New compact van concept has pure electric drive
Original model of the Volkswagen Bulli was first van in the world
Wolfsburg / Geneva, March 1, 2011 — The Volkswagen bus, like no other car, stands for the spirit of freedom. It debuted over 60 years ago in 1950 with a contagiously simple design. Its internal Volkswagen code name was T1 for Transporter 1. The Germans called it the Bulli, and to Americans it was the Microbus. It was driven on all continents. And the world’s first van is still appreciated by a fan base which spans the globe. Now Volkswagen is reinterpreting the compact original form of this automotive legend and sending it into the future – in the form of a concept vehicle for a new generation Bulli! It is spacious like it was in 1950, it is as inspirational as ever, and it has clean styling like never before.
In this vehicle, Volkswagen is finishing what it started in 2001: ten years ago, the vision of a new Bulli led to an unforgettable concept vehicle known as the Microbus. But some visions need to mature before they yield something new. Now, the time is right for this vision. That is because the concept was sharpened, and the necessary, sustainable technologies are now at hand. More compact and affordable than the earlier concept vehicle, it is now being shown in Geneva. The new Bulli – powered by an electric motor and fitted with six seats and infotainment control via iPad.
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 186.4 miles 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 199 lb.-ft 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 186.4 miles – 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 62 mph in 11.5 seconds, and its top speed is 87 mph (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 gas and diesel direct injection engines as alternative drives. Engines with 1.0 or 1.4 liter 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 April 23, 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.
Design – visual world of a masterpiece
The new edition of the Bulli is 156 inches long, 68.4 inches wide and 66 inches tall. The T1 was somewhat longer and taller, but narrower. With a wheelbase of 102 inches, the Bulli utilizes the overall length very well. Also striking here are the Bulli’s relatively large track widths (54 inches front and rear) in relation to body width.
Front end: Like the Samba bus before it, the Bulli being presented in Geneva also has two-tone paint – in this case white and red. The “V” on the bonnet, is kept white. The bonnet does house the engine: instead of rear-wheel drive with a boxer engine, as on the Samba, the Bulli has an electric motor located forward of the front axle and front-wheel drive. Here, it is a compact integral drive whose primary components are an E-motor, high-voltage pulse inverter and DC/DC converter for the 12-Volt electrical system.
In keeping with the Volkswagen design DNA, there is a horizontal layout of the narrow dual headlights with L-shaped LED daytime running lights and turn indicators implemented as LEDs arranged in an inverted L shape at each outer corner. Incidentally, LEDs not only exhibit tremendous luminous power and long life; due to their low energy consumption, they are ideal for the electrically powered Bulli of 2011. Located between the headlights in the bonnet is, as always, the VW logo. On the level beneath, one finds – once again arranged in a horizontal line – the air intakes for the passenger compartment and for battery cooling or for cooling the alternative conventional drives.
Finally, the bumper that is seamlessly integrated in the front end completes the design. Laterally, it exhibits a large round fog light on each side, another air intake in the middle, and a front spoiler in black below. This line matches the lines of the side sills.
Side profile: The Bulli’s two-tone paint also distinguishes the sides. Treated in white is the entire area above what is known as the character line. Originating in the wings is a white stripe that runs to the distinctive D-pillars; above them, the entire roof section is painted in this color. The continuous line of windows creates an especially striking contrast between the white sections. Here, the visually slender black pillars executed in the style of the 2001 Microbus concept are visually striking. Painted in red are the door mirror housings protruding from the line of windows.
Beneath the character line is the red body area. Design elements such as the distinctive wheel housings, the additional shape modulation in the door surfaces above the side sills and the headlights that wrap around to the sides with minimal seams are details that would not have been possible to manufacture in this form and precision on a T1. Concealed in the sandwiched floor behind the sills is the 1,450 kg Bulli’s lithium-ion battery. The white door handles are practical, opening in the direction of pull. The 18-inch alloy wheels are especially attractive. At their centers are stylized chrome hubcaps – another tribute to the bus of years past. Shorter than ever are the overhangs at the front and rear.
