The Garage will be covering the 2012 New York Auto Show this week, and the sneak previews of what we can expect to see continue to pour in. The latest is a concept from Volkswagen named the Alltrack. In case you hadn’t guessed, the Alltrack is essentially a jacked up Passat wagon, but there is more to it than that. The current Passat, a car tailored to American tastes and built in Tennessee is a fine car, but I lamented the loss of the Passat wagon.
So, you may ask, what’s the deal with the Alltrack? Volkswagen’s take is the Alltrack bridges the gap between passenger car and SUV. Hardly a new concept, as Subaru invented the notion of a raised passenger car capable of light 0ff-roading with the Outback. Audi later added panache and a heap of power with its awesome Allroad, which is no longer available in North America. Now that the current Subaru Outback has essentially become a crossover, there is a hole for VW to fill with the Alltrack.
The Alltrack concept is powered with VW’s proven 2.0L TDI diesel engine, paired to a six-speed DSG transmission. VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive is included with special off-road programming. At a push of a button the Alltrack is capable of making numerous adjustments for confident off-road travel at speeds up to 18mph. A raised ride height and the addition of a steel-plated solid underbody guard gives credence the Alltrack is a legit candidate for going off-pavement. Beefy fender flares, matte chrome window surrounds, mirror housings and grille trim offset with silver anodized roof rails all add up to one classy wagon.
Volkswagen has no immediate plans to sell the Alltrack in North America, but hear this. The Alltrack is coming to the 2012 New York Auto Show because VW wants to see how the public reacts to the concept. And this is where you, the reader comes in. If you attend the show, dig the Alltrack, tell them! If you cannot make it, call your dealer. Contact VW directly. Let them know Volkswagen should import the Alltrack-they want to hear from you!
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