Yahoo Autos This Electric Volkswagen Thing Can Do Excellent Burnouts
For most enthusiasts, the Volkswagen Thing is known only for its weird, boxy military-truck looks. The car didn't have much power, and couldn't go around corners in a spectacular fashion. Icon 4x4, the southern California shop famous for creating the most detailed custom cars on the road, were commissioned to build a VW Thing for a client. Naturally, Jonathan Ward and his team went all-out.
Gone is the 46-horsepower 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four, and in its place sits a AM Racing electric motor developed by Zelectric, the same team that built this Tesla battery-powered EV 911 Targa. The new drivetrain makes 180 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque at zero rpm-pretty wild considering the Thing's stock output.
In order to compensate for all that extra battery weight, Icon installed fully adjustable coil-overs, as well as a set of big Wilwood disc brakes, which are shrouded by four sweet retro black-painted VW wheels.
Icon went ahead and upgraded the interior as well, with new upholstery, a circular electric dash screen, and some lovely wood-panel flooring. Ward apparently spent no less than 3000 hours trying to eradicate any squeaks and rattles, and it shows.
Watch for yourself as Ward gives us an overview of Icon's latest stunning creation.
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