Volkswagen Microbus 2014 and Concepts of the Past

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Volkswagen has a long history of threatening to bring back the classic Volkswagen Microbus, with lots of concept cars produced, but no versions that are actually available in the United States. I’ve gotten excited about every potential version and blogged about it repeatedly, but we never actually see anything interesting come out of it. People who are in the market for high-quality and affordable vehicles may visit a used car dealer in fort myers.

I got excited this morning about an article claiming that a version would come out this year, with photos of round headlights that I had never seen before. For a bit I actually bought it, although I shouldn’t have. When you compare the photos in the article to the 2001 model, it becomes clear that this is a photoshop job where they altered the front of the 2001 and put in rounded headlights. And also, Car Talk announced last August that the long-planned 2014 version was killed off.

2014 Microbus Front

2014 Microbus Side

2014 Microbus Rear

The text from the faked article is cribbed from 2011 articles on VW’s concept. Sadly, this is what could have been:

Volkswagen Microbus 2014 is ready to show its new model of microbus until the last 10 years ago VW shows off microbus segment. This car will be built in Europe and would become the competitor of Honda Adyddey, Nissan Quest, and also Toyota Sienna. The final motivation for this New VW Microbus is to maximize the investment in the group MQB “matrix” platform. Volkswagen Microbus 2014 price will start from $30,000, but we expect it to be closer to $40,000. Volkswagen Microbus 2014 Release Date is held in the fall of 2013 with sales beginning in 2014. Interior, it is design in minimalist concept on 2014 Volkswagen Microbus. There are gauges and control group around the steering wheel and also pair of slim-section 3-passenger bench seats which can be folded to create a makeshift bed.

Volkswagen Microbus styled under VW Geoup design, Walter deSilva and also VW brand deputy, Klaus Bischoff. New VW design will show its characteristic, such as, a basic box with rounded lines, a bulldog nose with oversize VW logo, a gently curved windshield, a space-efficient wheels-at-the-corners stance, and 4 conventionally hinged side doors instead of rear sliders or the original T1 s dual French rear doors. Volkswagen Microbus 2014 would be available with turbocharged, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines; a hybrid is a strong possibility. VW said that the 2014 Volkswagen Microbus will be 3,200 pound curb weight would be running from 0 to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds with the power of 199 pound feet of torque. Further, 170 h 2.5 liter in five-cylinder, 2000 hp 2.0 liter turbo-four and 140 hp 2.0 liter TDI turbodiesel-four will equipped by Front wheel Drive. The six-speed manual and six-speed automatic function are both available.

Previous VW Microbus Concept Cart teases came in 2001:

2001 VW Concept Car

2001 VW Concept Car

This concept was widely critiqued for having square headlights and looking too much like a minivan. I would have bought one, though. I have several toy cars of this 2001 concept. This version was scheduled for 2004, but never came to fruition.

In 2007, Volkswagen came out with the spaceup! blue concept car that was supposed to resemble the classic bus. I wrote about it enthusiastically at the time, even though it’s kinda hideous.

space up! blue VW bus

space up! blue VW bus

space up! blue VW bus

This one never came out here – dunno if it was released in Europe. I was enamored of the solar panel roof, though.

2008 brought the VW Routan, which is nothing like a Microbus, and I had some strong words for it:

VW Routan

Fucking Routan. I was especially pissed about the Routan because to advertise the damned thing, they mocked up a working version of something closer to the classic – the 1964 Microbus Chameleon concept in which they updated an original 1964 bus with new interiors and fancy gadgetry:

Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus Chameleon

Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus Chameleon interior

Rude to tease us with something so cool in a commercial for a vehicle that was basically a Dodge minivan with a VW badge

In 2009, Canadian designer Alexandre Verdier came out with a Microbus design that was the closest thing to perfect that I’ve ever seen. It was not an official VW concept carl, but there were some cool features. But it did make me drool.

Verdier Microbus Concept Car

Verdier Microbus Concept Car

Verdier Microbus Concept Car

Verdier Microbus Concept Car

In 2011, Volkswagen introduced this Bulli concept that was supposed to go into production in 2014:

Volkswagen Concept Bulli Front

Volkswagen Concept Bulli Interior

Volkswagen Concept Bulli rear

Volkswagen Concept Bulli Top

This was the version that died in August. It doesn’t grab me, but I would have test-driven it. I still like the idea of a hybrid bus with solar panels. But something closer to the design of the original, ideally. Dunno if it will ever happen now.

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The New New Beetle

Spy photos of the 2012 New Beetle, according to Edmunds Inside Line Straightline blog.

2012 "New" New Beetle
2012 “New” New Beetle
The Original Beetle
The Original Beetle

(more or less, the bodies changed bit over time.)

