A blog devoted to RANTS ON AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN, car reviews, and - above all - fugly autos. whether looking for vehicular plagiarism or rides of extreme tastelessness, you've come to the right place.


Sunday, August 08, 2010

Irradiated

It may be hard to believe, but the VW Kombi T2 is still soldiering on in Brazil. That's right - you can still buy a brand new 1967 VW. Sort of. In 2006, Brazil initiated new emission requirements, spelling the end of the traditional air cooled Beetle engine powering the Kombi. A replacement water-cooled engine was issued, and with it came a huge black plastic grille stuck on the front of the van to provide cooling for the radiator. It's just about as subtle and ungainly as Amy Winehouse's beehive. Hope that reference isn't expired. Speaking of expired, is Winehouse even still alive?
Sadly, even Kombi's days are numbered. Upcoming Brazilian legislation requiring manditory ABS and airbags make 2012 the last year for Kombi production.

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