So what powers this otherworldly vehicle? Possibly a state-of-the-art gas-electric hybrid? How about a fuel cell? Or perhaps a high-output, low-displacement turbodiesel? No, rather than using the T for an environmental showcase, a more conventional engine was chosen. Nothing less than another tuned version of Volkswagen's narrow-engine VR6 displaces 3.2 liters fitted tuned to Golf R32 specifications. It provides the Concept T with a thoroughly useful 241 horsepower, powering all four wheels via VW's Tiptronic automatic transmission with a manual mode.
 |
| Instead of using it as a showcase for alternative power, the Concept T uses the more conventional VW VR6. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) |
Despite added weight and drive friction of all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, the Concept T is rather quick taking just 6.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Oddly Volkswagen has chosen to electronically regulate the top speed of their dune basher to 230 km/h, even though it's a concept vehicle that may never set foot off the auto-show turntable.
 |
| Just because it's a dune buggy doesn't mean the Concept T can't have a rugged, yet dreamy interior. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) |
On top of offering an exterior design that's likely to send auto enthusiasts into deep thought, Volkswagen has given the Concept T something else that's equally dreamy. Driver and passenger receive unique leather seats formed like large bowls, backed in aluminum with progressive bolstering. This theme is echoed in the steering wheel that sports a deep-dish appearance.
Being an all-weather, all-purpose vehicle, the materials chosen appear rugged. Still, plastics are soft-touch, covering the door panels, dashboard and many other surfaces. The driver is faced with a pod featuring two sci-fi inspired instruments, each displaying primary gauges. All other information is projected onto the windscreen in a head-up display (HUD). When bounding over dunes, it's much more convenient to have the information in front of your face, than having to fumble around for switches on the center console.