2010 Trabant nT Concept

World premiere of the 'Trabant nT' at the IAA

Recognizable as 'Trabant' but timely enhanced and modernly interpreted – this is how the concept car 'Trabant nT' is presented at the world premiere at this year's IAA in Frankfurt. On September 15, shortly before noon, the initiators Klaus Schindler, Ronald Gerschewski and Nils Poschwatta disclosed the strictly kept secret of the electric car's appearance. It is characterized by a distinctive appearance and pleasing proportions. No unnecessary beading, edges or conspicuous ornamentation distract from the overall shape. The trapezoidal grill opening downwards, the front and rear lights, the bumper pads as well as the superimposed roof are the fundamental graphic elements.

Rated at 45 kW, an asynchronous electric motor powerfully drives the front axles. It achieves a maximum speed of 130 km/h and is fed by a lithium-ion battery located in the design space between rear axle and the vehicle's transmission tunnel. That allows for a range of max. 160 km. Absolutely sufficient given that the majority of daily rides in Germany are shorter than 50 km. After driving that distance, the 'Trabant nT' can be fully recharged overnight utilizing the regular power network for about 1€ in electricity costs. There is hardly a less expensive way to get around.

The trendsetting concept therefore stands for a safe and reliable city- and medium-range vehicle, a second family car, a handy helper for service providers from a wide range of areas. It meets our need for individual mobility, loading space for everyday use and environmentally conscious behavior. The 'Trabant nT' is already driving the future today. Making use of its worldwide cult potential, it offers us the chance to put an automotive alternative on the road suitable for everyday use, and combining environmental and budgetary considerations.

For this modern car to be on the road in 2012, the 'Trabant nT's' serial production readiness will be aimed for following the IAA. The initiators are capable of accompanying the step from project development to a production company and now offer a dedicated investor the opportunity to join an exciting automobile concept with potential for the future. The 'Trabant nT' will be displayed at the IAA in Frankfurt until September 27.

The historic Trabant's history
52 years ago, the first Trabant was manufactured and delivered by VEB Sachsenring Automobilwerke Zwickau. In the production period from November 1957 until April 1991, a total of 3,051,385 vehicles were produced. After the Fall of the Wall in 1989, the Trabant's era drew to a close. Seemingly. However, there were still enough enthusiasts who cared for and maintained their 'Trabi' for it to live on as cult car. Which is why even today approx. 52,000 vehicles of the Trabant series are still registered in Germany.

The types of the Trabant series

The second Trabant edition was named 'Trabant 600'. The significant distinguishing feature is the improved performance of the twin-cylinder two-stroke engine to 599 m³ with 23 HP. 106,626 examples were manufactured of that type. The most produced vehicle of Sachsenring's vehicle series was the Trabant 601 with 2,818,547 examples. It entered mass production with 26 HP.

The successor model, the Trabant 1.1 received a VW engine. Next to the classic models Limousine (sedan) and Úniversal (formerly station wagon), the 1.1 was also available as Tramp, an open variant with folding top and loading platform. 39,474 examples were manufactured. On April 30, 1991, after more than 33 years, the Trabant production and with it Sachsenring's vehicle manufacturing, ended.

Previous history of the 'Trabant nT' – 'newTrabi'

A lot of time had to pass in the unified country first before the Trabant turned out to be a distinctive contemporary witness and an object of affection. All quiet at first, covered by the GDR's supposed collective end, the 'Trabi' ripened and became a worldwide cult car with the history of the two Germans states entwining around it and leaving its mark in countless interesting life stories. Due to the long professional experience with the popularity of automobiles and its fans, it was no surprise that it was the miniature manufacturer Herpa who began to sense the special character of the Trabant brand. Herpa developed a perspective for the cult car for the '50th Trabant anniversary' on November 7, 2007, and presented it as 'Initiative newTrabi' at the IAA 2007. The overwhelming response of many thousands of interviewees around the IAA 2007 suggested the initiative's continuation so the 'newTrabi' idea became a project with capable partners from the Autoland Saxony resulting in the development of the 'Trabant nT' concept car.

Source - Trabant