Last Friday many of us enjoyed another Buggy Show at the Seattle Frontier Zone. The event spotlighted the new TUVs and four seater buggies. As reported previously, these new models went into beta testing on January 5^th and if you read the forums it’s clear that There made some changes to the 4 seater template based on what the testers found. The beta was open to all, and several designers took full advantage of the opportunity to paint something new! The beta closed on January 12th and There then began packaging them up for release.  

The first of the new buggies came into world on Friday, January 20^th and the show that evening gave many of the designers an opportunity to show them off and to compare notes and techniques. I’m sure there will be many more designers releasing their own versions very quickly. This week I’ll be reviewing those vehicles from the designers who were at this show. 

In addition to the TUVs and Four seaters, Sonblock, head of submissions for There, showed up later in the evening with his own version of the TUV. He calls it a failed experiment and labeled it “The Frog”. In comparison to regular TUVs it’s VERY low to the ground. I asked Shivaki, Micman and WiKKeDeva to give it try at the track. They noticed how wide it was with the wheels extending further beyond the vehicle than other buggies. It made banked turns interesting. Their times weren’t impressive and I don’t think any of them would trade in their two seater racing buggies for a Frog. It was fun to look at, however, and a real conversation starter, but I have to agree with Sonny that it probably is a failed experiment. Don’t look for it to be introduced in world.

 Parked all around the zone that night were the various new TUVs. They towered over the poor little frog, and compared to its muddy look  they were all nice and shiny for their debut. On the first push day there were five designers with approved TUV models. They ranged in price from a high of 20,350t for the ZMW Blue, Red and Black Brawncos,

 

Mariesa’s MDX line of TUVs are well done and come in many inspired colors. Several of her fellow designers felt her Camo Crusher was an awesome use of camouflage. Phasedenergy had to be shown where this TUV was. He claims the camo was so good he couldn’t see the buggy!  I also noticed a few ladies checking out the Pink Passion, and who could miss the Silver Bullet? The MDXs are all priced at 17,999t.

 

Mercuria made a surprise arrival in the TUV market with her gorgeous Meep Thericons. Mercuria is best known for her clothing so it was a great pleasure for us to welcome her to this event as a vehicle designer. She’s priced all 12 of her entries into this new market at a very competitive 16,500t. That price will go up after the initial auctions are over. If you want a Meep Thericon, this would have been the time to get one.

 

Kort arrived with 5 new TUVs available. The Dragonblade XTTs are priced at 16,995t and come in some great shades of gray, green, red, gold and a beautiful blue-black. The Red XTT shows that Kort isn’t ready to take a back seat to anyone else’s flames! They’re very well done!  

 

One thing all the designers agreed on is that there was a great deal of angst prior to the push. Everyone wondering what others had done, how well theirs would stack up, and would anyone like them. I think the consensus of everyone present was that they did a great job, and we’re all looking forward to see what else can be done with the template.

 

Besides the TUVs there was a great deal of attention focused on the new 4 seater buggies. As of Friday, there were only 8 people with 4 seater designs in the auctions. At the show, Kort showed off his new Super Taxi priced at a very reasonable 14,995t. A taxi seems to be a logical design for this new model, and Kort didn’t disappoint us with his version. I understand he’s working on several new four seaters to join it soon.

 

Mariesa wowed us with four new 4 seaters. All are priced at 16,995t and include the The Dark Side, Flame on Ice, Silver Bullet and the Flame On.

 

Two relatively new designers, BigD26 and his charming wife Anxious were there. “D” showed up with his beautiful DMC Jagwar LUX 07 priced at 16,850t. Anxious brought her ANX Sundragon and ANZ Golden Glow. These are both priced at 16,850t. These two designers are making great strides and are well worth taking a look at.

 

Finally ZMW was represented by three new Marauder 4 seaters priced at 24,850t, two new Fyrebirds at 12,850t, The Silver Flame, a the Taxi, and the Police Interceptor all priced at 14,850t. The limited edition Crimson Dragon was on display, but it had actually sold out just before the show started.

 

There’ll be more shows coming in the future. Please keep an eye out for them. They’re a lot of fun and they really open up some interesting conversations. That may be just as interesting and fun as the vehicles themselves.