Rear section: The Volkswagen design DNA with its horizontal lines also dominates the rear of the new Bulli. Viewed from the bottom upwards, above the body-colored bumper (including black, stylized diffuser), there is the tailgate that extends across the entire width of the vehicle. In the tailgate, the narrow LED rear lights continue a theme from the Microbus concept of 2001. At the center, but smaller than at the front end: the VW symbol. When all six seating locations are fully occupied, there is a 370-liter bootspace behind the tailgate.
Interior space – melding of car and iPad
Like the body design, the interior is also marked by a level of clarity whose consistent application can only be found at Volkswagen. The passenger compartment – immersed in light during the day thanks to its panoramic sunroof – also harbors some surprises.
A practical highlight: like the T1 in times past, thanks to its level floor, the new Bulli is also equipped with a single bench seat in front. The van offers space for three in the rear as well.
An infotainment highlight: a removable iPad in the center console serves as a multifunctional touchscreen. Along with Internet-based iPad applications and the media center, it also handles control of such functions as Bluetooth hands-free telephone and a navigation system. Integrated right on the iPad mount are controls for the climate control system and the centrally-located hazard warning switch.
Typical Volkswagen: all cockpit details are clearly organized and designed to be intuitive. Running laterally across the entire width is a line with air vents. In front of the driver, there is a speedometer in the shape of a semicircle. A color multifunction display, also semi-circular in shape, can be used to view and control (via multifunctional keys in the steering wheel and on it) the navigation system, telephone, trip computer and media center – the entire unit of speedometer and multifunction display also communicates with the iPad. The key word here is sound: a system produced by legendary guitar and amplifier manufacturer Fender (USA) ensures that the music sounds as though it were being performed live. At Woodstock in 1969, Jimi Hendrix played “The Star-Spangled Banner” on a Fender Stratocaster guitar.
What is not found in the Bulli is a tachometer (unnecessary with an electric motor) or a conventional gear shift or gear selection lever (also unnecessary with an electric motor). The latter is replaced by a rotary switch to the right of the driver, which is used to activate forward and reverse gears. A push button in the same switch is used to start and stop the motor. Another rotary switch to the left of the driver is used to control the lighting functions.
Seats become reclining surface in an instant
The outer and middle seat positions of the front bench seat can be folded down (2/3 split); the rear beach seat, meanwhile, can be completely stowed. When the rear bench seat is stowed, cargo capacity increases to 1,600 liters. In addition – and here the new Bulli is reminiscent of its legendary ancestor – the seat system can be transformed into a large reclining surface with just a few manual movements. This turns the compact MPV into a compact camper – the ultimate companion for a weekend trip.
At least as important for many users, however, is that the seating system should not only be versatile but also offer maximum comfort. The seat position is comfortably high and is equally relaxing. As an added benefit, it offers an optimized view forward as well. And that is how it was in the T1 too. Contributing to peace of mind aboard today’s vehicle is the fact that the new era Bulli is equipped with all conceivable safety features. And that is the crucial difference: the car has essentially been reinvented since the days of the first T1 aka the Bulli aka the Microbus.
Loading ...
Pingback: Comeback of an Automotive Free Spirit: World Debut of New Bulli by Volkswagen in Geneva | Auto Industry News
Where is the order form – I’ll purchase one right now.
Please get this model into the market place – not like the “truck” !!!!
A R Schroeder
Pingback: Comeback of an Automotive Free Spirit: World Debut of New Bulli by Volkswagen in Geneva | The Brotherhood | VW Car Club
Pingback: Volkswagen Bulli Concept Gets the Green Light | Import RPM
Make the Bulli Bus and bring it to the US- PLEASE!!!! It’s Boss–
My next car. I want one!!
Please come out with this i really love the concept and i have a 1965 vw bus and seriously i love how it looks and its spacious and i personally am a fan of vw buses and if you come out with this it will be sure to sell
i wanna know when your coming out with this and how much it will cost? I seriously think this cars is awesome!
I want one! This would be a perfect car to raise a family in, i love the openess and how similar it is to the original VW bus, i really adore all the open windows and sunroofs. I would surely purchase this car and i know if this were to be put on the market it would sell. I love the eco spin on the vehicle. This is what the VW is know for and it’s about time they come out with a car that suites their name.
