EDAG’s Forward-Thinking Biwak Looks to Things of the Past for Inspiration
While some will say EDAG’s odd looking Biwak must have received a few “big whacks” from an ugly stick when its sheetmetal 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.
The 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 auxiliary lighting looks ready to take on the outback day or night, while an externally mounted spare appears positively Dakar Rally-inspired.