05 Jan 06 16:56
The three-wheeled GX3, driven through the crowds to its launch at the Volkswagen stand at the Los Angeles Auto Show yesterday, is a "crossover between sports car and motorcycle", says Volkswagen, representing "pure affordable performance."
Developed by VW's design team in California, it's not just a wacky show car - not only is the prototype fully-functioning, Volkswagen has indicated a clear plan for sales and marketing of this model.
Vital statistics for the GX3 are impressive: acceleration 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds, yet urban fuel consumption of 46mpg. It is fitted with a 125bhp version of Volkswagen's 1.6-litre petrol engine, which drives the single rear wheel via a chain and six-speed transmission, and is built around a steel spaceframe chassis construction; its panels are fibreglass and it weighs just 570kg. This example is finished with LED lights, anodized black and gold suspension components, forward-leaning roll hoops and a racing-style cockpit with five-point harnesses. Yet it can carry two people, and still have an 80-litre boot. And if it were to go into production, it would be priced from "less than $17,000".
"A production counterpart of the GX3 could be on the market very soon", says Volkswagen. "It all depends on the American driver's feedback."
The company sees the GX3 as a continuation of its tradition of unique oddities, which includes the jeep-style Type 181 (The Thing), the Baja buggies, the Microbus and the original Beetle. And just as the Beetle found its niche in the US among eco-friendly types rejecting huge gas-guzzlers, the economical GX3 could do the same - with the added advantage that it would be officially classed as a motorcycle, allowing commuters to use car-pool lanes and avoid city congestion.
While small-scale European manufacturers such as Grinnall and Vandenbrink have produced high-performance three-wheelers acclaimed by enthusiasts, and there are numerous motorbike-based kit cars on a similar theme, it could be the first three-wheeler to be offered on a full-production scale from one of the world's major carmakers. US websites are already reporting that Volkswagen has lined up potential partners to work on production of the GX3, with Lotus named as one collaborator. Assembly would take place in the US, and sales could start as soon as next year.
The GX3 is the result of collaboration between Volkswagen's design centre in Santa Monica and a team dubbed "Moonraker". The latter was set up last year "to convert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers to mobility", says the company, as part of its plan to design and develop models specifically for the US. The GX3, therefore, "offers a look into the exciting and comprehensive spectrum of totally new motor vehicles which are currently being conceptualised by Volkswagen of America".
Expect a few more surprises in the near future.
