The VW GX3: Dead 3/7/06

[YSSMAN]

The news just poped up today on the Online Interweb...

A prototype version of the Volkswagen GX3 Concept — first shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show — was caught in testing by spy photographer Christa Lehman. The photograph was reportedly taken at a Lotus testing facility in England. According to Edmunds, the GX3 may be a joint venture by the two companies, and may be sold worldwide. When Volkswagen first showed the concept, it insisted the car-motorcycle crossover would be built, and said it would sell for $17,000.

Interesting news indeed. I'm excited to hear they may be working with Lotus on the project, and the plans to sell it worldwide is even better. For $17K, thats a damn good price for a sports car that would probably give the Elise a run for it's money, and possibly show the Atom a thing or two.

 

[McLaren]

Be pretty cool to spot one of these on the highway.
They stand out so well.

 

[niky]

If I could bring that into this country for that litte (hell, with our taxes, it'd probably be closer to 30k $), I'd be a happy little puppy.

 

[F1GTR]

But you'd only use it on a track right? I mean, look at the roads there!

 

[Wolfe]

Wow. That's surprising.

I hope they go through with it -- I think it would be a good thing for VW to do. 👍

 

[niky]

Erh... from what I hear about English roads, if it's tuned with your moon craters in mind, it'll survive here.

And... everything is street legal here. As long as it has two headlights and working brake lights, you can drive it. There's a guy here who's just built an SR20-powered Caterham clone, and he drives it on the road with no real seatbelts, seats or lights... pure madness.

 

[YSSMAN]

VW wouldnt build a track-only car, as it would not fit into their economic situation.

 

[Vonie]

I hope the production version doesn't have training wheels.

 

[Dave A]

VW wouldnt build a track-only car, as it would not fit into their economic situation.

Wouldn't they, and that nicely explains why they said they were definitely going to build it.

 

[Poverty]

Remember this

According to an Austrian magazine, Audi and KTM are jointly and secretly developing a sporty roadster.

The Audi-KTM roadster would take inspiration from the Caterham Seven, but would be more motorbike-like (it seems that a helmet will be necessary to drive it).

The weight of the roadster would be around 700 kg. If it's true that the 260 hp 4 cylinder TFSI engine of the next S3 is under consideration for this car, it'll have a power/weight ratio similar to that of the Ferrari 599 GTB!

Audi CEO Martin Winterkorn is said to like the project, but a definite decision will be taken only in the next 2-3 months. If positive, we might see this roadster at the next Bologna Motor Show. It'll be produced in Austria and it might be on sale as soon as the start of 2007, with a price of about 35,000 €. I wonder if it'll be nearer to the Volkswagen GX3 tricycle or to the Ecoracer concept

 

[YSSMAN]

Hmm, so VW is getting serious about building a small sports car. Keep your fingers crossed, I've herd rumors about the return of the Corrado...

 

[95GTIVR6]

Hmm, so VW is getting serious about building a small sports car. Keep your fingers crossed, I've herd rumors about the return of the Corrado...

There have been rumors that the Corrado will return ever since the death of the car in 1995. I remember seeing a few "concept" models that were P-shopped to resemble the MKIV styling. I just dont see how a new Corrado would fit in the current line-up of vehicles. With the MKV GTI being their staple in the compact class (in the states), would a new Corrado even generate profit? That was the main problem with the original, the model selection was pretty much limited in available features and along with ailing problems (:whispers: G60), resulted in its demise. Im sure a new model would be much better but I personally believe that VW should consider importing the Polo to the states with other smaller cars like the Honda Fit due to make a splash with those concerned with gas prices.

As for the GX3, if this thing does make it to production, and even more so, to the US, I will be sure to look at getting one. Right when I first saw the concept photo I was hooked. Yes, it isnt a very sensible car but I would sure love to own one.

 

[YSSMAN]

I personally believe that VW should consider importing the Polo to the states with other smaller cars like the Honda Fit due to make a splash with those concerned with gas prices.

I completely agree with you there. The only problem is, I don't know if VW would be able to agressively price the Polo against the Fit and Yaris here in the US.

...About the Corrado: They could strap a permanant roof to the Eos and give it a slight reskin and call it a Corrado. The Coupe shape works, and with the optional 3.2L VR6 and DSG, it will bring back memories of the SLC without a problem.

