William Maley

I suspect so as the hard points match up with Equinox and Terrain.

The 2019 Cadillac XT4 is an important vehicle for the brand for a number of reasons. It's the first vehicle part of a major product offensive by Cadillac that will see them introduce a new/redesigned model almost every six months through 2021. It also gives Cadillac a contender in the growing small luxury crossover class. The overall design of the XT4 is very similar to the larger XT5 with sharp angles, large front grille, headlights that extend downward to the bumper, and taillights that run from the top of the tailgate to underneath the window. 18-inch wheels come standard, while larger 20-inch wheels are optional. The overall dimensions of the XT4 - 181.1-inch overall length, 109.4-inch wheelbase, 74.1-inches wide, and 64.1-inches tall - puts it between subcompact and compact crossovers. Inside, Cadillac went for a modern and clean look. An 8-inch touchscreen housing the Cadillac User Experience infotainment system is standard on XT4s. Like the CT6 refresh, the XT4 will have a rotary control knob to control the system. Cargo space measures out 22.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet when folded. Powering all XT4s will be a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. Cadillac estimates fuel economy figures of 25 City/30 Highway/27 Combined - we're assuming the numbers are for the front-wheel drive model. The suspension is comprised of a front strut and five-link rear setup. Sport models get the option of a Continuous Damping Control system that automatically adjusts the firmness based on a number of parameters. Pricing for the 2019 XT4 kicks off at $35,790 when it arrives at dealers this fall. Those interested can order an XT4 beginning at the end of this month. Source: Cadillac Press Release is on Page 2 Cadillac Introduces First-Ever XT4 All-new compact SUV delivers more for a new generation of luxury buyers At Cadillac House in Manhattan today, Cadillac unveiled the first-ever XT4, an all-new compact SUV tailored for the next generation of luxury customers. Developed on an exclusive compact SUV architecture, Cadillac’s entry in the industry’s fastest-growing luxury segment delivers expressive design, confident performance, spacious accommodations and new technologies. “The first-ever 2019 Cadillac XT4 expands our successful SUV lineup to a segment where Cadillac has never been before,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “And it sets off a dramatic expansion and elevation of the product range, that will see a new Cadillac virtually once every six months through 2021.” Simple and sculpted lines draw the customer in and accentuate the XT4’s powerful proportions and aggressive presence. The interior is the Cadillac design aesthetic distilled: the thoughtful and artistic integration of technology and appealing style. The cabin is exceptionally refined, with expected segment-leading rear-seat spaciousness. All models are driven by an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine that features new efficiency-enhancing technologies including Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission with next-generation Electronic Precision Shift. Cadillac also debuts its new global “Y” trim strategy on the XT4. Distinctive Premium Luxury and Sport models build from the well-equipped Luxury (base) trim. Specific content and styling cues tailor the Premium Luxury and Sport trims to different customer tastes and preferences. Cadillac will roll out this new trim strategy beginning with the XT4 and the 2019 CT6 top-of-range sedan. The XT4 will be priced starting at $35,790 including destination charge, excluding tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment, when it goes on sale in fall 2018. Starting at the end of March 2018, customers will be able to preorder their XT4s from participating U.S. Cadillac dealers nationwide. Additional XT4 highlights include: Cadillac user experience with all-new rotary controller Smart chassis features including available twin-clutch, decoupling all-wheel drive Available Active Sport Suspension featuring Continuous Damping Control and new electro-hydraulic braking assist STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE A team of young designers representing the heart of the XT4’s target customer demographic helmed the design, penning an expressive SUV that injects a higher degree of sculpture into Cadillac’s lineup — and today’s vehicle is very close to their original visions for the exterior and interior. “The XT4 has a great presence that is confident and poised,” said Therese Pinazzo, exterior design manager. “It exudes Cadillac’s DNA, but with a new boldness that speaks to the youthfulness of its team and its customers.” In keeping with Cadillac’s new “Y” trim strategy, the Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport models offer distinctive styling cues and trim finishes to create unique personas and greater choice for