Long-hidden design sketches show what could have been a stunning electric halo car for the ID range
Volkswagen designers have finally pulled back the curtain on a fascinating piece of automotive history – a striking electric sports car concept from 2017 that was inspired by the legendary Volkswagen SP2 and could have served as a flagship for the brand’s electric revolution.
The Hidden Gem from VW’s Design Vault
The previously unseen concept sketches, created by designer Tibor Juhasz in 2017, have only recently been shared publicly through LinkedIn posts from Volkswagen’s design team. The proposal was based on the company’s MEB electric platform – the same architecture that would eventually underpin the ID.3, ID.4, and the entire ID family.
What makes this concept particularly intriguing is its distinctive appearance, described by automotive journalists as resembling a “wide-arched, modern-day electric DeLorean”. The design clearly draws inspiration from the original Volkswagen SP2, a rear-engined sports car that was manufactured by Volkswagen do Brasil in the early 1970s.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage
Designer Tibor Juhasz recently reflected on the concept’s philosophy, explaining: “Back in 2017, my SP2 proposal was born from pure intuition. It envisioned an electric future powered by progress, yet deeply rooted in classic values. My goal was clear: build forward without losing what defines us. Emotion, energy, and vision came together to create something that still resonates today”.
This approach perfectly captures Volkswagen’s challenge in transitioning to electric mobility whilst maintaining the emotional connection that made their classic models so beloved. The SP2 inspiration was particularly clever – the original Brazilian-built sports car had excellent proportions and a distinctive character that could translate beautifully into an electric format.
What Could Have Been
Had this concept moved forward, it would have served as a remarkable halo product for the ID range, which eventually launched with the more practical ID.3 in 2019. A sporty, emotional flagship could have generated significant excitement around Volkswagen’s electric transformation and provided a powerful marketing tool to showcase the capabilities of the MEB platform.
The timing was certainly right – 2017 was when Volkswagen was deep in development of their electric strategy following the diesel emissions scandal. A stunning sports car concept could have helped shift public perception and demonstrated the brand’s commitment to an exciting electric future.
Australian Market Implications
For the Australian automotive market, this revelation highlights the global shift towards electrification that’s now reaching our shores. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed several electric models are coming, including the new Tayron SUV arriving in 2025 with hybrid options.
The design philosophy shown in this concept – combining heritage inspiration with cutting-edge electric technology – reflects the approach many manufacturers are taking as they transition their lineups. This creates both opportunities and challenges for collision repair facilities like those across Australia.
What This Means for Collision Repairers
The sophisticated design language shown in this concept, with its wide arches and complex surfacing, exemplifies the increasing complexity of modern vehicle bodywork. Electric vehicles often feature unique design elements due to the packaging advantages of electric drivetrains – no need for traditional grilles, different proportions, and often more complex panel geometries.
For collision repair professionals, this trend towards more distinctive and complex body designs means:
- Advanced training requirements for working with aluminium and carbon fibre components
- Specialised equipment needs for maintaining precise tolerances on complex curved panels
- Updated techniques for paint matching on multi-tonal and special effect finishes
- Increased focus on aerodynamics in repair work, as electric vehicles rely heavily on efficiency
The Road Not Taken
While this particular concept never made it to production, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Volkswagen’s design thinking during a pivotal period in automotive history. The sketches demonstrate how electric platforms can enable more dramatic and emotional designs, freed from the packaging constraints of internal combustion engines.
The concept serves as a reminder that the transition to electric mobility doesn’t have to mean sacrificing automotive passion and excitement. As more manufacturers embrace electrification, we’re likely to see increasingly bold and distinctive designs that push the boundaries of what’s possible when traditional automotive conventions are abandoned.
This hidden concept may never have made it to Australian roads, but its influence can be seen in the increasingly confident and distinctive designs emerging from Volkswagen’s current electric lineup – a trend that’s reshaping the automotive landscape and the collision repair industry along with it.