 

[JCE]

Mmmmm just dreaming about a Corrado return makes me want to sell both Focuses and get one of those.

Ontopic: I like that VW--one problem, would it pass the US safety standards (specifically in rear-impact and side-impace collisions)?

 

[Wolfe]

Mmmmm just dreaming about a Corrado return makes me want to sell both Focuses and get one of those.

Ontopic: I like that VW--one problem, would it pass the US safety standards (specifically in rear-impact and side-impace collisions)?

Aren't there special regulations for "track cars" like these? Couldn't it be almost classified as a bike?

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, here in North America we have a vehicle called the T-Rex that is also a combination of motorcycle and sports car. She goes 0-60 in about 4.1 seconds and tops out around 140MPH, and is also capable of corning at almost 2.0g!



Now, just imagine what the extra power of a VW, plus the engineering from Lotus will do...

 

[niky]

Aren't there special regulations for "track cars" like these? Couldn't it be almost classified as a bike?

Yup, in most countries... which makes them much easier to own and insure... also gets around those pesky crash regulations.

 

[YSSMAN]

More GX3-related news?

According to a report Malaysian news agency Bernama, Proton plans to manufacture a new affordable Lotus model in Malaysia in late 2007 or in 2008. “If everything goes on well, the affordable Lotus will be done and assembled in Malaysia. Both Lotus and Proton have agreed on the plan,” a representative said at a press conference. According to Proton, the car will cost around RM100,000. That translates to somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 U.S. dollars, when comparing current vehicles prices. That’s right around the expected retail price for the Volkswagen GX3. Incidentally, the GX3 has been seen in testing at Lotus’ facility in Britain. Lotus is believed to be helping engineer the vehicle. Lotus even went as far as telling AutoWeek it will build niche vehicles for other companies. Could the GX3 be the vehicle in question here? Might Lotus sell a derivative under its brand as well? We’ll keep you posted.

 

[L8 Apex]

...I personally believe that VW should consider importing the Polo to the states with other smaller cars like the Honda Fit due to make a splash with those concerned with gas prices.

Absolutely! If VW USA offered a Polo 5-door with a TDI (50 state legal, of course. ) and DSG for under $20k, I'd be one of the first in line! 👍

 

[lmracer]

my friend, (its more like family friends) have a son with a t-rexx. its facinating. and super mean. my brothers friend, we will call him fred, got into a burnout contest in the parking lot of a hotel with his dads corvette C5. the t-rexx won its real loud and butch actually despite its three wheel layout. but i thinnk they sell for like 22,000 special order. for 17,000 and looks like that, i might buy one in a few years

 

[exigeracer]

The T-Rex requires a motorcycle license to drive. I wonder if this will affect GX3 sales in any way.

I'll look around for some more info regarding this car, I had heard very little about it.

 

[exigeracer]

It appears as if Lotus has been released from the project and no longer has any affiliation with the GX-3.

-also-

"Proton has wanted to build a Lotus sports car in Malaysia for quite some time. This is not it." (the recent concern over the new Esprit being built in Malaysia is centred around this rumor)

 

[YSSMAN]

...Hmm, thats interesting. I wouldn't say that VW can't do it by themselves, but I think they would need Lotus' help in finishing the car off...

 

[ImprezaAddict]

im gonna be the only one to say this car is not cool. i mean, look at it, ugly

 

[YSSMAN]

VW might be backing away from the GX3, sort of...

Volkswagen is considering a sub-brand to sell its $15,000 GX3 car-motorcycle roadster in the United States, according to a newly published report. Concern over handling, safety, and public reaction prompted Volkswagen to shift from a strategy that would have originally seen the GX3 in regular VW dealerships, reports Automobile magazine. While the GX3 would legally be classified as a motorcycle and significantly safer than a two-wheeler, the possibility of negative headlines still worries VW executives. Thus, the company wants to keep the GX3 at arm’s length. There is also debate over whether the GX3 would appeal to Americans. In the words of one skeptical company executive: “It’s nice to be able to use the car-pool lane, but it’s not so nice to have to wear a helmet, to be exposed to exhaust fumes and flying objects, and to sit so low that towering SUVs and big rigs pose a physical threat. I am not sure if we have thought this one through all the way.” VW is widely believed to be working with Lotus on the GX3. See our full report on the 2006 Volkswagen GX3 Concept for more info. The Leftlane Perspective: What good does the GX3 do VW as a ‘halo’ vehicle if it’s not sold as a Volkswagen?

