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{{Short description|Brazilian automobile}}
{{Infobox automobile
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Volkswagen Brasília
| name = Volkswagen Brasília
| image = VW Brasilia.jpg
| image = VW Brasilia.jpg
| caption = Volkswagen Brasília 3-door
| caption = 3-door body
| manufacturer = [[Volkswagen]]
| manufacturer = [[Volkswagen]]
| aka = Volkswagen Igala
| aka = {{ubl|Type 321 (internal name)|Volkswagen Igala (Nigeria)}}
| production = 1973–1982
| production = 1973–1982
| model_years =
| designer = [[Marcio Piancastelli]]
| assembly =
| class = [[Economy car]]
| related = [[Volkswagen Beetle]]
| designer = [[Márcio Piancastelli]]
| class = [[Small family car]] ([[C-segment|C]]), [[economy car]]
| engine = 1,600 cc
| body_style = 3-door [[hatchback]]<br>5-door [[hatchback]]
| propulsion =
| layout = [[Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|RR]]
⚫
| wheelbase = {{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| platform =
⚫
| length = {{convert|4015|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Volkswagen Beetle#Brazil|Volkswagen Fusca]]
⚫
| width = {{convert|1605|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| engine = 1.6&nbsp;L air-cooled [[Flat-four engine|H4]]
⚫
| height = {{convert|1430|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| transmission = 4-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] with reverse
⚫
| weight = {{convert|890|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
⚫
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| doors = 3 - 5
⚫
| length = {{cvt|4015|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
| width = {{cvt|1605|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
| height = {{cvt|1430|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
⚫
| weight = {{cvt|890|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| predecessor =
⚫
| successor = [[Volkswagen Gol]]
}}
}}


The '''Volkswagen Brasília''' is a rear-engined [[compact car]], manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in [[Brazil]] between 1974 and 1982; in Mexico from 1975-1982;<ref name="mex">{{cite news
The '''Volkswagen Brasília''' is a rear-engined [[compact car]] developed by [[Volkswagen do Brasil]] and internally designated as the ''Type 321''. Named for Brazil's [[Brasília|capital city]], the car was manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in [[Brazil]] from 1973 to 1982; in Mexico from 1975 to 1982;<ref name="mex"/> and built from [[knock down kit]]s in Nigeria, where it was marketed as the ''Igala'' from 1976 to 1980.<ref>''Automobil Revue'', Katalognummer 1979, S. 540/3.</ref>
| title = Historia de Volkswagen de México
⚫
| publisher = Volkswagen de México
| url = http://www.vw.com.mx/es/mundo-volkswagen/historia.html}}</ref> and as [[knock down kit]]s in Nigeria where it was marketed as the ''Igala'' from 1976–1980.<ref>''Automobil Revue'', Katalognummer 1979, S. 540/3.</ref>


Designed to replace the Beetle (or Fusca) in the Brazilian market and originally available in a three-door and five-door [[hatchback]] body style, the Brasília combined the [[Volkswagen air-cooled engine|air-cooled engine]] of the [[Volkswagen Beetle]], the chassis of the [[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia]]<ref name="kg">{{cite news
Designed to replace the Beetle (called the [[Volkswagen Beetle#Brazil|Fusca]] in Brazil), and available in both three-door and five-door [[hatchback]] body styles, the Brasília combined VW's [[Volkswagen air-cooled engine|air-cooled engine]] with the chassis of the [[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia]]<ref name="kg"/> and styling reminiscent of the [[Volkswagen Type 4|Volkswagen 412]]. By the end of 1982, over one million examples had been manufactured.<ref name="million"/>
| title = VW Volkswagen Once Tried To Kill A Journalist Because Of This Car
| publisher = Jalopnik.com, Jason Torchinsky, 6/23/14
| url = http://jalopnik.com/volkswagen-once-tried-to-kill-a-journalist-because-of-t-1594678986}}</ref> and styling reminiscent of the [[Volkswagen Type 4|Volkswagen 412]].

