The world premiere of the GX3 at the LA Auto Show Pure affordable performance: Crossover between sports car and motorcycle

Wolfsburg/Los Angeles, 4. 1. 2006 (PROTEXT/ots) - In a worldpremiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen presents theGX3 a completely new type of motorcycle. The GX3 was conceivedby the Moonraker team and VWs Design Center in California,exclusively with the U.S. in mind, to bring an exciting idea toa fully functioning concept. With its three wheels and uniquedesign, this Volkswagen opens up a new driving dimension.

A motorcycle with VW features: Light, fast, andenvironmentally friendly, the GX3 shows that conceptually it ismuch closer to a motorcycle than to a classic type automobile.This two-seater Volkswagen is one of a kind - bold, young, andaffordable. It opens a new driving dimension, turns even thedaily commute to work into a small trip to freedom, allows you tocruise in the carpool lane, even if youre driving solo (the GX3is a motorcycle, after all!) and with its keen handling it opensup completely new horizons for recreational driving.

Amazing dynamics for less than $ 17,000: The GX3 will bedriven by a VW 1.6 liter engine. The four-cylinder delivers 92kW / 125 hp. So far, so good. However, the GX3 is a pure drivingmachine, a motorcycle with two seats positioned side-by-side.And thats why you can find 125 hp and 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) in amere 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, theGX3 can reach a speed of 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the possiblelateral acceleration reaches 1.25g values typical of sheerperformance cars but delivered from a vehicle under the $17,000price range. No comparable sports machine in the world, however,can come even close to the low fuel consumption of the GX3: 46mpg. Fact is: a production counterpart of the GX3, could be onthe market very soon. It all depends on the American driversfeedback.

Tradition of the exceptional: Conceptually and visually theVolkswagen GX3 differs from anything currently on the roads inthe U.S. And thats a tradition at Volkswagen. It was withexceptional and unique products today all of them legends thatVolkswagen propelled itself to the top in the USA during the 50sand 60s. Whether the Beetle, the Thing (Type 181) or theMicrobus, all were the cult cars of their time and still are. In2006, with the GX3, Volkswagen once again presents somethingtotally unexpected and exceptional, a VW in every sense. VWBeing different.

Moonraker: The GX3 was designed in close collaborationbetween VWs 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: Toconvert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers intomobility. The goal: highest possible customer satisfaction.Background: In addition to the models developed in Germany andsold in the US, in the future Volkswagen will be building moremodels catering especially to the needs and requirements of U.S.customers. One of the most dramatic and tangible early resultsof Moonraker: the GX3. Responsible for the design of the newVolkswagen is the Volkswagen Design Studio in Santa Monica. Theteam there will be working in the future in close cooperationwith the product strategy staffs in the U.S. The GX3 offers alook into the exciting and comprehensive spectrum of totally newmotor vehicles which are currently being conceptualized byVolkswagen of America for the US market.

Design dynamics: The focus for Volkswagens design team inCalifornia was to create a quintessential and pure drivingmachine. Inspired by the minimalist design language oftenexpressed in contemporary GP motorcycles and F1 race cars, theGX3 has a true feeling of authenticity. These influences areseen throughout the exterior with an exposed single sided swingarm, aggressive central exhaust, open front wheels and stealthymatte finishes. The progressive dynamic on the GX3 is emphasizedwith a strong graphic dividing the body as it wraps up to theaggressive forward leaning roll hoops. Anodized gold and blacksuspension components and LED lighting are further examples oftrack inspired designs.

The GX3 interior is all about business with nothing todistract from the absolute driving experience. The driverscockpit is equipped with five point racing harnesses; moto styleinstruments and a GTI inspired stainless shifter. Mostdistinctly, the rear boasts a massive single 18x12 back wheeldressed with 315 rubber. The front end proudly displays a bold Vgraphic consistent with Volkswagens vehicle lineup, most notablythe GTI. The GX3 in no way denies that it is a motorcycle, butrather plays it up as a unique design advantage.

Space-Frame: The basic structure of this driving machine isformed by a high-density, warp-resistant, steel constructionspace frame. The paneling of the interior and exterior parts ofthe space frame is made of high density fiberglass. A 2.83 tf3(80 l) trunk is located behind the seats.

Advanced chassis: The 215/45 R17x8J front wheels arecontrolled by a double lateral steering axle. While the frontaxle resembles the layout of an automobile, the rear axle showsmore parallels to a motorcycle. The right side of the vehiclealso makes use of a monoswing arm. The engines power isdelivered via 6-speed transmission and chain drive to the rearwheel, which has a tire size of 315/30 R18x12J a new super bikedimension. And that suits the GX3. A Volkswagen that breaks awayfrom the conventions and that redefines driving fun and freedomof mobility.

This text and further information on the GX3 can also befound in our press database together with corresponding picturematerial: www.volkswagen- media-services.com

Volkswagen Communications Product Communications Contact:Hans-Gerd Bode Tel.: +49 (0) 5361-92 69 22 Fax: +49 (0) 5361-9219 52 E-mail: Hans-Gerd.Bode@volkswagen.de www.volkswagen-media-services.com

Picture is avialable via EPA ( European Pressphoto Agency )and is available at http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=9260&keygroup=b ild

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