What is it?
Volkswagen Magellan Concept
What's special about it?
Named after the Portuguese navigator by the same name, the Volkswagen Magellan concept allegedly points the way to a new segment that combines the core qualities of SUVs, minivans and station wagons into a single multi-purpose vehicle.
Never mind that this segment already exists; Volkswagen evidently is unaware that some auto manufacturers already have vehicles that address these needs for sale in showrooms. But what the heck are you gonna do when crossovers are hot and you've gotta follow up last year's critically acclaimed Microbus with a new concept car? Introduce a retro Dasher hatchback?
A 275-horsepower W8 engine driving all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system equipped with electronic differential locks powers the Magellan. An automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shifting handles gearchanging duties. The air suspension includes active hydraulic shock absorption, and six-spoke alloy wheels are shod with specially cut 19-inch Michelin PAX (run-flat) tires.
Inside there is seating for six occupants, with bucket seats in the first two rows and a two-person bench seat in the third row that folds up into the floor when it's not in use. The seats are designed so that they appear to float above the Magellan's wood floor, just as the gauges and controls look as though they hover in front of the dashboard.
Interior trim is done in leather, aluminum and Alcantara, with two shades of green creating an upscale ambience. A "GPS-to-Go" navigation system can be removed from the steering wheel and taken with the driver during hikes or bike rides in the backcountry, while an available rooftop cargo box can be inverted and used as a boat.
Why should you care?
"It looks like a jacked-up Volvo Cross Country." That's what Edmunds.com Road Test Editor Ed Hellwig said when he saw the Magellan.
Should you care about this rather dull concept vehicle? That depends. It could point the way to the long-awaited VW SUV that's been co-developed with Porsche and is due on the market soon. If you've been waiting for a glimpse of what that new vehicle could be, the Magellan is it.
Hey, Volkswagen? Next year do something cool with the Karmann Ghia or the Thing. Everybody has a crossover either in concept format or planned for production. The Magellan is a real snooze. — Christian Wardlaw
Volkswagen Magellan Concept
What's special about it?
Named after the Portuguese navigator by the same name, the Volkswagen Magellan concept allegedly points the way to a new segment that combines the core qualities of SUVs, minivans and station wagons into a single multi-purpose vehicle.
Never mind that this segment already exists; Volkswagen evidently is unaware that some auto manufacturers already have vehicles that address these needs for sale in showrooms. But what the heck are you gonna do when crossovers are hot and you've gotta follow up last year's critically acclaimed Microbus with a new concept car? Introduce a retro Dasher hatchback?
A 275-horsepower W8 engine driving all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system equipped with electronic differential locks powers the Magellan. An automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shifting handles gearchanging duties. The air suspension includes active hydraulic shock absorption, and six-spoke alloy wheels are shod with specially cut 19-inch Michelin PAX (run-flat) tires.
Inside there is seating for six occupants, with bucket seats in the first two rows and a two-person bench seat in the third row that folds up into the floor when it's not in use. The seats are designed so that they appear to float above the Magellan's wood floor, just as the gauges and controls look as though they hover in front of the dashboard.
Interior trim is done in leather, aluminum and Alcantara, with two shades of green creating an upscale ambience. A "GPS-to-Go" navigation system can be removed from the steering wheel and taken with the driver during hikes or bike rides in the backcountry, while an available rooftop cargo box can be inverted and used as a boat.
Why should you care?
"It looks like a jacked-up Volvo Cross Country." That's what Edmunds.com Road Test Editor Ed Hellwig said when he saw the Magellan.
Should you care about this rather dull concept vehicle? That depends. It could point the way to the long-awaited VW SUV that's been co-developed with Porsche and is due on the market soon. If you've been waiting for a glimpse of what that new vehicle could be, the Magellan is it.
Hey, Volkswagen? Next year do something cool with the Karmann Ghia or the Thing. Everybody has a crossover either in concept format or planned for production. The Magellan is a real snooze. — Christian Wardlaw
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