By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Maserati enthrals at FuoriConcorso with GT2 Stradale and MCXtrema
    May 14, 2025
    Leapmotor presents its range at Automobile Barcelona, Spain
    May 14, 2025
    Alfa Romeo sporting glory dominates “Fuori Concorso”
    May 13, 2025
    Market Art Fair Stockholm and BMW Sweden present Gregor Hildebrandt as artist for BMW Art Commission 2025
    May 13, 2025
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
    May 28, 2025
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Lotus Technology Releases 2024 ESG Report
    May 28, 2025
    Top marks for a Volkswagen model once again: new Tayron achieves 5 stars inEuro NCAP
    May 28, 2025
    Construction Begins on Toyota New Tokyo Head Office in Shinagawa to Open in FY2030
    May 28, 2025
    Volvo Cars announces redundancies as part of cost and cash action plan
    May 28, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Group Opens ZER01NE Fund III
    May 28, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
    Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
    April 4, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
    Sourcing Guide Right-Hand Drive American SUVs and Pickup Trucks in Africa
    April 29, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    All-New Nissan MICRA EV debuts ahead of European launch
    May 28, 2025
    BMW Group and Solid Power are testing all-solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7
    May 20, 2025
    Toyota Debuts Stylish, Powerful 2026 C-HR Battery Electric Vehicle
    May 18, 2025
    A Ford Capri Fit for ‘The King’
    May 17, 2025
    World premiere of the Toyota bZ4X Touring
    May 16, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Lærke Rønn, Alexia Danielsson, Rasmus Vendelbo, Porsche Sprint Challenge Scandinavia, 2025, Porsche AG
    The schoolgirl who’s just won her debut GT race
    May 28, 2025
    Porsche with new qualifying record and ongoing points streak ahead of China
    May 28, 2025
    Nissan Formula E Team looking to reinforce championship lead in Shanghai
    May 28, 2025
    Opel Mokka GSE Rally: A New Star in Electric Rallying
    May 28, 2025
    Mercedes-AMG aims for third overall victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring
    May 28, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    From left to right: Jens Böther, Regional Council; Nikolas Wenzel, Managing Director of MOIN; Claudia Kalisch, Mayor of Lüneburg; Alex Meier, Depot Manager; Nils Richert, Daimler Buses
    Daimler Buses builds a completely new electric bus depot for a customer for the first time
    May 28, 2025
    600 km range and superfast charging – meet Volvo’s new electric truck
    May 20, 2025
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 on a long-haul route of over 1,500 kilometers
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 
    May 18, 2025
    Raghavendra Vaidya appointed as new Chief Information Officer of Daimler Truck
    May 15, 2025
    Daimler Truck: Strong first quarter in uncertain times
    May 14, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    GR Supra pushes performance limits with A90 Final Edition and Lightweight EVO
    May 28, 2025
    The new BMW M2 CS
    May 28, 2025
    Defender upgraded: The unstoppable 4×4 is now even more distinctive 
    May 28, 2025
    From vision to Veyron: the evolution of a Bugatti icon
    May 17, 2025
    The new Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series
    May 13, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Artificial intelligence: Audi boosts production efficiency
    May 28, 2025
    Greater efficiency and productivity with artificial intelligence – generative AI in BMW Group Purchasing
    May 19, 2025
    Aston Martin debuts Apple CarPlay Ultra for iPhone users
    May 16, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany can now purchase and pay for e-Vignettes directly from their vehicle
    May 15, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Group Delivers Enhanced In-Car Experience Through Equinix Data Centers Globally
    May 8, 2025
Hot News
Lotus Technology Releases 2024 ESG Report
Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
Top marks for a Volkswagen model once again: new Tayron achieves 5 stars inEuro NCAP
The schoolgirl who’s just won her debut GT race
Construction Begins on Toyota New Tokyo Head Office in Shinagawa to Open in FY2030
Latest News

TOYOTA MAINTAINS ITS LEAD IN A WEAKENING MARKET

Latest News

Ducati stabilizes its position in the main markets

Latest News

Volkswagen Group pushes ahead with strategic realignment of charging and energy business

