Date:    Fri, 13 Dec 2002 12:36:31 -0500
From:    Roger Rassche <f40ph@MSN.COM>
Subject: T5 - why? (A little Friday)

>I keep reading all these previews of the T5 and keep asking, why is this
>considered a major change from the T4?  All it looks like to me is a nose
>job and a new dash to keep up with the modern 'family' look.  To me it is
an
>evolution like the T2a (1968-1972) to T2b (1973-1979) than worthy of a new
>platform moniker.
>
>Roger Rassche

You ever heard the saying, "you can't judge a book by it's cover"? This may
be a good example of that. The outside doesn't look much different, the dash
doesn't look much different, but the drivetrain is.

For example, it will be offered in FWD, RWD, or AWD. This is a first for VW
transporters, and is a huge step in the right direction for those wanting
the larger version for commercial applications or for towing.

The motor combos are known for certain yet, but there is definitely a more
powerful (and larger) 6 cylinder on the way, as well as a 6 cylinder TDI.
There are also rumours of a W8 and/or a 8 cylinder diesel.

It looks as though there's a plan afoot ot make more room afoot. Driver and
front passenger legroom seem to be enlarged substantially.

I know there's a lot of trim upgrades that are going to be available that
never were before.

I'm sure there's more. It won't be too much longer before they're on the
road, at least in Europe, and then we'll know lots more.

Az
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AH#56