Jalopnik: microbus

More on the Microbus: Volkswagen Van Concept On Video, Circa 2001

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:00:24 EDT

"So we had this idea." The idea was to trot out the most nauseating display of youth baiting this side of a Scion ad in Second Life. The year was 2001, and Volkswagen had just rolled out its Microbus concept. Clinging to the last strand of dot-com optimism like a vine over quicksand, VW produced this video, which it screened at the Microbus's unveiling at the Detroit auto show. It featured requisite design-geek narration under flashes of hipster families as they romped through all sorts of recreational self gratification. The van project was called a go in 2003, but subsequently recast as a joint project with Chrysler. But for a minute, there were tears of joy cried from Santa Cruz to Shasta. Truly, you can never go back. Well, maybe you sort of can.

Who Are You? VW, Pete Townsend to Team Up on New Minivan Marketing

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 08:14:15 EDT

It's a match made somewhere on the Hamburg circuit, circa 1963. The Who's beak-schnozed, windmilling wonder Pete Townsend and Volkswagen, says the UK's AutoExpress, will team up on marketing V-dub's new bus, the long-awaited production successor to the 2001 Microbus concept. Expect to be regaled with The Who's "Magic Bus" as VW launches a media blitz for the new minivan, due in 2008, reportedly co-developed with Chrysler. But don't expect it to mimic the concept; word is the new bus has been reconsidered, though still decidedly retro looking. Insert hash-smogging, Portland-area hippie joke here. [AutoExpress via German Car Blog]

Granada vs. Microbus

Davey G. Johnson — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:45:00 EDT

We can't tell who's really pulling at the end of this video, but it looks like the Transporter. But with the stylish hood scoop and generally hooptyesque, quite-possibly-meth-addled demeanor, the Euro-spec Ford Granada takes the style trophy for sure.

Ridiculously-Extra-Stupid-Fast VW Type 2

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 13:30:00 EST

We could've made a joke about Bruce and a Maxwell House can full of bathtub speed, but we won't, as we prefer our beans freshly ground and our meth of a slightly higher grade. In essence, we want our coffee, illicit substances, and vintage VWs crafted to a higher, more precise standard. We think this Swiss turbo-Porsche powered Microbus makes the grade. [Thanks to wohho for the tip.] – Davey G. Johnson

Race-Taxi

A New Old Bus: Volkswagen Updates a 1964 Microbus with Gadgets

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 13:53:23 EDT

From the outside, the Chameleon concept looks like a pristine, classic 1964 Volkswagen bus. On the inside, it's a complete technology showcase created by Volkswagen of America's Electronics Research Lab in Palo Alto. The drivetrain is all electric, powered by lithium polymer batteries — those surfboards on the roof are lined with flexible solar panels for extra juice. The interior is a museum of tech: an interactive digital instrument cluster with embedded touch pads, digital audio and video, a wide-angle back-up camera display and speech-activated controls. An optional titanium-lined hookah with touch and vacuum sensors and thermoelectric cooling is not included. Click through for more.

Press Release:

Concept in familiar and nostalgic package

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is introducing an exciting new concept vehicle from its Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL), located in Palo Alto, California. The ERL has taken a 1964 Deluxe Microbus and retrofitted it with a collection of cutting edge technologies. Dubbed the "Chameleon", this renovated bus contains projects developed by ERL engineers and external partners that explore novel design concepts for tomorrow's cars.

With the goal of preserving the classic look of the Microbus, the theme of the concept vehicle is "Hidden Technologies." This goal is appropriately parallel to Volkswagen's continuous mission to develop technologies that enhance the driving experience while limiting driver distraction. The large size and unique layout of the Microbus provides a tremendous platform to creatively integrate many different technologies. A multitude of projects are showcased in the Chameleon, representing the latest advancements in the topics of audio, speech, sensors, displays, navigation, lighting, batteries, solar cells and much more.

In addition to being a cultural icon, the Deluxe Microbus carries a uniquely Californian flavor. With its 21 windows and soft-top canvas roof, the vehicle was a favorite of surfers and adventurers on the West Coast, and is considered a prized collector's item today. Acknowledging California's traditionally environmentally friendly attitude, the ERL collaborated with Hybrid Technologies (www.hybridtechnologies.com) to replace the original VW engine with an all electric drive engine powered by lithium polymer batteries. Surfboards mounted on the roof are also lined with flexible solar panels that provide an additional source of energy to this 100% electric vehicle.

The interior of the bus is full of surprises, with an interactive digital instrument cluster, imbedded capacitive touch-pads, digitally enhanced sound quality, exciting rear seat entertainment options, and speech activated controls available throughout the cabin. The exterior houses several exciting new approaches for keyless entry, LED lighting, wide-angle parking cameras, switchable glass and much more.

The Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory intends to use the Microbus as a public relations tool to showcase the potential future of automotive electronics set in the nostalgic package of this favorite old-timer. The Chameleon has already been showcased in Germany to Volkswagen executives and engineers. It made its North American public debut at the AltWheels event in Boston, MA on Friday, September 22, 2006.

VW Microbus Truck/Camino, Representing Deutschland

maustin — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 07:50:56 EDT

This isn't even a conversion, the Volkswagen Type 2 — known as the Microbus to you, me, and thousands of dirty li'l hippies — came in this truck variant straight from Wolfsburg. See, even the Germans love the Camino style, even if a truck bed on a rear-engined vehicle isn't the most well-planned idea. More trivia? You got it. This is the first-generation, featuring the distinctive split window. Uh, that's all we got. Enjoy! (Hat tip to Adam L.)

Split Single cab on Flickr [Flickr]

Related:
Holy Nissan! It's the Cube-amino! [internal]

Tiny Type 2 on eBay

Davey G. Johnson — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 20:16:55 EDT

Giving new meaning to the term "Riding the short bus," this cut-down VW makes do with a mere 48" wheelbase. The powertrain is stock, but think about what this thing would do with either a Porsche or an STi mill stuffed in its ass. The seller suggests that the wee Microbus might be good for advertising, but to our jaundiced eye, it's a prime candidate for one of the most unlikely hoonmobile conversions the world's yet seen. [Thanks to Michael for the tip.]

1968 Volkswagen: Bus/Vanagon [eBay]

The New Microbus?

Davey G. Johnson — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 17:44:47 EST

Reader Scriv (Bators?) just flipped us his photochopped rendition of what a 2008 VW Microbus might look like, given the People's Company's penchant for incorporating Toyota-esque cues into its recent designs, including the new Jetta and the to-arrive-in-'08 Passat four-door coupe. Could it be, children? Could it?

Related:
More on the Passat Four-Door Coupe [Internal]