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This concept has the potential to
establish a new, fifth brand of people carrier next to the
Caddy, Touran, Sharan and its large counterpart – the Caravelle.
The Bulli could even become an icon like the T1 Samba that still
trades at extremely high prices today – one of those few
vehicles that simply do not fade with time.
Zero emissions – up to 300 km on a
single battery charge
Thanks to highly advanced drive
technologies, the Bulli being shown in Geneva is what is
referred to as a ‘zero emissions vehicle,’ because the concept
is electrically powered. Zero emissions at the tailpipe. The
Bulli’s electric motor outputs 85 kW of power and an impressive
270 Newton metres of torque. As is usual with this type of
drive, its maximum forces are generated from standstill. The
silent motor is supplied with energy from a lithium-ion battery
with a maximum storage capacity of 40 kWh. This electrifying
combination enables driving ranges of up to 300 km – a high
value for an electric car. When the Bulli’s battery is charged
at an "electric refuelling station" specially designed for
electric vehicles, the charging process takes less than one
hour.
The new Bulli accelerates from 0
to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds, and its top speed is 140 km/h
(electronically limited). Its range and driving performance not
only make the compact vehicle ideal for short distances; but
also ideal for most commuters and recreational activities with
zero tailpipe emissions.
Naturally, the concept can also
incorporate Volkswagen’s extremely efficient petrol and diesel
direct injection engines as alternative drives. Engines with 1.0
or 1.4 litre displacement that are fuel efficient yet strong;
this is downsizing by the book. Ideal for anyone who wants to
cover maximum distances with minimal fuel consumption.
Bulli – the idea goes back 64
years
Without the Dutch Volkswagen
importer Ben Pon, the T1 might not have existed, and of course
neither would the Bulli concept vehicle at Geneva. That is
because Pon was the person who on 23 April, 1947, sketched a
picture of a compact bus in his notebook. Actually, the
Dutchman’s drawing was a simple side view of a radically
shortened public omnibus placed over the wheelbase of a Beetle
with an "m" for "motor" written on it. That was it. The world’s
first van was born. Great ideas usually just take a few strokes
of the pen, but then they require a dedicated effort to
implement them. Volkswagen designers took this sketch and
created the bus that became an automotive icon with the
characteristic "V" in front.
The Bulli concept vehicle now
follows in the footsteps of the original bus and demonstrates
the concept of maximum space utilisation with the characteristic
"V" with VW logo at the front end and the cleanest of
proportions. In the process, the concept vehicle’s design
follows the maxims of the new Volkswagen "design DNA." Retro?
Hardly. It is a Volkswagen! The team led by Walter de Silva,
Head of Volkswagen Group Design, and Klaus Bischoff, Head of
Design of the Volkswagen brand, developed the "design DNA" for
the modern era based on styling principles of the bestselling
Beetle, Golf I and T1.
Photo: VW
(March 9, 2011)
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