It is over 50 years since Volkswagen's Transporter cast the mould for panel vans everywhere for generations to come. Now the latest Transporter model is due to be unveiled in August. In typically cautious VW style, the new one draws heavily on the current model, with most engines unchanged. Like its predecessor, the new Transporter is built in two wheelbases to give overall vehicle lengths of 4.89 metres and 5.29 metres. But there are three roof heights, one more than at present, providing a range of body volumes between 5.8 cubic metres and 9.3 cubic metres. Gross vehicle weights go from 2,600kg to 3,200kg. Body options include chassis-cabs, single- and double-cab pick-ups. All four diesel engines powering the new Transporter have electronically-controlled unit injectors, not the common-rail systems that have become the norm on the latest small diesel engines from other car- and van-makers. Two Transporter engines are based on the current 1.9 litre TDI at 85 and 104hp. There will be a five-cylinder diesel too, rated at 129 and 172hp. This 2.5-litre engine is in effect half the vee-10 which powers the new Touareg off-roader and Phaeton luxury car. No mention yet of the Transporter taking VW's new 2.0-litre TDI diesel or the latest petrol engines such as the vee-six. Watch this space.
展开▼
