VANAGON archives -- September 1996 (#321)

Date: Tue, 10 Sep 1996 13:08:03 -0400 Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com> From: SyncroHead@aol.com Subject: Vanagon Models, 1990 - USA

Vanagon Models, 1990 - USA Jim Davis 9/96

Seven models of the Vanagon were built for model year 1990. These were: the base Vanagon, Vanagon Syncro, Vanagon GL, Vanagon GL Camper, Vanagon GL Camper Syncro, Vanagon Carat, and the Vanagon Multivan (a new model this year).

Colors available: Pastel White, Flash Silver Metallic, Orly Blue Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic and Tornado Red. Not all colors available on all models.

Distinguishing Features: There are very few exterior features to distinguish a '90 from the '89 model year. The '90 continued to have black window trim like the '89 models. The 1990 has additional carryover features from 1989 including: 2 Black plastic front grills (common to 1986-1991) Rectangular primary headlights, seperate square high beam lights (common to 1986-1991) Large VW logo in center of upper front grill Large VW logo in center of rear hatch Black plastic vents at the rear of the rear side windows The 1990 GL, Carat & Multivan (new this year) Vanagons had metallic silver aero styled bumpers with matching rocker panels and body colored outside rearview mirrors. After an absence of several years, 1990 marked the return of the base Vanagon model that lacks many of the luxury features of the other Vanagons. 1990 was also marked by the absence of a GL Syncro model.

An eighth model, the Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg Limited Edition, may have been built. I have seen one 1990 Vanagon Carat in Tornado Red paint color with Wolfsburg Edition badges, but the van's window sticker did not have a single mention about Wolfsburg Edition. The price on the window sticker was identical to other Carats at $18,670. I've had conversations with the owner of a second Carat with WLE badges, but he is not the original owner and couldn't verify the authenticity of the badges. I have been unable to find any differences between the Carat model and the WLE badged vans, with the potential exception of the Tornado Red paint. I suspect that the badges were added sometime after the van left the factory, and that no WLE model was actually made. If you have any addional information on this subject, I would appreciate hearing from you. Please Email me at SyncroHead@aol.com with your comments.

VANAGON, $14,080. STANDARD FEATURES:

A. Drivetrain 2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine Digifant electronic fuel injection 90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM 4 speed manual transmission Rear wheel drive Electronic ignition Dynamic oil pressure system Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

B. Suspension, wheels, steering Independent front & rear suspension Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums Power assisted rack & pinion steering Steel belted radial tires 14" steel wheels, 5.5" wide 185/R14C tires Chrome hub caps

C. Exterior, body Paint choices: Pastel White & Flash Silver Metallic Black metal bumpers with plastic end caps Dual outside mirrors Sliding side door Sliding side windows Non-opening front wing windows Electric rear window defogger Intermittent front windshield wipers Wheelbase: 96.9" Front track: 62.4" Rear track: 61.8" Length: 179.9" Width: 72.6" Height: 75.9" Ground clearance: 6.3" Turning circle: 35.8 Ft curb-to-curb

D. Interior Padded edge on instrument panel Speedometer with trip odometer Fuel level gage Coolant temperature gage Analog clock Illuminated vanity mirror Illuminated lockable glove box Front bucket seats Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine) Grey tweed upholstery Rubber floor mats Cargo capacity: 49.7 CU FT behind rear seat 92.9 CU FT rear seat down 201 CU FT rear seat down, rear-facing seats removed

E. Miscellaneous 15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van 18 MPG EPA city estimate 19 MPG EPA highway estimate

OPTIONAL FEATURES

Flash Silver Metallic paint, $390. 3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 17-city, 18-hwy), $???. AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature, $350. 4 speaker radio prep, $???. P89 Option Group, $???. Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Tinted glass Full aero-styled wheel covers P90 Option Group, $???. Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Tinted glass Full aero-styled wheel covers Power door locks including side door & rear hatch Power front windows Power heated side rearview mirrors Cruise control Auxiliary battery

VANAGON SYNCRO, $17,605. STANDARD FEATURES:

A. Drivetrain 2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine Digifant electronic fuel injection 90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM 5 speed (4 + low) manual transmission Full time All Wheel Drive Locking rear differential Electronic ignition Dynamic oil pressure system Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

C. Exterior, body Paint choices: Pastel White & Flash Silver Metallic Black metal bumpers with plastic end caps Dual outside mirrors Sliding side door Sliding side windows Non-opening front wing windows Electric rear window defogger Intermittent front windshield wipers Wheelbase: 96.7" Front track: 61.7" Rear track: 61.4" Length: 179.9" Width: 72.6" Height: 78.3" Ground clearance: 8.3" Turning circle: 35.8 Ft curb-to-curb

E. Miscellaneous 18.4 Gallon fuel tank mounted above transmission 16 MPG EPA city estimate 16 MPG EPA highway estimate

OPTIONAL FEATURES

Flash Silver Metallic paint, $390. AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature, $350. 4 speaker radio prep, $???. P89 Option Group, $???. Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Tinted glass Full aero-styled wheel covers P90 Option Group, $???. Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Tinted glass Full aero-styled wheel covers Power door locks including side door & rear hatch Power front windows Power heated side rearview mirrors Cruise control Auxiliary battery

