VW previews future Transporter van with Tristar concept

Volkswagen TRISTAR concept hints at T6 Transporter design and new extended cab body.

Volkswagen has given us our first taste of the next-generation T6 Transporter light commercial lineup with the first images of the new TRISTAR concept, due to appear at the Paris motor show next month.

Riding on the same platform as the existing T5-generation Transporter, the TRISTAR showcases a new extended cab ute body that could point to a new variant for the T6 to sit between the single and dual-cab chassis models.

The concept also showcases several design updates over the current T5, that likely preview the next-generation T6’s look ahead of its expected debut at next year’s Geneva motor show.

The concept features an altogether sharper front end design than current Transporter models, with a more aggressive grille and greater integration of LED day-time running lights.

At the rear the TRISTAR adopts a horizontal taillight design that harks back to that used by the T3 generation of the 1980s.

Inside, the concept features a versatile interior design that appears to be production ready - including rotating seats and a 20-inch display that doubles as a table that likely preview new features headed for the T6.

Beneath the metal the TRISTAR adopts a modified version of the T5 Transporter’s chassis, with a permanent four-wheel drive system and mechanical rear axle lock.

Measuring 4,788mm long, 2,320mm wide and 2,066mm tall the Paris-bound show car is slightly smaller in length than current short wheelbase T5 Transporter models, but is significantly wider thanks partly to the show-spec 245-section off-road tyres.

With a healthy 30mm of extra ground clearance, the versatile new concept is also slightly taller than existing Transporter models.

The TRISTAR is powered by a 150kW/400Nm version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine found in existing Transporter TDI400 production models, while a 7-speed DSG gearbox drives all four wheels.