What is it?
Volkswagen AAC
What's special about it?
The AAC (Advanced Activity Concept) is the first serious pickup truck designed by the folks at Volkswagen, who may be accused of penning somewhat lighthearted cars. To offset that image, they have created this kick-your-ass truck concept, the AAC, which "combines the functions of an off-road pickup with the comfort and convenience of a large luxury sedan." It is powered by a monster-sized V10 twin-turbo direct-injection (TDI) diesel engine that produces 313 horsepower and 553 foot-pounds of torque at a low 2000 rpms. Using diesel fuel ensures that extra low-end grunt while lowering fuel consumption and emissions. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual control powers a permanent four-wheel-drive system. It all rides atop massive 19-inch tires mounted on chrome-caked six-spoke alloy wheels. Push-button controls activate low-range and differential locks. Thanks to a three-position air suspension, ground clearance can be adjusted to a maximum setting of 15.4 inches in case you and your three passengers feel like living out a why-did-the-VW-cross-the-river joke. But with a four-wheel independent suspension employing double wishbones all around, the AAC is as capable on the road as it is off. Helping it in this regard is an electronic stability program system. The most noticeable aspect of this truck is its appearance - the lack of a B-pillar (the rear-hinged doors open suicide style) and the thick C-pillar gives the appearance of a coupe. Yet it retains all of the visual qualities of a Volkswagen, such as the V-shaped hood, prominent VW badge in the center of the grille and wide-eyed xenon headlights. It's like a Beetle on Creatine. Inside, sumptuous appointments include black alcantara fabric, premium leather and copious amounts of brushed aluminum, so if the Marlboro Man ever got around to abandoning his loyalties to domestic trucks, he'd have plenty to keep him coddled. Other goodies include a cold-storage box in the center console and a navigation system.
Why should I care?
This is the first attempt by Volkswagen, which is coming off of a banner sales year, to enter the extremely popular truck arena. Although a production vehicle based on the AAC may not be forthcoming in the near future, it hints at the features of the upcoming VW SUV, as well as signifies changes taking place in pickups. Look for more hybrids embodying truck utility and sedan comfort to hit the market soon.
Volkswagen AAC
What's special about it?
The AAC (Advanced Activity Concept) is the first serious pickup truck designed by the folks at Volkswagen, who may be accused of penning somewhat lighthearted cars. To offset that image, they have created this kick-your-ass truck concept, the AAC, which "combines the functions of an off-road pickup with the comfort and convenience of a large luxury sedan." It is powered by a monster-sized V10 twin-turbo direct-injection (TDI) diesel engine that produces 313 horsepower and 553 foot-pounds of torque at a low 2000 rpms. Using diesel fuel ensures that extra low-end grunt while lowering fuel consumption and emissions. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual control powers a permanent four-wheel-drive system. It all rides atop massive 19-inch tires mounted on chrome-caked six-spoke alloy wheels. Push-button controls activate low-range and differential locks. Thanks to a three-position air suspension, ground clearance can be adjusted to a maximum setting of 15.4 inches in case you and your three passengers feel like living out a why-did-the-VW-cross-the-river joke. But with a four-wheel independent suspension employing double wishbones all around, the AAC is as capable on the road as it is off. Helping it in this regard is an electronic stability program system. The most noticeable aspect of this truck is its appearance - the lack of a B-pillar (the rear-hinged doors open suicide style) and the thick C-pillar gives the appearance of a coupe. Yet it retains all of the visual qualities of a Volkswagen, such as the V-shaped hood, prominent VW badge in the center of the grille and wide-eyed xenon headlights. It's like a Beetle on Creatine. Inside, sumptuous appointments include black alcantara fabric, premium leather and copious amounts of brushed aluminum, so if the Marlboro Man ever got around to abandoning his loyalties to domestic trucks, he'd have plenty to keep him coddled. Other goodies include a cold-storage box in the center console and a navigation system.
Why should I care?
This is the first attempt by Volkswagen, which is coming off of a banner sales year, to enter the extremely popular truck arena. Although a production vehicle based on the AAC may not be forthcoming in the near future, it hints at the features of the upcoming VW SUV, as well as signifies changes taking place in pickups. Look for more hybrids embodying truck utility and sedan comfort to hit the market soon.
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