2008 Volkswagen GX3 concept

The GX3 was designed in close collaboration between VW’s Design Center California (DCC) and an international, cross-functional group of young engineers, designers, manufacturing and marketing experts, also based in California.
 

The basic structure of this driving machine is formed by a high-density, warp-resistant, steel construction space frame. The paneling of the interior and exterior parts of the space frame is made of high density fiberglass. A 2.83 tf3 (80 liters) trunk is located behind the seats.

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.
 

According to VW, "a production counterpart of the GX3, could be on the market very soon. It all depends on the American driver’s feedback.". And the most important thing, the GX3 production vehicle should be under the $17,000 price range.

The team started its work in the US in early 2005, with one idea in mind: to convert the wishes, dreams and needs of American drivers into mobility, reaching the highest possible customer satisfaction.
 

In addition to the models developed in Germany and sold in the US, in the future Volkswagen will be building more models catering especially to the needs and requirements of U.S. customers. The GX 3 is one of the most remarkable results of this process.

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 Ducatti 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 swing arm. 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.