In a message dated 98-06-10 17:03:18 EDT, swright@MAIL.SLS.BC.CA writes:

<< I love the Vanagon (and earlier) bus designs, but I don't think we can
expect
 VW to go back to a rear engine bus again. The easiest way for them to offer
 more power affordably is to use an existing platform which has a V6 already.

 The EV was a flop in the US, so I don't think VW is ready to take another
risk
 just to satisfy the US market. >>

Not saying go back to a rear engine.  you can still get that "blunt nosed"
bus/vanagon shape w/ an engine mounted in the same location as those
Toyota/Mitsubishi minivans....and those VW LT series....  ok, so it subtracts
cab space, and is not fun to work on - but, look at the full size american
vans.  anytine you want to do anything to the engine in them, you also have to
do it from inside the cab...(it's kind of fun holding the choke open on cold
mornings in the Dodge B200 van, right from the drivers seat...  ;<)

chris