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Thread: Volkswagen GX3 Concept 2006

  1. #1
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    Volkswagen GX3 Concept 2006

    THE WORLD PREMIER OF THE GX3
    Pure affordable performance:

    Crossover between sports car and motorcycle

    It only takes 5.7 seconds to go from 0-62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the fuel consumption in the city is estimated to be 46 mpg (5.2 l/100 km)

    GX3 was conceived for the U.S. by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Center in California

    Three wheels, two seats, and off you go in the carpool lane

    WOLFSBURG, Germany / LOS ANGELES, Calif. - In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen presents the GX3 – a completely new type of motorcycle. The GX3 was conceived by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Center in California, exclusively with the U.S. in mind, to bring an exciting idea to a fully functioning concept. With its three wheels and unique design, this Volkswagen opens up a new driving dimension.

    What if you could carve up the back roads and cruise solo in the carpool lane?

    A motorcycle with VW features: Light, fast, and environmentally friendly, the GX3 shows that conceptually it is much closer to a motorcycle than to a classic type automobile. This two-seater Volkswagen is one of a kind - bold, young, and affordable. It opens a new driving dimension, turns even the daily commute to work into a small trip to freedom, allows you to cruise in the carpool lane, even if you’re driving solo (the GX3 is a motorcycle, after all!) and with its keen handling it opens up completely new horizons for recreational driving.

    What if performance were affordable?

    Amazing dynamics for less than $ 17,000: The GX3 will be driven by a VW 1.6 liter engine. The four-cylinder delivers 92 kW / 125 hp. So far, so good. However, the GX3 is a pure driving machine, a motorcycle with two seats positioned side-by-side. And that’s why you can find 125 hp and 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) in a mere 1,257 lbs (570 kg) Volkswagen. This results in a power-to- weight ratio of 10 lbs/hp 4.56 kg/PS). In just 5.7 seconds, the GX3 can reach a speed of 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the possible lateral acceleration reaches 1.25g – values typical of sheer performance cars but delivered from a vehicle under the $17,000 price range. No comparable sports machine in the world, however, can come even close to the low fuel consumption of the GX3: 46 mpg. Fact is: a production counterpart of the GX3, could be on the market very soon. It all depends on the American driver’s feedback.

    Tradition of the exceptional: Conceptually and visually the Volkswagen GX3 differs from anything currently on the roads in the U.S. And that’s a tradition at Volkswagen. It was with exceptional and unique products – today all of them legends – that Volkswagen propelled itself to the top in the USA during the 50’s and 60’s. Whether the Beetle, the Thing (Type 181) or the Microbus, all were the cult cars of their time and still are. In 2006, with the GX3, Volkswagen once again presents something totally unexpected and exceptional, a VW in every sense. VW – Being different.

    Moonraker: The GX3 was designed in close collaboration between VW’s Design Center California (DCC) and an international, cross-functional group of young engineers, designers, manufacturing and marketing experts, also based in California. The team started its work in the US in early 2005. The job: To convert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers into mobility. The goal: highest possible customer satisfaction. Background: In addition to the models developed in Germany and sold in the US, in the future Volkswagen will be building more models catering

    especially to the needs and requirements of U.S. customers. One of the most dramatic and tangible early results of Moonraker: the GX3. Responsible for the design of the new Volkswagen is the Volkswagen Design Studio in Santa Monica. The team there will be working in the future in close cooperation with the product strategy staffs in the U.S. The GX3 offers a look into the exciting and comprehensive spectrum of totally new motor vehicles which are currently being conceptualized by Volkswagen of America for the US market.

    What if authenticity had a radical edge?

    Design dynamics: The focus for Volkswagen’s design team in California was to create a quintessential and pure driving machine. Inspired by the minimalist design language often expressed in contemporary GP motorcycles and F1 race cars, the GX3 has a true feeling of authenticity. These influences are seen throughout the exterior with an exposed single sided swing arm, aggressive central exhaust, open front wheels and stealthy matte finishes. The progressive dynamic on the GX3 is emphasized with a strong graphic dividing the body as it wraps up to the aggressive forward leaning roll hoops. Anodized gold and black suspension components and LED lighting are further examples of track inspired designs. The GX3 interior is all about business with nothing to distract from the absolute driving experience. The driver’s cockpit is equipped with five point racing harnesses; "moto" style instruments and a GTI inspired stainless shifter. Most distinctly, the rear boasts a massive single 18"x12" back wheel dressed with 315 rubber. The front end proudly displays a bold V graphic consistent with Volkswagen’s vehicle lineup, most notably the GTI. The GX3 in no way denies that it is a motorcycle, but rather plays it up as a unique design advantage.

