Comments on: More on Volkswagen’s rear-engine revival http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:54:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: deantj http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311198 deantj Fri, 11 May 2007 14:06:51 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311198 No power steering? Excellent! No power steering? Excellent!

]]> By: Hyperion http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311093 Hyperion Thu, 10 May 2007 17:59:12 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311093 autonutt, I think the New Beetle was one of the the most pointless frivolities money could buy. It was a VW Golf and it had nothing to do with a "Beetle" other than its general shape. That car was the epitomy of "retro for no reason". On the other hand, a new rear engined Beetle that is smaller than the last model and is built on the same engineering philosophy as the old car with a smaller engine than the outgoing 2.0 Turbo... that represents to me "retro FOR a reason". I'll pay for some stability control just to get a rear drive small car. autonutt, I think the New Beetle was one of the the most pointless frivolities money could buy. It was a VW Golf and it had nothing to do with a “Beetle” other than its general shape. That car was the epitomy of “retro for no reason”.

On the other hand, a new rear engined Beetle that is smaller than the last model and is built on the same engineering philosophy as the old car with a smaller engine than the outgoing 2.0 Turbo… that represents to me “retro FOR a reason”.

I’ll pay for some stability control just to get a rear drive small car.

]]> By: TomF http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311077 TomF Thu, 10 May 2007 17:19:26 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311077 This VW concept is also the subject of a two-page spread in the new Automobile magazine. This VW concept is also the subject of a two-page spread in the new Automobile magazine.

]]> By: fan http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311025 fan Thu, 10 May 2007 12:59:54 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311025 Volkswagens are for gays. Always have and always will be. Comment by V-series, posted on May9 at 10:09 pm classy comment... this is one true expert on cars AND life Volkswagens are for gays. Always have and always will be.
Comment by V-series, posted on May9 at 10:09 pm

classy comment… this is one true expert on cars AND life

]]> By: autonutt http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311012 autonutt Thu, 10 May 2007 05:15:02 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311012 Of course, if VW does decide to revert to rear-engine/RWD, expect the next Ford Ka to feature the hand-crank start and complex transmission from the Model T. Of course, if VW does decide to revert to rear-engine/RWD, expect the next Ford Ka to feature the hand-crank start and complex transmission from the Model T.

]]> By: autonutt http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311011 autonutt Thu, 10 May 2007 05:13:31 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311011 Seems a bit pointless to revert to rear-engine/RWD for a low-price car and have to add expensive stability control to make it handle and steer predictably. Where the New Beetle was touted as "Round for a Reason", this should be called "Retro for no Reason!" Seems a bit pointless to revert to rear-engine/RWD for a low-price car and have to add expensive stability control to make it handle and steer predictably. Where the New Beetle was touted as “Round for a Reason”, this should be called “Retro for no Reason!”

]]> By: V-series http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311009 V-series Thu, 10 May 2007 03:09:16 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-311009 Volkswagens are for gays. Always have and always will be. Volkswagens are for gays. Always have and always will be.

]]> By: Stridder44 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310995 Stridder44 Thu, 10 May 2007 02:03:55 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310995 Ah. I see. Thank you interphase and TomF for clearing that up/explaining. Ah. I see. Thank you interphase and TomF for clearing that up/explaining.

]]> By: BMan1113VR http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310988 BMan1113VR Thu, 10 May 2007 00:47:03 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310988 Well, the Atom's engine sits atop the rear axle: http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/ariel-atom-13.jpg and with a 36/64 weight balance, I would say that it is rear engine. I just mention it because it was ignored in the article. Well, the Atom’s engine sits atop the rear axle: http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/ariel-atom-13.jpg and with a 36/64 weight balance, I would say that it is rear engine. I just mention it because it was ignored in the article.

]]> By: 1c3d0g http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310985 1c3d0g Wed, 09 May 2007 23:58:43 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310985 Eh, no thanks...I'll stick with front-engined cars WITH power steering. Eh, no thanks…I’ll stick with front-engined cars WITH power steering.

]]> By: Leftlane http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310983 Leftlane Wed, 09 May 2007 22:53:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310983 testing testing

]]> By: interphase http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310981 interphase Wed, 09 May 2007 22:34:39 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310981 WIth the Ariel Atom, the majority of the engine's weight is slightly in front of the rear axle - I'd say that makes it mid engined, even though the minimalist bodywork suggests otherwise. The Atom is too much for an average driver to use every day, and this car would have to have completely benign handling to work for its target market. WIth the Ariel Atom, the majority of the engine’s weight is slightly in front of the rear axle – I’d say that makes it mid engined, even though the minimalist bodywork suggests otherwise. The Atom is too much for an average driver to use every day, and this car would have to have completely benign handling to work for its target market.

