Nother CarGuy

VW has announced it is allowing other manufacturers to use its Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) architecture so that EVs can gain traction. “The purpose is to achieve a significant reduction in the cost of e-mobility through the widest possible deployment of the MEB and the associated economies of scale, thus enabling broad access to individual mobility to continue in future,” Volkswagen said in a statement. The carmaker has already identified a company that wants to use the MEB architecture: Aachen-based e.Go Mobile AG, maker of the Life electric city car. The startup will be the world’s first external partner to use the electric platform. VW says a dedicated vehicle project is already being planned. At the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen will showcase the MEB’s suitability even for small series production with the ID Buggy concept car. “The MEB is to establish itself as the standard for e-mobility. Based on the MEB, we will make individual mobility CO2-neutral, safe, comfortab...

MINI has introduced the new John Cooper Works Buggy which will compete in the 2018 Dakar Rally. Set to be driven by the X-raid team, the JCW Buggy is a rear-wheel drive model that is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 340 PS (250 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The model rides on a tubular steel frame and features unique bodywork that was developed in "close cooperation with MINI Design." While the model doesn't look like anything in MINI's lineup, the rally car is extremely lightweight as its body is constructed out of Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The rally car has already undergone an extensive testing program which has seen the model tackle tough terrain in places such as Morocco and Hungary. X-raid team manager Sven Quandt says these tests have been quite successful as the "buggy never had to stop once due to a technical problem." The JCW Buggy will be joined by the familiar ...