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Goodbye Beetle, Hello Concepts

From Dale Wickell,
Your Guide to Trucks.
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Reviving a Classic, Adding a Hybrid

When Volkswagen's last classic Beetle rolled of the assembly line it marked the end of one of the auto industry's most successful runs. I never owned one, but I had plenty of friends who did. Those little cars will go just about anywhere and can be coaxed into even the shortest parking spot. And I don't even like to think about the gas (and dollars) I'd be saving if I drove one today.

So what does VW have in store for us now? The company has introduced several concept vehicles in the last few years and a few of them do look interesting.

Microbus Concept

Here's a concept I could get into, a modernized version of the old VW Microbus. The ghost of the old bus is still there, even if this one is a little too fancy for Arlo to fill with trash (if you're too young to remember Alice's Restaurant, there's no room to explain). The new Microbus was developed especially for the US market.

  • The front end features thin-line Xenon headlights.
  • The side windows and large sliding doors open and close .
  • The Microbus has wide wheel arches and the specially developed 20" alloy wheels.
  • Three rows of seats inside, with a center row that can be turned 180-degrees.
  • A 7-inch monitor is attached to a camera to give you a view of what's behind the vehicle.

    I'll definitely watch the progress of this new VW concept vehicle.

    Advanced Activity Concept (ACC)

    Not a great name--but this sedan/truck hybrid looks good. It features four wheel drive and its front-end styling resembles another VW concept, a loaded sedan. The ACC contains a fair amount of aluminum elements throughout the interior and exterior design.

  • The truck's doors are unlocked by a remote control Communicator, which must then be inserted into a dashboard holder in order to start the engine.
  • The ACC design study is powered by a V10 direct-injection diesel with twin turbochargers and a balancer shaft.
  • The ACC has a six-speed automatic transmission. The controls for a three-position air suspension and four wheel drive functions are located near the shift lever.
  • A navigation system with a 7-inch color screen is nearby.

    As with any concept, this one will undergo massive changes before--or if--it's ever released to the public. But it's good to know that VW may add a truck to its lineup.

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