This is the kind of thinking "out loud" that product development requires.
Tks
Sam Conant
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Bange" <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2007 7:48 PM
Subject: Re: What features from the Vanagon would be necessary in a new
vehicle for you to consider it an adequate or improved replacement? was:
"Brand new" bus now Vanagon

>> If you were going to design a vehicle from the ground up to replace the
>> Vanagon, keeping in mind gov't requirements and all that, what features
>> would it have and what would it look like- what are the 'essential'
>> Vanagon
>> elements? What among those elements should be improved or upgraded (how
>> and
>> why)?
>>
>> Here's what I'd require to replace my beloved money-sucker Vanagon:
>
> -Engine in the rear, or maybe up front between the seats, like an 80's
> Toyota Van. Just not taking up space in a big, useless nose.
> -Decent ground clearance
> -High, comfortable seats that fit me at 6'2"
> -Rear bench folds into a bed
> -Easy to service (I guess that eliminates an engine up front like the
> Toyota!)
> -Tough as nails, and reliable if maintained properly
> -Availability of a Westy-type pop-top
> -Big enough so I don't bang my head and elbows all the time
> -Not so huge it only gets 11MPG, like my Chevy work van
>
> What would improve the Vanagon? Air bags, ABS, and all that safety crap I
> suppose. Really the only serious weakness I see in the Vanagon is the
> engine. If VW had made a more Subaru-like wasserboxer, it would be
> perfect.
> But really, the reason I like the Vanagon so much is that its shortcomings
> are so very minor compared to its utility. Lots of little annoyances like
> marginally adequate wiring, dim DOT headlights, stupidly small 14" wheels,
> stiffener-losing plastic or rusting metal coolant pipes, wimpy front
> brakes,
> even wimpier factory engine; but these are all obstacles that can be
> overcome (by throwing lots of money at them, usually). The satisfaction of
> watching giant RV's trying to park in a campground, seeing tent campers
> rubbing their aching backs after sleeping on the ground all night, making
> lumber yard guys' eyes pop out when you slide five sheets of plywood in
> the
> back--- it makes it all worthwhile.
>
> Did I mention the engine is in the back, where it belongs? That's very
> important.
>
> --
> John Bange
> '90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"