The reborn Meyers Manx firm on Monday unveiled an electrical model of the basic dune buggy scheduled to start buyer trials in 2023.
The Meyers Manx 2.0 Electrical is the product of a brand new firm based by automotive designer Freeman Thomas and enterprise capitalist Phillip Sarofim, who purchased the rights to the Manx from creator Bruce Meyers earlier than the latter’s loss of life in 2021.
Combining a fiberglass physique with Volkswagen Beetle mechanicals, the unique Manx launched in 1964 and shortly turned an icon of California seaside tradition and off-roading racing. VW itself even teased an electrical dune buggy in 2019 with its ID.Buggy idea, primarily based on the automaker’s MEB platform. The Manx Electrical 2.0 retains a lot of the unique design, because of a refined restyling by Thomas, whose credit embrace the VW New Beetle and the unique Audi TT.
Meyers Manx 2.0 Electrical
Rather than the unique Manx’s VW flat-4, the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electrical will get a pair of electrical motors, each powering the rear wheels. The corporate plans to supply 20-kwh and 40-kwh battery packs with pouch cells, providing an estimated 150 miles of vary and 300 miles of vary, respectively.
Fashions with the 40-kwh pack can have a claimed 202 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, permitting for 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However these are simply preliminary figures, in accordance with the corporate, and specs for the 20-kwh model aren’t accessible but.
The corporate additionally is not quoting charging instances, however stated a 6.0-kw AC onboard charger will likely be normal. DC fast-charging at 60 kw will likely be non-compulsory.
Meyers Manx 2.0 Electrical
Rather than the unique VW Beetle platform, the electrical dune buggy will get a bespoke aluminum monocoque with trendy options akin to electrical energy steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and an electrical parking brake.
The corporate is not discussing pricing, however stated it would begin deliveries with a batch of fifty “beta” items in 2023. These automobiles will go to clients chosen by the corporate, who will likely be invited to present suggestions for the ultimate manufacturing model, which is scheduled to launch in 2024.
Retro-styled EVs have gotten fairly the development. Czech Republic-based MW Motors unveiled its Luka EV coupe in 2020, and U.Ok.-based Watt Electrical Car Firm constructed a Porsche 356 homage to reveal its modular electrical powertrain structure. To keep away from regulatory points, different corporations have opted to make use of donor our bodies from basic automobiles, starting from the Mini Cooper to the Land Rover Defender.