Volkswagen's new Microbus is even more 'hippie' than the original

Have you always wished you could ride in an iconic 1960s Volkswagen Microbus? Well, soon you'll be able to, and what’s more, it’s electric and drives itself. 

Volkswagen introduced the ID Buzz concept car at this year’s Detroit Auto Show on Monday. The concept vehicle from the German automaker is a nod to the beloved Volkswagen Microbus, Volkswagen’s second car, which it introduced in 1950. The original Microbus was popularized during the Hippie movement in the 1960s.

The ID Buzz, which Volkswagen calls a “Microbus for a new era” is both a glimpse of Volkswagen’s future plans and a tribute to one of its most iconic vehicles. It may also help people forget about the diesel scandal from a year ago as the company executes on a larger overall strategic shift from diesel towards electric vehicles.

According to Volkswagen, the ID Buzz has an all electric driving range of up to 270 miles on one charge. It seats up to eight, but can also be adjusted to have two lounging seats and features a fully autonomous “ID Pilot” driving mode, wherein the driver’s seat can even be turned 180 degrees to face the rear.  Read more...