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The GX3 used a transverse-mounted 1.6 L I4 engine from the VW Lupo GTI. This engine gave the GX3 an output of 125 PS (92 kW) and 152 N·m (112 ft·lbf) of torque. The GX3 could go from 0 � 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and had a top speed of 200 km/h (125 mph). It used a six-speed manual transmission. The design of the GX3 was atypical, with a front double wishbone suspension, tubular steel spaceframe and laminated body panels. The exterior design was one of a kind, with it being a two-seat, three-wheeled vehicle. It lacked a roof or windshield, and was intended mainly for fair-weather environments, as a "weekend car". The design of the interior was very minimalist and entirely functional. There was considerable speculation as to possible production of the GX3; Volkswagen fueled this with the announcement that production would depend on the public reaction to the concept. However, in spite of the energetic and overwhelmingly positive public response to the concept, and intensive chassis development by Lotus Cars for production, Volkswagen later concluded that it would not be able to sell the GX3 without costly and complex redesigns that would alienate VW's target market and increase price above the proposed US$17,000 base price. The company cited possible safety issues that could lead to product-liability lawsuits and decided that the legal concerns made production as-is impossible. |