customers. XT4 Sport models feature a gloss black mesh grille inspired by Cadillac’s high-performance V-Series models, gloss black window moldings and specific Sport alloy wheel choices. Luxury and Premium Luxury models feature grilles with bright metallic accents, satin aluminum window moldings and satin chrome-accented door handles. All models feature advanced LED lighting technology front and rear, with front LED low and high beams and an LED-illuminated light blade for the daytime running lamps. Cadillac’s vertical L-shaped lighting signature is stretched horizontally, emphasizing the XT4’s width and confident stance. Standard LED taillights are housed in traditional red lenses on Luxury and Premium Luxury, while the Sport model receives tinted neutral-density (clear) lenses that complement the generally darker exterior color choices. Eight exterior colors will be offered on the 2019 XT4 at launch: Atlantic Metallic, Autumn Metallic, Crystal White Tricoat, Twilight Blue Metallic, Shadow Metallic, Red Horizon Tintcoat, Stellar Black Metallic and Radiant Silver Metallic. BOLD, REFINED AND SPACIOUS CABIN Echoing the exterior design themes, the new XT4’s cabin conveys boldness and strength with youthful athleticism. Sweeping arcs and tapered lines enhance the feeling of spaciousness and give it a taut, tightly wrapped appearance. The interior elements come together in a sophisticated and modern design. Intuitive technology includes available next-generation wireless device charging and an in-cabin air ionizer. “With the XT4’s interior, we distilled Cadillac to its essence,” said Phillip Kucera, Interior Design manager. “We’ve been able to be simpler and bolder than we have ever been before, giving the SUV attitude and a sporty connotation.” The all-new XT4 offers exceptional space for a compact luxury SUV, particularly for rear-seat passengers. It is expected to lead the segment in rear-seat roominess, with 39.5 inches (1,004 mm) of legroom. The XT4 also offers 48.9 cubic feet (1,385 liters) of maximum cargo volume with the rear seat folded. "The XT4 was envisioned holistically to deliver a dynamic sporty exterior without compromising comfort and functionality for passengers,” said Cadillac Exterior Design Director Jim Fleming, who helped create the vehicle’s architecture. “It’s a great balance that delivers style and comfort on long drives such as a weekend getaway to a favorite ski slope, while still offering excellent cargo room for that ski trip’s gear.” Additional interior features and highlights include: The thick, three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel is all new and was developed to enhance the sporty feel of the vehicle while maintaining driver comfort on long drives. Sport-inspired seating with prominent seat-bottom and seatback bolsters balances comfort with the kind of support typically found in sports sedans. A massage feature is available. Available white ambient lighting casts a sophisticated glow and highlights important features. Technology integration includes Cadillac’s first rotary controller for the Cadillac user experience and other vehicle features (see below for more information), along with streamlined vehicle controls for easier, more intuitive use. At launch, the 2019 XT4 will be offered in seven interior environments, based on Luxury, Premium Luxury or Sport trims: XT4 Luxury — Light Platinum/Jet Black with Aluminum Metallized decor trim XT4 Premium Luxury — Jet Black with Diamond-Cut Aluminum, Light Platinum/Jet Black with Linear Galaxy High-Gloss Wood, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood XT4 Sport — Jet Black with Cinnamon Accents with Twenty-Two High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Light Wheat/Jet Black with Red Accents and Morello Red High-Gloss Carbon Fiber, Sedona/Jet Black with Fineline Calico High-Gloss Wood INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGIES Led by the latest Cadillac user experience, the brand’s most advanced infotainment interface, the XT4 offers a connected environment. The Cadillac user experience is a dynamic platform that offers a smartphone-like experience with an intuitive interface, faster response and improved voice recognition that can be updated over time to meet a customer’s evolving connectivity needs. It leverages the cloud and available embedded 4G LTE connection to enable personalization, available connected navigation and news, marketplace and entertainment applications via the app store and a new rotary controller that offers users alternative ways to interact with the system. The new controller includes volume and seek forward/back controls for the audio system; shortcut buttons for fast access to the most frequently used apps such as Audio, Phone, Navigation (if available) and Home; and a large center dial to operate primary features of the most frequently used apps, scroll menus and lists and select other apps to be displayed. Additional XT4 technologies include: The 8-inch diagonal