The legendary Meyers Manx, born from Bruce Meyers' vision in 1964 as a reimagined VW Beetle, has always embodied the spirit of Californian surf culture and thrilling off-road escapades. Renowned for its lightweight design and agile performance, it even foreshadowed the modern SUV while dominating races like the Mexican 1000. However, after five decades, the company faced a decline. Enter Philip Sarofim and acclaimed automotive designer Freeman Thomas, who, with Meyers' blessing, acquired the brand and embarked on a mission to redefine its future. This revival culminates in an exciting partnership with Tuthill, celebrated for its extraordinary Porsche customizations, giving rise to the audacious new \"LFG\" model.
The Rebirth of a Legend: Tuthill and Meyers Manx Forge the LFG Dune Buggy
In a thrilling development for automotive enthusiasts, the iconic Meyers Manx, a symbol of California's free-spirited car culture since 1964, has undergone a radical transformation through an unprecedented collaboration with Tuthill, a revered name in high-performance Porsche engineering. This dynamic alliance, unveiled at the prestigious Monterey Car Week, introduces the "LFG" dune buggy, designed to push the boundaries of off-road exhilaration.
The journey began with Bruce Meyers' original vision, which saw the Meyers Manx — a lightweight, fun-to-drive vehicle built on a VW Beetle chassis — not only become a cultural icon but also a formidable competitor in races like the Mexican 1000, a precursor to today's Baja 1000. For years, it was thought impossible for a car to outperform a motorcycle in sandy terrains, a notion shattered by the Manx's early triumphs. However, the company eventually faltered, leading to its acquisition by Philip Sarofim and the distinguished car designer Freeman Thomas. Their mission was clear: to rejuvenate the brand while preserving its adventurous heritage.
The new era of Meyers Manx vehicles offers enthusiasts bespoke options, including diverse engine choices such as a radial aircraft engine, allowing for extensive customization. Matt Farrah's updated Manx, for instance, garnered significant attention at Monterey Car Week, appearing at exclusive events like Motorlux and The Quail. It even served as Farrah's primary transportation for the week, showcasing its blend of functionality and playful charm, complete with whimsical hot dog accents on the shift lever.
The decision to team up with Richard Tuthill stems from Meyers Manx's racing roots and the new leadership's connections within the Porsche tuning world. Tuthill, celebrated for his extreme Porsche builds like the 911K, which boasts a carbon-fiber body and an engine capable of 11,000 RPMs and fiery exhausts, brings unparalleled expertise in performance engineering. Tuthill's ventures extend to organizing high-octane driving events, such as the Swedish Rally with No Name, where clients navigate their custom race cars through arctic landscapes.
The fruit of this exciting partnership is the LFG, a vehicle that defies conventional categories. Unlike previous collaborations, such as Tuthill's Singer ACS, which, despite its brilliance, lacked a suitable environment for its use, the LFG is built for action. Introduced at The Quail during this year's Monterey Car Week, the LFG combines the robust presence of a rally car with a playful aesthetic. Its full carbon fiber body is mounted on a race-spec space frame, allowing for quick part removal for repairs or enhanced airflow during intense off-road rallies. For added comfort, the interior features three screens, including a driver display and two for CarPlay and navigation.
The prototype LFG is powered by a 3.5-liter flat-six engine paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox, centrally mounted for optimal weight distribution. Its advanced four-wheel-drive system integrates a center differential at the rear, transferring power to the front via a prop shaft. Future production models are slated to receive a more potent 4.5-liter engine, promising even higher revs and, hopefully, more dramatic exhaust flames.
Tuthill has ambitious plans for LFG owners, envisioning four exclusive events with full support and luxurious accommodations. The inaugural event in 2027 will see owners traverse the Baja race course immediately after the official competitors. This will be followed by the Dakar Experience in 2028, an Arctic Circle adventure in 2029, and the Safari Rally in 2030, offering unparalleled opportunities to experience the LFG's capabilities in diverse and challenging environments. While this ultimate off-road experience comes with a significant price tag, it promises a level of adventure and luxury that is truly unique, with only 100 units available. Owners will also have the option to store their LFG with Tuthill, ready for transport to these global events.
In this dynamic automotive landscape, the collaboration between Tuthill and Meyers Manx is a testament to innovation and passion. The LFG is more than just a vehicle; it embodies a lifestyle of audacious adventure and uncompromising performance, truly capturing the spirit of the 'Roaring Twenties' for a new generation of enthusiasts.
Dreame Auto, the automotive division of Dreame Technology, has recently captured attention with the release of concept images for its inaugural electric vehicle. These visuals have ignited considerable discussion within the automotive community due to their strong stylistic parallels with the iconic Bugatti Chiron, albeit re-envisioned as a four-door sedan. This move by a company primarily known for robot vacuums and high-speed motors signals an audacious entry into the ultra-luxury EV market, promising a vehicle that could redefine speed. With ambitious goals set for production by 2027 and a US prototype debut anticipated, Dreame Auto's strategy appears to be a blend of innovative engineering and clever, perhaps even provocative, marketing.
