The VW Experimental Vehicles „ the 1980s to present

You can also see earlier VW prototypes here

After saving the company from probably bankruptcy in the 1970s, VW now had a range of best selling aircooled models to bring the form up to date, from dependable cars like the Passat and polo to the fist and hottest hatch on the market ? the Golf GTi.

With a firm financial footing, Volkswagen began to look to the future and design many vehicles that were designed to extend the VW range or to experiment with up and coming technologies, many of which made it into production models, some ideas just went by the wayside.

Most of these you would never had heard of or seen „ unless you visit the Wolfsburg museum, some paved the way for later models, many never made it into production, but they all show that VW never rested on its laurels and was always innovating.

1975 Volkswagen Chico

the 1975 Chico

Not to be confused with the Chico Golf „ the mark1 Golf still in production in South Africa, this Chico was VWs first attempt at a small city car „ a sub Polo (a four seater car a foot shorter than the Polo). The idea was never realised, but was the first of many sub Polo designs that were shelved, until the 1990s when VW's acquisition of SEAT gave it the tiny Arosa „ the basis for the modern Lupo.

1980 the VW ARVW

Never intended as a production model (obviously) „ this was an experiment to break records for a turbo diesel powered car, taking advantage of maximum aerodynamics. Its 2.3cc diesel could propel the low bodied design to well over 200 KPH.

1981 the Auto 2000

the Auto 2000

The Volkswagen designers equipped the Golf platform with a lightweight body „ bringing the experimental vehicle down to 750 kilos. Powered by a 3 cylinder diesel engine, the Auto 2000 could reach 95 miles per hour, but at a more sedentary pace could achieve 60 miles per gallon. A more practical spin on Volkswagens long time advocacy of frugal diesel engines that survives unto this day.

1982 the Volkswagen Student

Two views of the VW student -many students still drive VWs

Aptly named the Student was Volkswagens second attempt at a sub Lupo budget city car. Powered by the Polo's 1.1 litre engine and drivetrain, this little car was shown off to the press but the idea was never realised

1986 „ The VW Scooter

the Scooter - maybe they got cold feet after the Sinclair C5

A more ambitious attempt at a frugal city vehicle, and not dissimilar to the present VW concept 3 wheeler seen in this magazine „ the scooter was a future car with sporty performance and the coolest styling idea of the 1980s „ gull wing doors, as seen on the DeLorean. An idea that was not realised at the time- but is being revisited by Volkswagen today.

1986 The VW Orbit

Styled by long time Volkswagen collaborators, Ital Design the orbit project was a styling idea that never made it on its own, but the general idea can be seen to heavily influence the third generation Passat that went into production years later.

More prototypes