Volkswagen at the Los Angeles Auto Show presented the GX3 – a completely new motorcycle-car crossover described as a “pure driving machine.” VW plans to sell a production version of the vehicle in the United States for $17,000. The GX3 was conceived by the Moonraker team and VW’s Design Center in California, exclusively with the U.S. in mind. With its three wheels and unique design, this Volkswagen “opens up a new driving dimension.” Light, fast, and environmentally friendly, the GX3 shows that conceptually it is much closer to a motorcycle than to a classic type automobile. This two-seater Volkswagen “turns even the daily commute to work into a small trip to freedom, allows you to cruise in the carpool lane, even if you’re driving solo (the GX3 is a motorcycle, after all!) and with its keen handling it opens up completely new horizons for recreational driving.” It only takes 5.7 seconds to go from 0-62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the fuel consumption in the city is estimated to be 46 mpg (5.2 l/100 km). More info and images after the jump…

The GX3 will be driven by a VW 1.6 liter engine. The four-cylinder delivers 92 kW / 125 hp. So far, so good. However, the GX3 is a pure driving machine, a motorcycle with two seats positioned side-by-side. And that’s why you can find 125 hp and 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) in a mere 1,257 lbs (570 kg) Volkswagen. This results in a power-to-weight ratio of 10 lbs/hp (4.56 kg/PS). In just 5.7 seconds, the GX3 can reach a speed of 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the possible lateral acceleration reaches 1.25g – values typical of sheer performance cars but delivered from a vehicle under the $17,000 price range. But no comparable sports machine in the world, Volkswagen says, can come even close to the low fuel consumption of the GX3: 46 mpg (5.2 l/100 km).

Conceptually and visually the Volkswagen GX3 differs from anything currently on the roads in the U.S. And that’s a tradition at Volkswagen. “It was with exceptional and unique products – today all of them legends – that Volkswagen propelled itself to the top in the USA during the 50’s and 60’s. Whether the Beetle, the Thing (Type 181), or the Microbus, all were the cult cars of their time and still are. In 2006, with the GX3, Volkswagen once again presents something totally unexpected and exceptional, a VW in every sense. VW - Being different.”

The GX3 was designed in close collaboration between VW’s Design Center California (DCC) and an international, cross-functional group of young engineers, designers, manufacturing and marketing experts, also based in California. The team started its work in the US in early 2005. The job: To convert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers into mobility. The goal: highest possible customer satisfaction. Background: In addition to the models developed in Germany and sold in the US, in the future Volkswagen will be building more models catering especially to the needs and requirements of U.S. customers. One of the most dramatic and tangible early results: the GX3. Responsible for the design of the new Volkswagen is the Volkswagen Design Studio in Santa Monica. The team there will be working in the future in close cooperation with the product strategy staffs in the U.S. The GX3 offers a look into the exciting and comprehensive spectrum of totally new motor vehicles which are currently being conceptualized by Volkswagen of America for the US market.

The focus for Volkswagen’s design team in California was to create a quintessential and pure driving machine.  Inspired by the minimalist design language often expressed in contemporary GP motorcycles and F1 race cars, the GX3 has a true feeling of authenticity.  These influences are seen throughout the exterior with an exposed single sided swing arm, aggressive central exhaust, open front wheels and stealthy matte finishes. The progressive dynamic on the GX3 is emphasized with a strong graphic dividing the body as it wraps up to the aggressive forward leaning roll hoops. Anodized gold and black suspension components and LED lighting are further examples of track inspired designs.

Interior

The GX3 interior is all about business with nothing to distract from the absolute driving experience. The driver’s cockpit is equipped with five point racing harnesses; “moto�? style instruments and a GTI inspired stainless shifter. Most distinctly, the rear boasts a massive single 18�?x12�? back wheel dressed with a 315 rubber. The front end proudly displays a bold V graphic consistent with Volkswagen’s vehicle lineup, most notably the GTI. The GX3 in no way denies that it is a motorcycle, but rather plays it up as a unique design advantage.

Space-Frame

The basic structure of this driving machine is formed by a high-density, warp-resistant, steel construction space frame. The paneling of the interior and exterior parts of the space frame is made of high density fiberglass. A 2.83 tf3 (80 liters) trunk is located behind the seats.

Advanced chassis

The 215/45 R17×8J front wheels are controlled by a double lateral steering axle. While the front axle resembles the layout of an automobile, the rear axle shows more parallels to a motorcycle. The right side of the vehicle also makes use of a monoswing arm. The engine’s power is delivered via 6-speed transmission and chain drive to the rear wheel, which has a tire size of 315/30 R18×12J – a new super bike dimension. And that suits the GX3. A Volkswagen that breaks away from the conventions and that redefines driving fun and freedom of mobility. Drivers wanted. Seriously!