“BOTANIZE” is a name that even those who aren’t enthusiasts of caudex plants may have heard before. In recent years, the combination of camping and caudex plants has gained attention, making the name well-known even among campers. The plant specialist behind BOTANIZE has now launched a new automotive-related business: “LÜDIX.”

“LÜDIX” is a new brand spun off from BOTANIZE, aimed at playful adults, using automobiles as its creative medium. With the concept “PLAYMORE, ENJOY LIFE,” it offers products that adults can genuinely enjoy, presented within a unique worldview.

The vehicle introduced here is the first project of this new brand: the NB-1, a neo-bug style vehicle based on the Volkswagen New Beetle. Built as a demo car for the production model, this rugged off-road version is just the beginning, with many variations planned for the future. To fully realize the concept, meticulous attention was paid to every detail of the demo car.

The suspension, in particular, posed a challenge due to its structural limitations that made lifting difficult. In this project, LÜDIX collaborated with suspension specialists and conducted multiple prototypes, achieving a 6cm lift in both front and rear suspension areas. By combining TOYO TIRES’ highly rated OPEN COUNTRY tires with DEAN COLORADO wheels, the vehicle attained a total lift of 9cm at the front and 12cm at the rear. After structural modification approval, the vehicle was officially certified.

For the exterior, an off-road front bumper with powder-coated steel was installed, and a specially designed roof rack was mounted on the upper body. The design retains the New Beetle’s signature curves while maintaining harmony with the overall form.

This neo-Baja bug “NB-1” will have optional accessories like racks in the mass-production model and will primarily feature customizations to the suspension, tires, and wheels. The expected price is around 1.2 million yen, and even fully customized with exterior parts like the demo car, it is expected to sell for around 1.9 million yen. As a reasonably priced, New Beetle-based car that “adults can seriously have fun with,” it is sure to attract attention.

PHOTO｜Kazutoshi AKimoto 秋元一利
TEXT｜Kazutoshi AKimoto 秋元一利
PUBLISHED｜2025
SOURCE｜Cal Vol.62
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