The VW Bus debuted in the late 1940s and remained in production until 2014. Several generations were introduced during that time, including The Splitty, The Bay, the T2b and T2c, and the Type 2. What was a relic of the past has been reborn—you will soon find the 2020 version of the Bus at a VW dealer near you.
Throughout its history, the VW Bus has been used in many ways. The Bay Camper Bus, introduced in 1975, often served as a camper or mobile home. Volkswagen’s Microbus has also influenced American culture, from its beachside popularity and surfboards loaded on the roof to being an icon of the hippie movement in the late 1960s. It was featured in the Cars movie in 2006 and has been a mainstay of the Scooby-Doo cartoon series over many years.
It’s no longer available new at a Volkswagen dealership … but that may soon change.
How Is the New VW Bus Improved over Past Generations?
Despite its popularity, the VW Microbus had its drawbacks. One was the limited power of its engine; the first models could deliver just 25 hp, and when this was increased to 40 hp, the vehicle was still painfully slow. Even in the 1950s, it was not nearly as powerful as a sedan. At higher speeds and during cornering, rollovers were possible, in part due to a short wheelbase and narrow track width.
Not only does the concept Microbus, I.D. Buzz, eliminate many of the previous challenges (it delivers 369 hp and packs electric motors for each axle), but it sports some of the latest technologies. It includes:
- A fast-charging battery: The 111-kWh battery pack can recharge up to 80% of its full capacity in 30 minutes while using just 150 kW of electricity.
- A high estimated range: The Microbus you may soon get from a VW car dealer can go an estimated 300 miles on a single charge, which is generous among EVs.
- Ample space: Built on the MEB platform, the Microbus is spacious and accommodates three rows of seats, which can be folded down, spun around, or removed to increase cargo capacity.
On the outside, the Microbus mimics the same boxy shape, rectangular windows, and two-tone V-nose as the original. But its LED headlights are designed with hexagonal segments that help communicate vehicle status. Other modern touchups include 22-inch wheels and near-zero body overhangs. On the inside, similarities to its predecessors are few and the bus is a demonstration of autonomous technology that VW will continue to develop. There are pop-up laser scanners in the roof and a fold-away steering wheel. Combined with a heads-up display, the Microbus is more futuristic than a relic of the past.1
Visit Jeff D’Ambrosio Volkswagen in Downingtown, PA
The electric VW Bus is slated to be out in 2022, at a starting price of $70,000.2 However, you can find the latest models and used vehicles at a leading VW dealer in Pennsylvania today. Learn more about low-cost, low-mileage, and multipoint inspected used vehicles, as well as our service department, specials, and financing options by visiting us or calling 888-585-7794.
Sources:
- https://newsroom.vw.com/vehicles/future-cars/official-the-vw-bus-is-back-and-its-electric/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/microbus
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- Volkswagen Voyages: A Roadmap to Choosing Your Ideal Model
- Conquering the Chill: Winter Car Maintenance Must-Haves
- Jeff D’Ambrosio Collision Center: Your Go-To Repair Shop
- Revving Up the Green Revolution: Unleash the Eco-Friendly Power of Volkswagen’s Electric Vehicles
- Essential Volkswagen Maintenance Tips