It only takes 5.7 seconds to go from 0-62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the fuel consumption in the city is estimated to be 46 mpg (5.2 l/100 km)

Amazing dynamics for less than $ 17,000: The GX3 will be driven by a VW 1.6 liter engine. The four-cylinder delivers 92 kW / 125 hp. So far, so good. However, the GX3 is a pure driving machine, a motorcycle with two seats positioned side-by-side. And that’s why you can find 125 hp and 112.5 ft-lbs (152 Nm) in a mere 1,257 lbs (570 kg) Volkswagen. This results in a power-to- weight ratio of 10 lbs/hp 4.56 kg/PS). In just 5.7 seconds, the GX3 can reach a speed of 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and the possible lateral acceleration reaches 1.25g – values typical of sheer performance cars but delivered from a vehicle under the $17,000 price range. No comparable sports machine in the world, however, can come even close to the low fuel consumption of the GX3: 46 mpg. Fact is: a production counterpart of the GX3, could be on the market very soon. It all depends on the American driver’s feedback.

IL Insider: Volkswagen's Three-Wheeler GX3 Headed to Production
Date posted: 03-15-2006

LOS ANGELES — At the recent Los Angeles auto show in January, Volkswagen had a most unusual concept car on display — a three-wheeler or trike called GX3.

Until now it was a question of how the show car would be accepted by the public, and apparently the acceptance was good. Because here are first prototype pictures of the road-going version, caught during secret testing at Lotus in England, which is quite a sensation.

It is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 125 horsepower. Due to the light weight of the vehicle it is almost as fast as a Porsche 911. The GX3 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds, fuel consumption is 1.4 gallons/62 miles and top speed is 124 mph. It has rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

However, while a Porsche costs $71,300 in the U.S., the GX3 could be available at $17,000. A cooperation between Volkswagen and Lotus — the latter owned by Proton, Malaysia — could mean that the odd three-wheeler made by Volkswagen and Proton-Lotus is meant to be sold not only in the U.S. but worldwide.

The test car on the photos is in various ways different from the concept model. It is furthermore equipped with different types of alloy wheels for testing plus two extra supporting wheels on the side.