Skip advert
Advertisement

Detroit motor show: Volkswagen E-Bugster

Volkswagen lifts the covers on its electric Beetle concept, the E-Bugster. Details and gallery here.

2012 Detroit motor show A-to-Z listing

Wanting to show the world how committed Volkswagen is to electric motoring, and lowering its carbon footprint, the German manufacturer has unveiled this, the E-Bugster - An all-electric Beetle concept.

With the emphasis on it being sporty, this Beetle has a compact 85 kW motor, and will do 0-60mph in a claimed 10.9 seconds, and even if that doesn't sound particularly quick, a relatively low weight and instant torque should make this an interesting drive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Range is limited to about 110 miles, but the battery can be charged in as little as 35 minutes from a quick-charge station. Much like the Nissan Leaf, the E-Bugster can be charged from an ordinary power outlet too, although this will take considerably longer.

This is thanks to the new 'Combined Charging System' which has been developed in conjunction with BMW, Audi, Daimler, Porsche, Ford and General Motors in an attempt to pave the way for a universal electric car charging standard.

The electric-drive system, which VW is calling 'Blue-e-Motion', consists of a centrally-mounted 85kW module, weighing just 80kg, and a compact lithium-ion battery pack which sits behind the front seats, losing the rear seats altogether. This system will go into production as early as 2013, being put into its current production car line up, the first probably being the Golf.

Volkswagen claim that the Bugster draws a lot of inspiration from its 2005 'Ragster' concept, a lower and wider sporty Beetle, and if it goes into production, would directly rival the MINI Coupe.

VW design boss Marc Lichte told evo that the look of the Bugster is inspired by the cult of 'Speedster' Beetles in the 'seventies - complete with Porsche-style Fuchs alloys. He said that one of the main design criteria for the concept was to make 'a Beetle that appeals to men as well as women.'

2012 Detroit motor show A-to-Z listing

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
24 Hours of Lemons – we dive into the endurance race for $500 scrappers
24 Hours of Lemons
Features

24 Hours of Lemons – we dive into the endurance race for $500 scrappers

£500 wouldn't buy you a wingmirror for a Le Mans car. At the 24 Hours of Lemons, it's the budget for your entire race car. We get stuck in
19 Apr 2025