]]> By: Hyperion http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310976 Hyperion Wed, 09 May 2007 21:54:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310976 I think so too, Piablo! :) In addition to the front hood, if there is just a bit of room for a travel suitcase in the back it will be perfect. I think so too, Piablo! :)

In addition to the front hood, if there is just a bit of room for a travel suitcase in the back it will be perfect.

]]> By: Piablo http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310969 Piablo Wed, 09 May 2007 20:57:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310969 Hyperion - It certainly would be different to throw a briefcase under the front hood! Hyperion – It certainly would be different to throw a briefcase under the front hood!

]]> By: Piablo http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310968 Piablo Wed, 09 May 2007 20:56:13 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310968 LJ - I'm going by Motor Trend's long term review of a 2004 Prius... "41.6". I guess I rounded down 1.6mpg. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/oneyear/112_0601_2004_toyota_prius/gas_mileage.html LJ – I’m going by Motor Trend’s long term review of a 2004 Prius… “41.6″. I guess I rounded down 1.6mpg.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/oneyear/112_0601_2004_toyota_prius/gas_mileage.html

]]> By: Hyperion http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310966 Hyperion Wed, 09 May 2007 20:49:56 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310966 This is much better than the proposed FWD Scirocco concept. For a short range city car, I'd definitely consider one at a $14,000 price point. You can't beat the neatness of a rear engined economy car. This is much better than the proposed FWD Scirocco concept.

For a short range city car, I’d definitely consider one at a $14,000 price point.

You can’t beat the neatness of a rear engined economy car.

]]> By: BMan1113VR http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310965 BMan1113VR Wed, 09 May 2007 20:33:34 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310965 The Ariel Atom is also rear-engined (in addition to the 911 and Smart). The Ariel Atom is also rear-engined (in addition to the 911 and Smart).

]]> By: Cooper http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310952 Cooper Wed, 09 May 2007 19:19:32 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310952 Make it look like a Beetle. Keep those price points, and they'd sell a million of them. Make it look like a Beetle. Keep those price points, and they’d sell a million of them.

]]> By: LJ http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310951 LJ Wed, 09 May 2007 19:08:09 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310951 About the Prius supposedly ony getting 40 MPG? http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=101393 Know a REAL owner of an 04...last tiem we spoke to her was last yearaorund this time. 44K miles, bestMPG was 54 city , 48 hwy, avg 50 mpg, she said. Worst mpg WAS FIRST TANK of fuel.....39 MPG combined( see, this is what irks me, these magazines do a 1-2 week test of a new car, not 100% broken in, and claim" low mpg"LOL... Edmunds STILL has the 04, to 100,000 miles... and has hit OVER 50 MPG. Just like Anne's car, the more miles the better the MPG it gets. her's got 42-44 until 25,000 miles, then , suddenly, climbed more and more each tank. Edmunds seems ot prove this phenomenon, BUT NO ONE MENTIONS IT IN THE PRESS! Our tC got 30 first tank, 28 for the next 60000 miles, then after 7K miles, or 2 months of ownership, our Scion tC started getting 30-31MPG hwy, now gets 32-34. Been this way the past 75K miles, nearly 3 years). Enough off my griping and complaining(and fact finding). 130 inches long?Maybe if I lived in Japan, or this were 1980, when the other cars were smaller than today's. Today we call a Accent sedan a subcompact(at 14 feet long, give or take an inch), where as in 90,they were called compact cars. Yesteedays mid-sized sedan is today's compact, and so on. As for new VW Beetle? Got an emial awhile back with Just a photo... showed a conpceptual drawing, of a Sports Coupe with VW Beetle like front end. That's what ya need, not some golf cart. I am sure someone is willing ot take a chance on getting squashed by an Accent in an accident, lol, but not me! About the Prius supposedly ony getting 40 MPG?
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=101393
Know a REAL owner of an 04…last tiem we spoke to her was last yearaorund this time. 44K miles, bestMPG was 54 city , 48 hwy, avg 50 mpg, she said.
Worst mpg WAS FIRST TANK of fuel…..39 MPG combined( see, this is what irks me, these magazines do a 1-2 week test of a new car, not 100% broken in, and claim” low mpg”LOL… Edmunds STILL has the 04, to 100,000 miles… and has hit OVER 50 MPG. Just like Anne’s car, the more miles the better the MPG it gets. her’s got 42-44 until 25,000 miles, then , suddenly, climbed more and more each tank. Edmunds seems ot prove this phenomenon, BUT NO ONE MENTIONS IT IN THE PRESS! Our tC got 30 first tank, 28 for the next 60000 miles, then after 7K miles, or 2 months of ownership, our Scion tC started getting 30-31MPG hwy, now gets 32-34. Been this way the past 75K miles, nearly 3 years).

