www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, W ednesday N ovem ber 1, 2006 - 19 INSIDE: Volkswagen Chameleon . . Page 19 Toyota Y a ris............................Page 20 Volkswagen and OSRAM Partner on the Chameleon R obinson/B eintem a A u to file s Volkswagen of America, Inc. and automotive lighting manufacturer OSRAM have collaborated for an exciting new concept vehicle, dubbed the "Chameleon." OSRAM LED technology and other cutting edge advance ments 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 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 m otor and roof-mounted solar pan els. 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(R) units were installed on the bus. OSRAM's Golden Dragon LED's provided daytime Running Lamp functionality. Reflector optic Joule LED Systems were used for the amber front turn signals, com plete 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 contin ues 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 interi or of Chameleon, including an interactive digital instrument cluster, imbedded capacitive touch pads, digitally enhanced sound quality, exciting rear seat entertainm ent options, and speech activated controls available throughout the cabin. The exterior houses several exciting new approaches for key less 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 Hybrid Technologies to replace the original VW engine with an all-electric drive engine pow ered by lithium polymer batteries Surfboards mounted on the roof are also lined with flexi ble solar panels that provide an additional source of energy to this 100 per cent 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. For additional information see http://www.vwerl.com/. m : ___________ Lockwood eriown whichi Ghnysleivdealefl m K SSSS. OVER MLEAGE · BODYDAMAGE · BUMPS · SCRATCHES IM PI Rnanclnfl Provided By t hrvslcrr Ntutna.il 'iU V THE LOCKWOOD REWARDS CARD INCLUDED Wrm EVERY PURCHASE WYECROFT RD. SPEERS RD. 175 W yecroft Road,"Oakville Betwooa Km t & Donnl www.lockwoodchrysler.com DalmlerChrysler will waive all your payments on any lease (tom Chrysler Financial up to June 30, 2007. Conditions you must lease or finance a new 2006 or 2007 model Chrysler Jeep Dodge vehicle with Chrysler Financial Customer must honour all contractual lease oftBgrtoni Including past due payments, excess wear and tear charges and pro rated excess Kmobligations. This Is a limited time offer. All deals are conditional to qualifying for the lease pull ahead program