Volkswagen Shows Pickup Concept

volkswagen-pickup-concept

Fear not – this isn’t a prop from an upcoming revival of Baywatch.  Instead, Volkswagen simply chose to preview its upcoming truck with this beach-flavored Pickup Concept.
Though the lifeguard-themed accessories can be chalked up to German imaginations run amok, much of what you see here is production intent.  The corporate grille is here in full force, looking more macho than the Touareg.  We’d say the same for the pickup’s beltline and fenders, which are square and chiseled, unlike the rounded forms of the SUV.
Designers stuffed more concept goodies (including walkie-talkies, an altimeter and a nifty touch-screen HVAC system) into the truck, but much of the grey-on-grey interior is ready for production.
So too is the powertrain.  Volkswagen’s not talking specifics as of yet, but they do mention a new common-rail turbo-diesel engine lurks underhood.  The concept uses a six-speed manual transmission, and we’re betting a form of Volkswagen’s 4Motion drivetrain sends power to all four wheels.
We’ll know for sure in 2009, when the Pickup enters production in Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia – but not the U.S.  Regardless of the market, life jackets, rescue buoys, and fire extinguishers will be aftermarket accessories.

Fear not – this isn’t a prop from an upcoming revival of Baywatch.  Instead, Volkswagen simply chose to preview its upcoming truck with this beach-flavored Pickup Concept.

Though the lifeguard-themed accessories can be chalked up to German imaginations run amok, much of what you see here is production intent.  The corporate grille is here in full force, looking more macho than the Touareg.  We’d say the same for the pickup’s beltline and fenders, which are square and chiseled, unlike the rounded forms of the SUV.

Designers stuffed more concept goodies (including walkie-talkies, an altimeter and a nifty touch-screen HVAC system) into the truck, but much of the grey-on-grey interior is ready for production.

So too is the powertrain.  Volkswagen’s not talking specifics as of yet, but they do mention a new common-rail turbo-diesel engine lurks underhood.  The concept uses a six-speed manual transmission, and we’re betting a form of Volkswagen’s 4Motion drivetrain sends power to all four wheels.

We’ll know for sure in 2009, when the Pickup enters production in Europe, South America, Africa, and Australia – but not the U.S.  Regardless of the market, life jackets, rescue buoys, and fire extinguishers will be aftermarket accessories.