DustinV

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.

nthach

Why hello there Mini Cooper!

Lil4X

Trabant, the former East German manufacturer of the acknowledged sorriest excuse for an automobile mercifully disappeared shortly after reunification. It was known for cardboard interior panels and seemed to be actually constructed of rust. The Trabant company was best known for manufacturing carnival rides for the past 50 years, and from the looks of this latest offering, is still in the business.

CDNROCKIES

Wtf is a Trabant???

I8ABMR

looks like the old VW's

DustinV

Actually, this car has nothing to do with the old Trabant firm. I believe this project was actually started by a German company that produces miniature automotive toys: Herpa.

DustinV

The Trabant is an automobile that was produced by former East German auto maker VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau in Zwickau, Sachsen. It was the most common vehicle in East Germany, and was also exported to countries both inside and outside the communist bloc. The main selling point was that it had room for four adults and luggage in a compact, light and durable shell. Despite its mediocre performance and smoky two-stroke engine, the car is regarded with derisive affection as a symbol of the failed former East Germany and of the fall of communism (in former West Germany, as many East Germans streamed into West Berlin and West Germany in their Trabants after the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989). For advocates of capitalism it is often cited as an example of the disadvantages of centralized planning as even refueling the car required lifting the hood, filling the tank with gasoline (only 6.5 gallons), then adding two-stroke oil and shaking it back and forth to mix. It was in production without any significant changes for nearly 30 years with 3,096,099 Trabants produced in total.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trabant

Lil4X

Suspected designer of the Trabant, Salvador Dali.

LIMS407

omg its so ugly...

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

the prime example of the failure of communism and state run production. The car was horrible beyond imagination and cost nearly the same as its far more advanced Western automobiles.