Cadillac user experience interface screen has 768p HD resolution Near-Field Communication, a Cadillac-first integration, greatly improves the process of pairing a phone (if compatible) with Cadillac user experience. Next-generation, 15-watt wireless charging is available and offers faster charging timesi . There are four standard USB Ports and three 12-volt accessory power outletsii. Models equipped with the available navigation radio also receive an SD memory card reader in the center console. The full suite of active safety features includes Surround Vision and second-generation Rear Camera Mirror (available)iii. XT4 DRIVING DYNAMICS The new Cadillac XT4’s confident, athletic appearance is complemented by great agility. It is characteristically Cadillac in refinement and responsiveness, but with a youthful edginess derived from the brand’s critically acclaimed sports sedans. It starts with an all-new Cadillac 2.0L Turbo engine. This advanced, power-dense inline-four-cylinder — 118.5 hp per liter — features an industry-first tripower system. The system is designed to optimize performance and efficiency by having three distinct operating modes, including high and low valve lift and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). The engine also features a twin-scroll turbocharger to enhance torque production at lower speeds, as well as direct injection, active thermal management and stop/start technologies. Output is SAE-certified at 237 hp (177 kW) and 258 lb-ft of torque (350 Nm). A nearly flat torque curve gives the XT4 surprising responsiveness throughout the engine’s RPM range. A nine-speed automatic transmission is paired with the new engine, helping the XT4 achieve a Cadillac-estimated 30 mpg in highway drivingiv. The vehicle also features the next generation of electronic precision shift, which features an intuitive shifting sequence. When it comes to channeling the XT4’s power to the pavement, a strut-type front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension are tuned to balance refinement with responsiveness. The standard Driver Select Mode allows that tuning to be adjusted on demand for different driving styles and road conditions. A twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system is available and offers the convenience of decoupling entirely from the rear wheels when the driver chooses, eliminating drivetrain friction. XT4 Sport’s available Active Sport Suspension features Continuous Damping Control and takes driving dynamics and control to a higher threshold, using electronic sensors to monitor the road in real time and making damping adjustments every 2 milliseconds. The XT4 is also the first Cadillac to introduce electro-hydraulic braking assist, which supplants the traditional vacuum-assisted power braking system with an electro-hydraulic system that enhances fuel economy and takes up less space under the hood. KEY STANDARD AND AVAILABLE FEATURES (Premium Luxury and Sport content is in addition to or in place of Luxury content) XT4 LUXURY XT4 PREMIUM LUXURY XT4 SPORT STANDARD STANDARD STANDARD 18-in. 10-spoke alloy wheels with Bright Silver finish LED headlamps and taillamps Satin aluminum side glass moldings Leatherette trim 8-way driver/6-way passenger power front seats Aluminum metallized interior decor Rotary controller Rear Park Assistiii Teen Driveriii Cadillac user experience Four USB ports 60/40-split rear seat Dual-zone automatic climate control Adaptive Remote Start 18-inch 10-spoke wheels with Pearl Nickel finish Illuminated door handles with satin chrome accents Front and Rear Park Assistiii Power-folding outside mirrors Satin aluminum finish on roof rails Leather seat surfaces Ambient lighting Wood or aluminum interior décor Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alertiii Rear Cross Traffic Alertiii Safety Alert Seatiii Auto-dimming inside mirror Driver’s seat memory Power liftgate 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with Diamond Cut/Argent Metallic finish LED front turn signal and cornering lamps Tinted neutral-density taillamp lenses Gloss Black finish on the front grille, side glass moldings and roof rails Body-color door handles Front and Rear Park Assistiii Power-folding outside mirrors Leatherette trim with sport accents Ambient lighting Carbon fiber or wood interior décor Sport steering wheel and pedals Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alertiii Rear Cross Traffic Alertiii Safety Alert Seatiii Auto-dimming inside mirror Driver’s seat memory Power liftgate AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE Sunroof and roof rails Trailering package All-wheel drive Navigation radio and Bose audio system Cold weather package Sunroof Trailering package All-wheel drive Navigation radio and Bose audio system Cold weather package Comfort and Convenience package 20-inch Luxury wheels Driver Awareness Package Visibility Package Driver Assist Package Technology Package Sunroof Trailering package All-wheel