German Car Zone

Remember this thread?: http://www.germancarzone.com/pit-gen...hlight=trabant (Trabant to be revived?)

Now it has hit the concept phase.



Press Release

World Premiere of the "Trabant " at the IAA

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – September 16, 2009: Recognizable as "Trabant" but timely enhanced and modernly interpreted – this is how the concept car "Trabant nT" is presented at the world premiere at this year's IAA in Frankfurt. On September 15, shortly before noon, the initiators Klaus Schindler, Ronald Gerschewski and Nils Poschwatta disclosed the strictly kept secret of the electric car's appearance. It is characterized by a distinctive appearance and pleasing proportions.

No unnecessary beading, edges or conspicuous ornamentation distract from the overall shape. The trapezoidal grill opening downwards, the front and rear lights, the bumper pads as well as the superimposed roof are the fundamental graphic elements. Rated at 45 kW, an asynchronous electric motor powerfully drives the front axles.

It achieves a maximum speed of 130 km/h and is fed by a lithium-ion battery located in the design space between rear axle and the vehicle's transmission tunnel. That allows for a range of max. 160 km. Absolutely sufficient given that the majority of daily rides in Germany are shorter than 50 km.

After driving that distance, the "Trabant nT" can be fully recharged overnight utilizing the regular power network for about 1€ in electricity costs. There is hardly a less expensive way to get around. The trendsetting concept therefore stands for a safe and reliable city- and medium-range vehicle, a second family car, a handy helper for service providers from a wide range of areas. It meets our need for individual mobility, loading space for everyday use and environmentally conscious behavior. The "Trabant nT" is already driving the future today.

Making use of its worldwide cult potential, it offers us the chance to put an automotive alternative on the road suitable for everyday use, and combining environmental and budgetary considerations. For this modern car to be on the road in 2012, the "Trabant nT's" serial production readiness will be aimed for following the IAA. The initiators are capable of accompanying the step from project development to a production company and now offer a dedicated investor the opportunity to join an exciting automobile concept with potential for the future. The "Trabant nT" will be displayed at the IAA in Frankfurt until September 27.

[Source: Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH]

Live pics and development video:

Some quotes from the news articles on the Trabant nT

MINI! Everyone wants a piece of the action

Oh, but I'm certain that there is a market for this car... no doubt.

It has a iconic and retro design and it's full electric. If it is well built, fun to drive and marketed properly, then we have a winner!

It's not post communism plastic box, they just took their inspiration from the original Trabant and created a unique and retro design. Same case with MINI! The only connection to the old Trabby is the design and the name!

And as we have seen many times, it's far more economical to revive an old brand than create a new one, when you want to launch a new product!

Lol funny looking car..

Yeah, Trabi and Volkswagen TL in one car

It's probably just a matter of time until somebody revives the Wartburg brand.