See the first images of VW's dune-buggy concept-familiarly known as the E-Buggy.
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| © Christian Schulte Get a look at VW's dune-buggy concept-familiarly known as the E-Buggy. |
By Eric Stafford, Car and Driver
Volkswagen's iconic dune buggy returns in concept form with a
shocking twist-it's now fully electric. The Electric Buggy concept
off-roader—also called the E-Buggy—will be officially
revealed at the Geneva auto show in March, but in the meantime the
company has released some new details and neon-colored images to feed
our anticipation. We also have an artist's illustration (above) of what
the E-Buggy could eventually look like if it ever enters the realm of
possible production.
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| Volkswagen Dune Buggy |
True to form, the concept vehicle resembles the original VW buggies
that first blasted across California beaches and sand dunes in the '60s
and '70s. While those versions were built on the Beetle chassis, the
latest incarnation is based on the VW Group's modular electrification
tool kit (MEB for short). This platform is the basis for the company's ambitious goal to electrify its entire lineup by 2030.
Obviously, the old buggy's rear-engine layout has been replaced on
the concept with a yet-to-be-identified electric powertrain. However,
the E-Buggy continues to carry a roll bar instead of a fixed roof and
open side sills versus traditional doors. Of course, it also has the
obligatory off-road rubber—meaty BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires are shown—that
wrap around sizable 10-spoke wheels. All of this supports the concept's
swoopy bodywork, fronted by distinctly round LED headlights flanking a
seemingly illuminated VW badge on its nose. A minimalistic front bumper
that maximizes the approach angle and sports a prominent skid plate
adorn its chin.
The supplementary rendering shown at top provides a
more subdued vision of the electrified dune buggy, with smoother
surfacing and a front-end design that hews closer to other Volkswagen
concept vehicles such as the I.D. Crozz electric crossover.
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| VW Dune Buggy |
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