VW ponders small truck for U.S. market
Volkswagen is toying with getting back into small-sized trucks, showing off its Tarok concept pickup at the New York International Auto Show, which opened to the public last week.
The unibody pickup was built on the same platform shared with other VW models, such as the Golf, Atlas and Tiguan.
Standout design elements on the exterior of the Tarok include an aluminum pillar that wraps around the rear window and a continuous LED strip on the tailgate that merges between both rear taillights.
The concept boasts lots of functionality, thanks mostly to a variable load area, similar to what Subaru did with its Baja pickup. The Tarok's panel behind the rear seats can be flipped down, allowing a longer cargo area by extending the bed into the cabin.
Underneath the hood is a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder TSI engine, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. There's permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive, complete with several driving modes. Underneath there's a skid plate protecting front-end components from off-road scrapes and bumps.
The interior has a fully digital design for the instrument cluster and climate controls, working in conjunction with the central dashboard 9.2-inch infotainment system.
The Tarok is expected to enter production for the South American market very soon but Volkswagen isn't opposed to selling it here in the states, as well. The automaker brought the concept vehicle to the Big Apple's show to gauge U.S. reaction.
If it's high enough, the Tarok could be showing up at VW dealer near you.
Ford F150 RTR
RTR Vehicles, a longtime Ford Mustang tuner, is moving into truck territory, too. The Charlotte, North Carolina, company will offer its first modified pickup in the form of the 2019 Ford F-150 RTR.
While it's not a radical overhaul of the iconic hauler, the package does add some subtle cosmetic changes and improves off-road capabilities.
Underneath, the suspension receives Fox 2.0 Performance coilovers. At each corner, there's RTR 20-inch Tech 6 wheels in a Satin Charcoal finish. They're each wrapped in knobby Nitto Ridge Grappler tires and held on with black lug nuts.
While there's no modifications done to the engine, you'll hear these rigs coming, thanks to a Ford Performance Cat-back exhaust system (available only with the 5.0-, 3.5- and 2.7-liter engines).
A new skid plate is installed up front along with a new upper grille that includes RTR's distinctive D-shaped LED lighting patterns at each end. Black plastic fender flares, fender badging and a graphics package (with stripes on the hood, rear fenders and tailgate) complete the exterior look.
Inside the cabin, everything is stock with additions only being plastic floor liners for the front and rear seats. There's also a dash-mounted serialized plaque, autographed by RTR company founder and pro-drifter driver Vaughn Gittin Jr.
The package can be ordered at select Ford dealers and can be applied only to four-door F-150 models (excluding Raptors). The RTR package costs $12,750 in addition to the price of a new F-150, which will retain its full original equipment manufacturer's warranty.