Hey again! i just wanted to say i love how all the seats lay down and has lots of room and i love how yall the design of the exterior was kept the same i love how yall made it spacious and eco friendly its definitly a vehicle that will sell
Pingback: Volkswagen Bulli Concept Gets the Green Light : TheTunerScene.com
Come on Volks folks how bout a magnetic motor : more power – no down time – range only limited to mountains and oceans . But do it in the bulli I love that van lol
vw bulli concept car bulli 2011………. appears very good in design, shape, size and appearance.
but how many indian middle class can afford to to enter vw showrooms.
products are good in quality but not affordable for majority of indians.
seeing the success of maruti models/ ford figo/ tata models………… vw also must popularise its models in india by high volumes/low profit margins , so that they grow in popularity/sales and also help car lovers to have good quality cars at affordabli prices.
expect vw bulli 2011 enter india also with attractive/aggressive price.
I hope VW kept all the nice options they had on this bus when they showed it in 2001 … I sooo wanted that van but it never came out… maybe this will be as nice
When? Hybrid version? Camper version? Need to improve swoop styling that so many people loved about the old splitty.
I like the original MIcrobus concept from 2001 much better. I was really hoping that it would become a reality and instead the idea was scrapped seemingly for the Routan, a Dodge Caravan with Volkswagen badging splashed on. I felt this was a huge travesty to the company and unfuriated VW purists like me. Aside from the V stripe and semi flat front this is much lower to the ground and so far removed from the original Microbuses that it shouldn’t even be compared. This looks more like a Scion xB contender. While I can appreciate the technology that goes into it, I am still sorely disappointed that it’s not taller and closer to the original concept.
Ok, first of all, we really need this “Bulli” not just because it is practical but because it makes you smile when you look at it. I can not think of many cars that have been able to do this in a long while. VW, it’s time to live up to your past of creating vehicles that are timeless in design as well as function.
I totally DIG it!!
This is the car I want!
I can see Steve driving this minibus
Please build this one, my heart broke when the previous MicroBus concept was killed.
Make it !
This is my dream family car! Build it!
pretty cool
I want one! if i have to ever own a van it’ll be this one!
So here are my thoughts. Looks like a fun little retro vehicle that fills a hole in the current line up, but it is no MicroBus. PLEASE Volkswagen Bring back the only vehicle that made owning a mini van fun. Give us a true MicroBus like what we were teased with in 2001.
Just two questions: When will it be available in US? How much will it cost?
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE build a new full-size Microbus, or bring the Kombi to America, or do something to appease the huge crowd of VW bus fans waiting desperately for the next wave. You will not be disappointed with the response. I have a 2002 Eurovan. I cannot find a substitute and am painfully aware of every additional mile without anything comparable in sight. You have such a great customer base just waiting to gobble them up!
Make it!
I’ll buy it!
Diesel?
My 01 Eurovan just topped 100K and I’ll need to replace it in the next few years. US minivans just don’t match up.
Just remake the old bus! this one’s too small, minivanish and square
TDI microbus van…can’t you make it more like the 60s microbus samba van?
affordable travel vehicle, maybe even a westfalia camper option?
if it will carry SIX ADULTS, then build it and bring it to the US. If not, don’t bother, we have enough kiddie carrying cars!
I own two VW Euro Vans. One is a 1993 with 256 thousand miles and the other is a 2002 with 159 thousand miles. I love the ride and compact-ability of these vans and I would love to have the option to buy another one. Unfortunately VW has stopped importing them because of poor sales here in the States. One of the reasons the Vans poor sales was the fact that the parts were the out of sight cost and they’re transmission train was horrible. I’m on my third trans in my 2002. Every time I travel to the UK or Paris France I see plenty of Euro Vans. Most are diesel, and most have a heavy duty suspension. Some have bubble tops and extended bodies. Why the hell VW doesn’t bring those vehicles to the US is beyond me. I am now considering a Nissan NV 3500 as a new vehicle purchase. I wish VW would import their new electric microbus I certainly would give it a try. One of these days the powers that be at VW will wake up and see that there is a vast need for light Vans and trucks. Just look at Ford. There 150 model pick-up is what has kept that company solvent over this past recession. Wake up Germany, it’s time to bring back an economical Van that can be used for light weight commercial and personal use!