drive Navigation radio and Bose audio system Cold weather package Comfort and Convenience package 20-inch Sport wheels Driver Awareness Package Visibility Package Driver Assist Package Technology Package Active Sport Suspension with Continuous Damping Control ### 2019 CADILLAC XT4 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (North American specs, as of time of publication) OVERVIEW Model 2019 Cadillac XT4 Body Style 5 door, 5 passenger compact luxury SUV Manufacturing location Fairfax Assembly, Kansas City, Kansas EXTERIOR Wheelbase (in / mm) 109.4 / 2779 Overall length (in / mm) 181.1 / 4599 Overall width (in / mm) 74.1 / 1881 (excluding outside rearview mirrors) Overall height (in / mm) 64.1 / 1627 (including roof rails) Turning circle (feet) 38.0 Ground clearance (in / mm) 6.7 / 171 INTERIOR DIMENSIONS & CARGO VOLUME Seating capacity (front / rear) 2 / 3 Headroom (in / mm) 39.4 / 1000 (front) 38.3 / 973 (rear) Legroom (in. / mm) 40.4 / 1026 (front) 44.1 / 1121 (front, maximum) 39.5 / 1004 (rear) Cargo volume (cu ft) 22.5 (behind 1st row) 48.9 (behind 2nd row) WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES Curb weight (lbs / kg) 3660 / 1660 (FWD Luxury – est.) Max. towing capacity (lbs) 3500 (with available towing package) CADILLAC-ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City 25 mpg Highway 30 mpg Combined 27 mpg ENGINE Type: 2.0L Turbocharged I4 DOHC with Active Fuel Management, direct injection and stop/start Bore and stroke (in. / mm): 3.26 x 3.63 / 83 x 92.3 Block material: Cast aluminum Cylinder head material: Cast aluminum Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder with tripower system Fuel delivery: Direct injection with electronic throttle control Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 237 / 177 @ 5000 (SAE cert.) Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm): 258 / 350 @ 1500-4000 (SAE cert.) TRANSMISSION Type: Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed electronically controlled automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Front Suspension: MacPherson strut with coil-over spring; direct-acting stabilizer bar. Active Sport Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (avail. on Sport) Rear Suspension: Five-link independent with coil springs and fully isolated cradle Steering Type: Electric variable-assist power rack-and-pinion Brake Type: Four-wheel disc with ABS; electro-hydraulic assist Wheel Size: 18-in. alloy (std.) 20-in. alloy (avail.) View full article

Volkswagen's next-step in their crossover offensive made its debut tonight in the form of the Atlas Cross Sport Concept. This is our preview of the five-seat version Volkswagen is planning to launch sometime next year. Based on the MQB platform, the Cross Sport concept is 7.5 inches shorter than the Atlas, though it retains the same 117.3-inch wheelbase as the standard model. The concept features a fully-illuminated grille, chunky 22-inch wheels, and tailpipe housings that have a similar design to the taillights. Move inside and it looks very similar to the current Atlas, albeit with more touchscreens in the centerstack. Powering the Cross Sport is the same 3.6L V6 found in the Atlas, but is teamed with two electric motors - one on each axle. Total output is rated for 355 horsepower, and Volkswagen says the Cross Sport can 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. A 18-kWh lithium-ion battery provides an electric-only range of 26 miles and can be plugged in to top off - Volkswagen didn't give a recharging time. Volkswagen also said a mild-hybrid version of this powertrain would offer 310 horsepower. Source: Volkswagen Press Release is on Page 2 VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS ATLAS CROSS SPORT CONCEPT AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Concept previews a five-seater Atlas SUV built off the MQB platform Production of the five-seater Atlas will start in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2019 Atlas Cross Sport concept is 7.5 inches shorter than the Atlas, retains same wheelbase The concept uses a plug-in hybrid drive system, with two electric motors, a V6 gasoline engine, and 355 horsepower A conventional mild hybrid drive system would produce 310 horsepower Atlas five-seater shows that Volkswagen has a serious SUV strategy Wolfsburg / New York (March 27, 2018) — Volkswagen is about to ignite the next stage of its global SUV strategy. After recently showing the new Touareg in Europe and China, Volkswagen is now debuting a new version of the Atlas SUV at the New York International Auto Show: the Atlas Cross Sport concept. The new Atlas Cross Sport concept is a five-seat version of the midsize SUV that went on sale in the U.S. in 2017 as a seven-seater. The near-production concept car features a coupe-like profile, an even sportier stance, and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 355 horsepower and an anticipated 26 miles of all-electric range. A conventional mild hybrid version