Spy Shots: Volkswagen pickup prototype runs the 'Ring
by Frank Filipponio on Apr 21st 2009 at 10:40AM 
Volkswagen has just sent out one of its latest models to tackle the Nürburgring. While that in and of itself is not necessarily newsworthy, the fact that it was their upcoming midsize pickup truck, is. While the firm's new Scirocco GT24-CNG is set to contest the 24 hour race at Germany's Nordschliefe, spotting their new production truck at the track was a bit of a shocker.The track is a great test of a car's handling, power delivery and braking, spanning some 73 turns over its sinuous 18 miles, but the truck isn't expected to be offered in any performance versions as far as we know. Perhaps it was being used as a parts delivery vehicle?
Whatever the reason for its presence at the track, the shooters at Brenda Priddy and Co. caught it for our entertainment. When the truck goes on sale in South America, South Africa, Australia and Europe, it is likely to be called the Robust and will be built at the VW plant in Pacheco, Argentina. No times have been posted for this Green Hell Hauler, but we admit we're more than a little curious.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Steve 10:59AM (4/21/2009)
Jackie Ickx, Phil Hill, Niki Lauda, and Gilles Villeneuve would all be so proud to see a VW truck running their track.... I am sure.
I admit I'm curious as to the time... but a truck running this track is really a put off for me to the company developing it.
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mr.ed 11:44AM (4/21/2009)
The Japanese ate this lunch years ago. Fugeddaboudit.
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FSM 11:11AM (4/21/2009)
A VW truck? The people I know that want to own a truck definitely wouldn't buy it from VW. I guess thats why the US isn't getting one.
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David 11:42AM (4/21/2009)
VW has made and sold a pickup in the US before. It was based on the Rabbit. I still see some on the roads and on craigslist occasionally
Ken 1:55PM (4/21/2009)
And before the Rabbit pickup they offered a version of the Bus in Single and Double-cab forms. Nothing says a VW pickup would be sold in the US, this could purely be for their European market where American and Japanese pickups make up a lot of the light-duty truck market.
Randy 11:12AM (4/21/2009)
I'm sensing a trend on under-performing trucks hitting the market that are for pillow haulers. No offense at all to people that move pillows for a living. This and the Ridgeline, are to me, inflated Rancheros and Elcaminos. I'm thinking that Ford, GM and Fhrysler are missing an opportunity here. I'm suggesting that if there is a need or want for trucks that have little or no ooomph to them (like a Ranchero / Elcamino) then why not use their know how of trucks, apply it to a car and make it with a giant un-lided trunk.
That's what these kind of trucks really are!
Car Frame
Open Bed
Low Tow
More or less they are useful if moving small items! I can see a market for it! Heck I know there is one...
Just some thoughts...
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Joe K. 11:37AM (4/21/2009)
What weighs more, a ton of pillows or a ton of bricks?
Randy 1:22PM (4/21/2009)
What do you think I am stoopid or sumthing? A ton of bricks weighs more!*
Here's a serious question for YOU!.....
Can you fit a ton of bricks in one of these? I'm sure you can!!!
Can you fit a ton of pillows in one of these? Not without a sh*t load of space bags sucking the air out of them!
Would kinda look like a chicken filled pickup in Mexico... but with pillows...
*disclaimer; i'm joking, I know for a FACT that a ton of pillows weighs more than a ton of bricks! rofl
ehisforadam 11:58AM (4/21/2009)
This could open up a whole new era of truck testing on The 'Ring...just image Ford, Chevy, and Dodge (if they still exist) putting their trucks against Toyota and Nissan for bragging rights. It probably won't, but I can still dream...
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Ken 2:00PM (4/21/2009)
Like the Ford Lightning and Dodge Ram SRT10? Or how about VW entering the Craftsman Truck Series?
whoapossum 12:53PM (4/21/2009)
I'm glad there was an ad for "Acid Reflux Remedy" directly under this post when I first saw it.
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adood84 2:57PM (4/21/2009)
The reason they test on the ring isn't just to get fast times, its because the track wears out the car in 10k KMs as if it has done 100k KMs on normal roads.
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UrPQ32 5:28PM (4/21/2009)
The pickup will actually be majorly superior to the Ridgeline and other "low performing pickups" (as it will have a gvwr equivalent to a full ton pickup in the US, but be the size near a midsize, as well as being body-on-frame).
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Robert Ryan 8:49PM (4/21/2009)
Most of those "Pillow Trucks" with a 3 Litre Diesel have a 3000lb Payload capacity . The average F150???
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RLC 11:23PM (4/21/2009)
A VW pickup? But shouldn't a truck be dependable and durable?
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Steve516 10:42AM (5/12/2009)
If the Toureg is any indication, load and towing numbers should be excellent, as well as power train options. Check the specs folks.
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