The magic bus

[DainBramaged]

Few vehicles trigger happy memories than the iconic Volkswagen bus, a practical van that became an emblem of the free-wheeling '60s.

VW has toyed for years with the idea of bringing back this model, and this week it is displaying its latest interpretation of the bus at the Geneva motor show.

Dubbed the Bulli, as the original bus was called in Germany, the concept vehicle features cutting-edge technology and a zero-emission electric drivetrain, yet remains true to the spirit of the bus launched in 1950.

While the Bulli is a show car, the company indicated it might serve as inspiration for a new model in the VW lineup.

"This concept has the potential to establish a new people carrier next to the Caddy, Touran, Sharan and its large counterpart, the Caravelle," Volkswagen said in a statement, referring to its global lineup of family haulers.

The Bulli is equipped with an electric motor located forward of the front axle.

Powered by a 3,200-pound lithium-ion battery, it can store 40 kilowatt hours of electricity providing a driving range of 186.4 miles.



From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110301/AUTO01/103010333/Cutting-edge-VW-concept-bus-has-’60s-vibe#ixzz1FXgAYz00

[liberal N proud]

1. They need 12 new long haired friends of Jesus to go along with that

And it will need to be painted chartreuse

[H2O Man]

2. That is what

I remember.

[Shagbark Hickory]

3. The sad part is the original "bus" from the 50's/60's would more than likely

cost less to drive and own. And produce. Wouldn't require any mining for lithium or cryptonite.
Probably gets.. what? 40mpg with a small diesel engine?

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. I had both VW van and Beetles. Great gas milage, dependable cheap transp.

Had a '59, a '66 and '74 Beetle, actually, and a 73 van for awhile.
At least 40 mph, gas engines. I even could change my own oil in the Beetles.

They are almost impossible to find here in the SE anymore,
there are still some puttering around on the West Coast, don't know about the rest of the country,
but I would grab another 74 Beetle if I could find one.

[Shagbark Hickory]

6. Mexico maybe?

There was somebody in my neighborhood that had a mint condition beetle. When he first got it I recall seeing mexico license plates on it.

Heck, you can still buy a new early 90's Nissan Sentra in Mexico so anything's possible.

[Myrina]

5. ... actually doesn't look much bigger than my Scion XA ...

If it was really a microbus, I'd be on it like a tick because it'd be the perfect dog-hauler.

:shrug: