One of the most iconic vehicles of the 60s and 70s is getting a modern makeover. The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz is the German car manufacturer’s new take on their classic Type 2 ‘microbus’ and should be ready for the road by 2022.
Volkswagen showed off its concept for the I.D. Buzz earlier this year, and due to a deluge of requests from consumers to make the concept a reality, they decided to set it up for production.
While it does share some aesthetic resemblance to some of the more iconic Type 2 models from the 60s, the new van does feature more aerodynamic and modern exteriors and interiors.
The I.D. Buzz will sport a two-tone look, a light strip that illuminates around the vehicle, a front truck, adjusted seating for up to 6 people, and a fold-away steering wheel. The concept featured “pop-up laser scanners in the roof to a heads-up display that integrates augmented reality.”
VW’s chairman of the board has called the concept for the vehicle one of ‘the most beautiful and most exciting electric car[s] in the world.’
The concept featured 2 electric engines, but VW has yet to confirm whether the production model will feature the same setup.
When asked about the I.D. Buzz, chief executive of the North American Region for VW, Hinrich J. Woebcken said: “We are delighted that our parent company has taken the decision to produce the I.D. BUZZ. This vehicle is the perfect balance between emotion, usability, and sustainability, while also showcasing our technological leadership. The high seating position, cargo capacity, overall versatility and all-wheel drive option packaged into such an appealing design is just what our customers want from us. And it’s the perfect fit for the zero-emissions American lifestyle.”
The I.D. Buzz should be in dealerships and ready to hit the roads in 2022 and will be available in China, Europe, and the US.
The original Type 2 was released in 1949, following up VWs Type 1 (Beetle). The Type 2 (Microbus) quickly became a popular choice for the hippie generation during the 1960s. Like the Beetle, the Microbus became a symbol of the counter-culture and the California lifestyle.
While the original VW bus was marred by an underpowered and slow engine, the new I.D. Buzz is reported to have a little bit more kick, being able to jump from 0 to 60 in 5 seconds.
The I.D. Buzz is the set to be the last of a series of electric car vehicles Volkswagen is rolling out over the next 5 years. They undoubtedly hope each car will be as culturally significant and iconic over the next decade as their vehicles were in the 60s.
