Volkswagen concept T shown at NAIAS 2004

As you would expect from an agile sports car, the concept T is characterized by its exciting body dimensions (4079 mm / 13 ft 4 in long, 1963 mm / 6 ft 5 in wide and 1450 mm / 4 ft 9 in high). The powerful exterior also incorporates short body overhangs (front 826 mm /2 ft 8 in, rear 686 mm / 2 ft 3 in) for off-road driving as well as a large number of high-tech features.

The wing doors of the concept T represent a stylistically as well as technically especially independent and fascinating body detail. They are mounted in the upper section of the A-pillars. When opened, they simultaneously swing slightly outwards and steeply upwards. The advantage: an especially comfortable entry and exit as well as comparatively little space required to the side. The rear part of the door creates the B-pillar trim above the door handle and door opener, an extremely robust solution but still sporty and elegant. To provide optimal view even when the doors are open, the exterior mirrors are located high on the A-pillars. T-bar roof and rear soft top: The two front parts of the T-bar roof of the concept T can likewise be swung upwards for easy removal. Even more sky is available over the off-road coupe when the rear roof module, designed as a hard top with integrated trunk lid, is removed. If the side windows, which are very low in the front, are lowered, the concept T is transformed completely into a convertible with a secure roll bar.

Viewed from the front, the concept T consciously displays stylistic parallels to the roadster study concept R introduced in September 2003 and the Golf GTI study, which had its world premiere at the IAA, also in September 2003. The V-shaped radiator grille integrated into the bumper unit which, in similar variations, will distinguish the fronts of all new Volkswagens. The headlights, with lens-shaped main elements lying far apart and inner elements tapering sharply inwards, almost as parallelograms to the hood and grille, demonstrate additional design parallels between the roadster concept R and the new off-road coupe concept T. In contrast to the concept R element, however, the main headlight of the concept T project into the bumper. Floating headlights and free-standing wheels: To underscore the off-road character of the concept T, the headlights appear to "float" in the bumper and the extremely wide, upward arching fenders. The sides of the latter are cut away extensively. The overall effect gives the impression that large 19-inch wheels (tire size 285/45 R 19) stand free in the style of the legendary dune buggy based on the VW, which advanced in the mid-60s to an icon of freedom on four wheels.

The rear overhang is shorter than the overhang in the front. The narrow light units "float" in the bumper and fenders here as well. The stainless steel tail pipes of the exhaust system are prominently positioned inboard of the tail lights on both sides. The high position has the advantage that the tail pipes will not scrape the ground when off road. The lower body parts (flanks as well as front and rear skirt elements) were rigorously designed for off-road capability; they are made of extremely sturdy synthetic material to resist damage during off-road use. In addition, the synthetic panels as well as the complete light units can be removed and replaced very fast. Side design: Viewed from the side, the design of the rear fender displays a classic forward swing: In the rear section, the very wide fenders form muscular haunches; moving forward, the flanks make a seamless transition to the outer door panel. The end point of this line, spanning two-thirds of the off-road coupe like a bowstring, is centered in front of the arches of the front wheels. Together with the front door edge, this creates a more dynamic, arrow-like design.

The interior concept: the driver decides on the materials and the division of the space 2-seater or 2+2: The interior of the off-road coupe concept T also demonstrates progressive directions, because here too, the worlds of the sports car and the SUV fuse to create a facet of stylistics and functionality never before realized in this manner. The concept T, conceived as both a 2-seater as well as a 2+2, possesses a consciously sports purist interior design. For example, a soft synthetic material with a satiny surface structure is used for the fixtures, door trims and seats throughout the entire interior of the concept car shown in Detroit. It is optically and tactilely very appealing and can be cleaned damp after a weekend trip on beach or off-road trails with the T-roof open. Beyond that, the interior offers a maximum of variability. Because the rear of the concept T conceals copious storage space: either for luggage and the spare wheel which is visible from outside, just for luggage or for the rear seats including passengers and luggage.

Like all controls in the concept T, aluminum components are also used in the area of the buttons for electric seat adjustment. Multifunction steering wheel: The multifunction steering wheel, no longer perfectly round but flattened towards the top, offers the best possible ergonomics. The shift buttons (+/-) for optional manual control of the automatic gearbox are integrated into the steering wheel. Head-up display: Key information in the cockpit is projected from behind the steering wheel onto a head-up display. Four optimally visible and accessible steering column levers are located behind the display, each with round controls and rocker switches reaching towards the driver, easy to activate with a light press of the finger. All cockpit elements are mounted in a base module of aluminum.

The form of data communication and the individual settings in the concept T are a complete new development. Personal Mobility Gateway (PMG) is the name for a mobile communication unit with wireless remote control, similar to a PDA in form and function. Via PMG, the driver and front passenger can, on one hand, control functions like air conditioning or adjustment of the seat (alternative to using seat switches), steering wheel and exterior mirrors. On the other hand, PMG takes over the entire personal data communication. This includes telephone, high speed internet and email access and control of the MP3 player and the navigation system. The PMG can be removed from the car to serve as a multifunction PDA.

Technical data

Body
Length 4,079 mm
Width 1,963 mm
Height 1,450 mm
Front overhang 826 mm
Rear overhang 686 mm
Front track 1,620 mm
Rear track 1,620 mm

Engine
V6 with 3,189 cc displacement
Maximum power at rpm - 241 hp (177 kW) at 6,250 rpm
Maximum torque at rpm - 235 lb ft (320 Nm) at 2,800 rpm

Drivetrain and wheels
Gearbox - Automatic (Tiptronic)
Final drive - 4MOTION four-wheel drive
Wheels - 19 x 9J Tyres - 285/45R19

Performance 0-62.5 mph (100 km/h) - 6.9 seconds
Top speed - 144 mph (230 km/h) electronically limited