Stuart has sent news of VW's "surprise" for the L.A. show – the GX3 – which was literally driven into the display area through the crowd - very cool. The crazy three-wheeled concept is actually more production ready than you would think. VW claims the GX3 could be a product as early as 2007 with a price target of around $17,000 – and it’s “car pool lane” approved in CA!
The GX3 (the ‘X’ stands for crossover-motorcycle-car) is a three-wheel “car” that features a tubular steel frame with integrated aluminum rollover structure, as well as carbon fiber body panels. The front suspension is a double-wishbone type with coilovers and the rear is an aluminum mono swingarm. The GX3 is moved by a 1.6L engine mounted transversely in the rear, which can propel the car to 60 in 5.7 seconds as well as return 46 mpg (probably not at the same time).
The design of the GX3 was apparently a hit at the show, as the designers who hail from VW’s new CA design studio received a standing ovation from the crowd of journalists. The GX3 can also be considered one of the first tangible fruits to be born from the company’s Moonraker Project.
Tons more pics and specs of the VW GX3 after the jump…
Specs:
Tubular steel frame
Carbon-fiber body panels
148 in long
73 in wide
48 in high
64 in track
106 in wheelbase
Integrated aluminum rollover structure
80-liter luggage compartment behind seats
1.6-liter engine, transverse, in the rear
6 speed manual g/b
Chain drive to rear wheel
Double wishbone front susp, with coilover
Aluminum mono swingarm rear
Front tires 215/45 rear 315/30
0-60 5.7 sec
1.25g lateral acceleration!!!
125 mph top speed
46 mpg
Follow the Audi Mileage Marathon starting Monday morning
Paris 2008: MINI Crossover Concept
Paris 2008: Aston Martin One-77 (partially) revealed
Paris 2008: The GT by Citroen. No, the whole thing this time
Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
Paris 2008: Le Day 1 Wrapup
Knight Rider: The Liveblog -- Season 1, Episode 2
By the Numbers - September 2008: Nobody Wins Edition
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jeff Crew @ Jan 4th 2006 4:54PM
Very cool. This would be a fantastic toy for weekend cruising and track days.
Peter @ Jan 4th 2006 6:49PM
Freaky. I was reading about on VWvortex. In the forums there they trashed it big time. I think I have to agree with them. I applaud the thinking but this is not likely going to sell.
I am a fan of small light cars and keep thinking about a bike, but this is essentially all the disadvantages of a motorcycle with the full 2 wheel experience.
You can get a much faster bike for for less than half the price and have much more of a thrill driving it.
Again I aplaud thinking outside the box, but this will never sell.
naggs @ Jan 4th 2006 7:04PM
this is a bad idea. who is going to buy this? it doesnt function as a car, it is a big slow motorcycle.
Mark @ Jan 4th 2006 10:27PM
Oh good. VW's built a T-Rex... except less streamlined, with a less powerful engine.
Meek @ Jan 5th 2006 7:21AM
Standing ovation for the designers? Did the press actually stand up, or were they already standing - since there were no seats.
I have to echo the sentiments from previous posts. This is the worst of both worlds: an unresponsive, slow, and low MPG motorcycle, and a car with little safety features.
mbhiii @ Jan 6th 2006 12:47PM
Good start, but nothing on the Campagna T-Rex:
http://www.go-t-rex.com/pictures.asp?nav=en-ca
which has
mbhiii @ Jan 6th 2006 12:56PM
(cont'd.) less than 1000# w/ rollcage, sequential 6sp, 0-60 4.1sec, 140mph, 1.9Gs [!!!]
Price is the only advantage; maybe when Honda realizes in can build a T-Rex-like, all-weather coupe that's curvier, stiffer, lighter, cheaper, and faster than this thing, people will line up for a trike.
g @ Jan 8th 2006 10:12AM
Build This NOW!!!
"who will buy this?" Are you kidding!!? At 17000.00 I WOULD!
TODAY
g
Richard Heck @ Jan 8th 2006 2:34PM
I think its a great idea for the price... wished it was more like the TRex with a motor that revved higher(redline at 6K sucks). I'd gladly pay an extra 2-3 grand for a turbo version that is modable......
sburns @ Jan 9th 2006 3:40PM
Reading through other VW forums, it would appear that many participants have no clue what this vehicle is about. It may not appeal to the normal VW buyer, but then again that is probably the point.
From a practical standpoint it is better than a touring bike and much better than a sportbike. Fuel economy is better than big bikes and about the same as hybrids. For people in their 30's or 40's that want a bike without a large portion of the danger inherent in riding, this thing would be perfect. While it may be 50% more than a Jap sportbike, it is cheaper than many toruing bikes or Euro models.
