W H E E L S
Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT
FREIGHTER BOI Weather too grim to open the gigantic sunroof and admire the night sky? No matter: there’s a starscape laser-etched into the roof itself.
Rtba (concept) / mercedes-benz.co.za Looks like a happy chappy. This smiley little fella is a result of designers at Mercedes-Benz getting a bit creative. Based on the existing V-Class van, the Concept EQT is a look at what an electrified small van from the German brand might look like in the not-so-distant future; but it’s actually more likely to form a design base for the upcoming petrol and diesel T-Class. Are those little stars all over the front grille? Yep, the grille itself is made up of 3D-effect back-illuminated stars, while the narrow LED headlights save that big grin from looking downright goofy by adding a bit of menace that leads into some neatly puffed-up wheel-arches. This is a concept – so, come on, where’s the wacky feature? In the boot! Open up that sucker and you’ll be greeted by – wait
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for it – an electric longboard. It’s stored in an aluminium-framed box beneath a plexiglass lid. The longboard is also made of aluminium and features a star pattern, just in case you needed more of an excuse to be pushed into traffic as you ride to work. Serious question – is it practical? The car, not the longboard. Yeah, massively, seeing as there’s room for up to seven people, who can access their sumptuous leathery pews via large sliding doors on both sides. Three child seats can be fitted in the second row, and to entertain the kiddies there’s a huge panoramic roof. Is this making vans… cool? Maybe! So many families fall for the SUV marketing fluff, but the humble MPV is brilliant for ferrying kids, prams, dogs and bikes. This concept could be just what the people-carrier market needs.
NEWS DASHBOARD
CYBER PACE
MG has taken the wraps off a bold new concept: the Cyberster roadster. It might sound like a long-forgotten Transformer, but MG says interest in the electric two-door beast rocketed after its unveil at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show, so it only feels right that the car is likely to go into production.
CUTE HUSQY
Motorbike maker Husqvarna has committed to an electric future… and its Vektorr Concept is a mega-stylish peek at what battery-powered scootering could look like. It’s expected to have a range of around 100km and reach a learner-friendly top speed of 45km/h The Akira vibes are strong with this one.
LAN OVERBOARD
The legendary Lancia 037 of the early ’80s has been given a makeover by Italian ‘restomod’ specialist Kimera. The EVO37 uses the same 2.1-litre engine but tweaked to produce 500bhp, with carbon fibre replacing fibreglass. Just 37 are being made, costing a smidge over R7.85 million each. Mamma mia!