VANAGON GL, $16,490. STANDARD FEATURES:

C. Exterior, body Paint choices: Pastel White, Orly Blue Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic (burgundy) Metallic silver aero styled bumpers & rocker panels Body colored, heated power outside mirrors Sliding side door Sliding side windows Opening wing windows Tinted glass Electric rear window defogger Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Intermittent front windshield wipers Wheelbase: 96.9" Front track: 62.4" Rear track: 61.8" Length: 179.9" Width: 72.6" Height: 75.9" Ground clearance: 6.3" Turning circle: 35.8 Ft curb-to-curb

D. Interior Padded instrument panel Speedometer with trip odometer Tachometer Fuel level gage Coolant temperature gage Digital LCD clock Illuminated vanity mirror Illuminated lockable glove box 4 speaker radio prep with antenna Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (4) Deluxe front bucket seats with fold down adjustable armrests Two passenger center bench seat with fold down armrests Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine) Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern Full carpeting Cloth Inlays in door panels Cargo capacity: 49.7 CU FT behind rear seat 92.9 CU FT rear seat down 201 CU FT rear seat down, center seat removed

E. Miscellaneous 15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van 18 MPG EPA city estimate 19 MPG EPA highway estimate

OPTIONAL FEATURES

3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 17-city, 18-hwy), $???. P91 Option Group, $???. Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide Cruise control Power door locks including side door and rear hatch Power front windows AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature, $350.

VANAGON GL CAMPER, $20,990. STANDARD FEATURES:

C. Exterior, body Paint choices: Pastel White, Flash Silver Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic (burgundy) Black aero styled bumpers Body colored, heated power outside mirrors Sliding side door Sliding side windows Opening wing windows Tinted glass Electric rear window defogger Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Intermittent front windshield wipers Wheelbase: 96.9" Front track: 62.4" Rear track: 61.8" Length: 179.9" Width: 72.6" Height: 80.9" Ground clearance: 6.3" Turning circle: 35.8 Ft curb-to-curb Pop-top roof with cargo carrier

D. Interior Padded instrument panel Speedometer with trip odometer Tachometer Fuel level gage Coolant temperature gage Digital LCD clock Illuminated vanity mirror Illuminated lockable glove box 4 speaker radio prep with antenna Air conditioning with outlets in rear only Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (2) Deluxe front bucket seats with fold down adjustable armrests & swivel bases Two passenger rear bench seat (folds into bed, cushion over engine) Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern Removable carpeting Cloth Inlays in door panels Cargo capacity: 49.7 CU FT behind rear seat 110VAC electrical outlet Circuit breaker Electrical cable LPG stove LPG tank Sink & water storage tank Fire extinguisher Clothes locker/ 3 door closet Overhead storage cabinet Fluorescent light Privacy curtains Removeable screen for hatch door Skylight LPG/110VAC/12VDC refrigerator Two store-away tables 2 person overhead sleeping loft

E. Miscellaneous 15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van 18 MPG EPA city estimate 19 MPG EPA highway estimate

OPTIONAL FEATURES

Metallic paint, $390. 3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 17-city, 18-hwy), $???. P91 Option Group, $???. Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide Cruise control Power door locks including side door and rear hatch Power front windows AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature, $350.

VANAGON GL CAMPER SYNCRO, $25,575. STANDARD FEATURES:

A. Drivetrain 2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine Digifant electronic fuel injection 90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM 5 speed (4 + low) manual transmission Full time All Wheel Drive Locking rear differential Cruise control Electronic ignition Dynamic oil pressure system Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

B. Suspension, wheels, steering Independent front & rear suspension Power assisted brakes, 10.9" front solid disks, 9.9" rear drums Power assisted rack & pinion steering Steel belted radial 205/70 R14 tires Alloy wheels, 5-spoke, 14" x 6" wide

C. Exterior, body Paint choices: Pastel White, Flash Silver Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic (burgundy) Metallic silver aero styled bumpers Body colored, heated power outside mirrors Sliding side door Sliding side windows Opening wing windows Tinted glass Electric rear window defogger Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Intermittent front windshield wipers Wheelbase: 96.7" Front track: 61.7" Rear track: 61.4" Length: 179.9" Width: 72.6" Height: 82.1" Ground clearance: 8.3" Turning circle: 35.8 Ft curb-to-curb Pop-top roof with cargo carrier

D. Interior Padded instrument panel Speedometer with trip odometer Tachometer Fuel level gage Coolant temperature gage Digital LCD clock Illuminated vanity mirror Illuminated lockable glove box 4 speaker radio prep with antenna Air conditioning with outlets in rear only Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (2) Deluxe front bucket seats with fold down adjustable armrests & swivel bases Two passenger rear bench seat (folds into bed, cushion over engine) Grey velour upholstery with a small squares pattern Removable carpeting Cloth Inlays in door panels Cargo capacity: 49.7 CU FT behind rear seat 110VAC electrical outlet Circuit breaker Electrical cable LPG stove LPG tank Sink & water storage tank Fire extinguisher Clothes locker/ 3 door closet Overhead storage cabinet Fluorescent light Privacy curtains Removeable screen for hatch door Skylight LPG/110VAC/12VDC refrigerator Two store-away tables 2 person overhead sleeping loft

E. Miscellaneous 18.4 Gallon fuel tank mounted above transmission 16 MPG EPA city estimate 16 MPG EPA highway estimate Power door locks including side door and rear hatch

OPTIONAL FEATURES

Metallic Paint, $390. Power front windows, $???. AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature, $350.