Dreame Technology, a firm celebrated for its advanced robot vacuums and compact motors renowned for their rapid rotation, declared its intention to develop the planet's swiftest electric vehicle. This bold pronouncement suggested a direct challenge to established luxury car brands like Bugatti. Initial conceptual designs, as circulated by Dongchedi, display an undeniable aesthetic kinship with the Bugatti Chiron, artfully adapted to incorporate an additional pair of doors. This design choice, while visually arresting, has prompted speculation about whether it represents a genuine design direction or a deliberate tactic to generate buzz. The rendered images possess a quality akin to advanced AI artistry, appearing authentic at first glance but revealing a hyper-realistic, almost too-perfect interpretation of a familiar design when scrutinized. The signature headlights, distinct grille, and fluid silhouette are unmistakably influenced by Molsheim's design philosophy, cleverly stretched to accommodate a four-door configuration.
The central question arising from these provocative renderings is whether Dreame Auto genuinely believed these designs would be perceived as entirely original, or if the company intentionally sought to playfully challenge the automotive world, particularly Bugatti. It is plausible that Dreame Auto executives are observing the ensuing online discourse with amusement, perhaps delighting in the stir created among Bugatti aficionados and the industry at large. Regardless of the intent, the company has undoubtedly succeeded in attracting widespread attention.
For the time being, these renderings serve more as a statement of Dreame Auto's willingness to push boundaries and provoke discussion rather than a definitive declaration of its future design language. Beyond the conceptual designs, Dreame is reportedly actively seeking a manufacturing site near Tesla's Gigafactory in Berlin, a strategic move that would mark it as the first Chinese brand to establish car production in Germany. The company boasts a significant workforce of approximately 1,000 employees, comprising a mix of seasoned consumer tech engineers and experienced automotive industry professionals, and holds over 6,300 patents, underscoring its technological prowess.
The initial impression of Dreame Auto will largely be shaped by these Bugatti-esque renderings until a tangible product is revealed. This highly anticipated moment is slated for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next year, where Dreame Auto plans to unveil a physical prototype. Until then, the automotive world remains captivated, pondering whether Dreame is on the verge of launching the next generation of hypercars or simply orchestrating an elaborate, long-running jest at Bugatti's expense.
Innovation on the Horizon: The RS6 Avant's Dual-Powertrain Future
The Emergence of Divided Illumination: A New Automotive Design Trend
Separated headlamp designs have rapidly become a signature stylistic element in the automotive industry over recent years. This trend is visible across a broad spectrum of vehicles, from economical crossovers to high-performance sports cars. The primary concept behind this approach is to delineate the daytime running lights from the primary headlamps, creating a layered or segmented visual effect. Audi's newest Q3 model already showcases this design philosophy. While some observers appreciate its contemporary and technologically advanced appearance, others view it as a transient fashion, comparable to passing trends that may not endure gracefully.
The Next-Generation RS6 Avant's Debut at the Nürburgring
The latest vehicle from Audi adopting this contemporary lighting style is the new RS6 Avant. A heavily disguised test model was recently observed at the renowned Nürburgring circuit, exhibiting split headlamps that appear destined to be a prominent feature of its design. This prototype, notably a long-roof variant, provides several clues regarding its identity. Unlike its traditional predecessors, this test vehicle lacks visible exhaust pipes, and a prominent yellow decal on its bodywork signifies the presence of high-voltage electrical components. These indicators strongly suggest that this is the fully electric RS6 Avant E-Tron, rather than the anticipated plug-in hybrid version. Further observable characteristics include a sealed front grille equipped with ducts for brake and battery cooling, enhanced side skirts, and a subtle rear roof spoiler. While Audi has previously experimented with various prototypes, this particular model appears to be very close to its production ready form.
Electrified Performance and Powertrain Diversity
The RS6 E-Tron represents a crucial advancement for the Audi brand, signifying its dedication to maintaining competitiveness within the high-performance electric vehicle sector, where rival manufacturers are making rapid progress. Initial reports indicate that this vehicle is projected to generate a minimum of 600 horsepower, with certain configurations potentially approaching 800 horsepower. Such an output would position it considerably above the current S6 E-Tron, which peaks at 543 horsepower, thereby affirming its status as a true RS-badged model. Although precise technical details have not yet been formally disclosed, it is anticipated that Audi will equip this performance wagon with an adaptive suspension system, advanced four-wheel drive, and sophisticated handling technologies designed to manage its substantial mass effectively.
Strategic Powertrain Diversification for Consumer Preference
While the emergence of this electric prototype confirms the imminent arrival of the electric RS6 Avant, Audi is not entirely phasing out internal combustion engines. The next iteration of the RS6 will employ a dual-powertrain strategy, offering both a fully electric model and a plug-in hybrid variant. The latter is expected to feature the familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This hybrid system is projected to deliver approximately 730 horsepower by integrating the gasoline engine with an electric motor, a configuration already utilized by manufacturers like Porsche and Bentley. This multi-powertrain approach signifies Audi's adaptation to the slower-than-anticipated adoption rate of electric vehicles in key markets. This strategy benefits consumers by offering an unprecedented range of choices: a V8 engine supplemented by hybrid technology or a cutting-edge battery-electric flagship. Regardless of the chosen powertrain, the returning RS6 Avant will embody both the latest advancements in lighting design, whether embraced or debated, and the formidable performance legacy that has defined the model for many decades.