Volkswagen Hints At Return of Microbus

Apr 24, 2015

The possible return of the iconic Volkswagen Microbus was strongly hinted at by VW product-development board member Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser during a group interview he recently took part in. Specifically, Neusser discussed the brand’s desire to create more “lifestyle vehicles” by using some of the brand’s most notable models such as the Microbus and the Beetle.

“We are actually thinking about how we can take all of the advantages of MQB and put it into a Microbus genetic code.” What is the genetic code of the Microbus? “First, the wide, solid D-pillar; second, the boxy design of the center section; and, thirdly, the front end must have a very short overhang—the distance from the A-pillar to the front end must be very short. Otherwise the hood is too long and it doesn’t look like a Microbus,” Neusser said. “That makes it hard, because this technical architecture of the Microbus with its rear engine is not anymore fitted to what we are doing with our mainstream architecture [and] where we have the greatest flexibility of different powertrains.”

In addition to its classic Volkswagen status, Neusser also stated that the Microbus would also be helpful in Volkswagen’s mission to create a long-range electric model. Due to its larger size, this model would have the ability to contain a larger electric battery that would make long-range driving possible.

Original Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/flower-e-power-vw-microbus-could-return-as-long-range-ev/