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Car and Driver
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Twisted's 'TBug' Restomod Is a Modern Take on the Iconic Baja Bug
Land Rover-specialist Twisted Automotive is showing off its take on the Baja Bug. Called the "TBug," it looks like 10 pounds of fun in a five-pound Yorkshire pudding. The little off-roader has a lifted ride height and an 80-hp air-cooled flat-four that turns its all-terrain tires. Yorkshire-based Twisted Automotive originally built its reputation on heavily customized, tailored versions of the boxy Land Rover Defender. It kept the British brand's rugged and agricultural appearance but added thoroughly modernized powertrains, suspension, and interior. It's the kind of thing with global appeal, and Twisted will happily build one of their T90 Defenders to your specification, whether you live in New York or London. However, should you happen to reside in California, perhaps Twisted's latest creation has a little more appeal. Pleased T' Meet You It's called the TBug, and it's exactly what it looks like: a restomodded version of the original Baja Bug concept. Fitted with cutaway fender flares, chunky BFGoodrich off-road tires, and friendly LED headlights, it's like a Pixar movie come to life. It's utterly adorable and crammed with character. Richard Scarry would have loved it. Twisted Automotive Even better—if you're something of a Volkswagen purist—is that the TBug is all about the proper vintage VW ethos, doing more with less. It hasn't been swapped to turbocharged power or fitted with an EV running gear and big batteries. No, it is simply running an uprated version of the original air-cooled flat-four with no more than 80 hp on tap. Eighty horses in a VW Bug is plenty, but it also allows the driver to wring the car's neck on the regular. Will there be sandy roostertails and dune jumping? You better believe it. A TBug Built for You Like its other creations, Twisted will build the TBug to customer specs, so there's a great deal of fine-tuning to be done. The company suggests that no two will be the same, so you genuinely are getting something bespoke here. Beyond the engine, standard modifications will include a sealed and strengthened chassis, Bilstein dampers on a long-travel suspension, and EMPI Baja wheels. Twisted Automotive Twisted Automotive From there, there's a host of interior treatments and, of course, the chance to paint your dune-hopping Beetle in whatever bright color takes your fancy. No doubt the pricetag for one of these will be more restomod air-cooled 911 than vintage VeeDub, but owners are bound to be delighted by what looks like a hugely fun driving experience. Or, as they say in Yorkshire, this little Beetle will leave you right chuffed. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
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.
Motor 1
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Baja Bug Is Back, Baby
The Volkswagen Beetle might be dead, but there's still plenty of love out there for the iconic Bug. There's so much love out there that UK-based tuner company Twisted has shifted some attention away from building Defenders and Jimnys to launch a new special project. It's called the TBug, and it's more than a retromodded Volkswagen Beetle. Each is a one-off, ground-up custom build emphasizing old-school Beetle fun. Twisted will take a vintage Beetle, sourced from the 1960s through the 1980s, and add a long-travel suspension with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires for extra grip. There's a strengthened chassis and upgraded brakes to improve handling. The specialist also doubles the Beetle's power output... to just under 80 horses. This thing is light, and it's not light straight-line speed is a priority. Photo by: Twisted Photo by: Twisted The VW has modern touches, too, like LED lighting, but it doesn't distract from the retro aesthetic that Twisted recreates. The baja-inspired body is easily recognizable, even with Twisted's custom face. The company wanted to 'capture the honest simplicity of the original Baja Bugs.' We love it. Each TBug is custom-built to the buyer's preferred spec, which includes trim, color, and optional equipment. No two will be alike, according to the company. Twisted will officially unveil the car on May 29 at its new showroom in London. It might be the best way to enjoy the Bug life in 2025, seeing as how VW has no plans to launch a new one . The Beetle is Cool: Watch Classic Air-Cooled VW Beetle With Supercharger Get Dyno Tested 1979 Volkwagen Beetle Cabrio With 2 Miles Brings Over $60k At Auction Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Twisted Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
