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Volkswagen releases the Bulli van concept vehicle
The 81st Gevena International Motor Show kicks off this week, and motorheads are already buzzing about big news from Volkswagen. The New York Times Wheels blog is reporting that VW will introduce the Volkswagen Bulli concept car today. The Bulli concept derives its name from the original1950 Microbus of the same name, and was first seen by car enthusiasts in 2001. For various reasons, production of the new Bulli was put on hold, but now VW fans everywhere have reason to celebrate. Volkswagen says the new concept is more compact, affordable, and is equipped with more sustainable technologies.
The 21st century redesign is dramatically different from its 1950s predecessor. The classic panoramic windows, seating for nine, sliding doors and wimpy engine have been replaced by four conventional doors, an electric motor, and a panoramic sunroof. The Bulli still has a single bench seat in the front, with space for three in the rear.
A Volkswagen press release says the "is spacious like it was in 1950," but now "it has clean styling like never before."
This shorter, wider re-imagining of the hippie van also features an iPad-based "infotainment system." A removable iPad in the center console will control such functions as Bluetooth hands-free telephone and a navigation system, as well as the climate control system.
You can see more pictures of the Volkswagen Bulli here, and don't miss Life magazine's photo gallery of classic VW buses.
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VW does have a mini-van, it's the Routan. But I wish something like the Caravelle would be sold here: something that will hold 7 people AND stuff (something the Bulli can't do.) Until that happens, I'm driving the Routan since I can't see myself driving anything but a VW. (I grew up with VWs, including many vans which I looooved.)
FYI- here's the original 2001 Concept:
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2000-2003/2001-VW-Microbus-Concept-Sid...
The old microbus was cute, quirky, fun and a death trap (the driver's legs *were* the front crumple zone). It would never be allowed on the road today as a new vehicle. There's probably no way to replicate that design *and* incorporate modern safety standards, so there would have to be a lot of compromises. Besides, the microbus was about as aerodynamic as a phone book, so -- electric or not -- it would be energy-extravagant.
Here's what the Car Talk guys had to say:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1999/June/08.html
I'm keeping my '87 Westy Weekender. This thing is just a pregnant honda element. Why can't some car company make a VW van like product that is not a testosterone laden monster like the Sports Mobile. It seems like my Westy will be held together by duct tape and varathane before they come up with a replacement. Boo on the Bulli.
What is everyone griping about? Just like the new Beetle, they took retro cues and put them on a modern package. It looks cool, I'm sure they'd sell a million of 'em. It may not have a perfectly flat nose like the old one, but it probably has the motor in front for a lot of reasons. I'm sure it is way safer than the prior. How does everyone know that it is too small from this little rendering?
What cues has it taken from the old bus? The VW logo? That's the only similarity I see. Period. What a piece of crap design. Scion xB? Element? Flex? It has no identity other than being a composite of other identities. Sad and tragic. I think their designers are just too arrogant to listen to what the people have been saying for many years.
What cues has it taken from the old bus? The VW logo? That's the only similarity I see. Period. What a piece of crap design. Scion xB? Element? Flex? It has no identity other than being a composite of other identities. Sad and tragic. I think their designers are just too arrogant to listen to what the people have been saying for many years.
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