Enough off my griping and complaining(and fact finding).
130 inches long?Maybe if I lived in Japan, or this were 1980, when the other cars were smaller than today’s.
Today we call a Accent sedan a subcompact(at 14 feet long, give or take an inch), where as in 90,they were called compact cars.

Yesteedays mid-sized sedan is today’s compact, and so on.

As for new VW Beetle? Got an emial awhile back with Just a photo… showed a conpceptual drawing, of a Sports Coupe with VW Beetle like front end. That’s what ya need, not some golf cart.
I am sure someone is willing ot take a chance on getting squashed by an Accent in an accident, lol, but not me!

]]> By: TOZO http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310939 TOZO Wed, 09 May 2007 18:29:29 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310939 If VW wants to do another Beetle - the "NEW NEW Beetle" or "Beetle 3.0" - this could very well be the right way to go. If VW wants to do another Beetle – the “NEW NEW Beetle” or “Beetle 3.0″ – this could very well be the right way to go.

]]> By: Kenny W http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310938 Kenny W Wed, 09 May 2007 18:22:53 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310938 On paper the idea is very interesting and could prove to be a hit with the proper tuning. The idea of a nav system in it though seems counter-intuitive to the idea IMO. I'm also afraid that unless the weight is very low the lack of power steering will turn this car off to many non-enthusiast that have never driven a car without it. While, as an enthusiast, I like the car I fear that if it's ever produced the market for it would be too limited. This will turn into another Pheaton, just cheaper. On paper the idea is very interesting and could prove to be a hit with the proper tuning. The idea of a nav system in it though seems counter-intuitive to the idea IMO. I’m also afraid that unless the weight is very low the lack of power steering will turn this car off to many non-enthusiast that have never driven a car without it. While, as an enthusiast, I like the car I fear that if it’s ever produced the market for it would be too limited. This will turn into another Pheaton, just cheaper.

]]> By: megator http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310936 megator Wed, 09 May 2007 18:16:07 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310936 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_i for the haters of rear engined cars mitsu already did it and made a bunch of cash. now if VW can make it sporty plz do. I drove a friends fiat 500, and that was a blast. so if Vdub can make something similar go for it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_i for the haters of rear engined cars

mitsu already did it and made a bunch of cash. now if VW can make it sporty plz do. I drove a friends fiat 500, and that was a blast. so if Vdub can make something similar go for it.

]]> By: christianboy10 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310935 christianboy10 Wed, 09 May 2007 18:15:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310935 yeah bring back the old beetle yeah bring back the old beetle

]]> By: Mr. Wizard http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310933 Mr. Wizard Wed, 09 May 2007 17:48:27 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310933 Thanks Tom F, I read the article a little too fast. Power steering,well with electric assist it could be done, but like interphase said you might not miss it; wow,a car with true road feel. Hopefully they're not thinking of bringing back the air cooled engine. HA. Thanks Tom F, I read the article a little too fast. Power steering,well with electric assist it could be done, but like interphase said you might not miss it; wow,a car with true road feel. Hopefully they’re not thinking of bringing back the air cooled engine. HA.

]]> By: TomF http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310930 TomF Wed, 09 May 2007 17:31:13 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310930 130 inches total length, not wheelbase. It'll be just short of 11 feet long. That's small -- about ten inches shorter than a MINI Cooper. This could be the REAL Beetle 2.0 -- a subversive, stylish, popular, efficient car that is genuinely different, not a piece-of-shit Golf plartform with a new shell plopped over it. Gas prices hit $3 last summer and they're already over $4 in some places this summer. $5 next summer seems like a real possibility. "Insanely high" prices are the New Normal. Anything small car with a little style or cachet to it will sell like mad. Chrysler Aspens, not so much. 130 inches total length, not wheelbase. It’ll be just short of 11 feet long. That’s small — about ten inches shorter than a MINI Cooper.

