Iconic VW Camper set to return with electric power

[BIG-TED]

vw-bulli_0_0.jpg

Next VW Camper will likely use battery power, in an attempt to mirror classic design cues

Volkswagen bosses have confirmed they are looking at electrification and battery power for its next Camper – in an attempt at keeping the iconic flat front end and short overhangs of the original.
Speaking to Auto Express at the New York Motor Show, chairman of the board Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, said the only way to keep the archetypal 1950s design would be to install a powerful electric motor and place batteries under the floor.
“If we want to do this on an attractive cost base, we are not able to put a rear engine into such a car.

“When we put such a vehicle on the base of the modular transverse kit (MQB), we can use it as a battery electric vehicle – because the e-motor is much smaller than a combustion engine and we can build it in another way. It’s easy to bring battery space into such a vehicle, because you can put them under the floor. We have these systems already."
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And while they’re not quite ready to do that just yet, Neusser assured us that VW engineers are working tirelessly to make it happen.
“When we think this can bring us to a situation where this is feasible, then we will show it as a show car."
By the sounds of things, design is at the forefront of any next-generation VW Camper. Neusser said he wants to keep the iconic D-Pillar and boxy design as well as the compact, easy to drive body.
“If you look to the genetic things of the Bulli concept you have the need for a very small overhang. From the A-pillar, the space you have available is very, very limited.”
By removing the need for a conventional petrol or diesel engine, it allows VW to place the cabin much further forward – just like it did with the rear-engined 1950s original. There’s no word yet on when we might see the next Camper concept, but if Neusser wants to use the current-generation MQB platform, that hints it could surface within the next two to five years.

Original page from auto express




Looks like it aimed at save the planet hippies, at least this version of the camper may be a little less polluting.

Ted

[Geko]

Looks pretty shit from that pic. But it may grow on me.

[beerman]

God damn that's ugly. If they are trying to keep the flat front end they've failed. What's wrong with putting the engine at the back like the original, it worked then?

[Over Carl]

Looks more like a VW version of the Fiat Multipla

[Squizza]

I think it's one of those that will grow on you.
It's not meant to be a nice looking car, it's meant to be 'practical'.

They did well with the original, but that design was very different to everything else back then and I bet that they caused a stir with it.

But, in saying that.. To release a practical 'camper' makes no sense to pack it full of batteries in order for hippies to save the planet. Those batteries take up space! Valuable space!

If hippies want to save the planet and have a camper, they should buy a Prius to tow a caravan.

I would like to see one of these in the flesh to see what they have done with it.

[Ashley]

It does not seem to have a size about it, I can't imagine a small family camping in it.


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[Mickey]

Don't like it

Gimme the split screen one anyday

[beansontoast]

For starters it's too small to camp in, look where the back seats are. Secondly there's so many T5 conversions out there VW should aim for that market instead, and properly. Incidentally my mate has a business called vanhaus that does T5 conversions.

[piggzy]

If hippies want to save the planet and have a camper, they should buy a Prius to tow a caravan.

Are you joking. The prius is known to be one of the most Co2 harmful cars out there. The production/Co2 involved in making the batteries far outweighs a regular petrol running for several years. Google it.
(From memory) Basically they have to mine a special metal from Canada that is shipped to a plant in Japan which turns it into a foam which then ships it to China to process into something else then it shipped somewhere else and so on......
Eventually it becomes a battery. I think it was a lot of years of driving before the Prius actually becomes "really" carbon neutral.

Not to mention you look like a cunt driving one.