Production Volkswagen up! may go front wheel drive instead, optional ER-EV
It looks like Volkswagen's new up! mini-car will be a little bit less of a modern incarnation of the Beetle than originally planned. The original three concept versions of VW's "new small family" (NSF) featured a rear-mounted engine and drive to the rear axle, similar to the Smart ForTwo. Apparently, as a cost saving measure, the company has now switched to a more conventional front engine, front wheel drive layout. This will probably allow VW to share some hardware with other models like the Polo. Two of VW's other brands, Skoda and Seat, will also get new cars based on the same architecture. It looks like the initial engine lineup will feature gas and diesel engines of 1.2L displacement and 55hp. In addition, it appears that VW is planning to build an extended range electric version of the up! The ER-EV up! is expected to a have a 30-mile electric range on lithium ion batteries and a small gas engine to extend that out to 300 miles.
[Source: AutoZeitung, translated by google]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
hodad66 4:38PM (6/20/2008)
keep up the good news..... come one, come all to the race. The race for the best small footprint, efficient vehicle in America. We can't wait.....
Reply
tchamp 7:51PM (6/20/2008)
So is this supposed to be coming to the US? So many articles here are for UK, or Europe only cars.
Reply
Sasparilla 6:11PM (6/20/2008)
Can't get here soon enough. I'd like to see some dates on this stuff though as VW didn't seem to be exactly rushing to EV's at all.
Reply
Tagbert 10:52PM (6/20/2008)
What a disappointment. That rear engine placement was the main that that differentiated this from any number of other vehicles. I've just gone from excitement to disinterest.
Reply
rgseidl 11:15PM (6/20/2008)
I had a chance to loop at the concept Up! close and personal ;^) It had the engine in the rear, severely canted. Above it, there was a small cargo space integrated with the passenger cabin - this is a hatchback, after all. In the front were the steering column, battery and radiator, so only a cubbyhole was available for cargo. I'm not sure where the fuel tank was located.
I suspect the combination of suboptimal cargo space layout and cabin noise contributed to the decision. Putting the engine up front may be conventional, but for a vehicle this small, it's definitely the more intelligent choice. They'll have to add power steering now, but that's a small price to pay.
Reply
Rick 10:52AM (6/23/2008)
4 doors, 4 doors, 4 doors....
Reply
Wave54 12:54PM (6/23/2008)
* 6. 4 doors, 4 doors, 4 doors.... *
There's a 5-door also planned.
Reply