VW GX3 : World premiere at LA autoshow

Inspired by lightweight, high-performance cars not sold in the U.S. (like the Ariel Atom), the Volkswagen GX3 offers similar performance for subtle cost. By virtue of having only three wheels, it's technically a motorcycle, which allows it to skirt many federal regulations which would weigh it down, reduce its performance and increase its cost.

"This car is all about affordable performance," says Derek Jenkins, chief designer for Volkswagen North America.

Many of the GX3's design traits are motorcycle inspired. Like a Ducati motorcycle, it uses a tubular steel chassis which is visible inside the side panels (the GX3 has no doors). There are also two center-mounted headlights, minimalist tire-hugging fenders and coil-over-spring-equipped Öhlins dampers visible at each corner.

Equipped with an off-the-shelf 1.6-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 125 hp and 112.5 lb-ft of torque, power is routed through a six-speed manual transmission then to a dual chain drive acting on the single rear wheel. The rear suspension uses a CNC-machined single-sided swingarm. More traditional upper and lower control arms make up the front suspension.

With only 1,257 pounds to push around, VW claims the GX3 can hit 60 in less than 5.7 seconds. Handling on the three-wheeled machine is impressive as well. Lateral acceleration is 1.25g — more than virtually any current supercar. Thanks to the small engine, tiny frontal area and light weight, it's also ultra fuel-efficient. VW estimates 46 mpg.

VW says the GX3 could be ready for production as early as 2007 with an estimated starting price under $17,000.
© germancarblog.com Source: Inside Line