Odd but Useful Biwak a Great Way to Update Old VW New BeetleWhile some will say EDAG's odd looking Biwak must have received a few "big whacks" from an ugly stick when its sheetmetal
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| EDAG knows exactly what to do with your tired old VW New Beetle. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG) |
was being formed, it's nevertheless remotely reminiscent of a now classic VW that came onto the psychedelic scene in the early '70s; the Thing - itself derived from the 1969 Typ 166 Schwimmwagen, a Willy's Jeep-like German military vehicle which came from the original Typ 82 Kübelwagen.
EDAG, which stands for Engineering and Design AG (EDAG), is one whacked out German company, having just introduced the world to its Pontiac Solstice Shooting Brake conversion at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit a couple of months ago (see automotive news section for Jan 4, 2006: EDAG Set To Wow at Detroit with Solstice Hardtop).
The
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| The new EDAG is remotely reminiscent of the now classic VW Thing. (Photo: Type181registry.com) |
wacky Biwak, just introduced in Geneva, is obviously based on Volkswagen's iconic New Beetle, and in the transformation has received a number of upgrades. For instance, its suspension system has been raised and upgraded for more adventurous activities, while classic steel wheels (possibly the first time steel wheels have been used for a concept in three or four decades) make certain its rims won't get cracked while traversing the wild yonder.
Of course, don't expect any wildlife to stick around with this odd-looking beast roaming nearby, its Thing-like corrugated side panels purposely dressing down the funky high-gloss Bug. EDAG went wild with the show car's paint scheme too, dabbing on a crinkle finish and false patina no less. Its
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| The Biwak also cures one of the New Beetle's worst foibles, its unaccommodating rear seat. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG) |
auxiliary lighting looks ready to take on the outback day or night, while an externally mounted spare appears positively Dakar Rally-inspired.
To be fair, such an automotive oddity might just find its place among trend-setting youth-oriented buyers that want the functionality of a PT Cruiser or HHR, but with an import flare. The Biwak also cures one of the New Beetle's worst foibles, its unaccommodating rear seat, by extending headroom to the same dizzying heights that front seat occupants enjoy. Its cargo area is also more capable of carrying large, otherwise awkward items, but the side-swinging rear door could be a bit more challenging to manage in tight parking spots than the donor car's upward lifting hatch - at least it's optimized
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| The Biwak could be made in multiple colours with a variety of styling modifications and paint finishes. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG) |
for North American roads, with the hinges on the left and door handle to the right, unlike the Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota RAV4.
Like the Solstice Shooting Brake, EDAG sees a market for the Biwak, and they just might be onto something. Consider the craze among youth-buyers for Scion's xB, in the U.S., and Nissan's Cube, in Japan - the latter a model that is supposedly on its way to North America. Honda's relatively bizarre Element has found a number of new-edge buyers as well, thanks in part to its unorthodox styling, plus an extremely flexible interior. In the same way, EDAG's Biwak could find buyers ready to upgrade their once cool, but now outdated New Beetles.
