At the Los Angeles Auto Show Volkswagen has revealed the GX3 Concept, a three-wheeler lightweight vehicle capable of high performances and low fuel consumption.

Designed by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Center in California for the US market, the GX3 could go on production with a target price of about $ 17,000.

Crossover between sports car and motorcycle

Powered by a VW 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 92 kW / 125 hp and 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) of torque, the GX3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,7 seconds and and the fuel consumption in the city is estimated to be 5.2 l/100 km (46 mpg).

The GX3 also promises exceptional dynamic performances: the possible lateral acceleration reaches 1.25g

All this is made possible by the reduced weight of just 570 kg (1,257 lbs), which results in a power-to-weight ratio of 10 lbs/hp (4.56 kg/PS).

Design

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.

The GX3 is defined by VW as "a pure driving machine", a new type of motorcycle.

It features two seats positioned side-by-side, an essential and minimalistic styling and some design details inspired to the motorcycle world, such as the front headlight, located above the body between the front wheels, and the twin exhaust terminals.

"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 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."

Body Structure and Chassis

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 liters) trunk is located behind the seats.

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.

The Future

According to VW, "a production counterpart of the GX3, could be on the market very soon. It all depends on the American driver’s feedback.". And the most important thing, the GX3 production vehicle should be under the $17,000 price range.

VW and the USA

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, with one idea in mind: to convert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers into mobility, reaching the highest possible customer satisfaction.

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. The GX 3 is one of the most remarkable results of this process.

(Source: Volkswagen via AutoViaggiando)