Volkswagen Concept A

VW's Concept A is a realistic look at the company's long-rumored 2009 Golf-based sport/utility vehicle. The production version is likely to be named either Marrakech or Bedouin and will probably feature many of the design cues of the Concept A. Note that the A does have real sideview mirrors (not cameras) and a front fascia reflecting its Passat-based design direction. Its "3D" crest radiator grille is made of brushed aluminum, and VW describes it as looking "like the mirror image of a cheetah."

Talking Points
• Underhood is a 150-horsepower turbo-and supercharged 1.4-liter with gas-direct injection.
• Transverse-mounted turbodiesel with particulate filter, 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter FSI four, or any of a number of powerplants, including V-6s, would fit nicely.
• Concept A has 4MOTION all-wheel drive, six-speed-manual gearbox.
• Wheelbase is 102.4 inches, overall length is 171.3, width is 72.8, and a "step-in" height is 61.0, with long hood, short overhangs.
• Wheels are 20 inches, with 295 aspect ratio tires.
• Hofmeister kink in C-pillar and Bangle-esque "flame surfacing" a bow to BMW design.
• Two-part hatchback; lid and backlight flip up, lower part under the taillamps swings open like a pickup-truck loading surface.
• There's no B-pillar inside the "suicide" club-cab-style four doors, and door handles are placed to look like a single handle.