Hippy Dippy VW - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MTI · #1 03-02-2011, 10:08 AM

Geneva Auto Show, VW Bulli Prototype
Apple iPad for entertainment system

But what the new Bulli represents is not just a makeover. Gone are signature features from the original, like panoramic windows, sliding doors and seating for nine. In their place are four conventionally opening doors and seating for just six passengers.

And replacing the old four-cylinder combustion engine is a sleek 85 kW electric motor capable of travelling 300 kilometres on a single battery charge. The motor’s lithium-ion battery pack can be replenished in less than an hour, according to Volkswagen, while a small, range-extending gas and diesel engines are also part of the prototype’s package.

Oh, you know they're going to build it.

Txjake · #2 03-02-2011, 10:09 AM

cool

compu_85 · #3 03-02-2011, 10:12 AM

A microbus with only 2 rows of seats and no sliding door is not a microbus. This is just s stylized Scion Xb.

-J

TheDon · #4 03-02-2011, 10:13 AM

It's a step towards something that can be produced.

pj67coll · #5 03-02-2011, 10:29 AM

Six passengers? I see only four seats there.

- Peter.

SwampYankee · #6 03-02-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

A microbus with only 2 rows of seats and no sliding door is not a microbus. This is just s stylized Scion Xb.

-J

While I kinda like the looks of it, I'd have to agree. A Microbus it is not. I'd imagine due to crash-test safety, a "cabover" design is no longer possible on a passenger vehicle. But I would love to see a retro-stylized Microbus, a la the Challenger, Mustang, Camaro, rather than a minivan with some hints here and there. If they're going to call it a Microbus, it ought to look like one. Otherwise stick with the Routan or whatever they call the rebadged Grand Caravan.

Even this would be more of an homage to the original with the traditional seating behind the front axle.

Hatterasguy · #7 03-02-2011, 10:41 AM

300km on a charge is impressive, electric vehicles might just be viable after all, more so if gas hits $7 a gallon.

I'd buy an electric pickup if I could get one with a 200 mile range that was close in performance to my current half ton. I don't need a lot of range because pickups are crappy over the road vehicles anyway, I'll fly or rent a gas car.