VW unwrapped the Tristar concept at the IAA show in Hannover today, with the pickup truck study giving us a first look at the next Transporter series (T6) that will launch in 2015.
Unveiled in the presence of German rock band “The Scorpions”, the Tristar is compared by VW with a Swiss Army knife, as the concept vehicle combines extreme off-road capabilities with flexible transport and storage capacities, making the Tristar equally suitable as a mobile workshop, a mobile high-tech office or a surf mobile.
At 4,788 mm (188.5in) long, 2,320 mm (91.3in) wide and 2,066 mm (81.3in) tall, the Tristar is a pickup truck with an extended cab, styling bar and short wheelbase, fitted with a permanent 4Motion four-wheel drive system with mechanical rear axle differential lock and 30 mm (1.18in) additional ground clearance.
The concept features sharp, wrap-around lines, LED headlights and a sleeker front end than the current Transporter line. Inside, the monolithic dashboard reminds of the earlier models of the VW Transporter, while the 20-inch tablet table video conferencing and sound systems give it a high-tech feel. The driver and passenger seats are turnable and slidable, with the Tristar even featuring an espresso machine.
The load can be distributed on two separate levels: on the flatbed and in a spacious, dust-proof and watertight drawer under the flatbed section, where a deep-tread spare tire is also housed.
The study is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine producing 204PS (201hp) at 4,000 rpm and 450Nm (332lb-ft) of torque at 1,400 rpm. Mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission, the engine allows the Tristar to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds and to reach a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).
We hear that the new T6, which will heavily resemble this concept, will have its global debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show.
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