The Auto Writer

Simply Hybrid: Concept Volkswagen Compact Coupe

Volkswagen is on a roll, having increased its global market share while also minimizing its losses in the US market. While US sales of VW models were down in 2009 versus 2008, its losses were tempered thanks to a bevy of interesting new cars, including anything powered by its TDI (diesel) technology.

Indeed, when it comes to diesel, VW’s leadership is evident across its two main US brands: Volkswagen and Audi. Those cars are fuel efficient, peppy, and clean burning, advantages Volkswagen has over all other manufacturers who either do not offer diesels or whose technology is one step behind.

Hybrid Concept Debuts

At the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Volkswagen showed why they are a force to be reckoned with. Right now, VW is battling Toyota and General Motors as one of the top selling automakers in the world, not content to play second fiddle to anyone.

Of significance, Porsche is now part of the VW family which now consists of ten distinct brands. That’s a lot of names to juggle, but unlike General Motors, VW seems to be succeeding in that area. And, having officially cemented its ties with Porsche, VW gets the most respected nameplate in the world.

The key product featured at this year’s NAIAS was what VW calls its New Compact Coupe (NCC) hybrid concept. Certainly not much in the way of a name, but very much a head turner when you examine what VW is proposing.

Improved Volkswagen Styling

Yes, this is a concept, which means that the car may never be built, but as many concepts go the styling cues will likely find their way into other VW models which means that the German automaker is working on turning its product design up a notch. That’s good news because many of its competitors have long held an edge in the style department, building leading edge designs for public consumption.

The Scirocco is no longer sold in North America, which is a pity, but that car is sold in European and African markets with the CC sedan just above it. That means that the compact coupe would occupy space between these two models in a bid to appeal to both sets of buyers.

VW says that the compact coupe, which would be the first hybrid built by the automaker, is to have a gas engine paired with an electric motor. A 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) would help shift the hybrid into action, allowing the car to get 45 mpg. Top speed is 141 mph with a zero to sixty time of 8.1 seconds.

First Hybrid Arriving

The four passenger, front wheel drive hybrid shows what Volkswagen has in mind for this segment, but it won’t be the first hybrid sold by the automaker. Instead, an SUV with full time all wheel drive will have that honor, debuting later in 2010.

Source: Volkswagen Group