Developed by [[Volkswagen do Brasil]] (Volkswagen of Brazil) and internally designated as the ''Type 321'', the Brasília was named after Brazil's [[Brasília|capital city]] and by the end of 1982, over one million examples had been manufactured.<ref name="million">{{cite news
| title = VW Brasilia: Another Alternate Universe Brazilian
| publisher = Curbside Classic, Robert Kim, September 27, 2013
| url = http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/cc-outtake-vw-brasilia-the-mini-411/}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Interior Volkswagen Brasília 1979 Monocromática.jpg|left|thumb|1979 Volkswagen Brasília interior]]
[[File:Interior Volkswagen Brasília 1979 Monocromática.jpg|left|thumb|1979 model interior]]
[[File:VW Brasilia - 49524775543.jpg|left|thumb|Brasilia 3-door rear view]]In September 1970, Volkswagen of Brazil's president, [[Rudolf Leiding]], challenged the company's designers to recreate the Beetle with the Brazilian market in mind. At that time, the Beetle, the [[Volkswagen Type 2|Bus]] and the [[Karmann-Ghia]] were the only air-cooled VWs that proved successful in Brazil.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} For Leiding, the new Volkswagen should be practical, economical and larger than the Beetle.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
[[File:VW Brasilia - 49524775543.jpg|left|thumb|3-door rear view]]
In September 1970, Volkswagen of Brazil's president, [[Rudolf Leiding]], challenged the company's designers to recreate the Fusca with the Brazilian market in mind. At that time, the Fusca, the [[Volkswagen Type 2|Bus]] and the [[Volkswagen Karmann Ghia|Karmann Ghia]] were the only air-cooled VWs proving successful in Brazil.{{citation needed|date=December 2014}} Leiding wanted this new Volkswagen to be practical, economical, and larger than the Fusca.{{citation needed|date=August 2012}}
In three months, more than 40 prototypes were developed. The prototypes were expensive and VW was looking for a new cheap car, to compete with the brand new [[Chevrolet Chevette|Chevette]], from [[Chevrolet]].
In three months, more than 40 prototypes were developed. The prototypes were expensive, and VW was looking for an inexpensive car to compete with the brand new [[Chevrolet Chevette|Chevette]], from [[General Motors do Brasil]].


[[File:Volkswagen Brasilia TF.JPG|thumb|Five-door Brasília in [[Tenerife]]]]
[[File:Volkswagen Brasilia TF.JPG|thumb|Five-door in [[Tenerife]]]]
Sales began in 1973, following its premiere in May that year.<ref name="salon73">{{Cite magazine | editor-last = Hersant | editor-first = Jacques | title = Les voitures de l'année | trans-title = The cars of the year | last = Bellu | first = Serge | date = September 1973 | magazine = Le Salon de l'Auto 1973: Toutes les Voitures du Monde | issue = 14 & 15 | page = 30 | publisher = l'Auto Journal | location = Paris | language = french }}</ref> The Brasília was originally marketed as a commercial small van to take advantage of the lower tax rates on "trucks" &mdash; a classification and marketing approach that may have hampered initial sales. The Brasília was the first Brazilian hatchback with five doors, a version ultimately manufactured in small numbers and more exported than sold in Brazil.
Sales began in 1973, following its premiere in May that year.<ref name="salon73"/> The Brasília was originally marketed as a small commercial van to take advantage of the lower tax rates on "trucks" &mdash; a classification and marketing approach that may have hampered initial sales. The Brasília was the first Brazilian hatchback with five doors, although this version was manufactured in small numbers, and more were exported than sold in Brazil.


Total production reached over one million vehicles including exports to [[Chile]], [[Portugal]], [[Bolivia]], [[Perú]], [[Ecuador]], [[Venezuela]], [[Paraguay]], [[Mexico]], [[Spain]], [[Uruguay]], the [[Philippines]], and starting in March 1976,<ref>''Automobil Revue'', catalogue edition 1979, S. 540/3.</ref> in [[Complete knock down|CKD]] kits of the five-door to [[Nigeria]], where it was renamed Igala.<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enGB842GB842&biw=1366&bih=625&tbm=bks&ei=KkmiXvK_IJ2M1fAPmPKp0AY&q=%22Para+l%C3%A1+a+Volkswagen+do+Brasil+exporta+o+VW+Bras%C3%ADlia+-+comercializado+sob+o+nome+de+VW+Igala%22&oq=%22Para+l%C3%A1+a+Volkswagen+do+Brasil+exporta+o+VW+Bras%C3%ADlia+-+comercializado+sob+o+nome+de+VW+Igala%22&gs_l=psy-ab.3...29197.36717.0.37320.3.3.0.0.0.0.105.283.1j2.3.0....0...1c.1j2.64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.nXq3GEz9L_s ''Conjuntura econômica''], Issues 1-3, 1977, page 12</ref> The Brasília was also assembled in [[Mexico]] from 1974–1982, but only in a version with two doors, appearing in an episode of ''[[El Chavo del Ocho]]'' as the car of Señor Barriga and the group Mamonas Assassinas with music "Brasília Amarela"(Yellow Brasília).
Total production reached over one million vehicles, including exports of cars to [[Chile]], [[Portugal]], [[Bolivia]], [[Perú]], [[Ecuador]], [[Venezuela]], [[Paraguay]], [[Mexico]], [[Spain]], [[Uruguay]], the [[Philippines]] and, starting in March 1976,<ref>''Automobil Revue'', catalogue edition 1979, S. 540/3.</ref> of [[Complete knock down|CKD]] kits of the five-door to [[Nigeria]], where it was renamed the ''Igala''.<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enGB842GB842&biw=1366&bih=625&tbm=bks&ei=KkmiXvK_IJ2M1fAPmPKp0AY&q=%22Para+l%C3%A1+a+Volkswagen+do+Brasil+exporta+o+VW+Bras%C3%ADlia+-+comercializado+sob+o+nome+de+VW+Igala%22&oq=%22Para+l%C3%A1+a+Volkswagen+do+Brasil+exporta+o+VW+Bras%C3%ADlia+-+comercializado+sob+o+nome+de+VW+Igala%22&gs_l=psy-ab.3...29197.36717.0.37320.3.3.0.0.0.0.105.283.1j2.3.0....0...1c.1j2.64.psy-ab..0.0.0....0.nXq3GEz9L_s ''Conjuntura econômica''], Issues 1-3, 1977, page 12</ref> The Brasília was also assembled in [[Mexico]] from 1974 to 1982, but only in a version with two doors.


The Brasília's introduction received notoriety, when a reporter photographed preliminary test vehicles near the factory and security personnel fired shots &mdash; triggering Brazilian media attention, an official apology from Volkswagen, increased sales for ''Quatro Rodas'', the magazine which purchased the photographs. The reporter, (Cláudio Larangeira), who was immediately hired by ''Quatro Rodas''.<ref>http://www2.uol.com.br/bestcars/classicos/brasilia-2.htm</ref>
The Brasília achieved notoriety before its release when a reporter photographing preliminary test vehicles near the factory was fired upon by security personnel &mdash; triggering Brazilian media attention, an official apology from Volkswagen, and increased sales for Brazilian car magazine ''[[Quatro Rodas]]'', which purchased the photographs. The reporter, Cláudio Larangeira, was immediately hired by ''Quatro Rodas''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.uol.com.br/bestcars/classicos/brasilia-2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010501042322/http://www.uol.com.br/bestcars/classicos/brasilia-2.htm |archive-date=2001-05-01 |title=Best Cars Web Site - Classicos}}</ref>


==Engine and transmission==
==Engine and transmission==
[[File:Toledo 09 2009 VW Brasilia 7402.JPG|thumb|Rear view of the VW Brasilia]]
[[File:Brasilia 1973 6.jpg|thumb|Engine compartment]]


At its debut, the Brasília had a flat-four-cylinder, air-cooled boxer engine with single carburetor. The rear-engine, rear-wheel drive had a gearbox with four speeds. In the 1980s, Volkswagen also offered an [[Common ethanol fuel mixtures#E100|ethanol-powered]] engine option, with 1300&nbsp;cc and 49&nbsp;hp. The 1974 Volkswagen Brasília, with dual carburetors, could run 10.4&nbsp;km with one liter of gasoline on a highway. The urban fuel consumption is around 14&nbsp;km/L.
The Brasília has an [[Air-cooled engine|air-cooled]] [[flat-four engine]], originally with a single [[carburetor]], mounted in a [[rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout]]. It has a [[manual transmission]] with four forward speeds and reverse. In the 1980s, Volkswagen also offered an optional 1300&nbsp;cc [[Common ethanol fuel mixtures#E100|ethanol-fueled]] engine making {{cvt|49|hp|kW|1|abbr=on}}. The 1974 Brasília, with dual carburetors, could travel {{cvt|10.4|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} on one liter of gasoline on the highway. Its urban fuel consumption is around {{cvt|14|km/L|1|abbr=on}}.


==Performance==
==Performance==
The Brazilian car magazine ''Quatro Rodas'' tested the VW Brasília and the [[Chevrolet Chevette|GM Chevette]] in March 1980.<ref name="QRmarch80">{{cite magazine |last=Carsughi |first=Claudio |date=March 1980 |issue=236 |title=Chevette Hatch e Brasília LS em Confronto |url=http://4rturbo.blogspot.ca/2013/03/revista-quatro-rodas-marco-de-1980.html |magazine=Quatro Rodas |location= |publisher= |access-date=10 May 2018 }}</ref> The Chevette took 19.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to {{convert|100|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} and the Brasília took 23 seconds. The Chevette's maximum speed was {{convert|138|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} while the Brasília could reach {{convert|129|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}. The Chevrolet achieved 15.4&nbsp;km/L and the Volkswagen achieved 13.4&nbsp;km/L on a mileage comparison. The Brasília was equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels, drum brakes on the rear wheels. Beginning with model year 1977, the Brasília featured dual circuit brakes and a collapsible steering wheel modified for collision safety.
''Quatro Rodas'' tested both the VW Brasília and [[Chevrolet Chevette|GM Chevette]] in March 1980.<ref name="QRmarch80"/> The Chevette took 19.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to {{cvt|100|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} and the Brasília took 23 seconds. The Chevette's maximum speed was {{cvt|138|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} while the Brasília could reach {{cvt|129|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}. The Chevrolet achieved {{cvt|15.4|km/L|1|abbr=on}} and the Volkswagen achieved {{cvt|13.4|km/L|1|abbr=on}} on a mileage comparison. The Brasília was equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels, drum brakes on the rear wheels. Beginning with the 1977 model year, the Brasília featured dual circuit brakes and a collapsible steering wheel modified for collision safety.


==Retirement==
==Retirement==
Volkswagen of Brasil considered in 1975 the production of a front-engined, water-cooled version in order to replace the aging Beetle,<ref>http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_carros_conceito_nac_4.htm</ref> however the final decision was to project and build an all new front-engined vehicle - the [[Volkswagen Gol]]. When the 1.3l engined hatchback debuted it was no direct threat to the Brasília, but with the adoption of a more powerful 1.6-litre air-cooled engine, the company chose the new project to compete against the [[Fiat 147]], the [[Ford Corcel]] and the [[Chevrolet Chevette]].
In 1975, Volkswagen do Brasil considered the production of a front-engined, water-cooled Brasília to replace the aging Fusca.<ref name="carroantigo-pn4"/> Their final decision, however, was to develop and build an all new front-engined vehicle — the [[Volkswagen Gol]] hatchback. When the 1.3&nbsp;L Gol debuted it was no direct threat to the Brasília, but with the adoption of a more powerful 1.6&nbsp;L engine, the company chose the Gol to compete against the [[Fiat 147]], the [[Ford Corcel]] and the [[Chevrolet Chevette]].


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="mex">{{cite web |url=https://www.vw.com.mx/es/mundo-volkswagen/historia.html |title=Historia de Volkswagen de México. |language=es |date=2016-04-15 |publisher=Volkswagen de México |access-date=2023-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120135653/https://www.vw.com.mx/es/mundo-volkswagen/historia.html |archive-date=2017-11-20 }}</ref>

<ref name="kg">{{cite web |url=https://jalopnik.com/volkswagen-once-tried-to-kill-a-journalist-because-of-t-1594678986 |title=Volkswagen Once Tried To Kill A Journalist Because Of This Car |last=Torchinsky |first=Jason |date=23 June 2014 |website=jalopnik.com |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="million">{{cite web |url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/cc-outtake-vw-brasilia-the-mini-411/ |title=CC Global: VW Brasilia — Another Alternate Universe Brazilian VW |last=Kim |first=Robert |date=27 September 2013 |website=www.curbsideclassic.com |publisher= |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="salon73">{{Cite magazine |editor-last=Hersant |editor-first=Jacques |title=Les voitures de l'année |trans-title=The cars of the year |last=Bellu |first=Serge |date=September 1973 |magazine=Le Salon de l'Auto 1973: Toutes les Voitures du Monde |issue=14 & 15 |page=30 |publisher=l'Auto Journal |location=Paris |language=fr }}</ref>

<ref name="QRmarch80">{{cite magazine |last=Carsughi |first=Claudio |date=March 1980 |issue=236 |title=Chevette Hatch e Brasília LS em Confronto |url= |magazine=[[Quatro Rodas]] |access-date= }}</ref>

<ref name="carroantigo-pn4">{{cite web |url=http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_carros_conceito_nac_4.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120112018/http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_carros_conceito_nac_4.htm |archive-date=2007-11-20 |title=PROTOTIPOS NACIONAIS 4}}</ref>

}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www2.uol.com.br/bestcars/classicos/brasilia-1.htm |title=O irmão mais moderno do Fusca |trans-title=The more modern brother of the Fusca |language=pt-BR |date= |publisher= |access-date=2023-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522141540/http://www2.uol.com.br/bestcars/classicos/brasilia-1.htm |archive-date=2011-05-22 }}
*[http://www2.uol.com.br/bestcars/classicos/brasilia-1.htm VW Brasília history (in Portuguese)]
*[http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_NACIONAIS.htm VW Brazil History & Pictures (in Portuguese)]
*{{cite web |url=http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_NACIONAIS.htm |title=Volkswagen No Brasil |language=pt-BR |date= |publisher= |access-date=2023-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210201415/http://www.carroantigo.com/portugues/conteudo/curio_NACIONAIS.htm |archive-date=2019-02-10 }}
*{{cite AV media |people=Christoph Bauer |date=14 March 2018 |title=Vintage: VW Brasilia |type= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8nJvqbzEdk |access-date= |format= |time= |location= |publisher=DW News |via=Youtube |id= }}
*[https://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carroantigo.com%2Fportugues%2Fconteudo%2Fcurio_NACIONAIS.htm&langpair=pt%7Cen&hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools (in English)]

* Christoph Bauer: [https://www.dw.com/en/vintage-vw-brasilia/av-429558944 ''Vintage: BMW 1500''], [[DW-TV]] – ''motor mobil'', 13 March 2018 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8nJvqbzEdk (YouTube)]
{{Volkswagen (South America) timeline 1980 to date}}
{{Volkswagen (South America) timeline 1980 to date}}


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[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles|Brasilia]]
[[Category:Volkswagen vehicles|Brasilia]]
[[Category:Cars of Brazil]]
[[Category:Cars of Brazil]]
[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Cars powered by boxer engines]]
[[Category:Cars powered by boxer engines]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1973]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:Hatchbacks]]
[[Category:Rear-engined vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 21:31, 21 May 2024

Volkswagen Brasília
3-door body
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also called
  • Type 321 (internal name)
  • Volkswagen Igala (Nigeria)
Production1973–1982
DesignerMárcio Piancastelli
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C), economy car
Body style3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
LayoutRR
RelatedVolkswagen Fusca
Powertrain
Engine1.6 L air-cooled H4
Transmission4-speed manual with reverse
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length4,015 mm (158.1 in)
Width1,605 mm (63.2 in)
Height1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb weight890 kg (1,962 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorVolkswagen Gol

The Volkswagen Brasília is a rear-engined compact car developed by Volkswagen do Brasil and internally designated as the Type 321. Named for Brazil's capital city, the car was manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen in Brazil from 1973 to 1982; in Mexico from 1975 to 1982;[1] and built from knock down kits in Nigeria, where it was marketed as the Igala from 1976 to 1980.[2]

Designed to replace the Beetle (called the Fusca in Brazil), and available in both three-door and five-door hatchback body styles, the Brasília combined VW's air-cooled engine with the chassis of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia[3] and styling reminiscent of the Volkswagen 412. By the end of 1982, over one million examples had been manufactured.[4]

History[edit]

1979 model interior
3-door rear view

In September 1970, Volkswagen of Brazil's president, Rudolf Leiding, challenged the company's designers to recreate the Fusca with the Brazilian market in mind. At that time, the Fusca, the Bus and the Karmann Ghia were the only air-cooled VWs proving successful in Brazil.[citation needed] Leiding wanted this new Volkswagen to be practical, economical, and larger than the Fusca.[citation needed] In three months, more than 40 prototypes were developed. The prototypes were expensive, and VW was looking for an inexpensive car to compete with the brand new Chevette, from General Motors do Brasil.

Five-door in Tenerife

Sales began in 1973, following its premiere in May that year.[5] The Brasília was originally marketed as a small commercial van to take advantage of the lower tax rates on "trucks" — a classification and marketing approach that may have hampered initial sales. The Brasília was the first Brazilian hatchback with five doors, although this version was manufactured in small numbers, and more were exported than sold in Brazil.

Total production reached over one million vehicles, including exports of cars to Chile, Portugal, Bolivia, Perú, Ecuador, Venezuela, Paraguay, Mexico, Spain, Uruguay, the Philippines and, starting in March 1976,[6] of CKD kits of the five-door to Nigeria, where it was renamed the Igala.[7] The Brasília was also assembled in Mexico from 1974 to 1982, but only in a version with two doors.

The Brasília achieved notoriety before its release when a reporter photographing preliminary test vehicles near the factory was fired upon by security personnel — triggering Brazilian media attention, an official apology from Volkswagen, and increased sales for Brazilian car magazine Quatro Rodas, which purchased the photographs. The reporter, Cláudio Larangeira, was immediately hired by Quatro Rodas.[8]

Engine and transmission[edit]

Engine compartment

The Brasília has an air-cooled flat-four engine, originally with a single carburetor, mounted in a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It has a manual transmission with four forward speeds and reverse. In the 1980s, Volkswagen also offered an optional 1300 cc ethanol-fueled engine making 49 hp (36.5 kW). The 1974 Brasília, with dual carburetors, could travel 10.4 km (6.5 mi) on one liter of gasoline on the highway. Its urban fuel consumption is around 14 km/L (39.5 mpg‑imp; 32.9 mpg‑US).

Performance[edit]

Quatro Rodas tested both the VW Brasília and GM Chevette in March 1980.[9] The Chevette took 19.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) and the Brasília took 23 seconds. The Chevette's maximum speed was 138 km/h (86 mph) while the Brasília could reach 129 km/h (80 mph). The Chevrolet achieved 15.4 km/L (43.5 mpg‑imp; 36.2 mpg‑US) and the Volkswagen achieved 13.4 km/L (37.9 mpg‑imp; 31.5 mpg‑US) on a mileage comparison. The Brasília was equipped with disc brakes on the front wheels, drum brakes on the rear wheels. Beginning with the 1977 model year, the Brasília featured dual circuit brakes and a collapsible steering wheel modified for collision safety.

Retirement[edit]

In 1975, Volkswagen do Brasil considered the production of a front-engined, water-cooled Brasília to replace the aging Fusca.[10] Their final decision, however, was to develop and build an all new front-engined vehicle — the Volkswagen Gol hatchback. When the 1.3 L Gol debuted it was no direct threat to the Brasília, but with the adoption of a more powerful 1.6 L engine, the company chose the Gol to compete against the Fiat 147, the Ford Corcel and the Chevrolet Chevette.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Historia de Volkswagen de México" (in Spanish). Volkswagen de México. 2016-04-15. Archived from the original on 2017-11-20. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  2. ^ Automobil Revue, Katalognummer 1979, S. 540/3.
  3. ^ Torchinsky, Jason (23 June 2014). "Volkswagen Once Tried To Kill A Journalist Because Of This Car". jalopnik.com.
  4. ^ Kim, Robert (27 September 2013). "CC Global: VW Brasilia — Another Alternate Universe Brazilian VW". www.curbsideclassic.com.
  5. ^ Bellu, Serge (September 1973). Hersant, Jacques (ed.). "Les voitures de l'année" [The cars of the year]. Le Salon de l'Auto 1973: Toutes les Voitures du Monde (in French). No. 14 & 15. Paris: l'Auto Journal. p. 30.
  6. ^ Automobil Revue, catalogue edition 1979, S. 540/3.
  7. ^ Conjuntura econômica, Issues 1-3, 1977, page 12
  8. ^ "Best Cars Web Site - Classicos". Archived from the original on 2001-05-01.
  9. ^ Carsughi, Claudio (March 1980). "Chevette Hatch e Brasília LS em Confronto". Quatro Rodas. No. 236.
  10. ^ "PROTOTIPOS NACIONAIS 4". Archived from the original on 2007-11-20.

External links[edit]

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