When Volkswagen unveiled its stunning GX3 Concept in January, car and motorcycle enthusiasts were surprised and thrilled that the automaker was so serious about building the vehicle. A price of $15,000 had been set, and plans were already being made to retail the motorcycle-car combo. But now it looks like that will never happen. Today, AutoWeek reported that Volkswagen is poised to kill the wild 125 mph three-wheeler. Just a month ago, production looked likely. Now, it looks as if legal concerns have lead VW to cancel the project. Although the vehicle would be classified as a motorcycle, the fact that it blurs the line so closely between a car and bike “could be too risky.” A source told the magazine that no final decision has been made, but it’s not looking good for the GX3. Earlier this month, Automobile magazine was reported VW executives were very concerned over the safety of the vehicle. That report indicated a different distribution network could be used, but now even that looks unlikely. The Leftlane Perspective: If VW won’t build it, might Lotus? Lotus has been helping develop the car, according to various reports.
Zero obligation price quote from a trusted local dealer.
05/11, 9:25 AM
posted by:
Adam
Arghh.
05/11, 9:57 AM
posted by:
peter
This is seriously pathetic. I’m not sure if i should be more disappointed in VW or the convoluted US legal system that could expose VW to multi million dollar lawsuits because someone hurt themself with a GX3, thinking it was a car. Or perhaps they’ll hurt thier head and blame the VW for seriously insufficient roof strength (”But it has no roof!” “EXACTLY, you’re liable, now pay up!”).
I was going to have respect for VW for taking an actual interesting risk (not to mention working with Lotus), but now I see they’re committed to just bringing us more expensive, heavy cars that I have no interest in purchasing.
05/11, 10:34 AM
posted by:
Maverick
Amen Peter.
05/11, 10:55 AM
posted by:
Non si farà il triciclo GX3 Volkswagen ?
[...] La decisione finale verrà presa a breve. E’ sempre possibile che si decida di produrla per la sola Europa, o magari il progetto potrebbe passare a Lotus, che stava aiutando VW nello sviluppo. [Via Leftlane] PUBBLICITÀ PUBBLICITÀ [...]
05/11, 11:01 AM
posted by:
No Volkswagen GX3 ?
[...] A final decision is expected shortly. It’s always possible that the GX3 might be produced for European markets only, or that Lotus might step up (it’s been helping VW with the GX3’s development). [Via Leftlane] Advertising Advertising [...]
05/11, 11:07 AM
posted by:
steve
Come on Lotus, you can do it. Please save this awesome machine.
05/11, 12:15 PM
posted by:
Phil McCrackin
What was it that Shakespeare said about lawyers?
05/11, 12:27 PM
posted by:
Shut Up
Blame the litigious happy American society.
05/11, 1:10 PM
posted by:
JoeKing
Some of you actually thought this was possible….
This is the final milking of concept car PR. I doubt there EVER were any plans to build them. VW isn’t that cutting edge..they make unintersting “expensive heavy” cars..they’re more profitable than the unintersting cheap light cars they used to make.
05/11, 3:33 PM
posted by:
Jan Esteban Trondsen
How sad it would be to let this one slip by…as a motorsport fanatic, I admit this type of vehicle strays slightly from what I would dream up in a lightweight “Mr Chapman esque” canyon carver, but it would be a nice cost effective option to “sports cars” twice the price and mass…
And to defend VW, I was working there, AND for the GX3 when the final prototype was built, and I can assure everyone that VW’s Design Center California had EVERY intention of putting it to production. Period.
I’m crossing my fingers…
j!
05/12, 10:52 AM
posted by:
asen
wall very speeds car
05/12, 10:52 AM
posted by:
asen
ijjiji
05/14, 4:23 AM
posted by:
Mike
well, its final…..i will never own a VW product, good work on that Bug fixing the engine location by the way. gratz VW u rok….not!
05/16, 9:28 AM
posted by:
Dave
VW don’t wuss out now. America needs this car…bike…whatever it is. Its cool.
06/10, 10:14 AM
posted by:
Luis Compres, Miami FL
VW I am ready to buy!!!!!!