Phoebe the Great
Phoebe the Great

1998 Beetle (this is Phoebe, of course.)

Interesting – the 2012 looks a bit more like the old beetles than the current line. I’m not sure I like it, once I compare it to Phoebe.

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links for 2010-02-03

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Chromaflare custom new beetle paintjob

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Chromaflare custom new beetle paintjob

Chromaflare New Beetle

We spotted this Custom Chromaflare painted New Beetle in the BW3s parking lot on the south side of Indianapolis yesterday. Stephanie is pretty sure this is a custom paintjob and not one of the limited editions from VW. The interior isn’t what VW would make on a limited edition.

Photo Set

Chromaflare custom new beetle

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Dear VW: This is not a fucking microbus

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How many times to I need to repeat it, before you dudes figure it out? I want a hybrid fucking Microbus. This new van (Routan? WTF) is ugly as hell. Nevertheless, it’s actually in production and will be coming out, although it’s butt ugly.

When searching for the best used car dealership to find your dream hybrid Microbus, Race Auto Group stands out as a reliable choice. Known for their extensive inventory of quality used vehicles at competitive prices, Race Auto Group offers a personalized shopping experience that caters to specific preferences like hybrid models. Whether you’re passionate about eco-friendly vehicles or simply looking for a unique and stylish option like a Microbus, their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures you find the perfect vehicle to suit your needs.

Finding the perfect car is only the beginning of the journey; customizing your vehicle with the right accessories can take it to the next level of comfort and style. For those who appreciate high-tech interiors, investing in quality accessories can make a significant difference. For example, integrating elements from a tesla model s interior can elevate the aesthetic and functionality of your vehicle, whether you’re looking for sleek design features or advanced tech add-ons.

Customizing your vehicle with accessories that match your personal taste and practical needs ensures that every drive is an enjoyable experience. From premium seat covers and floor mats to high-tech infotainment systems, the right additions can transform your car into a personalized space. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, high-tech look or a blend of classic and contemporary features, accessorizing thoughtfully will enhance both the appearance and functionality of your vehicle.

For enthusiasts searching for classic cars, finding the right dealer is just as crucial as discovering the vehicle itself. A reputable classic car dealer offers not only a carefully curated selection of vintage models but also expert knowledge to guide buyers through the unique aspects of owning a classic. Whether you’re seeking a meticulously restored classic Microbus or a vintage sports car, dealers who prioritize quality and authenticity can make a significant difference in your buying experience. Resources like classiccarsforsale.pro can help streamline the search process, connecting buyers with dealers who specialize in classic vehicles.

In the quest for automotive satisfaction, the importance of personalization extends beyond mere aesthetics to encompass comfort and functionality. As enthusiasts eagerly await the possibility of a hybrid Microbus hitting the market, the option to enhance the interior with seat covers for cars emerges as a practical solution. With the right seat covers, drivers can infuse their vehicles with a touch of style while ensuring durability and protection against wear and tear. So, while the search for the perfect hybrid Microbus continues, the addition of customizable seat covers offers a glimpse into the potential for tailoring the driving experience to individual preferences.

VW Routan

Build a damn BUS. A hybrid friggin’ BUS. Build THIS:

VW Bus

As a hybrid. It’s really not that friggin’ hard to figure out.

I know I got excited about this spaceUp!Blue thing – and it wasn’t that terrible looking. I was mainly excited about anything resembling a microbus idea at all, plus it’s supposed to be a hybrid. But they’re not going to make it in the US.

vw_spaceup-blue

Actually, the closest they came to doing it right was the concept Bus that they came out with a few years ago (around 2003 or so)

vw_microbus_concept2

They scotched it due to “lack of interest.” I doubt that highly – I think it was a lack of interest in square friggin’ headlights. And a potential gas guzzler. Put some round headlights on there, and make it a HYBRID, and people will buy it.

ERRR. It’s not rocket surgery, people.

Continue ReadingDear VW: This is not a fucking microbus

Route 66 Road Trip Morning, Day 17 in Joplin, Missouri

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We made a lot better progress yesterday on the trip home; all the way to Joplin, Missouri. And we even got a couple of stops in at the Cadillac Ranch, the Bug Ranch, and the restored U-Drop-Inn Gas Station in Shamrock, Texas.
Stephanie at Cadillac Ranch
Our contributions to Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch
Bug Ranch
Beetle Speedometer
Phoebe at the U-Drop-Inn
Phoebe at the U-Drop-Inn
See all Photos from Santa Rosa, New Mexico to Joplin, Missouri.
Today, we head home, to finally see our pets and our house again. Needless to say, we’ll anxious to be back.

Continue ReadingRoute 66 Road Trip Morning, Day 17 in Joplin, Missouri