T5 California Spotted Today Just Outside of Chicago....

[vwbugstuff]

I was on my way to the Midwest Treffen today when I came up behind this.....

I immediately recognized the taillights and was pleasantly surprised to see the TDI badge.

Snapped a couple of crappy pics with my phone and then pulled up alongside to exchange smiles and waves and an enthusiastic "thumbs-up." Unfortunately we were on the expressway and unable to pull off and exchange greetings. Driver and passenger appeared to be middle-aged and the front end had quite the collection of bugs....

Enjoy!!!

[miguel indurain]

What does that say on the plate, NL? There's a good chance some Euro tourists brought it over for their vacation.

I was riding down the Big Sur coast (bicycle) on Friday and at one of the many vista points we encountered an Italian family in a rental domestic minivan. Yeah, I'm pretty sure they were wishing they were in something else...

Interestingly enough, as we were cruising back through town, we also saw a T5, but it was not a California, it looked more like an MV trim level. There's the electronics lab up here, so it might have been one of their cars, or possibly someone getting ready for the PB Concours d'Elegance.

[bigfatgeek]

Living in coastal San Diego County, I sometimes see Euro tourists in the local beach campground. German, Italian and Dutch plates have all been spotted by me on Fiat and Iveco RVs. Quite the adventure.

[vwbugstuff]

NL - Netherlands
I Googled it just to make sure. Good eye Miguel.

[EUROBORA8V]

Here is what i saw in Central Cali

Switzerland - TDI DSG FWD Transporter California


Untitled by Maxi_Photo, on Flickr


Untitled by Maxi_Photo, on Flickr

[bigfatgeek]

^Zurich-based Swiss plates on that fine machine.

[EUROBORA8V]

[QUOTE=bigfatgeek;78593770]^Zurich-based Swiss plates on that fine machine.[/QUOT]

ZH tells you that?

[bigfatgeek]

^ Yep, I travel to Zurich on average once a year and rent cars - all of which have had ZH plates.

[joegull]

I've heard vague rumblings that we may see the T5 in 2013. Anyone know anything?

[EUROBORA8V]

I've heard vague rumblings that we may see the T5 in 2013. Anyone know anything?

I dont see it happening as VW is working on T6 already. T5 is a T5.5 already with the facelift.

[joegull]

I dont see it happening as VW is working on T6 already. T5 is a T5.5 already with the facelift.

That actually might make it more likely in that our models run at least a year or two behind Europe.

[bigfatgeek]

Would love one (especially in TDI guise), but I am not holding my breath. Meanwhile, the forthcoming Ford Transit seems interesting.

[miguel indurain]

I think if money were a secondary consideration, those in Cal. would be able to put an AHU or ALH TDI into a T4 and run with it. At least the vehicle and the engine in it are certified to be registered in the state. With the restrictions Cal has, if you can get it registered in state it'd be cake in pretty much any other state. It's just a hassle to have to cobble together a vehicle that you want that just about everyone else takes for granted.

There does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel as other mfrs are bringing in or planning diesel-powered options. At least we don't all have to pick from a Bulli TDI or, well, a gas powered Bulli...

[Seano]

I dont see it happening as VW is working on T6 already. T5 is a T5.5 already with the facelift.

Agree. T6 is due in VW's MY14 release period...so if T6 were to appear then it would be end of 2013 at the earliest with a probable launch 1st/2nd qtr of 2014 calendar year in Europe & RoW.

[MEISTER]

I would love to have one of those.... Err! Stupid Routon.

[EUROBORA8V]

Agree. T6 is due in VW's MY14 release period...so if T6 were to appear then it would be end of 2013 at the earliest with a probable launch 1st/2nd qtr of 2014 calendar year in Europe & RoW.

Usually VW commercial vehicle are pretty damn good. I think that T5 is a perfection and i can not even imagine how would T6 be. I am sure it would be even better but would like to see how. I would assume that it will be a very deep T5 facelift.

[Seano]

I would assume that it will be a very deep T5 facelift.

Probably a good assumption though VW do have a history of structural sheetmetal changes between each series.

I would assume driveline upgrades especially in the gearboxes (8spd auto is a given - already in Amarok), BlueMotion compliant engines and sheetmetal alteration to reduce mass....it'll all be about hunting for continuing Euro emission compliance going forward.

[davidfrench]

I just dropped 1200$ on what was supposed to be an oil change and rough engine inspection on my T4 '01. I know next thing is going to be the trans (it has 100 000 miles).
My next van won't be a VW T6 (even if I have time to start saving).
It will be a japanese car. Nissan NV350.
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...otor-show.html
With Nissan there's a better chance it will be imported. Maybe with a diesel engine...


(I hope the gold rims won't make it to production)

[miguel indurain]

Bigfatgeek, is it me, or does David's Nissan look like it needs to be plastered with Sky Pro Cycling Team stickers all over its sides? Or maybe RadioShack would be more appropriate.

I sure hope other manufacturers bring their diesel products to all markets so folks at least have a chance to buy into interesting tech rather than have the same engines reheated in new sheet metal.

[dapolrbear]

That Nissan is kinda ugly and cool at the same time. Looks a bit like a Toyota HiAce van.

[bigfatgeek]

@Big Mig - exactly, looks like a ProTour support vehicle, sans-wrap. Funky-cool, forward-control, I kinda like it.

[davidfrench]

That Nissan is kinda ugly and cool at the same time.

Exactly!

[EUROBORA8V]

Probably a good assumption though VW do have a history of structural sheetmetal changes between each series.

I would assume driveline upgrades especially in the gearboxes (8spd auto is a given - already in Amarok), BlueMotion compliant engines and sheetmetal alteration to reduce mass....it'll all be about hunting for continuing Euro emission compliance going forward.

Agreed

Planning to own a California version some time later with TDI and 4motion.

[Seano]

Don't hang one's hat on a cab over Nissan making it to the States. They (cab overs) are almost always confined to Asia these days. Even the next Hiace is mooted to have a bonnet...

However, I wouldn't bet against a Nissan badged version of Renault Trafic and Master vans especially since the two are now development partners. Oz is slated to get Nissan versions of the next Renault versions of the Trafic (T5) and Master (Crafter)...and I'm pretty sure that they are also being platform shared with Peugeot and Vauxhall.

Frankly...if Ford is going to bring the just launched Transit into the States (and it works for them) then it'll be the tip of the iceberg since automotive marketing departments love new or revitalised market niches.

Witness the new Toyosubaru and Hyundai Veloster...

[tiiger]

Bring on the T6!

Then maybe the allure of the 2002/2003 Weekender will drop a hair and I'll be able to find one for a price that's not completely crackers.

[euroger]

Bring on the T6!

Then maybe the allure of the 2002/2003 Weekender will drop a hair and I'll be able to find one for a price that's not completely crackers.

MSRP on my '03 MV was around $45K (USD) and the T6 will probably be substantially more so, to my way of thinking, the '02/'03's should hold their own/increase in value...at least mine will

[GCAutoparts]

Agreed

Planning to own a California version some time later with TDI and 4motion.

Do want one bad