Prev Next
1 of 8

Volkswagen Bulli concept (photos)

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.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
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.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
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.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
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.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
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.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
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.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
Volkswagen integrated an iPad into the Bulli, complete with a mount, to handle all infotainment functions.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
With its bench seats, the Bulli can carry six people.

Back to 2011 Geneva auto show.

Updated:
Photo by: Wayne Cunningham/CNET
Latest Galleries
See all

REVIEW

Meet the drop-resistant Moto Z2 Force

The Moto Z2 Force is really thin, with a fast processor and great battery life. It can survive drops without shattering.

Latest From Roadshow

Proterra's electric bus drove a record 1,100 miles on a single charge

Chrysler recalls 50,000 Pacifica minivans for wonky seat belts

Waymo seeks a whopping $2.6B in damages from Uber

Watch a Land Rover Discovery pull a 121-ton 'road train'

Delphi will use BlackBerry QNX for its self-driving platform