As mentioned last week (VW pickup to debut at IAA Commercial Vehicle Show) VW debuted their new pickup at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany.
The vehicle on display is a concept, so the actual production version will differ a bit, but this gives you a pretty good idea as to what to expect; which is sort of a mini (midi?) Avalanche, but without a midgate. It appears to be sized like most mid-sized trucks, but is expected to have a hefty payload rating (VW refers to it as a 1-ton vehicle).
As it stands, here's what we know: We aren't getting it, at least not right away. Bummer! If you want one you will have to move to South America, South Africa or Australia. Note that besides the United States, Europe is not on this list. A glimmer of hope for the U.S. and European markets, however, is the phrase in the press release that states "other markets will follow." The truck will be built in Argentina and will arrive at dealers by the end of 2009.
Here's what we don't know: Two words: a lot. We don't know the name. We don't know any of the specs, or what engines and cab configurations will be offered (well, yeah, a crew cab for sure...).
Having said that, I think it's safe to assume that a version of the dual-range AWD found on the Touareg will be used; yes, the press release did mention "AWD." Also mentioned are both gas and diesel engines, most likely Touareg-derived would be my guess. As to the bed, it's wide enough to handle a "Euro pallet" sideways, something VW claims the competition can't do. If it ever comes here, I hope it's wide enough to handle 4 x 8 sheets of plywood.
Full story here at PickupTruck.com.
Here's Inside Line's take: Unveiled: VW Pickup
dougtheeng says:
05:46 AM, 09/23/08
cool looking truck. I'd rather have the rest of the world's light/medium trucks then our F-150s, Rams, etc
ateixeira says:
07:06 AM, 09/23/08
Doesn't look 48" wide to me, I dunno.
That bed looks pretty tiny. They tricked it out nicely but that's just masking how small the space is.
The cabin seems to have gotten the priority, big time. At least in terms of space.
cruiserhead1 says:
07:49 AM, 09/23/08
that looks great!
I hope they bring it to the US but it will be tough to take market away from the leaders- Tacoma, Frontier, etc.
If it is a 1 ton, it would be a very attractive pickup.
firstwagon says:
08:06 AM, 09/23/08
"As to the bed, it's wide enough to handle a "Euro pallet" sideways, something VW claims the competition can't do"
I wonder who it considers it's competition? That bed looks like one of the smallest on the market.
estreka says:
04:13 PM, 09/23/08
I seriously doubt that's a 1-ton. It looks like it could snag a few Wrangler sales, though.
firstwagon says:
07:27 PM, 09/23/08
As this is likely twice the price of a Wrangler, I doubt Jeep is too concerned.