Motosport

Kalahari X-Country Racing Club Fires Up Rounds 1 & 2 of the 2025 National Championship

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Latest News

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles celebrates 40 years of the all-wheel drive

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: January 30, 2025 10:51
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
324 Views
17 Min Read
Share
17 Min Read
SHARE
  • Bremen Classic Motorshow 2025: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer showcases rare T3 syncro flatbed truck and record-breaking T4 Multivan syncro
  • It was the first series-production all-wheel-drive van: in 1985, the T3 syncro made its debut as the first ever all-wheel drive Transporter; it was available in almost all body versions
  • 4×4 vans for the modern era: in 2025, the all-wheel drive versions of the Multivan, California, Transporter, Caravelle and ID. Buzz will continue the T3 syncro’s story
  • 31 January to 2 February: the Bremen Classic Motorshow is the first modern classic and vintage vehicle exhibition of the year and the start of the 2025 classic vehicle season

The Bremen Classic Motorshow opens its doors on 31 January, marking the start of the 2025 classic vehicle season. Volkswagen Commercial Oldtimer vehicle division will travel to Bremen on Germany’s still wintry roads with some all-wheel drive treasures that are perfectly suited to the weather: a freshly restored T3 syncro 16”  flatbed truck  – only 60 units of which were ever built – and a record-breaking T4 Multivan syncro. There’s a good reason for this: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating ‘40 years of the all-wheel drive’ in 2025. The motto: “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”

There is no doubt that the T3 and T4 syncro, as well as the later T5 and T6 4MOTION, have made a significant contribution to the fact that the VW van has become an icon for globetrotters, tradespeople and campers who often have to drive their vehicles on unpaved terrain. In Bremen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now looking back on 40 years of all-wheel drive and, at the same time, looking to the future. This is because the seventh generation of the Bulli – the Multivan, California, Transporter, Caravelle and ID. Buzz – is also available with all-wheel drive.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

Off to the Sahara in the T2: The first T3 syncro went into series production in 1985. However, the story of all-wheel-drive adventures with the VW van began much earlier – in the 1970s, with the head of development for the Transporter product line: Gustav Mayer (1925–2014). He loved travelling and challenging himself, a passion that kept leading him back to the Sahara Desert in a T2 time and again.

However, the T2 was only available with rear-wheel drive at the time. At some point though, Gustav Mayer had had enough of shovelling his van out of the sand in the deserts of North Africa, so he and his team simply built an all-wheel drive T2. The tests of the first prototype went well, including a few again in the dunes of the Sahara. In 1978, construction of five T2 test vehicles with a selectable front-wheel drive began. However, the T2 – launched in 1967 – was already approaching the end of its life cycle at that point. That’s why the T3 became the first VW van to be equipped with all-wheel drive.

The T3 syncro made its debut in 1985: From the very beginning, the T3 was not only intended as a commercial vehicle, but also as a vehicle for travelling the world. There was simply no other vehicle offered the same level of spaciousness. The floor structure of the T3, first introduced with rear-wheel drive in 1979, therefore allocated space for a propshaft and a front axle differential right from the outset and thus for all-wheel drive. But it took time to develop it to the desired level of perfection and apparently ever-lasting durability.

The waiting finally came to an end in 1985: the first Transporter vehicles and the first Caravelle syncro were launched onto the market. Volkswagen had entered into a cooperation with Steyr-Daimler-Puch for series development and construction of the syncro variants. The company was renowned within the industry as a highly competent specialist for the development and production of all-wheel drive vehicles. This is why final assembly of the T3 syncro took place at the Steyr-Daimler-Puch plant in Graz.

A VW van as an off-road vehicle: In contrast to the T2 test vehicles, the T3 syncro did not have a selectable all-wheel drive, but – much more conveniently – a front axle that was permanently integrated via a propshaft. A viscous clutch was used for integration. This proved to be very robust and delivered perfect performance under almost all conditions. Another advantage of the Visco clutch was the fact that the otherwise standard intermediate differential, which usually compensated for the speed differences between the front and rear axles, could be omitted.

