Volkswagen brings back the dune buggy as an EV

Volkswagen brings back the dune buggy as an EV

Volkswagen is bringing the nostalgia to this year’s Geneva Motor Show with a new concept vehicle that looks to the iconic dune buggies from the 1960s and 1970s. The twist here is the vehicle is based on the company’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB), and will be fully electric.

“A buggy is more than a car. It is vibrancy and energy on four wheels. These attributes are embodied by the new e-buggy, which demonstrates how a modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic can look and, more than anything else, the emotional bond that electric mobility can create,” explains Klaus Bischoff, head designer at Volkswagen.

Despite its future-forward powertrain, the styling remains unmistakable that of a dune buggy, with bold arches that contain large, rugged wheels. Meanwhile, round headlamps provide a sense of character to the vehicle, and if you look at it long enough, you might start seeing a friendly “face.”

Volkswagen brings back the dune buggy as an EV

Much like the dune buggies of the past, which are based on stripped-down Beetles, the concept does without conventional doors or even a fixed roof. If it had a stereo head unit with The Mamas & The Papas’ California Dreamin’ playing, it’ll be perfect.

Volkswagen says the concept serves to show the versatility of the MEB platform, allowing for not just mass production vehicles to be build on it, but also for low-volume niche vehicles.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard's strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • YB Kunta Kinte on Jan 31, 2019 at 10:26 am

    VW is doing this because everything is moving to EV. Infact all car companies are moving towards EV. Europe has said by 2035, they will be fully EV with no petrol cars being sold

    Not long more. Just 16 years more.

    In Malaysia, P1 has no clue about EV. Hybrid technology which is 14 years old also, Proton does not know.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Celup King on Jan 31, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      No need talk about Proton. I’m still waiting for Vios Hybrid. When will it come? Toyota got hybrid tech since 2001. Still waiting for Vios Hybrid for 18 years. Even my baby back then already can drive car but Vios Hybrid still cannot see. Meanwhile Honda has City Hybrid. Toyota lords still sleeping.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Bro Sado on Jan 31, 2019 at 10:32 am

    Awww… so kiut.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Roti john Pvt Ltd on Jan 31, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Habisla Proton!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Mr. Octopus on Jan 31, 2019 at 11:49 am

    Omg! omg! omg! omg!… Aaahh… nostalgia…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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