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Global Concepts (Part 2)
Volkswagen AAC
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According to Volkswagen, its Advanced Activity Concept (AAC) combines the functions of a pickup with the luxury of a top-class sedan. As far back as the C-pillars, a load-bearing bodyshell is used. The load platform and rear axle are supported on side chassis members. The AAC's doors are unlocked by a remote control that must be inserted in a special holder on top of the dashboard to start the engine. A multifunctional navigation guidance display with a 7-inch color screen comes to life on top of the instrument panel when the ignition is switched on. Since the four-door truck has no B-pillars, the front seats feature integrated seat belts. The concept's V10 engine has twin variable turbine-blade-geometry turbochargers and a balance shaft. It develops 230 kW (313 hp) at 4000 rpm and a remarkably high peak torque of 750 N/m (553 lb/ft). Fuel injection is by a pump-injector system developed jointly by Volkswagen and Bosch. The cylinder-selective system can operate at pressures beyond 200 MPa (29 ksi) so that the diesel is finely atomized and good combustion is ensured. Pilot injection is employed to reduce the typically hard sound of the diesel combustion process. Drive is through a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and an electronic stability program is fitted. Independent double-wishbone suspension at all four wheels is augmented by an air suspension with three position settings. The difference between the lowest and highest air-suspension positions is 110 mm (4.3 in).
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