Volkswagen's
Advanced Activity Concept (AAC) combines the functions of a pickup
truck with the luxury of a top-class sedan. With
full-time four wheel drive and powered by a 313hp V10 Diesel engine,
the AAC points in the (very remote) direction Volkswagen could take
by building a pickup truck, but most likely it's an accurate look
at the upcoming VW SUV.
Dimension-wise
the AAC appears to be slightly larger than the Dodge Dakota. The
hood of the truck is V-shaped with an integrated grille extending
into the front bumpers. The headlights are Xenon lamps and set high
on the truck for off-road driving.
The A-posts
are steeply raked, the side windows form a single visual unit and
the C-posts which slope down at an angle to the load platform are
all significant styling elements that combine to suggest something
of a coupe body style. The load-area cover, with its end panel that
echoes the slope of the C-posts, adds emphasis to the sporting side
of the AAC's character.
As far back
as the C-posts, a load-bearing bodyshell is used. The load platform
and rear axle are supported on flanged-on side chassis members.
As a smooth link between the passenger and load areas, a substantial
rail runs all around the pickup's platform.
The interior
is high brow luxury with leather seats, a dash trimmed with brushed
aluminum, and teak wood floor. It is here that the
console, with
its strongly three-dimensional styling, takes on the shape of a
classic cockpit area. It has a navigation system with a 7-inch color
screen that is activated when the ignition is switched on. Route
guidance information and a diagram of the off-road geometry (the
vehicle's position and tilt angle) are shown on the multifunctional
display. A computer or a TV set can also be connected. The three-element
central instrument cluster in front of the driver supplies standard
information such as road speed, engine speed and coolant temperature.
When driving off-road a diagram of the AAC's position and tilt angle
can be displayed on the small monitor. In the rear are two separated
seats that can be folded for additional storage space.
The prime objective
of the interior designers was to achieve an exceptionally luxurious,
distinguished ambiance while bearing in mind the special needs of
an off-road vehicle's occupants. The controls, for example the light
switch, are therefore particularly massive in character, and surfaces
such as the armrests, although elegant in appearance, have been
made sufficiently robust. The AAC's designers chose brushed aluminum
for these areas too, since in addition to its visual quality it
possesses the necessary strength.
The AAC's doors
are unlocked by a remote control known as the "Communicator". Not
until this is inserted in a special holder on the top of the dashboard
can the engine be started by pressing a separate button. Since
the special rear side doors mean that the body has no B-posts, Volkswagen
has given the AAC front seats with the seat belt mounts integrated
into the upper part of the seat back.
For power Volkswagen
has equipped the AAC with a 5000cc V10 direct-injection turbo diesel
(TDI). A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual
shift mode transmits engine power to a permanent four-wheel drive
system. When crossing difficult off-road terrain, an extra-low off-road
ratio and two differential locks can be selected electronically
by pressing the appropriate buttons, so that the AAC maintains its
reliable progress in such conditions. These systems are accompanied
by an electronic differential lock (EDS) at all four driven wheels.
The electronic stability program (ESP) also helps to counteract
difficult driving situations. The AAC concept car has independent
suspension with double wishbones at all four wheels.
The suspension
is enhanced by three-position air springs. For typical driving conditions
around town the springs are left in a central setting. At higher
speeds the suspension can be lowered and off-road it can be raised.
