-spoke steering wheel comes with a user-programmable instrument cluster, one that includes a driving mode control knob that can be used to pick three different drive modes: "Sport," "City," and "Offroad." Each of these three modes have their own customized screen layout and different color scheme. Another multifunction color display is positioned just between the twin round dials. This one, in particular, provides vehicle information, the phone menu, audio details, and additional navigational information.

The Cross Coupe Concept is also a picture of ergonomic spaciousness. The interior is fitted with four individual bucket seats, each having integrated headrests and ample space for even big passengers to stretch their legs. With the exception of the driver's seat, the other three seats can be folded to increase cargo space inside the vehicle. When all four seats are upright, the Cross Coupe Concept carries 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats, but once you fold the seats, that space expands to 43.4 cubic feet.

Performance

The Cross Coupe Concept is powered by not one, not two, but three power sources, all of which work hand-in-hand to make for an absurdly efficient hybrid system. The first one is a 148-horsepower TSI engine that also delivers 155 lb/ft of torque. There's also an electric motor that produces an extra 54 horsepower and 133 lb/ft of torque. These two motors are responsible for powering the front axle of the concept. Taking care of the rear wheels is another electric motor that produces 114 horsepower and 199 lb/ft of torque. Take everything together and you have a car that produces 262 horsepower, while hitting 0-62 mph in just seven seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. When the concept is running on pure electricity, the top speed is limited to 75 mph.

Will The Concept Hit The Production Line?

Models like the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept are usually introduced to serve as future pegs for future Volkswagen models. So while it's unlikely that we're going to see a production version of this vehicle, you can definitely expect to see upcoming VW models sporting the same characteristics - design or technology - as that of the Cross Coupe Concept.