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Volkswagen Bulli concept (photos)

VW revisits its 1960s Samba bus with the Bulli concept, an electric vehicle that echoes the design of its legendary predecessor. Unlike the Samba, the Bulli has its motive power in the front, driving the front wheels.

Wayne Cunningham

March 1, 2011 10:00 a.m. PT

Wayne Cunningham

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Volkswagen enthusiasts will welcome the sight of a big-plate VW badge, made famous by its presence on the Type 2, or Microbus as it came to be known in the U.S. Germans called the Type 2 the Bulli, hence the name of the new concept.

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Unlike the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive Type 2, the Bulli gets front-wheel drive from its front-mounted electric motor. Volkswagen claims impressive numbers for the concept, such as a 186-mile range and a 1-hour charging time.

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The Bulli's doors are hinged, similar to those on the Type 2. Later Volkswagen Microbuses would get sliding side doors. One area where the Bulli does not compete with the Type 2 is quantity of windows, which numbered up to 23 in the original vehicle.

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The chrome dish evokes the look of the Type 2's hubcaps. The electric motor and 40-kWh lithium ion battery give the Bulli 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. It gets to 62 mph in a sedate 11.5 seconds.

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The lithium ion battery pack is sandwiched in the chassis, which keeps its center of gravity low. Volkswagen says the platform could also accommodate one of its gasoline or diesel engines.

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As the Bulli is not nearly as long or tall as the Type 2, its cargo space is smaller. But the rear seats can be folded flat to maximize space. The front bench also folds down in a two-thirds split, leaving the driver's seat up.

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Volkswagen integrated an iPad into the Bulli, complete with a mount, to handle all infotainment functions.

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With its bench seats, the Bulli can carry six people.

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