This task was now also performed by the silicone oil-filled clutch. A multi-part underbody guard protected the all-wheel-drive technology from damage during off-road adventures. Different springs and harder shock absorbers were also used. As a result, the body of the syncro models was 60 millimetres higher. When it came to choosing a gearbox, the engineers opted for a 4+G gearbox, which had four classic forward gears and a very short off-road gear for driving off-road. Differential locks on the front and rear axles as well as a rough terrain package were also available as options.

The latter included features such as reinforced drive shafts, a vibration damper in the drivetrain and various body reinforcements. With this equipment, the syncro models impressed with a ground clearance of 215 millimetres at the front, a ramp angle of 22 degrees and a breakover angle of 24 degrees. In terms of drive technology, the VW van had reached the level of an off-road vehicle – but with much more space and comfort on board for life’s great adventures.

T3 with 16-inch wheels as a flatbed truck: From 1987, the T3 syncro was even available with 16-inch wheels and extensive modifications to the chassis and body, larger brakes and a rear axle lock as standard, catering to the most extreme off-road use. The reinforcements increased the off-road payload to one tonne. The ground clearance increased to 246 millimetres (+25 mm). A total of 2,138 of these heavy-duty all-wheel drive vehicles – out of the total 45,478 T3 syncros built – left the Graz production halls up until 1992, becoming companions to adventurers, world travellers, forestry workers and tradespeople.

Only around 60 of these Volkswagens at expedition-vehicle standard were built as flatbed truck with a load bed, but the additional costs for the syncro drive and the 16-inch conversion were around 50 per cent higher compared with the rear-wheel drive platform body. Today, it is almost impossible to track down such an early all-wheel-drive pickup as a classic vehicle. However, it is still possible to see one of these needles in the haystack of all-wheel-drive VW vans: at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand at Bremen Classic Motorshow.

The T4 syncro arrives in 1993: A genuine world record-breaker will be standing right next to the syncro dropside at the Bremen Classic Motorshow: a T4 Multivan syncro from 1999, in which, 26 years ago, a team from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles completed the legendary Panamericana from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego faster and more easily than any other traveller on four-wheels had ever done before. But before this adventure could begin, the T4 had to be developed. A brief flashback: when the new T4 Volkswagen van made its debut in 1990 – by now in its fourth generation –, it was a technical revolution with a new design, new drive, new engines and a new concept.

The boxer engine had stepped out of the ring. It was replaced by modern, water-cooled four- and five-cylinder engines, which no longer worked at the rear but at the front, powering the front wheels – offering advantages across the board: the load compartment in the T4 was lower and more accessible. And most importantly, the driver and front passenger seats were now located behind the front axle, which improved passive safety. In 1993, Volkswagen completed the range with the new T4 syncro, whose Visco clutch now transmitted power from the front to the rear.

A record-breaking drive for the Multivan T4 syncro:
 As already mentioned, the fact that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles once again had one of the world’s best vehicles for adventures in its the range in the form of the all-wheel-drive T4 was demonstrated when the inventor of the VW van took it on a world record-breaking drive from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in 1999. Two teams set off from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska on 25 September with the aim of reaching Ushuaia in Argentina via the longest north-south connection on the American continent – the Panamericana. Apart from a larger fuel tank, additional headlights on the roof and plexiglass lenses in front of the headlights, the technology of the vehicles was the same as a production vehicle.

The challenges faced by both man and machine included the fact that the Panamericana was in far from ideal condition due to an earthquake in Mexico and a great deal of unrest in South America. Nevertheless, the first T4 Multivan syncro – registration number WOB AZ 152 – with professional globetrotters Andreas Renz and Matthias Göttenauer on board reached its destination after exactly 15 days, 14 hours and 6 minutes and 22,880 kilometres, securing its place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The second T4 Multivan syncro also reached its destination a few days later after getting caught in severe storms. The record drive undertaken by the Multivan T4 syncro was the final impetus for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to design even more powerful all-wheel-drive vehicles. The T4 syncro thus became the initial trigger for the development of the PanAmericana models – first as a special edition model (T4), then as a special series (T5) and since the T6 as an all-terrain equipment version.