    Space-Frame: The basic structure of this driving machine is formed by a high-density, warp-resistant, steel construction space frame. The paneling of the interior and exterior parts of the space frame is made of high density fiberglass. A 2.83 tf3 (80 l) trunk is located behind the seats.

    What if driving was redefined?

    Advanced chassis: The 215/45 R17x8J front wheels are controlled by a double lateral steering axle. While the front axle resembles the layout of an automobile, the rear axle shows more parallels to a motorcycle. The right side of the vehicle also makes use of a monoswing arm. The engine’s power is delivered via 6-speed transmission and chain drive to the rear wheel, which has a tire size of 315/30 R18x12J – a new super bike dimension. And that suits the GX3. A Volkswagen that breaks away from the conventions and that redefines driving fun and freedom of mobility. Drivers wanted. Seriously!
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  2. #2
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    Volkswagen GX3 Concept #2:
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  3. #3
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    This is even MORE BS than Wouter put on the UCP page.

    Grinnal having been making this for the last 15 YEARS.

    I wonder how much VW paid these "smart" new designers to "innovate" that hard
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

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    Volkswagen GX3 Concept #3:
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    Volkswagen GX3 Concept #4:
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matra et Alpine
    This is even MORE BS than Wouter put on the UCP page.

    Grinnal having been making this for the last 15 YEARS.

    I wonder how much VW paid these "smart" new designers to "innovate" that hard
    Exactly what I was about to say. I love the Scorpion 3 to bits ... and i'd bet a large sum of money that it is faster than these rip-offs. The VW research department need to actually carry out research.

  7. #7
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    is this for scared ppl who can't ride a real bike?
    Gone:
    09 Ducati Monster 696
    09 Audi Q5 3.2
    03 Infiniti G35 Sedan
    07 Honda Civic Coupe LX 5spd

    Current:
    10 BMW 335d
    12 Audi Q5 2.0t
    10 VW Jetta TDI
    11 Ducati Monster 796

  8. #8
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    Scorpion 3 = 395 kg .... poor VW copy = 570 kg
    Scorpion 3 0-60 = ~ 5 secs ..... poor VW copy = 5.7s
    Scorpion 3 = 130+mph .... poor VW copy = not listed
    Scorpion 3 = 30-50 mpg .... poor VW copy = 46 mpg (bigger gallons !!)

    So where are ANY of the so-called innovatiosn and achievements of this "thing" ???? Only in the minds of the VW American PR guys
    "A woman without curves is like a road without bends, you might get to your destination quicker but the ride is boring as hell'

  9. #9
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    About the time VW did their rip off of it, seems like every other manufacturer has done something like this..

  10. #10
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    this, especially the PR, is total BS.
    I know its different, but compare it to an Exige which has similar MPG, faster to 60, 106hp/L (this is only 78hp/L) and is more "practical". I know the Exige costs more, but theres no way VW is making a profit if it sells for $17,000. IMO this is a stunt rather than a serious atempt, they should try getting some pounds off the GTi before they worry about this POS.

  11. #11
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    This is sooooooooooo strange...

  12. #12
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    thats not going to stop people from buying it.
    2011 Honda Civic Si

    ATHEIST and damn proud of it.

  13. #13
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    Can someone who knows what he/she 's talking about remind me about the obvious advantages/disadvantages of using three wheels instead of four?

    One advantage I can think of is it might reduce weight? But it'll probably affect handling. Not sure if it makes it worse per se, but affect it it will (I'm starting to sound like Yoda)... What happens in extreme conditions? When the car is pushed over the limit or in a crash?
    http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31695
    - Are YOU listed? -

  14. #14
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    Strangely reminiscant of the Peugeot 20Cup concept, right down to the paintwork.....

    Perhaps aimed at the Trackday market?

    Perhaps someones spiked the water at Wolfsburg HQ?
    <cough> www.charginmahlazer.tumblr.com </cough>

  15. #15
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    To qualify as a motorbike for the purposes they mentioned, isn't it limited to forward gears only? Would that not be a problem for day to day driving?

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