A Trabi comeback?
October 4, 2009
Affectionately known as the "Trabi", the first Trabant was produced 52 years ago in the city of Zwickau in the former German Democratic Republic.
Its production ended in 1991, but now the Trabant is experiencing a revival. Its latest edition was presented at the IAA international motor show in Frankfurt this September, in a ready-to-drive version.
Herpa, a Bavarian company specializing in the production of miniature vehicle and aircraft models, initiated the idea to resurrect the Trabant. In 2007, it presented a mini-version of the Trabant nT, or “newTrabi,” at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The car sported a more modern design than the East German original and provoked an overwhelmingly positive response among visitors. This reaction inspired Herpa's management to take the newTrabi project to the next level.
A classic in a new body
Car designer Nils Poschwatta is responsible for the Trabant’s 21st century look. He was so excited by the project that he gave up his job at Volkswagen to take it on. And he has given the Trabi a serious makeover.
"The old model is pretty flat and boxy, which we tried to change," Poschwatta told Deutsche Welle. "We gave it more volume and made it sportier. But by and large, the formal elements that make the car what it is are still the same."
The car still has rounded headlights and a simple interior design. The front is sleeker, and the cabin more spacious. Gone is the plastic-paneled body. But the biggest changes are under the hood: the new design is set to use an electric engine. And if the project finds the right investor, the Trabant nT could hit the streets by 2012.
The first Trabant rolled off assembly lines in 1957. With its two-stroke engine, it was no high-tech masterpiece, but it had enough room for four adult passengers and luggage within its light and durable shell. Over the years, the Trabant saw minimal fine-tuning, with only a few touch-ups.
Noteworthy details
"It's simplicity that makes it a classic," said Poschwatta. "It's a very genuine car, and absolutely practical."
Poschwatta also finds that the Trabi is full of noteworthy details: "The rounded headlight gives it a nice definition that stretches all the way down the side of the car to the tail light. And the trapezoidal grill that opens up slightly toward the bottom gives the Trabant a smile of sorts."
Production of Trabants ground to a halt two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, but the car gained a cult status across Germany and other parts of Europe. Trabi lovers took good care of their vehicles as Trabi fan clubs and conventions sprang up in various locations. Irish band U2 even took the Trabant - suddenly a symbol of freedom - on tour in 1992.
But the car's cult status didn't make efforts to design a worthy successor any easier.
"Working on a design icon is a really big deal, because people expect a lot, and then you start thinking, 'Can I really do this?'" said Poschwatta.
Nevertheless, he was encouraged by the positive response at the Trabant nT's grand premiere.
"Finally unveiling the prototype was really moving, and the attention was such a thrill."
Author: Eva Wutke
Editor: Andreas Illmer