The Meyers Manx launched the dune buggy legacy, and now it’s again as an electrical car with an identical aim.
The world’s most iconic dune buggy is again. The Meyers Manx has returned, however this time as an alternative of an air-cooled Volkswagen motor, the buggy has gone electrical.
Bruce Meyers didn’t make the primary Volkswagen to off-roader conversion, however he did make the conversion accessible. Drawing on his expertise constructing sailboats, Meyers designed and constructed a fiberglass shell that mixed the fenders and physique into one thing that may very well be hooked up to a modified Volkswagen body with the Beetle’s air-cooled flat-four engine.
The oddballs have been road authorized however prepared to move into the desert. Even successful the first-ever Mexican 1000 — the predecessor to the Baja 1000 — and beating bikes, vans, and automobiles.
Round 6,000 have been constructed, on high of numerous copies stealing the design. The corporate stopped constructing the automobiles in 1971, however the California icon lives on.
The Meyers model was purchased from Bruce Meyers in 2020, not lengthy earlier than he handed in 2021.
Manx Returns With New Beetle Designer
Below the brand new possession, automotive designer Freeman Thomas was introduced in to design the Manx 2.0. He’s additionally CEO and COO.
Thomas isn’t a family auto design identify, however he in all probability must be. His credit embrace the Volkswagen New Beetle, Audi TT, V10 Dodge Tomahawk motorbike idea, Panoz Roadster, and the 2005 variations of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Manx 2.0 will likely be revealed at The Quail, a part of Monterey Automobile Week. It’s an occasion that’s huge on low-volume, boutique, and high-end autos, so even when Meyers doesn’t have a worth for us but, that ought to provide you with an concept of the goal for the automotive.
Thomas might need taken a break designing this one. When you instructed us that this was an unique Manx with new taillights, we’d consider you. However, if a basic isn’t damaged, you don’t all the time want to repair it.
The frog-eye headlights, wheel arches to carry tall off-road tires, and the roll bars that look extra for decor than operate are all there. The bars look a bit beefier this time, although, as Meyers is exhibiting a kayak affixed to them for transport.
Only one photograph exhibits the within, however the Manx 2.0 Electrical seems to be to have a number of cabin area within the small footprint, together with a really cool LED-lit retro heart gauge pod.
Two Electrical Powertrains Supplied
Two battery packs will likely be provided, one with 20 kWH, and the opposite with 40. The smaller pack ideas the scales at an estimated 1,500 kilos, impressively mild for an EV. Match the large pack and also you’re nonetheless simply 1,650 kilos. Credit score the aluminum monocoque design as an alternative of fiberglass hooked up to an present chassis.
The smaller battery ought to ship an estimated 150-mile vary. That doubles to 300 with the bigger pack. Meyers says the bigger pack will get a 202-horsepower, 240-pound-feet of torque electrical motor, eclipsing all however probably the most closely modified originals. Horsepower for the 20 kWH model is just not but accessible.
One motor will energy every rear wheel, with the motor, inverter, and even the brakes housed in a single unit. Meyers expects the automotive to have the ability to hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
DC quick charging at as much as 60 kW will likely be an choice. A 6kW onboard charger permits Stage 2 energy. Tech options for the Manx 2.0 will embrace an RFID wristband to begin the car, with telephone app entry coming down the street.
It’s the primary new Meyers car since 1970. Meyers expects to begin constructing the Manx 2.0 Electrical subsequent 12 months, delivering the primary 50 in 2023. The corporate plans to make use of suggestions from prospects of these first 50 to refine the manufacturing model going ahead.
