2006 Volkswagen GX3 Concept

WOLFSBURG, Germany / LOS ANGELES, Calif. – In a world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Volkswagen presents the GX3 – a completely new type of motorcycle. The GX3 was conceived by the Moonraker team and to bring an exciting idea to a fully functioning concept.

A motorcycle with VW features: Light, fast, and environmentally friendly, the GX3 shows that conceptually it is much closer to a motorcycle than to a classic type automobile. Inspired by the minimalist design language often expressed in contemporary GP motorcycles and F1 race cars, the GX3 has a true feeling of authenticity. These influences are seen throughout the exterior with an exposed single sided swing arm, aggressive central exhaust, open front wheels and stealthy matte finishes.

The GX3 will be driven by a VW 1.6 liter engine. The four-cylinder delivers 125 hp (92 kW) 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.

The 215/45 R17x8J front wheels are controlled by a double lateral steering axle. While the front axle resembles the layout of an automobile, the rear axle shows more parallels to a motorcycle. The right side of the vehicle also makes use of a monoswing arm. The engine’ s power is delivered via 6-speed transmission and chain drive to the rear wheel, which has a tire size of 315/30 R18x12J – a new super bike dimension.

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.

In Detail

position	Mid-Transverse
valvetrain	DOHC 4 Valves per Cyl
displacement	1600 cc / 97.6 in³
power	93.2 kw / 125 bhp @ 6500 rpm
specific output	78.12 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	180.64 bhp per tonne
torque	152 nm / 112.1 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm
body / frame	Fibre Glass Body over Steel Sapce Frame
driven wheels	RWD
f brake size	mm / in
r brake size	mm / in
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Coil-Over-Damper Units
r suspension	Single Swing Arm w/Coil-Over-Damper Units
curb weight	570 kg / 1256 lbs
wheelbase	2700 mm / 106.3 in
front track	1630 mm / 64.2 in
rear track	1630 mm / 64.2 in
length	3753 mm / 147.8 in
width	1850 mm / 72.8 in
height	1210 mm / 47.6 in
transmission	6-Speed Manual
gear ratios	:1
top speed	~199.6 kph / 124 mph
0 – 60 mph	~5.0 seconds