Volkswagen and OSRAM Partner on the Chameleon Featuring Futuristic Technologies with Nostalgic Flavor
Share:
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 13 -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. and OSRAM have collaborated for an exciting new concept vehicle, dubbed the "Chameleon." OSRAM LED technology and other cutting edge advancements are showcased on the "Chameleon," a futuristic update of the 1964 Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus.
Affectionately known as the "VW bus," the 1960s icon has been reborn, in part due to the replacement of both exterior and interior lighting with OSRAM LED technology.
"Volkswagen presented OSRAM with a unique opportunity to create a new 'look' for the classic VW bus without changing the vehicle's structure or character," David Hulick, global product manager for auxiliary lighting, said. "The versatility of the Joule(TM) LED system allowed us to give the bus a sleek, modern look while maintaining the nostalgic feel of the original."
Volkswagen produced the concept vehicle at its Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) in Palo Alto, Calif. The 1964 Type 2 Transporter, the original "hippy-bus," was updated with an electric motor and roof-mounted solar panels. The vehicle's original exterior lighting systems were also replaced using the latest in forward and auxiliary lighting technology from OSRAM.
Three distinct approaches to LED lighting were used in this project.
State-of-the-art forward lighting, including low and high beam headlamps, utilizing the Joule LED System powered by OSRAM OSTAR® units were installed on the bus. Daytime Running Lamp functionality was provided by OSRAM's Golden Dragon® LED's. Reflector optic Joule LED Systems were used for the amber front turn signals, complete with the VW logo on the cap. On the rear of the vehicle a direct view light guide optic system with red LEDs was used to achieve a distinct look for the rear turn signals. Both the front and rear turn signals are illuminated using OSRAM Advanced PowerTOPLED® LEDs. This is the first vehicle constructed using LED Systems for all major exterior lighting and signaling functions.
Inside the vehicle, innovative lighting technology continues to provide a signature look to the Chameleon's interior, including a one of a kind red dashboard illuminated by OSRAM TOPLED® LED's feeding into a unique light guide assembly. Remote ambient lighting in the vehicle's main cabin utilizes a fiber optic bundle powered by a single White OSTAR Lighting unit.
A multitude of other projects are showcased in the interior of Chameleon, including an interactive digital instrument cluster, imbedded capacitive touch pads, digitally enhanced sound quality, exciting rear seat entertainment options, and speech activated controls available throughout the cabin. The exterior houses several exciting new approaches for keyless entry, wide-angle parking cameras and switchable glass.
In addition to being a cultural icon, the Deluxe Microbus carries a uniquely Californian flavor. Acknowledging California's traditionally environmentally friendly attitude, the ERL collaborated with Li-ion Motors (http://www.li-ionmotors.com/)to replace the original VW engine with an all electric drive engine powered by lithium polymer batteries. Surfboards mounted on the roof are also lined with flexible solar panels that provide an additional source of energy to this 100 percent electrical vehicle.
The Volkswagen Electronics Laboratory intends to use the Microbus as a public relations tool to showcase the potential future of automobile electronics set in the nostalgic package of this favorite old-timer.
About the Electronics Research Laboratory:
The Volkswagen of America, Inc. Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) focuses on providing customers with smarter cars, sooner. It aims to identify new technologies and accelerate their development into future production vehicles. Located in Palo Alto, California, the ERL is an in-house think tank representing the Volkswagen Group in North America. Its presence in the heart of the Silicon Valley allows the Volkswagen Group to work directly with the world's leading high-tech companies, start-ups, and universities. These partnerships allow the ERL to design and develop innovative features and applications, which are then integrated with Group vehicles for evaluation and testing. For additional information please see www.vwerl.com/ .
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Jetta, GTI, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Touareg and Eos through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.
About OSRAM SYLVANIA
OSRAM SYLVANIA is the world leader in automotive lighting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The company's global automotive lighting division has its principal North American operations in Hillsboro, N.H., with nearly 1,000 employees. In addition to TS 16949, this facility has also achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. OSRAM SYLVANIA along with its affiliate, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, designs, develops manufacturers and markets world-class automotive light sources including auxiliary, advanced halogen, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and HID technologies for interior, exterior and forward lighting applications. Automotive applications for OEMs are marketed under the OSRAM brand while products for the aftermarket are sold under the SYLVANIA brand.
About OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is a wholly owned subsidiary of OSRAM, one of the world's two leading lighting manufacturers. It offers its customers solutions based on semiconductor technology for lighting, sensor and visualization applications. The company operates sites in Regensburg (Germany), San Jose (USA) and Penang (Malaysia). For the fiscal year ending in September 2005, the more than 3,500 employees of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors achieved a sales volume of 452 million euros. For more information, visit www.osram-os.com/ .
Source: OSRAM
CONTACT:
Keith Price
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
+1-248-754-5064
keith.price@vw.com
Raoul Verheggen
OSRAM
+1-978-750-2582
raoul.verheggen@sylvania.com
Web site:
http://www.li-ionmotors.com/
http://www.vwerl.com/
http://www.osram-os.com/
