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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 The classic panoramic windows, seating for nine, sliding doors and wimpy engine have been replaced by four conventional doors, an electric motor, and a panoramic sunroof.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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I am SO disappointed! It looks like a remake of the Honda Element. It looks like a mini-van versus the old VW Van. Where's the rear space? I can appreciate that VW wants to break into the mini-van, soccer-mom scene... but don't compare this to the old classic. Yuck!
Uh, this is not even close to the 1950 to 1967 Buses. For one, the type 2 buses werent called vans by volkswagen. At least not in the usa. I still own a 1964 bus. Over in Britian ect....they call them vans. The 2001 look was Much better. So they put a white stripe down the roof and a distant resemblance of the white V stripe down the front. Its good they call it a bulli. I wouldnt even try to compare that to the classic type 2 bus.
However, the saving grace of this vehicle might be the preppy new savage look it retains of well....just like every other new vehicle these days that sports the "pissed off household appliance look" Its new vehicle qualities and accessories just might sell it. But dont call it a bus. I can pull the motor of my 1964 bus in ...20 minutes. Id bet the farm one cannot do that to this vehicle, lol.
P.S. the new beetle isnt a beetle either. It only resembles the classic beetle in over all shape.
Ugly. The lack of storage space is an issue. Those into retro, (which also goes out of style), might buy it over a Smart Car. The only feature I really like is the hands-free Blue Tooth technology, that can also be found in the BlueTec M Series Mercedes Benz... a diesel vehicle that is ultra safe, envornmentally friendly, roomy, and goes for 600 miles on a tankful. Of course, unless you get a deal on it, as I did, the BlueTec MB is a bit pricey. MB also makes a hybrid version for city drivers. Sorry VW.
I agree with KayBeeStew. My daughters and I have been wondering for years why they have not resurrected a cool retro form of the classic VW bus and we would have hopped on it, especially with the electric motor and zero emissions. this is so not a "bus" though: just another cute little car. I have family, friends and sports gear to haul, this simply aint gonna cut it!!
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