Filed under:
Concept Cars,
Geneva Motor Show,
Crossover,
Volkswagen,
Design/Style,
Diesel
After being uncharacteristically flat-footed in reacting to the auto industry's seemingly unquenchable demand for new crossovers, the
Volkswagen brand is investigating a raft of new softroader models to build out its portfolio. At present, VW only offers its premium-minded
Touareg and aging
Tiguan, but more product is in the pipeline: the long-expected three-row CUV based on the
CrossBlue Concept is expected to get a production home shortly, and the German automaker seems intent on marketing its Taigun subcompact in developing markets. If early language from Wolfsburg authorities is to be believed, we'll shortly be able to add this new T-Roc Concept to the company's slate of likelies, as well.
At its VW Group Night event in Switzerland ahead of the
Geneva Motor Show, the people's automaker rolled out its rakish T-Roc on its new
MQB modular transverse matrix platform, underpinnings this showcar shares with the seventh-generation
Golf. The blue, three-door concept, said to be a "step down" from the Tiguan, is powered by 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinder generating 182 horsepower and a useful 280 pound-feet of torque, with power routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. However, in its presentation, VW was quick to note that the T-Roc could take advantage of any of the various powertrain configurations found in the Golf family, so theoretically that means gas, plug-in hybrid and pure electric versions are also possibilities.
Looking something like the VW version of Audi's recent
Allroad Shooting Brake showcar from the
Detroit Auto Show, the T-Roc includes unique features like removable roof halves that store in the trunk along with cornering LED spotlights that help the front- and rear-mounted cameras cut through the darkness for night-time off-road maneuvers.
VW officials at the vehicle's unveiling were remarkably candid about their hopes for the vehicle, saying, "We would like to build the T-Roc," as it's the "logical consequence of the Golf format." While we're not 100-percent sold on the 'logic' of coming to market with a three-door crossover, after looking over this one in person, we'd like to see the T-Roc get its shot at production.
Continue reading Volkswagen T-Roc Concept unveiled with an eye toward production
Volkswagen T-Roc Concept unveiled with an eye toward production originally appeared on
Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2014 17:29:00 EST. Please see our
terms for use of feeds.
Permalink |
Email this |
Comments
أكثر...
04-03-2014, 01:40 AM
