Latest news with #CharlesFawcett
TimesLIVE
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
The Twisted TBug is a classic Baja racer reborn
UK-based tuning specialist Twisted has built its reputation on custom Land Rover Defenders and Suzuki Jimnys, but now it's taking a bold detour with the launch of its latest project: the TBug — a reimagining of the iconic SoCal Baja Bug for the modern era. Each TBug starts life as a carefully chosen air-cooled VW Beetle from the 1960s to 1980s. The chassis is stripped back to bare metal before being restored, rebuilt and strengthened for added rigidity. From there, it's fitted with classic Baja-style bodywork, long-travel suspension and chunky BFGoodrich tyres for enhanced off-road grip. Power comes from a modified original air-cooled engine tuned to produce about 60kW. That may not sound like much, but it's more than enough for some proper old-school fun. 'It's about the connection between driver, machine and terrain,' says Twisted founder Charles Fawcett. 'That sensation of working with the vehicle rather than merely sitting in it. Modern cars have isolated us from the driving experience — the TBug brings it back in its purest form.' Additional upgrades include modern LED lighting for night runs, a beefier braking system for improved stopping power and updated electronics for greater reliability. Inside you'll find a hand-finished cabin designed to blend heritage charm with everyday comfort. As with all Twisted builds, personalisation is central — each TBug is built to individual spec, ensuring no two are exactly alike. The TBug will make its public debut at Twisted's Kensington Mews showroom in London on May 29, during an exclusive preview event.
Hypebeast
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hypebeast
Twisted Reimagines the Baja Bug With New TBug Special Project
Summary Twisted Automotivehas unveiled its latest Special Project: theTBug, a radically reimagined take on the classic Baja Bug. Inspired by founder Charles Fawcett's childhood memories ofBeetleposters on his sister's wall, the TBug channels the rebellious spirit of desert racing through a modern lens. Far from a simple restoration, the TBug starts with a '60s to '80s air-cooled Beetle and is stripped down to first principles. The chassis is sealed and strengthened, long-travel suspension added and oversized BFG tires fitted for rugged capability. Despite doubling the original horsepower, the TBug stays under 80 hp to maintain a pure, connected driving experience. 'We wanted to capture the honest simplicity of the original Baja Bugs,' said Twisted's lead engineer Rob, 'but filter it through our obsession with engineering excellence.' Each TBug is bespoke, with no two builds alike. From hand-finished interiors to LED lighting and upgraded brakes, every detail serves a purpose. The TBug will debut May 29 at Twisted's Kensington Mews showroom, with price available upon request via the automaker'sofficial site.
Top Gear
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
The Twisted TBug is a glorious Baja Bug with the cutest face
The Twisted TBug is a glorious Baja Bug with the cutest face Yorkshire-based Twisted takes a break from restomodding Defenders and tuning Jimnys. Creates something excellent Skip 16 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 16 When you hear that a tuner or restomodder has doubled the power output of the original car for its latest creation, it probably conjures up dreams of monstrous turbo lag and possibly ludicrous torque steer. That… probably won't be the case here. Because while Yorkshire-based firm Twisted has doubled the grunt of the air-cooled flat-four Volkswagen Beetle engine in its new TBug, it's still making less than 80bhp. Advertisement - Page continues below "It's about the connection between driver, machine, and terrain," said Twisted boss Charles Fawcett. "That sensation of working with the vehicle rather than merely sitting in it. Modern cars have isolated us from the driving experience. The T-Bug brings it back in its purest form." It really does look like it'd be a riot to drive. Look beyond the cartoonish face with its new LED lighting and you'll find a chassis that has been sealed and strengthened, long-travel suspension with Bilstein shocks, EMPI Baja wheels and proper off-road spec BF Goodrich tyres. And yes, Twisted's pretty au fait with off-roading given its usual fare is old Land Rover Defenders and new Suzuki Jimnys. There's also a Baja-inspired bodykit, upgraded brakes and a 'hand-finished' interior that's full of leather and gets a digital speedo, although we're told each TBug will be unique to its owner so we'd imagine you could spec bucket seats and all of the Alcantara if you really wanted to test its desert racer word on the price yet, though. So, why has Twisted taken a break from its restomod Land Rovers to reimagine a Beetle? Advertisement - Page continues below 'My sister Helen had these incredible Baja Bug posters on her bedroom wall when we were kids," said Fawcett. 'There was something about those modified Beetles – rebellious, capable, and unashamedly fun – that captured my imagination.' Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
