Filed under: Concept Cars, Trends, Geneva Motor Show, Euro
EDAG Luv concept revealed!
click the image above to view the gallery
Part Ridgeline, part 'Slade, part Tartan 3700, many parts Viagra and sharing the name of a rebadged Isuzu, it's the EDAG LUV. The LUV, which stands for Luxury Utility Vehicle, will debut in Geneva. It's a showcase for the substantial talents of EDAG, and the vehicle is quite the engineer's masterpiece, if a vulgar display of bourgeoisie. Nouveau Riche swagger is the American Way, and even though EDAG is based in Germany, they're tuned into the swagger.
The concept is definitely brilliant, as you can't tell what the hell it's based on, but EDAG cleverly maximized the use of off-the-shelf componentry. Looking through the gallery pictures, the LUV will give you a flavor of a variety of vehicles, but we were unable to discern the vehicle that donated its hardpoints. We see a Ridgeline-esque "trunk" in the bed, but some of the other deep-skin details seem to contradict Honda origins. The real news here is that EDAG has developed techniques to create niche vehicles while carrying over production vehicle components, which keeps the cost to build down. Fewer one-off parts requires fewer hours of engineering, and EDAG will be shopping their development chops and quick turnaround from design to metal to manufacturers.
[Source: EDAG]
Gallery: EDAG Luv Concept
We definitely get the impression that uber-connected business people are the target market, as we have never seen another manufacturer tout the ability to run your office software and host conference calls and netmeetings as a way to enjoy the ostentation surrounding you. Whatever. CEOs will love the rolling-office features while Jeeves hammers down for the yacht.
Sybaritic pleasures abound in the interior, and Brabus has had their hands all over the LUV. Underhood is a 6.1-liter mill that uses all four wheels to yank this thing to 62 mph in about 6 seconds. Wretched excess even extends to the brake calipers – up front are 12-piston fixed calipers that likely cost as much as a lifetime of brake service on proletariat rides. Out back, the brakes are a little more subdued, sporting only a half-dozen pistons per side. Modulation and pedal feel should be marvelous.
The nautical theme is well carried off by the LUV. There's oiled teak all over the exterior, which will keep the serfs busy. We thought the Rolls Phantom Drop Head Coupe was a little over the top with its teakwood applique, but the LUV far surpasses the Roller. It offers a beautiful organic contrast to the white paint and seems to soften the mechanical nature that is inherent in an automobile. The houseboy will drip more teak oil while keeping this luxo-truck maintained than you'll use all year on your DHC. The LUV seems like it'll perfectly complement that most British of convertibles, and if EDAG is successful at selling their abilities, we may soon see more bespoke ultra luxury rides.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kowell 10:33PM (2/28/2007)
OMG what is THAT? It's hidious
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ankur 10:44PM (2/28/2007)
looks to be based on the benz gl-class to me. same headlights and a- & b-pillars... check out this brabus tuned version, it even has the same wheels. does brabus even tune anything besides mercedes?
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2007/2007-Brabus-for-Mercedes-Benz-GL-Class-Side-1920x1440.jpg
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Paul C. 11:04PM (2/28/2007)
Definitely looks to be based on the Merc GL, good call ankur.
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Matt 11:05PM (2/28/2007)
What is EDAG, if someone could let me know I'd appreciate it. But anywhoo, its ugly. Looks like an overly-pimped out Ridgeline.
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David 11:23PM (2/28/2007)
I definitely see a lot of the GL-Class in it, particularly that crease just under the windows.
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Nick 11:23PM (2/28/2007)
What the hell does this have to do with Chrysler?
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Barry 11:24PM (2/28/2007)
I definitly see a lot of different design aspects in this car, some have already been mentioned by other commentors, but I think this has been really well executed and I actually really like it! I'm not an SUV person at all and the Ridgeline/Avalanch models have never made me go wow before, but this one has and it would certainly make me wonder what it was. Maybe thats the appeal?; of not knowing what it is should I see this on the road.
