Photo: Instagram | sugardesign_1
From a petrolhead perspective, the minivan game was never appealing. But that doesn't make it any less sad to see people carriers being dropped for good, with their respective makers focusing more on crossovers and SUVs.
Fortunately, there are still a few companies out there dedicated to keeping the minivan alive. And that's good news for those who appreciate the extra head- and legroom and the more-than-generous cargo space in a vehicle that does not feature a high ground clearance.
When thinking about people carriers, it's impossible not to talk about models such as the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, or Toyota Sienna. However, they're certainly not the only ones, as other carmakers are still committed to this game – for now, anyway. Thus, we also have to mention the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which may be smaller than the models mentioned above, but they offer a premium feel.
One auto marque that was never synonymous with minivans is Lotus. The British company used to make some great sports cars, and its family currently comprises the Eletre, Emeya, Evija, and Emira. Their lineup is bound to embrace new additions to keep the automaker competitive, and you can bet on the fact that a people carrier will not be one of them. Even with a battery-electric powertrain and decent range, and even if they have the tools to make it.
In Fantasy Land, though, such a model already exists. It came to life at the hands of sugardesign_1 on Instagram, and as we mentioned in the title, it's based on the Zeekr 009. The Chinese company's premium minivan, which features a bi-motor setup producing a total of 536 hp (544 ps/400 kW), capable of hitting 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.5 seconds, was used as a blank canvas. The overall shape of the vehicle carries over, and to make it more believable, the face of the Eletre zero-emission crossover was rendered onto it.
Due to the long nose that brings the inevitable exotic look, especially with the slim headlights and aggressive design of the front bumper, this CGI minivan could easily be mistaken for something that bears the signature of Lamborghini. Needless to say, the Sant'Agata Bolognese firm is not interested in this segment, even though such a model would pretty much transform shuttle rides. And neither is Lotus, for that matter, which isn't willing to invest a huge chunk of cash into something that might not sell that well.
Now, it's clear that we are fans of this design, and with a little bit of work, it can become something quite eye-catching and a veritable alternative to zero-emission crossovers. But would you blow your money on it if it hit the car world?
When thinking about people carriers, it's impossible not to talk about models such as the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, or Toyota Sienna. However, they're certainly not the only ones, as other carmakers are still committed to this game – for now, anyway. Thus, we also have to mention the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which may be smaller than the models mentioned above, but they offer a premium feel.
One auto marque that was never synonymous with minivans is Lotus. The British company used to make some great sports cars, and its family currently comprises the Eletre, Emeya, Evija, and Emira. Their lineup is bound to embrace new additions to keep the automaker competitive, and you can bet on the fact that a people carrier will not be one of them. Even with a battery-electric powertrain and decent range, and even if they have the tools to make it.
In Fantasy Land, though, such a model already exists. It came to life at the hands of sugardesign_1 on Instagram, and as we mentioned in the title, it's based on the Zeekr 009. The Chinese company's premium minivan, which features a bi-motor setup producing a total of 536 hp (544 ps/400 kW), capable of hitting 62 mph (100 kph) in 4.5 seconds, was used as a blank canvas. The overall shape of the vehicle carries over, and to make it more believable, the face of the Eletre zero-emission crossover was rendered onto it.
Due to the long nose that brings the inevitable exotic look, especially with the slim headlights and aggressive design of the front bumper, this CGI minivan could easily be mistaken for something that bears the signature of Lamborghini. Needless to say, the Sant'Agata Bolognese firm is not interested in this segment, even though such a model would pretty much transform shuttle rides. And neither is Lotus, for that matter, which isn't willing to invest a huge chunk of cash into something that might not sell that well.
Now, it's clear that we are fans of this design, and with a little bit of work, it can become something quite eye-catching and a veritable alternative to zero-emission crossovers. But would you blow your money on it if it hit the car world?
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