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Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric revives the California dream


The reborn Meyers Manx on Monday unveiled an electric version of the classic dune buggy that is expected to begin testing with customers in 2023.

Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric is the product of a new company founded by automotive designer Freeman Thomas and venture capitalist Phillip Sarofim, who purchased the rights to the Manx from creator Bruce Meyers before his death. in 2021.

Combining a fiberglass body with Volkswagen Beetle mechanics, the original Manx debuted in 1964 and quickly became an icon of California beach culture and off-road racing. VW itself even teased an electric sand dune bug in 2019 with Concept ID.Buggybased on car manufacturer MEB Platform. The Manx Electric 2.0 retains most of the original design, thanks to subtle improvements by Thomas, whose credits include the original VW New Beetle and Audi TT.

Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric

Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric

In place of the original Manx’s flat 4 VW, the Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric has a pair of electric motors, both of which power the rear wheels. The company plans to offer 20 kwh and 40 kwh battery packs with pocket cells, offering ranges of 150 miles and 300 miles, respectively.

Models with the 40 kwh package will have 202 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds. But these are just preliminary numbers, according to the company, and specifications for the 20 kWh version are not yet available.

The company also doesn’t quote charging times, but says an onboard 6.0 kw AC charger will be standard. DC fast charging at 60 kw will be optional.

Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric

Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric

Instead of the original VW Beetle platform, the electric clutch has a custom aluminum monolithic frame with modern features such as electric power steering, four-wheel disc brakes and electronic parking brake.

The company did not discuss pricing, but said it will begin shipping in batches of 50 “beta” cars in 2023. These cars will go to customers selected by the company, who will be invited to contribute comments on the final production version, due out in 2024.

Retro-style electric cars are becoming a trend. Czech Republic-based MW Motors announced Luka EV coupe in 2020 and UK-based Watt Electric Vehicle Company has built Porsche 356’s homage to demonstrate its modular electric powertrain architecture. To avoid regulatory problems, other companies have opted to use funding agency from vintage cars, from Mini Cooper arrive Land Rover Defender.



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