Date:         Fri, 17 Oct 2003 22:22:03 +1300
Reply-To:     Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Subject:      Re: The Ideal vanagon
In-Reply-To:  <200310161210.h9GCAF95029007@pine.epix.net>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii

>As much as I love my Vanagon, the mechanical and engineering flaws
>are well known. I'm wondering what the thoughts of the volks out
>there as to what the ideal volkswagon van would be like. Any
>thoughts?

>1.) Less wind noise at freeway speeds
>2.) A/C up front!
>3.) Decent sized fridge that works (campers)
>4.) ABS brakes

Available, at least on Caravelle Syncros.

>5.) 5-speed transmission with hi/low

Dual-range? Why a truck box?

>6.) Porsche Boxter motor or Audi V6

Subaru 3.3 sixboxer. Cheaper, more reliable, more power.

>7.)  16" wheels and wheelwells that take them without modification

Wheelarches fit 17" with no modifications

>8.) Optional bench seat up front (like the old busses)

Available

>9.) Hydralic suspension (a la Land Rover or Citroen) that will allow you
>to drop the ride height in order to fit into garages

Yuk! VWs are unreliable enough as it is!

>10.) Redesigned weight distribution to put more weight back on the rear
>wheels (like the older type II's)

Good idea

>11.) OnStar  system to automatically call for help when you breakdown. :-)

Just as well you were joking. Better to have a vehicle which won't break down!

Best van criteria:
-rear-engine hi-performance boxer six (gas or supercharged diesel)
-STRONG 5 or 6-speed manual trans (not weak, as in T2 & T3)
-full-time 4WD, with no viscous couplings please
-IRS, as all VW Type 2s have always had
-availability of genuine sports suspension/wheel/tire package
-long-travel suspension, but well-controlled for onroad cornering prowess
-4-wheel discs
-genuinely switchable 4-channel ABS
-power steer standard
-pull-up handbrake (as in T3)
-choice of 3 wheelbases
-choices of groundclearance, including T1-style TALL
-choice of grade, from ultrabasic to ultraluxury
-4-door or 5-door options
-vertically-split tailgate option (as in current Toyota Hiace)
-high-roof option with matching tailgate (as available in Hiace)
-Japanese electrics (hey, the Italian motorcycle industry finally saw
the light and...er...switched)
-Japanese switchgear