What is it?
Volkswagen Microbus
What's special about it?
Volkswagen hopes to repeat the success of the New Beetle by reintroducing a new cult favorite. The Microbus concept is intended to evolve, not duplicate, the old Microbus of the '60s. Described as "an idea about space - useful space, flexible space, active space, breathing space.," the new Microbus is meant to appeal to nonconformist people who want a vehicle that offers not just usability, but a soul of its very own. Corny as its pitch sounds, the Microbus does possess a certain, funky charm. The stubby nose is pure retro VW, while thin halogen headlamps and electronic, push-button sliding doors embrace modern technology.
Microbus has three rows and seats seven. The middle-row seats can be turned 180 degrees to face the rear bench seat. Microbus has been called a "veritable car cinema," thanks to a 7-inch TV screen in the center console, four additional monitors in the backrests of the first and second rows, and extendable displays between the rows. A backeye camera also tells the driver what's going on behind the vehicle for confident rearward maneuvers. Microbus' 3.2-liter V6 makes 231 horsepower, a vast improvement over the vans of VW's salad days.
Why should you care?
The techno-gadgetry and stubby design of the Microbus may give it an otherworldly image, but this concept might just be poised to recreate a market niche - that of road-tripping young people who want to project an image of freedom and individuality - a type of neo-hippie, if you will. It could also very well appeal to growing families who'd like an alternative to vehicles as pedestrian as the Ford Explorer and Toyota Sienna.
Volkswagen Microbus
What's special about it?
Volkswagen hopes to repeat the success of the New Beetle by reintroducing a new cult favorite. The Microbus concept is intended to evolve, not duplicate, the old Microbus of the '60s. Described as "an idea about space - useful space, flexible space, active space, breathing space.," the new Microbus is meant to appeal to nonconformist people who want a vehicle that offers not just usability, but a soul of its very own. Corny as its pitch sounds, the Microbus does possess a certain, funky charm. The stubby nose is pure retro VW, while thin halogen headlamps and electronic, push-button sliding doors embrace modern technology.
Microbus has three rows and seats seven. The middle-row seats can be turned 180 degrees to face the rear bench seat. Microbus has been called a "veritable car cinema," thanks to a 7-inch TV screen in the center console, four additional monitors in the backrests of the first and second rows, and extendable displays between the rows. A backeye camera also tells the driver what's going on behind the vehicle for confident rearward maneuvers. Microbus' 3.2-liter V6 makes 231 horsepower, a vast improvement over the vans of VW's salad days.
Why should you care?
The techno-gadgetry and stubby design of the Microbus may give it an otherworldly image, but this concept might just be poised to recreate a market niche - that of road-tripping young people who want to project an image of freedom and individuality - a type of neo-hippie, if you will. It could also very well appeal to growing families who'd like an alternative to vehicles as pedestrian as the Ford Explorer and Toyota Sienna.
Add A Comment »
snowshoes says:
09:09 AM, 04/25/2011
I once owned a 1972 VW microbus and loved it although there were two problems: difficult winter starting and an unsatisfactory heating system. Other than that, the bus was a joy to drive and to travel in.
veedub4vr says:
05:38 PM, 03/04/2011
Why should I care? Because our current 2002 VW Eurovan MV (T4 "Caravelle" in VeeDub geek-speak) is getting tired and would love to see this 2014 in our driveway. We l-o-v-e our T4! Took the family to many camping trips when the kids were young. Now, it pulls travel soccer duty. It's a people hauler. No wait a sec, it's a toy hauler - from camping equipment, bikes, and kayaks. Did I mention it's also a dressing room at the trail head (curtains on all windows, including the front windshield), an impromptu dining area (fold-out table and rear-facing middle-row seats), and a nap room at work (the back seat pulls out to a queen-size bed, shhh... don't tell my boss).
Here's to hoping that the Microbus is built in Chattanooga, TN on the NMS - New Mid-sizw Sedan platform (to keep production costs down) and offered with the latest and greatest TDI engine. Hello 45 mpg Microbus!
frodo8 says:
08:18 AM, 02/25/2010
Being a mom, I need to be able to transport not small kids but sometimes the grandparents. While minivans are practical for my purposes, the size makes them very difficult to navigate through small streets. I live in an area with streets that you would normally find in Europe. If the Microbus reincarnates as a sleeker and more comfortable ride, I would gladly switch from my current station wagon with a third row for the kids to a Microbus!