Top spot on the Volkswagen stand went to the world premiere of the Concept T, an off-road coupe styled in North America with VW flair.

Described by VW as a “crossover vehicle blending a high-capability off-roader and an equally uncompromising sports car,” the Concept T’s avant-garde styling makes it one of the most eye-catching vehicles at the NAIAS.

“Only VW could do this car,” said Brian Jenkins, Head of VW’s North American Studio, who created the Concept T. “This car was inspired by a whole automotive sub-culture.” While VW’s heritage, attention to detail, and twinkle-in-the-eye brand values were drivers in its development, “it’s not about the past, it is about the present—and the future.”

Concept T is named for its T-bar body style. Lifted high off the ground by oversize wheels, the pod-like, bulbous cabin appears to float above its chassis. Open wings expose detailing in the light clusters and suspension components. Lights themselves float free from the body panels, with headlamps exploding dramatically from the indicator lamps and lamp housings.

Very short overhangs and a large front air dam give the car an aggressive but not threatening stance. Prominent VW badges are featured front and rear and there’s a full size spare wheel located in an exposed horizontal well behind the rear window. Wide door mirrors set high on the A-pillars and wing-type doors complete the sci-fi look.

Inside, wraparound seats, a head-up display and game-console-style controls on the steering column controls give the car an aura of fantasy and excitement.

Concept T is powered by a 241-horsepower V6 engine driving all four wheels through an automatic transmission.

VW was also drawing attention to more down-to-earth fare.

Debuting in the US market next month is the most powerful Golf ever, the 240-horsepower R32, described by VW executives as the ultimate pocket rocket. The R32 will be priced at $29,100.

Although diesels are gaining popularity in North America, up to now they have not sold as well as automakers would have liked. But Volkswagen hopes to turn that around, debuting one of the most powerful diesel engines ever available in a passenger vehicle.

The Touareg, VW’s new SUV, features a 320-horsepower 5.0-liter V10 TDI engine that produces more than 550 lb-ft of torque—more than double the torque of a typical V8—at just 2000 rpm. That equates to an effortless drive and tremendous towing power. VW executives described it as “German high-tech engineering with the strength and power of an American buffalo.” The TDI Touareg will be priced at $57,800.

VW is also offering the Passat with a 132-horsepower 247 lb-ft TDI, a new 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine, and four-wheel drive.

Also on hand was the Concept R roadster, first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September.

Misschien wel iets voor de Dakar van 2005

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