This could be the REAL Beetle 2.0 — a subversive, stylish, popular, efficient car that is genuinely different, not a piece-of-shit Golf plartform with a new shell plopped over it.

Gas prices hit $3 last summer and they’re already over $4 in some places this summer. $5 next summer seems like a real possibility. “Insanely high” prices are the New Normal. Anything small car with a little style or cachet to it will sell like mad. Chrysler Aspens, not so much.

]]> By: c4Menace http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310928 c4Menace Wed, 09 May 2007 17:06:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310928 hmm good. now i can have an daily driver in my driveway and a mustang in my garage :) hmm good. now i can have an daily driver in my driveway and a mustang in my garage :)

]]> By: George Bush http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310926 George Bush Wed, 09 May 2007 17:00:39 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310926 Who needs power steering when you have a lightweight RWD car?? Who needs power steering when you have a lightweight RWD car??

]]> By: A4 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310921 A4 Wed, 09 May 2007 16:24:13 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310921 GRAND IDEA! better be a new beetle for the masses. GRAND IDEA! better be a new beetle for the masses.

]]> By: maximus http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310920 maximus Wed, 09 May 2007 16:23:07 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310920 is there a reason that the rear engine car would still have a grill? I am referring to the picture in the link that shows what hte car might look like. thanks. is there a reason that the rear engine car would still have a grill? I am referring to the picture in the link that shows what hte car might look like. thanks.

]]> By: ccb72 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310919 ccb72 Wed, 09 May 2007 16:15:51 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310919 Does it seem odd to anyone else that the man who pushed VW to move out of the people's Car arena is now pushing to get them back? That said however I like the idea a lot. The present Beetle always seemed like the anti-beetle; heavy, expensive, complicated and a total loss when it comes to functionality. Does it seem odd to anyone else that the man who pushed VW to move out of the people’s Car arena is now pushing to get them back? That said however I like the idea a lot. The present Beetle always seemed like the anti-beetle; heavy, expensive, complicated and a total loss when it comes to functionality.

]]> By: interphase http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310918 interphase Wed, 09 May 2007 16:13:08 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310918 What's the point? Having the engine hanging out over the back just causes all sorts of problems that have to be solved using trickery in order to give a stable ride. There's nothing to gain by doing this that wouldn't be much better if they went for a mid mounting instead. 'A sophisticated stability control system' really just translates as 'lots of electrickery to dull the ride and stop you putting yourself through a hedge backwards'. The 911 may still be rear engined through bloody mindedness, but I don't know anyone who doubts that the Cayman has the potential to be a much better car, and would be if it wouldn't 't damage sales of the 911. Pointless. Stridder44: As for power steering - you get used to needing it with torque heavy front wheel drive cars, but a well balanced, lightweight rear wheel drive with a light engine makes it pretty much redundant. If you ever get to drive an old Lotus or a Caterham, you'll forget power steering ever existed :) What’s the point?

Having the engine hanging out over the back just causes all sorts of problems that have to be solved using trickery in order to give a stable ride. There’s nothing to gain by doing this that wouldn’t be much better if they went for a mid mounting instead. ‘A sophisticated stability control system’ really just translates as ‘lots of electrickery to dull the ride and stop you putting yourself through a hedge backwards’. The 911 may still be rear engined through bloody mindedness, but I don’t know anyone who doubts that the Cayman has the potential to be a much better car, and would be if it wouldn’t ‘t damage sales of the 911.

Pointless.

Stridder44: As for power steering – you get used to needing it with torque heavy front wheel drive cars, but a well balanced, lightweight rear wheel drive with a light engine makes it pretty much redundant. If you ever get to drive an old Lotus or a Caterham, you’ll forget power steering ever existed :)

]]> By: golf4me http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310917 golf4me Wed, 09 May 2007 16:10:39 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310917 Good move if they can pull it off. Rear Engine has some great packaging efficiencies especially for small cars. Now, if they can only put a 4cyl boxer motor in it, then they'd have themselves something really special! Good move if they can pull it off. Rear Engine has some great packaging efficiencies especially for small cars. Now, if they can only put a 4cyl boxer motor in it, then they’d have themselves something really special!