The T5 as 4MOTION arrives in 2004: In 2003, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented the T5 as a world premiere. More powerful engines and, above all, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) called for a new all-wheel drive system. This was available from 2004 onwards under the new designation 4MOTION. The central element of the 4MOTION system was now an axially compressed multiplate clutch running in an oil bath.

The pressure was generated by two pumps. The more pressure that was applied to the plates, the greater the power transmission and thus integration of the rear axle. Thanks to the multiplate clutch’s quick reaction time, it was now possible to integrate the rear axle steplessly only if one of the front wheels started to lose traction. In normal operation, the 4MOTION models available as a Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan and California therefore had front-wheel drive, which helped to save fuel.

4MOTION gets electronic controls: In 2010, an enhanced version of 4MOTION made its debut with a new multiplate clutch and an electronically controlled high-pressure pump, which provided a constant oil pressure of 30 bar in a reservoir. Slip on the front axle was thus no longer needed to persuade the rear wheels to step in. The ESC sensors provided the high-pressure pump with information when the wheels were practically only just starting to show a loss of traction. Within a hundredth of a second, the power was delivered to the wheels that needed it.

In addition, the new 4MOTION system was able to cover virtually all driving conditions with confidence. Furthermore, it was able to move forward even when a wheel was hanging in the air – with an optional rear-axle locking differential coming in helpful here. From 2015, the 4MOTION system with the electronically controlled multiplate clutch was adapted for the sixth generation of the product line (T6) and used in the T6.1 from 2019.

Three all-wheel-drive van product lines for the modern age: Due to completely new requirements relating to the variety of drive systems and usage scenarios, the seventh generation of the Bulli is now divided into three product lines: the Multivan including the new California based on it, the all-electric ID. Buzz including the ID. Buzz Cargo commercial vehicle version and the new Transporter including the Caravelle designed as a shuttle bus.

And Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles naturally also offers various derivatives of all three product lines as all-wheel drive versions: the Multivan and California have been available since autumn 2024 with the first new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive (eHybrid 4MOTION) from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles; as an innovation, the rear axle is powered purely electrically here. The rear axle of the newly developed Transporter TDI 4MOTION and Caravelle TDI 4MOTION is integrated via an electronically controlled differential. And in the case of the all-wheel-drive ID. Buzz Cargo Pro 4MOTION and ID. Buzz GTX models, all four wheels are driven exclusively by electric power. Nothing will therefore stand in the way of a trip in a VW van to the Sahara in 2025 either. These models also don’t necessarily need roads either…

Classic T1 model to serve thirsty visitors in Hall 5: A trip round the show browsing some deliciously perfect examples of automotive history – from the prospective Bulli to the perfect all-wheel drive model – is thirsty work. That’s why Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer division will once again be bringing an important cult vehicle from its large collection to the show on the banks of the River Weser: the ‘Beck’s Bus’. And that’s exactly where you’ll find the famous Bremen beer that shares its name with this T1 bus.

The option of an alcohol-free version for motorists goes without saying. For a long time now, the ‘Beck’s Bus’ has been a popular and well-known meeting point at trade fairs – like Bremen’s beloved get-together for classic vehicle fans. Simply head to stand D08 in Hall 5. Spread across 424 square metres, the stand not only has classic vehicles from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, but also numerous classic icons from Audi Tradition, Škoda, Autostadt Wolfsburg and Volkswagen Classic. So, one trip to this stand is worth it five times over.

TAGGED:Bremen Classic MotorshowT3 syncroT4 Multivan syncroVolkswagen Commercial OldtimerVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen partners with DHL Express South Africa for the pilot test of ID.Buzz Cargo fleet in South Africa

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
November 22, 2023
Latest News

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles achieves solid result in 2024

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 18, 2025
Latest News

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles increases sales revenue in 2023

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 22, 2024
Latest News

Volkswagen Group improves operating profit, unit sales and sales revenue

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
October 30, 2023
Latest News

Brand Group Core reports solid results for 2024 in a challenging environment

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 13, 2025
Latest News

The Porsche race service is now using the ID. Buzz

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
May 11, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner