Geparda, a German company, has engineered a unique modification for the discontinued VW Up! city car, transforming it into a legal L5e quadricycle. This special edition model, named Geparda, is designed to be driven by 16-year-olds with an A1 driver's license thanks to its unique rear axle and detuned engine.
Geparda converts used VW Up! models to comply with Europe's L5e segment. Modification s include a new rear axle with a double wheel and a 20 hp engine. The model can be driven by 16-year-olds, but cost around $24,000 in Germany. \Most people modify their vehicles to look cooler and go faster, but the pictured example had a different goal. The Geparda is based on the discontinued VW Up! city car, but can be driven by 16-year-olds thanks to its unique rear axle design and detuned powertrain.
The Geparda is a specially modified model that falls within Europe's L5e segment. This classification allows it to be driven anywhere in the EU with an A1 driver's license, which can be obtained at the age of 16 - two years earlier than the standard license. However, unlike heavy quadricycles from the L6e segment like the Citroen Ami and the Renault Twizy that can also be driven with an A1 license, the Geparda retains the creature comforts of a real car. \The most obvious modification is the new rear axle, with a double wheel in the middle. Despite looking like a three wheeler, the vehicle rides on four tires, benefiting from a small window in the regulations. The company has also added aero-friendly covers on the (empty) rear wheel arches, and removed the VW badges. In order to comply with the L5e regulations, the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine of the VW Up! has been detuned to 20 hp (15 kW), with the help of a re-programmed ECU. Note that the original produced between 59-114 hp (44-85 kW / 60-116 PS) depending on the version. Despite the notable drop in power, the Geparda is still able to reach 110 km/h (68 mph), allowing it to move freely on the highway. According to the company, the Geparda covered thousands of km during development testing before getting approval. In order to ensure it doesn't tip over on tight turns, engineers fitted an H&R stabilizer bar on the front axle, in combination with special Eibach springs at the rear. Furthermore, the throttle settings have been tweaked for smooth power delivery, with the safety systems of the original (ESP, ABS, and airbags) being carried over. Another requirement for the L5e segment is that the weight shouldn't exceed the 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds) mark, which was already the case with the stock VW Up!. The interior is also carried over, with features such as A/C and heated seats included in the standard equipment. However, the central placement of the double wheel at the back compromises some of the already limited cargo-carrying abilities of the city car. Being based on a discontinued model means that the Geparda can only be had as a used vehicle. Currently, there are two examples listed on the company's website, with around 25,000 km (15,500 miles) on the odometer. The cheapest two-door Geparda is priced at €22,850 ($23,600), while the four-door model costs €23,500 ($24,200), which makes them significantly more expensive than most used VW Up! models available in Germany. Converting small hatchbacks to L5e three-wheeler-lookalikes is not a new practice. Another company called Ellenator offers similar builds based on the Fiat 500, Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia, and VW Polo. In Ellenator's case, customers have the option of buying complete vehicles, or spend around €5,680 ($5,900) for converting an existing model.
Geparda VW Up! L5e Quadricycle A1 License Modification Automotive News
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