2012 MTM Volkswagen T 500

(from MTM Press Release)  MTM Q3 and MTM T 500 (EM 2012 Edition)

Just prior to the spectacular premiere of the automobile industry’s current annual presentation season at the International Motor Show in Geneva, the statistics registered a trend that every automobile manufacturer should take note of: the notchback is out and the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is taking over.

MTM has spearheaded this movement with a proven model in this category: more power for sportier performance! Cars from the MTM high-tech studio in Wettstetten, Germany, that are headed for the finish line, are power-packed and have what it takes to take the lead. So it makes sense that MTM is presenting two Power SUVs (PSUVs): The MTM T 500 2.5 TFSI 4motion, which an unsuspecting observer might mistake at first glance for a VW T5. But don’t be fooled. It wouldn’t be an MTM creation if it didn’t have power to spare; and besides, the motor vehicle registration certificate identifies MTM as the responsible automobile manufacturer.

Which is also the maxim for the MTM T 500 2.5 TFSI 4motion. It is driven by an in-line five-cylinder, an indestructible performer with a character that may no longer play a leading role in the serial production planning at Volkswagen, but which has nevertheless succeeded in building a huge fan community. And they will prick up their ears when the T 500 roars off into the distance with 472 HP at 6,900 rpm. At 4,100 rpm, the unit racks up a torque of 625 Nm, and if the transmission hadn’t also been modified for such force with MTM know-how, the enormous bang would hardly allow it to make it to the asphalt. Secured to such an extent, the fierce propulsion first ends at 280 km/h. Even the briskest T5 with serial power stays within a civil speed range, at about 200 km/h. The control exercised against so much power is guaranteed by large disc brakes, firmly gripped by two 6-piston fixed callipers at the front axle. Mounted on the 9x20 inch MTM Bimoto rims, are 275/35 ZR 20 Michelin SuperSport. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, but in the face of a muscleman, the category “comfort” seems to hold what it promises – with a KW Street Comfort coilover suspension, with a sensible as well as helpful touch from MTM. All in all, the MTM T500 ensemble totals just under 160,000 Euro.

Primed like this, both MTM creations are perfectly suited for a trip to the European Football Championship. The ideal PSUV for fans and groupies. For those fans who would rather watch the tournament of Europe’s best kickers at home on the telly, skip the black-red-gold foil: with savings of 2,350 Euro for the T500 and 1,850 Euro for the MTM Q3. You’ll still be ahead of the game with both, multi-coloured or plain – even if you head west.