Joe Scanga/ Scanga Contracting, Summit,NJ and Martha”s Vineyard, MA
I own a 1959 VW Beetle. I am very excited that VW is looking back and bringing the next generation pre vehicle to the market. What made the classic vehicles so popular and wanted was the emphasis on prices and simplicity. Affordability will be on everyones mind and the powertrain (engine) needs to be fuel efficient “gas sippers” remember 1200cc @ 9gal tank? of course for the enthusiastic, bring on the turbo, but more likely electric motors. Check out ECOS ELECTRIC MOTORS Springfield, Ill motor co. installed on the older model vehicles.
Redifining a classic with a concept? For you engineers at VW “PLEASE, PLEASE” look at the little things of the past and use it’s concept onto the future cars. TYPE 1 -1957 BABY WINDOWS (OVAL) or SPLIT BABY WINDOWS, “W” HOOD DESIGN AND TRUNK, EGG TAIL LIGHTS, FLAT FRONT PANEL BOARDS (remember simplicity), EYE LENS COVERS, ETC. For the VW BUS, looks great but once again “W” HOOD DESIGN and most important NO matter how small the vehicle is ADD SLIDING DOORS!
Alot of vehicle manufactures are bringing back there older cars but lack one or more things that can make the vehicle great and that’s the little and simplicity of the classic cars. Ask anyone “and I think I speak of the majority” about the future and bringing the past back. THE LITTLE THINGS THAT DEFINED THOSE CARS, yahh and don’t forget to include the technology part too guys!
I was very excited when I first heard about this car. The things I love about this car:
1. Its electric- its about time someone is thinking of making a mass produced electric car that is actually practical. Other electric cars can only seem to go 50-100 miles on a single charge, and it takes up to 8 hours to recharge. This might work for downtown city people who don’t even need a car in the first place, but its useless to people like me who drive 150 miles at a time. Road trips are also now available with this car. The fact that it can go 186 miles per charge and only takes an hour to fully charge again is revolutionary. Especially if restaurants get into the business of having charging stations.
2. It looks respectable- a lot of new cars out there look like they came straight out of a sci-fi movie, or a children’s cartoon show. This is one of the only ones that i have seen that takes a classic concept and makes it look entirely new and just as good.
3.Comfort and ease of use – the controls look very simplistic and easy to find. the sleekness of the interior makes it look clean without looking sterile, comfortable without making it look crowded or cluttered. The two best things about the interior though is the folding seats and the hard glass ceiling. The folding seats are extremely practical, perfect for camping, the drive in, or for extra storage when needed. The glass ceiling allows you to further enjoy the outdoors and lets you take in the sun or gaze at the stars. I’m not sure if it has this or not, but transition glass that tints when its too sunny out or the possibility to cover the glass when wanted would make it perfect.
The things I don’t like about this car:
1. The fact that they haven’t been clear as to whether this is going into production or not. I hope and pray that it does, and soon.
2. The rumors that its going to be changed into a diesel or gasoline car. This would completely destroy the promise that this car has and take away any idea of progress this car would represent.
Just for fun, and because so many of us want one, please make the Bulli and then go ahead and make it longer and reintroduce the MicroBus! Pretty please?
I want this bus!!!!!!
When will this dream be available?? It is one that I would trade my Prius for!! Finally an electric Vehicle with a range of travel that is sensible and a plus it’s a VW Bus…OH LIFE IS GOOD..I new I saved those patch work jeans all these years for something LOL!!
I am a huge fan of the microbus from the 60s. This concept version however is ugly. I like the rounded curves of th 67 style microbus. If you were to bring it back more along the similarities of that style…I know a LOT of people who would hop on the wagon…no pun intended X-) I always tell my Fiance how VW should make an updated version of the microbus… I’m not a fan of this style though…It reminds me of that hideous Honda Element car. Too boxy and too blah…. I have a few concept sketches I’d love to share with Vdubb…..