A windshield or hard top would not be needed or wanted with this vehicle, it would only take away from the experience. Unless structurally integrated would increase the likelihood of injury, not decrease. Compared to a motorcycle, it would be much safer in many typical accidents (mainly because a bike is so unsafe, it's easy to improve on zero)
I think it is great VW took a chance to build this concept with an eye for production. I for one hope it reaches production (at $17-20k). There is a market for these things, and it would take sales away from both motorcycles and a few cars like the Elise if you ask me. Sign me up for one of the first, just have to sell a couple of sportbikes first.
Peter @ Jan 10th 2006 6:35AM
This outside the box thinking is great but the wheels are configured backward. This design puts two people side by side instead of in tandem. Therefore, two wheels are up front instead of behind, where they ought to be. Vanden Brink, whose technology is resident in the Japanese Phiaro, has it right with his design to lean into turns in a vehicle that is ultra stable, has an enclosed roll cage, 3-point restraints, normal outside lights and safety features that non-motorcycle drivers are looking for, and it's a much more individual and thrilling experience to drive! http://www.carver.nl
peter @ Jan 11th 2006 12:12AM
Not too bad as a three wheeler,but is just like all the rest ie a car it has a steering wheel and bucket seats and gets called a bike don't get me wrong it's a bloody good job but to call it a bike you really need to have handle bars and sit on it not in it.What i would call a bike is the three wheeler i came across build by this aussie guy called spykster
bill @ Jan 11th 2006 3:07AM
I have both a Campagna T-rex ($50k new, about $33k slightly used) and one of the fastest motorccyles available a 2005 Suzuki GSXR, they definately have different uses... Like many have said before, put a turbo or at least a more powerful engine (Like in the Ariel Atom, my future replacement for the T-rex.) and I would be happy to sell my T-rex for $35k and replace it with a $20k souped up GX3. Until then, I bought it to have fun and that requires faster acceleration than this engine offers, maybe the 1.8t from the rest of their line would get more people on board.
Dale Langerhorst @ Jan 11th 2006 7:26PM
C'mon guys, git er done already. I Would sell my limited edition suzuki intruder volusia for this!!!!
Did I Mention that I want one?
phil martin @ Jan 12th 2006 12:58AM
The Juice was the coolest car at the LA auto show by far. They will sell like hot cakes. I will buy one for sure. It is not an unimaginative box or a gas guzzling kill your neighbor in an intersection war starting boring piece of crap. Who ever designed it has brains is way ahead of the crowd. Excellent milage and quick. I love it. Build it NOW!
Larry Harts @ Jan 16th 2006 12:30PM
i just turned 64 and had quit riding bikes a couple years ago,, but with the new gx3 i get a chance to be 16 again,, just hope they don't wait too long
Greg @ Jan 17th 2006 1:33AM
I've been reading a bit on the Volkswagen GX3 and I think it's got real promise... an Ariel Atom-esque driving experience for half the cost.
Three-wheelers are not original concepts, but the niche VW is attempting to carve is bold. It's fantastic to see a major car manufacturer actually considering something this radical AND thinking production for the U.S. market. It always seems like we get the plain-Jane appliance cars while the rest of the world is exposed to fascinating driver cars. Which is another clever consideration: three wheels are typically classified as a motorcycle, four as a car. There must be a whole host of regulations and constraints that don't apply to this machine, which should translate into lower production costs.
While the majority of people like what they see, there are some that don't get it because they can't decide whether it's a motorcycle or car. I would say rather than pigeonhole the vehicle into labels, one should ask whether it's fun to drive. I'll bet it's a blast.
Kudos to VW for thinking bold.
Kent Mercurio @ Jan 18th 2006 4:26PM
I would LOVE to have one of these. Yes, a bigger engine would be nice, but for a "cheap" two seater, it's plenty fast and pretty good with the gas mileage. To me it looks like a 3 wheeled F1 Car, which I think is a great thing. Although, it does look like it does sit really low to the ground, I'm sure it's fun as heck to drive. I really do hope that they produce this soon.
Mike @ Jan 19th 2006 11:28AM
Build it and they will come!!!!!
In case you do not know a new T-Rex sells for over $40,000 USD. If VW keeps the GX3 under $20,000 USD it will sell big time. Its the price guys!!!!!!
VW where do I send my deposit!!!
The Mac Junkie @ Jan 20th 2006 4:38PM
This is an awsome car/bike or what ever you call it. If vw builds it i will be on the waiting list. This car isnt a replacement for a safe car or a fast motorcycle, if u want to be safe get a car, if u want to go real fast get a fast bike, this car is meant for people that want to have fun with something different. Yeah 125hp may not sound fast, but im sure in such a low weight car, its plenty fast for most people. If vw can keep it under 20K im sure they will have no problem selling it.