2001 Daewoo Vada by I.A.D.

The 2001 Daewoo Vada was a concept car designed by I.A.D., a British engineering firm with a history of working on iconic vehicles like the Lincoln Town Car and Mazda Miata. Though never produced, the Vada showcased a unique and innovative approach to SUV design.

The Vada aimed to combine the performance of a sports car with the off-road capabilities of an SUV. Its design team, inspired by "stealth fighters and infantry fighting vehicles," opted for a bold and futuristic aesthetic. The steeply raked windshield, muscular lines, and large bumpers gave the Vada a distinctive and aggressive look.

Moving beyond traditional SUV styling, the design team adopted a "constructivist theme" for the Vada. This involved sharp lines, geometric shapes, and features like wide, angular headlights and a roll cage-like structure, all contributing to a sense of strength and purpose.

Technically, the Vada aimed for both power and versatility. A 2.0-liter DOHC engine offered a projected 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds and a top speed near 130 mph. All-wheel drive, intelligent stability control, and a pneumatic suspension with adjustable ride height are aimed to provide both sporty handling and off-road capability.

The Daewoo Vada was the final product from Daewoo's UK technical center before its acquisition by TWR. It represented the culmination of their "Versatile" concept development and "Designed Around You" corporate theme. Despite its innovative features and bold design, the Daewoo Vada never entered production and remained a concept car.

Source: Denis Orlov "Frankfurt-2001" (Motor Magazine 10-2001)

Images: Daewoo