The small manufacturer Meyers Manx may never have reached the size of the industry giants, but that hasn’t stopped it from making its own mark on the automotive world since the creation of this open-top version of the legendary Volkswagen Beetle.
The Dune Buggy, invented by this spare parts kit to transform the “people’s car” into an open-air vehicle for the beach, is an icon in the niche of cars that put a smile on motorists’ faces. But hey, the idea belongs in the 1960s, a far cry from the challenges of the automobile in 2022.
Now, Meyers Manx, which changed hands in 2020 a year before founder and owner Bruce Meyers died, has just unveiled its first new model in nearly 60 years, the all-electric Meyers Manx 2.0. For now, details are limited, as is the number of pictures available, but this will all be history very soon, as the automaker wants to use its appearance at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, in conjunction with Car Week in Monterey, to show off a prototype. The unveiling will take place on August 19.
Myers Manx 2.0 | Photo: Myers Manx
However, the images released by the manufacturer show a vehicle that is quite close to the original concept, although the off-road tires, modern running lights, and revised interior are clues that it belongs in the 21st century. Another detail that allows it to make history is the purely electric powertrain where a flat-4 engine is usually found.
In this case, the designers put two engines (instead of the single 4-cylinder) in the back, giving it 202 horsepower and an estimated 240 lb-ft of torque. And since both engines are located on the rear axle, the new version retains its rear-wheel-drive architecture. As for the possible range, Meyers Manx claims a distance of 483 km with the “big” 40 kWh battery. Meyers Manx also plans to market a version equipped with a 20-kWh battery, which will be less powerful and have a range of approximately 241 km.
Myers Manx 2.0 | Photo: Myers Manx
It should be noted that this new electric Dune Buggy is based on a new chassis that has nothing to do with the Beetle, as the Meyers Manx 2.0 will use an aluminum monocoque chassis with independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Better yet, energy regeneration during braking will also be part of this new model.
The automaker plans to start assembling the first 50 units in 2023 before increasing capacity a year later. It will be interesting to see how popular this electric leisure vehicle will be with consumers. Recall that Volkswagen had presented the prototype ID. Buggy in 2019, a redesigned version of the original model with electric propulsion as well.
