Geneva 2011: Giugiaro Go! Concept

Possibly a new way of interpreting the traditional design lines used by the Volkswagen was born today in Geneva, where the newest addition to the group's impressive line-up of brands, Italdesign Giugiaro, is presenting its first two projects created for the auto maker: the Tex and the Go!.

Both models were built as alternative powered machines, the clear choice of power trains in the future for the Germans. Whereas the Tex is a plug-in hybrid, the Go! on the other hand comes as a pure electric vehicle.

Small enough in size to be used without problems in a city (the model has been built using the same wheelbase as in the Passat), Go! is powered by a battery pack (part of the electric system called e-motion), located underneath the front and rear seats, that can give it a range of up to 240 km (clearly more than a customer would need or his or hers city motoring needs).

The placement of the battery in the middle of the vehicle allows for a weight distribution worthy of a much more complicated model, 58 percent on the front and 42 percent on the rear.

"Go! is an MPV that continues that subject owing to its improved ergonomics and passenger room while keeping the smaller exterior size that has distinguished a large part of my career. It is a vehicle that is no more than 4 metres long, is eco-friendly, and is able to guarantee the utmost in terms of ergonomics and luxury, with an abundant loading volume,” said Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the main names behind the design house.