Anyway, I think it looks absolutely badass!
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andyx 11:28PM (2/28/2007)
If I remember it right, there was an article with concept drawings of it sometime ago. It mentioned the EDAG being based from the Merc GL class. I don't like the styling but I have to admit it looks better than I thought.
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iQuack 11:37PM (2/28/2007)
EDAG?
Should be EGAD!
Looks like a very, very angry Chrysler.
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Bryan 12:38AM (3/01/2007)
Who let a Caliber and a new 08 CTS mate? Is this thing Korean? It screams I am Korean and I copy everyone elses designs! Yuck!
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Waltzon 12:39AM (3/01/2007)
All that stuff about the crazy interior and then no shots of the mobile office in the gallery. Bummer. Hey, Autoblog, how about getting on the horn to EDAG and telling them that they forgot a few pics?
It looks to be a beautiful and relatively functional concept with a coherent theme. I need to put a bed like that in my father-in-law's '46 International pickup this summer!
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Ben 12:41AM (3/01/2007)
um, i like the idea of teak on the sides in place of chrome.
thats about it.
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Waltzon 12:46AM (3/01/2007)
BTW, Accordsforall-- I think that you must have missed the part where this is a C-O-N-C-E-P-T vehicle. For EDAG it is an engineering and production exercise to prove to customers and manufacturers that they have the expertise necessary to justify business from the aforementioned customers and manufacturers. This is a concept, so it is probably not for sale (although there may be a production version, if the concept is well received) and there is NO PRICE LISTED, so how can you call it overpriced? It will undoubtedly be expensive if it ever does get produced, but if you don't want one, don't buy one. If you really think that Accordsforall is a good solution, do us a favor and keep it quiet, ok?
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NoNameDenton 1:15AM (3/01/2007)
A cross between a Caddy and the Ridgeline German style, this is a triple contient idea, I love it, I think I have a headache from laughing
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Graham 1:23AM (3/01/2007)
Definitely using some Mercedes GL parts. Headlights, doors (though the rears are modified). I bet it's a GL platform underneath that hideous skin.
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WillTheThrill 2:05AM (3/01/2007)
I'd have to agree with Barry and Waltzon:
Very nice compact concept truck (if you can call it that) and very functional for those who don't want a mini van and for those starting out who don't want a full sized truck. It's very evident that it needs to be toned down; although, the woody bed is a very nice touch.
I like it, tweak down the over blingage, maybe a six cylinder and some bland dealer wheels and interior to where us lower peons could afford it, it just might have a market. Hell, the Xb had one.
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Alberto 2:42AM (3/01/2007)
Look at me! I'm American and I don't have taste or know shit about cars therefore my opinion counts for something. Shut up people. This thing is nicer than any pick-up that Licoln tried to pass up as true luxury. It's a beauty.
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NoNameDenton 2:47AM (3/01/2007)
Alberto, you are just jealous because we have so many wonderful cars and trucks here. This concept is not more a truck then the Ridgeline, which is built off a minivan platform. When this thing can out tow and haul Ford, Lincoln, Chevy, GM, and Dodge, then you can say we do not know anything, but for know, this concept idea is not new to those of us in America and we can judge this based on similar vehicles, like the aforementioned Ridgeline, the Avalanche and its Caddy cousin, and to a lesser extent the Ford Explorer Sport Trac.
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ruggels 3:26AM (3/01/2007)
yeah or say the cayanne to the santa fe, because, you know, they look similar as NoNameDenton is point out... that's our big qualifying factor in Ammmmerrrrka
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NoNameDenton 4:19AM (3/01/2007)
ruggels, did you forget to take your meds again? Your comparison is nothing like mine as the vehicles I named all retain the same desing and intent of this concept, your compasion is invalid. The entire point of this and the vehicles I named are for people who want a trucks abilities, but do not want a truck itself. And by the way, when I last checked, American quality standards were almost on par with the Japanese
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