Date:         Fri, 29 Nov 2002 22:35:45 -0800
Reply-To:     H R <harald_nancy_vw@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         H R <harald_nancy_vw@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: New generation of vw busses (T5 photos)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Those vans look like Eurovans, but actually the new T5 is a totally redesigned van.
As I read in a German Auto Zeitung:
With the new T5, Volkswagen returns to rear-wheel drive!!
For pricing reasons, VW decided with the fifth-generation Transporter to
return to rear-wheel drive, according to Auto Zeitung.
A 4-wheel drive version will also be available.
The new concept also has two drawbacks:
Those are reduced traction if the van is empty, and the additional effort
in constructing to make space for the differential, driveshaft, and transmission.
Also there will be some loss of interior space/height, and the max
carrying capacity, because of the new drivetrain.
Otherwise, the new drivetrain design will make it possible to have more
daring proportions and make the vehicle's appearance more attractive.
The T5 will have a classical short hood, which in the profile reminds one
of a full-size American van.
With the new T5, according to Auto Zeitung, VW wants to expand the
availability of interesting models. There will be a pickup, a window bus,
a double cab (doka), a ladder truck (pritschenwagen), and a box truck.
The unusually wide engine choices include 4 to 12 cylinder engines.
The lower end will probably be a 2 liter engine,
but the thirsty 2.4 liter inline 5 cylinder with 115 hp will be
replaced with a v-5 motor with up to 170 hp.
Harald
'90 westy




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