VW gives classic Kombi an electric overhaul

The Driven

German carmaker Volkswagen has celebrated the launch of its newly renamed research lab, Innovation and Engineering Center California (IECC), with a futuristic electric overhaul of its iconic classic Microbus, otherwise known as Kombi.

Building on a long history of naming convention, the “Type 20” concept – so named for the IECC’s 20 year or so history under the name ERL (Electronics Research Lab) – has had the full treatment from the innovation centre.

“The future of the Volkswagen Group will be defined by our success in developing new technology that is designed to meet our customers’ needs,” said Scott Keogh, CEO of Volkswagen America in a statement,

“As we roll out the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles, innovation will increasingly define who we are.”

Gone is the chugging engine so famously located in the original Kombi’s rear boot, replaced in the Type 20 with an electric motor that delivers 234Nm of torque – hill-climbing troubles solved.

A far cry from the carmaker’s reborn production Microbus, the electric ID Buzz, the design team has gone all out with an orange and yellow geometric design, while organic branch-like features have been developed using bio-mimetic “generative design” to maximise strength in areas such as seat legs and steering wheel.

To read the full story on RenewEconomy’s electric vehicle dedicated site, The Driven, click here…