VW

[SouthernSky]

I owned a 4-speed VW pickup in the mid 80s I bought in Denver. I was in the military and got to ship it to Belgium for a short tour. The needle on the speedometer had a peg sticking up at 87 mph. Let me tell you that when I drove the Autobahn in Germany that needle stayed stuck in the peg. It handled pretty good for a mini truck, even with the tiny camper shell.

I sold it when I came to Louisiana and the guy that bought it was still driving it many years later.

 

[fried1765]

The VW "Rabbit" Volkswagen (VW) Truck For Sale was the type of pickup which many at TBN scoff at because it won't haul 2 cords of firewood while towing a trailer with a bulldozer.
It was a sporty little vehicle which could pull in up to 50 MPG, and get you to the dump in a hurry. They also were tough as nails, a neighbor had one for years and beat the snot out of it.











'

I sold my dad's 1981 5 spd. Rabbit diesel pickup on E-Bay 2 years ago.
Had very low miles, and brought a great price.
Always garaged, condition was excellent!
It sold for much more than I think he paid for it brand new.
The 50 mpg. number is correct.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^^
I remember that, as I thought about bidding on it but knew that it would be out of my price range.

 

[Oaktree]

Time will tell what the US ends up with:

2022 VW Amarok pickup teased, will be twinned with next Ford Ranger

If, as the article implies it will only be available as a 4 door, I'm not interested.

I'm curious about these "joint ventures" between automakers, I thought they were supposed to be competitors.

 

[Bearsixty7]

Volkswagen Looks Ready To Bring Amarok Pickup To The US

It's been a long time since Volkswagen offered a pickup in the United States. The Rabbit-based pickup ended production back in 1984, and due to the odd Chicken Tax law in the US, VW hasn't been able to offer a truck without building it locally. This situation might soon change, though. While...

carbuzz.com

It is mentioned in this article, I apparently still have long term memory.

VW promises the next-generation Amarok will be more than a reskinned Ranger with a different badge. Rumors suggest the new Amarok and Ranger will use either a 2.0-liter twin-turbo or a 3.0-liter single-turbo diesel engine, both mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. We highly doubt either of these engine options will see use in the US, where diesel is on its way out. Let's hope this latest trademark is proof that VW is finally ready to bring the Amarok stateside.

The diesel fuel mileage and the trucks durability were the main reason's it was desired. I fear the reskinned version and no diesel (or any other motor getting 30+ mpg) will hamper sales.

 

[KennyG]

If I recall, the feature that limited the old VW pickup appeal was the front wheel drive. Load it heavy (or overload it as we tend to) and traction was an issue.

 

[Cat385B]

As we get more EV’s on the road, can we go back to Tier 2 emissions on the diesels?
Bring back the Jetta and the 5.9 Cummins!

 

[zzvyb6]

Its not as easy as just throwing them on a boat. They have to pass rigid tailpipe emissions, evaporative emissions, crashworthiness, stability control, rollover, passby noise, stopping distance, lighting & visibility standards, trailer towing, wet traction, and a few other Federal requirements even horn volume, before they can be put on sale here. Chances are slim that they meet even a few of these. Yes there are Euro standards, but they don't jive well with ours.

 

[Jstpssng]

Its not as easy as just throwing them on a boat. They have to pass rigid tailpipe emissions, evaporative emissions, crashworthiness, stability control, rollover, passby noise, stopping distance, lighting & visibility standards, trailer towing, wet traction, and a few other Federal requirements even horn volume, before they can be put on sale here. Chances are slim that they meet even a few of these. Yes there are Euro standards, but they don't jive well with ours.

I could never understand that. Isn't the US supposed to be the major cause of tailpipe emissions, global warming, and perhaps even male pattern baldness?

 

[ptsg]

I'm sure if will pass any emissions test in Europe, it will pass in the US as well and a lot easier.

Emissions are very very strict for on road vehicles in Europe and will be for tractors/equipment very soon as well, since we are now dealing with the Stage V and new tractors from 2021 and on have to be Stage V compliant.