of the same powertrain would make 310 hp. The actual production vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the U.S. market starting in 2019, and will be built alongside the seven-passenger Atlas and the Passat sedan in Chattanooga, Tennessee. An innovative range of SUVs is an important element in Volkswagen’s growth strategy for the U.S. market, alongside new products such as the 2019 Jetta. The latest sales figures show the importance of the new SUV models: In February, 54 percent of Volkswagen’s American customers chose a Tiguan or an Atlas. Volkswagen of America will further increase the market share of its SUV fleet with new models such as the production version of the Atlas Cross Sport concept and the all-electric I.D. CROZZ that has been announced for 2020. Design The concept vehicle is 190.8 inches long, 68.3 inches tall and 79.9 inches wide. The powerful exterior is marked at the front by a two-bar grille instead of the three bars on the seven-passenger Atlas. In both vehicles, the LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are an integral part of the radiator grille and a key feature of the new midsize Volkswagen SUV family. Unlike the Atlas seven-seater, the grille crossbars are also illuminated in white and operate as LED DRLs. The profile of the Atlas Cross Sport concept combines powerful proportions with sleekly raked C-pillars, as well as short front and rear overhangs. The roof spoiler, which has black side fins, is another distinctive element. The way that the character line transitions directly into the wide, flared wheelarches serves to emphasize its power and presence. The rear wheelarch on the driver's side features the ‘filler cap’ for connecting the charging plug for the lithium-ion battery; the one on the other side houses an actual fuel filler neck. The 22-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, which are shod with 285/40 tires, have high-gloss polished spokes for a truly premium look. After flowing through the wheelarches, the character line transitions into an aluminum accent at the rear of the vehicle. LED taillights are positioned above this trim line. The horizontal design motif continues with an aluminum trim piece that extends laterally across the bumper, and into exaggerated tailpipe surrounds, which mirror the taillights above. The vehicle features a low sill height of 33.3 inches for ease of loading. Interior Inside the Atlas Sport Cross concept, the horizontal design remains dominant, emphasized by the instrument panel and infotainment screens. The infotainment system touchscreen is located high on the instrument panel and is seamlessly integrated. The driver and front passenger can manage all infotainment functions and the basic vehicle configuration via a 10.1-inch touchscreen with proximity sensors and gesture control. The layout of the graphics changes depending on which driving profile is selected— ‘Snow,’ ‘Sport,’ ‘On-road’ or ‘Off-road’. Navigation data can be displayed in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional form. In the 3D view, the user has the option of configuring an individual display layout, which can be done on three or more levels that hover above one another in virtual space. Each level shows the map and position of the vehicle, but with different information. On the top level, the driver can configure the Points-of-Interest (POI); the middle level has geographic information such as the current elevation above sea level; the lower ‘Car’ level shows the route and the position of the vehicle. The 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit has a resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels, enabling sophisticated and interactive graphics. These graphics change according to the selected drive mode—for instance, if you are in ‘E-Mode,’ driving on electric power. The Digital Cockpit display can be reconfigured to show information on driving, navigation and assistance functions as necessary. The driver can also transfer data shown on the touchscreen, such as telephone contact images or CD covers, to the display. The area below the infotainment system and the Digital Cockpit is upgraded by a horizontal trim strip made of brushed aluminum, which runs across the whole width of the interior. As with the infotainment system, a touchscreen is used for climate control settings, including those for the seat heating and ventilation. On the left-hand side of the center console, the selector lever for the 6-speed DSG® automatic transmission has shift-by-wire functionality. It is always in a central position. Short clicks activate the ‘R,’ ‘N’ and ‘D’ settings. A separate button integrated in the selector lever is used to switch to the ‘P’ position. Behind the DSG shift lever is the 4MOTION® Active Control that offers ‘On-road,’ ‘Off-road,’ ‘Sport’ and ‘Snow’ driving profiles. This selector has a high-tech design with an HD display and transparent ‘light pipe’ elements that conduct LED light. Between