VW management is “very seriously” considering a plan to put the Bulli concept MPV into production according to media reports. The Bulli was launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show as a study about a modern, eco-friendly replacement of the iconic Microbus of the ‘60s.
Initially there was no intention to produce the Bulli, but the public’s positive reaction to the concept study has made VW reconsider.
After all, along with models such as the Beetle, the microbus concept is part of VW’s heritage. And at a time when the competition is particularly fierce, the Wolfsburg-based carmaker is thinking about placing its rich heritage to good use.
If the Bulli project receives gets the green light, it will be built at VW’s Puebla plant in Mexico alongside the brand-new Beetle with which it will share its platform architecture. The choice of Puebla makes perfect sense, since the majority of Bulli’s production would be directed to the US market where the original Microbus was most popular.
The Bulli concept is a small, five-seat MPV measuring 3.99 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 1.70 m tall, with 2.62 m long wheelbase.
VW Group’s head of design, Walter da Silva, recently told Autocar magazine that the company is positive about producing the Bulli: “We don’t have space for another MPV, but as a designer I am convinced by this idea. This one would be desirable on a different level, combining practicality with heritage appeal”.
The study that VW presented in Geneva was a pure electric vehicle with a 40 Kw lithium-ion battery that can be charged in less than an hour at a charging station. The electric motor produces 85 Kw (114HP) and 270 Nm (199 lb-f) of torque. If deemed necessary, the Bulli can also incorporate a gasoline or diesel range extender internal combustion engine.
As a pure EV, its maximum range is 185 miles (300 km), it accelerates from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in a brisk 11.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h).
If it finally gets the go-ahead, it could go on sale as early as 2014.
