Would you buy one?

[srivendel]

The VW GX3 was the runaway hit of the rather staid L.A. Auto Show this past January. Volkswagen hinted at the possibly of producing the three-wheeler but, c’mon, we weren’t taking them seriously.

It turns out there’s been enough positive reaction from the press and public to justify the existence of this road-going test mule caught doing laps at Lotus in England. The rear-wheel drive GX3 would be powered by a 125-hp, 1.6L four-cylinder and weigh as light as a feather. Tipping the scales at next to nothing (relative to its four-wheeled and enclosed counterparts) will produce blasts to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds while returning 44 mpg, though probably not at the same time. All this for the low, low price of 17 large.

If it goes on sale the U.S. has already been chosen as its main market, though VW’s cooperation with Lotus, which is owned by the Malaysian company Proton, suggests the GX3 might well be sold the world over.

Would you buy one? If so, at what price?

S.

[srivendel]

And would this impact your decision? (From VW's press release)

Amazing dynamics for less than $ 17,000: 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. No comparable sports machine in the world, however, can come even close to the low fuel consumption of the GX3: 46 mpg. Fact is: a production counterpart of the GX3, could be on the market very soon. It all depends on the American driver’s feedback.

S.

[rx7gslse]

definately looks sweet... especially for teh price..

but I'll wait for my judgement to see what the final version looks like after it's had bumpers, airbags, etc etc etc added to meet all the US standards..

[srivendel]

I'm wondering if VW doesn't plan on selling it as a motorcycle and thereby avoid all that crap.

S.

[altiain]

I'm wondering if VW doesn't plan on selling it as a motorcycle and thereby avoid all that crap.

S.

We have a winner! VW even announced this when they originally brought the concept to the LA AUto Show.

I think it's badass - call it a modern day interpretation of the Lotus Seven - a bare bones, lightweight, sports "car" with no frills. Hmm... if it is sold and registered as a motorcycle, I can park it in motorcycle lots and drive it solo in the HOV lane, right?

I'd love to have one, but it would also depend a lot on what the SCCA decided about them, since they currently ban all trikes. Something like this would be a pure toy, so if I couldn't autocross it it wouldn't make much sense to buy it.

[Treibenschnell]

I'd buy one... why not?!

[Billy Blaze]

Harley Davidson came out with a similar design a few years back but theirs I believe was just over 20K

I would buy one if I were filthy rich.