Long-hidden design sketches show what could have been a stunning electric halo car for the ID range
Volkswagen designers have finally pulled back the curtain on a fascinating piece of automotive history – a striking electric sports car concept from 2017 that was inspired by the legendary Volkswagen SP2 and could have served as a flagship for the brand’s electric revolution.
The Hidden Gem from VW’s Design Vault
The previously unseen concept sketches, created by designer Tibor Juhasz in 2017, have only recently been shared publicly through LinkedIn posts from Volkswagen’s design team. The proposal was based on the company’s MEB electric platform – the same architecture that would eventually underpin the ID.3, ID.4, and the entire ID family.
What makes this concept particularly intriguing is its distinctive appearance, described by automotive journalists as resembling a “wide-arched, modern-day electric DeLorean”. The design clearly draws inspiration from the original Volkswagen SP2, a rear-engined sports car that was manufactured by Volkswagen do Brasil in the early 1970s.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage
Designer Tibor Juhasz recently reflected on the concept’s philosophy, explaining: “Back in 2017, my SP2 proposal was born from pure intuition. It envisioned an electric future powered by progress, yet deeply rooted in classic values. My goal was clear: build forward without losing what defines us. Emotion, energy, and vision came together to create something that still resonates today”.
This approach perfectly captures Volkswagen’s challenge in transitioning to electric mobility whilst maintaining the emotional connection that made their classic models so beloved. The SP2 inspiration was particularly clever – the original Brazilian-built sports car had excellent proportions and a distinctive character that could translate beautifully into an electric format.
What Could Have Been
Had this concept moved forward, it would have served as a remarkable halo product for the ID range, which eventually launched with the more practical ID.3 in 2019. A sporty, emotional flagship could have generated significant excitement around Volkswagen’s electric transformation and provided a powerful marketing tool to showcase the capabilities of the MEB platform.
The timing was certainly right – 2017 was when Volkswagen was deep in development of their electric strategy following the diesel emissions scandal. A stunning sports car concept could have helped shift public perception and demonstrated the brand’s commitment to an exciting electric future.
Australian Market Implications
For the Australian automotive market, this revelation highlights the global shift towards electrification that’s now reaching our shores. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed several electric models are coming, including the new Tayron SUV arriving in 2025 with hybrid options.
The design philosophy shown in this concept – combining heritage inspiration with cutting-edge electric technology – reflects the approach many manufacturers are taking as they transition their lineups. This creates both opportunities and challenges for collision repair facilities like those across Australia.
What This Means for Collision Repairers
The sophisticated design language shown in this concept, with its wide arches and complex surfacing, exemplifies the increasing complexity of modern vehicle bodywork. Electric vehicles often feature unique design elements due to the packaging advantages of electric drivetrains – no need for traditional grilles, different proportions, and often more complex panel geometries.
For collision repair professionals, this trend towards more distinctive and complex body designs means:
- Advanced training requirements for working with aluminium and carbon fibre components
- Specialised equipment needs for maintaining precise tolerances on complex curved panels
- Updated techniques for paint matching on multi-tonal and special effect finishes
- Increased focus on aerodynamics in repair work, as electric vehicles rely heavily on efficiency
The Road Not Taken
While this particular concept never made it to production, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Volkswagen’s design thinking during a pivotal period in automotive history. The sketches demonstrate how electric platforms can enable more dramatic and emotional designs, freed from the packaging constraints of internal combustion engines.
The concept serves as a reminder that the transition to electric mobility doesn’t have to mean sacrificing automotive passion and excitement. As more manufacturers embrace electrification, we’re likely to see increasingly bold and distinctive designs that push the boundaries of what’s possible when traditional automotive conventions are abandoned.
This hidden concept may never have made it to Australian roads, but its influence can be seen in the increasingly confident and distinctive designs emerging from Volkswagen’s current electric lineup – a trend that’s reshaping the automotive landscape and the collision repair industry along with it.
When it comes to Volkswagen repairs in Adelaide, Eblen Collision Repairs stands out as the premier choice for discerning VW owners.
