63
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 The classic panoramic windows, seating for nine, sliding doors and wimpy engine have been replaced by four conventional doors, an electric motor, and a panoramic sunroof.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.
Pages
Readers:
I concure with the Majority; this is NOT a VW Micro Bus, I owned two, a 65 & and cicra 73, the 73 was worse than the 65. And the 65 was no mechanical joy either! The Micro-Bus's problem was that it was made for small, urban, Europa, not Kansas!
So, YES, keep the shell(and the split bench front seat, and give it some power and reliablity. Along with the camper, bring back the pick-up truck model, with the stake sides and canvass roof.
And ditto, on the Tacho VW beetle; it only vaguely resembles the original.
Quit screwing around, you got it right the first time as to style and details. Work on the power train and the HEATERS(it gets cold in Maine, and driving a VW in a snowmobile suit is not comfortable)
I hope some Computer Guru sends all of these tidbits to VW for a once over.
(signed)
Mr.Anthony
I guess I'm not done. Call it the people's car. It will sell. But the marketing folks really messed up. You're toying with culture here, and by calling out the micro-bus and not delivering one you have offended EVERYONE. Maybe the guy in Costco sneakers won't care, like with the rebadged Canadian Chrysler. And maybe you're setting the tone for a later add-on, but now you've already spent the nose on a car. How much smacking in the face do you need to know that you have a buying demographic that has not seen the real thing on a dealer lot in almost ten years.
I was so excited to hear about this on Marketplace this morning. I rushed right into the office to get online and check it out. What a disappointment! I agree 100% with KayBeeStew. This vehicle may have it's place, but it is just not the Microbus. Not in style, function, or form. Not Anything! YUCK!
wow...not cool at all...lacking in personality, style and functionality of yore.
The Element has to be one of the most functional vehicles I have owned...the VW bus in redesign should top that...give us a concept with space, functionality and options to make it into a camper, a bike hauler, kid friendly machine with descent gas mileage (ummm...diesel from your Touraeg?) or heck even some off road ability and now we are getting somewhere.
VW...stand up and stand out like you used to.
Hate It !! Looks like something that should be in a Disney Utopia ride. Was hoping they would finally go back to the classic look of the 60s micro bus. Why don't they get it. Everyone loves the oldies.
All they need to do is add some eco friendly, and safety features, Keep the classic lines with no, and I mean NO changes to the exterior look, and they'll have a new "classic". I'd buy three.
Pages
