Volkswagen has been teasing us with the return of the VW bus — or Bulli, as it’s known in Europe — for years. Most recently, the idea took the form of an electric VW bus based on the company’s all-electric I.D. skateboard. This, however, is really something else.
Built by eClassics, a German firm specializing in exclusive electric car conversions of various different brands, something similar to Lunaz of UK, the VW E-BULLI CONCEPT sees the original 43 HP, air-cooled engine from T1 chassis replaced with a quiet, clean, electric motor that’s good for 82 HP and 156 lb-ft of TQ.
In case you’re not good with numbers, that means that this ’66 is significantly quicker than it was when it was new. All that extra potential speed and power means the VW bus needed upgraded suspension and braking systems, too.
To that end, the guys at eClassics stiffened the VW’s frame and designed new, multi-link front and rear axles with adjustable shock absorbers and coil over struts.
To give steering a modern, predictable feel, a new rack-and-pinion steering system and four internally ventilated disc brakes were added. These, according to eClassics, “contribute to the new dynamic handling being transferred to the road with serene poise.”
The vehicle also sports a digital infotainment display that is cleverly fitted in place of the original “glass and plastic” speedometer in that timeless sheet metal dash.
Music on board comes from an authentic-looking retro-style radio, which, however, is equipped with cutting edge technology such as DAB+, Bluetooth and USB. The radio is linked to a sound system with out-of-sight components, including an active subwoofer.
Reference- Volkswagen website & PR, Clean Technica, InsideEVs, TopGear