The all-new generation of the Volkswagen van was first seen in August. Now the engineers are back, taking advantage of patches of snow in the Alps to put a Multivan version of the T7 to work.
This is big stuff for the folks at Hanover Volkswagen, as the T7 is not one car, but several combinations of lengths, bodies, engines or interiors. It also needs to be ready for the electric era, partial autonomy and all the future emissions or crash regulations. For reference, the Transporter series has basically evolved, not been completely revised, for over 15 years.
It's been rumored that the T7 range will actually be split in two. The Multivan, which is this passenger car version in the spyshots, is said to borrow components from the MQB platform. It will have more comfort-oriented suspension, for example. Meanwhile, the commercial versions will have different concepts, featuring a trailing arm rear axle and McPherson struts. This is better for big payloads. And how does the production version of the ID Buzz all-electric model tie into all this. It will be interesting to find out.
The one engine that seems perfect for the T7 Multivan is the latest 2.0 TDI with 150 horsepower, which is said to have better response times. Of course, it's also possible to have more powerful 2-liter units, a TSI version and even a plug-in hybrid.
Weight is a primary concern for the engineers, and though the use of mixed-body construction with high-strength and hot-formed steels, they plan to lower overall weight by 150 kilograms. The interior will still feature up to seven seats on sliding rails that can be removed easily.
The dashboard should be similar to that being developed for the Golf 8, including two large screens set up a bit like those of a Mercedes, plus haptic controls for the air conditioning. This will be a van that talks to you and stays connected to the web at all times.
It's been rumored that the T7 range will actually be split in two. The Multivan, which is this passenger car version in the spyshots, is said to borrow components from the MQB platform. It will have more comfort-oriented suspension, for example. Meanwhile, the commercial versions will have different concepts, featuring a trailing arm rear axle and McPherson struts. This is better for big payloads. And how does the production version of the ID Buzz all-electric model tie into all this. It will be interesting to find out.
The one engine that seems perfect for the T7 Multivan is the latest 2.0 TDI with 150 horsepower, which is said to have better response times. Of course, it's also possible to have more powerful 2-liter units, a TSI version and even a plug-in hybrid.
Weight is a primary concern for the engineers, and though the use of mixed-body construction with high-strength and hot-formed steels, they plan to lower overall weight by 150 kilograms. The interior will still feature up to seven seats on sliding rails that can be removed easily.
The dashboard should be similar to that being developed for the Golf 8, including two large screens set up a bit like those of a Mercedes, plus haptic controls for the air conditioning. This will be a van that talks to you and stays connected to the web at all times.