New E-Bugster concept car unveiled at Detroit 2012

The new Volkswagen E-Bugster concept

Volkswagen have finally revealed their new zero emission concept beetle, the E-Bugster and is the latest addition to the Blue-e-motion family of concept cars.

It is drastically different to the VW Beetle we all know, the fixed top is considerably chopped from production intent to evoke speedster rakishness (it stands 3 inches lower than the coupe). Other styling departures include the wide, flatter windshield and unique LED daytime running lamp brackets framing the lower air intakes, which are echoed with reflectors in the rear bumper and are becoming a visual signature of electric Volkswagen concepts since the e-up! The 20-inch wheels are a plausible one-size up from those on the Turbo model.

Under the hood lies a 114-hp/199-lb-ft electric motor energized by a lithium-ion battery pack that lives under the trunk and rear seat, weighing in at 176 pounds. Range is listed at 100 miles, and the on-board charger can handle level 1 (120 volts), level 2 (240 volts), and level 3 charging (400-volt quick charge, capable of providing 80 percent charge in 30 minutes). These numbers echo those of the Golf Blue-e-motion, so we can infer that motor torque is 184 lb-ft and the battery weighs 695 pounds and holds 26.5 kW-hrs, but we hope lower vehicle weight and/or a shorter gear ratio might give this sporty looking concept sprightlier acceleration than the (3410-lb, 9.8:1-geared) Golf’s claimed 11-seconds-plus 0-to-60-mph time.

A unique exterior look isn’t all that sets the E-Bugster apart from the production Volkswagen Beetle; it also sports EV-specific gauges inside. The traditional tachometer has been replaced with an energy consumption display that fluctuates with vehicle acceleration. Other instrumentation includes a driving range indicator, a display showing the battery’s charge state, and a display that shows the driver the intensity of battery regeneration.

To see other new Volkswagen models currently available in the market, contact your nearest Lookers Volkswagen dealership.