Volkswagen electric dune buggy revealed in new images

Classic-inspired beach buggy uses MEB modular electric platform, and will be unveiled in full at Geneva show

Volkswagen has resurrected the classic Beetle-based Meyers Manx dune buggy as an electric concept, previewed ahead of an unveiling at the Geneva motor show. 

Previously hinted at by the firm's Christmas card sent out to journalists, the buggy's front-end design is shown in darkened shots for the first time.

Described by VW design boss Klaus Bischoff as a "modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic", it bears no styling resemblance to any current VW model, and appears to lack both doors and a roof, like the unofficial kit car original.

A free-standing windscreen, sturdy roll-over bar and large wheels shod in off-road tyres also give a nod to the past, while modern touches include a circular LED lighting signature.

Autocar exclusively revealed last year that Volkswagen was set to revive the classic beach buggy as an EV, featuring key elements of its new MEB platform as well as the electric driveline destined to power next year’s ID hatchback.

The as-yet-unnamed electric buggy is said to be under “active consideration” as a possible addition to Volkswagen’s upcoming line-up of zero-emissions ID models. The first of these, a production version of the earlier ID hatchback concept, is due to be unveiled during the third quarter of 2019.

A Volkswagen source has revealed to Autocar that the new beach buggy is among three retro-themed ID models masterminded by Volkswagen chairman Herbert Diess. It is intended to complement the Microbus-inspired Buzz van and a secret new five-door hatchback model described as a recreation of the Beetle.

The original Manx was designed for desert racing by Californian Bruce Meyers. It was produced between 1964 and 1971 in the form of a kit car based around the shortened chassis of the Beetle. 

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