The Milivié 1 carries a classic 2.28-liter flat-four and four-speed manual, while the modern interior features a minimalistic design and a huge touchscreen.
Ever wanted a classic VW Beetle, but with some modern touches and up-to-date internals? Meet the Milivié 1 — a 22-model limited production Beetle restomod developed to celebrate the original model’s 22 million units. Unfortunately, the Milivié 1 won’t follow the “car for the people” mantra of the original and will cost an exorbitant $600,000!
The restomod does look attractive on the outside, keeping the original Beetle proportions but adding some Porsche 356 design cues and contemporary elements. Notably, the major design changes include horseshoe-shaped taillights, new HALO-shaped front LEDs, and lamps near the bumper. Also, its front and rear fenders are larger accommodate the bigger wheels, again influenced by designs on earlier OEM and Porsche models. Overall, the Milivié 1 looks like a modern mixture of Porsches and Beetles of yore.
Under the rear hood lies a 2.28-liter air-cooled flat-four paired with two Weber carburetors and electronic ignition. The engine choice is quite interesting, as it adds power (not disclosed yet) but retains the original’s air-cooled flat-four configuration.
Meanwhile, Milivié opted for a Carrera 2 ZF four-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifts and three programs: Drive, Sport, and Manual. The Drive mode features a soft, slow, and early shift pattern embracing comfort and the torque of the flat-four engine. Meanwhile, the Sport mode monitors the lateral/longitudinal forces, throttle position, rpm, and vehicle speed, ensuring precise downshifting while braking into corners. Lastly, the Manual mode allows the driver to control gears through the optional 20mm thick short shift paddles, a true manual lock-in-gearbox operation.
Open the doors, and you’ll find a modern hi-tech interior with one 12.3-inch connected screen for the instrument panel and infotainment system. Of course, everything is touchscreen-based — not our preferred method, but that’s where things are going. Still, the Milivié 1 will have multiple display modes built-in, some mimicking the Beetle’s classic analog dials for a more vintage feel.
Other advancements include a nine-speaker audio system, automatic headlights, 220-volt/USB-C charging points, and wireless charging.
With a price tag of almost $600,000 and only 22 total units to be sold, it is obvious that clients will have extreme customization options. The Milivié 1 should reach its first buyer in July 2023 and complete all remaining deliveries by May 2025.
Gallery: Milivié 1
Learn more at Milivié’s website
