I like it. It makes some very reasonable compromises over the original 1L, while looking a lot more like a complete car. I think it's cool. If they could build it at a fairly competitive price, VW could knock the smug off of Toyota so fast it would travel back in time.
A version with more power, less efficiency (but still good-- I think there's room there for compromise), assuming a decent suspension, could be all kind of fun.
The only VW I would actually buy. I hate the tandem seating, but c'mon - 158mpg! With the money I save on fuel expenses, I could actually afford to keep the VW electrics alive.
I'd like to point out that the original concept got that fabulous mileage in part by making do with a mere 9.sump'n horsepower. They could've done that again, and add the hybridization for better roadability in the city. But no, it's nonaerobic Americans they're building these things for, so you gotta up the amperage and drag around the Golden Corral Aftermath.
@tcotrel: Dunno if they're still doing it, but there is/was a company making really nice replicas of Schmitts called, ironically, the Schmitt. Uses Honda Helix drivetrain and Mini front end bits.
Wow, four wheels and everything. This is actually kind of...awesome. Imagine this thing going to market, along with an optional towable pod for 2-3 additional passengers or cargo. Yeah, it's a longshot, but I think some sort of containerization/modularity would provide some needed flexibility for weekend trips, etc.
Maymar promoted this comment
Edited by BaconSandwich and the generic grey civic of doom at 09/14/09 4:44 PM
BaconSandwich and the generic grey civic of doom was starred
BaconSandwich and the generic grey civic of doom was unstarred
09/15/09
The real question is how do you widen the track for America without increasing that precious frontal area? Hmmm....
09/14/09
09/14/09
09/14/09
09/14/09
09/14/09
YES! YES! YES!
OOOOHHH
Boy, that was great.
The only VW I would actually buy. I hate the tandem seating, but c'mon - 158mpg! With the money I save on fuel expenses, I could actually afford to keep the VW electrics alive.
I'd like to point out that the original concept got that fabulous mileage in part by making do with a mere 9.sump'n horsepower. They could've done that again, and add the hybridization for better roadability in the city. But no, it's nonaerobic Americans they're building these things for, so you gotta up the amperage and drag around the Golden Corral Aftermath.
09/14/09
Stop hoarding the Lightness!
09/14/09
09/14/09
This car reminds me of something. I don't know what..... Hmm, lemme think...
09/14/09
09/14/09
09/14/09
09/14/09
09/14/09
Plus, I'm totally getting flashbacks to Jezza and Hamster squeezed into a Carver.
09/14/09