the DSG selector lever, driving profile selector and cupholders are the black hard keys for ‘ESC,’ ‘E-Mode’ and ‘GTE-Mode’ and the aluminum ‘Start/stop engine’ button. Two cupholders are positioned to the right of the DSG selector lever where they are easily accessible. There is one more functional console in the front of the cabin. In the roofline area, there are touch buttons that control the panoramic glass sunroof, a matching sunshade and interior light functions. Powertrain Since the Atlas is based on Volkswagen's modular transverse matrix (MQB), it can be built with all manner of drive systems, including a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The Atlas Cross Sport concept uses the same 3.6-liter V6 FSI® engine as the Atlas, making 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. In the Cross Sport concept, this engine is boosted by two electric motors. The front motor develops 54 hp and 162 lb-ft, and the rear motor makes 114 hp and 199 lb-ft. Energy for the motors is supplied by a compact 18.0 kWh lithium-ion battery housed in the center tunnel. The drive system's total power amounts to 355 hp, which potentially enables the Cross Sport concept to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The top speed is 130 mph. The Atlas Cross Sport concept could also feature a mild hybrid powertrain. Using the same V6 engine and electric motors, but with a smaller 2.0 kWh battery, the mild hybrid version would produce 310 horsepower and give 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds. The top speed would remain at 130 mph. The Atlas Cross Sport PHEV concept can be driven in any of five modes: ‘E-Mode’, ‘Hybrid’, ‘GTE,’ ‘Off-road’ or ‘Battery Hold / Battery Charge’. ‘E-Mode’. The Atlas Cross Sport concept always starts out in the all-electric ‘E-Mode’ provided that the battery is sufficiently charged. The all-electric driving range is up to 26 miles. In E-Mode, the vehicle’s drive power is exclusively supplied by the 114 hp electric motor at the rear axle. In all-electric mode, the gasoline engine is decoupled from the drivetrain by disengaging the clutch, and it is shut off. As soon as the V6 needs to be engaged again, it is coupled to the drivetrain in a nearly imperceptible process. A power electronics unit manages the flow of high-voltage energy from and to the battery and to the electric motors. The 12-volt vehicle electrical system is supplied by a DC/DC converter. The battery is charged via external power sources or while driving. ‘Hybrid’. As soon as the battery’s voltage drops below a certain charge, the Atlas Cross Sport concept switches to ‘Hybrid’ mode. The hybrid version would always start in this mode. Depending on the driving situation, it automatically engages the V6 and/or the rear electric motor. If the driver removes his or her foot from the accelerator or brakes when the battery is not sufficiently charged, both electric motors operate as generators and feed energy recovered from braking into the lithium-ion battery. When the gasoline engine alone is powering the vehicle, the concept car is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle. However, the rear axle is rapidly engaged again as soon as the driving situation demands it. ‘GTE’. The driver uses the GTE button to switch to GTE mode, which makes the throttle map, gearshifts and steering even sportier. In addition, the V6 and the electric motors work together in ‘GTE Mode’ during ‘boosting’ to access the full system output and the maximum system torque of 494 pound-feet. ‘Off-road’. As soon as the driver activates the ‘Off-road’ mode, the Atlas Cross Sport concept becomes an all-wheel drive vehicle. In this case, and when the battery's state of charge is low, the front electric motor—now supplied with energy by the V6 gasoline engine—is employed exclusively as a generator and is the energy source for the electric motor on the rear axle. Because the energy for driving the rear wheels is transferred ‘by wire’ and not mechanically, it is referred to as an ‘electric propshaft’. Due to the fact that, in Off-road mode, the gasoline engine drives the rear electric motor via electrical energy from the front electric motor, this all-wheel drive configuration is even available if the battery has a low state of charge. This gives the plug-in hybrid SUV very impressive off-road ability. ‘Battery Hold / Battery Charge’. The dual mode ‘Battery Hold’ (energy content of the battery stays constant) and ‘Battery Charge’ (battery is charged while driving) is activated from a menu in the infotainment system. It might be used, for example, to intentionally prepare for driving in the all-electric mode (‘E-Mode’), which could be required in a city of the future. In addition to all the above modes, the 4MOTION Active Control offers seven different driving profiles in the Atlas Cross Sport concept: ‘On-road’ (‘Comfort’ and ‘Eco’ modes), ‘Off-road’ (‘Rocks,’ ‘Sludge & Sand’ and ‘Gravel’ modes), ‘Sport’ and ‘Snow’. View full article