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EDAGs Forward-Thinking Biwak Looks to Things of the Past for Inspiration

Odd but Useful Biwak a Great Way to Update Boring Old VW New Beetle

While some will say EDAGs odd looking Biwak must have received a few "big whacks" from an ugly stick when its sheetmetal was being formed, its 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 Willys 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

EDAG knows exactly what to do with your tired old VW New Beetle. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG)

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 wacky Biwak, just introduced in Geneva, is obviously based on Volkswagens

The new EDAG is remotely reminiscent of the now classic VW Thing. (Photo: Type181registry.com)

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 wont get cracked while traversing the wild yonder.

Of course, dont expect any wildlife to stick around with this odd-looking

The Biwak also cures one of the New Beetles worst foibles, its unaccommodating rear seat. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG)

beast roaming nearby, its Thing-like corrugated side panels purposely dressing down the funky high-gloss Bug. EDAG went wild with the show cars paint scheme too, dabbing on a crinkle finish and false patina no less. Its 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

The Biwak could be made in multiple colors with a variety of styling modifications and paint finishes. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG)

also cures one of the New Beetles 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 cars upward lifting hatch - at least its optimized 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

The show cars worn-in denim seat material and distressed leather accents are unique. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG)

among youth-buyers for Scions xB, in the U.S., and Nissans Cube, in Japan - the latter a model that is supposedly on its way to North America. Hondas 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, EDAGs Biwak could find buyers ready to upgrade their once cool, but now outdated New Beetles.
"By utilizing clearly worked out color and trim concepts, we can adapt the look of the EDAG Biwak to appeal to the various target groups - high gloss finish and chrome elements for the bank clerk; crinkle finish, steel rims and denim for the young rebel," commented EDAGs Johannes Barckmann. "By offering numerous alternative versions of the extras, we can satisfy the customers constant

EDAG has production plans for the Biwak if youve got a penchant for something a little different. (Photo: Engineering and Design AG)

calls for individualization."

EDAG chose the antiqued look of this particular show cars paint scheme, plus its worn-in denim seat material and distressed leather accents, said to be "inspired by the spirit of the grunge movement of the early 1990s", to appeal to a younger crowd, but any number of exterior paint schemes and cabin motifs could be on the horizon for a company that seems ever-ready to put its ideas into production.

"We are giving the customer the freedom to make full use of the vehicle, dispelling his or her worries about that first, inevitable scratch in the paintwork," added Barckmann, commenting on the specific application of the show cars crinkled paint finish.

EDAG has production plans for the Biwak, incidentally, so if youve got a penchant for something a little different, or as mentioned, are simply getting tired of your aging New Beetle, EDAGs proposal might fit the bill.

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