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Volkswagen has unveiled a new five-seater midsize SUV concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 

The Cross Coupé GTE is a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive, aimed primarily at the US market.

Powering the Cross Coupé GTE is a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine in combination with two electric motors.  The six-cylinder direct-injection engine (FSI) delivers 280 PS and maximum torque of 350 Nm, while the two electric motors deliver 40 kW and 220 Nm (front) and 85 kW and 270 Nm (rear). 

Klaus Bischoff, chief designer at Volkswagen said: "The concept car has a commanding presence; it is powerful with a look that could almost be described as aggressive.  Numerous details hint at how we envisage a future production SUV model for North America."

In E-Mode, activated at the press of a button, the Cross Coupé GTE can travel in zero-emission mode for up to 20 miles or 32 km, and in this case the 85 kW rear axle electric motor alone drives the vehicle, with the V6 FSI decoupled from the drivetrain by disengaging the clutch and shutting down.