The World Premiere of the GX3 at the LA Auto Show
WOLFSBURG, Germany and LOS ANGELES, California, January 4/PRNewswire/ --
- Pure Affordable Performance: Crossover Between Sports Car and Motorcycle
- Picture is available via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency) at
http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=9260&keygroup=bild
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.
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.
Amazing dynamics for less than US$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 US$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.
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.
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.
This text and further information on the GX3 can also be found in our press
database together with corresponding picture material:
www.volkswagen-media-services.com
Volkswagen Communications
Product Communications
Contact: Hans-Gerd Bode
Tel.: +49-(0)-5361-92-69-22
Fax: +49-(0)-5361-92-19-52
E-mail: Hans-Gerd.Bode@volkswagen.de
www.volkswagen-media-services.com
Source: Volkswagen AG
Contact: Hans-Gerd Bode, Tel.: +49-(0)-5361-92-69-22, Fax:
+49-(0)-5361-92-19-52, E-mail: Hans-Gerd.Bode@volkswagen.de
www.volkswagen-media-services.com
