Over the last few weeks several automakers have literally opened a door to the past. After Vizualtech’s Growler R and the Morgan Threewheeler, Volkswagen has entered the fray with the New Bulli concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.
Although many of you will immediately be reminded of the defunct Westfalia, the German automaker claims the New Bulli is inspired from a 1950s model marketed under the same name in Germany (or Microbus in North America).
It’s powered by an 85-kW electric engine generating 199 ft-lb of torque that gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery. The New Bulli can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds, reach speeds up to 140 km/h and travel 300 km on a single charge. The model can also be equipped with 1.0- or 1.4-litre diesel or direct injection gas engines.
The cabin includes a front bench, one of many design elements harkening back to the original. The New Bulli is still a modern affaire, however, featuring, among others things, a centre console consisting of a removable iPad, which manages the Bluetooth connections and navigation and places phone calls.
The New Bulli can accommodate six people, offers 1,600 litres of cargo space and boasts a flexible cabin that transforms it into the ideal partner for camping expeditions and such, just like its famous predecessor.
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| Photo: Volkswagen |
Although many of you will immediately be reminded of the defunct Westfalia, the German automaker claims the New Bulli is inspired from a 1950s model marketed under the same name in Germany (or Microbus in North America).
It’s powered by an 85-kW electric engine generating 199 ft-lb of torque that gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery. The New Bulli can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds, reach speeds up to 140 km/h and travel 300 km on a single charge. The model can also be equipped with 1.0- or 1.4-litre diesel or direct injection gas engines.
The cabin includes a front bench, one of many design elements harkening back to the original. The New Bulli is still a modern affaire, however, featuring, among others things, a centre console consisting of a removable iPad, which manages the Bluetooth connections and navigation and places phone calls.
The New Bulli can accommodate six people, offers 1,600 litres of cargo space and boasts a flexible cabin that transforms it into the ideal partner for camping expeditions and such, just like its famous predecessor.
 |
| Photo: Volkswagen |
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