Geneva 2011: Volkswagen's Bulli Microbus Concept in the Flesh

It has been ten long years since the last modern adaptation of the iconic Volkswagen T1. The Microbus concept captivated audiences in 2001 with its modern and evolved design that brought the famed hippie-cruiser into the 21st century. The new Bulli concept aims to bring back the sense of freedom and "free-love" in a more compact and environmentally conscious form.

Images of the Bulli have already been released yet there was still much anticipation for the official reveal from show-goers and Microbus fans alike. The new study is an pure electric vehicle that focuses on practicality and simplicity.

The interior is a delightful blend of VW's bauhaus, modern simplistic design and practicality. The 3x3 seating allows for a few of the drivers most personal friends to join in on a theoretical 300 km (185 mile) road trip before having to recharge. The Bulli's practicality doesn't stop there, the seats can retract to form a bed turning the mircobus into a little camper.

The Bulli is actually a concept that makes a lot of sense while also being highly practical. An electric vehicle harking back to the days of the start of the environmental movement; it's a genius idea.

No matter how futuristic the design is, there are many details and elements that pay homage to the original model and its following. A modern day Hippie mobile. Whether it be the two tone paint, classic hub caps and the improved audio system that ensures "the music sounds as though it were being performed live. At Woodstock in 1969. We now seem to know its target audience.

The cars small 40 kWh electric motor allows for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 11.0 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). So if you have the time to relax and watch the world go by, then this is the small EV for you. The modern take on a classic design is a unique step from Volkswagen and it is nice they let the Vision of the last model mature like a fine wine.

By Rory Farrell

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Volkswagen Reinvents the Microbus with Bulli EV Concept Study

Volkswagen will show a new concept model in Geneva called the Bulli, which is a development of the Microbus study from 2001. However, at 3.99 meters long, 1.75 meters wide and 1.70 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.62 meters, the six-seater compact is more compact than the its predecessor. Volkswagen claims that the interior is spacious enough for six passengers, with three seating up front and three at the back.

The boot volume is 370 liters, but it can be extended to 1,600 liters when the rear bench is folded. The Bulli can also be turned into a camper van, since the seat system can be transformed into a large reclining surface.

The minivan is fitted with a removable iPad in the center console that serves as an infotainment touchscreen, controlling functions such as Bluetooth hands-free telephone, navigation system and media center.

The concept is powered by an electric motor linked to a battery that enables it to cover up to 300 km (185 miles) on a single charge. The motor's output is 85 kW, while torque value is 270 Nm (199 lb-ft), available from the first push of the pedal. The lithium-ion battery has a maximum storage capacity of 40 kWh, with Volkswagen claiming that a complete recharge of the battery takes less than an hour when done at an electric refueling station.

The company said the Bulli Microbus accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h [62 mph] in 11.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). The concept can also incorporate VW's petrol and diesel engines, with displacements between 1.0 and 1.4-liter.

Volkswagen doesn't say anything about the Bulli going into production, but admits it "has the potential to establish a new, fifth brand of people carrier next to the Caddy, Touran, Sharan and its large counterpart – the Caravelle".

By Dan Mihalascu

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