Giddy up ... Volkswagen buggy up concept
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Volkswagen
20th September, 2011
The new
Volkswagen Up is the
German brand's next big thing. It's a small car that Volkswagen will use as the basis for numerous future models.
The VW Up has a presence at the Frankfurt Motor Show in numerous formats, including the Buggy Up Concept.
Freedom
Although a 'buggy' is just a car; it also provides an automotive lifestyle feeling. With its origins dating
back to California in the 1960s it was based on the Volkswagen Beetle of old, in particular the engine and the
chassis. The rest was made by buggy pioneers. Buggies have had a following that continues to today. That is
reason enough for Volkswagen to now present a 21st century buggy concept based on their new Up.: the Buggy Up.
This buggy is not made of GRP, but instead of strong, high-tech, lightweight construction steels. Yet, the
conceptual approach for developing the two-seater, as original as it is, still follows the lead of historic
models from California.
Openness
The (reinforced) underbody, running gear and drive technology of the Up were kept, while the roof-less
exterior of the body was completely redesigned, and the ride height was lowered by 20 mm. Nonetheless, the
design of the Buggy Up with its headlights, the position of the VW badge – and signature trait of the front
bumper that appears to smile – all tie the car to the two-door Up. Yet, everything is different: the bonnet is
built much flatter, the bumpers show an independent design, the roof is not just clipped off, rather it takes its
idea from small convertible sports cars. The rear section was also completely redesigned. This is logical,
because the Buggy Up does not have a boot like the "normal" Up, nor does it have any C-pillars. However, it is
immediately recognisable as an Up by its rear lights, which are like a reflection of the headlights. Practical:
the boot lid is constructed of two pieces; the main part of the lid lifts upward like a classic boot lid, but the
section above the bumper folds down, like the tailgate on a utility. And this makes it extremely easy to stow
even heavy and bulky items. On top of the lid, there are also tie-down straps for a set of luggage.
Safe
The designers also made this Up a pure bred buggy in its side profile. Of course, it has no doors, but in
their place it has extensive body reinforcements and a sturdy roll bar behind the two seats. Especially cool: the
open side sills. This makes the experience of open-air driving even more exciting than in a conventional
convertible.
Snappy.
At 3,584 mm, the Buggy Up is somewhat longer than the production Up with a hard top (+44 mm), and its width of
1,672 mm is somewhat wider (+31 mm). As might be expected, the height of the Buggy Up comes in significantly
lower at 1,288 mm (-190 mm). The minimal overhangs, front and rear, show sharp styling. Filling the wheel
housings are 18-inch alloy wheels – enormous for a vehicle of this size – with 205/40 tyres.
Colourful
The area above the bumper and the open side sills are in the colour "hot orange", which was specially made for
this vehicle; those who think back to the buggies of the 1960s when they hear this colour name are right on
track. The bumpers and side sills are designed in a matt and rugged "metallic grey" colour. The same colour
schemes dominate in the interior.
Waterproof
As is proper for a beach vehicle, the new interior styling is completely waterproof. Drains in the vehicle
floor and the open side sills prevent flooding. Even the neoprene coated shell seats have water drains, so that
no water accumulates in the vehicle after a swim in the ocean. If it should rain for a longer period of time, it
is possible to stretch a 'sail' between the window frames and the roll bar.
Sound
The controls for the infotainment system also sport a waterproof design. Among its features, the system has an
iPod/iPhone dock. The entire module can be removed – including the integrated active loudspeakers – so that it
can be used as a sound system for parties on the beach.
Go-kart
Compared to the two-door Up the Buggy Up has a lower seat position – in keeping with the lower vehicle height.
The specially designed seats were lowered by 58 mm compared to the production model. To ensure that everything
makes ergonomic sense for the driver, engineers reduced the basic angle of the height-adjustable steering wheel
by 4 degrees to an angle of 21 degrees. The result is a go-kart feeling. A sturdy handle is installed on the dash
panel for the front passenger – just as it once was in the Beetle – because one never knows what lies over the
next dune. In essence, the VW Buggy Up is pure emotion, but it is easy to drive and very safe. One thing should
be made clear: VW's new small car range is only just beginning to expand.
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