VANAGON CARAT, $18,670. STANDARD FEATURES:

A. Drivetrain 2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine Digifant electronic fuel injection 90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM 4 speed manual transmission Rear wheel drive Cruise control Electronic ignition Dynamic oil pressure system Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiator fan

C. Exterior, body Paint choices: Pastel White, Orly Blue Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic (burgundy) Sliding side door Sliding side windows Opening wing windows Tinted glass Electric rear window defogger Intermittent front windshield wipers Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Body colored, heated power outside mirrors Metalic silver aero style bumpers & rocker panels Front spoiler with brake cooling inlets Wheelbase: 96.9" Front track: 62.4" Rear track: 61.8" Length: 179.9" Width: 72.6" Height: 75.9" Ground clearance: 6.3" Turning circle: 35.8 Ft curb-to-curb

D. Interior Padded instrument panel Speedometer with trip odometer Tachometer Fuel level gage Coolant temperature gage Digital LCD clock Illuminated vanity mirror Illuminated lockable glove box 4 speaker radio prep with antenna Air conditioning with outlets in front & rear Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (4) Deluxe front bucket seats with fold down adjustable armrests Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats Storage trays between front seats & rear-facing seats Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine) Folding side table Power front windows Fluorescent light Privacy curtains 5 cupholders Light grey velour upholstery in a small pinstripes pattern Full carpeting Cloth Inlays in door panels Cargo capacity: 49.7 CU FT behind rear seat 92.9 CU FT rear seat down 201 CU FT rear seat down, rear-facing seats removed

E. Miscellaneous 15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van 17 MPG EPA city estimate 18 MPG EPA highway estimate Power door locks including side door and rear hatch

OPTIONAL FEATURES

3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 14-city, 16-hwy), $???. Metallic Paint, $390. AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature, $350.

VANAGON MULTIVAN, $20,670. STANDARD FEATURES:

A. Drivetrain 2.1 liter water-cooled horizontally opposed engine Digifant electronic fuel injection 90HP @ 4800RPM (SAE net), 117FtLbs @ 3200RPM 4 speed manual transmission Rear wheel drive Cruise control Electronic ignition Dynamic oil pressure system Thermostatically controlled 2-speed electric radiotor fan

C. Exterior, body Clearcoat metallic paint Sliding side door Sliding side windows Opening wing windows Tinted glass Electric rear window defogger Intermittent front windshield wipers Rear window wiper with intermittent feature Body colored, heated power outside mirrors Metalic grey aero style bumpers & rocker panels Front spoiler with brake cooling inlets Wheelbase: 96.9" Front track: 62.4" Rear track: 61.8" Length: 179.9" Width: 72.6" Height: 80.9" Ground clearance: 6.3" Turning circle: 35.8 Ft curb-to-curb Pop-top roof with cargo carrier

D. Interior Padded instrument panel Speedometer with trip odometer Tachometer Fuel level gage Coolant temperature gage Digital LCD clock Illuminated vanity mirror Illuminated lockable glove box 4 speaker radio prep with antenna Air conditioning with outlets in rear only Fresh air vents in rear passenger area (4) Deluxe front bucket seats with fold down adjustable armrests Two rear-facing removeable seats behind front bucket seats Storage trays between front seats & rear-facing seats Three passenger rear bench seat with "Weekender" feature (seat folds into bed, cushion over engine) Folding side table Power front windows Fluorescent light Privacy curtains 5 cupholders Light grey velour upholstery in a small pinstripes pattern Full carpeting Cloth Inlays in door panels 2 person overhead sleeping loft Rear clothes locker Screens for windows & rear hatch Cargo capacity: 49.7 CU FT behind rear seat 92.9 CU FT rear seat down 201 CU FT rear seat down, rear-facing seats removed

E. Miscellaneous 15.9 Gallon fuel tank mounted under center of van 18 MPG EPA city estimate 19 MPG EPA highway estimate Power door locks including side door and rear hatch

OPTIONAL FEATURES

3 speed automatic transmission (reduces EPA MPG to 14-city, 16-hwy), $???. Metallic Paint, $390. AM/FM cassette radio with anti-theft feature, $350.

1990-1/2 VANAGON CARAT WOLFSBURG LIMITED EDITION, $??,???. STANDARD FEATURES:

Existence of this model remains uncertain at the time of this writing.

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