...I personally think it would be a great car for VW to sell, sort of in the vein of the old Dune Beetle or the Kahrman Ghia. It makes the brand a bit more edgy, and brings them closer to the youth or sporty market that they want to be a part of...

 

[Poverty]

I dont think VW should make it. Lets face it theyre not gona make a profit of it are they.

 

[exigeracer]

I just read the mentioned Automobile article an hour ago. It's got more on the said topics (safety concerns etc). Here it is.

Cute, cool, and clever, the GX3 may be just the halo vehicle Volkswagen is craving. Conceived and unveiled in Los Angeles, the three-wheeler is designed to combine the road-hugging stance of a thoroughbred roadster, groundbreaking driving dynamics, and the authorization to cruise the car-pool lane solo.

VW brand supremo Wolfgang Bernhard is a big proponent: "In America, almost everybody owns a Jet Ski, a snowmobile, or an ATV. It's a huge market for specialty vehicles, and we want a share of it. VW would benefit from a new product that isn't mainstream and not available from a rival company. That's why the GX3 is more than a design exercise-what you saw on display is quite close to the real thing. I see the potential to attract more than 10,000 customers per year. We could have this vehicle at dealers in late 2007."

According to one person familiar with the project, VW is about to strike a deal with Lotus to help with research and development and to supply the front suspension and steering assembly, which are similar to the Elise's. The components would be shipped to America, where the GX3 would be assembled by an as yet undisclosed partner using a locally sourced tub.

But the GX3 is not a done deal. There are those within VW who have concerns about handling, roadholding, and controllability and who question the appeal of the vehicle to U.S. buyers. In the words of a senior executive: "It's nice to be able to use the car-pool lane, but it's not so nice to have to wear a helmet, to be exposed to exhaust fumes and flying objects, and to sit so low that towering SUVs and big rigs pose a physical threat. I am not sure if we have thought this one through all the way."

VW reportedly has decided not to sell the GX3 through established distribution channels. Instead, the company might launch a junior brand that would be legally separate from Volkswagen. By doing so, any product-liability issues could be kept at arm's length, since, although it is closer to a car than to a motorcycle in size and appearance, the GX3 lacks a windshield, a stability control system, and air bags.

Says Bernhard: "We've done a lot of research on safety, and we're satisfied with the results. Extensive simulation shows that active safety is not an issue. And as far as passive safety goes, this three-wheeler beats a motorcycle any day of the week. It offers better crash protection, and it won't lean and fall over."

Still, if the trike spawns negative headlines, the topless crossbreed between motorbike and roadster may pose the biggest product liability risk since the unintended-acceleration debacle hit Audi in 1986.

 

[YSSMAN]

Hmmm, it is interesting. I'm crossing my fingers that you can buy your GX-3 off the lot next to the GTI, but we will see what happens. Small size and the lack of safety features havent kept people away from cars like the Lotus Elise and Caterham Seven, so it is another wait and see issue.

If they can pull it off, it will most certainly be a hit.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Sad news for GX3 fans...

When Volkswagen unveiled its stunning GX3 Concept in January, car and motorcycle enthusiasts were surprised and thrilled that the automaker was so serious about building the vehicle. A price of $15,000 had been set, and plans were already being made to retail the motorcycle-car combo. But now it looks like that will never happen. Today, AutoWeek reported that Volkswagen is poised to kill the wild 125 mph three-wheeler. Just a month ago, production looked likely. Now, it looks as if legal concerns have lead VW to cancel the project. Although the vehicle would be classified as a motorcycle, the fact that it blurs the line so closely between a car and bike “could be too risky.” A source told the magazine that no final decision has been made, but it’s not looking good for the GX3. Earlier this month, Automobile magazine was reported VW executives were very concerned over the safety of the vehicle. That report indicated a different distribution network could be used, but now even that looks unlikely. The Leftlane Perspective: If VW won’t build it, might Lotus? Lotus has been helping develop the car, according to various reports.

...That is so the SUXORZ...!

 

[95GTIVR6]

Well we were right in assuming that Lotus was helping "produce" the GX3 but this is very sad news to me. I was really looking forward to buying one if they went into production.

If Lotus does decide to make the vehicle, chances are it won't show up here in the states

Man.....I was really wanting this thing.