twisted T-bug is a modified beetle custom-built for the desert and off-road terrains

modified Baja Bug-inspired beetle for off-road use

Twisted Automotive releases a modified Baja Bug beetle in the name of T-Bug, an off-roader for desert, sand dunes, and other terrains. Each model starts with an air-cooled Beetle from the ’60s to ’80s. After that, the design team strips everything off the vehicle. They then seal and strengthen the chassis first to improve its robustness so it can weather the modern roads. The suspension systems come next, ideal for long travel and any terrain. The very visible oversized tires provide the grip regardless of the road conditions. 

What the design team retains for the modified Baja Bug beetle is its recognizable frame. The bodywork, however, undergoes a full bare-metal restoration, painted inside and out in a color chosen by the owner. For the engine, upgrades take place too. While the design team doubles the power output, they admit to deliberately still keeping it under 80 horsepower. The reason being they want the driver to feel the terrain instead of just rushing on the road like all the fast hypercars these days. It’s about the driving and the experience, they add, not the engine’s ‘numbers.’

all images courtesy of Twisted Automotive

No identical T-bug cars ever, says Twisted automotive

The design team produces the modified Baja Bug beetle to be functional. Nothing for show, they say. For the T-Bug then, the braking systems have been refreshed for faster and more efficient stopping power. Inside, the interior is hand-finished, reminiscent of the old design but still feels brand new with the tan leather. The LED lighting is modern, plus the electronics on board make the recognizable vehicle from the past contemporary. Fans of ‘exclusivity’ can rejoice when they find out no two T-Bugs will ever be identical.

‘We don’t do conversions. We don’t do half-measures. Each customer chooses their specification, trim, color, and optional equipment. We build it the Twisted way,’ says Twisted Automotive. Founder Charles Fawcett had the idea for the reimagined, modified Baja Bug beetle after he saw posters of the vehicle on his sister’s bedroom wall when they were kids. He was so fascinated by them that he held onto it and created the Special Project series, starting with T-Bug 001. For him, the model is neither a restoration nor a simple modification. It’s a complete reimagination, one that visitors to Twister Automotive’s showroom at Kensington Mews can see live on May 29th, 2025.

Twisted Automotive releases a modified Baja Bug beetle in the name of T-Bug

the vehicle is an off-roader for desert, sand dunes, and other terrains

each modificed model starts with an air-cooled Beetle from the ’60s to ’80s

the look of the cabin feels brand new with the tan leather

the interior is hand-finished, reminiscent of the old design

the very visible oversized tires provide the grip regardless of the road conditions

while the design team doubles the power output, they admit to deliberately still keeping it under 80 horsepower

what the design team retains for the modified Baja Bug beetle is its recognizable frame

project info:

name: T-Bug 001

company: Twisted Automotive | @twisted_automotive