Please bring this concept to the public. I am a mom of 4 and drive a minivan. There is no cool factor in driving a minivan. I would love to see this available with seating for 6. Please give all of us moms who drive all day to and school, soccer, band practice; a chance to feel cool doing it. I feel like i live in my van with all the pick ups and drop offs I have to do. This I would be comfortable and proud to feel like i live in.
As a Routan owner who needs 7 seats, I am totally disappointed that you have shrunk this thing to unsuitability for me – please return to the original 7-seater you had planned!!!!!!! Living in Hawaii we are desperate for a High MPG, small 7-seater! There are NONE on the market (no, the mazda 5 is only seats 6). PLEASE MAKE THIS WITH 7 SEATS!!!!!
I agree would definitely like to see this in a 7 seat option. However this would be awesome to send my daughter off to college in. She graduates in 2014.
I want this!! Grew up with one and cried as a teenager when my parents sold theirs. Please make camper options! Please please please!
Bully bully for Buly and PLEASE when you do develop a new Van……include a Weekender Package similar to the 2002 Eurovan…I LOVE it…Had a 1991 and now my 2002 Eurovan has 150,000 miles.
correction…bully bully for bulli…:)
my beetle has got me through school and back and forth to work for a few years now and it is time to get another car. millage is getting high. and i need more space for the fun stuff in life. ie scuba. just not enough room in the beetle for more than one. i have been waiting for the microbus to come back. but i can’t wait forever. please hurry i want this thing bad.
You build it with a diesel. I’ll buy it!
Love this – Even my husband is a fan – He’s hard to please. This would definitely be a great family vehicle!
Like all the others, I say again, please build this car. Whether you want to consider re-introducing the amazing Microbus concept from 2001 is a different matter–this is a different vehicle. I love VW’s design department, but I’m tired of looking at cool concepts that never get built. Anyone can make a CAD drawing of some futuristic vehicle, but only VW can build this. My specific advice:
Keep the two-tone exterior and the three-tone interior, including steering wheel. Make the seats neoprene, not fabric, and give us a rubberized floor surface, so the whole thing can be wiped clean.
Start with a gas engine or a peppy TDI diesel, with a manual transmission, while you perfect the electric. You can do this right now. We don’t want to wait until 2016!
Although the Bulli is very different from the Microbus, it’s quite similar to the spaceUp!. You don’t need both. Best feature of the spaceUp concept was the awesome 5-panel Samba sunroof. When I saw it, it almost brought tears to my eyes. Borrow that for the Bulli. You won’t be sorry. And, make sure there’s room for a clamp-on cargo cage–today’s overbuilt roof racks are nowhere near as useful as the cages.
The other nice feature of the spaceUp! was the reverse-opening rear door. That would be nice on the Bulli but not essential.
Keep the camping tradition alive. How about a weekender package that slides into the back? Or, offer a matching pop-up camper trailer. You don’t even have to risk a penny, just partner with a company that already makes them.
C’mon, VW, build the Bulli, and tell me where I should send my deposit!
Will Workman
I agree with others here. I’m soooo tired of ilnkoog at cool concepts that will never be built. From the Gobi pickup to the desert-going bug (Baja?) to the bus concept seven years ago, it’s always psych. Even the terrific Buggy Up! doesn’t appear to be going anywhere. But the Bulli is so fun and practical, there’s no excuse for not building it. Give us a peppy TDI diesel (with a manual transmission) while you are putting finishing touches on the electric version. Keep the three-tone steering wheel and interior, and give it neoprene seats so it will be easy to clean.Also, make sure it’s got a panoramic sunroof like the Mini. And how about a camper/sleeper kit that slides into the back? Either that, or sell a matching pop up trailer. Keep the Bulli camping tradition alive!But no matter what, build this and make it available during 2013. Anyone can draw a cool car, but only VW can build this one.
Just to small. The 2001 concept was right on the money. This looks like a second generation XB. At least make it the size of the Transit Connect. the vehicle I am looking at to convert into a camper simply because VW does not produce a van for the US market except for Chrysler clones. The Fiat Doblo’s intro into the US market may also be a game changer.
Check out the Danbury Caravans site ( UK). This is what VW should be doing in the US market !!!!!