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VW 3 Wheeler Concept (From Top Gear Website)
Andy W - 6/1/06 at 05:22 PM

Volkswagen has wowed the LA Auto Show with a three-wheeler concept called the GX3.

The GX3 could become a production reality in the US, because it would be classed as a motorcycle and as such would be able to use congestion-busting 'car pool' lanes.

The open cockpit two-seater has been pared to the minimum and uses motorcycle-style instruments.

Weight has been kept to just 570kg - about half that of a Lupo.

Coupled to the low weight and 123bhp, 1.6-litre engine, the GX3 covers 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds, while still returning 46mpg.

VW says the GX3 could go into production in the near future if there is a positive response from the American public.

If the Yanks don't want it, we'll take it, because VW says the emphasis is very much on handling and driving fun, and the proposed cost is $17,000 (£9,700).


GX3 Concept 1
GX3 Concept 1



GX3 Concept 2
GX3 Concept 2


donut - 6/1/06 at 05:24 PM

Sorry but that's just orrible

Should be called Cyclops!

[Edited on 6/1/06 by donut]


flak monkey - 6/1/06 at 05:26 PM

Theres no way that would pass SVA... the headlights look more than 400mm from the widest part of the car

Its not pretty, but it does look fun.

David


jestre - 6/1/06 at 05:46 PM

Hmmm.... A VW I actually like.


matt_claydon - 6/1/06 at 05:54 PM

quote:
Originally posted by flak monkey
Theres no way that would pass SVA... the headlights look more than 400mm from the widest part of the car

David


But it's a trike, not a car, which I think means it comes under MSVA regs which are far more akin to bikes than cars.


donut - 6/1/06 at 06:00 PM

So if i took my Indy to SVA with a wheel missing would i be able to get it through on MSVA??


Hellfire - 6/1/06 at 06:07 PM

Apart from the cyclops headlight thing, I really like the front end. Looks like the front of a modern/futuristic seven.

Rest of its crap but me like front.


joolsmi16 - 6/1/06 at 07:26 PM

Great design I love the look of it not sure about VW power especially when its 570kg!! any bike engine will help it case.

The lights will still fail a MSVA but apart from that I'd have one.


kev R1 - 6/1/06 at 08:28 PM

if it had four wheels it'd look quite cool


Ian Pearson - 6/1/06 at 08:33 PM

quote:

if it had four wheels it'd look quite cool



Looks a lot better than the Vomit-R.


trikerneil - 6/1/06 at 08:35 PM

It's too heavy to be driven on a B1 bike licence the limit is 550kg


big_wasa - 6/1/06 at 10:42 PM

ooooh my next project....Want one


carcentric - 6/1/06 at 11:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by donut
So if i took my Indy to SVA with a wheel missing would i be able to get it through on MSVA??


As long as your chassis and suspension are stiff enough to keep the wheel-less corner off the ground, I don't see why not.

Just curious - why was this topic double posted (in Three-wheeled and Anything Else sections of this Forum)? For those with an interest in such vehicles, there are several others chronicled in the other section.


Chippy - 6/1/06 at 11:33 PM

Guy's, come on! "that wouldn't pass SVA", of course it wouldn't. It would have to be type approved as it's a production vehicle, and it sure wouldn't pass that in it's present form, and crash testing, think not. But sure does look like it could be fun.