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The Dune Buggy Is Back – With An Electric Motor

Meet this four-wheeler and an incredible retro car named “Dune Buggy”, manufactured by the U.S.-based car maker “Meyers Manx”. You would be thrilled to know that this vintage piece of art is again coming on board as a transformed “all-electric Meyers Manx 2.0”. Christened as the “dune buggy”, the vehicle is well-known for its extraordinary capabilities and was normally used for driving in deserts. Hence, it was called a desert racing car in the 1960s. There is a decent chance that we will be seeing this dune buggy on the roads shortly, as the company is planning to commercialize these cars in 2024.

Moreover, 50 of them will be first shipped in 2023 for participation in a “beta program” as per the company, and after the testing procedures, they will be available in the markets. The new Max 2.0 comes with some impressive specifications as compared to its older version. It should be noted that the back of the dune buggy will now be closed in order to prevent the electric motors from being heated up. Although the dune buggy was one of the most popular desert cars back in the 1960s, the company had to cease its operations in 1971.

The reason for the closure of its operations is the resignation of the founder, Bruce Meyers, after whom the company started facing tax issues. The company, being unable to keep pace with the financial situation, closed its manufacturing. Then again, in 2000, Meyers came back and resumed the manufacturing of the Dunes Buggy, and in 2014, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary with a brand-new model of electric dune buggy by collaborating with REV-Tec.

It should be noted that the company now has a new CEO as it was purchased by the venture capital firm back in 2020. The CEO, Freeman Thomas, is the chief designer of Ford and has also put effort into the design characteristics of the Audi TT and the contemporary VW New Beetle. As for the specifications of this model, it has a vast range between 150 and 300 miles with a battery capacity of 20 kWh and 40 kWh, as it uses two battery options for these ranges.

As per the company, “The 40kWh version can do 0–60 mph (0–100 kmh) in 4.5 seconds with a 202hp engine that delivers 240 lb-ft of torque.” On the other hand, details about the 20kWh battery have not yet been revealed by the company. Along with this, the Manx 2.0 does not come with side doors or side windows. Moreover, there is a space in the rear of the buggy where you can put the cargo, but that too comes without any lock. As far as charging is concerned, the Manx 2.0 can be “charged at 6kW on AC power or 60kW on a DC fast charger,” as detailed by the company. However, no information has been documented on the price parameters for this car by the company.

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