Meet the Twisted TBug: The Adorable Off-Road Beetle

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Meet the Twisted TBug: The Adorable Off-Road Beetle - Image for illustration purposes only
05-19-2025topgear
When you hear about a tuner doubling an engine's power, you might picture massive turbo lag and wild torque. But with the Twisted TBug, Yorkshire-based Twisted has achieved a different transformation. While the air-cooled flat-four Volkswagen Beetle engine now delivers just under 80bhp—twice its original power—it promises pure driving enjoyment without any extremes.

A New Era of Driving Connection

Twisted's boss, Charles Fawcett, emphasized, "It's about the connection between driver, machine, and terrain. Modern cars isolate us from the experience, but the TBug brings that connection back." This approach offers a thrilling drive, complete with:

- A cartoonish yet charming face featuring LED lighting
- A robust, sealed, and reinforced chassis
- Long-travel suspension with Bilstein shocks for superior handling
- EMPI Baja wheels paired with BF Goodrich off-road tires

Inspired Design and Customization

Twisted is renowned for customizing Land Rover Defenders and Suzuki Jimnys, so they're no strangers to off-roading. The TBug features:

- A Baja-inspired body kit
- Enhanced braking system
- Hand-finished leather interiors with options for customization, including bucket seats and Alcantara upholstery

A Personal Journey into Childhood Nostalgia

The shift from Land Rovers to Beetles was inspired by Fawcett’s childhood memories. "My sister Helen had incredible Baja Bug posters on her wall. Those modified Beetles were fun, capable, and rebellious, igniting my imagination," Fawcett shared.

Summary

The Twisted TBug revives the joy of raw driving with its unique blend of off-road capability and nostalgic charm. By doubling the power output, Twisted delivers a fun-packed experience without veering into excess. While pricing remains under wraps, the TBug stands as a charming homage to the Baja Bug legacy, combining childhood dreams with modern engineering finesse.

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