]]> By: gbb http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310916 gbb Wed, 09 May 2007 16:06:03 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310916 Sounds good. I grew up driving 67 VW Beetle. It was a great little car, very simple, very reliable. Sounds good. I grew up driving 67 VW Beetle. It was a great little car, very simple, very reliable.

]]> By: Piablo http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310913 Piablo Wed, 09 May 2007 15:44:45 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310913 3 cylinder engine = no power steering. Might actually have to 'drive' the car. What a novelty. 3 cylinder engine = no power steering. Might actually have to ‘drive’ the car. What a novelty.

]]> By: Stridder44 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310912 Stridder44 Wed, 09 May 2007 15:39:50 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310912 If this thing seriously has a 130 inch wheel base, that would be pretty interesting to see. If this thing seriously has a 130 inch wheel base, that would be pretty interesting to see.

]]> By: Stridder44 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310911 Stridder44 Wed, 09 May 2007 15:38:57 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310911 No power steering?? Why bother putting in windows or a transmission while their at it. No power steering?? Why bother putting in windows or a transmission while their at it.

]]> By: Mr. Wizard http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310909 Mr. Wizard Wed, 09 May 2007 15:33:05 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310909 Whoa Nellie, 130 inch wheelbase, ten inches more than a Chrysler 300? How about 103? Whoa Nellie, 130 inch wheelbase, ten inches more than a Chrysler 300? How about 103?

]]> By: PrimeGTP http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310907 PrimeGTP Wed, 09 May 2007 15:28:09 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310907 No power steering, that's progress for ya! No power steering, that’s progress for ya!

]]> By: Fletch http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310905 Fletch Wed, 09 May 2007 15:17:40 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310905 Theoretically, I think small cars are great. A bit daunting to have to share the road with so many full size pick-ups, SUV's and semi's. My guess is $5/gallon gas and we were really see them populate the highways of North America. Theoretically, I think small cars are great. A bit daunting to have to share the road with so many full size pick-ups, SUV’s and semi’s. My guess is $5/gallon gas and we were really see them populate the highways of North America.

]]> By: Piablo http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310902 Piablo Wed, 09 May 2007 14:55:02 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310902 This is pretty cool. This is the type of car I'd rather see instead of hybrids. A Yaris costs $15k and gets an average of 36mpg as compared to a Prius which is much heavier, costs $7k more, and only gets an estimated 4mpg additional milage. Smaller, lighter vehicles with a smaller engine. I can't imagine this car being in real need of an advanced traction control system with a 3 cylinder engine... The issue with a rear engine car is when the driver lifts off the gas around a corner, the car will want to spin out. How much of that can really be generated by a 3 cylinder? I don't know, but I am curious. This is pretty cool. This is the type of car I’d rather see instead of hybrids. A Yaris costs $15k and gets an average of 36mpg as compared to a Prius which is much heavier, costs $7k more, and only gets an estimated 4mpg additional milage. Smaller, lighter vehicles with a smaller engine. I can’t imagine this car being in real need of an advanced traction control system with a 3 cylinder engine… The issue with a rear engine car is when the driver lifts off the gas around a corner, the car will want to spin out. How much of that can really be generated by a 3 cylinder? I don’t know, but I am curious.

]]> By: jonnycat http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310901 jonnycat Wed, 09 May 2007 14:50:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310901 Interesting car, I'd never buy one though Interesting car, I’d never buy one though

]]> By: Me http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310899 Me Wed, 09 May 2007 14:33:52 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310899 I have a VW. I like the older ones up to MK4, but VW has really lost it's way IMO. I'll believe this when I see it. I have a VW. I like the older ones up to MK4, but VW has really lost it’s way IMO. I’ll believe this when I see it.

]]> By: MikeFX http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310898 MikeFX Wed, 09 May 2007 14:19:54 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/more-on-volkswagens-rear-engine-revival.html#comment-310898 VW was once known as innovators of fun cars at a good price point. People will drive a lower hp/better mileage car if there is some other redeeming feature, like great styling, packaging, and engineering. Add a touch of "return to our roots" nostalgia, and this project seems like a slam dunk. VW was once known as innovators of fun cars at a good price point. People will drive a lower hp/better mileage car if there is some other redeeming feature, like great styling, packaging, and engineering. Add a touch of “return to our roots” nostalgia, and this project seems like a slam dunk.

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