In Desert paint, it is pictured here at Siena - Piazza del Campo, one of the Photo Travel locations in Gran Turismo 5.
The Volkswagen Kübelwagen Typ82 '44 is a German off-road wartime vehicle which features in Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6.
It is a non-amphibious vehicle closely related to the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen Typ166 '42.
It appears alongside the Schwimmwagen in one of the Top Gear Test Track Special Events in Gran Turismo 5
And here is the in-game description:
"Volkswagen's military off-road vehicle, maximizing the high traction of the RR layout."
The unfortunate history of World War II did produce some benefits in terms of technology. In America the Jeep was born, and in Germany was the Kübelwagen. Soldiers who were forced to march long distances with heavy equipment before now had a different role, with the appearance of off-road vehicles that allowed travel on roadless paths.
The request made to Dr. Porsche was to create a 3-passenger car based on the "Volkswagen" (the people's car) that can drive on rough terrain. The weight had to be less than 550 kg, to enable transport on aircraft and boats.
The official order was given in January of 1939 by the German Army and a prototype was completed within the year. It is said that Dr. Porsche might have already had ideas for an off-road vehicle as a part of the people's car concept, which made this quick development possible. The rear engine, rear drive Volkswagen mechanism was simple and lightweight with good traction and a body structure that was easy and cheap to mass produce: it encapsulated all the advantages of Volkswagen.
The air-cooled engine obviously had no problems such as coolant leaks and was extremely reliable. With its proven durability, the advantage of the Volkswagen was clear, and its fame grew even after the war. The Kübelwagen was active not only in northern areas such as Poland and Russia, but even down on the African front.
